Liverpool Banter Archive May 19 2014

19 May 2014 21:53:22
There are so many rumours going around which ones are actually even a slight possibility, it's not possible they all are?

And it's only may! I'd say the World Cup will prove a nice distraction but we will just have all the bellends saying go for this person or that person after watching 1 match. Me included ;-)

20 May 2014 00:14:16
Ayre said there will be a very different squad next season, maybe he ment he will work somewhere else :p!

We got second this season.
Next season this young squad will be a year more experienced an the manager a year wiser.
I'm not worried who we bring in, the squads not too shabby.
Going to enjoy the World Cup :)

{Ed002's Note - Do you think Brendo will start losing his hair? Have you noticed how Brendo is losing weight but his nose keeps on growing at an alarming rate?}

Sorry ed not noticed his nose, I just can't look past them new teeth. Haha

20 May 2014 09:05:27
This has not been the most ridiculous summer for rumours.

We are interested in Can (although we haven't made a bid at this time), Parejo & Lallana (a bid roughly at half of SHFCs asking price has been rejected) thus far.

I can't find out for sure who the target for LB is as we haven't actually made any solid enquiries for a while. Bertrand was of interest, however that has likely waned.

The wide forward position is just as up in the air at the moment. Konoplyanka was of significant interest in January, but we will likely pursue other players this summer as it'll be difficult to get him halfway through the season in Ukraine. I would not be surprised if we rehash interest in Sanchez as he is available, or perhaps Tello as per Ed002.

19 May 2014 20:40:29
Good evening Ed

Any update please on anything what so ever as regards to incoming players at all?

{Ed002's Note - The transfer window isn't open. Surely you are happy with Can and Carvalho already having signed and talks progressing about Hazard?}

Lol yes more than happy with them 3 especially in the close window
I really really want Tello though.

I wish I knew what you know Ed
infact I wish I was you at times.

{Ed002's Note - A fat, bald, elderly, drunk, diabetic flower child who has flown more than 5 million miles and typically spends more than 200 nights a year in hotels? I guess they are all achievable targets.

Have you joined my appreciation society on Facebook?

tinyurl.com/c6j7t2m }

Cheers Ed ill have a look fella, keep up the good work and do tell when you can. :-)

{Ed002's Note - Are you related to Dezi Arnez?}

Never seen that appreciation site before, just had a look, some absolute crackers on there, you should get your own stand up show.

The Cuban actor who died in 1986, in isle of Lucy. I'm not related Ed but followed his stuff man. He was a decent unit and one that us peeps can look up to.

{Ed002's Note - One cool mother as you kids say.}

Got me curious with the reference Ed, just looked him up on youtube. What a pair, him and Lucille, best of American/(Cuban), seen clips before of I love Lucy but never really gave it much time, my mistake. As for the appreciation society, highly, highly recommend to everyone. Had tears rolling down my cheeks with some of the comments/replies. Respect, keep up the good work Ed, brightens up my day.

{Ed002's Note - I will try and do the same with memories of my childhood every day. Really used to look up to the guys in the early series of Route 66.}

20 May 2014 09:04:54
Ed002, Nice one, apart from all the air miles you just described me!

19 May 2014 20:12:37
Are we interested in Stefan de Vrij?

{Ed002's Note - May well be heading to Italy. I assume you are just finding players on some fantasy football game and asking at random.}

No ed he has been linked with us over the years and yet again this season on the newsnow site his name pops up a lot from the sites they use and also I am not on twitter or Facebook or fantasy football sites far to busy nice cheap shot though that free gin kicking in at the Hilton

{Ed002's Note - Newsnow is nothing more than a news feed. Other sides will run with one story and it looks like it is appearing everywhere. An example will be Bild running a story saying that "Emre Can had signed for Liverpool" gave us the usual collective orgasm. It has been confirmed that Liverpool have not even spoken to his club about him.

However, a year ago Liverpool spoke with Feyenoord about the availability of the De Vrij and a suggested figure for a transfer was well above what Liverpool would consider paying and no offer was made,. If interest remains in De Vrij, I don't know about it.}

19 May 2014 19:42:28
Feeling the excitement of new additions and the fever us reds love every year, as do all clubs, let's slow things to the present and be mindfull.

The buddhist would say a man who holds a lantern needs to move slowly, aware of his decision, to light up his path. The unwise would rush before his route is illuminated thus follow the wrong road.

Let's not grasp at every name mentioned folks, enjoy the moment and embrace the changes that will inevitably be made

Impermanence is guaranteed

“Patience is not passive, on the contrary it is concentrated strength.” Bruce Lee

19 May 2014 18:01:05
I have a feeling i'll be shot down for this, but I really think (no really!) that we should think about brining James Milner in. He manages to get better every year, even though he seems to get less and less playing time. He changes games and right now, we don't have anyone on the bench who can do that. I know he's perhaps a little older for the $10m or so he might cost, but I think he'd be a VERY good acquisition for us.

I agree with you on milner. I think he could cover several positions, has tons of experience esp. in the Champions League. Milner and Hendo in the middle would be very strong. always seems to put in a great shift.

Ready.

Take aim.

Fiiiiiiire!

19 May 2014 19:16:38
I rate Milner, And he would be a great addition. Anything under 10 mill would be a steal.

I agree with all of you, Milner ould be a great addition, much needed experience in all comps and works incredibly hard for the team

Great' squad player. Quailty addition.to bring on but isn't he.leaving city for first team football? For that reason, not.likely

Milner is a top top player would only add to our team may finally start a few games also for us

He's in the "players I like but wouldn't want at Liverpool" category.

I must have missed the last 4 years he was improving.

19 May 2014 17:35:40
hi eds just a quick question,

if lallana want to come to us at no matter what, could he then force the saints to accept our bid, I know it won't happen but can he go on strike untill he is let go, thanks for any answer as I know you are all busy this time of the year

{Ed002's Note - It is the close season, how would they know he is on strike?}

Hidden camera?

Straight answer is "no" he can't force a transfer.
He won't go on strike either because then it becomes a battle of wills and a player who wants a transfer won't want bad publicity, labelled with a bad attitude, unprofessional and trouble maker. They also won't want a spell in the reserves as that does nothing for your value and ability.

19 May 2014 19:17:51
Downing did hand a TR, So As Suarez, RVP and Most.

Yes you can hand in a transfer request like Suarez and Rooney did last summer.
Doesn't mean jack if the club don't want to sell.

Of course if he went on strike then he would be no better than Mascherano. Or what if Suarez done it? If he comes great, if he doesnt? Then move on.

{Ed002's Note - Suarez has done it before and also taken a club to court.}

Was the club that Suarez took to court the one he was at before Ajax? I think Groningen is their name or something.

{Ed002's Note - Right.}

There is a lot of false assumptions in this post!
Lallana has not said he wants to join LFC. He has said he wants to play CL, but he also said he would like to do that with Saints. Remember he is captain at Saints and such statements are not made without consideration of the current contract negotiations between MoPo and the board. The players are desperate for MoPo to stay as they see the squad as our version of the class of 92 and see that he can add strength and success to the team and help them fulfil their potential, which they view as top 4. Equally, a fee, if he was for sale, would be set by Saints and the media suggested fees DO NOT COME FROM SAINTS! What would Saints value him at? Difficult one because we have a newly formed board and they may turn out to be "persons" but I suspect not, and the old board would have placed a value akin to Mata-so I suspect you are a long way adrift. Don't waste time knocking this valuation, it is about right IMO and if the club set that they would have no need to accept less, and stories about him being unhappy would be laughed at.

I have posted before that if MoPo stays at Saints there has been a club statement that he WILL NOT be asked or expected to sell any players he wants to keep and he will get a budget to strengthen the squad. Yes, he could say I want a bigger budget so I will sell one of my high value payers to achieve that-but not his captain who he has recently compared to Iniesta!

Of course all this could change if MoPo leaves, but that is starting to look less likely now.

Just trying to help you out as there seem to be a lot of posts on this subject that are only speculation.

And as far as Dejan, well he has made his views fairly clear today. You may want to see that as a smokescreen, but then booking your child into a school could be exactly the same, and I don't see Adam jumping ship until that smoke has cleared, which I suspect will be after the WC!

As we all know, what happens in football can surprise us all, but I would seriously suggest you watch out for what happens re MoPo, because until that is sorted the rest is speculation mixed with fantasy football.

{Ed002's Note - You are clutching at straws. If players perform well there will be interest. And there is certainly interest in the manager.}

Why would we want a player who has that kind of attitude. All very well trying to push through a move, but for me, I would't want him if he was willing to strike for a move. A player signs a contract, they are grown men, live with the contract you sign.

{Ed002's Note - Lallana not threatened to strike. Maybe a swap for the Liverpool player who has done that in the past?}

Why would Mascherano want to go to Southampton?

20 May 2014 00:44:07
loved that long dedicated post from the saints fan:) it was passionate alright!

look mate even if we don't sign Lallana someone else will, Chelsea and Utd (for now) have deep pockets and he will leave regardless of Ponochio stays or goes! Lucky Luke will leave if MP goes, that French guy with a German name will leave (Arsenal or Napoli) Any Although we have no confirmed interest in Lovren obviously half of Europe is after him.

Foozball is a crazy game, but hey you'll have a lot of $$$ and half new team, not all bad. Now watch out for the fall because I don't think the straws are strong enough. Even that GK is about to sign a new deal at his newly promoted club, surely that's an indication that there's some issues regarding saints which won't be resolved for a little bit?

19 May 2014 17:09:47
Imagine this
Ins:
Javi Martinez -30m
Sanchez -18m
Rojo-15m
Monero-15m
Total : 78m
Then if we sold a few players we could raise the funds eg. Borini -10m, aspas-7m, and If we sold a cb we would probs buy Lovren

It will be a waste of time to imagine such stuff.

If we sold Suarez maybe yeah.

I wouldn't want Martinez for 30 million, would rather a younger dm for less! Dreaming anyway

I would love Martinez but it ain't going to happen and I think Sanchez would cost a fair bit more than £18 million.

Imagine this is key here methinks

19 May 2014 14:22:24
Afternoon Ed's

Just passing this on, no doubt others have seen it already and not sure how true it is either.

Raphael Honigstein is reporting that the release clause that Emre Can has, is overruled by Bayern's buy back clause, and apparently needs Bayern to approve the deal before it may/can go through.

Keep up the good work, and sorry for another post on Emre Can!

I think we should rename him Emre Can't.

{Ed002's Note - It is pronounced Chan rather than Can.}

Sorry Ken - you must feel a right charlie!

The commentators are going to call him Emre can anyway.

20 May 2014 16:17:38
Except David Pleat who will probably call him Emma Khan

19 May 2014 14:24:01
If Liverpool are looking to replace Migs in goal, do you think BR would fancy going for someone like Peter Cech? If Chelsea are to bring Thibaut Courtois back from AM as their no 1 then I think Cech would be a good shout. He's still only 31 and I don't see him sitting on the bench. He has a wealth of experience from winning Premiership's to Champions League football

Edds, will courtouis stay at athletico as part of the chelsea deal for costa?

{Ed002's Note - Putting aside Costa, Atletico would like to keep Courtois another year but Chelsea are planning on brining him back this summer.}

19 May 2014 13:47:49
What do eds and posters see in Brad Jones future at Liverpool, do u see him staying to fight for a place, or going and migs staying and fighting for a place with a new keeper, also do u think toure will stay as he started good but haven't seen too much of him.

19 May 2014 14:08:25
If he stays, No keeper is coming in.

I see him at LFC for another season.

In all honesty I think he'll leave we need another keeper who is going to challenge Mignolet for next season and make him perform more.

If Reina was willing to take a pay cut he'd be ideal but I don't see that happening in all honesty.

A decent up and and coming young keeper would be ideal. A bit like when we had Scot Carson as understudy to Reina.

19 May 2014 16:19:11
Thanks lads

19 May 2014 12:56:52
Hi Eds,
Bit of an odd one, but do you know of any journalists that regularly follow the site? As most of what is reported in the media is just trash, I find it strange that there aren't more journalists reporting information that is relayed by sources, such as yourselves, that actually know of where interest is and isn't!

{Ed001's Note - no idea sorry, I don't read newspapers to see if they have copied and pasted anything.}

Journalists no idea, but plenty of players, ex-players and people associated with the club have been on the site.

Hi redjb,

i know where you are coming from but unfortunately the papers are not interested in accurate rumours, only what sells papers.

Thanks. And AG, like who?

You need to ask the Eds that redJB.

20 May 2014 09:00:01
Yes, I read most of the papers when I'm in work and it's incredible the amount of times I see something on here then in a paper a day or 2 later.
Ed002s stuff gets ripped off all the time.

19 May 2014 13:08:46
To me it look like rodgers wants 2 midfielders.

A verstaile holding midfielder (unfortunately, although Lucas is great in the holding role, he is limited in terms of versatility). That is where I think all this interest in Parejo and Can is coming from. They are both capable of playing 3 or more postions including the holding role. I think we will sign one or the other, but not both.

The other postion we seem to be keen on strengthening in midfield is the left side of the diamond. I think Rodgers wants this player to be capable of also playing as an attacking midfielder or a wide forward as well though. Hence the interest in Lallana and Shaquiri. Both fit that description to a tee. I again though don't see us signing them both. Our shift to more of a diamond formation than a 4-3-3 to me explains why we've gone from looking at out and out wide forwards (Salah, Tello, Kono etc) to more versatile wide midfielders who can tuck inside or push further forward.

I'd like Can and Shaquiri purely because they would both be better value for money with a future sell on value if we pull a rabbit (player) from the hat (academy) who is better. Parejo and Lallana are both 25/26 years old and although that brings valuable experience, a £45m pound outlay on two players who might not even succeed is not god value for money. We'd never make that back when we sell them. I think Southampton and Valencia rely on these two players very heavily and for that reason, want heavy compensation. Can and Shaquiri though would likely cost half of what Lallana and Parejo would command.

I know it seems harsh pushing out the likes of Lucas for Can and relegating Coutinho/Suso to the bench for Shaquiri, but did we learn nothing from Paisley? You don't win anything by being loyal to people. If there is a player within your reach who is better or closer to what you need than what you have, you don't pass on them. Paisley was ruthless towards some of the clubs longest serving players, and he won 3 European cups in 9 years as well as 6 league titles. There is no place for sentiment in football. If the current players are good enough, they wil up their game and beat competition out. Henderson has done just that with Allen, and now Joe Allen is the squad player, and Hendo the one who is crucial to our side. That is how it should be. Sterling did the same to Downing. Flanagan did the same to Cissokho. Even Carragher last year at 35 years old, still forced Skrtel onto the sidelines. The list goes on.

If Suso in particular is as good as everyone (myself included) thinks, signing Shaquiri will make him knuckle down and show us why he's better. If he can't be bothered and would rather run away without a fight, he doesn't deserve to play for us anyway. It really is that simple.

We might get none of these players, but Rodgers sems to have outlined the type of players he wants to add to his midfield.

Good read Adam. How about some analysis on possible targets. Enjoyed them when you wrote them.

19 May 2014 13:53:17
Can would be a decent adition, considering the money and what he ahs been doing in the league ( luckily he need not score goals, which will take his pressure).
I would love us to sign Shaquiri. I don't see it coming. We might end up paying 25 quids to get Lallana and then wait till whole summer to raise cash from sales.

Excellent post, my thoughts exactly. Emre Can would mean Lucas possibly moving on and I completely agree on Shaqiri; I think he is an excellent player and he would be a super addition to the squad.

If Lallana and Parejo are going to cost too much, Shaqiri or even Konoplyanka can be bought and we can give that attacking midfielders role to Suso and see if he can be the player we all hope he could be.

Maybe a mixture then of Can at a reasonable price and Lallana a bit pricey but almost guaranteed to fit right in from the first whistle. He is a quality player and less of a gamble than Shaquiri. At that price you don't want to gamble too much, you want assurances and I believe Lallana would give us that.

19 May 2014 15:13:47
The Real AG

Spot on. Shaquiri and Kono would be brilliant. Also means, We need not sell Suso.

MarcO, I might start writing a few as the transfer window draws nearer. I'm currently snowed under with work and shouldn't really be posting! I'm still 3000 words short of a dissertation. I'm currently working 30 hours a week as an Engineer, studying an Engineering degree on day release as well as doing an NVQ at the same time because I had too much time left over to have fun! Once the summer comes and I can relax on the degree front, I'll crack on with some player reviews.

On day release? Ha nah I know what's its like. I look forward to them.

I think it will have to be one of Shaqiri or Konoplyanka. If we don't get either and end up buying a Attacking midfielder, then I would just promote Ibe.

Good post, I would take Can and Lallana

19 May 2014 17:42:42
YNWAdam

Whats your stream in Engineering?. Mech?. Hows drawing going on?

Completely Agree with your post Adam.
However, I would just add that I don't see the need for Lucas to be sold even if we sign another central midfielder.
More games obviously brings more injuries and more peaks and troughs in terms of player's form.
I think we should keep disruption of the squad to a minimum where we can and I think that we should go into next season with at least 3 players who specialize in that DM position.
With regard to the attacking players. I don't mind any of the players we are linked with in those positions to be honest they are all good quality (All 3000 of them:).

Electronics and interface design Harry. I should've just joined the army. good point jonnybarnes. Hopefully Lucas would take that role. You never know!

19 May 2014 21:28:04
YNWadam

Electronics is a kool subject, How about Scada and PCB doing. I am not much into it, But I did quiet for Semi conductor, Galaxy S3 Micro chip.

Electronics is more of an area rather than a subject. SCADA and PCB are at two end of the Electronics spectrum.

19 May 2014 11:48:37
Talking Mignolet by the looks of things, so heres my thoughts.

Yes, he made a few mistakes this season and its clear he needs competition but at least we now know how to fix him. If we had a better defense in front of him, the weaker part of his game would not have been exposed giving us a false impression of him. At least now he can work on those areas of his game that need improving. Overall, I think he's a great, young shotstopper who just needs to grow a set of balls.

Skrtel, I think, is a different matter. I personally believe that this season was his window display. He sticks out like a sore thumb with our style of play. Yes, he has made some cracking tackles and blocks but how many of those was because he was out of position in the first place? Its Agger and Sakho for me. I think Rodgers was just giving Agger some prolonged rest this season, playing him only a few times as to not aggravate any injuries so that he would be fresh for next seasons title challenge. No doubt a few clubs will enquire about Skrtel this summer after some good displays this season but I think that was exactly what Rodgers hoped for.

We need to buy well in the transfer window. When I say 'buy well', I'm not talking about £30m players on £150k a week. I mean anybody who fits our style of play. This could mean a £150k, 19 year old striker from the Irish league who could go on to score 100 goals in 3 seasons. Or a 32 year old free agent who can still bomb down the wings and put a cross on top of a 10 pence piece. Talent comes from anywhere and everywhere. It is not exclusive to big clubs and high wages. It is not always televised on a weekly basis and sometimes its hard to find but when you find it, its worth it. I believe Brendan knows who he wants. who fits. And on the other hand, who needs to go. Roll on August. Round 3.

YNWA! RT96!

I agree with you.

We should let Mignolet iron out his faults in the pre season, give him another season and he could turn out to be a very good goal keeper

Skrtel needs to go to. I don't think rodgers planned anything but they way it has all gone is beneficial if we want to sell him. We'll get good value for him.

And there is no harm in buying good players at smaller prices. Someone like caulker good turn out to be a very good buy. Shouldnt judge him based on cardiffs relegation

I disagree on Mignolet needing competition to improve. very rarely do teams let 'keepers fight it out for spot. We have given Mignolet the 1st choice 'keepers role and he will stay there next season IMO.

I still think Agger will be the one leaving and that Skrtel will stay atleast for another season. I also disagree with BR giving Agger prolonged rest this season.

19 May 2014 13:54:52
The Real AG,

But we certainly need 2 GK, And If Mignolet gets injured (which is rare), We need another good one with us. Sorry Brad Jones wouldn't play in any CL matches or PL match

When was the last time we had 2 "good" keepers in our squad?

Brad Jones will stay for another year IMO and really I don't see any need for another 'keeper now, even a 2nd choice one.

We have other areas to concentrate on.

I agree with AG re: Agger. We were going for the PL and the only constant CB was Skrtle. If BR rated Agger so highly there is no way he would have left him on the bench.

19 May 2014 10:01:54
Hi.

City have entered the race for Lallana.

What is everyone thoughts?.

I personally think there are better targets out there, especially for the £ we are looking to pay.

Thanks.

19 May 2014 10:13:31
City ll have to. They would be trimming their squad.

Those reports have only come out since Milner wants out, lallana would be mad to go there, look at there other English players, it's career suicide. plus with city only aloud to spend 49m I doubt there gunna spend 25/30m on a bench player.

19 May 2014 13:56:00
Man UTD would seriously consider him. As they have no midfield and he would get game. It all depends what LVG wants.

My thought after reading this:

I wonder what's for tea tonight.

19 May 2014 09:30:18
Edd001, bar jack rodwells injury concerns, did you ever rate the boy highhly? When he first burst.onto the scene.i expected big things from the boy, the same as Barkley.

{Ed001's Note - never was he at Barkley's level, but he did look a very tidy player, who should have gone on to have a good career at centre half.}

19 May 2014 06:57:10
not Liverpool related but I have an exam tomorrow, anyone want to wish me luck I mean we did finish second in the league which is a huge overachievement compared to before the season started so maybe i'll overachieve on my global business strategy exam

All the best mate
BTW what is a global strategy business exam

Good luck m8

Good Luck. If you have prepared well, luck shouldn't matter.

Yes good luck. Don't let us down by not finishing in the top 4

18 May 2014 23:14:16
Edd001, what do you make of Ross Barkley? Do you think he.could be.as good as.gerrard and be in a red shirt one day ;)?

{Ed001's Note - maybe, but defo no.}

19 May 2014 09:54:02
Barkley is good but I still cringe everytime I read his name, they are our bitter rivals and we will never do business, imagine Everton enquiry about Henderson or Coutinho, we would tell them to put their offer where the sun don't shine. I feel so many here don't understand what bitters mean. There's a movie which would make you understand, it's called the reds & blues I think. It would give you a hint of what the bitters are like and that it's the same up to their owners etc. they despise us, therefore I despise them and all there players, They lost on purpose to, city ffs, that should show how bitter they are?! and if you say they didn't loose on purpose you're having a laugh, they were playing at 70% intensity tops and Howard let in literally the first 2!

{Ed001's Note - to be fair, their chairman does not despise Liverpool at all. Though those that work under him in the theatre would disagree, he is a very nice chap on the whole and has done a lot to try and end the bitterness between the two clubs.}

The only team that will not deal with us is Man Utd. If Everton made a bid for one of our players and it met our selling criteria then it would be down to the individual to decide and vice-versa. After seeing how good Everton treat players who they take on loan, how many of us wouldn't mind allowing some of our players to make the temporary move.

Who would want o go to Everton from LFC? We have CL football again ;)

They lost 3-2 against the best squad in the country on purpose? Get a grip

If they lost to city on purpose why the f*%k would they score the first goal!??
It's so disappointing adults will say I hate them because they hate us. Yes there was seemingly a lack of atmosphere, but this was a chairman chasing championleague and quite frankly a bunch of foreign players who have no personal attachment in the derby.

Kotomoto and Big Al, Ross is going nowhere even if Stevie "oop I didn't mean to do that" attempts to bend his ear in Brazil. Roberto Martinez is under no pressure to sell and the lad is happy at Goodison. What is it with you and the Mancs assuming that if you click your fingers, players will come running?

19 May 2014 13:59:44
Dave is doing everything he could to convice this page and himself, That Barkley would be Everton.
Mate 25-30 mill and he is off. Simple as that.

Barkley will go sooner or later, not to LFC however. Most likely to your senior club, Manchester United or Chelsea.

Same goes for Martinez, he will leave when a better job comes along and he will already have had increased his myriad of admirers. he is way to ambitious to stay at Everton.

Over rated. Just like the other one who went to City

19 May 2014 00:12:09
I feel the problem with Liverpool with this season, was obviously the goals leaked! However, this was not against the big teams as such, our deep lying counter attacking football helped protect against the big teams from scoring against is! The games we leaked goals in was the lower teams where we had a lot of possession, made silly mistakes and got counter attacked against! It seems as though defensive changes will occur, but this will probably be in vein unless we add a bit more structure to our midfield. Not slating stevie, he's had a cracking season but he is stol learning the role and maybe our flamboyant attacking play has hindered our defence! We have been a joy to watch, especially vs teams in the top 6/7 teams (mostly.) that's most my thoughts anyway, so, yes it would be nice for attacking one, playmaker 2, but I'd rather win 2 nil vs the likes of Cardiff than 6-3.