Liverpool Banter Archive August 16 2017

16 Aug 2017 22:53:16
Going over to Huddersfield match on 28th Oct, arrive at 6 :30am, any1 recommend any things to do to kill time until around match time?

16 Aug 2017 23:12:47
French knitting? I reckon you could knock out half a tea-cosy before kick off.

16 Aug 2017 23:14:10
You can visit the childhood homes of Harold Wilson, and James Mason, plus it has a busy dogging area.

{Ed007's Note - The Tolson Musuem and the Rugby League Heritage Centre are a MUST!}

17 Aug 2017 00:05:30
There's not much to do over here unless you like drinking or walking.

17 Aug 2017 00:20:30
I'm over from Ireland for the first time in 6 years for the arsenal match, can't wait, going to do all the Beatles related activities possible while slightly sozzled and spend the rest of the time doing all things lfc. lurking around Melwood mostly.

{Ed002's Note - There is a BRitish Music Experience running at the Cunard Building (The Strand, Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1Q) that is worth a visit Lim Red.}

17 Aug 2017 01:51:08
Head over to Goodison Park for a comedy show.

17 Aug 2017 04:41:38
Think Tom's suggesting a pub crawl!

17 Aug 2017 03:29:32
Cheers Ed002,you're a gent, will definitely pencil that in, we're over for four days so going to try to pack as many non pub* related activities as possible, and that looks a treat.

*Irish lads on Merseyside, the pub is an inevitability

Cheers
Lim.

17 Aug 2017 10:44:40
I'm from Holmfirth close to Huddersfield. The town centre isn't brilliant but as ed007 suggested there are a few museums. If you have access to a car come to Holmfirth and check out Last of the summer wine country. If not the 314 bus will take your there in a circulous manner.

16 Aug 2017 22:37:10
Is kovacic an option as the high energy box to box player.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has shown no interest.}

16 Aug 2017 23:21:00
that's a shame (imo) i really rate him. hoped we went for him before going to real madrid.

17 Aug 2017 08:36:13
Love Kova. He has improved immensely since he arrived at RM.

16 Aug 2017 22:11:33
Not posted for a while, just wondering if PC does indeed go, would Draxler be an option? With Newmarket signing for PSG he's not going to be 1St choice and personally think he's good enough to play in the tip behind the front 3, cheers

Big Dan Glebals.

16 Aug 2017 22:42:52
I think he'll be playing behind the front 3 at PSG

Plus I don't think there is interest.

16 Aug 2017 22:51:32
there is a search field. i suggest you to use it. just type draxler and ill sure you will find a answer.

16 Aug 2017 23:04:31
I asked ed002 on the Euro page and he/ she said draxler won't be made available.

17 Aug 2017 08:37:08
PSG has said that Draxler is going nowhere.

16 Aug 2017 21:21:32
Hi there Eds busy time eh? Can you give us any news on Seyi Ojo? Is he going to be loaned out to Fulham. If so does that mean we are mending bridges that could enable us to bid for Sessingon?

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

16 Aug 2017 22:05:32
It done. Google it lol.

16 Aug 2017 22:14:59
Signed for Fulham today bro.

16 Aug 2017 21:08:47
Hi eds, question about the seri link I've read somewhere he was described as the African xavi, whereas keita has been described as explosive b2b! Could it be possible both could be signed?

{Ed002's Note - Give me a break.}

16 Aug 2017 21:44:13
Where can we find the African Coutinho I wonder.

16 Aug 2017 21:53:41
The African xavi 😂😂😂 can our supporters get any worse. I remember Anthony le tallec was the next zidane.

16 Aug 2017 21:53:43
Ed002 any chance we could also sign John Obi Mikel, the African Busquets? 😉

Keep on going mate. Don't let us lot get you down. You're doing a cracking job and i never got round to thanking you for the last Sharkopod. Top class stuff.

17 Aug 2017 01:40:49
I actually nearly choked on my beverage when I read it, who let their five year old near their laptop.

16 Aug 2017 20:58:32
Hi eds, if coutinho goes, do you see us going back in for Ante Coric, or for splashing out for someone like Thomas Lemar, Gio Lo Celso or even Pulisic?

{Ed002's Note - I have said who I think the reasonable targets might be.}

16 Aug 2017 21:44:07
Max Meyer and Diego Laxalt.

How many times are the Eds going to get asked this?

16 Aug 2017 21:55:19
Meyer and Daxalt are most likely you Foolish Mortal!

16 Aug 2017 22:49:50
Pulisic has said he has absolutely no interest in joining us. I'd hope we did something intelligent and go after Insigne over either of Meyer or Laxalt.

16 Aug 2017 20:10:35
Cheers Macca could it be that the people you're hearing from are honestly trying to make things happen but people at the top are preventing them from happening? Angus.

16 Aug 2017 21:23:49
At present they are viewing on the Wirral.

16 Aug 2017 19:43:57
Seems like Southampton are in for Wesley Hoedt. Since we'll probably be after him in a couple of years anyway why not bypass VVD and just sign Hoedt now instead?

16 Aug 2017 22:18:11
Really does make you think.

16 Aug 2017 18:51:31
Ed2 if you are about mate there are reports coming out that Barcelona have made a new bid for Coutinho, any idea if it will be accepted? Cheers.

16 Aug 2017 20:36:52
If it is, it's left it too late in the window to get a reasonable replacement and I think we will end up wasting the money as usual or accepting their third rate cast offs.

16 Aug 2017 20:39:27
Mighty reds,
I believe it's £118m.

16 Aug 2017 22:21:04
Well, if true, and if he goes, at lease he doesn't have the pressure of being the most expensive player ever! Who would have thought we would be saying that over a £118,000,000 transfer before the summer! Madness!

16 Aug 2017 19:09:32
I might be horrible but hello TAA, goodbye Clyne. It was bound to happen. Clyne simply not good enough and being shown up by an 18 year old. Hopefully we will see some some more changes in our defence before the window shuts.

Good to see Macca sharing info again. Think we are in for an interesting two weeks and a bit to come.

We are LIVERPOOL!

16 Aug 2017 19:35:42
Alexander the Great,

16 Aug 2017 19:32:05
Clyne on the left.

16 Aug 2017 19:33:57
What did Macca say? Was it in past few days?

16 Aug 2017 19:32:05
Clyne on the left.

16 Aug 2017 20:05:55
How about no, Clyne will just be out on the left running up and down the pitch again with zero impact.

Robertson should be ready sooner or later.

16 Aug 2017 21:01:54
TAA going forward miles better but Clyne is still ahead defensively by some way due to his experience playing that position. No doubt TAA will improve and be a huge player for us for many years to come. TAA just need to keep his head down and focus and he will become world class.

16 Aug 2017 21:40:42
Guys let's just let the lad develop we've lost so many young right backs over the years that we thought were going to be the right back for next ten years and it hasn't happened.

Kelly, Flannaghan and Rob Jones allspring to mind.

16 Aug 2017 17:52:45
The BBC article on Southampton is interesting actually, they have sold 80%of the club and now have a change in philosophy, they will no longer be a selling club.

16 Aug 2017 19:28:35
a lot of clubs claim they will not be a selling club no longer but until hey can match wages for a starter their best players will always move on.

16 Aug 2017 19:28:35
a lot of clubs claim they will not be a selling club no longer but until hey can match wages for a starter their best players will always move on.

16 Aug 2017 20:15:26
They have to. Maybe they have the money but they don't have the hunger and the ambitions needed to retain their quality players.

{Ed002's Note - That is a pretty arrogant and ignorant standpoint. I assume you know nothing at all about English football.}

16 Aug 2017 20:59:09
He'll be gone either now or next time. Doesn't really matter.

16 Aug 2017 17:35:16
So Saints chairman has said VVD is definitely not leaving! Macca expects him to sign for us. I don't no what to think anymore. Its getting very frustrating.

16 Aug 2017 18:02:18
Probably means VVD, Navy Keith and Coutinho will not be sold this window.

16 Aug 2017 21:10:44
What it means is sweet F. A.

It's just footy politics. We should all have realised that by now surely. If we hung on every word uttered by each manager, owner, players.

16 Aug 2017 16:43:14
Hi Macca,
Please can you make a clarification on the latest development on Jean Michael Seri as he has been watched by liverpool scouts lately. Is he part of the reinforcement to add more steel to the midfield or do you see him as a backup to Keita, in case the deal doesn't materialize.
Thanks for your Info.
YNWA.

16 Aug 2017 15:01:22
Eds 1.
I don't know if you make money with this site I really hope you do. Because you could write for any of the top papers and are better team any tv pundits. Your match reviews are just brilliant you see so much more then most of us and are honest with it. If we heard your review on sky it would blow peoples socks off.
I take my hat off to you mate. Very very good. And thanks👍🏻.

{Ed001's Note - thank you very much mate, I make some money, not huge amounts but it is enough to live on, as I don't drink or smoke or anything. Glad you appreciated the review.}

16 Aug 2017 16:39:52
I'll second that. Great site and my only go too place for anything LFC. Love the good cop bad cop of Ed 1 and 2 and ed 25's one liners. Full of top fans on here as well who all add great comments even the ones that may not Share the same viewpoints as me. YNWA.

16 Aug 2017 17:04:02
Wow Ed 001 Im so proud to hear that you are a non alcoholic!

16 Aug 2017 17:10:22
100% agree newish to this site and still learning how it all works.

16 Aug 2017 17:04:02
Wow Ed 001 Im so proud to hear that you are a non alcoholic!

{Ed001's Note - lucky really as it is what saved me when I got a liver infection. I wouldn't be here now if I was a drinker.}

16 Aug 2017 12:22:15
Ed1 if you're about. I think we're all pretty excited about Alexander-Arnold, me included, he looks like he'll be top class. Apologies if it's been covered, but where do you see his best position long term? I know he's played in midfield in some age groups. In time, I'd love to see him play there.

{Ed001's Note - impossible to say as it really comes down to how he develops and what gaps come up in the squad.}

16 Aug 2017 16:47:04
I just love it when some of the kids make it though to first team.
I noticed he was taking the corners on one side so must be doing good in training. Keep up the good work Trent 👍🏻.

16 Aug 2017 17:23:31
In Gerrard's autobiography, he mentioned Trent as a potential world beater. He wrote this two years ago and it seems his talent was obvious then.

16 Aug 2017 15:21:37
Fulham didn’t want to do business with Liverpool when it came to Sessegnon but they’re happy to do it when they take Ojo?
Are relationships getting mended?

{Ed002's Note - Sessegnon was never going to move to Liverpool - it is nothing to do with relationships.}

16 Aug 2017 15:56:27
From playing regularly in the first team to playing for the U23 and then hope to be loaned out to a championship side (which he already plays for)

16 Aug 2017 13:51:22
Hi EDs and Macca,
Thanks for creating this site for football analysis. I would like to ask a question regarding the linked Nice Midfielder Jean Michael Seri. Is there any truth in it or is just a way of putting him in the market or do we hold any real interest in him. As was mentioned that we had scout looked at him some days back.
Thanks for the info always.
YNWA.

{Ed002's Note - You need to ask this one of Macca please, as I have explained that Seri would be an alternative to Naby Keita - who he infers is likely on his way.}

16 Aug 2017 14:37:45
Is it true that Seri has health issues with extremely cold weather? Would not be very smart of the club or player to consider such a move then. Macca says Keita and VVD will happen and I sincerely hope both deals go through. The mood within the club does not seem particularly positive and signing some quality players along with keeping Coutinho will go a long way in pacifying a worried fanbase.

16 Aug 2017 15:25:11
"Is it true that Seri has health issues with extremely cold weather? " that can't be true. 😂.

16 Aug 2017 15:40:03
Ron i believe he has Chilblains where his skin reacts badly in cold weather, he also said the condition gives him ingrown toenails which prevent him training in cold weather.

16 Aug 2017 15:50:16
Gets chillblains apparently.

16 Aug 2017 17:19:38
Sure, but that's not a serious health issue.
Put some gloves on and get on with it 😄.

16 Aug 2017 12:28:17
Could someone please explain why so many pundits are suggesting we should sell Coutinho and by Costa? Do these guys really know anything about football?

16 Aug 2017 13:00:53
No, that's why they become pundits. Only Hansen has the knowledge needed but even he was told what he could talk about. Part of the reason why he stopped.

16 Aug 2017 13:05:28
He is my most disliked footballer.
Regardless of how good he is I would hate to have him anywhere near our club or even in the premier league for that matter. Thankfully he should be off to Madrid.

16 Aug 2017 13:08:00
No they don't! Nor they actually understand Coutinho is a playmaker and Costa is a striker. All these drop him there drop him here are pure guess work!

16 Aug 2017 13:41:50
I guess they don't know much as he has stayed he only wants Atletico Madrid. With his current situation, it would take a while to get him fit even if we could get him.

16 Aug 2017 15:52:56
If you think it will take a while to get him fit, how long do you think it would take VVD. He missed months of the last season, and hasn't had a pre season, so I would expect months before he is match fit.

16 Aug 2017 12:08:14
How can two professional international cbs a) not know the basics in defending? B) not be able to take in any defensive coaching?
Eds it baffles me and its clearly evident. How can they not now the basic principles of defending as a defender? Crazy.

{Ed001's Note - Ihave no idea.}

16 Aug 2017 12:44:08
What BAFFLes me more is that players who are supposed to me miles above the world in quality are bang average, take Andre Gomes, I thought he was good but Ed said he walks like a donkey and I'm wondering what are Barcelona seeing if Ed is seeing Shreks buddy?

{Ed001's Note - Barca got duped by a few good performances in a tournament. Internationals are no guide to quality in league football as the pace is so slow it is more like training sessions. You get a lot of players that are brilliant on the training pitch but awful on the actual pitch because they just do not have the mental side of the game.}

16 Aug 2017 12:44:48
However it does give me good hope that I can be a professional footballer since clearly no talent is needed.

16 Aug 2017 13:08:53
How ever they are rectifying it by offering him to us!

16 Aug 2017 13:31:57
Remember diouf and other chap I can't remember his name.

16 Aug 2017 15:26:47
Salif Diao? Nice fella 👍.

16 Aug 2017 11:48:09
Hey eds, with ed1 saying we want to replace both cbs and that matip was a stop gap does that mean (klopp) sees a back four of TAA, gomez, VVD and robertson? klopp bought klavan was he a stop gap aswell?

Im curious to know if klopp wanted VVD and another or has he always seen gomez as a main part in his cb partnership?

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - Klavan is a back up.}

16 Aug 2017 12:04:44
So did he want TAA, Gomez, VVD and robertson for the season start do you think with loveren, matip and klavan as back up? I know gomez can play LB aswell. Just curious ed.
Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - no, Gomez was to be phased in, if he was up to it.}

16 Aug 2017 12:15:42
So maybe as it stands now ed TAA with matip/ loveren VVD and robertson with gradually over the season gomez bieng fazed in next to VVD (if signed)?

{Ed001's Note - yes, if Gomez is good enough.}

16 Aug 2017 12:51:05
And if we sign vvd, which is very unlikely now!

16 Aug 2017 11:24:55
Morning all, i won't bore you all with a full on match report, as i think Ed001 has covered that rather well. Good win, a bit sloppy at the end to concede but we should have enough to seal the result next week.

On a side note, watching our two CB's last night was actually comical at some points, it's like watching the chuckle brothers. Ithink it was Matip who at one point completely mishit a clearance straight into Lovren which then bounced out for a corner! They don't seem to even know where each other are on the pitch at times.

16 Aug 2017 11:41:37
Iv come to expect moments of madness from Lovren, but Matip concerns me as well. Despite his size he's seems unable to win much in the air and his positioning at defending set pieces is as poor as everyone else's. Massive concerns as per usual with the defence but if/ when we get properly tested in the CL, it may massively affect confidence going forward.

Spine of this team needs a good looking at.

16 Aug 2017 11:45:16
They don't even know each other's name dude 😄.

16 Aug 2017 11:48:07
i laughed when lovren actually won a header against kramaric i think it was. then he looked so pumped like he had won the bout for world heavy weight title and obvious to say he didn't won anything thereafter.

16 Aug 2017 12:01:13
I am very worried going forward. If/ when we get to the Cl proper, we could be severely punished by some of the big boys in Europe. i think it was Ed002 who said Mike Phelan was available which would be a very good shout, though i do think we need to cut the number of back room staff. We have about 27 physios and about as many coaches.

16 Aug 2017 12:03:16
Matip is a 3rd choice CB for any top club. Just coz he came in for free you can't call him a world class! I never rated Lovren not even from the time at Southampton.

16 Aug 2017 13:26:45
correct.
We can look better than Lovern, Moreno.

This helps in clouding judgement on Matip.

Cheers.

16 Aug 2017 10:29:47
When there are disciplinary issues with a player, the club issue a fine - usually 2 weeks?

What happens if it is a continual problem - for example, a player says I'm not playing for the club ever again, missing training, not turning up etc etc.

Can the club just keep dishing out 2 weeks fines every 2 weeks or does it have to be referred to a higher source to mediate?

{Ed002's Note - It is a maximum of two weeks wages. Clubs are naturally not going to want to get in to a conflict and often the PFA will intervene before it goes too far.}

16 Aug 2017 08:33:41
Edd001 your opinion on the ref last night? . i thought he was just terrible. Im talking for both sides btw!

{Ed001's Note - he was very poor, made a lot of mistakes. He could not figure out advantages, indicated he was playing the advantage at one point, then we lost the ball, while he still had his arms up indicating the advantage, yet he never pulled it back for the foul. Then he decided he wouldn't play advantage because there actually was one later. And that was just two incidents. I am not sure if he got a single call right all night.}

16 Aug 2017 11:25:28
I often find refs get undeserved stick. is it really there fault that players are diving all over the place, but last night was embarressing to say the least! So inconsistant.

16 Aug 2017 12:22:06
Ed, he was abysmal. Even the penalty, he was not going to give it as he was not even sure. It was the "goal post" assistant who told him it was. He was useless all game. In other countries, he would be investigated for match fixing as he did all he could to help Hoff win the game. Credit to our boys for having the bottle to rise above his nonsense.

16 Aug 2017 14:16:37
Have to agree that the ref didn't have his best game last night. However, disagree that he favoured Hoffenheim, that is just nonsense in my opinion, he was poor but consistently poor in general.

There is differences though in the way referees tend to allow the game to flow, I think more UK based referees tend to let the game flow more than some other European refs.

I never quite understood how the referees are not 100% professional where it is their only job and they are paid sufficiently well to make a good living from it. Some refs are paid a pittance and they fit it around their day job when the reality of it is it is the hardest job on the park and scrutinised from everyone. How many of us would make mistakes in their position? I know I would likely make plenty if I tried it. and get abused from all angles.

16 Aug 2017 10:37:07
There's been a lot of debate about our defence for quite a while now.

Is it systemic or personnel based? I think maybe a combination of both.

We have 2 players that are not working together at the moment (Lovren and Moreno), we also do not have a DM that could help out plus our system means that the FB's need to bomb forward at every opportunity.

There was one point in the match last night (first 10-15 minutes if I remember right) and Moreno was chasing down their keeper.

The ball gets knocked over over press and Lovren has to cover the LB side.

Luckily Matip got a tow onto the cross to put it out of play.

Our system meant that Moreno was far forward, leaving the LB side free.
No DM to cover
No midfielder given instructions to look for these things and cover
No midfielder able to recognise theses things and cover.
Personnel issue in that Lovren gets beat easily by jumping into a tackle trying to win the ball mainly with his wrong foot a lot of the time.

Why oh why are there still problems after all this time?

People are now starting to question Klopp and it doesn't help when we mess up with the VVD signing, have Sakho (rightly or wrongly) blocked from the 1st team and Gomes not being given a chance, when I don't think he will make as many mistakes as Lovren.

16 Aug 2017 10:58:40
I do feel sorry for lovren a bit, he's been completely exposed and pulled out of position when Moreno has been playing, I know he's not the best but he's not the worst either.

16 Aug 2017 11:11:19
When our fullbacks bomb forward, we need a disciplined DM who will sit back and form a sort of back 3. However, Henderson and Can are both ball playing midfielders who prefer to look forward than back. Hopefully this can be just a training issue and get our midfielders to work on defensive shape more effectively.

16 Aug 2017 11:12:35
So now its Morenos fault that Lovren has no awereness at all? Moreno played a good match exept for 1 brainfart where he just stood watching the ball and a Hoffenheim player almost got to it. He had several good passes and was good going forward. He has been playing good the whole pre season and the 2 first matches. Give him a chance, he works he's ass off and even beeing one of the smaller players in the team he has the balls to not shy away from a duel.

{Ed001's Note - I just wonder why Moreno is getting pelters for closing down the keeper? That was what he should have done in the position he was in, it is up to the team as a whole to see what is happening and adapt. That is the problem we have, the team is not reacting to the situation and just continuing to play the same way and do the same things, no matter what.}

16 Aug 2017 11:52:49
Don't give a toss if Moreno / Robertson doesn't track back enough as long as they provide an outlet for attacks going forward. Buy an offensive FB and ask them to defend! Sorry you can't have it that way!
Mendy won't be defending a great deal at city!

16 Aug 2017 14:45:17
I have no issue with the FB's bombing forward or Moreno chasing down their keeper.

It is the result of this that needs addressing.

Lovren has to cover Moreno so is out of position and once he gets beat, Matip only just got a toe on the cross.
I know that's what they are there to do, but if we had a DM or midfielder with either the brains or instructions to help out, we wouldn't have half as many defensive issues as we do.

On this basis I can see why the arguments for 3 CB's might work, as it allows for more central cover when one CB is moving to cover the FB position, but it would still require a midfielder to be keeping an eye on what is going on to be there if required.

I don't know if it is under instruction that they do this, or that they lack the intelligence to take on-board the coaching or maybe they are not coached this way at all?

I like the speed and trickery that Moreno offers. I also like having a proper left-footer playing that side, it just means the system needs to be covering the flaws, temporary shape-changes if a move breaks down etc.

16 Aug 2017 12:25:26
Spot on, Ed and Stoupid. Moreno is an easy target cos well, his former transgressions have not been forgiven. He has been very good of late. It is not his fault that our players are so robotic and can't think for themselves to adapt to situations on the pitch. This goes for the coaches as well. if something is not working, fix it.

16 Aug 2017 10:07:02
Yo ed001

You said that Matip was only brought in as a stop gap. Why didn't they just go and search for a permanent centre back instead?

{Ed001's Note - because there are only so many players you can buy at a time with limits on the budget. We are not Man City and can't just go and buy a whole new team each season.}

16 Aug 2017 10:47:17
Eds I know you don't like talking money but wasn't last season's net spend quite low. Surely we had enough in the coffers to buy more than stop just gaps in Matip (free) and Klavan.

{Ed001's Note - Matip was not free, you still have to pay a large signing fee and other costs for a 'free' transfer. Same with Manninger. Plus we signed Mane, Wijnaldum and Karius. There was quite a bit of spending.}

16 Aug 2017 10:53:49
Makes me wonder where exactly is this TV money a no CL revenue vanishing if you need to keep your net spend 0. Are we yet again in the same situation that we couldn't buy without offloading?

{Ed001's Note - what? This makes no sense, no one has said anything about net spend being 0. Stop making stuff up.}

16 Aug 2017 11:21:36
you can't just keep adding players and not selling any the wage bill would bankrupt the club, I think under klopp the squad quality has improved with out him spending loads of extra cash and his net spend his pretty low is a good thing.

16 Aug 2017 11:56:57
Thanks ed. So shall we expect either Gomez or a new defender take Matip's place next season?

{Ed001's Note - should do yes.}

16 Aug 2017 12:08:04
Ed001, excuse me if you find yourself repeating yourself I'm just really curious about the matip stop gap scenario.

If he was just a stop gap, does that mean Klopp sees the ideal pairing as lovren + new signing/ Gomez? Or does he feel both players need replacing in terms of first choice position? I understand Klaven is back up so that's different to stop gap.

Thanks for any info you provide, really interesting to read as always.

{Ed001's Note - both need replacing, Lovren was never his man.}

16 Aug 2017 12:26:10
Ed001 I'm curious, if Klopp doesn't rate Lovren, why on earth did he get a new contract with a pay rise?

{Ed001's Note - to preserve value.}

16 Aug 2017 10:10:01
once again i see the name Geoffrey Kondogbia being linked again which to me shows that the VVD fiasco is over and we have admitted defeat and that someone like chelsea will now swoop in and sign him?
any news on this eds?

also last night game proves once again lovren yes played well but is definately a liability in defence we've basically got agger (matip) and skrtel (lovren) partnership again and its woefu, positives TAA played well! why is moreno being started he's shocking how can we go back to the old ways when 1 we boought robertson and 2 milner played the whole season there last year feel like as much as i admire klopp the first 2 games this season he's got wrong alreaady! i for one want to see more of solanke specially in the champions league anyone else any thoughts on this?

{Ed002's Note - GK is not a centre back.}

16 Aug 2017 08:54:54
Well with the wondefull insight from Ed1 it is clear that Klopp is not in the least bit finished with this team. he did say 3 seasons when he came. maybe we shouldn't give up on the hobo just yet🤣 not that I had.

16 Aug 2017 08:49:53
Ed's,

I wanted to ask what you thought of our seeming lack of secondary targets?

I know we signed Robertson and Salah who themselves weren't first choices, but with Keita and Van Dijk it seems there are few alternatives we are even considering?

On the one hand is it admirable that we are determined to land our key targets? On the other does it not look like a poor handling of the situation as there are surely alternatives that could be found with proper scouting?

I mean I've read how Monchi aims to have 10 targets for each position at all times, so that Sevilla (and now Roma) could replace players with much more ease.

Thanks,

{Ed002's Note - Klopp was confident that his tactics would land him all four. Two have not happened and two are still with their clubs. Perhaps he will continue to expect them both to join. Liverpool had identified other midfield players but they were set aside in favour of Keita. Aside from a youngster and a low bid for KK, Liverpool has not made efforts for another centre back at this time and, as I have explained, perhaps something can yet be done with van Dijk.}

16 Aug 2017 09:29:52
Sorry probably me having a moment but who is OK?

{Ed002's Note - Kalidou Koulibaly.}

16 Aug 2017 10:16:14
For a second I thought King Kenny was comung back.

16 Aug 2017 10:59:07
Ed02, Van Dijk is what probably everyone would want. Easy to see why he's especially been singled out. He'd arguably be the most important signing in years as he'd address an area of major weakness and is tailor-made for Klopp's football.
I can also see a scenario where he becomes captain from the medium term.

That said, is it fair to say this transfer has been rather unlikely now, given the ealier events in the wimdow?
Even if Southampton were willing to deal with Liverpool, things will hinge on FSG. They'd have to backtrack and withdraw their apology.
And given the already muddied reputation of the club, I cannot see the owners doing that.

Am sure they'd know how crucial getting Van Dijk would be for Klopp, but they could see the reputational damaged to outweigh whatever success may be derived from Van Dijk's arrival.

The sad, very sad fact is that Liverpool probably could have done a deal by now for Van Dijk, but Klopp messed it up royally.
Whether the public apology and withdrawal of interest was the smart thing to do may be debatable.
What's not debatable is that, that apology has created a difficult situation for the club IF it stil wishes to sign the player.

Southampton may well be open to selling to us; Van Dijk could want the move; LFC could afford the fee, but would FSG backtrack? Should they backtrack? On principle, no they shouldn't. Stick to their position and avoid further muddying image of the club.

But they do that and there be a backlash from the "fans". Story will be that FSG didn't want to back Klopp and buy VVD. It will be the owners' fault if team fails this season. The hate and bile will go on and on.
And the real culprits, which IS Klopo and the other clowns at the club, would of gotten away scot free.
Klopp will now be the unfortunate victim.

So in your view Ed02, what would be the "best" way to resolve the Van Dijk issue, from the point of view of especially Liverpool and Southampton?
Should Saints sell him? Should they deal with LFC at all, or refuse, even if LFC possibly offers the most amount? Should Liverpool just move on from VVD? If Klopp makes his feelings known to FSG how critical he sees Van Dijk play purchase, should the owners back down and approve the transfer? Or should they stand firm on their apology and withdrawal of interest?

I'd really appreciate your views on this Ed02. Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - This has been covered over and over and over. Move on.}

16 Aug 2017 08:09:45
Morning,
Last night was a great result but showed up our midfield again for me, the lack of quality, positioning and vision in there without a Lallana or Coutinho is frightening, please tell me eds that that 3 is making Klopp have second thoughts about how effective they all are together? Woodburn dropping deeper in pre season looked promising alongside Grujic, hope they get the chances in there this season.

{Ed001's Note - he already wanted to change it, hence the attempt to sign Keita, so why do you need me to tell you what is obvious?}

16 Aug 2017 08:17:56
This is for all those who were constantly ranting our midfield well stocked up! This is where you win the match and for a team who press high up and counter quickly you need a world class Midfield both offensively and defensively. I am on prayers we actually sign Kieta. He will walk into our midfield. I would also buy a DM.

16 Aug 2017 08:27:41
I would play Can at DM over hendon. I think it's his best position as long as he can occasionally get a decent run forward. Saying that it is easy to forget that it was only Henderson's 2nd competitive game in months.

16 Aug 2017 09:16:55
Emre can, kieta, coutinho that 3 would be dream status for this season and could happen, I can't see the owners back tracking on 2 statements in one window, the vvd withdraw and apology and the coutinho going nowhere one too.

16 Aug 2017 09:44:42
It never worked last season when they all played together and the attempts to buy Keita have been fruitless to say the least, the same midfield for 2 games running made me think he sees something in it, which was my worry, as you stated he wanted to change, I stated the opinion as in pre season Grujic and Woodburn both impressed far more than the others and deserved a start, Moreno got one due to pre season?, I never mentioned Keita as I know you love talking about him as it never comes up haha, I would hope for changes for the Palace game and luckily Zaha is out, although im TAA would have had him in his back pocket.

16 Aug 2017 10:47:41
What I noticed was that the 3 midfielders were mostly on the same line and a long ball beats the 3 of them.
I noticed the same against Watford, they always push up together and leave a lot of space behind to exploit and that's why we're countered easily.
Klopp has to sign a dedicated DM - in my opinion anyway.

16 Aug 2017 11:23:11
Sign a DM or get a centre back who opens their mouths and pulls 1 of the 3 back into position, this follows the trend that no one on the pitch has a voice.

16 Aug 2017 11:55:56
Solanke had a great preseason aswell he should be in front of origi at least on the bench. Like TAA klopp should give big chances to kent and woodburn because the creativity they add to the midfield and attack would compliment us perfectly. Im not saying start them every game but there not even on the bench as an option.

16 Aug 2017 06:26:13
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Hoffenheim v Liverpool Match Review - A Liverpool Perspective

16 Aug 2017 06:49:57
Thanks ed 001. great technical review of the game and a great player analysis.
love it when you said when I can see it why can't Buvac! I so very concur with the sentiment.
And i think in general that is the problem with the entire coaching bandwagon at liverpool. they are somehow missing the obvious.
Just to add Hoffenheim pumped in long balls ( diagnals straight up) since minute one, the same longish ball in the 87th minute undid us. How can you not feel it how can you not see it and how can you not stop it is just unbelievable. what is the one think that can undo high press very easily? playing long balls! everybody knows that, hell kiddie footballers know that, but some how LFC does not. It pains me to see how arrogant klopp is when it comes to his so called style of play. he is always treating defense as secondary and something that will just get sorted out by itself.
Of late the team selection has been appalling too. he could have rested hendo and started grujic, he could have given solanke more time as soon as we went 2-0 up.

{Ed001's Note - actually the coaching staff are working hard on trying to drill the defence, it is just not sinking in.}

16 Aug 2017 07:00:36
oh really ed001, thank god mate, i hope they force it to sink in.
on the other hand if the coaching staff is trying hard and its not working, do you think the problem is actually with the players? maybe an inability to learn?

{Ed001's Note - there is certainly a problem with the players, the centre backs are not good enough and Klopp does want to replace both, despite what he says publicly. Lovren is seen as too rash and Matip was only intended as a stop gap.}

16 Aug 2017 07:08:55
Wow, that is so good to hear. i am of the smaller folks who take every word a manager says to their heart! :) . thank you for that info. now i feel great. even if we don't sign no one at least the sentiment is there. Klopp must be very frustrated on the VVD saga that he messed up himself.

{Ed001's Note - never take a manager's word to heart, they have to say what is best for the team, rather than the truth. Klopp is Klopp, I am not sure he does frustration as he tends to let all his feelings out there and then, rather than bottling them up and letting them bother him.}

16 Aug 2017 07:20:44
Thanks ed001 for your time,
if we can sort out our defense we can genuinely challenge for the league with or without Phillipe.
I pray Klopp manifests his frustration rightly,
As things stand it could go horribly wrong for him and the club if all the negativity seeps in.

{Ed001's Note - agreed, the defence is holding us back, but the midfield needs to do more to help it.}

16 Aug 2017 07:24:41
Excellent reply ed1, great insight.

{Ed001's Note - cheers Fw.}

16 Aug 2017 07:31:17
I would love 2 new centre backs, really love a left footed one to. are there any good left footed cb out there ed001 that we have looked at or any you would like us to sign?

{Ed001's Note - no mate, we did look at a few but I have not seen enough of any of them to judge them.}

16 Aug 2017 07:34:50
on the midfield note, do you think we are too identical in the midfield? i think gini, can and hendo are all the same player. Emre may be more physical as you have suggested, but essentially they all do the same thing. i think we should try firmino in attack midfield have two of hendo can or gini back him up with clear roles like one helps the defense the other links the attack.
right now all three are just clocking miles without effecting the game at all.

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, they are all trying to do the same thing and it is not helping matters. Hendo fully fit and playing well would be first choice, but right now Can should be the only one of them starting for definite.}

16 Aug 2017 07:38:49
Do you not think we would be better ed with a proper holding midfielder in there to stop these huge gaps opening?

{Ed001's Note - it shouldn't be needed, but with the lack of initiative shown by our players, yes we would be better with one. Can can play that role very well, but then you lose that surge he can bring when he gets on the ball and just powers at opponents.}

16 Aug 2017 07:43:30
That is concerning that the defenders just aren't getting what the coach's are trying to drum into then.

16 Aug 2017 07:48:53
ed001 what's your take on Ben Gibson would he be a waste of money for what they are looking for him or would he be an improvement on what we have?

{Ed001's Note - at times he looked a good defender, but he was given a lot of dross to play alongside last season so it is difficult to judge him. I think he can step up from Boro yes.}

16 Aug 2017 07:49:26
Agree on individual defenders, but surely it's the way they are set up also? On free kicks the defensive line seems quite high. They should have scored with a free header toward the end but put it over the bar. The zonal set up on corners is also hard to understand. Not the actual principle of zonal but who zones where. Watford's first came from Lovren not going with the man but also the closest player to the header was firmino, bang in the middle of the 6 yard box. Even if they should be attacking the ball in their zone, Firmino should be around the box picking up scraps not smack bang n the danger zone?

{Ed001's Note - but you have to ask, is that the set up or the players not setting up as they should? I do agree on last night the free kicks, but that was a deliberate ploy. Not one I would have used, but it seemed to work as they did not score from a free kick.}

16 Aug 2017 07:53:16
Great so our best mid fielder out of can hendo and wini could prop leave in this window 😩😩please sort out he contract!

16 Aug 2017 07:53:41
well since ed001 has called it now, donot be surprised if klopp implements it and drops two of them and we start rolling over opponents.
there is only one way upwards from here. let's just support the club like only we can.

{Ed001's Note - if only the club did ever listen to me!}

16 Aug 2017 08:01:12
A good write up Es01. I just want to know from you on Salah. I had raised a few questions before we signed hmm. For me he is all about pace and that's the only way he beats the man or gets the better out of his marker. Mane used his skill to get past his marker while Coutinho fools the defenders and Just walk past them.
Mane works well if you are playing a good counter, All you need is to someone put the ball in that vast space left by the opposition and he will chase down Andy beat his man.
He hardly brings anything else. Off the ball he doesn't track back enough and is not helping his full back in TAA.
He has no right foot either. Most of his goals at Roma came form counter attacking football and Liverpool dominate the possession.
I can understand why Klopp wanted Brandt over any other winger. I hope I am proved wrong but his first touch is crap as well. But his pace helps him it over come the touch.

What's your thought Ed01

Thanks for posting mate.

{Ed001's Note - he tracked back a lot, that is unfair to criticise him, if he had tracked back more we would have had none of the opportunities to counter. If anything, we want him to not track back!

I can only remember one instance of his first touch being 'crap', that was when he went clean through and didn't get his first touch right. That happens when you are sprinting through though.

My problem with having him is that it means Mane has to play on the left and we now have the inverted wingers up top, which I personally hate. Not only does it condense space in the middle of the park, but it also means you are reliant on full backs for all the width. What is the point in having skilful wingers when they are not in a position to use the skill?}

16 Aug 2017 08:12:48
Excellent report ed what would this current team give for a Hansen carragher or hyypia or all three with grobbs in goal we would be such a good side eh such a shame we are so close to being that
Up the pool.

{Ed001's Note - just having Hansen alone would be better than Matip and Lovren together! Now he was a defender, the best we have ever had.}

16 Aug 2017 08:17:19
Very good read Ed 001, you possess a better knowledge of the game than I thought 😏 Only joking. Great to read he wants 2 new centre back, the sooner the better in my eyes. Actually we need 3 as out of the 4 I'd only keep JG. I think at the moment personally Lallana being injured shows how important he is to our team, him in midfield with Can and one other would make a huge difference.

{Ed001's Note - to be fair to Klavan, while I am not a fan, as 4th choice centre backs go he is not so bad.}

16 Aug 2017 08:18:31
Ed001, could you ask the other eds to come together and pressure the club into listening to you! ? :)
Tell me if you need a banner flown uptop anfield telling klopp to listen to you, i happen to know a few pilots :) )

{Ed001's Note - I don't think the club would take any notice, not these days. There are too many people who have all sorts of qualifications that makes them feel superior to those who haven't got them.}

16 Aug 2017 08:18:33
Great write up, but I feel Gini has had a shocker these first two games.

16 Aug 2017 08:30:15
Some great points there Ed01 and as insightful as always. You say Klopp wants 2 replace both centre backs but all summer it looks like we have only been after the 1 in VVD. Have we been secretly courting others behind the scenes and If so any idea why we haven't bought any.

{Ed001's Note - he wants to replace both, but he is not going to do that in one window. The idea was to bring in a left sided one (VVD) to play alongside Matip this summer. Gomez would then get another season to develop in the hope he might be an option to be the right sided one next season. If not, then one would be bought.}

16 Aug 2017 08:30:50
Fair point Ed01.
I don't have much issues if our wingers cut inside as long as we have full backs as an option for them to pass it. Moreno did that a couple of times as he anticipates Mane very well ( the only reason he gets picked in the team ) for
All the running he makes his crossing is poor. He need to look up and pass it to the one in and around 6 yard box rather than just blindly crossing it for the sake of it.

Disagree on Salah. His first touch is poor, I guess you ll notice it going further. Watched him plenty at Roma but his extra pace helps him to cover up that.

Tracking back and helping his full back I am sure he will learn as the season progress but I have doubts on the overall ability of the player.

He often tried to beat his man by pace and he was unsuccessful at least three times yesterday. On the other hand Mane just stop the ball and fool his marker juts like that!

Coutinho is vital for Salah as his first time ball to reach out Salah is the key for him to explore his pace and use it for good. If our midfield doesn't pick Salah quickly then Pace is no help.

Salah' success will depend on Coutinho!

{Ed001's Note - Mane was up against a defender we knew going into the game struggled against pace, it won't always be that way. There will be games where Mane will struggle to beat his man while Salah can get past his. While you judge everything on one game only, you will get more wrong than you get right.

As for watching him at Roma, it really is irrelevant as he is not playing the same role in the same way any more.}

16 Aug 2017 08:46:24
The issue how I see it is that the midfield is lacking a player than can find gaps and turn around under pressure. Instead we are playing the ball back to the defence and they have to play a long ball to firmino who is to small to win the duels. We lose the ball, and the midfield is too far away to counter press, and it's all a mess. So for the system to work we need Phil or lallana, and that will actually help defensively because when we lose possession we will be in better positions for counter pressing and the team will be more like an unit. Now the gaps are too big and our defenders have to face too many one on one situations.

16 Aug 2017 08:42:12
Cheers for the reply Ed 01. Totally makes sense that. We now just have to sign that left sided centre half and get Robertson fit and maybe that will plug this defence considerably better than what we have seen so far. Looking forward to seeing Gomez get a few runs at centre half this season also (if not loaned out, if another cb comes in)

{Ed001's Note - let's hope we get something to show for this season, a trophy.}

16 Aug 2017 08:43:15
Fair points Ed01. Brilliant discussion 😊. May I know if any other editors are writing match preview of their teams? Like Ed025 and Ed04 for Everton and UTD. Would be exciting to see their views as well!

{Ed001's Note - they don't normally, but you could ask them if.}

16 Aug 2017 09:37:47
Any idea why when in possession Hendo is literally stood in between the centre backs literally 5 metres away picking the ball off them and then when players are running at our centre backs our midfielders are nowhere in sight. It's clearly a tactic in possession as it happens a lot but I for one don't see the benefit. Hendo stood there gives us one less in midfield and he has to spray balls from deep with 11 opposition players stood in front of him. Surely the CB can pass the ball forward out of defence to a midfielder.

16 Aug 2017 09:26:05
Oh yes, I would love to hear them! Think it could be great having a match review by respective editors of their team every week or unless you do it for other teams as well!

{Ed001's Note - I don't think I have the time but I will mention it to them.}

16 Aug 2017 09:38:56
Ed 01. Would love a trophy mate. If you had 1 wish what trophy would it be. Would you love another CL win or our first premier league trophy. For me it's all about the league.

{Ed001's Note - Premier League. That is our bread and butter.}

16 Aug 2017 10:44:44
Jay, that is what Ed is talking about regarding the press. We do not press well anymore as when we press and it does not work, we leave too many gaps behind in midfield and the opposition has a free run at our defence. I have seen this in two games now this season. Can to me should be starting every game at the #6 position right now with either Grujic or Wij next to him until Hendo is fully fit cos last night, he was off the pace and his passes and decision-making was poor. He seemed to be trying to do too much and hence, did nothing.

Also, we lack communication in midfield and defence. In midfield when the press, there is no communication among them to see who drops into space in midfield while the others press. They seem to all press at the same time hence again, leaving our defenders exposed. It's the same thing in defence, we do not communicate which is why panic seems to set in when there is a ball in the box. This is due to a lack of leadership, responsibility and adequate coaching.

16 Aug 2017 10:48:36
Great read Ed001 mate. What did you make of their players? Is Kerem Demirbey as good as we made him look?

{Ed001's Note - none of their players are outstanding players, they are just used well tactically. It is their manager that is their strength.}

16 Aug 2017 11:11:52
after to agree with ed001 about Hansen for me the best player we have ever had. and I know Kenny was better and people will say Steve G but Hansen was the only player I know that has be irreplaceable for are team a true rolls Royce of a player never seen a player make the game look so easy in my life time. and we have not won the league since he retired.

16 Aug 2017 11:20:45
Their manager looks like a teenager😊but seems to be tactically astute, great review Ed, I agree with it but moreno was still making silly lunges and missing the ball and to me it looked at times like can was uninterested.

16 Aug 2017 02:41:21
Random name but I'd be interested to know what people think of Geoffrey Kondogbia, he's had a terrible time at Inter but he was brilliant for Monaco prior to that. He's still only 24 so he still has time to develop. Maybe tempt Inter with a year loan with an option to buy?

16 Aug 2017 04:41:46
If we want own goals yeah he is the first in my list!

16 Aug 2017 04:45:14
Terrible attitude and work ethic. No thanks.

16 Aug 2017 06:51:30
that was some own goal though!

16 Aug 2017 10:45:53
Can is way better than him.

15 Aug 2017 22:06:02
Match review pretty please Ed01?

{Ed001's Note - will do it in a bit mate.}

15 Aug 2017 23:26:59
Long time reader first time posting, great result tonight!
Question for ED-02. I have read many times recently about your comments regarding Klopp tapping up players and also Gerrard mentioning speaking to players during Brendan Rodgers time at LFC. Whether it is right or wrong, it has always happened in Football and will always continue to happen (all clubs involved not just Liverpool, I think Roy Keane eluded to this in a recent video which went viral involving Ferguson convincing him to join United over Blackburn whilst at Nottingham Forest) . Can you tell me, are Mourinho's recent comments to Bale "I can't sign you because you don't talk to me" not similar to Klopp's actions? Or are Pogba's comments regarding convincing Lukaku to join United not similar to Gerrard's? If so, have I missed your comments on these instances?

Cheers, K.

{Ed002's Note - You are beyond belief, wanting me to yet again explain quite how awful Liverpool and Klopp have been - and doing this on a night when Liverpool won away from home in the Champions League. You are right and the personification of the Liverpool supporter that has made all of the supporters and the club a complete laughing stock. Yes, it is all about someone else, it is someone elses fault, Liverpool have done nothing wrong, all of the warnings and complaints are wrong, the screwing of the career of a 12 year old is wrong, Southampton and the other clubs are liars and are wrong. Well done, on a night other celebrate. This is what makes the Liverpool supporters so special.}

16 Aug 2017 02:08:53
You obviously aren't a long time reader if you actually think bringing the whole tapping up thing again is a good idea. STOP TRYING TO JUSTIFY IT. It's actually embarrasing. Fans of other clubs must love coming on to this page, reading the posts, and pissing themselves laughing at how stupid some people are on here.

16 Aug 2017 02:51:02
Just watch the games. If football brings joy to you then enjoy football. Every person should answer for their own actions. And if they laugh at you, let them laugh. On a more pertinent and positive note TAA just amazes me, this kid at 18 looks immense. I look forward to the next two home games.

Canadian Fan.

16 Aug 2017 03:31:01
My career was also screwed as a 12 year old when they stopped making the Merseymart.

16 Aug 2017 05:01:02
Man our club have to do like the rules says we are the biggest in England we should act like that.

16 Aug 2017 01:34:32
-----------------I dealt with it and removed your account------------

16 Aug 2017 00:04:22
I have never been more terrified of watching Liverpool matches than when Lovren is playing. My god that man is a disaster waiting to happen.

He lunges into tackles when left completely isolated, drops back to player offensive players onside and has the co-ordination of a drunk zebra in stilts.

If this man is still our starting centre back by the end of this Transfer window. then we are in serious trouble. Lovren is decent enough to be back up, nothing more. We cannot expect our offensive players to score 3 or more goals every game just to compensate for a plentiful of conceded goals.

Also, placing Moreno and Lovren together is a recipe for disaster. Neither player understands the other or even communicates. Both are rash, although Moreno seems to be improving in this aspect, and get caught out of position so often.

It is obvious to see that Moreno is improving, if not slowly and steadily, but Lovren is still the same panicky, lazy player that we have seen for years. That sliding tackle in the second half, when he could have just held the player up, was appalling. It was nothing more than lazy, not bothered to follow the run so instead I'll make desperate lung and, if he gets away, I'll just say I tried my best.

We need a new centre back, pronto. Preferably someone who has leadership qualities, someone that will command his back line, keep them focused and ready, because not a single person in our back line can do this. They all look tentative and afraid to speak out.

Hell, the last player to install confidence in our back line was Carragher. and he was in his mid thirties and slower than ever. At least Carra ordered the players around, no doubt certain team mates resented him for getting on their backs but you need these kind of players. Someone to keep the troops in line, wake them up if needed.

I am hopeful Klopp and the transfer committee have a player in mind if it is not Van Dijk. If we stick with Lovren. then it will be the death of our push for top 4. You cannot win while carrying a player like this. it will only end in disappointment.

16 Aug 2017 01:42:47
If he's not good enough to start, he shouldn't be there at all as it weakens the squad.

There should be hard competition in the squad for the jersey, as that is how you improve, through struugle to better your rival.

In A tricky European away tie We got the vital away goal advantage to bring back to Anfield,

But we are miles away from us keeping a clean sheet.

Worried. com.

16 Aug 2017 04:08:36
Brutally truthful and I whole heartedly agree. We got the win but result could have been horrible. The squad needs 1st team players to improve upon last year's team.

16 Aug 2017 04:10:13
agreed on Lovren but Moreno is improving? how many times he completely out of position today? man I don't have enough fingers to count.

16 Aug 2017 04:28:10
Couldn't agree more but there ain't no business happening here mate so suck it up lovren is here to stay.

16 Aug 2017 04:44:23
Moreno has a nightmare but Lovren was partly responsible for that. The number of times LOvren got outsmarted and someone went past him could have cost us 5 goals last night. Sorry to say this but he has to go, along with Klavan. Fail to sign a CB in this window, then Klopp should go too.

16 Aug 2017 08:17:18
Again Lovren being hammered, did you guys not watch Matip? He was shocking again, yes Lovren was poor but I think Matip was worst, again.
Both need to be replaced in my opinion if we are ever to challenge for the title for a full season.

16 Aug 2017 08:28:33
Lovren was far worse so so rash in the tackle his positioning is much worse.