Liverpool Banter Archive January 14 2016

14 Jan 2016 22:58:27
Great podcast guys. Although it should be re-named to - Podcast ft Harry Scouser with Benny baller trying to get short answers off harry and ed001 trying to get a word in egdways lol.

Great work all 3. cheers.

14 Jan 2016 23:26:30
Was a challenge! Had plenty of time to text this mrs during recording haha.

15 Jan 2016 00:32:09
Good to hear Harry though - he comes across better than his written words.

15 Jan 2016 02:51:32
Haha. Yeah, I feel like Harry was talking for about 70% of the time.

Still, great podcast. Banter.

14 Jan 2016 21:41:06
New podcast is up Benny Baller and Ed001 discuss the Liverpool v Arsenal match with special guest, Harry Scouser


Podcast 12

14 Jan 2016 22:05:24
Our Harry?

14 Jan 2016 20:01:36
I'm just wondering how our long term injured players are getting on . does anybody have any Joe Gomez or Ings news?

Ta.

14 Jan 2016 20:05:52
Guess what they've both had a miracle cure and will be back playing before the end of the season. Oh no they're both still injured until the season ends and pre season starts.

14 Jan 2016 21:52:53
Anything on this Square Tomato?

14 Jan 2016 22:47:48
Samantha wrong time of the month is it!?

14 Jan 2016 16:31:22
Evening all, just wanted to draw peoples attention to the story about a page on Facebook moking the Hillsborough victims, and Facebooks refusal to ban the page. Could I urge all the Facebook users on this site to complain about this and refuse to use Facebook and/ or threaten to close your accounts until they take this page down. Thank you!

{Ed002's Note - Waro, is there a link that you can provide? I will see if we can put some pressure on tomorrow.}

14 Jan 2016 18:10:21
Shame I don't have an account but agree with the intention.

14 Jan 2016 18:15:37
Sorry for the late reply ed002, I read the story in the Liverpool echo and I'm not on Facebook, but I'll ask around a few friends to see if they can sort that out for me, or maybe if one of the regular posters on here can maybe get there hands on a link. Thanks for the reply and potentially driving this forward. Top guy.

14 Jan 2016 18:50:18
Can't find the group mate, I find the best approach to these groups/ trolls is just to ignore it. The reaction is what they're after.

14 Jan 2016 19:00:59
I couldn't find it anywhere on facebook.

Very sad uneducated people.

14 Jan 2016 19:43:43
I think it's been removed now from what I've read.

14 Jan 2016 22:30:42
Top stuff Ed002.

14 Jan 2016 15:56:51
Hi Eds, with the announcement of the Real Madrid and Athletico impending transfer embargoes, are there any players LFC maybe able to get on loan or permanent deals? Thinking Benzema for example.

cheers.

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with Liverpool You are on the wrong page.}.

14 Jan 2016 17:58:18
Surely they would want to keep there players as there 'banned' from bringing players in.

14 Jan 2016 14:51:59
Hi ed's and fellow posters,

Not sure if this is already available. If not please evaluate this request if feasible.

The live chat page is open only during matches and that is perfect.

If possible can we have the page with all comments in read-only mode for view later?

It would make for interesting reading later for all fans.

What say folks?

Cheers
samikewell.

{Ed001's Note - that is something we intended to do originally, I will have to check with Ed033 when it will be up and ready.}

14 Jan 2016 15:41:57
Thank you Ed01.

14 Jan 2016 20:04:14
I think a one hour opening of chat a day would be a good idea too.

It would also lessen the work load of the eds too?

{Ed001's Note - it is much harder work doing the live chat mate, plus it costs money to do as it takes up more bandwidth.}

14 Jan 2016 13:53:47
Genuinely think that we should literally just train corners this week. Yeah do the normal tactical work, but on the pitch, just practise taking, attacking and defending them. Teams are obviously targetting us that way, and it's so far behind the rest of our game. I'd like to see hendo taking them and Moreno or hendo again from the other side. We need that man at the front of the six yard box and someone helping mignolet clear space. I'd also like to see us leave someone like Ibe up front when we do defend so we have a slight chance of retaining possession, we are just as vulnerable after the clearance with the long ball back into the box.

14 Jan 2016 14:27:51
Hendo was taking our corners at the beginning of the season when Brenda was still here and he was terrible. Smith would be the best in my opinion but he would need to be playing then.

14 Jan 2016 14:34:02
Couldn't agree more Fencey, I sit behind the goal to the right, so could clearly see the defensive, basic errors for Arsenal's first two goals.

We have to be one of the worst teams at taking corners, they either can't beat the first man or are floated over making it easy for the opposing defence to clear or the keeper to catch.

Why we don't whip a ball in is beyond me!

14 Jan 2016 14:40:16
I agree we need to work on them though. Defensively we give so much ground at corners but also all dead ball situations. I just think we have better deliverers than Hendo.

14 Jan 2016 14:46:34
We've always been bad at corners, as far back as I can remember!

14 Jan 2016 14:58:05
We would need to bring in someone to take them for defensive training, otherwise it would be a waste.

14 Jan 2016 15:35:25
Smith would be a good shout. We are dire at corners. But just crossing we don't seem to be great at!

14 Jan 2016 16:36:58
It is depressing that a team of pros who are paid thousands cannot kick a dead ball into a box with relative ease. I could do it, why can't they? In reality they should all be capable but aren't.

14 Jan 2016 16:40:58
Kloppo said you can train and do all the organisational stuff in the world but if the players switch off, like last night, mistakes will happen.
A dominant goal keeper does not allow the players to switch off when defending a set piece. They berate the defenders and make sure they are on alert.

14 Jan 2016 17:23:50
We need to stick somebody at front post who can actually head the ball, if we do that it would at least stop the balls like Arsenal scored from.

14 Jan 2016 21:08:32
Spot on, Ron. We currently have NO reliable goalkeeper at the club anymore which is why we will continue to struggle already especially with our poor organization at defending set pieces. No players on the post, no one tracking players, a GK that can't be trusted, the lot. This is why I still think we got screwed vs Arsenal. They were there for the taking and we let them off the hook due to the usual suspects making mistakes and our chronic inability to defend set pieces. This will continue to haunt us till the summer and cost us any chance of of a top four place.

14 Jan 2016 20:24:50
Bring in someone to take corners, what?! That's the point of practising it haha.
Hendo has improved his delivery from set plays and open plays, I'm sure he could do the same from corners.

14 Jan 2016 20:58:36
seems so simple have a man on the posts at corners would probably have a few more points in the league.

14 Jan 2016 13:14:53
The problem with the corners is the delivery, not the players in the box. The most effective corner is whipped with pace and relatively low. Even if a few get cleared front post and a few sail way over the the back post, our odds of scoring would be increased by the remaining good, pacey deliveries into dangerous areas. That's why we scored more from corners when Gerrard/ Suarez took them. In 13/ 14 season I remember Skrtl bagging about 7 or 8 goals, due to the delivery of Suarez.

14 Jan 2016 21:09:33
And SG.

14 Jan 2016 12:09:03
Looking forward to recording tonight's podcast after a good game last night. There will be a special guest, definitely not one to miss lol!

14 Jan 2016 12:23:15
Welsh Pirlo?

14 Jan 2016 13:13:02
Ed02?

{Ed001's Note - if it was Ed002 then I would also be looking forward to it. Instead I am dreading it and wondering why life is so cruel!}

14 Jan 2016 13:13:37
Close, It begins with a H!

14 Jan 2016 13:20:06
Nice one. Looking forward to it.

14 Jan 2016 13:21:24
Harry? Lol.

{Ed001's Note - sadly, yes.}

14 Jan 2016 13:31:12
Now that is worth listening to.

14 Jan 2016 13:42:57
Ed001
I'll pray for you mate. 👍.

{Ed001's Note - please do.}

14 Jan 2016 13:45:38
harry, you're allowed 1 'kovacic' 1 'santi cazorla' and that is it!

14 Jan 2016 14:24:41
actually buzzing for this podcast now haha.

14 Jan 2016 22:20:36
Any ideas when it will be uploaded?

14 Jan 2016 11:41:17
Can I just say, what a finish by Allen. In the last minute, came on as a sub, sleet in his face and under pressure from the defender. Very well executed and hats off to him.

14 Jan 2016 11:56:43
Thought he's actually been very good when played the last few games and looks a useful squad player certainly. For me what I've noticed recently which is his biggest contribution is he's the only midfielder bar Henderson and occasionally can that actually runs beyond the forward line trying to create space. It's been lacking incredibly in a lot of our games when hendo is missing this season.

14 Jan 2016 12:31:16
Makes you wonder whether he was a little too 'comfortable' under Rodgers and whether Klopp coming in has been a wake up call for him.

14 Jan 2016 12:57:54
Growing a beard seems to have matured his play.

14 Jan 2016 16:35:16
or makes you wonder whether rodgers was just bollocks.

14 Jan 2016 16:54:37
Rodgers played him as a DM a lot of the time, he's not a DM to me at all!

14 Jan 2016 10:04:09
I think the Caulker signing is basically the same as when we loaned Paul Jones. He will get the odd minor appearance but apart from that he will leave in the summer.

I'd like to see the likes of Ilori getting his fitness built up as the season goes on. If he was fully fit now it would have been the perfect opportunity for him to stake his claim.

Hopefully over coming months his fitness will build up and hopefully no injuries.

I also would like to see what Jurgen does with the he likes of Alberto and Markovic. Both may still have a future at the club under Klopp.

14 Jan 2016 10:36:57
I think out of those 3 only Ilori has a slim chance of being involved in the future at LFC. We messed Markovic about, and Alberto was never given any proper opportunity either.

14 Jan 2016 12:05:32
So you think we messed about Alberto and Markovic too much for them to have a future at lfc, but Ilori might? He was messed around worse than anyone!

14 Jan 2016 12:14:15
I agre Ilori was messed about a lot, but the fact he is back with the club and klopp can have a good look at him in training might help, that is all I meant. All 3 have been treated unfairly in my eyes.

14 Jan 2016 12:17:54
Maybe he isn't as good as you want him to be?

14 Jan 2016 15:38:53
I think a lot of players were messed about i'm happy to have Illori back at pool if he wasn't playing for other teams, not sure how good he is. we bought him a few years ago and since then you don't know how much he's actually been able to grow/ mature.

Not sure how i feel on Alberto I haven't seen enough of him to comment

I like Marko and would love to see him back at pool given a chance on the wing.

14 Jan 2016 15:53:43
That's in part what I mean not many of us have watched Alberto whilst he's been loaned and didn't really play for us under Rodgers, so I think he should be given a pre season at least to prove himself under the new manager. I'm by no means saying he does have one but I think he warrants a chance. Same applies to Markovic although I would prefer to see home back this month. Seems to be doing well in Turkey and still only a kid.

I think Ilori needs to build his fitness and he could be on the bench as cover over next few months. If he stays injury free he could possibly break into the team or at least be back up.

14 Jan 2016 09:28:58
Hi All,

Got into work this morning and my boss had heard we've just signed someone this morning. Anyone have any ideas who it might be, might be referring to the paper talk regarding Matip, but wanted to check to see if anyone had heard anything? Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - He is teasing you as a gullible Liverpool fan - nothing happened overnight.}

14 Jan 2016 16:45:18
I think many people would believe someone signed if someone takes a minute out there day to tell them. his boss must be a plonker or maybe the boss is the gullible one by not checking his facts.

14 Jan 2016 08:33:22
Morning redmen,

With the games coming thick and fast here's your midweek loan update.

Its back to back defeats now for deportivo as they lost 3-0 at home to mirandes.
Alberto came on at half time whilst the score was 1-0 but couldn't change the game.

Hes back!
On the subs bench at least.
The infamous 'why always me' ballotelli was an unused sub as AC Milan won 2-1.

Fenerbache won 6-1 last night so its all smiles at Markovic's club.
Lazor came on as a half time sub when the score was 3-0 and helped fenerbache continue their fine form in the second half.

Its back to back defeats for canos and the brentford gang.
Brought on at the hour mark to try and change the game canos was unable to have an impact as Brentford lost 1-0 to league leaders boro.

And its back to back defeats for Norwich as wisdom was an unused substitute.
For those who question why we signed caulker instead of calling back wisdom, your question was answered last night.
Caulker has been signed to be a 90th minute battering ram, wisdom can't play this role

And that's your lot

All others either didn't play or didn't feature.

14 Jan 2016 10:20:14
He can head a ball it's always a bonus.
Thanks for your updates as always.

14 Jan 2016 07:04:34
Yo ed001, what did you think of the tactic to bring Caulker forward, instead of sub on a specialist attacker like Teixiera? I've seen a select few moan about that- one even said it was farcical. farcical? Hardly.

{Ed001's Note - I think more of the problem is that it is clear Benteke is not doing enough, so we needed to bring on a big man to do the job Benteke should have done. That worries me more than bringing on Caulker did. I personally think that game was crying out for Smith, as Moreno had the freedom of the left side and Smith's delivery from those areas is the best in our squad. Teixeira I would have brought on to take the set pieces, but, against Arsenal, big men are exactly what they struggle against, so I fully understand Klopp's thinking.

I would not have done it that way myself, but it worked, so you have to say well done to Klopp for getting it right.}

14 Jan 2016 07:48:10
Hard to call something farsicle when it delivers the intended result.

14 Jan 2016 07:56:20
Well from what I remember, Caulker didn't have anything to do with that goal, so maybe you couldn't say that the Caulker move to striker 'worked' to get the goal. But Klopp's sink-chucking tactic of playing hoofball with a big body in the box did work to get the goal. But, assuming Caulker was present in the box at the time of the goal, you could also credit the decision to push him forward for the goal, as his large presence would have preoccupied more Arsenal defenders and kept some away from Benteke.

Moreno's crossing unfortunately still is bloody shocking. I'm mystified by why so many players in our team are such poor crossers.

It was a great game but I feel pretty disappointed we didn't win. We made a brilliant start but shot ourselves in the foot really. Arsenal fans could say the same about themselves, but we had the first onus in the match. and the second.

14 Jan 2016 08:03:06
It was that idiot Jaimie Kanwar. I sometimes can't tell if he's just an idiot, or just a sensationalist attention-whore. He will always look for the most frivolous and insignificant things to rage about.

{Ed001's Note - I have an idea, don't take any notice of him and stop bringing his name up on here and his moronic comments. I have no interest in what some pretend fan has to say in order to hit-whore. He is just another fake jumping on the back of Liverpool's internet fans to earn himself some money off them. In the early days, all the fakes used to set up Liverpool sites because Liverpool sites were the most searched for and visited of all sports teams. We used to check all the google stats on search terms etc, and Liverpool were always right up there in the top 10, not another sports team made it in those days. Probably changed now I would think, with the likes of Real Madrid being top but it did bring in the conman like that fat thief on koptalk.}

14 Jan 2016 08:24:08
How long ago was this? That's very surprising, I'd have thought that Man Utd would be more popular. Maybe Liverpool has more genuine fans? In Australia I'm sure there's more Liverpool fans than United fans.

{Ed001's Note - 14 years ago when we first started. At that time United were dominating, so the fans probably didn't have the same intensity to wanting to discuss their team, rather than them not being there.}

14 Jan 2016 08:28:11
and yeah sorry about that name drop.

{Ed001's Note - it's ok, I know you weren't meaning to advertise him, I was just making a point, there is no reason to let him wind you up, just go to a different site. Life is too short to waste on people like him. Plus, each time you go there you are doing him a favour.....}

14 Jan 2016 09:01:48
Yeah true, it's weird how you have much less to talk about when your team is on fire year after year. There's no problems to dissect.

{Ed002's Note - To answer about where the most fans are:

For a while now the stats for fans are based, as you would expect, on the number of fans on social media and that helps provide the demographics for where those fans are based. Top 10 at the last time of asking found Liverpool at number 7 ahead of PSG, Manchester City and AC Milan. Liverpool were just behind Bayern Munich, with Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of them. There was then a significant leap to Manchester United, Real Madrid and, at number 1, Barcelona.

In terms of the demographics for the five Premier League clubs:

Manchester United has the most supporters in both India and China - and given the size of population in those countries it is not a surprise to see them so far ahead. Their support is growing in America.

Chelsea are the club with the most supporters most in mainland Europe, Asia, Middle East, Central America and South America. Their support is growing quickly in America and they will soon be well clear of Manchester United and Arsenal.

Arsenal are traditionally the most followed Premier League club in Canada and the USA and, very significantly, throughout Africa (except South Africa) but the USA support is moving rapidly away from Arsenal and toward Manchester United and, in particular, Chelsea.

Liverpool has the highest number of supporters of any club in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and is doing well in some parts of Asia.

Manchester City are not leading the way in any one market but are picking up new supporters faster than any other side. This is a reflection of their success.}

14 Jan 2016 09:01:48
Yeah true, it's weird how you have much less to talk about when your team is on fire year after year. There's no problems to dissect.

14 Jan 2016 10:30:04
Thanks Ed2

I would have assumed Liverpool would have picked up quite a bit more visibility during 13/ 14 challenge and perhaps also when Klopp came on board. Any figures that would suggest we've done better around either of these events?

I live overseas and it does seem most youngsters follow whoever won the most in last 2-3 years (as you probably would too if following a league on other side of the world) so I think it's critical we get back in the top 4 regularly with Klopp now and start to build a new legacy compared to relying on an increasingly distant past.

Appreciate the insight BTW - really interesting stuff.

{Ed002's Note - No, that really isn't how it will work. There might be a tiny bit of noise but taht would be it. I would not go on about any dynasty coming nor the impact of Klopp.}

14 Jan 2016 11:09:47
Yeah one season when you come second isn't going to make a noticeable difference in your fan base size.

14 Jan 2016 10:49:16
I don't believe that fan base estimations off social media followings represent the most true reflection of fan base sizes, and need to be looked at with some context. For example, Manchester City have 20M facebook likes. That is only 7 million less than Liverpool, but there is no way that Man City have already closed the gap that far on Liverpool's fan base- they couldn't even sell out a stadium in Australia with a 27000 capacity. Liverpool on the other hand sold out a stadium with 100000 capacity. I know we are the most supported club here, but I still believe that's way too much of a gap that the facebook like tally is not reflecting.

What it does reflect is that general football fans kind of join the bandwagon and click 'like' on on club pages that are recently successful, regardless of whether they follow them or not. The only thing generally stopping them from doing that is a strong rivalry. Another factor may be an affinity for another club with an underdog tag. As for myself, I also follow BVB, Bayern, PSG, Barca, Madrid, City, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa.

Even my mate who is a huge United fan also follows the City page. Bayern have around 7 million more facebook followers than Liverpool, but I find it pretty hard to believe that there are actually more genuine Bayern fans in this world than Liverpool fans. I daresay that their followers tally has shot through the roof past Liverpool's in the last couple of years, which coincides with their pretty recent ascent to super-team status. People are sheep and creatures of habit (I'm guilty of both here) and will just like any semi-appealing facebook page in front of them.

Another set of survey findings were published recently, and they found that United are the most followed in the world, followed by Liverpool, followed by Madrid, then Chelsea. This is the article about it:

goo.gl/UokrUD

14 Jan 2016 15:44:39
Very interesting stuff Ed02 thanks mate!

14 Jan 2016 03:24:12
Anyone else feel that our set pieces are wasted 99% of the time? ibe/ coutinho/ lallana/ Moreno/ hendo need to work massively on set piece delivery that or we need to sign someone who can swing in a decent corner

Corners and free kicks have been very very average.

14 Jan 2016 04:10:41
Bring Gerrard back.

14 Jan 2016 04:22:49
Agreed. why do I feel so scared when we concede a set piece yet so bored when we win one? Major problem for us at both ends.

We need a more dominant aerial presence at CB, a more commanding GK to control the box, and someone capable of whipping in dangerous crosses.

Perhaps Matip and Ward can help with the former, not sure I see someone obvious for the latter. Coutinho or perhaps even Brad Smith most likely to be able to step up?

14 Jan 2016 04:37:45
Our set pieces (especially corners) have been poor for years now. I can't believe managers haven't noted and improved on them.

14 Jan 2016 05:22:35
Slightly more than 99% I think.
Been this way for ages.

14 Jan 2016 05:55:55
They have been for a long time mate - we can neither use them effectively nor defend against them effectively - a massive achilles heel.

14 Jan 2016 06:32:30
Couldn't agree more. It's infuriating at times!

14 Jan 2016 09:03:09
Agree totally re set pieces, bit of a waste of time for us at present.

What baffles me at present is Migs. I appreciate we might have to "protect his value. " But if the rumours about a pay rise and a 5 year contract are true then that's crazy.

I hope Ward turns out to be decent for us - we need a decent keeper.

13 Jan 2016 23:53:41
I thought overall a lot of positives from this game. It was important to take something from it, and Allen's goal will give the guys some confidence. It was nice to score more than 1 goal for a change. Firmino showed at last why we bought him, we had a lot of possesion, kept on pressing, our passing was much better and we created many chances and kept on going until the end. Allen wasinvolved in a decisive goal in (his) second consectuive game. May well earned a new contract. A good assist from Benteke as well.

Negatives - defence and GK. I have to say though, without taking anything from our defensive and GKs errors, that the way we press in midfield with 2-3 players trying to intercept the ball every time an opposition player has the ball (Can is amazing in that bte - he is such a good pickpocketer), if the pressing players don't get the ball, they stay up and our defence is exposed. I don't complain, because when we do get the ball we can go at the opposition, but it is risky.

Saying all that I am a bit worried about Sakho's reaction time and quickness, and not for the first time. Ibe's decision making in the last third still not great.

But with Sturridge back (on the weekend? ) Couts and Origi not too far away, I think we have a lot of reasons for optimism. Top 4 may be lost but for the three cup competitions and the longer future we can be optimsitic.

14 Jan 2016 00:55:38
Cracking game and proved a few points IMO

1) Benteke is a good impact sub but we shouldn't be Building our starting team around him, mobility upfront ties the whole thing together for this side.
2) Migs just isn't good enough
3) Hendo is key in midfield, great to have him back, such an engine in midfield

Can't wait for the weekend, hope we smash them.

14 Jan 2016 01:03:19
I agree. It was a good game and we played the way Klopp wants us to play. However, the two goals we gave up was the fault of the same repeat offenders as in Mingo. Getting beat at your near post and going to sleep on a corner is just unforgivable. Arsenal didn't have to break a sweat to score their goals. They just took advantage of our wayward passing in midfield atimes and our individual mistakes to pick us off. We don't have a GK anymore because the ones we have now are walking, talking mistakes. Must do better.

14 Jan 2016 00:55:38
Cracking game and proved a few points IMO

1) Benteke is a good impact sub but we shouldn't be Building our starting team around him, mobility upfront ties the whole thing together for this side.
2) Migs just isn't good enough
3) Hendo is key in midfield, great to have him back, such an engine in midfield

Can't wait for the weekend, hope we smash them.

14 Jan 2016 01:03:19
I agree. It was a good game and we played the way Klopp wants us to play. However, the two goals we gave up was the fault of the same repeat offenders as in Mingo. Getting beat at your near post and going to sleep on a corner is just unforgivable. Arsenal didn't have to break a sweat to score their goals. They just took advantage of our wayward passing in midfield atimes and our individual mistakes to pick us off. We don't have a GK anymore because the ones we have now are walking, talking mistakes. Must do better.

14 Jan 2016 10:20:43
Zimbabwe that's all well and good and I happen to agree with you but as the eds have said more than once, Marko will want the transfer whether we want him to stay or not, too much damage done. I hope the eds are wrong but with the way he's been treat since his arrival I doubt it.