Liverpool Banter Archive May 15 2014

15 May 2014 22:55:03
Anyone know if we looked at any players from this year's NextGen tournament?

15 May 2014 23:41:38
Hi adam, what teams are in the next gen series

There was no NextGen this season. There was no funding (because of the UEFA Youth League, I think). Liverpool will be taking part in next season's Youth League as will the 32 Group teams in the Senior Tournament.

Cheers pape.

15 May 2014 23:15:09
I can see the below being definite departures this upcoming window:

J. Reina.
J. Robinson.
M. Skrtle.
O. Assiaidi.
C. Coady.

Below would be departures dependant on new additions:

B. Jones.
J. Enrique.
D. Agger.
A. Wisdom.
G. Johnson.
L. Leiva.
I. Aspas.
M. Ngoo.

We will also see a number of kids given season loans to other clubs and in my opinion will be some of below:

R. Mcglaughlin.
B. Smith.
J. Teixera.
J. Ibe.
L. Alberto.

And finally the players loaned out last season who will be used in the first team squad after being loaned will be between:

T. Ilori.
Suso.
F. Borini.

Just my opinion obviously and won't bother mentioning potential signings as we all have our own thoughts on these.

Sorry forgot Coates as a definite leaver.

Agree with most, but not necessarily Aspas or Alberto, and definitelynot Lucas.

Skrtel a definite leaver? that's a little harsh

IMO, and not necessarily to my liking,

Leaving Permanently:

Reina, Sama, Sokolik, Cissokho (already gone), Robinson, Agger, Coates, Wisdom, Roddan, Moses (already gone), Adorjan, Alberto, Aspas, Bijev, Yesil, Assaidi, Baio, Ngoo, Coady.

Loan outs: McLaughlin, Brad Smith, Ilori, Suso.

Coming In: Borini, Ibe, LB, CB, Attacking Midfielder, central midfielder, winger.

Guys shouldn't these posts be going on the Liverpool teams thumbnail

{Ed002's Note - They should - we'll delete it later.}

I hope you are wrong on skrtel and lucas. both offer a huge amount to the squad

Why are people pushing wisdom out the door? I think he is better than Flano

15 May 2014 21:55:46
Just a suggestion but if the ed's changed the "other page" to a twitter rumour page to cut out some of the nonsense???

{Ed002's Note - We don't know where the nonsense comes from - except when you post it.}

Ouch.

16 May 2014 07:41:23
Is there a tablet you take that gets you to come out with the sarcasm Ed02? And if so, can I have some?

I've just busted my gut laughing.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Haha. Brilliant!

15 May 2014 21:32:37
So now all the dust has settled, what a season. And maybe some people on here will be big enough to say they were wrong about FSG and BR (me included)

Look where we stand, we are in the CL, have a team to be proud of and when we are talking of Lucas as being the weak link (which I dis agree with) then the quality of the team must be looking good.

Our starting 11 (barring the full backs) are more than a match for anyone. Remember the back four have been a mis mash all season, as soon as it got settled one got injured. Sakho will settle, be a regular and will command at the back.

We have the likes of Borini and Suso coming back to stregnthen as well as the emergence of some great youth players. We should bring in 3-4 additional players max. If we bring in more then we risk not allowing the next Sterling getting the game time he needs to develop into the players we want.

A couple of quality fullbacks, another CM (young and willing to learn aka Another Allan/Henderson type) a ATT Mid, and that about it for me apart from replacing any departures (ie upgrading on players like Aspas)

Full faith in that BR will get it right, and how much better is it to win it, rather than buy it.

Firstly - I'm posing this in a devil's advocate mode.

I think BR has been excellent; I think he has us playing great football and gets the ideas to the players to make them intechangable in different positions / formats / roles. Seriously if he continues to develop like this I hope we are winning titles / cups to keep him.

On the other hand (I'm not counting Borini or Allen as the who squad's mindset had to be changed) do you think the loan and permanent signings have worked out since Jan 2012 - Sturridge and Coutinho have been a yes and especially at the money?

We could arque Sterling and Flanagan have been better options (clearly) than the two on loan players; I think Ed001 stated he didn't rate Moses and wasn't intelligent enough (if it was you Ed you proved me wrong).

Also the permanent signings - the foreign guys need time and the way Gerrard, Henderson, Suarez and Sturridge have been playing would make a Solardo (spurs signing who we hoped we would get) difficult to get in our team.

but would you say the signings from last year have been successful so far - yes in terms of team league position but individually?

It could be a rafa ism - trying to buy the best at the bargain basement; hopefully that might change this window.

15 May 2014 21:14:54
There has been a lot of critisism thrown at players recently which has caused a bit of a riot on this site.

I think people are hurting because we came so close to the title but generally nobody has the right to be that upset considering the short amount of time its taken to go from 7th to contenders.

So I'de like to make a few translations of the things I've heard and read to help our disgruntled brothers and sisters voice their opinions better.

COMMENT: Glen Johnson is S**t, the worst player in our team. Disinterested and can't pass to save his life.

TRANSLATION: I'm a little disheartened by Johnson's season, I wish he showed a little more enthusiasm, he needs a little more work on his end product and a little more confidence to take a player on rather that hesitating and losing possession. Maybe if he was more enthusiastic he might find a bit more confidence, come on Glen, get on board and we will be right behind you.

COMMENT: Lucas needs replacing, there are much better players, he brings nothing to the team and never scores.

TRANSLATION: Lucas is is a long serving loyal player who started rough and plays a role that doesn't inspire excitement in the form of goals. But he has become an integral part of the team and his consistency is brilliant. I would like him to work on finishing a little more because he could do with burying some of the chances that fall to him. Maybe a bit of competition from Gerrard is just what he needs now that he plays the same position.

COMMENT: We need a new goalkeeper, Mignolet can't cut it in the PL, his distribution is terrible and he struggles playing out from the back. He is just a shot stopper.

TRANSLATION: For a debut season there was inconsistency but that is to be expected. I can't think of any goalkeepers that have had an outstanding season. There are areas that need inprovement like his box work and speed of distribution, but one thing we have covered is his shot stopping.

I coul'd go on but you get the idea.

15 May 2014 21:24:09
Brilliant.

I think people are over critical of Mignolet, apart from that people are generally spot on about Skrtel and Johnson. Lucas is too good to be on the bench imo.

I think people are over critical of Mignolet, apart from that people are generally spot on about Skrtel and Johnson. Lucas is too good to be on the bench imo.

15 May 2014 22:13:06
We can't think like that El Pistolero.
We need 25 players of a certain quality to fight on 4 fronts next season.
Lucas fits that profile. We would never build up a quality squad if we kept selling all the players currently not playing. Price would be lower and need replacing. Then said player needs time to bed.
If I was Rodgers, and a club approached and asked if Lucas was for sale, I'd tell em firmly where to go.
Look at Arsenal. With Suarez and Lucas they would have IMO won the league no question!

Well translated Noshbag

I think we'd all agree that these players weren't at the top of their form for large chunks of the season but Johnsons decision making is awful at times and he dithers on the ball a lot losing possession., lots of our own goals and goals conceded have come from crosses from that wing. Lucas has made some stupid errors and gives away fouls at times and in places which heap huge pressure on a suspect defence especially in the 85+ minutes. I understand that these are good players and can perform to a high standard but their performances this season are not seen in teams aspiring to win the league or other trophies, man city don't carry passengers or players who are not upto the standards of the rest.

15 May 2014 20:13:42
Hi eds was my latest post sent around 6 ok or was it bad?

{Ed002's Note - On the Team page}

15 May 2014 18:55:05
What is this idea of Adam Lallana costing too much. He scored more and beat both Oscar and Silva to the PFA Team of the Season, (both of who must be worth >£35m) who play his position for our title-challenging rivals. He's two months younger than Ivan Rakitic who everyone tells me represents better long-term investment for a similar price, but has Premier League experience. Inflation has hit football unlike anywhere else reds, Willian was sold for £30m last year, Ozil £40m and Bale was £85m lest us forget! In comparison Lallana seems a great purchase and I rate all of those players.

I doubt any of us would be willing to spend the quoted £30 million on Rakitic eigther. Rakitic is more well known around Europe, and has European experience, in the same way Lallana has Premier league experience. The age and price combination for both seems to be too much. But I am not the person who deals with finances.

15 May 2014 19:29:28
You mentioned 3 clubs, Chelsea, Real and Arsenal, Fortunately, they have tonz of money to Buy, We simply don't have.
A club in debt cannot pay over the odds.

I agree Toddy. Look at how much City have paid for their midfielders. It's the going rate at CL level. He's played at this level for a while which is what Rodgers means when he talks about being "sure" about what someone can bring to the starting XI. That's why I'm suspicious of long lists of imports. That's where we've been going wrong. Mignolet & Toure settled more immediately last season than those who came from abroad (Sakho, Aspas, Alberto, Cissokho). We don't have huge amounts of time to allow 4 members of a 24 man squad to find their feet when we need to start strong in the league and rotate a strong core of 18 players for CL games.

15 May 2014 19:38:25
Roberto Firmino 15-20 mill
Konoplayanka 15-17 mill
That will do it for me.

Harry I believe Firmino's just signed a long term contract about 2 months ago, and neither have premier League experience

Toddythered makes a great point. May I also add that Andy Carroll had Premier League experience but Luis Suarez didn't. A lot of great players get bought from all around Europe and it's not because of their experience believe me.

Fair enough IT but big Andy didn't fit in with our style of play, Lallana, on the other hand, looks like he was made for this Rodgers team

15 May 2014 20:23:16
Tobby

He has signed a contract extension, Bu he would be moving in the summer
Watch him play, You ll forget Lallana. Trust me, the lad is a gem.

Lallana will do more of the midfield 'dirty' work than Firmino would, meaning you could play him in a midfield 3 as well - not Firmino though. Lallana's versatility is just one of the reasons he'd be such a good fit here.

Also a full back has to be a priority.

I wouldn't sell anyone that doesn't want to leave.

Harry calling me "Tobby" has made my day.

Tobby or not Tobby that is the question

Best post Toddy Toddy

So int the end, no one really knows how any signee will pan out. That was quite easy to deduce from the multitude of posts.

15 May 2014 21:25:57
Toddy

I am sorry, I am really sorry.

IMO, Roberto Firmino is a better player than Lallana, but chances of landing him is slim, so I am happy with Lallana.

Harry, stop quoting money, you don't know if that is how much these players will cost.

15 May 2014 18:29:43
Hi Ed02,

first of all - congratulations to all Liverpool players, managers, staff, supporters, Eds for all the hard work and great season - good to see this great club challenging for the title till the end of the season and returning to CL football. Thank you Mr Rodgers and all Reds players.

As far as the upcoming window - not really sure about Lallana, he`s good but I just feel it might be the same story as it was with Downing, Carroll. High expectations, lots of money, big disappointment.

I think it`s time to let Allen go, as well as Moses, Enrique, A&A (Aspas and Alberto), Sakho or Cissokho, Agger or Skrtel, Toure and Jones. Maybe Ibe, Kelly, Wisdom, Borini need to be given more time as Henderson was given.

We need a striker (Benzema, Jackson Martinez, Varela), CB (Eliaquim Mangala, Ezequiel Garay, Alderweireld), LB (Filipe Luis, Moreno), a good offensive midfielder (Tony Kros, Koke, Eriksen) and a defensive midfieder (William Carvalho, Javi Martinez, Sven Bender). How many of those players are within Liverpool`s reach? thanks Eds.

{Ed002's Note - It depends who is sold Tom. Many of these players are beyond the reach of the club, or are players the club has no interest in or are players that are heading elsewhere in all probability. There are some that might be obtainable of there is interest.}

Over the top Tom. Enrique good when fit, as is Allen. We need to keep a squad, not flog the whole lot except the starting eleven. Perspective required here.

What on earth would we do with one of Benzema, Martinez, or Varela? And Eriksen is what you would call a good offensive midfielder while your 'not sure' about Lallana? Sakho or Cissokho? They play different positions and one of them isn't even our player. Unless Allen pushes to leave, why would we let him go?

I've seen some strange lists, but this is up there.

Got to agree with RDL. That won't happen - thank god!

15 May 2014 21:53:55
I needed cheering up! Great Joke:))

Which Varela is this?

{Ed002's Note - I assume the one from Porto that Liverpool has shown no interest in.}

15 May 2014 18:09:55
I hope I'm wrong but the Lallana transfer doesn't look like its going to happen unless Southampton seriously lower their asking price. There is interest and a bid has been made, Southampton have dismissed the fee offered. We may do better to look elsewhere as it looks like this is going to be a long, drawn out and - assuming it goes through - expensive process.

The only way forward would be if Lallana requests a transfer, and even then they may not budge.

I do hope that we work hard on getting deals done early, have the squad set and settled so we can push on during preseason and start 14/15 strong.

15 May 2014 19:30:58
Lallana won't request a transfer, And If so, Saints would reject it straight IMO.
Downing did, Yet we paid 20 mill for him.

15 May 2014 20:28:18
We either want him or we don't want him. If he's a top target we will get him as long as we get to a figure Southampton find acceptable - as Ed02 has said constantly. What's the alternative? Move to player 2 on the list and fail to agree the fee again by 3-5m then move on to player 3 etc etc. At some point you have to nail the players you have spent months scouting and deals that have been months in the making.

If Lallana isn`t coming then so be it, we move on. There are too many talented players out there (especially in a WC year) to cry over not paying (probably) over the odds for a player whose only had one good season. Beware of the sophmore slump co it can befall anyone (Benteke ring a bell)

Lallana has been good for more than a season.

15 May 2014 15:26:06
Is there any chance of bidding for Garay of benfica? would be a good choice for centre back in my opinion

{Ed002's Note - I cannot answer questions with "any chance" in.}

I think we showed a little interest quite a few years ago - under Benitez.

Other than that, I think United have been tracking him a fair bit.

Yeh I just meant is there any interest from Liverpool. Sorry if my wording is wrong.

{Ed002's Note - None.}

15 May 2014 14:25:07
I think a good, financially responsible & squad/team strengthening transfer window would be:

Ins:
GK - Forrester
CB - Rojo
LB - Moreno
CM - Lallana
LW - Kono
CDM - TBC


Outs:
Agger
Reina
Enrique
Johnson
Coady
Robinson
Coates

I'd also promote Rossiter, Smith & McLaughlin to the 1st team full time. With Ilori, Suso, Borini & Ibe coming back off loan too I think our bench would have more impact than it has done in quite some time. We did AMAZING this season & credit to BR and the squad, but we looked really tired in the last few weeks of the season.

Cheers! :-)

I think lallana would be a brilliant buy! Btw eds i'm the lfc fsn that uses the chiswick name NOT the spurs or birmingham fans

Can you not make a different user name?

15 May 2014 12:26:32
Afternoon Eds, with increasing speculation that Pochettino may go to Spurs, do you think he'll take Lallana with him or could LFC counter and do what other clubs did to LFC last summer i.e grab the players we wanted (e.g. Willian and other now at Spurs etc). I believe we will win the fight for those we need, what do you think?

{Ed002's Note - I really have no idea.}

I personally was told that spurs were eager to get lovren and rodriguez…. Although if the soton manager does go to spurs apparently lallana would like to go with him? Now I can't see soton allowing four personal leaving for one club? But spurs could offer surplus i.e. rose, lennon etc BUT once again this is football and it could all change tomorrow

15 May 2014 13:44:36
The Question is 25 mill, Do Spurs have it?, lallana wouldn't be moving an inch without that money.
Pochhetino could just convince the player, Not Southampton board for lowering the money.
Spurs spend 100 mill last summer and have surplus Midfielders, They won't spend 25 mill on any player, Unless its a Must, A striker might come to WHL, If they offload Soldado or Adebayor.

{Ed002's Note - Spurs income on transfers last summer more than offset their spending. You might do best to avoid the finances.}

15 May 2014 14:10:15
Ed02, If So then, Lallana would be moving to spurs.

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea and have certainly not said that. Liverpool has shown an interest in the player and has made an unacceptable offer. Spurs hasn't done any such thing. Did you mother drop you on your head as a child?}

Lallana has stated that he wants to play champions league, why would he go to Spurs?

I think they would struggle to convince him to go, whoever their manager is next season. Plus the story's eminating from the Daily Star, I believe, which is an utter rag.

15 May 2014 14:19:30
I just meant Spurs have a chence like us.

{Ed002's Note - That is what you should ask then. It has always been known that Spurs would be interested if Lallana becomes available - equally Southampton do not want to sell unless a particularly attractive offer is made that matches their evaluation. Liverpool have made an offer which is entirely unacceptable to Southampton - but could make another offer which offers more money and improved terms - or perhaps make an offer that includes a player or two. Do not rule out Manchester United making a substantial offer to take both Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana as a package.}

15 May 2014 14:49:34
i don't know why we keep insulting clubs by our opening offers! "entirely unacceptable offer"
what did we offer? a signed Luis Suarez shirt and 3 packs of gum? ;)

What a world we live in, when millions and millions of pounds are entirely unacceptable :p

United and their packages, hehe, they should fly a plane over there, I bet their "package offer" will insult the saints they end up paying £ 35 million for each :)

I have no problem with the club trying to be more prudent with the offers they are making.

Every little saving helps.

15 May 2014 16:09:03
You're right mate.

I'm with you AG.

15 May 2014 16:41:57
We won't be signing him If he is beyond our reach set up FSG. I hope BR have alternatives

Here burt - this guy won't haggle!

won't haggle?

Great film stone age!

All this Pocchetino will take 4 players to Spurs with him is a bit puzzling. One, he's not the manager and might not move to WHL. Two, did Rodgers waltz off with half the Swansea team? No, in fact we got had over with a 15m fee for Allen. Therefore the fact he was previously their manager was a negative in our dealings with the Swans not a positive. And I Can't imagine the Saints board allowing Shaw, Lallana, Rodriguez (who's injured anyway) and Lovren to leave in the same summer, can you?

15 May 2014 19:33:12
Anfield

BR wanted Gylfi to join us and alos had interest in Ashley Williams, And TBF, there ain't too many players of Liverpool Standard with Swansea compared to Southampton.

Homey

Didn't say we were didn't have any interest in Swansea players. My point is that Soton won't roll over and sell half their team to a fella who's just done the dirty on them.

Being their former manager means absolutely nothing. In fact, it`s a minus because the owner will make sure the club squeezes every penny he/she can out of the transfer of their player to join his former manager. We have to trust that the players we do get are up to the challenge and deserve our full support.

15 May 2014 11:23:39
Hi,
Do you think we can add these players come the new season:
1. Ivan Rakitic ( AM: Sevilla )
2. Alberto Moreno ( LB: Sevilla )
3. Steven Caulker ( LB: Cardiff )
4. Fernando ( DM :Porto )

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine.}

15 May 2014 12:20:20
1. Ivan Rakitic ( AM: Sevilla ) - 0 chance, 36 mill Release clause and loked at by Chelsea recently.

2. Alberto Moreno ( LB: Sevilla ) - Very slim chances, As Cheslea lso interested.

3. Steven Caulker ( LB: Cardiff ) - Good chance.

4. Fernando ( DM :Porto ) - 0 chance, City looking to bring in, signed a COntract extension in Jan with a huge release clause.

Harry, why is there a "good chance" of Caulker? As far as I am aware the eds haven't said there is any interest (thank god!). And no interest = no chance, surely?

15 May 2014 13:08:21
Caulkers a cb for one and for two he's probably moving into a leauge that suits his ability. No where near up to our standard.

I am fairly certain Steven Caulker plays CB.

15 May 2014 13:18:07
I think BR rate him, and would table a bid under 10 mill for him. Just a speculation.

Perhaps LFC will bid as BR is a fan. Personally I think Caulker has gone backwards in 1/2 a year under Solksjaer so much so that he looks a shadow of the player he was at Swansea.

As for the deal, personally I think it is a poor deal, replacing Agger with Caulker; Caulker will likely cost more than Agger will fetch us too.

15 May 2014 13:47:03
Caulker is younger, and Agger is 29. This is just an assumption, Now don't shoot me. I am haappy with Agger.

Personally I would go for Stefan de Vrij. By the looks of it, we have re-ignited our interets in him, and he only has a year left on his contract. Solid replacement for Skrtel while Ilori would replace Agger.

Caulker is younger and Agger 29; that is NOT an assumption; that is a fact.

With comments like that can you really complain if people "shoot" you?

15 May 2014 16:25:59
I am afraid to post clear cut. fact or assumption

Caulker`s not good enough. Period!

Caulker is plenty good enough.

He's quick, calm on the ball, good in the air and a vocal leader who chips in with goals.

Therefore just what we are lacking. I've said it before, he can be our Gary Cahill. Not a signing to set the pulses racing.

He's not popular because we've seen him in a side that got relegated. Because most people haven't seen De Vrij, Rojo (insert latest foreign Jonny) ever play 90 mins they are great.

Oh forgot. Caulker has played a load of games in the PL. And if Rodgers signs him it's because he rates him. Not saying we will. Just suggesting this feller could be the shrewdest signing this summer.

15 May 2014 10:32:49
Please accept my apologies for any offensive or inappropriate comments I made before I was suspended from this site and thanks for letting me back. I WILL try and behave in the future.

15 May 2014 09:23:38
Hello all, Ed can you tell me what's going on with Jack Robinson?THX in advance

{Ed002's Note - Nothing that I am aware of.}

From what I understand, he will likely be leaving.

15 May 2014 10:28:04
It's sad really, because when he and Flanno broke into the first team I remember he had more about him and kept Walcott in his back pocket. Shows that all the potential in the world doesn't matter if you're not willing to work your socks off to fulfill it.

AG, Ed,
Regarding Brad Smith, I was really impressed with him yesterday. Pace and strength. I thought that he's definitely got the physicality for the first team.
Is he that close?
Seemed so to me. So what's the point in going after a very expensive Coentrao or similar, when we've got Smith waiting in the wings.
A fit-again Enrique or Johnson at LB for another season or so, and then this lad's ready?

{Ed001's Note - Enrique is not going to be fully fit again, plus he is not wanted, Johnson the club would prefer to move on and Robinson is at the exit door. So it would leave us with Smith and Flanno as the left backs, with maybe Sakho to cover in a pinch. Not ideal. Smith and Flanno both need someone more experienced to learn off, the last thing you want is them learning off Enrique. Left back is a position we do need to add one quality player in, Smith could really do with a loan away from the pressure to help his development.}

Interesting ed001, cheers. I can't argue with the reasoning if that's the situation.
Smith and Ibe, if they were at Southampton or somewhere, they'd go straight in to the first team squad and play a bit wouldn't they. Ibe, without a doubt.
It seems that Liverpool will ship them off elsewehere for a loan and then spend £20-30m on a couple of replacements.
Hmmmm.

Enrique so far has been left alone by the press and nobody has been speaking of him. You think it certain that Enrique will leave this summer Ed001?

{Ed001's Note - nobody is speaking of him because he hasn't been near the team and they have forgotten about him. He is surplus, if we can find a taker for him, he will be gone.}

Sorry ed but just out of curiosity why do you say enrique won't be fully fit again? do you not think he can get over this injury?

{Ed001's Note - he will never be fully over it no. Not from what I am told anyway.}

Ed. Does that mean we'd be unable to sell him? Would he fail a medical?

{Ed001's Note - Ba has passed numerous medicals, despite having a knee in a serious state of decay. Enrique should be able to pass medicals, it just reduces his value massively.}

15 May 2014 08:18:14
Ħί Eds, with Rodgers intention on bringing in a goal keeper, do you think the club holds any interest in any goalkeeper that can lead the defense? For me anyday, I will go for David Marshal. He does command his area. Something Miggy has been criticized for recently. Tnx for the good work.

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what that means. Sorry.}

If we are truly looking for a keeper, I'd think Alex McCarthy at Reading would be on Brendans list.

We all know how highly he rates him.

Still, I'm not 100% convinced that he is looking for another keeper (unless Jones is looking to leave). I think Mignolet did a fine job for us this season.

15 May 2014 10:12:56
Jones, would be leaving and we need a GK. We would be playing 50 odd games this season and a competition to Mignolet isn't bad.

Jones won't be leaving.

15 May 2014 13:26:34
If Johnes isn't leaving, None would be coming (GK)

Why? BR says that we only have 2 GK, insinuating that he needs a 3rd. I have no idea why he wants another keeper to sit on the bench.

Can't work this 3rd goalie thing out.

Seems a waste of money.

Or somehow insinuates you have doubts about your number 1 if you're new number 2 is too good. Or tells your current number 2 that you don't fancy him too much.

Then again with CL on the line I can see you maybe need an insurance policy.

Guess we will see what happens.

15 May 2014 22:04:17
What if a GK gets an injury? Or One gets suspended?

Do you remember the Brad Jones penalty save in the Blackburn game? Reina was serving a suspension I think, then Doni started and got sent off.

One example from how many years?

15 May 2014 08:01:25
Morning all.

Some lively discussions on here yesterday.
I don't think it fair to slate people for there opinions.
Were all after the same thing, success for LFC.

Anyway's, on to today's tit bit!

Adam Lallana.

I don't see what all the excitement is about this guy.
Yes he is a good player, playing for a "smaller team" (Not meaning any dis-respect) AND playing regular football. But could this not be a case of "big fish small pond". We have seen many players go to teams and just not perform when the move to so called "bigger teams" (Fellani is just one example of many I could produce). Could he reproduce this form if he came to us? Could he go from being captain there to a squad player here?
He gets a lot of the attention there but would get little here (Unless he became a stand out player).
Just seems a lot of money for us to splash out on and against FSG's transfer policy. If he signed on for 5 years at the end of the 4th year he would be 30. What kind of fee would he command then? No where near what we are looking to pay for him. Is the position he plays REALLY an important area we need to strengthen?

And if so, for me a better and much cheaper alternative would be Villarreal's Javier Aquino.

We could then spend the extra cash (as I think Southampton are asking way over the odds for the player) on the area's we truly need to improve on, LB, RB(?unsure as we have quite a few youngsters coming through for this position?) and a quality CB.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

If you watched him at all last season you would have seen him wrecking teams. He is a very intelligent footballer and he would fit in perfectly. Liverpool would not be buying him to see a return in transfer money, it would be to push on and challenge for the title again.

I agree with your comments on Lallana vrcomp.

Lallana is top drawer . Gr8 with both feet . Can play all across the mid . I hope we get him .

If we buy Lallana it will be with a view to utilise him more than a 4 year playing period.He would likely end his career at Liverpool.
Right now Liverpool need quality 1st team player.this is what Lallana is. NOT a squad player. Agger for me will likely move on this summer, and Gerrard will likely give up his captaincy soon. lallana would be a perfect captain.
lallana has been of interest of Liverpool for some time now (2-3 years) his quality hasn't just come out of nowhere

I never said he came from "nowhere"

What I said was that at his age Southampton are asking far to much for a player that will have little transfer value in 4 years time and there are better and cheaper alternatives out there.
FSG have, in the past bought players that will, hopefully have a re-sale value in a future market. Lallana at the prices being bandied about would not command anywhere near these figures at the age of 30 (4 years time) and IMO a cheaper and better alternative would be Javier Aquino, freeing up the cash we would be spending on Lallana to be able to buy a quality LB and CB which is an area far more in need of improvement than the position Lallana plays in.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Lallana will be a great addition to the team. Price I think will be the make or break for this deal.

And also. EVERY player next season will be a squad player. With the increased amount of games to be played none of the team will be able to sustain playing twice a week for the whole of the season.
We looked jaded during the Chelsea game and the last 2 games of the season, and that was in a relatively light campaign.
Squad rotation next season is going to be imperative to sustain a CL and EPL campaign and I cannot see ANY player completing every game next year.
We also have to consider area's were we have little competition should any of our first choice players are injured (Enrique at LB is an obvious example)

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

VR comp
When you put he's a good player for a smaller team.It's sounds a little derogatory toward his talents mate. Especially since ''bigger'' clubs have been monitoring him for some years now. He has been a great talent for some time.

I got to disagree on the ''squad player'' thing. BR has openly said he's looking to bring in 1 or 2 real quality players to add to his 1st team. Not to add strength to the bench and reserves. So yeah, Lallana is a 1st team player. You also don't spend potentially £25million on a squad player. You won't be getting squad rotations in the champions league or premiership games for the sake of it.Squad rotation is for when their a tired set of legs or injury.

I understand your points and concerns vrcomp, but I think you will find that players at the age Lallana is at tend to be approaching their prime, or maybe in a year or two. Whilst his resale value may not look attractive, why would Southampton want to sell a player who is playing the best football of their career on the cheap?

Southampton are probably one of the three or four best footballing sides in the league.

They can give City a run for their money. They outplayed them for a half.

Lallan is one of the main reasons why.

We haven't even signed Lallana yet and you want Gerrard to relinquish the captaincy to him?

Are you kidding haha?

Well when he played for England, he was a stand out player, alongside other big players. admittedly not for such a big team ;o)

15 May 2014 14:09:58
I really think that some supporters need to wake up and smell the coffee.

Gone are the days when Liverpool could afford to throw money around on the likes of these kind of players.

This model was tried when FSG first arrived. Do you not remember the likes of Downing and Carroll?

Just because a player looks good in one team does not automatically follow they will fit in at another.

We simply CANNOT afford to throw money around like City and Chelsea with there sugar daddies who are using there football team as a play thing. (Sorry Ed02)

The loses we made on those two players alone should serve as a warning to future transfer dealings. We need to learn from the like of those and Fellani (I could go on) and stick with what we think is a true value of a player and if the selling team do not accept move on to another target.

For god's sake we were losing in excess of £1 million a week last set of posted figures. It is SIMPLY unsustainable.

We cannot be held to ransom. IF Lallana, as good a player as he is, and Southampton value him as more than we should be prepared to pay, simply say, "Thanks but no thanks" and move on to another target.

Or would the fans advocating this kind of transfer policy like to go back the H&G era and risk the club going bankrupt like we almost did when these cowboys were in charge?

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - I suspect you will find that the sugar daddies that own Liverpool have suffered more losses since they arrived than that of Chelsea.}

15 May 2014 15:20:35
It wasn't meant as a dig at you Ed02 or Chelsea and City for that matter. I was just using them as an example.(Hence the apology)
And I fully agree with you as to our loses. But some of our supporters seem to think there is a bottomless pit of money that BR has to delve into and losing money on transfer's are not a worry.
I say otherwise and we should be doing our dealing's in a more frugal manner.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - My point was that there are sugar daddies nearer to home than you realise. No need to apologise.}

15 May 2014 18:28:26
Only because of the mess left behind to them, Ed002, they're more than capable of running a club the right way and while some mistakes have been made they're learning from them eg the kenny debacle.

However if fans think that just because we did well this year we are a financial powerhouse they are horribly mistaken.

{Ed002's Note - The financial issues is not only what was left. That is very far from the truth. But you are correct that they are learning because of the money wasted by the managers they have had and they have removed the responsibility for Rodgers to go shopping on his own.}

Vrcomp, if we are looking for bargain bin buys constantly then we will never find any one.

You say that we should be wary about downing carrols etc.
You've compeltely forgotten the other side of the matter.

We put in miserly bids for salah and kono and came out looking like an absolute joke. Hell even tom ince we wasted a whole month on.

if fellaini can be considered a rubbish buy at his price, surely mata is as well. He didn't feature prominently from January. But we all know him to be world class. Maybe it's the managers?! I wasn't particularly impressed with KK I think he started downing and Carrol twice together.(personic if you ask me)

No one is suggesting constantly scouring for bargain bin buys.

What I am saying is that if we are interested in a player and we will use Lallana as the example.

(These figures are pure guess work so don't pull me up for using them)

We value him at £25mill.
Southampton value him at £30mill.

So we bid £20. They reject it.
We now have £5mill to go up in price, which we are prepared to do, but they also have to come down by £5mill. If they are not willing to do so, then we say, fine AND WALK AWAY.

At that price hardly bargain buys.

And again, I will say it, there are areas in the team that needs strengthening (LB and CB) before we look to buy Lallana at the prices quoted.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing like that simple Vrcomp.}

Given what you mentioned about the price, re sale value, money paid for fellaini, Aquino being a cheaper option and the sugar daddies comments. How could I not misconstrue what you put, that essentially we are looking for a player as good as lallana but cheaper?!?!?!?

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about nor how Fellaini nor Aquino come in to this. Are you on the right page?}

16 May 2014 13:39:35
I think bobatron likes to twist what I write Ed02 in the hope of making me look stupid. (Not too difficult to do but bobatron has even failed there.)

At the end of the day all I was trying to put in the original post, is that if LFC don't want to match Southampton's valuation then we should walk away.

I know how complicated transfer's can be Ed. The above was simplified hoping that bobatron could grasp what I was saying in a way my 4 year old could understand.
Obviously I was unsuccessful there too.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Aquino before accusing people of something you may want to re read what you put first.
Well done there champ.

16 May 2014 14:57:26
it's on the rest of the thread Ed02

Nothing to do with me twisting your words VR

15 May 2014 01:01:33
Harry mate, your a fellow.supporter, if your.on the.united page or any other i'd back a fellow fan. But mate you cannot disregard our own players so badly want ar*eholes to replace them. Imagine Lucas who.has taken aload of abuse for years finally settling and the fans wanting him replaced with a man that doesn't give two shi*ts towards the club? Plus lucas is a better player by the moon and back.

I can see your point, lucas did take a lot of stick when he joined and he has done well to progress into the player he is today but going forward in my opinion someone like alex song would be more effective. I like lucas as a squad player I just feel we need players who are going to be challenging for a starting spot aswell.

15 May 2014 10:15:39
Absolutly No Comments.

15 May 2014 13:28:58
I'm going to try something a bit different. Let's disregard how Mascherano left the club for a minute. And I think that's a fair thing to do, because football is nothing else if not fickle. We'd forgive, or at least gloss over Mascherano's previous transgressions if he came back and played well. Likewise, if Torres came back, was suddenly 25 and scoring goals for fun again, we'd forgive him.

So let's look at this purely from a footballing perspective.

The problem Lucas has now is that he's only top class in one position - defensive midfield, where Gerrard is now first choice. This means that Lucas is either going to be cover / rotation for Gerrard, or will play further forward where he's not as good. As was the case when Henderson was suspended.

Mascherano will have exactly the same problem. He won't displace Gerrard as first choice, and I have an inkling that Rodgers won't move Gerrard forward to accommodate Mascherano any more than he would to accommodate Lucas. So we'll sign Mascherano have him play half of our games or less next season, not do a significantly better job than Lucas, and collect a larger weekly paycheck, not to mention signing on fees, as he does it. About the only thing I can say in Mascherano's favour, is that he can cover right back and centre back as well. But we have an abundance of centre backs and I'd rather use Flanno and McLaughlin as cover for the new right back we hopefully sign.

So why bother with Mascherano? Seriously?

15 May 2014 14:14:46
Something Red

I think we have shut this case long back. Masch won't be coming in and Lucas won't be going out. let's focus on other positions.

15 May 2014 02:06:23
What does everyone think of signing Joeleon Lescott? Free transfer, still only 31. He's a double premiere league winner with champions league experience. Thoughts?

Terrible idea. Rumours of De Vrij of Feyenoord again hope that's true.

Although experience can be useful, I don't think it's a good idea to sign older, unused players who have been at rich clubs like City and won things. The desire could well be gone and are generally too expensive. Would prefer younger players who have something to prove and hungry to win.

Terrible. Kolo Toure is a better CB than Lescott.

The only experience Lescott has of the champions league is getting knocked out in the group stages.