Liverpool Banter Archive February 19 2013
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19 Feb 2013 22:31:29
Would anyone swap our trophies in the last 8 years (inc Istanbul) for the 8 qualifications arsenal have had to the CL in that time?
I wouldn't swap Istanbul for anything. Not even Kelly brook!
19 Feb 2013 23:21:42
At the end of the day, as nice as it is to have European nights at Anfield, there is only any point in being in a competition like that if we stood a chance in hell of winning it, which we always did when we were in it regularly. I don't see the point in being in competitions for the sake of it. I feel sorry for arsenal at the moment, it must be so hard being consistently not quite good enough
19 Feb 2013 23:27:38
Having said that. the way Arsenal have gone about their business in the transfer market, it's not as of they have been simply unlucky. Whilst being careful with the pennies, they have failed to replace key players over the last few windows. Only themselves to blame
Obviously not they've won nothing.
How can you even contemplate that?
No chance
I'm not sure RedSpud.
My head says Istanbul, but my head says Kelly!
NO.
Istanbul was something special, a majestic fightback.
Arsenal though in the CL for 8 years as you say never managed to win it, and they have been (almost) knocked out again.
Anyone who says they'd sacrifice trophies for a b/s 4th spot on the regular seriously needs their heads testing.
Kelly Brook oh man that's a hard one. {Ed001's Note - did you mean to add an e on the end then??}
Why don't you ask Arsenal fans if they would swap all the trophies we have won for regualr CL spots I think you will get your answer.
Kopping a feel
20 Feb 2013 11:31:16
But I can guarantee. if we would have been in CL. we would have also. been knocked out. earlier.
we aren't good enough to be CL. team.
a couple of aditions wil just push some points.
But to be a top team. we need atleast top 4-5 prooven experieinced names.
under 21 aren't not good enough.
Good question! I doubt any supporter would swap that, however if we did get in the CL then we could attract better players to give us that kick start to winning things again!
Red Lee
19 Feb 2013 22:30:10
hi Eds
I would like to ask a question if utd get knocked out of the cl by real madrid, with arsenal already out is the english league in danger of losing a place in the cl. If this was to happen it would be very hard to get back in with the funds utd chelsea city have. Tommy Irish Red {Ed002's Note - Not for next season at least. Chelsea winning boosted the position of the English teams.}
19 Feb 2013 22:54:42
cheers ed
19 Feb 2013 23:40:36
Arsenal aren't out yet. unlikely they will pull this back, but remember their near come back against AC Milan last season? Far rather see Arsenal win it than United
20 Feb 2013 09:59:59
i would rather anyone won it but utd but I was just asking what the consequences were for the amount of cl places for english clubs as it affects our chances of getting back in, don't worry I hope real hammer utd maybe alonso could get the winner at old trafford in fergie time.
19 Feb 2013 22:27:37
A question for ed002. I'm not trying to be snarky or looking for a 1up here, I just want you're general opinion.
With how Sturridge has started at lfc, are you a bit annoyed Chelsea have let him go, whilst consistently playing Torres with Sturridge never getting a look in? Did you rate him?
And to other posters, we moan about the money we blew on Carroll, but my god what a coupe to get Sturridge for 12m. It's an absolute steal I think. I know it was a risk and we didn't know he would turn out this well, you just gota say fair play BR, for going for him.
{Ed002's Note - Annoyed, no. Players are simply transient employees of a club - nothing more. Sturridge wanted to leave, an acceptable offer was made and the club did not stand in his way. From how he is playing it looks like he will be enjoying his time at Liverpool.}
I think the reality is that certain players flourish under particular types of manager. no coincidence that rodgers and owen coyle are both very hands on and very vocal in their support of their players when needed. both very capable of letting a player know that they believe in them. hence, the form he's produced for both managers at different times in his career so far.
s. p
That's a very political answer mate. Answer as a fan lol! Would you have played DS over FT if you were Chelsea manager? {Ed002's Note - No, that it the answer to the question you asked.}
Ed002, there must be someone you were annoyed to see leave Chelsea in all the years of supporting them? Or at least have some favorite all time players, Blue's or otherwise. ?
"Transient employees" is so formal!
Ryan 'O {Ed002's Note - I don't get "annoyed" by players coming and going Ryan.}
DS was rubbish at Chelsea. Which is why no other top clubs took a punt on him. Having said that he has started well at Liverpool and could still prove a very good player.
19 Feb 2013 22:27:27
Everyone on here now saying how great the German league is and how it's so much better than the Prem. I sometimes cringe at how bitter other Liverpool fans are. Just because our club isn't at the summit you don't have to blurt utter carp that the German/Spanish leagues have more quality than here. We have 6/7 top class teams where they have 2 each. DBol
The PL is the most entertaining league and most competitive.
However I think
La Ligas Top 10 is stronger than the PLs (Barca, Madrid, Athletico, Malaga, Sevilla, Valencia, Betis etc.
BUT the PLs bottom 10 may be stronger than La Ligas bottom 10!
Plus there a numerous quality german teams
Yes Munich, Dortmund
Plus Leverkusen, Shalke etc. But overall PL is stronger though.
La ligas and Bundesliga Top3/4 is stronger than PLs
F5
19 Feb 2013 23:35:39
More Spanish teams still in CL and soon to more German teams left in. Will probably be the same for Europa league by the end of the week. Maybe try watch another league before slating the rest of us. It could be that the epl is not what it was 3 or 4 seasons ago.
Bayern, barca and united are probably the 3 best teams in Europe then teams like real, Dortmund and atletico Madrid. I'm afraid this season city, Chelsea and arsenal are simply not as strong.
Not yet will be in about 5 years I think a deal with sky is just round the corner for them
mayhem 1981
Ability probably yes but nothing can match the pl for entertainment, the gap between man u and QPR is minuscule compared to any other league
Sky will not leave the premier as it is the sky league they near enough own it and to go and do similar in spain or else where is counter productive as that will only make their investment here go down etc
19 Feb 2013 22:01:32
Not sure if you have seen much of Watford this season but they have a Very good centre midfielder Chalobah who's on loan from Chelsea I doubtt he will ever get into there team but he really is an impressive player for a 18 year old have you seen much of him ED01?
RED87 {Ed001's Note - not since he went on loan, but I did watch him in the youth teams, he was outstanding, a really good prospect.}
19 Feb 2013 22:01:22
It might not of worked, but we need to talk note of the Arsenal fans tonight; they were fantastic! It's amazing how much good support can spur players on and I hope our crowd can do this on Thursday, I have a feeling we do it, and I can't wait!
Take not of Arsenal fans? No, no, I don't think so.
Luc YNWA.
Were we watching the same game?
Are you talkin bout the same fans who booed their team off at half time when the team really needed them?
The same fans who emptied the stadium after the 3rd goal? And those who stayed booed at full time? Sometimes the other team are just better than you doesn't mean you boo! Liverpool fans stick with them thru thick and thin let's really show what YNWA means!
We don't need to take note from fans of any club. There is no Ground in England that can create an atmosphere
on European nights
Are you having a giraffe! they headed for the exits with 20mins remaining when the team needed them most! if they would of stayed and got right behind them they might of got a vital 2nd goal. 3-2 down and they had a chance. its 2 legs and yet they left when they could of and should of roared there team to big last 10mins.
In specific the Arsenal fans in the stadium, not those who post on here! HullRED
As long as we don't boo our players off at half time like theu did.
If I was an Arsenal fan I would never go to a game at the Emirates again. The price of tonights tickets were just £2 short of the price of a Bayern Munich season ticket. A disgrace.
I think that noise from the Arsenal end you heard was the squeak of the empty seats
The price of tonights tickets were just £2 short of the price of a Bayern Munich season ticket. A disgrace. - WHAT! is this genuine, how much were they? i'm genuinley shocked
19 Feb 2013 21:55:03
Hello eds! Just something I would like to get peoples opinion on, if Sturridge was to continue his form for the rest of the season do you think we should give him the number nine Shirt next year?
Thanks
The Coon.
I agree, I think he's going to be class and deserves the number 9.
Professor Chaos
19 Feb 2013 22:49:31
He's got to sweat to earn it.
I think he just chose that number, wasn't that his number at Chelsea?
Can't say he needs to sweat to earn it, we gave it willingly to carroll.
The number on the shirt is immaterial
Puzzled
19 Feb 2013 21:39:30
Eds fellow reds, another lesson on how to play football for our great premiere league teams tonight. I said it last week and I will say it again I think we all get brainwashed about the prem it not the best football league anymore.
19 Feb 2013 21:54:05
United are still going strong in there and matched madrid in their backyard and we can play well against united so we aren't that far off
19 Feb 2013 20:56:51
Hey Eds, great job, do you or any readers know the outcome of this, I seem to remember about 7-8 months ago Liverpool getting planning permission for large screens at each end of the Centenary stand, is this going ahead and when, or do you think it will now be part of the expansion plans?
Red Ant. {Ed001's Note - I don't know, I haven't heard anything about that since.}
Hey ed, have Liverpool tested them meat pies in the ground?
Neighhhhh!
Lol.
The Juicer
19 Feb 2013 20:35:14
dear eds,
quick question.
wich positions do u think BR would like to strengthen or get back up for in our beloved reds by the end season beside the obvious center back shortage.
much apperciate your comments
thanx {Ed002's Note - A wide player, at least one CB and a goal keeper.}
So no other forward and a number 10? and defensive mid or left back backup?
Weve got a number ten mate, coutinho if you can't remember
19 Feb 2013 20:32:48
Looking at Arsenal, this is the path were led to believe FSG want us to go down both on and off the pitch, this is one of the many reasons I have a problem with the owners, the balance sheet off the pitch will look fantastic, but does this buisness model bring sucess on the pitch?
The answer you would have to say is a resounding no, and as a club were quite a way away from the Arsenal model now, so if the future looks like this in 2/3 years time then i'm sure the owners will be over the moon but me as a supporter I want success on the pitch!
Now feel free to call this post negative or not supporting the team blah blah blah, I call it REALISM, a dose of which some people who post on here could do with!
Waro
Think Dortmund not Arsenal! And remember city aren't even in the champions league anymore! It's not all about stupid money.
Have we not been in the top spenders every transfer window over the last few seasons?
Its not FSG's fault it has not been spent as wisely as some of us would have preferred (IMO joe allen was probably the most glaring mistake and obviously AC)
But they have not shown any indication that they will sell our best players and not reinvest it in the same way as arsenal.
Jason
If FSG got the stadium redevelopment done AND achieved CL qualification while it was paid off, I can't see there would be much to complain about Waro tbh.
The Juicer
So it is no longer an asset strip then?
Fsg's policy is not like this they want success on and off the pitch they are investors they obviously want a return but doesn't mean they will sacrifice the success on the pitch. If you know anything about fsg it's that they're winners the Red Sox shows that they want success for the club and we have to believe that is the case until they prove otherwise. Enough of jumping to conclusions.
I totally agree Waro, I'm sat here thinking men against boys. This is what we've had to put up with all season.
Ozone
And what model do you recommend Waro? Allowing for sustainability and nominal risk? Or is it simply a fortune of someone else's money poured in?
Andy K
The Juicer, can see what your saying and at the minute being in the champions league would be great, but surely the whole point of football is to win trophys and that's what i'm getting at in my OP, champions league qualification is great but ultimitly winning it and the premier league should be ours and every teams objective and basing your approach and style on a team that have won nothing in the last 7 years is a massive risk.
Waro
19 Feb 2013 21:34:04
after watching a top 4 team getting hammered at home by bayern. its better we are not embarrassed in europe anymore.
Future?. 21, 22, 23, 24. Kids can they challenge. experienced quality players?
ed. which was the youngest side won the CL?
Only jack wishere is the only english player. young. who can get into a top side in europe. and that the reason. no club outside england buy any english players.
Plus it's very cute the way FSG have gone about things. For example, if we do in fact receive £18 mill from West Ham for Carroll, FSG haven't lost a penny from an accounting perspective. Half way through his contract, so as an asset he will be valued at £17.5 mill for that accounting period. FSG's transfer policy is tantamount to a hedge fund.
Ozone {Ed002's Note - Rubbish.}
The great success of Arsenal is that they maintained top 4 placings with United, Chelsea and City spending whilst behind the scenes putting everything into building the new stadium to give them a chance of creating the turnover to match the top 3 without risking the existence of the club. They now have he money to spend on transfers and wages etc to bring in real quality but have a manager IMO who has got lost along the way and trusts poor players who continue to let the team down and can't seem to see the teams weak points.
The real shame is that Arsenal are 5-10years ahead of us financially because their owners took the bull by the horns. Previous owners didn't realise they needed to do it, Hicks and Gilete piled so much acquisition debt on the club that there was no way we could afford it and FSG are trying to get it done but are coming up against barriers.
Spending money we don't have to buy players with no thought for the long term goal of getting more people into Anfield to increase club revenues to match the big boys is the reason we now find ourselves off the pace with a massive chasm to bridge to get back to where we want to be.
We've brought in £35 mil and £23 mil forwards under FSG. Something Arsenal havn't done.
The only thing that matters to me at the end of the day is putting the right players in a Red shirt.
And as we well know as Liverpool supporters it's not always about paying a fortune for them neither.
I'm all for having a ruthless management team, if a player doesn't fit get rid quick no dithering about.
If they come in like Suarez and do the business by all means give them more money and a better contract.
That's what were doing and I for one support it.
KUMBER, buying players for relatively modest fees then selling them for huge money ( fabregas, nasri etc ) and not spending any of the massive profit they make on replacements is a form of asset stripping in my book!
Maybe you would like us to sell suarez for £50 million then buy for example an unkown french striker for say £12 million to replace him? Fair play if that brings a smile to your face, £38million in the bank for the owners and a sub standard replacement for the fans to cheer, nice one! Not for me i'm afraid!
Waro
Waro {Ed001's Note - have Liverpool done that under FSG? Because I can't think of a single instance of that happening.}
Thank you for the dose of REALISM Waro. Topped off with a teaspoon of delusion from ozone.
Got to go now. Thai curry is ready. A perfect combination of sweet, sour and bitter.
Mmmm
Bigbadben
Havent Arsenal won the Premier League with this "approach"
The usual "socialist Brothers" anti capitalist business unless it's on my Team
You get worse by the second "LAD"
Lyndon
Ok Ed, if you say so.
Ozone
Yes it is FSGs fault Jason, their transfer policy limits the options available to Rodgers. If we need a centre half and there's potentially 5 available, but 4 are over a certain age limit, that doesn't leave us with much to choose from.
Ozone
Ok big shot Lyndon, outline to us all the merits of FSG's transfer policy, in terms of bringing success on the pitch. We can all see the risk averse accounting benefits.
Ozone {Ed002's Note - Have the flakes in SOS gotten to you with their propaganda?}
Ed001 Lyndon made a comment and I replied to it, FSG are fans of the Arsenal model are they not, and that's how Arsenal have done buisness thus far, and I have seen comments made buy Ed002 in the past were he has intimated that a sell to buy policy maybe the future way Liverpool do buisness! That was the point of my OP. But if the implication is FSG have spent vast amounts of money on players ( net spend ) then sorry I can't agree with you on that!
Waro
p. s. I hope you don't say you havn't said that in the past Ed002 because i'm sure i've read it, but if i'm wrong I apologise. Going to bed, early start in the morning just incase I get a derogatory post and you think i'm not replying to it because in scouse talk " you have had me off! " {Ed002's Note - Not exclusively but they are not going to continue to pour money in to the club at the rate they have been doing.}
Lyndon my OP, was aimed at texans such as yourself LAD. Have Arsenal won the League since they moved grounds and undertook there current model? D'oh!
Waro
Sorry it was KUMBER who made the comment Ed001.
Waro
Warpo I'm totally In favour of your version of asset striping.
Buy a striker say Suarez £23 million
Sell a striker say Torres £50 million
+£27 million I don't care what happens to that money. Henry could spend it on red dress for his wife.
Asset striping would be
Liverpool sell entire first team squad and promote u21 squad to first team.
Ozone to your first reply
The only time we got truly battered this season was by Aston villa, pretty sure they had a younger squad than us.
Kumber, what about Arsenal home, Swansea League cup, West Ham away (up untill Diame went off), Stoke away, Oldham FA cup, West Brom home and Zenit.
Ozone
Sorry Kumber, I also missed out West Brom away, struggled with Stoke at home, Swansea away and Sunderland away. Plus first half disgrace at Utd, players looking like rabbits in headlights. Shall I go on?
Ozone
Fsg will be happy to spend whatever profit they make on new players. So if we happen to get into a CL spot then there will be more money to spend. What they won't do is spend much of their own money.
The Irish Rover
Just as a side note to this. I don't think Dortmund comparisons off the field are helpful as they already have an 80k+ capacity relatively modern stadium that means if they put a competitive team on the field, whether that's through massive spending or developing players, they have a chance to generate the turnover and commercial deals to sustain success.
We could have a team full of stars and win every game we play but if we can only get 45000 into Anfield on match day we will always struggle to keep that team together. We compare well with the likes of Arsenal on Tv revenue and commercial revenue but lose out c65 million per year on matchday revenue compared to Arsenal just because of the stadium. That's 2 or 3 top players per year if the rest of the club is well run.
20 Feb 2013 08:05:28
If someone offered me 12 million pounds to kick the ball into the goal, I swear on my life I would score at least 80% of the time! The problem with the game is not owners it's players they don't know how lucky they are. They get paid stupid amounts of money to play a game so I think if you pay 15 mil for Joe Allen he better be doing his job! with the financial state the most countries in the world are in. Imagine how many people you could help. My point is that we support a football club we should not be concerned with how owners spend their money just with what's happening on the pitch! Because at the end of the day the whole football corporation just takes the pi*s out of us, much like banks etc. The difference it makes to you is minimal, whether you watch Liverpool on thursday or Wednesday? Or in league one or pl? Don't get me wrong everyone wants their team to win but honestly guys think about it
20 Feb 2013 09:34:04
Arsenal are their own worst enemys! there's no suggesting when we sell a player for a profit (Don't argue, at some point its going to happen) that those funds won't be re-invested. The only reference we have to go by is Torres, and it that case we spent more than �50 million on strikers that January to replace him.
As i've said repeatedly, If people continue to bash FSG to for things they havn't done yet, they are going to walk away, then the ney-sayers will use that as proof they were' bad all along', totally discounting their part in it all.
Was Hicks and Gillette really that long ago?
WelshBoyDave
I think you should take away the 'agree' button for all Ozone posts. It doesn't get much use in comparison with the 'disagree'.
Fowler99
Allen 15 mil
Borini 11 mil
Coutinho 8 mil
Sturridge 12 mil
J Cole 3 mil
Almost 49 mil provided by FSG to Rodgers as transfer fees
Almost 50 mil written off for stadium plans.
Almost 40 mil provided to Kenny for the rebuilding.
That makes it almost 140 mil plus.
I don't think we do not have responsible and caring owners. Not even an iota.
Still waiting for a response Lyndsey, I see your girlfriend Fowler99 has joined in the frolics.
Ozone
19 Feb 2013 20:29:43
Its intresting with everyone wanting fsg out. They have injected a lot of money and it has been the managers'
fault for buying some pointless players. I don't think getting rid of fsg is the answer to top 4
Lets no say everyone for a start. I for one think they are excellent and the best we could want, for our club to have a sustainable, successful long term future.
Andy K
Not everyone DOES want FSG out
19 Feb 2013 20:23:28
Looks like 2 of my preferred signings from 2 seasons ago could actually be genuine targets this summer.
Turan and Lovren.
Should it happen I'd be a very happy lad
Chris in Tamworth
Turan would be fantastic to have. Any idea of a rough figure ed for potential buyers (which I am lead to believe we aren't)?
ChrisMiz {Ed002's Note - Clubs do not buy players because they are supporters. Arda was certainly looked at by Liverpool but clearly those that were in control of transfers did not progress any initial interest. Eventually he moved to Spain. We knew very early on that he would be leaving Galatasaray for Atletico Madrid once money had been freed up through the sale of Aguero - although there was strong interest from elsewhere. Arda Turan will most likely move this coming summer subject to a suitable bid being made - something in the order of £18M-£20M. The likely destinations are England and Italy although there remains a chance that German interest from both Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 will still be there - and an outside chance of a return to Turkey. Atletico Madrid have already rejected a move from Schalke saying they did not want to sell in January.}
Thanks for the reply, ed. I wasn't suggesting he'd join us because he is a fan, it was just a very general interest question as to what his value was.
Cheers,
19 Feb 2013 20:12:54
Just watching Arsenal / Bayern was just thinking how when Bayern get a corner there's none of this pushing and shoving in box and standing in front of the keeper. Bayern players are attacking the ball from the edge of the area and now they've just scored from a corner. Perhaps that's something we could do on Thursday.
19 Feb 2013 20:09:18
so happy we are not in cl.
bayern is hammering a top 4 side in england.
lets take some long time. to get in.
coz. clubs outside england. are all top. top draw.
bayern. milan, barca. real. dortumand.
we woulld have been hammerd.
This bayern is already looking extra ordinary.
OMG. with pep coming along. germans are going to rule football.
Javi martinez. what a player. absolute quality.
The same Bayern, who lost to Chelsea in the final last season, when Bayern had brush everybody aside in the previous rounds.
Sooty
This is the natural ebb and flow. It wasnt that long ago Liverpool we're considered one of the top European sides. not 20 yrs ago. about 4-5 years. These sides are reaping the dividend of their sound financial and/or youth development programmes. something our teams are only starting to really get to grips with. We we went for the instant gratification and at some point the bubble had to burst. Better late than never. I have no worries that we will be back. Though aren't Chelsea the current cup holders?
I seem to remember us hammering Real Madrid 4 - 5 years ago. I wouldn't take much stock in one result. Wait to see who wins the thing.
20 Feb 2013 12:09:09
i don't get what's he saying.
chelsea victory proved one thing. miracles do happen.
and common. how can u doubt bayern quality?
theya are just brilliant.
19 Feb 2013 19:07:30
Hi ED's can't help but feeling the rumours on the sales of 6 players to be sold in the summer to raise funds for new signings would be a mistake if it where to be true. Reina not had the best of season and a half but still a good keeper, skrtel was our best player last season and still a really quality defender and enrique is quality in my opinion. He is the best left back in the league I think for defending and good going forward allbeit not as good as baines at attacking. if we were to get rid of these types of players the new ones we bought would have to be settle in which might take some time which we havn't got as our fans demand success instantly (and rightly so).
19 Feb 2013 18:02:34
Are footballers wimps? Came home from match on Sunday and said to the misses. Borini went down and was screaming holding his shoulder, I could hear the blood curdling scream, I knew it was a dislocation, he went straight off down the tunnel. I was thinking she'd be all. Ouch. Not nice.
Wife:so what. a pro skater on dancing on ice dislocated his shoulder the other week in the warm up. They took him in to the physio and he went out that night and performed doing lifting and all sorts. Then she walked off! :-) I was gobsmacked!
Final point - I don't watch dancing on ice!
I'd cry like a baby! I'm with borini.
Yeah yeah no need to defend yourself, there are probably loads of men who watch it :)
Injuries aren't black and white, football teams probably have better doctors than Dancing on Ice. To put him out for the season, I'd suggest Borini's injury is a magnitude worse than the other guy you described.
I know a friend of mine who puts his shoulder back in the socket joint himself whenever it gets dislocated.
but, then he is scared of spiders.
every man knows his own pain
We used to just pop it back in and send back out but we now know there is a very very high likelihood of it happening again and each time it causes more trauma to the joint leading to long term instability like another poster said about his mate.
The long lay off is for the surgery and rehab required to make it less likely to happen again. It's a lot of hard work to get back so I wish him all the best but he will come back stronger.
Surely a dislocated shoulder would not keep any man off work for three month's?
It kept Carra out for 3 months although admittedly he got up after the injury and got back into position to defend the corner/freekick with his shoulder still dislocated before getting subbed off. He was probably disappointed to get the hook!
In highschool I played rugby and in 1 season 1 of my friends dislocated his shoulder like 3 times, he'd just trod of the pitch to the medics for aid, never screamed or anything and that was when I was 16. to come back to your question: yes footballers are wimps (most of them). remember Nani against us a couple of seasons ago? My point exactly
Oh and in rugby when a guy gets a dislocated shoulder he'd be out for like 2 weeks max?
20 Feb 2013 11:14:34
Guys, seriously, dislocated shoulders are a big deal.
As someone said, the more it happens, the more its likely to happen. Putting it back in yourself is possible but not advisable. You risk serious damage doing a 'DIY' job, and he will probably have keyhole surgery.
It will take 6 weeks to heal without surgery, then it could happen the first time he falls again! The club doctors should recommend the surgery, or they will leave it until the end of the season because we're short, but then after gaining match fitness the season would be near over anyway!
Source: I've done it 9/10 times in 3 years, and awaiting my 2nd surgery!
WelshBoyDave
20 Feb 2013 17:34:40
Just thought it was worth bringing up, B. are confirmed Borini will have the operation. None of this Mel Gibson carp!
WelshBoyDave
19 Feb 2013 17:35:04
Delighted with the response to my post yesterday. Glad that so many people agree with my observations of the owners.
Obviously I'm not THE Gazza but a Scottish faithful fan called Gary.
I am very optimistic for the new season. I can see some players going in the summer with a couple 12-15 million pound buy's to replace them. There is no way we will spend big on any player just now.
If we make the Champions League, the good thing about the way the owners have handled us is that the money made by getting to Champions League can go straight back into the team so we might see the superstar signing but again I doubt it. Personally, I like the way we are being handled. Out of the public eye.
Gazza
You were spot on last night in what you were saying. I have been sayin exactly the same thing to people this season. The so called fans need to realise if they thought were going to contend for the title or get straight into that fourth position need to stop fantasising. This season was always getting used to the system of play, balancing the books etc. personally Rodgers has done very well with the funds and the squad he has had at his disposal. Also not to mention the way he handles the press, as much as I live dalglish he was awful in conferences. I don't know what other people thing?
Scouse 1892
You are The Gazza. Believe in yourself
19 Feb 2013 17:19:38
ed, in your opinion, what has skirtel done wrong, and how have skirtel and agger gone from the best defensive partnership in the league to pretty poor?
thanks
john {Ed002's Note - I am not aware that Skrtel has done anything wrong.}
He was in Hereford on Saturday evening.
In Hereford, you may not shoot a Welsh person on Sunday with a longbow in the Cathedral Close. (fact).
I'm not saying that's what he did wrong, or that he was even still in Hereford any time sunday, but I think BR and FSG should be clear about the whole situation. Or admit they are out of their depth.
What was all that about BBB?
19 Feb 2013 16:44:30
Not posted in a while but was wondering how our wages compare to a couple of years ago, It seemed a large part off our transfer policy but the same time our squad has improved.
19 Feb 2013 16:35:06
Personally think we're going to play a 3-5-2 against Zenit on Thursday. Expect 25 plus shots at goal. May win 3-0 or go out 3-2 but our intensions should be to attack in droves. Could be a great Euro night
2-0 x time or 4-1 no x time
Personally, I think it will be 4-2-3-1. We score a first goal at 65mins. The pressure that puts them under is immense. Opposition normally then go in to survival mentality, they then start hanging on. Get another and then sneak it at extra time.
We concede, for me it's game over so 3-5-2 is too risky in my opinion.
To the last poster, we won't be sneaking it after extra time at 3-1 or 4-2 all that will bring is penalties.
How could we play with 2 up front when borini is injured and sturridge and coutinho are inelligable?
If we win 3-1 or 4-2 we go out on away goals, no penalties kid
Red1
We would go out on away goals Kidmillions not pens mate!
Waro
Thanks Red1: OOPS! Your right, the only score that would bring penalties is 2-0 at 90mins
and no further goals in xtra time.
Aways goals only used to count in 90mins at one time.
The only scoreline that can bring penalties 2 0 to the Red's!
19 Feb 2013 16:13:42
Hey ed, what is your prognosis for the fates of Kenny's black sheep Henderson and Downing for the coming window? They've both improved under the new manager, but lazy journos keep linking them with moves away?
Personally, I hope we keep Hendo and give him a role next season, but I am still at the fence for Downing.
Cheers,
Drigan {Ed002's Note - We will see nearer the summer but both could well stay now.}
Henderson has slowly proved himself as a 1st team regular so he will defiantly be staying, Downing could go if we get the right bid in although he has also proved himself.
I think Henderson has more than proved he is a capable of playing for us.
Downing has started to change my mind but that I am not sure he is a creative enough force for what Rodgers wants
Downing has had nobody to aim at with his crosses until Sturridge came along. So, I expect more assists for him now.
There is no way he can justify selling Hendo and keeping Allen.
We need more attacking players but we should keep Downing as he adds depth
G
Allen had a great start to the season and hendo was terrible, just because a player has a dip in performnace doesn't mean he is incapable!
Well said Gill, Biorythms used to be cited for up and down performances a few years back.
19 Feb 2013 15:47:33
With all this speculation, what are everyones thoughts on the likes of Downing and Reina? Would you be happy to sell them? Personally i'd keep both. Reina can still be a top class keeper for a few years yet and i'm baffled by how many people seem to have forgotten that. He's made mistakes but so do all keepers. I've also been really impressed with Downing. Knuckled down and beginning to get some confidence back after being slated by just about everybody. Been one of our best players in recent weeks, not blessed with skill but doing a good solid job for the team and looks a threat going forward.
P. S. Just incase you haven't hit the disagree button yet, i'm also an admirer of Borini and think he'll come good for us given a chance.
How on earth can Borini ger a chance if he is always injured? The scouting department failed. or rather the medical department by not spotting/realizing that the poor guy is so "fragile" (injury prone).
hEugeLFCen
Borini should stay, he has a lot of potential, and with Sturridge in we can ease him on a rotational princip, and give him an year or two to develop. I very much hope he will be a class act for us : )
Reina and downing, it's 50/50. Both are suffering a lot of abuse, but should be released only if a better player is found - and no matter what people think, it is not that easy! Reina might be having a dip in form, but he is still a class act, he just needs to hit his form, preferably at the same time with the defense before him. Downing is a limited footballer, but he is giving it all, and has proven versatile. He would be an excellent rotation player, but the hefty prize tag might push him out of the club.
Drigan
Agree with almost every thing you said.
reina is still one of the top 3 in the league easy (imo only behind vorm. (whos signing is he)). don't think he is to blame for that many goals really (as you said all goalie make mistakes).
dowing has played well for a while now imo a few months, the only reason I would let him go is his age and the fact that we could still get a good fee if the right buyer was asking.
enrique I would let go also if there was a lb brought in, seems to go to sleep every couple of games, and imo if you look past the pace and power there is not that much of a footballer there.
borini needs time and games, people that judge him and allen already as not fit to whare the shirt i'm pretty sure they were the ones last year saying the same thing about hendo and lucas. some have said borini is liked to inzaghi in his home land where people have actually seen him play, so I will take their word for it rather then some who have not even seen him play.
rodger imo is the right man, I have always supported him and I will even after our next loss.
fsg have done everything they said they would.
you don't know what you have till its gone.
Agree with Kumber: Downings age, lack of goals and we could still get a decent price, enough to pay for ince, (same position, younger, goals) shame really because I actually like the way Downing has fought for his place but there can be no sentiment in football.
Enrique, can't have inconsistency in the back 4, you might get away with further up the field.
Reina same applies.
Borini is injury prone? Not sure how many players would get up and carry on with a broken foot or dislocated shoulder!. If someone keeps pulling muscles or constantly has niggling problems that's injury prone.
To say Borini is injury is hugely unfair.
Borini is horsemeat, better of in a Happy meal, we might get back some of our outlay on him.
G
I don't think you will call him injury prone because of those injury. Its plain Bad luck. But my take is regardless of the injury he seems to find a good position and finds the right pockets, but if the managements have doubt about him they should sell him and recoup some cash and buy a proven striker. someone in the mould of Llorente or Torres of 2007-8 some one who is quick can shot with both feet and good in air to give us that different dimension if we need a bit taller striker. We have been creating awful lot and if we take our chances we would be much higher of the field.
Red 316
19 Feb 2013 15:34:58
No announcement due on Wed, just BR's Press Conf. Whether you like it ir not, FSG will be around for another few years. One thing is for sure, Ayre stating that house sale discussions going well around Anfield is false. Some residents not letting valuers in!
ED002, your comments about Wed have evolved into a huge rumour that the Qatari Royal Family are either buying LFC or investing. Ahhh Chinese whispers eh? There is interest from mid east, however JWH will not sell yet until 'the asset' has reached it's peak.
Cecil {Ed002's Note - I certainly never said that there would be any takeover announcement on Wednesday.}
19 Feb 2013 15:00:33
There's no doubt a lot of the rumours about the owners selling up have originated from twitter, but I just can't help but wonder why purslow said what he did. was he just expressing his personal opinion or does he have some inside info.
19 Feb 2013 15:23:27
On Thursday against Zenit it would be ideal if we kept the same shape we played against Swansea.
I personally would push Enrique forward into Coutinho position and bring Wisdom in. Give Henderson a free role behind Suarez. That would be more a less the same shape.
In Enrique case, sometimes when you get a goal, your likely to get another one while your confidence is up.
Plus their dodgy defence won't be able to handle Enrique (who's like a bull) and Suarez.
Who's playing in Sturridge's place though? He was the 1 in our 4-2-3-1 at the weekend.
Misterdrumz: I said push Suarez forward, so that would be Suarez.
Agree with Kidmillions. With Borini now injured (and with the cup-tied players) the team more or less picks itself.
Just to throw some other options out there, could Gerrard roll back the years and play just off Suarez? Or should Suso get a chance to play that role (arguably his natural position)?
I agree with kid millions. Enrique has a great understanding with Suarez when he gets forward. Sub suso if someone is having a mare.
19 Feb 2013 13:40:57
WHY do people play football manager and give predictions that only chelsea, man city, psg and a couple of russian clubs can do
Liverpool can if needed i'm sure go out and spend 35 /40 million on a top player but will not pay the 6 or 7 million signing on fees and 130,000 pound wages that go with it that's why we will never see a cavani/sneijder type of player here.
the owners have pumped a lot of money in behind the headlines to get this club back on track they have got rid of the over paid players that were not fit to wear the shirt of this great football club and in coutinho, sturridge, allen, sterling and suso we have the base for the next 10 years.
experience is the next step and i'm sure brendan rogers does not need are help to identify that we are attacking as well as any team in the premiership at this time maybe a new keeper and central defender to replace reina and skrtel might be needed and a more defensive midfielder to help us break down the attacks of the opposition when we lose the ball are needed but I think we are nearly there the one thing that is missing for us now is the mental toughness to break down teams and to hold a lead when we get it that comes with hard work and the Liverpool spirit not a large check book and some overpaid players
mystic red
Attacking is one thing, putting the ball in the net is another. It hasn't got anything to do with mental toughness it's about having the right players on the pitch. You have to have that cut and thrust upfront.
When Suarez and Sturridge are on the pitch we've got it.
We just need decent quality back up strikers for them 2 and we'll be ok and maybe an experienced playmaker that can also score a goal or two.
While Coutinho and Suso are progressing.
Allen, the next 10 years. Only if we play in the Championship!
Sturridge and Suarez upfront is scary for any team to face. If coutinho settles quick, next season can be special.
19 Feb 2013 13:39:52
Lets have a vote. Who would u rather have in the lfc team Neymar, Hulk or falcao
Falcoa
R
Falcao for sure.
Hulk is too inconsistent, and Neymar will wet his pants dealing with the epl's physicality.
Hulk - then the scoreline from last week, would have been different :-p
Falcao
Ince and Ngoo as back up to our S. A. S strikeforce.
Falcao easily
Shame it'll never happen
Chris in Tamworth
Falcao
If we sign falcao we can use him to sign torress in a player exchange deal.
derryred
Falcao
Neymar, younger faster and potential to be the best player in the world
19 Feb 2013 13:23:27
Reading quite a lot of posts slating FSG and wanting new owners!
Wake up and smell the coffee people and be careful what you wish for!
They have done a heck of a lot for us and whilst I don't always agree with some of their decisions - well that's just life.
Show them some respect and realise that they effectively saved us financially.
They've also pumped a lot of further investment money into the club and put us on a sounder footing.
They are decent people with a sound vision - rather them than an oligarch simply out for a toy club to play with!
M
Oligarch simply out for a toy club to play with
=====================
I agree with most of what you said except for the above line, nobody buys a toy club, the likes of Abramovich and the city owners don't look at their multi million investments as toy thing. if they had that outlook they would n't have made their money, Chelsea is worth at least 4 times than what Roman initially paid for it and City now worth twice as much as 5 years ago.
There are different ways and approaches to business and investments, FSG like the medium risk with steady progress, keeping financials in control and hoping that the club progress slowly and increase revenue slowly. then there is the high risk investors like City and Chelsea where you pump in as much as possible early on and hope for a quick return. either method can work or fail, and both with long term plans in mind.
Roy
As a spurs fan I can see a lot of good your owners are doing! Levy was the same when he first took over our club! Our name one way or other had been dragged through they mud! All that the great sir billy Nick had built up in the 60`s and whate keith burkinshaw tried to carry one was basically torn apart by inept ownership! When burkinshaw left my club his parting words were, `there used to be a football club over their`! We nearly went bankrupt and relegated! What they were doing to the club was slowly killing sir bill! He was a pathfinder! They said the double was impossible? He did it! They said europe couldn't be conquored? He did it! He died knowing the club was back In good hands! Levy has a blue print, the club is finacially sound, a state of the art training ground has been built! A state of the art stadium has begun, we have invested in some of the best behind the scenes and on the field of play! The youth set up is second to non at the moment the under 21's sit top of the league the next gen team have thumped barcelona in their own yard 4−1! They hammered inter milan by 7 or 8? can't remember? They get through the group then most are sent out on loan! The thing is it takes time! You yourselves have a good set up? Give them the time to see their plan start working? don't hound them out! We believe we have the best chairman in the league! Yea sometimes he gets it wrong! But most times he's on the nail! How many times has he done fergie? 3 or 4! he's very shrewed and I think yours are too? Give them the time or you may well regret it?
Sbn
I remember when Rafa and H&G were with us.
I was having a disgreement witha fellow fan and he wanted us to drop out of the CL for a few years, as that would probably mean H&G have to sell and rafa would probably either be sacked or leave.
He got what he wished for, but now relaises that he would have preferred things to stay as they were.
M,
If you were giving FSG a school report it'd be a C+.
"Some promise but John has a tendency to lose concentration and let his mind wander to other matters. Can do better. "
Sbn I think is spot on comparing the spurs owners to fsg, I think both have similar methods.
The question is will Spurs ever finish in the top 2, are they considered a consistent top 4. only time will tell.
Roy
Sbn. Thanks! For a really good common sense post.
Our club has a soul, it has a deep rooted tradition of passion and glory built on success.
The club has a close bond and affinity with the fans all over the world.
Our name evokes memories of past achievements and is synonymous with success.
It is a club we are proud of. We do not want an Oligarch treating us fans with disdain nor disrespect to serve his own egotistic purposes.
We are not a club where success is bought on a sour note and which lacks any class.
So I say. We do not want owners that treat our great club like a plaything.
We are Liverpool FC.
M
19 Feb 2013 13:00:22
Going to first game this season on Thursday, thanks to a mate with a spare. Hoping to see 'up and at them' from the start. This needs the players to ALL turn up this time. Rogers needs to play the men for this one. No passing across our own box, getting caught in possession and poor passes. And let's play someone near Saurez so he's not fighting on his own again.
ND
19 Feb 2013 12:49:16
What I'd do this summer:
Out:
Carroll, Skrtel, Downing, Coates, Assaidi, Spearing, Shelvey, Flanagan.
In:
Zieler, Lovren, Williams, Diame, Isco, Dszudszak, Eminike.
Wouldn't sell Reina, but buy Zieler who is has great potential and good enough to keep him on his toes.
Zieler is 24 and he's playing week in week out for Hannover 96 he won't come to be a bench warmer.
I hope that we keep Shelvey to be honest as he has the potential to be a very good CAM. He needs to improve dramatically though on his positioning and passing but mainly his decision making on the ball. All of these will come with game time and experience, which is useful as he is only very young
19 Feb 2013 13:03:47
This is not Football manager, so it doesn't matter what YOU would do! unless you want everyone to pat you on the back and say how clever you are! I hate these type of posts, what you would do does not matter, and has no bearing.
Isco now a €40m odd buyout clause. How in the world would you facilitate bringing him in, let alone with the others?
Melbourne CFC
19 Feb 2013 13:54:09
Isco is a London blue.
Don't you think Shelvey is a bit one-footed and one-paced. I do. Got some good aspects to his game but? He's not for me I'm afraid.
Millions I agree that Shelvey is very one footed but he can work on his weaker foot whilst improving on his other flaws.
19 Feb 2013 12:33:41
I will start by saying that 9th place is not good enough for LFC on a season by season basis and I begin every year with the expectations that we will challenge for all honors up for grabs. however this was always going to be a rebuliding year. Throughout the season I have seen consistent progress in our play. we have been dominant in possession for the majority of the season and I feel with a little more time we can turn that into goals as we saw against swansea. our side is beginning to show the form we expect at our great club. the arrivals of sturridge and coutinho have and will continue to add the venom we need in the attack to dovetail with suarez. I feel that with a good finish to the season and a strong summer window we will be right back up there in the fight for the PL. the one major concern I have is that our supporters have lost the belief. I understand that a lot has happened in the 20years since our last EPL title but keep the faith. believe again and show your support whole heartedly and you will be surprise by what we can accomplish. sorry for the long post but keep the optimism the only thing we as supporters can control is our attitude. YNWA
-sLIM
19 Feb 2013 12:25:53
We have good owners in fsg, and I for one hate the idea of having a sugar daddy.
We have gone on for years about how we hate the likes of city and chavski, how money ruins the game and takes all skill out of it. don't be two faced and say these things yet drool over some middle east sug than buying the league. Have some pride in our identity. We are Liverpool fc. Not some oil barons plaything. A sugar daddy will ruin our reputation, our imagear daddy coming to buy us messi.
We may not have a team of world beaters entirly, but i'd rather that than buying the league. We are Liverpool fc, not some oil barons plaything. Having a sugar daddy would ruin our image, our pride, our identity. Suddenly we would become the thing which for years we have hated.
Have the balls to stand up and say that our pride in playing fair is more important than having ronaldo and buying th3e league.
Anonymous woolback
Deep down I don't think any Liverpool fan give's 2 hoots who owns us if we're to win the league.
Im a bit 50/50 on this topic. It does prove that money can win the league ie Blackburn, Chelsea & City but your right in saying it would be the wrong way to win it. But I wouldn't be complaining too much if it meant keeping Suarez and winning trophies
Real Madrid in 1950s, early sixties bought the European Cup 6 times, with players like Di Stefano, Puskas.
It wasn't well received even in those days as a lot of Spanish people only wanted Spanish players in Madrids team.
Buying the best players to win Trophys and be the best. Is nothing new.
Would much rather win the league in 10years through our own means and hard work, than win it next season because some rich oil baron bought it for us. Embarrassing the way clubs like City and Chelsea are ran. There's a reason FFP rules were conceived.
Kidmillions, while I do not disagree with you, we don't have the Bank of Spain, backing us and allowing us to run at a loss every year.
Andy K
19 Feb 2013 12:22:10
hello, eds, this isn't a rumour or even Liverpool related but I was hoping you could clear it up for me anyway. its just a question about the loans really, just getting a bit confused about the rules and regs regarding them. I think its Watford have like 10 players on loan and 8 of them are all from the same team (Udinese)? am I right in saying this? if so how is this possible? thanks in advance, correct me if I'm wrong :). {Ed002's Note - There are different rules for different leagues.}
19 Feb 2013 12:14:06
Ok, I see it like this, based on the result from the First Leg of the Europa cup against Zenit we are already out of the competition,
so in other words we have nothing to lose on Thursday, so there is a certain freedom we have when playing on thursday, unlike Zenit, they will be anxious and nervous because they know LFC will be planning an all out attack,
there is no other round after this if we lose on thursday so I say go all out, go in with the mentality of this being the CUP final, give Suarez some support up front but let's go guns blazing, what do we have to lose?
That's exactly the thing that BR should be telling the team, no use in sitting back, or being too cautious, goals from us is what is going to win this game, we need to score goals without conceeding,
You are right to a degree, the team will be the same as it was vs Swansea other than obviously Coutinho & Sturridge, although I think if we get an early goal within 15mins then we will go on and win comfortable.
Id line up so Gerrard would support Suarez as we only have Suarez available in the Europe Cup now Borini is injured yet again, it can also be the usual 433 with Gerrard playing an advanced midfield role.
Zenit will sit back in numbers and play on the counter. Liverpool have struggled against teams who park the bus. Plus we are without Sturidge and Countinho. No easy task but if we can register an early goal it will give us the momentum to go onto win. BR just needs to figure out how get behind their wall of defenders without leaving us short at he back. The two wingers will be key and Suarez needs to have his goal scoring boots on! YNWA
If we need wingers then surely Assaidi should get a look in somewhere, he has the speed to get past them.
Also if Sterling were to play for 45 mins at full speed on the wings as opposed to his slower 90m game pace then we should give them some headaches.
and bodies in the box, we really need to give suarez support/options or even just distractions for the defence. That should ensure we smother them, don't think they'll handle that well with 4 away losses in europe.
come on redmen!
misterdrumz
19 Feb 2013 11:21:38
Ed any update on the redevelopment of Anfield {Ed002's Note - The next thing to happen will be the submission of plans.}
I know there are procedures to go through, but isn't this starting to really drag on and on.
19 Feb 2013 06:58:31
Eds I would love Emenike to sign. Any thoughts? With Paul taking charge at Blackpool, any chance again for Tom to move over? Cheers. {Ed002's Note - See previous answers please.}
18 Feb 2013 23:33:35
Can the eds please tell me where all this talk of the owners leaving has come from
Anonymous woolback {Ed002's Note - It was Twitter.}
Don't forget Purslow's contribution on the topic last week.
18 Feb 2013 23:15:42
Hello Ed002, are you leaving this site. If so may I ask why?
Thanks
Blair Mayne YNWA JFT96 {Ed002's Note - Blair, I am not planning to leave just yet. I notice you have been having fun with WonderDogSparky over recent months.}
New job Ed and 2 new babies has kept me very busy. Haven't been to a game at all this season nor have I been able to watch many on tv. Read in every now and again, to see what's happening. Haven't got no time for here never mind WonderdogSparky.
Thanks.
Blair Mayne YNWA JFT96 {Ed002's Note - Two new babies? Wow.}
Twins Ed. Just posted to say goodbye and good luck, if/when you do leave. You will be sorely missed x.
Blair Mayne YNWA JFT96 {Ed002's Note - As I said Blair, I have no plans to leave. Congratulations on the twins.}
Must have been a 2 for 1 offer! Good to see you here again Blair - been missing a bit of common sense at times on here!
Congrats Blair. Thought you fell off the face of the earth. Welcome back mate
19 Feb 2013 11:42:04
so Wednesday is getting close. millions of fans wait in anticipation for the new. what ever could it be.
fenway are selling.
a billionaire is coming from the east.
the redevelopment of anfield will be reasleaed.
i for one although not 100% happy with all things Liverpool ie. owners, manager, and a few players, would rather it be anfields news. this would give us a Hugh lift for Thursday night which o believe we will score 3/4 goals.
i like many can be over reactory at times but that's the joy of being a fan we change options like players do tops
after very game.
what we need is stability on and of the pitch. so having fsg looking to sell and start a bidding war is mother good Liverpool.
no doubt I'll be back on soon with amother different opinion soon. but that's football.
Someone had a few beers last night
19 Feb 2013 11:23:19
Hey guys!
My first post here, even though I've been reading this site for years already. I wanted to say thanks to the Eds running the site, cause it is like the only place I can get all the latest news and gossip from around Anfield here in eastern Europe. You guys are doing a fine thing allowing all the LFC community to share their views.
Anyways, all I wanted to ask, is that you guys who will go to the match on thursday, please support our club all the way from the start to the final whistle, spur them on even if they will concede a goal or two, I'm still sure that they will progress through to the next round with our help.
Thanks (and sorry for my English)
19 Feb 2013 10:59:43
What would you rather have. Win the UEFA cup or make top 4?
UEFA cup for me
I don't think either is likely but I would rather have a top 4 finish. I really miss the champions league.
Top 4 hands down!
I've always been of the thought that we're in this for the trophies/wins. so I'd say the UEFA cup over top 4. Top 4 is certainly not a target for this season, we're only just now getting a good team dynamic since Sturridge arrived.
One or two other signings to strengthen defence and we can start thinking about top 4.
Europa League - no brainer, football is about winning trophies, and hopefully doing it playing entertaining football.
Champions League is just a money making exercise for the authorities, and the football played in it is most certainly no more entertaining than the Europa League - just as the PL is nowhere near as entertaining and as skilful as the Bundesliga or La Liga.
John B
Win the Cup, in let's say 20 years time, what will people remember about Liverpool in the 2013 season, if we get top 4 people won't remember that nor be interested, if we win the cup it will add yet more silverware to our collection and also be remembered in the history.
Have to say Europa League, winning a trophy is the best feeling that any fan can ask for. Just look at the Carling cup last year, brilliant day out for the fans & players alike
You should qualify for the CL if you win the Europe league
Looking at the quality of teams left in the Europa, to go on and actually win the Trophy from being 0-2 down to Zenit. Would rank highly in our list of achievements.
Win Europa League for me. It's why the club exists - to win trophies. Winning is everything!
ND
While I agree that it is about winning trophies, surely the better long term result would be CL qualification with the money, exposure and players made available? Let the short term success go for long term greater success?
Andy K
19 Feb 2013 10:53:16
Any truth in rumours that fsg directors have fallen out and some want to sell they said its been harder than expected to turn us into top team and want henry and co to cut losses and get back to baseball heard as soon as april we could have new owners with quatar based consortium leading chase
I'd heard one of the group had left recently, not sure if that was anything to be concerned over, it's a big group after all.
certainly wasn't anything to do with some daft rumour that FSG are leaving tomorrow.
misterdrumz
19 Feb 2013 10:47:47
When do you know you are screwed? When someone says that Downing was our best player in last month and you actually starts thinking that he might be if you do not include Suarez and Sturridge.
YNWA from Slovenian guy :)
And what's wrong with that?!
Seriously, he's a Liverpool player first of all so the fact he's performing well is certainly no grounds to knock him.
also, anyone who's been to the games/watched all players in the side would easily agree he's improved a lot like Henderson has this season, particularly post-xmas period.
the lad (and Hendo) were essentially told they had no place in the side, they could have easily left us at a cut rate/gone on loan and harmed the club by leaving us short. but they have both stayed and actively fought to keep their place.
that's precisely the type of player I'd want playing for us, not some fancy foreign journeyman that people only know from their xboxes.
Downing is not even close to being our best player during any period of the season. Not even Top 6. He just isn't.
Now, he has improved a lot and he *is* doing a solid job tacking back and helping out the midfield and full backs from that inside forward position. He's doing a much needed job there. Happy enough with that.
However, the second we find someone else to fulfill that role I will forget him.
SpudRed
Agree with misterdrumz, if Downing and Henderson could just add a few more goals to their play? They'd both be indispensible.
19 Feb 2013 10:36:42
nice work on the login set up eds, nice and basic!
Looking forward to thursday night - hoping its one of 'those' european nights!
Hope suarez puts on a massive clinic!
19 Feb 2013 10:32:15
do father son relationships work in football, i'm referring to paul and tom ince of blackpool and will it be a + or - with regards to rogers trying to get tom ince
I can't rememebr too many others but Brian and Nigel Clough didn't do too badly- Can anyone recall any others?
Harry & Jamie Redknapp
I hate to use the 'F' word, but Ferguson junior played under Ferguson senior, although 'played' is probably over-stating what he did on the pitch.
Red Owl
Roy Race and his son Rocky are probably the most famous ;-)
Both Frank Lampard's, Chiesa and Paolo Maldini.
Frank Lampard's sr was a coach at West Ham with fat Frank and Chiesa managed Paolo for Italy.
19 Feb 2013 10:28:32
Theses rumours of the owners looking to sell up just won't go away, with reports now emerging that the owners are in talks with a billionaire group from Qatar. there's definitely no smoke without fire, and there silence is deafening.
Fingers crossed
Dry ice? That's smoke without fire. And if you've ever tried to make a fire with two pieces of wood you will see you get lots of smoke along time before any fire.
Nevada
Your rubbish is deafening mate.
MIKEY
I'm a camper, the same as Nevada and it's true what he said :0)
Or a smoke machine
19 Feb 2013 10:15:36
IS it just me or does anyone else think Lucas has lost a bit of pace? Not that he ever was a quick player but since he came back from injury he looks very sluggish
Yeah but it was a bad injury it will take a while to get that pace back.
MIKEY
To be fair he is back from a very long injury, and may take time to see him back to his best, but yes he seems to have lost a bit of pace
I think Lucas gets better each week. You'll know when he's back to his best when he starts to look more comfortable on the ball and demonstrates that confident Brazilian swagger. I've seen glimpses but it takes time to come back from such a nasty, lengthy injury. Still think he's a great player. YNWA
Lucas never had pace. Great wee player still and a nice fella.
Injury like that; it takes the same amount of match time once you're playing again to regain previous levels as it did to heal and rehab the injury in the first place.
Lucas will continue to get better and better but we won't see the real Lucas the Lion until next season starts. However, an 80% Lucas is still an excellent player. And he never had any real speed.
SpudRed
He's still playing catch up, fitness wise, apart from anything else.
19 Feb 2013 09:32:43
Fun Question.
The Liverpool of the 80s
The Manchester United team of 1999
The Chelsea team of the Mourinho Era
The Arsenal Invincibles
Which team do you think was the best?
I'll obviously go for the Mourinho team of 04 and 05 since we broke numerous records in the Premier League at the time. Not being bias ;-)
OsgoodIsKing
As Arsenal have the word invincibles after their name I will go with them, no one else has won a premier league unbeaten
Ratty888
Pains me to say it but the united team: the english treble is probably the hardest to win anywhere?
Invincibles. how could it be any other team? The name says it all?!
The Arsenal team unbeaten during the whole league campaign. To do that for 38 gamea? Some effort!
Good question - as a Liverpool fan the team of the 80's were something very special - and set the blue print for many teams to follow.
Can't say UTD, other than Cantona and Giggs I thought they were over rated in terms of skill, they just had a will to win that was unrivalled -
As for your lot - again the will to win was very good but you did have an awful lot of money to through at it! and at times the football wasn't as good as Liverpool in the 80's - though it was very effective.
However - any team that goes all season without losing and playing great football must be a level above everything else musnt it?
Too young to really judge the Liverpool team of the 80s.
I remember the invincibles though and they rubbish all over the mourinho team mate. as do united in the 90s as well.
MIKEY
Very tough question. Trying not to be biased I'd still say Liverpool of 80 s though the mental resilience of 99 united would run a close second in my opinion.
Nevada
As I wasn't born in the 80's I can't comment on the Liverpool team, although from what I've heard they are probably the best team in history, with the current Barca team maybe slightly ahead. Out of the 3 non Liverpool teams it has to be the invincibles, best team I've ever seen in my lifetime, I think they would beat the Barcelona team now even, problem was they were only at that standard for a short period of time, that team is why I have a bit of a soft spot for Arsenal.
I think they were the worst of the four by a coutry mile!
It's hard to be unbiased, so I won't try: the Liverpool team of the 80's of course!
99 Champs League was a jammy travesty; try coming back from 3-0 down to Milan!
Suppose I was being bias, but that team was special, especially to me.
My opinion would be that.
The Liverpool team might not have been better than the United or Arsenal team, but they did have the biggest impact on future football and how it was played.
The United team were quality. Maybe not individually the worlds best at the time. But as a team they had something special that season.
But the Arsenal team for me were a cut above. Seaman, Keown, Campbell, Cole, Viera, Pires, Henry, Ljunberg etc. They were different class and it was a shame they didn't win the Champions League. I think they'd run the Barca team of now close.
Thats jusy my opinion anyway. I'm going to post this on the United page, what their opinions are.
Great to see how honest and un-biased you are. Made my day that. I was half expecting a flood of 'Liverpool of the 80s' responses.
OsgoodIsKing
Another history lesson from scousers with nothing else to do, let's look at the current teams. you you stopped crying yet?
1977 Liverpool team fantastic. ynwa
No name what are you on about?
I asked the question and i'm a Chelsea fan. The responses were in no way bias.
Oh wait,
Just remembered its the school holidays isn't it.
OsgoodIsKing
Come home Osgood. The page has dearly misses you, and has somewhat tuned into a fickle asylum. Hold on, you didn't stumble here by accident did you?
Hope you're well, and the badges are coming thick and fast mate. And for me, you can't go past The Invincibles.
Melbourne CFC
There going well mate. I've got my UEFA be coming up this year, once that's out of the way I should have all the FAYA Modules out of the way, and then i'll get some more experience before getting the big one (UEFA A). Managed to get a place coaching at an academy of a League 1 side aswell, which has helped.
I'll come back to the Chelsea page when I get chance mate, I just wanted to see what the opinions I would get with that question and with this being the busiest page and a good laugh I thought i'd ask here.
Plus I haven't really seen too many posts on the Chelsea page that i've felt the need to respond to. Mostly the same things getting said over and over again at the moment.
OsgoodIsKing
P. S. Sorry to post all this on this page btw Liverpool fans, but seemed pointless replying on the Chelsea page lol.
19 Feb 2013 09:31:40
Not a rumour but a question - do you rate Lucas Biglia and Ashley Williams? would they be decent options for our starting lineup/bench? I would really appreciate your opinion. Thanks
Samer from Jordan
I'd take william any day
Although i'm not at all convinced by Ashley williams I understand why BR would want him. Big no nonsence centre half who will put his body in the way of the ball, Carra style. Not the best technically but I for one would prefer a defender to just hoof it away, rather than muck about.
I'd take Williams, Swansea had the best away defence in the league for a reason before the weekend. Don't know anything about Biglia but can't see why we'd want him.
Red Ollie
Williams would do but I would also prefer to take huth from stoke as he would compliment agger do allthe donkey work marking etc and let agger pick up the ball and start building from the back and also big threat from set pieces relatively young, experienced and not to expensive! What we think people?
19 Feb 2013 08:43:45
So with Reina coming out and stating he has a long contract at Liverpool and is also very happy at Liverpool, we can put the GK situation to bed hopefully, he may be 30yrs old but GK's peak in there 30's and Reina is still 1 of the best in the world, he is 2nd in the clean sheets table this year and his commitment is 2nd to none.
He has also cost us points in 8 games this year. Had we a different gk perhaps those would've been wins instead of draws and defeats and we would be where spurs are.
Nevada
Not sure about commitment mate, every summer he is linked somewhere.
I think time has come in his career that he won't be making a step up from Liverpool and leaving will be a step down now he won't get a job at Madrid or barca. It always seemed as if he had one eye on leaving. Hopefully he might knuckle down and get back to his best because those stats hide the fact he has been a shadow of his former self.
MIKEY
Can we afford to take a chance on Pepe Reina not repeating the persistent errors of the last 2/3yrs.
I would say no.
19 Feb 2013 08:33:39
It was a good performance. Unlike Swansea, Zenit will not have 6 1st team players rested.
I see everyone is getting carried away. I would love BR to prove me wrong, but realistically Zenit are a very good team.
The chances were there last week though, we could have easily had 3 goals in the first half from suarez alone, just had a woeful night in finding the net!
Zenit weren't nearly the intimidating side I thought they would be, but then again, they may come to Anfield looking to defend defend defend and so it could be a different game altogether. We really need to put the scarers on them, their CB's can't handle Suarez.
If we can get to 1-0 by half time and kicking into the kop 2nd half? Game On!
19 Feb 2013 06:59:54
Really looking forward to the match Thursday :]
Hope the atmosphere is better than of late!
19 Feb 2013 06:41:45
Morning Eds
I am dismayed to find all these people with such negative impacts and views on FSG. Do you all not remember H&G. I think peoples memories are short. I must admit that when we appointed Rogers I was unsure, A manager with minimal experience, who had not managed a club where history will always dictate a belief of where we should be (At the Top)
The time for the past has gone we need to focus on the future. We have started to put a good nucleus of players together. At times this season we have outplayed teams and others like The brom game been sucker punched. The word inconsistencies is regularly used and its a word that has best described us for the last 4 years.
I think that all our fans should remember. Football is a game to be played and enjoyed, frustrations do creep in when we a pass goes a stray or we don't play well, but remember we are in a fortunate position to be able to support our beloved REDS, I always give a thought for our youngest supporters who have faced much tougher battles and unfortunately lost their lives from cancer etc. Death threats to anyone done belong in the game and people who got to these extreme lengths are not true supporters
REDFORLIFE
19 Feb 2013 04:40:16
We need cover in defensive midfield, anyone think reo coker would be worth a punt? Even untill the end of the season, good cover in that position.
OMG no!! would rather have Poulsen back
Seriously?
Seriously Reo Coker
Or
Seriously Poulsen
Reo-Coker was awful for Bolton.
Red Owl
I'd rather have a cow stand in the middle of the park, there's more chance of a player crashing into the cow and losing the ball than Mr. Nigel taking it!
19 Feb 2013 02:49:25
I like it but I haven't to my knowledge had anyone posting under my name so far although I see some people may have used it in arguments etc, good idea keep it up
19 Feb 2013 02:28:28
There's talk of so many players leaving:
1) obviously Carragher's retiring
2) Reina - I'm not certain I want him to leave - unless we have someone better lined up.
3) Skrtel - best player last season - not been as good this season but honestly could we replace him with someone better?
4) Coates - fair enough - he hasn't really adapted - but we will need to replace him.
5) Enrique - no way would I sell him, one of the league's best Left backs for me - who's the alternative - Neil Taylor? I know who'd I rather have.
6) Henderson - again no way would I sell him - he's finally living up to expectation. Selling him would be ridiculous.
7) Downing - has got better this season - but I'd have to say if a decent offer comes in I think we should take it - as long as we have a better replacement in mind (hopefully not Ince)
8) Assaidi - yeah he'll leave - but would've liked to have seen more of him.
9) Suarez - I think he'll stay for another year at least.
10) Carroll - personally I would have given him this season to prove himself, and would surely have offered more than Borini. He'll leave this summer.
We should all stop writing off players and saying we should get rid of him and replace him with him etc. because over the last few years our replacements for our departing players seem to be downgrades - hence our lower league finishes.
e. g. Aquilani for Alonso, Poulson for Mascherano, Cole for Benayoun, Adam for Meireles, Carroll for Torres, Borini for Kuyt, Assaidi for Bellamy. I want some good additions as much as anyone but be careful what you wish for.
Irishdom15
"We should all stop writing off players and saying we should get rid of him and replace him with him etc. "
Buts that exactly what you have done in your post mate!
Downing has been one of our best players in the last 4-5 weeks I would keep him for another season.
Caroll offered more then Borini? Are you serious? he's scored 2 goals in 13 games. Borini has been injured pretty much the entire season. How can you realistically compare them? We haven't seen enough of Borini to make that sort of call.
Another year of tranaition?
Yes Irish rover another year.
Liverpool are not going to win the league next year are they? Even if we brought in some of the worlds best players they would still need to bed in and that can take up to a year.
MIKEY
Mikey
It didn't take Van Persie long!
19 Feb 2013 00:41:43
Sometimes it seems like non Liverpool supporters like some of the Eds know what's better for Liverpool then its own fans.
Some 'fans' here are a bit dellusional!
F5.
19 Feb 2013 01:33:45
Well, it is a banter page, right?
Delusional? I'd say hysterical personally.
I think people take football a bit too seriously.
I love football but I really don't care if Liverpool win or lose, in the grand scheme of things it makes no difference to my life. As long as I can watch good football, have some good banter with my friends who support other teams and the odd game at anfield then I'm happy.
Liverpool have been inconsistent this year but also very entertaining on the whole. We might not be winning silverwear but we are all watching the best football in the league.
MIKEY
MIKEY, The great shankley once said football is a matter of life and death, and that's how I feel about it, if they lose its like I am facing death itself.
19 Feb 2013 00:27:36
Really really up for this Thursday's game.
Loving the registered user idea, although the box is pretty horrid. Would love a little green tick ;)
Keep the dev up, eds.
We have to score a goal in the 1st 10 - 15 mins to go through in my view, although i'm not as confident as most, with Coutinho & Sturridge in the team we would win comfortable as they make a world of diffidence, hopefully we get an early goal and go through to the last 16. With A. Madrid, Napoli losing 2-0 & 3-0 at home its a competition that we can win.
I myself was excited and confident (overconfident) about the previous zenit game, i'm excited about the possibility of a comeback but I'm heading into this one with a bit more caution haha hope we can do it! YNWA
LionRed
The box looks ugly but the idea is great. It may stop some of the abuse the eds get if all users had to login.
19 Feb 2013 00:09:46
With all our players available and with our strongest XI I think we could give just about any PL team a good game.
However without likes of Sturridge/Suarez we are average! And Defence needs some tweaking
So I hope other players continue to step up and we need to build CONSISTENCY!
So in the summer I think we need a GK, CB, CM and maybe another ATT. (That's basically a new player for every pos. Lol)
Ok Reina hasn't been as good as he was a few years BUT he is still one of the top PL keepers! BUT I do feel it maybe is the right time to sell and get someone more hungry.
-Leno? Begovic? Muslera?
With Carra retiring and Skrtel possibly leaving that's 2 CBs gone BUT I think Liverpool should JUST buy 1 and the other should be to move Kelly/Wisdom to CB cover too and McLaughlin to Rb cover
when needed.
CB- We have been linked with Ashley Williams who I do think is quite good actually and is the type of player we need. A big strong CB with a presence. He is a 'talker' and 'Leader' something we will miss once Carras gone and would cope with likes of Stoke and Big Sts so has great attributes that we 100% need However he is around 29years old, older then Agger and Skrtel, I would prefer someone a couple of years younger as they still can get better! BUT we do need experience though. Plus knowing Swansea they'll put a Big price tag on him
Howdes-German-Shalke CB 26, a very solid quality defender! He may be quite hard to get BUT way more realistic than likes of Hummels
De Vrij- Young Dutch CB and Captain of Feynoord at 21 BUT may be too young though.
Alderweild-23 Belgian CB Ajax highly rated, I think Spurs are in for him though.
Also likes of Sakho, Ogbonna, Astori would be great CBs BUT they are LEFT footed and overall Agger is our best CB and also Left footed. So playing 2 left footed CBs won't work at all.
CM- I really hope Rodgers looks to get a CM.
We need a powerful box to box player.
Diame- Obvious choice! 25 Powerfull give us strength and balance and help break down attacks but also open up defences.
-Capoue- 25 Toulouse a similar type CM
OR
A Xabi Alonso type in
-BENAT- A typical Spanish CM, create chances great playmaker but not the biggest.
(A midfield combo of Diame-Benat would be awesome)
Stootman or Lars Bender
Box to Box, young players, They are good passers and have playmaking abilites but can tackle too.
ATT
On paper the 3 of Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez looks great.
Plus Sterling, Borini, Downing and Assaidi
That's 7 attacking options
Plus likes of Suso and Ibe coming through!
So if a player were to come in 1 or 2 would have to be sold.
Downing? He has improved this season BUT not to a extent were he is unplayable but just a decent to good level. He could be sold.
Assaidi? I really don't knw why he doesn't get any mins. On the pitch! Not even a SUB? what has Rodgers got against him? So I wouldn't be suprised with him going out.
So if we were to get another attacker who would it be?
Are we actually interested in Turan? Errickson? Sound a long way off.
If Rodgers wants a Centre Forward take a look at strong st like
Benteke-15goals 32Apps only 22
Bony- 26goals 29Aps 24yrs old
Emenike- 12Goals 27Apps -25
Jackson Martinez (Remember being strongly linked with him B4
Porto, missed out) 25Goals 28Apps -26
But I doubt he would go for that type of attacker
A player to play across the front 3?
Dries Mertens? Pacey wing forward, scored over 20 gls last season from wide. This season so far 15-goals 21-Assists! 8m-15m
Still interest in Ince? 4m-6m (But we got Sterling and Ibe too)
Heung Min Son-Only 20 years old (Younger then Pacheco, Borini, Ngoo, Shelvey) plays across the front 3. Has scored something like 10 goals so far for Hamburg from not exactly playing as ST. - 8m-15m
? Who do you think Rodgers should target?
F5
19 Feb 2013 07:50:29
mertens. or turan. will do for me.
simple. they are at their beast.
Dries Mertens will always be my choice.
LionRed
Agree with you about the defence, we only need 1 CB even if we sell Skrtel & Carra retires, I would loan Coates to W. Brom for the season and as you say play Mclaughlin at RB, bring Kelly & Wisdom in at CB to compete for a 1st team place. My choice would be Howedes.
Johnson Howedes Agger Enrique
Mclaughlin Wisdom Kelly Robinson
Gives 2 players per position and the defence is young.
None of them