Liverpool Banter Archive January 21 2014

21 Jan 2014 22:55:23
Is it just me or does it seem like the youngsters are really standing up to be counted this year?
I mean last year we were so dependent on Suarez and Gerrard. Towards the end of the season Sturridge and Coutinho came in and made a difference but we still relied mostly on Suarez.
This season when Suarez was missing we had Sturridge stepping up to the plate, when Gerrard was missing we had Henderson and Allen stepping up and then we had Sterling upping his game when Sturridge was injured. Also Flanagan was brilliant at left back when Enrique was injured.

It's getting to the stage now that we can depend on some of these players, and don't forget we have Suso and Assaidi to come back. Borini is a good player but I'm still undecided about him. Henderson and Sterling have stepped up in particular, and I can see them being stars of the future if they continue in this form.
Cheers,

22 Jan 2014 07:59:08
Nice, But the Question remains the same, Do we need a New DM or not?

21 Jan 2014 22:24:23
We cannot afford not to buy a DM now. Fernando would be my first choice but I'm sure De Jong is capable of doing a job in that role
Ideally any replacement should arrive before the derby next week

22 Jan 2014 10:31:37
Money is always an issue, But I believe we will have one signing lined up, and I pray it ahs to be a top quality DM.If the midfield is set and rigid, Leave other stuffs to Suarez and Sturridge, they would bang one goalmore than the Opposition.

21 Jan 2014 21:59:19
Let's just hope that Mr.Rodgers has learned from previous mistakes made by himself and previous managers. When Lucas is injured, we have no one in the squad as adept as him for that position. Let's hope we go in for another player like him!

Why blame rodgers for not paying what clubs want he ain't the money man he just say if he's interested/wants the player its up to the financial team what the club want to pay

21 Jan 2014 23:03:26
Doe's anyone have a list of our injured players and estimated time of their return?

{Ed001's Note - try physioroom.com.}

Thanks Ed001,
L Leiva Knee Injury no return date
D Agger Calf/Shin Injury 8th Feb14
M Sakho Hamstring Injury 25th Jan 14
J Flanagan Hamstring Injury 25th Jan 14
J Enrique Knee Injury 28th Jan 14
S Coates ACL Knee Injury no return date

22 Jan 2014 08:03:17
If Liverpool Miss on Top4, from here, the blame has to be on BR only for one reaosn.
Spending money on players, which were clearly not required and failing to adress the most critical position. (LB and DM/CM)

21 Jan 2014 18:46:39
Hi Eds,

Juan Mata. ssn Saying Chelsea Willing To Listen To Offers. Its A Long Shot But Do We Have The Money And Are We Interested? Surely We Stand More Chance Than United.

Much Appreciated
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - No.}

21 Jan 2014 17:08:17
Hye eds,
Do Valencia still interest to loans aspas?
Why not Liverpool try to sign holtby and danny rose from spurs. they both are quality player.

Holtby and danny rose are far worse than coutinho and enrique

21 Jan 2014 21:32:54
Evening all,
Watching West Ham United v Man City. what is Jack Rodwell's situation at city, the lad at great potential which has been wasted sat in the stand/on the bench chasing the big bucks, is he looking to move for regular football? Can't see him being a city regular anytime soon?
Not saying we will move for him, but with Lucas being out for a couple months, surely a loan enquiry would be worthwhile? Could even boost the lads chances for the plane to Brazil?! What's the opinion on him?

21 Jan 2014 20:07:07
What about Juan Iturbe currently on loan in Italy, looks fantastic, young, and would go into first team versus Sterling, 5 goals in Italy is a good showing when you look at the club he is with.

21 Jan 2014 21:24:55
Mvilla or Hernanez. It would cost us money, Probably the sum we would use for salah. But any one of this two is a must.

21 Jan 2014 19:38:45
Hi Ed's and reds, haven't posted for a long time, but check up nearly every day, just wanted to say living in a small village in France with an internet connection only marginally better than dial-up, (and the 2 minute clips on MOTD aren't much help), you lot are my lifeline to LFC, a massive thank you.
A quick view on finances if I may. We are now under FFPR (or shortly will be), we have overspent massively for years, literally haemorrhaging money comparative to our income. Regardless of FSG's willingness to spend their money, or the FFP rules, or digging a bigger hole for ourselves by gambling on Champions league qualification, Liverpool FC has got to continue the process of trying to balance the books and live within its means, for its own good.
Whilst FSG has steadily tried to increase revenue through marketing, increased ticket prices, tours to increase global marketing potential, etc. In terms of transfers it means either looking for the ever elusive "bargain", buying players cheaper because they are younger and not really quite 1st team ready, bringing through the clubs own youth players, trying the odd player un-favoured at their current club on loan to see if they can settle and add something to the team, and occasionally, spend larger amounts to secure more high profile targets. But only if it's judged to be the right player, the right time, the other club's willingness to sell, the right price, it being in the interest of the club and of course if the player wants to come in the first place. In my eyes that's pretty much what has happened so far during Brendan's tenure, and yes we've missed out on some possible targets, some of the ones we have pulled off have worked well and some of them haven't, and some of them haven't, quite (yet), all exactly as you would expect.
There have been lots of posts recently about signing fullbacks for example, yes we do need strengthening in that area, but, we currently have Johnson, Enrique, Kelly, Flanagan, Cissokho, plus, Smith, and Wisdom when he's back, that's 7(potentially), how many do people want? This includes paying their wages of course. We have younger players coming through, that aren't that far off, plus we have 2 experienced pro's (one of whom has been injured and one that probably shouldn't be playing, can only just about be bothered to get onto the pitch and run up and down a bit and needs some sort of rocket admittedly). My obvious point is, we can't just, blow the money, sign another couple of first team, expensive fullbacks, pay their wages, hope they work and turn out to be better than what we've already got and maybe shift Johnson and Enrique on at some point for a couple of mill each anymore. It's the same for any position in the team, (including DM's) we've got to try to be shrewder now, it has got to be the right deal at the right time at the right price for the club in the long term.
I believe overall we have improved both the depth and strength of the squad so far under Rodgers (comparative to where we were 2 years ago), and a core of younger players that can only mature, develop and get better. Our general performances for the most part have improved, we are now exciting to watch and crucially, our points tally is more competitive than it has been for years. We will sign players and strengthen further, but it is an ongoing and sometimes slow process and only if it's right for the club, right for the manager, right for the player, it's achievable and it's sustainable. I'm sorry for the rant (over now) and I know it's been talked about before but some people just do not seem to get it.
Special mention to Ed 001 and 002, don't let the b%£#&@ds grind you down amazing sight keep it up.

I'll make a brew before I read this.

21 Jan 2014 19:01:29
Before people start questioning the dubiousness of this Salah renting a property for 850 quid a month, have you thought about the notion it maybe for a friend or family member who is coming over with him to help him assimilate into a new culture/country society? He's just got married and I'm sure he doesn't want people staying with him in the opulent marital home but is more than happy to pay a modest price for a relative or friends accomodation somewhere near him. It may just all be pie in the sky but this is January and us Liverpool fans will traditionally believe anything transfer gossip related. I remember when Houllier was in charge the majority of us believed the rumour a certain Zinedine Zidane would be joining us. I rest my case!

I remember it well. The rumours about Zizou hit fever pitch when he was apparently spotted outside Anfield eating a sausage dinner. Happy days.

I remember after reading that Zizou was coming and I swear Jeffinho i'll never forget that surge of elation that transcended through my body. No woman or any drug can come close to that feeling. lol. A few months after the whole Zidane to Liverpool bunkum I met Phil Thomson on holiday in Dubai (on a desert game drive) and I asked him about the credibility of the Zidane rumours and he laughed out loud and said there was never anything in it. We took photos and I was with my friend whose nose was as big if not bigger than Thomo's and they also had a pic taken together, you'll never see anything funnier in your life. They looked like a couple of oddbods with their gigantic hooters. Anyway a bit off topic but just wanted to say happy birthday tommo great guy, great servent for Liverpool, and not a backstabber like Lawrenson and the cretin Collymore. His young son was a great kid also keen tennis player if i'm not mistaken

21 Jan 2014 23:00:25
I saw this at 4pm today, I can confirm after speaking to the sales/letting agency mentioned. It is fake! Smells like toffee or manc wind up!

21 Jan 2014 18:41:02
I don't know what is with our fans but they show a lack of sympathy for Cissokho. I mean he must have been talented enough to be a footballer but he's lost it but the lads need to support him. He must be capable of playing football and won't improve when his own fans are bashing him constantly. He's a Liverpool supporter and tries, at least he isn't like our right back. That said, we do need to bring some new players in our fullback positions when Cissokho returns back to Valencia and Johnson f***s off.

21 Jan 2014 19:15:14
Zaki

Sorry mate, But its just because of the Sympathy, He is still paying at LB, any other Club he would be in the bench or back to Valencia.

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear but I don't want him to be a future starter but I still want him to be respected and for him to have some support from us.

He's still playing LB as others are injured. BR even preferred a young RB before he was injured. That said, I would agree that all the criticism (continued) is pointless.

I was at the villa match our two full backs are terrible enqurie and flanno coming on the right sell Johnson in the summer kelly fit and young Ryan Mc all to step up seriously everton are doing grate due to attacking good full backs are important as anything with the modern gane

Ive got no sympathy for a man who drives a black car with a lime green roof.

21 Jan 2014 18:20:57
hi all

i think we should offer 30 million and bring in mata Chelsea currently want 32.5 million
it is a player that would well in our team
him and salah would do well for our club, it will get us our top 3/4


who agrees

When the Eds post on a regualr basis saying how we are failing to qualify for the FFPR, by a considerable margin from my understanding too, why would we dream of doing this?3

21 Jan 2014 19:17:06
Jesus Christ, do you wanna play Mata as DM?.

I'm pretty sure the fee paid for the player isn't considered because you essentially have a £30m asset but could be wrong. Only the wages and agents fees which would probably both be astronomical. Again I sound wrong so probably am

As far as I understand, the fee paid is split into the period of the contract so 30 million pound player over 5 year contract would set us back 6 million a year + wages and any other costs

21 Jan 2014 17:42:00
Now Lucas is out for 2 months forget Salah we really need a DM.

We need both fact no point waiting for the summer and finishing 5th or 6th is there

21 Jan 2014 18:56:57
Agreed we were light in that position before the injury.hope BR can bring in a loan for rest of the season.Essien would suit

21 Jan 2014 20:10:06
Salah would be a great addition, no doubt, but we're hardly having trouble putting the ball in the net. I agree a DM is what's needed, and fullbacks. I could add a CB to this list, but to improve on what we have you would need to spend big on a proven premier league CB.

21 Jan 2014 17:31:59
I doubt if he would fit the age profile we seem to have for ne signings but I think Mile Jedinak would be a really solid signing for a defensive midfielder - has premier league experience which I think is vital with Palace.

Thoughts?

I asked Ed001 about Jedinak recently as I rated him but I have to agree with what Ed001's response that Jedinak shines in a team where the play goes through him. He recently signed a contract extension as he was entering the final 6 months of his contract.

21 Jan 2014 16:45:26
Just got in and saw the the caption of ssn. Lucas out for around two months. How much more bad luck can this lad take on board? Come on Football-God, give the lad a bit of slack.
So, there we are, no time for niceties, replacement needed urgently, even more pushing than Salah. come on BR, sort it out.
Just when you think you might get a break this happens. I guess we will take it on the chin and only moan amongst ourselves. Still convinced we will have a good season. watch this space. YNWA

21 Jan 2014 17:18:36
That's the worst news could ever happen. We need a DM for the Derby

21 Jan 2014 16:36:35
lucas out for 2 months. big big miss for us

Massive blow to our chances. Gerrard, Allen and Henderson it is then! Unless.

21 Jan 2014 15:35:44
Salah has rented an apartment in Liverpool!
The Egypt international has rented a £850-a-month apartment on Princes Parade for the next seven months.
There's a photo link online, ill post it in sightings.

Ive just seen and read the same piece of news.its Metro though I beleive? Not sure what to make of it tbh. Any ideas Eds?

21 Jan 2014 16:20:34
Seems true.

21 Jan 2014 17:24:04
Jesus, why are some people so gullible. It's obviously a fake. People should really have a think before they post, save themselves looking like a complete tool.

Dave's dog

Ha, ha. strangely the only reason I do not believe this is because £850 a month is pittance! Try £1, 850 a week and I might of thought it was right.

21 Jan 2014 14:59:31
i think we ought to look at tightening the defence its still looking frail. carragher is a huge miss of experience and was the basis of the spine. I think that we should be looking at replacement for toure and the injury prone daniel agger. skrtel for me has finally come to terms with brendans style. johnson for me has to be has last season? jose enrique well we don't see him often. and were looking to strengthen up front? were getting goals but we let silly goals in by silly defence error's. not being critical. sakho is a beast but still needs game time.

21 Jan 2014 15:05:11
Sami is the Biggest Miss. We have never been the same since he left.

The problem is not the defence its the shield in front of the defence when Lucas isn't playing. Our team had great balance when Lucas, Henderson and Allen was our midfield. I hate to say but the constant use of players like Gerrard and Johnson could cost us this season.

Wasn't that the whole point of signing 3cb's in the first place and still our defense is still leaking goals.brendan needa a new assistant coach to help him out, no offense to pascoe and marsh but I don't think they offer a lot

21 Jan 2014 16:22:34
Mighty Reds.

Lucas - henderson - Allen would do it for the next 16 games and so on. They are mobile, quick and have got a very good understanding with each other. This system gives hendo and lucas so much comfort, as hendo would easily link up with sturridge and Suarez.

21 Jan 2014 16:37:35
llori is a young lad, cannot be called a direct signing, Toure was for free and sakho is injured.
Irony, the one whom we all wanted to get rid is playing every game for Liverpool, Martin Skertel.
If we control the midfiled, Most teams which operates through Middle wouldn't even have a shot on target, But then those who relys on the width and pace on the flanks are let down by Cissokho and Johnson.
Still can't believe we did beat lenon and walker 5-0, and now they are level on points with us.

YNWA-SA

some valid points but I think you spend too much time listening to other teams supporters.

Johnsons never been the best defender, skirtle makes to many mistakes, agger is not commanding enough, toure seems steady buts the wrong side of 30, sakho i'm convinced will come good, haven't seen enough of lori or kelly at center half, cissokho won't cut it and enrique is up and down like a yoyo. it doesn't help that all of our defenders have been injured and had no run of games together. b

21 Jan 2014 14:07:49
Second highest team in the goals for category, seventh highest in the goals against category. Do we really need to spend the money on Salah when we are so bad in defence and in defensive midfield

Just a thought lads

21 Jan 2014 14:57:56
Spot on Check my prevous post. We need a DM very very urgent than anopther guy who might not get a chance in the team (we play 3 in the middle, 2 upfront, 4 at the back)

Never heard the phrase attack is the best defence?

21 Jan 2014 15:36:15
Never heard. you should score one more than the opoosition?

21 Jan 2014 13:37:03
hi

i really think the salah deal is done. I think they want to announce it on dead line day
hope i'm right

ynwa

Why would Liverpool wait 10 days until the transfer deadline to announce Salah's transfer? If the deal is done, as you think.

I don't think there is anything to gain by waiting on an announcement until Jan 31st. Liverpool need to register the player, apply for work permit/s (i believe), so I don't think this match box theory really works. But that's just my opinion.

Totally agree. let's keep him under wraps for the end of the transfer window as a surprise signing. Forget about how useful he might be against Everton in the mesn time.

I really hope your right on this. Allthough I di agree with some posters in saying that if we are only bringing in 1 player in Jan I think our focus should be DM.

I agree because it will fool all of the teams who are sitting around waiting to see what Liverpool do in the transfer market. It is a top class ploy by Ayr so no-one will have tome to buy anyone, he spurs won't know what hit them.

21 Jan 2014 16:54:49
can sterling play on the left, the last thing we want is another player coming in and not being played to his strengths salah is a rw, sterling is playing really good maybe final ball into the box could improve a bit but he is only young and will improve with experience.i think we will get salah and de john on loan with a view to making it permanent in the summer especially if lucas is out injured again.

21 Jan 2014 11:39:32
I think there's going to be a significant move by BR in the transfer market. John Henry is no fool and would see we are thin on the ground and it's a time to invest or face missing out on top4, which would sound like the END! BR seems to be a good poker player, let's hope he has an ace up his sleeve.

P.S. what is the update on Lucas injury, please?

And, ChiefScout. read, and try to understand what is written, mate. looks like you reply to the wrong post, lol.

21 Jan 2014 12:53:13
Salah is a good player and would help us with some goals and assist, But If his the only signing, Then I would use the money to Buy a Top class DM/CM.
With or Without salah we are top scorers, But We are so poor in the midfield, any team who press up high would easily get past us. and Yet we would eb spending 15 mill on salah
People forget we are yet to face top 5 teams at anfield and all those are more than capable enough to get some results.
Home Advantage is not a big factor against top teams. Aston Villa Proved it. Against Liverpool you need to press up high.

Dream on mate.

21 Jan 2014 15:10:27
Ozone

No Mate, A top class DM and a LB, we would finish 3rd this seaosn. We will score against any oppostion on any day. Its only our Midfield that's letting us down.
Henderson was doing really well in the absence of Gerrard, The moment gerrard comes back Hendo vanishes into thin air.

That's my point mate. I agree we need a couple of top class signings but it won't happen. We'll get a couple of kids at best who'll warm the bench, just like the majority of Rodgers signings.

Allen sub, Sahin gone, Ilori gone, Borini gone, Assiadi gone, Yesil?, Aspas crap, Alberto crap, Cissoko dreadful, Toure couldn't trap a bag of cement, Sakho in, Sturridge in, Cotinhiou can't find a pass or hit a barn door, Mig nose bleed when comes off line, becoming a liability. It doesn't install a great deal of faith in bringing in a couple of 'world class' players mate.

21 Jan 2014 10:39:55
I think BR is going to go back to the formation of 3-5-2. It is the one that makes sense on a lot of levels

Firstly it allows SAS to play up together without one being wide - we are seeing the best of Sturridge because he is playing up top

Secondly it gives more numbers in midfield when needed. Listening to Carra last night this is massively important to BR.

Thirdly it might help defensively as Johnson and Enrique are naturally attacking players but are defenders after all.

Another positive is that it allows us to utilise 3 of our CBs - an area where we are well covered for players.

21 Jan 2014 10:55:57
I too Believe for one solid reason. This would have 3 good defenders. As 2 are not good enough to Stop conceding goals.
Johnson / Cisshokho anyways are poor defenders, So both bieng high up the pitch allows them to play their natural games.
So we might Miss Sterling and Countinho As we need 3 men in the Midfeild.

Coutinho would be the AM

With a fully fit squad 3-5-2 ticks all the boxes. allows us play coutinhio centerally behind sas.

Harsh on Sterling as he has been one of our best players in the last few weeks.

If Lucas was fit, I would have him and Gerrard in the middle and Henderson as the AM with Coutinho on the bench.
Dont know the extent of Lucas' knee injury yet though.

Mate, if we miss out on CL, we will suffer the most severe consequences. some fans here seem to be used to being in the football wilderness. WE HAVE TO GET TOP4, there's no other option. I would'nt want to think of what happens and who we will lose if we don't. so come on BR. no more mistakes.

21 Jan 2014 12:41:18
IanRed

Finally. Finally. Someone who actually wants CL, rather than anything else.

Wo wo wo, what are you on about iranred, We ain't even in the europa league this season but managed to not only keep a hold of players but re signed the 3rd best player in the world. If he wants to leave in the summer then thats100m in the back pocket! Everyone that has any sort of a connection to the club wants CL football also but don't be so matter of fact the world will implode if 4th place cannot be achieved. Chill out bud

21 Jan 2014 15:12:19
Ruddocks.
You need to book a ticket to US end of the seaosn, If we fail to reach CL, and probably confront the owners, Try your hard luck to convince them to spare another year and 100 mill.
But would you care If we still loose?

Im not really sure how to respond to that last post, It really doesn't make much sense. The owners know what BR is trying to achieve at this club and so must also know that what he is doing will take some time. We are on track for our targets as a club this season (in only BR 2nd season in charge with a squad of players that according to some posters here are complete rubbish). Young players have been givien some game time with more to be introduced over the next couple of seasons. He has got rid of most of our expensive players who weren't contributing anything to the club and has brought stability to the club. Our finances have definitely improved eventhough we have some way to go yet but all some fans want is to blow 30m+ on more players players that don't necessarily guarantee anything. The stability of the club now unlike under previous ownership regimes is a lot stronger so don't be going on about anyone apologising to the owners in the summer, this is a long term project to get the club back to where it once was.

21 Jan 2014 10:15:03
It would be really nice for once that we buy a top established player instead of keep buying talented youngsters as yes its great that we might get them early and cheaper than a established player but it can be 2 to 3 years before they get their chance to shine in the first team or more often then not released or sent on loan. We haven't been in this position for some time that we are right in the mix for a champions league place in the final third of season so Please B.R let's buy an top established player who can be a starter or at least be fighting for that starting position and who can help and improve us right away. So Mr Henry why not take just a tiny amount of money away from what you invest in the Boston Red Sox every year and give it to BR for transfers for the final push and gain that Champions League place where the money is and every chance of keeping Suarez while starting to attract top players who also want to play Champions League football, to me it go's hand in hand but you need to be in the Champions League so FSG let's do it .

21 Jan 2014 10:41:35
FSG have spend more than most of the owners here.

21 Jan 2014 08:31:10
Man Utd looking to pay 37mill for Mata. IMO worth every cent and a player we really should be chumping up the change for as a creative midfielder.
That and not letting those buggers get out of the crap they're in.

21 Jan 2014 10:43:47
Great player, and would be perfect If played at No.10. But hows possible When Rooney / Kagawa is occupied over there?

21 Jan 2014 08:05:14
Hi all,
Question for ed 1 if available: Why do you think Coates
career never quite got going with us? Was he ever good enough? It just seems a bit strange that he was signed based on a brilliant copa America but hasn't ever managed to make the cut
Cheers in advance,
RedNick

{Ed001's Note - too slow to make up for any mistakes, that is his issue. It didn't help that he never got a run of games to settle in and get over any bad games too. He had plenty of quality on the ball, it was just that real lack of pace that isn't obvious for Uruguay alongside Lugano, who is also slow.}

20 Jan 2014 23:52:34
Hello everyone, not really Liverpool related but I think I speak for a lot of fans who use these pages that it is a great shame that the player profiles page hasn't been as frequently used as it previously was. I thought it was an excellent idea, and I personally like to hear your insight on different players. Thanks

{Ed001's Note - I am putting together a change on them. More of a scouting profile, rather than the current way. Hopefully it will be easier to work with, as the old way required so much time and effort updating every transfer window!}

20 Jan 2014 23:29:02
Anyone else think that if Rodgers doesn't get top 4 this year he could be sacked? Yes the type of football is great to watch when we are playing well but the recent signings eg Aspas, Alberto, Moses, Cissosko, Illori and even Sahin last year have not improved the squad! Personally, I think this is the reason why John Henry is not backing him in the market! Also every time he changes the tactics we struggle and how Skrtel ever became a top defender I'll never know our central defenders should be Agger and Sakho this two left footed players is nonsense

Hard to disagree with the poor signings and total cost, but what's the big deal with two left foot defenders? If both were right footed it wouldn't even be mentioned.

The simple fact is the points you would sack him for are opinion.

These players may come good. Cissokho aside of course. He is god awful :)

You can only really look at facts and there's no doubt we are improving under Rodgers. We continue to rise the table. And if we finish 5th, that still 2 places up on last year and 3 places since he began the job.

You cannot take rising the table lightly. It is not an easy task and Rodgers deserves respect for the job his done.

The club will evaluate his position at the end of the season and make a decision as they always do.

Personally, if he finishes 6th or above I think it would be madness to sack him. We're improving every year under this guy.

Are people blind to the cissoko saga. If we didn't have him we wouldn't have a bloody left back! regardless of how good he is, he's plugging in a gap. We were lucky Brendan brought him in, cus our last 5+games we wouldn't have had a left back and would have had to play different formations to what was required, or stick agger there (agger is worse at LB).

Sahin is a great player hampered by injury. When the Bundesliga starts up again, go have a watch of him for Borussia. I think Alberto is a good player and will earn a place in the team soon.Illori was always one for the future. Moses I struggle to see what he offered. Aspas played brilliantly last year I can certainly understand why Rodgers brought him in. Every now and then you're going to buy a Forlan, Veron Cisse etc who just can't adapt

Two left footed CBs won't happen get over it. This is because Left footed players are uncomfortable at RCB. BR said that Sakho will be the CB here for the next 10 years and obviously he will be playing LCB. As sad as it is Agger will be one of the first to leave in the summer.

21 Jan 2014 10:47:59
Bobraton.

Nonsesne,, We should have bought a LB Instead of either 7 mill Aspas or 8 Mill Alberto who is recieveing their wages warming Bench.

Yes, Illori, Aspas, and Alberto was 21M Quid not used well.

Illori was 5th CB, 6th/7th if you count youngsters.
Suso > Alberto
Borini > Aspas
Assaidi could have had his say.

21M on 1 LB/ 1 CB/ Winger or Mid.

21 Jan 2014 15:05:19
Bobatron. Totally agree.

Everybody here is acting like they knew Aspas, Alberto and Cissokho were not going to hit the ground running.
The only reason that might be true Is because you lot slate every signing before they come.
The same lot that are now eating some Sturridge and Henderson humble pie.
Nobody knows how signings will settle.
It's not like we bought Kone is it?
We will also get a large percentage of these investments back.
Easier to ignore that though isn't it?
Why people choose to slag off loan signings that have been here 6 months and will not be here next season baffles me.
Is it that long ago our options were Konchesky and Degen?

IF we are going to get signings wrong, which everyone does, I would much rather it be an Inexpensive gamble. Rather than one that could jeopardise the future of the club.

I would rather lose £3 million on the Aspas deal, than say the £20 million we lost on the Carroll deal, or the £13 odd million we lost on the Keane deal, or the £15 odd we lost on the Downing deal.
We lost pretty much all of our £20 million investment on the Aquilani deal.
These kind of losses cannot continue if the club is to become self sustaining.
Rant over.

Tell me the left back we'd have bought for £7 million?