Liverpool Banter Archive June 21 2015

21 Jun 2015 23:21:44
With being linked with benteke and now llorente, do you think that Rodgers is changing his style of play for next season with a big lone target man or is he playing a target man in a 442? Seems even after 3 years he still doesn't know his best formation, team selection and style of play which is worrying.

22 Jun 2015 00:51:43
Feels like he might be leaning towards the 442 diamond he has used in the past. Why else would he target a RB in Clyne and have rumored interest in LB Digne.

22 Jun 2015 07:39:11
A more suitable explanation would be that Rodgers has no idea what he is doing.

21 Jun 2015 22:11:10
A website is running with quotes from Emre Can and the German u21 coach saying they've both been assured by Liverpool that he'll get his chance in midfield next season so hopefully that's the end of him unfairly having to play in defense.

21 Jun 2015 22:58:41
He'll fit perfectly in with the 3-7-0 system Rodgers is planning for the new season.

22 Jun 2015 11:48:19
Kono will be signed as his replacement for RCB.

21 Jun 2015 21:17:43
The echo ran a story an hour ago that we are watching bacca and rondon?
Any truth eds? Or should all forward reports be taken with a pinch of salt unless we get some of our forwards off the books?

Before discovering this site I use to view the echo as the most reliable source, however I've seen some conflicting views posted on here; just how reliable is the echo? Can anyone provide any insight?

{Ed001's Note - they are no longer close to the club. Sadly. They used to be great for info, but now they are just another tabloid.}

21 Jun 2015 22:09:25
Thanks ed,

That's a shame to hear. I suppose it more about hits and reads then actual substance nowadays.
Fabricated stories quoting big names will get more reads then reporting the truth

22 Jun 2015 07:52:51
I am becoming more and more uneasy with LFC being linked with a more physical presence up front: Benteke, Dzeko, Mandzukic, Rondon, Llorente have all been linked at some level.

22 Jun 2015 15:43:23
It's bizarre real Ag, I thought BR made it clear when he sold Carroll that he didn't want that type of player.

21 Jun 2015 21:06:03
Not Liverpool but of my generation. Really sorry to hear Stan Bowles diagnosed with Alzheimer's. A real wizard in his time

21 Jun 2015 20:12:55
Seeing the name Rondon branded about a lot in the last few days. any of the eds know what type of player the lad is?great work as always eds.

{Ed001's Note - only seen him play once, big and strong but showed nothing to suggest he would be worth buying.}

21 Jun 2015 22:08:02
There was a lot of hype about him when he was a young lad at Malaga can't see us being interested in him, maybe an old link

21 Jun 2015 19:39:51
if its true we are after kovacic and firmino if it was a choice out of the two who would you pick? I haven't seen much of either to be fair would be keen to hear peoples opinions

21 Jun 2015 20:11:40
I would go for Firmino and get a DM instead of Kovacic. Fimrino can play up front but I would use him as a 'second striker' similar to how Suarez was used at times. I certainly wouldn't mind getting Kovacic, but I think a top quality DM is needed more, especially if Lucas leaves

21 Jun 2015 20:12:25
Ed001 has repeatedly that the two are unrelated. However if it came to a choice then Firmino as he scores more

21 Jun 2015 22:40:27
Same with me, Reet.

21 Jun 2015 23:48:58
Same here - Firmino because he can backup Sturridge when injured and/or play alongside a second striker which is what we need more than a DM (can be covered by keeping Lucas and giving Can a chance to establish himself). Firmino can also become the creative force in AM if Coutinho gets injured.

21 Jun 2015 19:21:05
I'm quite surprised that a lot of Liverpool fans are complaining about the fact that we don't need to get another center midfielder in. We have strong interest in kovacic who in my opinion is a fantastic player already and has the potential to be world class, and an IMPROVEMENT to our team to which we need, though a lot of fans are saying no to the idea as we are over packed in midfield already. Yes we are but packed with mid prem players that proved last season aren't good enough. At the moment our centre midfield is as good as a mid prem team at best. We will not hold up against any of the top 4 teams and yet we are hoping to get back in the champs league. We have Lucas, Allen, can, Henderson and Milner fighting for the places. Allen is utter rubish and is not good enough to start in any top team and needs to go. Lucas will be injured throughout the season, Can hasn't proved anything yet, though I do think he has great potential but is not at all a finished article leaving Henderson and milner who are good but should not be your main men in the middle of the park if your hoping for a top 4 place, they are not good enough for that. Plus Milner will probably our new full back and played our of position. None of these would be starters in the centre for other teams fighting for top 4. We need at least one top quality player in there. I'd keep can and try to develop him in the DM role. Henderson I would start but needs to improve still and I think we really need someone like kovacic to make things happen and IMPROVE us. We have some exciting midfield attacking players and they ARE GOOD ENOUGH but without a spine in the middle then we will get dominated again. I really think if we keep things the same then what ever striker or centre back we get in still won't get us back challenging for the tittle as our cente midfield is to poor.

{Ed030's Note - That's why clubs end up in a bad state. That is where the club went wrong under Rodgers, Signing players before selling the ones you already have in the position. Plus buying more Central midfielders will only hinder the development of the youngsters such as Rossiter as they will end up further down the pecking order. }

21 Jun 2015 21:29:44
Henderson, without Gerrard in the side is top quality, him getting suspended for 3 out of last 4 games cost us dear, totally ignoring the SG skip.

21 Jun 2015 17:08:32
Eds both.

Most of us should be aware that many of the reports linking the club with players are agents talking up a players availability. Perhaps this is so, but we do appear to accruing a large number of players that don't play much, especially midfielders - with more to perhaps join.

Is there any chance that the club has a policy to buy players relatively cheap with a view of selling them on at a profit in the future - with little intention of them being at the club long term? It would be an interesting way of reducing any deficit re FFP - and generally improving the clubs finances besides.

I know it would be difficult to increase the value of a player without them playing regularly - but there's always the option to loan them out I suppose.

I am sure I read an article a few years ago alluding to FSG/LFC holding this precise view.

Many thanks for any insight.




Rob.

{Ed001's Note - it is the Chelsea model and a number of other clubs already use it, we are just trying to get involved, rather than concentrating on getting the first team sorted first.}

21 Jun 2015 19:42:50
We need to sort the loan system out then if we are going to do that. Most of our youngsters are worth less by the time they come back.

{Ed030's Note - I wouldn't worry too much about worth, I'd prefer for them to progress as players which is why the would have been sent out on loan. }

21 Jun 2015 23:02:57
Thanks Ed01. Is this the reason the club is signing so many midfielders?

Would you be able to say which players have been bought purely for this reason?

And which players have been brought in for the first team?

Illori and Aspas spring to mind.

Ta,




Rob.

{Ed001's Note - no that is not why we have bought so many midfielders. They are being bought for the first team. Rodgers is collecting them like Panini stickers, 8 in the team against Stoke is not enough apparently.}

22 Jun 2015 09:54:07
Thanks Ed - makes for depressing reading though. Seems as though the club has a long way to go to financial stability and stability in the team. We don't even currently have a full compliment of coaching staff. I hope something happens soon. It would be a boost to see some good signings come in, & have the coaches positions filled too with the quality individuals. Roll on August.

Re the previous post - are particular players bought solely for the purpose of selling them on later or does every player have an equal 'crack' at making the team?

Ta,



Rob.

{Ed001's Note - they are bought with the intent of developing them for future use in our team. The idea being if they don't make it they can be sold on for a profit, hopefully. The problem is that it is not well thought out, in either the planning or execution, which is why the club overhauled the scouting department.}

21 Jun 2015 17:34:06
A question for people who've watched illaramendi play. Do you think he's the kind of midfielder who'll fit into the Rodger's system (read: Defensively strong midfielder who can pass and is good on the ball.)

21 Jun 2015 18:18:03
All I can say is that there's a reason he could never get a game consistently when Alonso was there as he was supposed to be his replacement ant they paid a fortune to get him from Sociedad. Don't think he's what we need and Real are just hawking him around com he will never get a game there due to Kroos, Modric and even Isco, who's not even a DM, ahead of him.

21 Jun 2015 19:45:28
He's likely to be overpriced and not needed so fits in with Rodgers system brilliantly.

21 Jun 2015 21:13:50
Personally I think he'd be a decent signing. It would probably be the end of Lucas but Illaramendi is a more all rounded player imo. He is the controller than Rodgers likes to hold whilst also being able to win the ball back - more via good positioning than sliding tackling.

I really like Lucas, but I think Illaramendi would be an upgrade with the style of football I believe Rodgers will play

21 Jun 2015 22:51:08
Illara is not in Lucas' class and is simply not better than Hendo and Can. He could not dislodge Alonso who he was supposed to replace to begin with so what's he going to do here because he adds nothing to what we already have? Koba is a much better player and I would like him to come provided we sell Allen and had we not bought Milner who isn't better than him. That did not happen hence he as well as Illaramendi are not needed and should not be bought mainly cos, we have issues elswhere. Just my opinion

21 Jun 2015 23:13:36
Illaramendi is the most unimpressive player I ever saw in a real madrid shirt. He would not improve our first eleven at all. He is like Anderson of Man U. BAD.

21 Jun 2015 15:48:49
G'day Ed's, I love the work you guys do on this site. I would like to know your thoughts on what Liverpool have planned with all of the mids they seem to be interested in? Could it be they are stocking up on the mids because they are planning to get rid of a few of the existing ones they have, but getting the purchasing done first to avoid the farce which was the previous window? Sterling, Lucas & maybe someone else like Allen may leave to make the room?

{Ed001's Note - I think Brendan is just playing FUT in real life and is trying to get a TOTS player.}

21 Jun 2015 17:44:48
Emporer Brendan intends to paint them all brown and stand them in rows in the tomb that he is building for himself.

21 Jun 2015 20:40:52
Are you a FUT player then Ed001?

{Ed001's Note - no mate, I tried it for a bit but I really can't get into FIFA, other than playing with a mate for a laugh.}

21 Jun 2015 22:52:19
Daft question, Ed. What is FUT and TOTS?

{Ed030's Note - FUT if fifa ultimate team and TOTS is a team of the season card given to players on ultimate team }

21 Jun 2015 15:27:12
Reports now saying we have had a 16 million bid accepted by Madrid for Illaramendi. Benitez to decide whether to release the player. I do like him and not sure if this is true or not.

However where do this leave the Kovacic deal? Cold we actually be buying both midfielders? I do expect to see all of Alberto, Allen, Lucas, Sterling to leave. So these two with Henderson, Milner, Can, Coutinho, Lallana, Ibe and Markovic would make a top midfield.

We still need a striker and in my opinion a right back. Personally would favour us signing Konoplyanka on a free as Sterlings replacement.

21 Jun 2015 16:38:54
I would personally believe it would be kovacic or ilara. Kovacic all the way for me

21 Jun 2015 16:44:45
It will be instead of kovacic. Mistake

21 Jun 2015 16:47:13
Can't see Allen leaving Brenda seems to like him. Would be nice though as just don't think he is good enough

21 Jun 2015 18:19:35
Brendan needs to be sacked for Allen to be sold. Those two are joint to the hip

21 Jun 2015 20:04:22
Could be a case the club are upgrading or replacing certain players to add strength. We have lost or are about to lose a few of our midfield for example.

Gerrard. (Left). Kovacic.
Sterling. (Roughly 50 million). Konplyanka
Lucas. Ilarramendi.
Allen.
Alberto.

Makes sense to me Kovacic at his age and potential is an upgrade on the Gerrard we had last season. We lose Sterling for 50 million (roughly) but we gain Konoplyanka on a free. Who at present is a better player. We sell Alberto, Allen and Lucas and we replace with Illaramendi which in my opinion is another upgrade.

Which leaves us a midfield of Henderson, Lallana, Can, Coutinho, Konoplyanka, Milner, Kovacic, Markovic, Illaramendi and Ibe. If you consider the contribution in terms of appearances Lucas, Alberto and Allen didn't offer much last season. Sterling wasn't the player he was 12 months before also.

That would give us a midfield for years to come. Players such as Coutinho, Konoplyanka, Lallana and Kovacic can also play a number of attacking positions.

It's similar with the he defence as I don't think we need much in terms of changes. I would like to see.

Coates.
Skrtle.
Enrique. Digne.
Manquillo (loan return). Montoya.

I would like us to finally give Illori a chance at centre half. If we want to play high pressing attacking football then you need a centre half with pace and Illori is very fast with huge potential. I feel he would be an upgrade on Skrtle and won't play so deep due to his pace. Illori could play with either Sahko or Lovren as I think both would work as good partnerships.

Digne would certainly be an upgrade on Enrique, he is also much younger and at a reported 8-10 million would be worth it. Digne can also cover left midfield when required, providing competition to Markovic and Moreno. Manquillo hasn't really settled and think the club will return him early. With Flanagan still injured Montoya would provide good cover and competition. He can also play left back if needed.

That would give us a defence that looks like Moreno, Digne, Flanagan, Montoya, Illori, Lovren, Sahko, Toure and Wisdom (if not loaned out). In my opinion that's a better defence than last years defence with only two additions for reported low fees and are still relatively young.

21 Jun 2015 21:04:47
You could look at the attack in the same vein. I think out of current strikers we would like to see the below moved on.

Lambert.
Balotelli. Upgrade being one of Firminio or Higuain.
Borini.

Which again leaves us with an upgrade in attack. We seen little from Lambert, Borini or Balotelli last season so either of Firminio or Higuain would be an upgrade.

It would also provide us with an attack of Sturridge, Origi (who might be loaned), Ings and one of Firminio or Higuain. We also have the likes of Ojo, Sinclair and Ibe to fill in when needed.

21 Jun 2015 22:38:01
Only issue being is we have origi and Ings coming in but it remains to be seen whether either is an upgrade. It's critical we get a proven striker in.

21 Jun 2015 22:58:06
You don't buy players to replace players who weren't contributing anything or that haven't been sold yet. If you buy a player, it is to upgrade the team and not to replace another player who wasn't playing to begin with. That is not adding depth. It is replacing like for like in this case which is stupid. Mou didn't let Schurrle go until he bought Cuadrado and Shurrle was in the first team and not a bench player who never played. That's how you upgrade your first eleven. We are not doing that. What we are doing is just creating an unbalanced squad with no direction or idea of the shape we want it to look like.

21 Jun 2015 14:57:29
Clyne 15m & firminho 25m is being reported today as how we will spend the sterling money.
Seems we are after a playmaker illarra or kovacic.

21 Jun 2015 14:14:17
I finally know why Brenda wants so many midfielders. He wants to play one in every position. We think Kovacic is coming in to play in midfield, when really he's competition for Mignolets Place!

21 Jun 2015 15:21:57
Be better than mignolet. Least distribution from the back will be up

21 Jun 2015 16:00:53
You need depth in the squad, it will be at least 2 midfielders for every position

21 Jun 2015 17:39:24
Ron

I don't know if you're taking the piss or not but just in case you're not, you're statement is the reason why we are in a mess.

Yes you do need cover in all positions but its always a good idea if you build a world class starting 11 first.

Build you're starting 11 then worry about back up

21 Jun 2015 17:49:15
As it stands we have signed 4 players and I don't think our starting 11 is any stronger than what it was last year. Pointless having a strong squad if your starting 11 doesn't cut it!

21 Jun 2015 18:43:40
Ron, BR wanted a bigger squad last season hence, bought nine players. I thought the depth has been sorted then but clearly not according to you. So what happens to the other players out on loan or in the academy? Can't they be used as depth or in yours and BR's mind, we should be buying depth every season even though we have damn near fifteen mids and right CB's while the other areas we need help in are neglected and we are unable to move players out.At this rate, we will be in perennial disarray as we currently are.

21 Jun 2015 21:15:44
This is the banter page right? Sorry i totally forgot since everyone is being so serious.
Didn't mean to offend people.

21 Jun 2015 22:27:56
Yeah me too Kopette.

2 midfielders for each position?

Hook
Line
And Sinker.

21 Jun 2015 13:07:08
Hey eds,

Who do you prefer between illaremendi & kovacic?

They both seem similar in a lot of departmendepartment, I'm just curious who you believe to be the better player?

{Ed001's Note - there is no comparison, Kovacic is much better.}

21 Jun 2015 14:16:43
Illaramendi is overated for me. The main reason i guess Madrid paid such a high fee for him us him being Spanish and all

21 Jun 2015 14:18:22
I can't imagine he will be cheap either. Illaramendi cost Real some serious dough, and no way we will get hom for any cheaper than Kovacic.

21 Jun 2015 14:40:19
Kovacic by a mile. I've seen illaramendi play live quite a few times for Madrid and he is one of the worst players Madrid have signed for years. Especially for that sort of cash. Not saying he's a terrible player, but he is very average and not much better than Allen.

Kovacic is better than any midfielder we have right now and could be the best AM in the BPL given the chance to flourish like coutinho. But the general consensus is that the midfield needs some serious talent in the DM department, something that has been lacking in the team on a consistent basis since March left. Which I agree with, but I am also all for the signing of top quality players, and kovacic is one of them.

21 Jun 2015 15:03:26
Since march left? Who did we release in march? 😂😂😂

21 Jun 2015 16:24:11
It was a typo, it was supposed to say masch as in mascherano. Which I'm sure it did before. hmmm

21 Jun 2015 18:52:15
Disagree, Kman. I want top class signings in areas we need help in and not just for the sake of it. Chelsea had issues in their first eleven and those needs were addressed with precision. Arsenal haven't had a great GK since Seaman left. They now have or might have one in Cech and they are already better than us regardless of the four signings we've made. I would have loved Kovacic if Milner was not coming and if Allen was leaving because he's better than both put together. That is not the case hence to me, not needed

{Ed030's Note - I agree, I'd much rather have 1 good signing in a position we need then 3 signings in positions we don't need. }

21 Jun 2015 12:36:50
Looks like all the talk of pep getting AM role is going to happen. One plus as everyone seems to rate him. I just hope that we give players a chance in the actual position and they are given a fair chance. As for our defence I just don't understand why we won't appoint a coach to get them sorted and playing as a solid unit. Surely for a team to succeed we got to get sorted at the back first and foremost. I think we have some good players that if managed better would impress us all. I wonder if we will improve on last season let's hope so

21 Jun 2015 13:41:16
With you there, Red! He is well thought of per the Eds. Just hope he can fix our defence and get the best out of our players because some of them are not as bad as BR has made them look, tbh.

21 Jun 2015 14:42:46
Exactly, it just seems that LFC like to make things complicated and never do things the simple way. Or it might be that BR is far too stubborn, even when his job is hanging by a thread. He needs to take all the help he can get to stay in the managerial role.

21 Jun 2015 16:58:06
I agree Ohio think some have been made to look worse and had confidence knock. Also get the feeling he is very stubborn, even with this looking like his last chance

21 Jun 2015 12:01:48
Although unconfirmed, it seems Pepijn Linders is virtually done and potentially positive going forward.

Any ideas to whom we are looking for Assistant Manager, or maybe more a DoF position? Either way, we should be looking to appoint proven success and experience i.e. been there, done it and won it both domestically and in European topflight competition

21 Jun 2015 13:11:23
I do not follow the youth set up much, does anyone know what kind of influence he will have? Will he contribute new ideas, affect the number of youth team players given a chance or does he have a specific style?

{Ed001's Note - high press all out attack is his style.}

21 Jun 2015 16:16:34
Let's hope he's given a voice and allowed to stamp his ideas

21 Jun 2015 17:42:31
To play a high press total attack game you need a core of some good 'steel' players that can impose their will on the opposition. Joey Jones, Didi Hamann, McMahon, Souness Tommy Smith etc. Couple of yard dog defenders wouldn't go amiss as well along the Staunton-Burgess mould. For it to succeed, you need to stop the opposition playing and unsettle them psycologically (ie scare them LOL). Then a class ball distributor along the lines of Molby or Alonso.

21 Jun 2015 22:44:26
It seems fashionable these days to focus on attack.
Mourinho won the league by having the best defence.
LFC need to work out how they stop the opposition scoring first and foremost.

21 Jun 2015 23:18:42
None of who are present in the first team, atm

22 Jun 2015 05:40:41
Burrows that should be - not Burgess.

21 Jun 2015 11:35:45
Resisting the temptation to watch Firmino youtube clips: day 2! I am still holding up against the hype.
However, some doubts are filtering in. it is, actually, possible that MU might be pursuing other targets, while MC might face a long battle with FFP to complete all their signing. We might just manage to steal a march, who knows.

21 Jun 2015 12:26:51
We already have a bloated midfield and others that can play a number 10 role.

There are more important issues to resolve e.g. who's in front of the no.10 creating space worrying opposing defenders

Based on Sturridge's jib/injury sufferance, mindful Lambert won't get game time under BR and that he will probably let Origi around the first team for a while before stagnating elsewhere thus ruining another burgeoning career, it is clearly foolhardy to rely on Ings or Origi to be responsible for the bulk of our goal-scoring burden in their first full season which could reach c60 matches.

21 Jun 2015 13:53:34
Been saying the same thing, wiwar but still, nothing suggesting that these concerns as yet but let's wait and see.

21 Jun 2015 15:09:45
I agree, but i also think if the right striker that suits us is not available then i would be happy for us to bring in another creative player to create more chances for the forwards we already have. If we are unable to attract the likes of aubameyang, higuain, lacazette etc, i would much rather us go for a firmino type player than go out and get dzeko, llorente, benteke etc just for the sake of having another striker

21 Jun 2015 15:34:04
The problem is whether a right striker would actually be available. I believe we need a Heung Min Son type of striker, not a Benteke striker - someone who can play alone, but also dropping off Sturridge. The only other player from Ed02's list of targets that firts the profile would be Vela I think, but a move probably wouln't be viable. So, do we go for the wrong type of player just for the skae of it?
Firmino actually has a good finish, better than Sterling I believe - so, if rogers is so fond of the idea of playing 11 midfielders on the field, why not use one that actually CAN score?

21 Jun 2015 16:17:51
Fingers crossed redohio

21 Jun 2015 16:38:58
Jowens

If we can't get the correct striker then we should get no one.

Is balotelli not proof of that?

21 Jun 2015 18:59:23
With you there Lavers. Might as well give the younger ones a chance rather than buy somebody just for the sake of it. I however doubt BR will give youth a chance because he doesn't genuinely believe in them unless when his hand is forced to play them.

21 Jun 2015 10:56:22
How can anyone say they are behind the owners? They have stuck with Rodgers and a diabolical transfer committee. Edd001 said the minimum this season is fourth. Wasn't the minimum last season to atleast challenge and we were EmbarrasIng? So we failed spectacularly in our objectives yet the same formula remains. I won't be shouting for the owners out like the United fans had for the glazers but certainly the owners are failing us this year. It is not Rodgers fault he remained in the job or the the transfer committee is allowed to make yet more awful signings. Buck stops now with fsg And Michael gordon

"to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results is insanity " Einstein

21 Jun 2015 11:44:55
The transfer committee is a shambels they missed out on Willan Sanchez and Mikitarian.Just take a minute to think of how good a front for of Suarez Sanchez Mikitarian and Willan would be

{Ed001's Note - none of them were anything to do with the committee.}

21 Jun 2015 12:07:08
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking that we used when creating them!
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
I could play this game all day, hehe!

21 Jun 2015 12:24:04
Southern
If you can't explain it simply you do not know it well enough"
Honestly though we are in for a tough season

21 Jun 2015 12:45:29
Potatoe,

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, not simpler."

I'm not sure how to look at next season at the moment, I'm just trying to get over the last one still.

21 Jun 2015 13:41:46
Matas Beard

Willian OR Mkhitaryan was looked at as replacements for Suarez; all of them would never have played in the same team. Sanchez rejected LFC, transfer committee needs to be blamed on not having thought of better alternatives to Sanchez in case he didn't come. Basically, you don't know what you are talking about.

21 Jun 2015 13:56:34
All good, points, boys. Seems the owners are fixing every other part of a broken down car but the engine itself YET they want the car to run smoothly. Beggars belief, really.

21 Jun 2015 20:13:47
*four

21 Jun 2015 09:57:46
HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL RED DADS TODAY . AND ANY OF THE EDS OF COURSE

21 Jun 2015 13:58:28
Just became a father this year myself and over the moon. Happy Father's Day to all!

21 Jun 2015 17:18:40
Redohio, congratulations on your fist Father's Day .make sure the baby's a mighty red .and get he/ she up to Annie

21 Jun 2015 19:00:54
It's a boy and I have his LFC outfit ready to go for next season. Thanks and happy Father's Day to you as well, King

21 Jun 2015 08:45:21
I am getting quite concerned Eds, what's happening about the coaches?

Cheers for your continues hard work. All the best.

{Ed001's Note - they are looking for the right ones. Not sure what more anyone can say.}

21 Jun 2015 11:03:19
From what I have read Carragher seems to think pep lijnders has been promoted to first team coach.

21 Jun 2015 11:11:21
according to Carra it looks like they are promoting Linders from the U16s. If this is true - do you see this as a good move? I believe he has a good reputation - but that it down to his development of young players.

{Ed001's Note - this has been discussed to death over the last few days mate, yes I do think it is a good move.}

21 Jun 2015 11:45:19
Sorry Ed - not been on for a few days. But have just used the search function and read the views there. Seems like it could be a positive move based on the views - and Carra seems to suggest it is a good move. Have a great day!

{Ed001's Note - very positive I think.}

21 Jun 2015 13:59:53
The Eds have mentioned it for a couple of weeks now and by their estimation, the guy is class

21 Jun 2015 06:43:21
So we've signed another young CB.
What are we doing though?
Honestly?

21 Jun 2015 09:05:47
Its ok don't worry Brenda is still at the wheel. I'm sure it won't take her long to wreck another young players career.

21 Jun 2015 09:52:37
This kid is tipped to be top top quality. English as well, which means he's worth more if he does well, also the quota thing. Skrtel even if he signs will not be around in two seasons, Gomez will be 20. Hopefully we'd have a new exciting manager and with this Linders guy around who has worked well with youth prospects then this kid could be an awesome signing.
I'd have Ilori, Gomez, Jones and Sakho as my squad CBs in the near future. if appointed :)

21 Jun 2015 09:58:22
Ironic therefore that the very reason he's signed is (according to him ) the way BR gives youth a chance!

Given the record on centre halves, I can only assume he's been given some kind of road map and assurances as to his future. Good luck with that though.

21 Jun 2015 12:25:59
Marshy do you think it's a similiar roadmap that BR showed the owners on how we would challenge for the title this season and have a good run in the Champions League.
Paper doesn't refuse ink.

21 Jun 2015 14:06:17
Max, you must think players will stand around and wait for us to get our acts together, don't you? Ilori would have been an LFC player for his third season YET he's not even played a friendly for us over that span. If that doesn't bother you then I can't help you there. The boy's career is getting destroyed with every chance we refuse to give him and he's not the only one in that boat. Suso checked out as soon as he saw what was happening and so will many others including Gomez, if we have no plan to ever give them a chance.

21 Jun 2015 16:31:52
He would of been better off with sat nav Marshy.
Could of directed him in the right direction!

20 Jun 2015 23:56:45
What is the general opinion of how good Sterling will become.
I'm thinking about this due to the potential fee of £45m. Whether he gets x and QPR get 20% etc. £45m for what many class as potential and unfinished.

At any point can anyone see this as a good deal for City? £45m plus £100k p/w (I guess minimum).

I look at Bale and Ronaldo as £70m-£80m transfers and wonder if Sterling will reach their heights? If within 5 yrs at 25 will he be their level? 20-30 goals a season. Match winning goals, unsavable freekicks, perfect penalty records etc.

Imo I cannot see him scoring the freekicks like those two or that amount of goals and I think that is a huge part towards their values.

{Ed030's Note - If I was you I wouldn't worry to much about the figures. }

21 Jun 2015 01:04:07
He won't ever get any where near that level. He's very overrated IMO

21 Jun 2015 01:39:35
Yeah not worried about figures, or his career etc. just thinking I can only see this as a good deal for us. In the past losing players, but match winning top players, like Alonso, Torres, McManaman, Fowler etc I was gutted and only thought the buying club was getting a great deal. Even Torres I thought £50m, but you're guarenteed goals which will help them towards the title it's still money well spent (was wrong)

But this time I almost can't wait. Maybe that's due to him and his agent? But still, I see £50m fee and his wages, even at 20 with years to get better etc, I just cannot see him becoming a good deal, a player of Ronaldo or Bale level and being worth £80m. I can't see him taking the free kicks or penalties these guys take and winning games single handedly.

Even the fact he is a winger and maybe not expected to contribute to the level of those two, still £45m plus his wages. He would become better then Sanchez, can't see him much above Navas, Nasri. I don't see him within 2-3yrs becoming better then Hazard.

So I just mean at what point if ever will his fee seem like good business, will he ever be a £50m player not just in cost, but performance? If City win the title will it then look like a great signing, or will it not even be considered as that influential a part?

Just a banter comment, interested to see if others think like me, I pinch myself and think £45m (less whatever) just take it and run laughing. I can see him being a huge flop and not worth anywhere near Suarez (£65m some say less) Sanchez (£32m) nowhere near.

21 Jun 2015 08:30:42
Don't forget that sterling is only 20 year old! What was bale doing at that age? Playing left back for Southampton? Stats wise sterling had a better dribbling success rate and chance creation rate than any other u21 in Europe! If we had someone who could convert these chances then people would be raving! I think in 5 years time he will be fantastic, and he will be another player who's career has excelled once he gets away. But on the other note, if he wants out, yes sell him, but I euld rather take 35 mill from real than 45 from a rival (if you can even call them rivals theses days?).

21 Jun 2015 08:48:22
I know what you're saying Max, £40 - £50m for Sterling is a massive investment in unguaranteed future potential, the like of whch we've never seen on that scale before in football (from memory I'm thinking Denilson to Betis in '98 was propably a similar 'punt' but the fee was lower).

I sincerely hope that Liverpool cash in because, like you, I don't see him as a game changer who can win us an ugly game through a moment of sublime skill. i also don't think we'll get an offer at that level again either so now is the time.

21 Jun 2015 11:10:31
Imo he will waste his career as long as that ward lad is in his ear, telling him he's this that and the other, he'll be so full of himself he'll think he's better than he really is and won't try as hard as he should to reach his full potential