Liverpool Banter Archive April 22 2016

 

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22 Apr 2016 20:08:04
Hi Reds 'n' Eds.
Any truth in the Middle East takeover rumours?
Cheers.

Believable1 Unbelievable5

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine.}

22 Apr 2016 19:42:01
Evening Eds and Reds. General banter question. Do clubs/ managers ever change their opinion on a player when another club of similar or higher statue show interest?

An example, Zielinski. Udinese have loaned him, seem willing to sell him. Liverpool and Klopp in particular (if papers are true) want him. Does this trigger a second thought? Hold on a top club, top coach rate this lad, should we sell him? Or do clubs purely look at themselves and slightly blinkered? Decision made, have set a price happy to get that and move on.

Just interested as all clubs at some point have sold a player who has then proven value or higher, wonder if they reconsider seeing De Bruyne as a prime example.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - No, clubs have their own scouting systems and their own targets. They will look at many different players, hence the overlap between clubs and interest in certain players. Taking Piotr Zielinski as an example, Manchester City were interested and have moved on, but Brighton, Liverpool, Napoli, Roma, Auxerre, Young Boys and Bayer Leverkusen have all looked at him this season. As another example a number of EPL sides are looking specifically at young mainland European prospects with a view to building for the future - so it is not unusal to see several clubs represented at reserve and youth games across Europe.}

22 Apr 2016 20:55:13
Thanks Ed. Yes of course I knew about scouting systems and that various clubs look at various players, I was more thinking if was ever a case of my original question, that a selling club has a change of mind due to the level of interest.

If we do send out signals that say, Ibe would be availble at the right price, suddenly Barca, Bayern, Madrid and other giants are banging our door down with blank chqs would that ever influence either the manager or board to say hold on, keep him if he's that good?

Anyway, I guess you answered the question in a way so thanks for that.


{Ed002's Note - No Max. If a club decides to sell that would likely be it.}

22 Apr 2016 21:00:57
I always wondered that if for example klopp wanted to get rid of benteke, but man city and pep made an offer would he then go wait a second, if pep wants him I might be able to work with him.


{Ed002's Note - No Paulo.}

22 Apr 2016 17:42:15
Ed's

After watching the last pre match presser, I was curious on a couple things that I was hoping you could shed some light on.

1) what is the media's overall opinions on Klopp so far. I remember you saying that the media loved Rodgers because he was a complete idiot. But with Klopp he seems to just not put up with the dumb questions and almost seems to blatenly show his dislike for the questions he gets.

2) how are these questions choosen during the press conf. I sit there the entire time shaking my head about the level of dumbness in most of the questions. I think one time three different reporters asked the same question about studge, and Klopp just looked pissed.

THanks
YNWA.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - (1) I don't think the media have any particular opinion of Klopp at this time. Like a number of managers, he won't tolerate some of the more banal questions. (2) The reporters will have a list of questions they wish to ask. The club also won't take questions on a couple of specific subjects and the media are told that. press conferences vary manager to manager and some will stay and answer all questions put to them. Others will get up and leave if there is anything touchy. One EPL manager won't do post match interviews until 45 minutes after the game so he doesn't say anything he will regret latter. Klopp is fine with the press conferences as far as I know.}

22 Apr 2016 22:42:52
You knew someone was going to ask, but who is that manager that delays speaking to the media by 45 minutes?


{Ed002's Note - It is unimportant.}

22 Apr 2016 23:19:38
I reckon it's Pardew, he's got a short fuse.


22 Apr 2016 17:59:19
So the lfc players are dropping like flies
How would u guys sort out the centre mid and forward line selection for the Villarreal game and Newcastle?

Believable1 Unbelievable7

22 Apr 2016 18:45:57
Stewart and chirivela against Newcastle

Lucas and allen against villareal.


22 Apr 2016 19:07:43
Saturday to Thursday is a decent enough rest period, so I reckon Sturridge could play both games, especially having not started on Wednesday. We have options to rotate players around him. I'd like to see Ojo or Ibe play some part again, and Lallana and Firmino could be alternated between the two games.

In midfield, Lucas is recently back from injury, and Stewart deserves more first team chances, imo. There is a case for giving him a game at the weekend instead of Lucas, but Lucas would probably play both matches okay if he had to.

Is there another recent injury apart from Origi that I've missed?


22 Apr 2016 19:09:45
We don't need to rest too many for the weekend as its a Saturday game so got a good 5 days before Villarreal.


22 Apr 2016 19:07:43
Saturday to Thursday is a decent enough rest period, so I reckon Sturridge could play both games, especially having not started on Wednesday. We have options to rotate players around him. I'd like to see Ojo or Ibe play some part again, and Lallana and Firmino could be alternated between the two games.

In midfield, Lucas is recently back from injury, and Stewart deserves more first team chances, imo. There is a case for giving him a game at the weekend instead of Lucas, but Lucas would probably play both matches okay if he had to.

Is there another recent injury apart from Origi that I've missed?


22 Apr 2016 19:09:45
We don't need to rest too many for the weekend as its a Saturday game so got a good 5 days before Villarreal.


23 Apr 2016 02:58:09
Newcastle at home but will be physical so I'd go
Lucas Stewart
Ibe, Llalana, Ojo
Firmino

The Villareal away so 3 man midfield
Lucas, Milner, Allen
Firmino, Sturridge, Coutinho.


22 Apr 2016 16:19:15
Hi eds,

I know you're probably sick about questions about Goetze but the rumours have been scarce of late and I was wondering if that is because there was no substance to them or if it's just because there is nothing more to report?

Thanks in advance.

Believable0 Unbelievable2

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine - I have answered about Goetze over and over.}

22 Apr 2016 16:11:28
This owen as embassador debate has been getting my goat, a lot of the pro discussion centers around him going to man u and lfc apparently not wanting him back and how he was a great player and single handedly won this cup and that cup etc.

I think those arguments entirely miss the point, its not about where he ended up after Newcastle but how he forced his way out to go to real for a pittance and left us in the lurch. People also conveniently forget how he suddenly became a utd fan and had joined the best club in the world when he signed for them.

As far as i am concerned he is a two faced little man with no integrity and he is no better than sterling in my book.

He has no love or affinity for lfc or the fans so this decision by the club again smacks of someone not doing their job properly and carrying out sufficient due diligence before making a decision albeit not a crucial one but a wrong one none the less.

Believable19 Unbelievable3

22 Apr 2016 17:29:26
Sterling is a man of integrity compared to Owen. He was the best player in Europe when he played for Liverpool, then his legs went and he became a decidedly average striker. Problem is when you get around the traps as much as he did you don't become anyone's hero and I doubt he is idolised at Madrid, Newcastle or United. I remember Fowlers contribution a lot more in that era and have no interest in seeing him represent LFC again.


22 Apr 2016 18:21:01
I'd rather be relegated to the bottom tier of football than win a title with United!


22 Apr 2016 18:50:09
Surely if he had no love for Lfc then he would not have taken a job he certainly doesn't need.


22 Apr 2016 19:11:42
Ignorance is a wonderful thing - fact is Owen's agent Tony Stephens was contacted by Real Madrid after being told by LFC ( Rick Parry ) that he was available, and when you find out that the club you play for doesn't want you, what do you do - the lad had no choice but to go. And this United thing, although no one dislikes them more than me, as fans we applauded Beardsley and Ince, both ex United, although Beardsley was only a kid when he was there. Again I bring up the McManaman thing, he shafted the club worse than Owen, he let his contract run down. I could go on about his goals per game ratio being better than Robbies. What's the point, people need to grow and accept he was, and will be remembered as one of our greatest players.


{Ed001's Note - you do realise that Rafa practically begged Owen to say and that Parry let them know only because Owen had told the club he wanted to leave? He will be remembered as the bowel nugget that bullied youngsters and threw his toys out of the pram constantly because he didn't like playing alongside Robbie. Jealous of Fowler's love from the fans, while he was always second best.}

22 Apr 2016 19:11:42
Ignorance is a wonderful thing - fact is Owen's agent Tony Stephens was contacted by Real Madrid after being told by LFC ( Rick Parry ) that he was available, and when you find out that the club you play for doesn't want you, what do you do - the lad had no choice but to go. And this United thing, although no one dislikes them more than me, as fans we applauded Beardsley and Ince, both ex United, although Beardsley was only a kid when he was there. Again I bring up the McManaman thing, he shafted the club worse than Owen, he let his contract run down. I could go on about his goals per game ratio being better than Robbies. What's the point, people need to grow and accept he was, and will be remembered as one of our greatest players.


{Ed001's Note - you do realise that Rafa practically begged Owen to say and that Parry let them know only because Owen had told the club he wanted to leave? He will be remembered as the bowel nugget that bullied youngsters and threw his toys out of the pram constantly because he didn't like playing alongside Robbie. Jealous of Fowler's love from the fans, while he was always second best.}

22 Apr 2016 21:47:51
I don't applaud Ince, i personally find him to be a moran. Beardsley on the other hand i like, but he was playing when i was young, so i don't know what he was like off the pitch, i can only go off from what I've heard and seen of others.


22 Apr 2016 13:45:26
As a few others have pointed out our form over the last two months has been excellent, we're playing the football we hoped for when Klopp arrived and, if we keep it up, we're in for an excellent season next year. This form shows that, despite the consensus for most of the season, we actually have a pretty good squad, not perfect of course but better than most have gave credit. In line with that, for no better reason than it's a Friday, I thought I'd do my review of the squad ahead of the summer.

Strikers - The competition between Origi and Sturridge is a wonderful thing for Liverpool but poses interesting questions going forward. I believe Sturridge is the more talented player but Origi's game seems suited to a Klopp team and if he continues his recent form as a genuine goal threat he may stay above Sturridge in the pecking order, how Sturridge would react to that I'll leave for others to speculate. How a fit Ings fits in next season I'm not sure, he seems suited to a Klopp team but Klopp usually plays one striker so his game time may be limited. Lastly we have Benteke who I think must leave this summer, there's a wonderful player in there but Origi's doing the job we wanted him to do and Liverpool don't need him anymore. I wouldn't replace him either, three strikers and Firmino as a back up should be sufficient. Maybe we look for the next bright young thing as a development player but that should be it.

Forwards - Our current forwards are Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana, Milner, Ojo and Ibe. There is a lot of class in that group but, so far, none are truly exceptional. Coutinho and Firmino have the talent but are young and inconsistent, Lallana has all the skill in the world but lacks impact, Milner is starting to show us why he's so valued at every club he's played at but will never be a special player whilst Ibe and Ojo are still developing. A targeted transfer in this area could take Liverpool up a level again. If that did happen then I think someone would have to make way. Milner has shown how valuable he is to the squad so I'd keep him, Lallana is a great player but of our other forwards he is the least likely to step up another level. Of course we could keep everyone but that would restrict opportunities for Ojo or Ibe which I wouldn't like to see.

Midfield - This will be another interesting area to watch this summer. We currently have Henderson, Can, Lucas, Allen and Stewart there with Grujic to come (plus a few more youngsters) . I like the pairing of Can and Henderson and I think they deserve the chance to have a season as first choice (they've only started 13 games together this season in the league) but neither are 'string pullers' so there's a chance Klopp could bring in someone else here. As for the remainder I cannot see both Allen and Lucas being here next season, there simply isn't room. Up until recently Allen was the obvious one to go but he's really stepped up his game and, whilst Lucas can claim injury in mitigation, if you had to choose one today you'd be tempted to go with Allen.

CBs - This summer we'll see Toure depart which is sad, it was fascinating to watch Sakho going over to the subs bench after scoring to celebrate with him, he's clearly a hugely popular character. This will leave us with Sakho, Lovren, Skrtel, Matip with Gomez as the development player. Skrtel's time is done, Sakho and Lovren are clearly ahead of him and the arrival of Matip will probably push him further down the pecking order. He may be kept as a reserve but I expect him to leave. If that was to happen we would need another defender and this is where it gets interesting. We could get another backup/ development player or we could go for a starter. Sahko and Lovren both have a lot of qualities and if they're the starting pair next season I would be fine with that but I do think we can improve on them. My favorite Liverpool defender was Hyypia and I'd love us to get someone who exuded the same sense of confidence, authority and reliability that he did, I have no one in mind but if there was someone of that quality out there I'd love to bring them in.

FBs - Currently we have Clyne, Moreno, Flanagan and Smith. I'm more than happy to let Clyne and Flanagan battle to be first choice on the right but the left needs some work. I think Klopp values the attacking support Moreno provides on the left wing but would prefer a more defensive option as an alternative which I don't think Smith is. Expect someone to come in this summer and don't be surprised if it's Smith that moves on not Moreno.

GK - Mignolet, Mignolet, Mignolet, have Liverpool ever had a less valued goalkeeper? We all know that Mignolet is less than perfect but what cannot be denied is that he's been perfectly adequate for a while now. The question for Klopp and Liverpool is how much of a priority is it to replace him and can the money required to upgrade him be spent better elsewhere? The jungle drums are that we're not looking for a replacement although a new rival may be on the cards. What this means for Ward I don't know, perhaps Ward can convince the club that he's that rival and we won't bring in anyone else but if we do buy someone he may move on, he's too good to be a number three.

Believable10 Unbelievable6

22 Apr 2016 14:21:43
Very good summary, muscatred, there's not much I would disagree with.

On the winger question, I suspect (although am not pleased that) Ibe may be the one to go, as Klopp rates Lallana for being more experienced. I suspect that Praet or Silva will be the replacement.

I get what you mean about Migs. He's not in the same league as De Gea or Courtois or Cech, but he's no 'Calamity James', at least not recently. I actually liked what I saw of Ward, so a cup run next year for him, with no other additions (or maybe an older backup as 3rd keeper should either get injured) would be fine in my opinion.

I'm a lot more excited about our team than a few months ago, which seems to prove that the players are generally good with the chance to be exceptional (by and large) and it was the manager and ethos that needed to change.


22 Apr 2016 14:43:42
I largely agree. Just a few things I might add though:

1. Ings will just replace Benteke in the squad. Klopp has been playing with 2 strikers for over a month now. Firmino-Origi, Origi-Sturridge and Sturridge-Firmino have all been trialled. Which brings to my second point.

2. Firmino is clearly seen as a striker by Klopp. He hasn't played anywhere else in about 3 months. At one point he was leading the line alone.

3. If we were to bring in another wide player I don't think Lallana or Milner would leave. Klopp really likes them both. I actually think it would be Ibe who bites the bullet. Personally I don't see any need, but Rafa Silva is apparently of interest. He is a left winger though which would make him back up for Coutinho. Lallana has been used almost exclusively on the right by Klopp. So replacing him with a left winger would make little sense. I see no reason to add or sell any players in our selection of attackers and wingers as Ojo can play both sides. I also don't get the Markovic loving. He's had a pretty average season in a below average league.

4. Smith has just signed a new contract. If either players leaves my money is on Moreno.

5. I don't see the point in having 5 centre backs. Sakho, Lovren, Matip and Gomez is plenty when Klopp has shown he has faith in Lucas deputising there. Matip is coming to replace Toure. Against Bournemouth Klopp showed he now has Lucas ahead of Skrtel at centre back. So we may even see Lucas dropped to a full time cover for the centre of defence with Grujic replacing him in midfield as an option.

6. I would sell neither Lucas or Allen. They have proven to be vital squad players.

I think with Grujic and Matip already here next season, we will probably add a Keeper and a left back to replace Bogdan and Moreno. Hopefully Bogdans replacement is good enough to relegate Mignolet to the bench. It looks like a wide player will come in too and force Ibe out the door, sadly. He is already behind Coutinho, Milner, Lallana and now Ojo in the pecking order. Aside from that I don't think we'll do any more business unless we can get a world class player in. As I said earlier, I'd replace Clyne instead of replacing Ibe but I don't think that's what will happen.


22 Apr 2016 14:54:03
Thanks Zedd, my worry for Ibe is that the club decides it doesn't need both Ojo and him and allows him to move on. I'm still rooting for him though as there's something about him I really like.


22 Apr 2016 15:25:20
Good summary of the Squad.

My question is have we given up on Ilori. I get he hasn't been the messiah we all believed, and looks far from first team quality right now. But he is still young and looks to have all the attributes to be a really good ball playing centre back.

If Klopp can make a young Origi who looked so raw, so far from ready and came back from a bad loan, into the player he is now. Why can't he do the same with Ilori?


{Ed002's Note - I would certainly expect Ilori to move on in the summer.}

22 Apr 2016 15:26:04
Yeah i do agree with most of that post to be honest.

The striker situation is only going to get better with time, its clear klopp has found a way of getting the best out of what he has and has even proved us all wrong on origi. Sturridge, origi and ings should be enough, and whereas benteke has the potential to be a brilliant player, it is quite obvious he is going to leave for various reasons. Personally i believe all the strikers we have are brilliant and will only get better over time.

Our forwards is the real problem area for me because they all have flaws to an extent and its impossible to work out who is best. I think coutinho and firmino are both flawed but, again, will get better as they play together in the side, hopefully klopp can get firmino to start taking more risks and put on more weight. Milner has improved in the second half of the year and has made a case for staying, but is on extremely high wages and still slows the play down too much imo. Lallana is very tidy but also slows the play down with incessant cruyff turns and rarely contributes directly. As much as he slots in into a coherent 11 i don't think he contributes enough. Ojo and ibe are still young and i don't expect to see either sold, maybe loaned. Markovic and kent could be given chances. Buying a top winger would be a good move and could happen.

Klopp said kolo has a future so maybe he could stay, whereas skrtel should leave. We should give lucas a contract extension to take the other centre back position and we also have gomez.

Clyne needs to be pushed more but moreno is just so insufferable and idiotic in every facet of his play he needs to go. He is a headless chicken and a disaster waiting to happen in every game. I'd like to see smith and flanagan provide backup but a new first choice left back bought.

Agree with sentiments on midfield, allen has been decent so maybe a short extension, we do need a different variety of midfielder though in terms of both playmaking and defensive midfield as our options there are all too similar, so someone could leave. Henderson and Can both need to contribute more goals too.

Ward could be used in cup games effectively but i do think a new goalkeeper to replace mignolet is needed, he is like moreno, a disaster waiting to happen.

Overall i think our squad just needs to be tweaked for a great next season.


22 Apr 2016 15:31:20
You have title aspirations? Then migs has to go. We need a 10 points a season gk if we want any chance of doing better than this season. Its pretty much end of discussion. Perfectly adequate is not good enough for our dreams.


22 Apr 2016 14:34:03
Agree on the winger part Zeddius. I believe we need a specialist holding midfielder with fine passing range. That is not Grujic in all honesty. I am not sure who is making room for this player but without the player we will conced goals and our full backs would look poor.
I love Moreno and simple as that. Cracking left foot, excellent pace, could beat a man and he is not just hit and run. Moreover Klopp loves offensive full backs and always prefered someone over traditional Ivanovic type.
Moreno links up with Coutinhon is brilliant. He gets very little help from Coutinho tracking back is the real issue there.

Rest is spot on mate.


22 Apr 2016 16:59:03
MK, I'd be interested to hear what others say but I disagree with you about Firmino. When he plays with sturridge or origi I think he plays in a central but withdrawn role. I wouldn't class that as playing him as a striker. We may just be arguing semantics.


22 Apr 2016 17:33:10
Klopp has said today he wants Toure to stay and expects him to stay and that Liverpool is a big part of his future. Also said he is "one of the most impressive people" he has ever met.
Clearly very popular at the club, coaching role maybe an option but looks like Jurgen wants to keep Kolo around.


22 Apr 2016 17:59:21
Yeah it's very subjective mustcatred. Ed002 always says formations and player positions are nothing more than where they stand at kick off. We obviously just see his role differently. No big deal though. Football is an opinions game ;)


22 Apr 2016 18:11:23
The days of being adequate are OVER. If you wanna win the PL, then you`re having a laugh if Mingo is you no 1 choice GK. He has cost us at least ten points this year while a DDG is winning Utd 10 points per season. Spot the difference. I would keep Toure before I keep Skrtel as we are finally done with him. As for Studge and Origi, if studge can not deal with a bit of competition for places then he should go. Origi is here to take his place so he`d better step his game up and meet the challenge because Origi will not let up and neither should Studge. He should grow a backbone and fight for his place because there will be NO free lunches under Klopp.


22 Apr 2016 18:27:02
The only thing I disagree with is Migs.
I don't want a 'perfectly adequate' 'keeper'.
There's no 2 ways about it, he's cost us far more points than he's earned us,
He might not be a calamity James as such, but he's still the same keeper who can't kick for toffee, holds onto the ball for 20 seconds, never comes out of his box and hates crosses with a passion.
As a guy, he seems likeable enough, but if we have serious aspirations for next season, I don't see Mignolet as the long term option.
You can put a suit on a goat but.


22 Apr 2016 19:41:07
Paulo, Ohio and Dave have it spot on. Mignolet will cost us any chance of competing at the highest level.


22 Apr 2016 20:59:40
I can see Mings staying on. He has taken some steps since Klopp came. Think Ward will get cup games next year, hopefully challenging for a starting place in 18 months. Mings in current form does not cost us points, especially since we decided to do some actual defending on set pieces.


23 Apr 2016 01:30:17
You've fallen for the Mignolet trap.

He will have some good games, he will make some decent saves, but sooner or later he will drop a massive clanger mark my words.
Don't think because we beat Dortmund that Mignolet is a suddenly a competent goalkeeper, he isn't.


22 Apr 2016 12:28:58
Ed002 have you met Klopp before? The way you refer to him as Klipperty could be seen as patronising to those looking for a stick to beat you with, but it strikes me as being more affectionate banter.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - A couple of times - once at the Wolfsburg game against Dortmund when Steve McLaren lost his job, and again in Madrid when Dortmund were there for a Champions League match in 2012 or 2013. Possibly another time as well.}

22 Apr 2016 13:26:55
Would you say you were bff's?


{Ed002's Note - No we had our clothes on.}

22 Apr 2016 13:50:24
Lewis Grabban (sorry I think MK Scouser will get that particular joke lol) #
BFF does not actually mean anything sexual but rather "BEST FRIENDS FOREVER" if you ask Jordon Ibe and Samed Yesil they will tell you what the meaning of friendship is Ed lad. I hear they've got a top class friendship that no man (or woman for that matter) can come between - a modern day Liverpudlian 'bro-mance' as it were.


22 Apr 2016 13:57:09
Did he hug you, ed?


{Ed002's Note - No.}

22 Apr 2016 14:02:29
Is he as nice in person as he is for the cameras?


{Ed002's Note - He is a nice enough guy.}

22 Apr 2016 14:07:45
Hi Ed002, What was he like when you met him?


{Ed002's Note - He is just another football club manager. Nothing more than that.}

22 Apr 2016 14:45:43
Thats all very well, but what colour is his aura?


22 Apr 2016 14:38:40
Do you wish you got a hug from him Ed002?


22 Apr 2016 14:40:11
Did he have a hat on?


22 Apr 2016 17:22:02
did he pour you a beer?


22 Apr 2016 17:35:32
Man, I'd love to be so blasé about meeting Klopp that I couldn't remember whether it was two or three times.


{Ed002's Note - He is just another football coach - it is no big deal.}

22 Apr 2016 18:20:44
Easy for you to say as you move in those circles, Ed. I'm sure you would have similar butterflies if you had to meet Reg my civil construction deputy project manager.


{Ed002's Note - I like Reg and I like the way he has overcome some of his problems.}

23 Apr 2016 03:17:12
I think in the scheme of things, ed002 has met a lot more important people in his life.


22 Apr 2016 22:49:17
Is there anyone you have met who was more than just a coach?


{Ed002's Note - These are just ordinary folk who do something for a living that is to some extent in the public eye. There is nothing special about them - just ordinary folk.}

21 Apr 2016 21:50:18
Eds has a club ever tried to obtain reparations from another club for injuring a player. A red card hardly seems like enough justice. Origi was vital to the end of our season and his lack of goals could cost us position in the table/ Europa/ champions league.

Believable2 Unbelievable2

{Ed002's Note - No, even in a couple of cases where players have admitted that they deliberately went out to injure another player.} t

22 Apr 2016 11:04:18
Is it possible? Would it be a police issue?


{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with the police.}

22 Apr 2016 11:44:07
Lads it's important to remember that football is a contact sport and there will be occasions were a player is injured, sometimes through good tackles, sometimes through poor tackles. Carragher said after the match that he was guilty of some poor tackles over the years (we're well aware), but it's part and parcel of the game and in most cases the player isn't trying to deliberately injure the other player. I'm am truly gutted that Origi is out, not just for the team but for the lad himself but let's not get carried away with fines/ punishments and apparent death threats, he's apologised and I'm sure he's genuinely feels bad that he injured Origi. Let's just get behind the rest of the players for the remainder of the season and hope that Origi can celebrate with them at the end.


22 Apr 2016 11:54:05
Thing is these sort of tackles need sorting out by the league with heavy, heavy bans. To walk off showing everyone how proud he is is double bad. What a great example to young kids watching on telly.

First time or repeat offender these tackles ruin careers. Let's see what our wonderful F. A do about it. Think the answer is in my last paragraph to be honest.


22 Apr 2016 13:46:03
excuse me mr Alfie11,I am very impressed with your ability to measure the level of "baddness" (a quite clearly unquantifiable measurement) and then you go as far as to say "double bad" who is it that defines how much badness one man can commit, certainly not you Alfie who are you Alfred Pennyworth or something like that (butler to Batman in the DC Comics and often played by Michael Caine in The Nolan Trilogy (which featured Bale (Christian, not Gareth) as the caped crusader)

going off on a tangent here but close your eyes and go back to the times of our wee Isaac Newton (1643 - 1727, for contextual purposes) and he'd tell you that gravity is not something to be trifled with. don't make any changes while you're there though because even treading on a butterfly could change the course of future events.

Anyway your masked criticisms of the dear F. A. are inappropriate and quite frankly devilish considering how much they've done for football in this once great nation. Zoooooooom OUT.


22 Apr 2016 14:16:45
Wtf was that post all about! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.


22 Apr 2016 14:23:35
Zoom mate you do talk a load of nonsense what on earth was that about lad.


22 Apr 2016 15:45:26
Zoom, the late Michael Jackson used to measure how bad bad is.


22 Apr 2016 17:11:37
Haha, zoom that made me giggle.

In answer to your question Ohio, yes it can be taken to the police as an assult or even a gbh charge - being on a football field does not make you immune to the charges of the law. However, the chances of you being able to prove it was not an accident, especially given the context, are very very small - even if they say they did in an interview or something that wouldn't be conclusive evidence. So generally it's not worth it - especially not if its an injury that's weeks out.

Source - I've seen it happen once in League 2 football (case was rejected) and twice in Conference football (one ended up with an interview under caution or something similar)


22 Apr 2016 18:31:42
Zoom, sorry?


22 Apr 2016 23:58:18
Just for taking it to court, if it was a civil, not criminal, case then you would just need to prove that the action causing the injury was deliberate and that the nature of the contact and tackle was worse than what would reasonably be seen in these kind of games. Obviously an admission of deliberately doing the tackle helps with this. It's very hard to prove as tackles are common in games.
There have been a couple of cases in amateur league stuff in Australia, but they all involved fights rather than just bad tackles.


22 Apr 2016 09:59:33
What did happen to Adam Morgan anyway? Where is he now?

For a while he was on fire at age groups .

And Toni Silva?

And anybody knows where Spearing went after Bolton?

Believable3 Unbelievable1

22 Apr 2016 10:12:46
Spearing is captain of Bolton now, won't play for the remainder of the season though, due to a clause in his contract where we would be paid 100,000 for appearance he has made, and bolton don't have the cash to pay us .


22 Apr 2016 10:13:34
adam morgan has had a fall out with every club he has played for almost i think he played for accrington stanley last. for whater prolific he was at youth level he is yet to register a single goal for any club at senior level

toni silva was in sofia for a while i think and now is back in portugal. he has been performing ok.


22 Apr 2016 10:20:40
Origi out for the season!
Totally gutted for the lad and Klopp.
I hope that thug Mori gets punished accordingly.

YNWA Divock.


22 Apr 2016 10:28:28
The season finishes in 4 weeks 😄
Agree with your sentiments though.


22 Apr 2016 10:50:25
A quick search tells me that Toni Silva is currently a regular starter for C.F. Uniao, a Portuguese yo-yo team that is back in the Primera Liga this season.

Adam Morgan has had a torrid time tumbling down the football ladder, he signed for yeovil and had his contract cancelled a year later, he lasted 6 months at L2 Accrington Stanly before moving to Hemel Hempstead, that lasted 2 months. He then lasted just a month at Colwyn Bay in the 7th tier of English football. From his wikipedia page 'His registration was cancelled in April 2016 after he threw his toys out of his pram and failed to turn up to a game'.

Jay Spearing is still at Bolton but he's been screwed over, if he plays for them again Bolton owe Liverpool a fee they can't afford to pay. The last time he payed was 08 March.


22 Apr 2016 09:53:16
Hatem Ben Arfa links are weird ones.

On the one hand, he is a supremely talented player who plays on the right which is a position we're apparently looking to add too.

On the other hand he is an off field issue waiting to happen, has injury problems, weight problems, and wouldn't press if his life depended on it. So who's even thought its reasonable to make this up?

Personally I am happy with our attacking options now. 14 goals in the last 4 games and we still have Ings out. I actually think Milner and Lallana have earnt the right to stay and compete for the right attacker position. 12 goals and 23 assists between them this season. That is direct involvement in 35 goals from just 2 players. Added to that they are two of the most hard working players in the side, vital to the pressing game we play.

Coutinho, Ibe and Ojo are great options for the left. Sturridge, Firmino, Ings and Origi is more than enough goals through the centre.

Goals have not been an issue for about 4 months now. Our problem is conceding them due to silly errors at the back. Nominally from Clyne, Moreno and Mignolet. In Sakho, Lovren, Matip and Gomez I think we are set for next season in the centre back positions. Lucas can also drop in there. I wouldn't change the midfield either. Hendo, Can, Stewart, Allen, Lucas and Grujic is solid. Allen for me has played his way into staying too.

I would quite simply sell off players that aren't needed like Benteke, Skrtel and Enrique, replace Clyne, Moreno and Mignolet; and then with Grujic and Matip already tied up I think we are good to go for next season. That's only 5 new first team players. Minimal disruption and all the key areas improved on.

Going forward though, I am confident we could put 3 past anybody in Europe on our day. No need to shuffle the pack and especially not with disruptive players like Ben Arfa!

Unbelievable that there is even an argument to keep the likes of Milner, Allen, Lovren and Lallana. But such is their improvement under Klopp that I think the only reason to replace them would be if a world class player like Reus, Gundogan or Hummels was available and attainable. Otherwise, it would just be change for changes sake.

Believable6 Unbelievable4

22 Apr 2016 10:10:00
Ben arfa isn't an upgrade on the way Lallana is playing at the minute.

As you say MK the squad has improved dramatically under klopp the players you mentioned I would have had as first out of the door in the summer but now I'm not to sure.

A keepe (although I think ward deserves a chance) and a left back is about all we need.


22 Apr 2016 10:17:07
Sorry but have to disagree with you on Ben Arfa, he isn't supremely talented or anywhere near that description, if he was he would be a worldie, but he isn't. He is a one good game in five player at best with little in the way of output at the highest level, shocking attitude and not better than players already at the club, would much rather Markovic be given a fair crack as Rodgers treated him appallingly. You know what? At 29 years old I would much rather have James Milner that Ben Arfa, because even if he has a bad game, he still busts a gut for the team and doesn't go missing. Never thought I would say that.


22 Apr 2016 10:24:52
Dennis did you read my post? Lol. You just rehashed what I said but started by saying you disagreed haha.


22 Apr 2016 10:26:01
ben arfa has magic about him, for all his short comings if Klopp has identified him as a target i will back him. though my biggest issue would be i think he turns 30 next season and that pace and skill might not last long.
i don't want impractical changes this summer so that it becomes another summer of transition. i think we have a good squad . adding a decent winger and selling some players to trim the squad is all that is required for us this summer.
I wish Liverpool can hold on to this squad for sometime.


22 Apr 2016 10:40:49
Well said MK, with Markovic, Matip and Grujic coming in, I think keeper and LB is all we need and based on recent form even that is a luxury. I'd rather see stability given recent form than an offseason of upheaval (unless Reus wants to join of course! )


22 Apr 2016 15:55:47
I hope we don't go anywhere near him, after the article about how he felt he was being held prisoner at Newcastle I'd hoped nobody would go for him, silly idiot that doesn't appreciate to opportunities that he's had.


22 Apr 2016 18:16:03
Seriously? We are actually discussing if severely under achieving has-been like Hatem Ben Arfa is good enuff to play for LFC?


22 Apr 2016 05:16:38
Sad. When will we have the next Toxteth Terror? : (

Believable4 Unbelievable1

22 Apr 2016 13:54:57
Our Robbie, too many properties not enough time, not enough goals he wasn't the most prolific was he? spice boy or not white suit or black. (the Scouselad owns more properties than our Brend-O Rodgers and look how that turned out for the Northern Irish charmer)


22 Apr 2016 04:34:27
With Rafa visiting home tomorrow. Is there anyone else who feels FSG should have reappointed him instead of BR? Incase things failed to work out after a 3 year stint we could probably still have Klopp to come in just like it is now.

Believable3 Unbelievable12

22 Apr 2016 06:02:11
For the last time we were starting to go backwards towards the end of rafas reign.

He had taken us as far as he could.

I personally feel it all went wrong for rafa when paco left the club.


22 Apr 2016 08:08:09
Rafa was a great manager for us, but got too involved in the politics of the club and made a return anything soon untenable. Personally I also think that he's struggled to keep up with the top managers in the world tactically and is more suited to a mid table team now.


22 Apr 2016 08:53:14
Paco Ayesteran was massively under rated in terms of what he did for LFC I believe, thingd definitely changed when he left.


22 Apr 2016 08:56:54
Nah! BR gave it a good go and fsg were lookibg for someone more dynamic i rekon.


22 Apr 2016 09:20:21
No surprise that Pako left and we took a turn for the worse and he goes to Valencia and they have a turn in form.


22 Apr 2016 09:45:39
I'm going to be in the minority here but Rafa is so over hyped by our lot it's ridiculous.

He won the CL by unbelievable circumstance, (that no manager could of coached)

He won fa cup (or should I say Gerrard)

Every transfer window we took more dross on

He wanted to get rid of the best midfielder in the league.

His only competition for 4th spot was villa

I'm sorry but what did he do? Made us hard to beat in Europe?


22 Apr 2016 10:17:49
Still a better manager than Rodgers.


22 Apr 2016 10:26:26
oh good lord!


22 Apr 2016 10:26:33
Hem b - what did the Romans ever do for us?


{Ed001's Note - actually a lot of the stuff attributed to them was not them. Such as the roads, the roads were already there, they just improved them. They get a great press because they wrote the history of the time that we use, not because they were all that great.}

22 Apr 2016 10:41:02
He's had a lot more experience than BR too, give it time and Rodgers will be a much better manager. Yes he made quite a few mistakes when in charge of us but nobody slated him when we were challenging city for top spot. He did well with a team that had to cope with their main striker being banned for large parts, sulking for a move to Barcelona between being unplayable! Gerrard was at the end of his career and sterling was another sulking half the time. He did a good job, maybe LFC was a bit too soon for him but he always gave 100% and was honoured to manage us unlike some of the players! He has and still has respect for our club but people enjoy getting on his back. Nobody seems to go on about super Woy Hodgson's abysmal appointment though!


{Ed001's Note - but he didn't do a good job, that was why he was sacked.}

22 Apr 2016 10:42:26
What about education edOO1, or the aquaducts?

Priceless that we can also come on here for a view on this stuff!


{Ed001's Note - education existed before the Romans. Aquaducts was a design they improved upon, like pretty much everything they did. I am not actually sure if they were here in the UK before them, they certainly weren't the first to build them in Europe. The Romans weren't inventors or innovators. Slavery was probably the thing they can take the most credit for introducing to the UK to be honest.}

22 Apr 2016 11:37:44
Rafa was a great manager for us. Yes he got sacked because he made some mistakes but you can't deny his record as a manager
He brought us some incredible moments.
Look at where we were before he came and where we've been since he left. Those moments have not been reproduced or even close.


22 Apr 2016 11:47:08
Sad that our most successful manager in recent times doesn't get the respect he deserves.


22 Apr 2016 11:48:12
Rafa took dross on? Xabi, garcia, mash, torres etc etc. dunno what your talking about lad.


22 Apr 2016 12:23:35
Abo, I think he's talking about Itandje, Cavilieri, Dossena, Johnson, Degen, Skrtel, Paletta, Plessis, Insua, Riera, Pennant, Aquilani, N'Gog, Voronin, Keane, Morientes, Cisse etc.

Don't get me wrong, he was an excellent tactician and for people to say he had nothing to do with the trophies we won under his management is total BS. However his tinkering, bloated wage budget, and defensive set up cost us the title in 08/ 09 season. We had the best team in Europe that season by some distance. Yet somehow we won nothing due to negative tactics.

One other thing he doesn't get enough credit for is the revamp of the academy. Just because we're only seeing the benefits of that now doesn't mean he wasn't the catalyst. It's been improved further since Rafas days, but he kicked off the revolution. For that alone he deserves thanks.


22 Apr 2016 13:16:30
At the time of buying Johnson, Skrtel, Insua, Riera, Aquilani, N'Gog, Keane, Morientes and Cissee were all good buys

Johnson was one of the most dangerous attacking FB's in the league.

When paired with Agger and Riena behind him, Skrtel was a fairly quick and very solid defender - he only went to pot without their constant instruction

Insua was a good young player who we made a tidy profit on, and who went on to have a decent career.

N'Gog was also a pacey young striker worth taking a punt on, he just never developed.

Keane was the season we bough him, and the season following, a key member of a very dangerous spurs attack and a very successful premiership striker. In fact had we not given up and sold him so quickly, we would probably have won the league that year.

Moriantes, Cisse and Aquilani all proved before and after that they were talented guys, they just all had rotten luck with injuries (mostly impact injuries) and never got the chance to show their stuff. There is some argument that Morientes's past injuries had already done him in and Cisse was a vile human being, but all good players.

The transfer record of Rafa is no-where near as bad as people make it out. The biggest problem was volume of signings rather than who they were in the majority of scenarios.


{Ed002's Note - Aquilani had a lot more problems at Liverpool than his injury.}

22 Apr 2016 15:05:04
Rafa achieved the bare minimum every year, scraped 4th. The leading pack were out of sight. He never over achieved, he never coached anyone to be better than they were. He had no competition for CL places. That year we came close 2nd had sod all to do with him. That year we played completely different to any other year.

He went to the most dead cert team for the league inter Milan, and ballsed it right up. How many years had they won it on the trot when he got involved. He's been bang average everywhere he has gone since.

By the way I'm not slagging him off, very grateful for all he has done and he clearly loves the club I'm just saying he is not all that.


22 Apr 2016 16:35:07
Hem b you are being extremely disingenuous towards rafas contribution. Put another way how close were we to becoming a european power house for years and winning the champions league before he came on board. And as someone else said, to suggest that bodgers is in the same league as rafa is frankly insulting.

Yes he made mistakes but to suggest it was all luck and the players did it all by themselves is just nonsense.

Him and the then team brought me a night i will never ever forget and i thank and respect him for that. We now have klopp who i truly believe will win us the league next season and i look forward to the rollercoaster ride.


22 Apr 2016 17:13:03
So in the space of 4 years we won the champions league, the fa cup, got to the final of the CL again and came second. And none of that had anything to do with the manager being good at his job?


22 Apr 2016 18:18:24
The owners didn`t want him back and I`m elated at the fact that they did not look his way. Rafa is NOT the only one that can coach us neither is he a saint. In fact, he wasa huge part of the problem, not a solution and NEVER will be.


22 Apr 2016 04:24:58
Ed1 if you can help?

So we have a number of defenders and midfielders coming through the Academy.

But are there any promising youth strikers in the academy?

Sinclair and Yesil don't count I guess.

If you could please?

Thanks!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - no one who stands out as a striker for me.}

22 Apr 2016 05:08:19
That's sad. Wonder when we will have another Toxteth Terror on the cards .


22 Apr 2016 05:41:31
What about Bobby Adekanye? I know he is young and I've seen little of his play but he came with some pretty big raps.


{Ed001's Note - I haven't seen enough of him to judge.}

22 Apr 2016 05:47:26
What do you think of Brooks Lennon, Toni Gomes? Long way to go yet but potential?


{Ed001's Note - possibly, but they are just kids and not close to being ready. They don't stand out like Fowler and Owen both did as kids.}

22 Apr 2016 06:04:54
The key is to giving these young pllayersva chance and seeing what they can do.

Look at Flanagan not many thought he could make it.

Also ed01 was it you who was saying Kane never looked special as a youngster?


{Ed001's Note - yep, and I do agree they need a chance before they can be judged. Attitude and application is more important than anything else when they get their chance.}

22 Apr 2016 06:05:02
I am the first to admit that I don't know much about our youngsters at the club. But I was looking at the tables yesterday and noticed that our U21's were 9th out 12 and our U18's were 7th out of 10. So I don't understand all the hysteria about how good they are, or am I missing something.


{Ed001's Note - clearly you have no understanding of youth development. It is not about results. Cardiff City even told their U21 manager, when he was appointed (Kevin Nicholson) that development was to be prioritised over results.}

22 Apr 2016 06:43:00
I guess there's also Awoniyi but don't know much about him.


22 Apr 2016 07:39:02
Also look at rashford from my understanding United's u21 won the league and rashford couldn't get a game let alone a goal for them and not many at the club thought much of him but bam chap looks to have the instinctive finishing of a young Owen.
I don't personally understand it as striker for me is the one position that should be easiest to judge at youth level as the goal don't move!
Anyway origi studge and Ings all have plenty of time left before we need to unearth more ;)


22 Apr 2016 08:25:22
Toni Gomes is a good one but he's nowhere near where Sinclair and Morgan were at his age they were absolute goal machines at 15 years old in the u18s as ed says nobody in that position actually stands out. Adekanye hasn't even had his clearance yet and hasn't played all season. Brooks Lennon looks a decent player but not exceptional like those before who haven't cut the mustard. Atm awomyi and Gomes are the next ones that might get a chance but I doubt either will for 18 months minimum especially with awomyis WP issues.


22 Apr 2016 09:22:05
Woodburn.


22 Apr 2016 10:13:54
Spot on ed origi prime example came to us he has knuckled down and you can see a massive improvement.

He also seems like a decent lad unlike a lot of these young players coming through and spitting there dummies out if they can't get a game.


22 Apr 2016 11:04:50
Ben Woodburn is 16 and scoring in the 18s. Very pacy and technically good. Has a bit of Michael Owen about him. Toni Gomes is quite raw but he's scoring goals, quick and powerful. Kind of a mix between a young Origi and Drogba.


22 Apr 2016 12:44:35
Don't want to go too mad about him but Ben woodburn.


22 Apr 2016 04:07:01
Looking 2-3 years out, I can really foresee a really strong group of youngsters that will have matured or nearing the peak of their game by then, especially

Origi
Ojo
Ibe
Firmino
Coutinho
Can
Chirivella
Stewart

If we can keep the core of the current senior players who will still only be late 20s by then (eg. Hendo, Sturridge, Llalana, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho) then we should have a seriously strong squad to mount a challenge.

My bet is with Klopp at the helm he'll be able to turn on of these younger names into something really really special that will become a globally recognised player (like Reus, Gotze and Lewandowski), and my money would be on one or more from Origi, Ojo, Firmino, Coutinho and/ or Can.

Believable6 Unbelievable2

22 Apr 2016 07:40:38
You could arguably include sakho in your young player list mate but yeah but yeah it's hopefully exciting times ahead.


22 Apr 2016 08:49:43
Coutinho and maybe even firmino where already well on their ways to doing that anyway. Origi I definitely agree with.


22 Apr 2016 10:32:24
Markovic would be in the group too if he stays.


22 Apr 2016 10:47:16
Fair points, Lovren/ Sakho/ Matip all young by CB standards, and I included Couts/ Firmino just because as awesome as they are, we forget they are still quite young. At 27/ 28 and a couple of years playing together they could end up materially better and world beaters. Agree on Markovic, still have high hopes for the lad.


22 Apr 2016 01:46:36
Not sure if this has been covered much, but I am astounded by Sturridge's claim to the Coutinho goal. I just read a quote were he claims it is a clear cut case of it being his goal, and that he's not the greedy sort to claim it was his if it wasn't. What the.

Believable1 Unbelievable9

22 Apr 2016 05:49:12
If so, that's what you call the letter of the law but not the spirit. I hope he's not serious about trying to rob Coutinho of the credit.


22 Apr 2016 06:51:29
Come on lads it was clearly banter! We win 4-0 in a Derby and people still find something to moan about or over analyse. Jeez!


22 Apr 2016 07:41:53
Watch the interview after the game, clearly banter. Even straight after the goal they were joking about it.


22 Apr 2016 07:47:44
Totally agree all about himself annoyed.


22 Apr 2016 08:02:12
Strikers will always claim any goal they can. If you asked Henry, Shearer, Van Nistlerooy, Zlat or any stiler fom anywhere then they would admit that they would claim it.


22 Apr 2016 08:10:56
Liverpool players really need to remember that a sense of humour is a suicide with the fans.


22 Apr 2016 09:00:06
I think if you listen to sturridge talk he is a pretty sarcastic and jokey kinda guy. Altho he may hav meant what he said about claiming it, to me he came across more like he was joking bout it.


22 Apr 2016 10:33:31
I don't care either way, if a striker is not greedy for goals then he's not in the right sport.


22 Apr 2016 00:52:27
Just my thoughts regarding Benteke and our so called abundance of strikers. Looking at our injury list to forwards, its a blessing in disguise to have so many strikers ( initially thought to be too many) , since now we only have 1 recognised forwards available sturridge and if benteke return which i think soon, it will only be 2 strikers available. ( forget firmino)

With the resurgence of milner on flanks making pin point crosses, Benteke could just be the surprise performer as thelat target man for the tail end of this season if Klopp plays him.

Believable3 Unbelievable6

22 Apr 2016 04:12:49
Only problem is you can put in a million good crosses but it won't matter because benteke is to busy imitating a lamppost. The guy is just to static In the box.


22 Apr 2016 04:39:20
Bit a contradiction there Lee; you say it is too early for Benteke to return, then say about our current injuries in the striking department, and then talk about how Milner could help Benteke score.

I don't imagine Benteke will be with us next season.


22 Apr 2016 07:03:46
Haha - conveniently "forget Firmino" to support your post. Firmino has played as striker and been more effective than Benteke - why "forget" him?


22 Apr 2016 09:00:52
Benteke would do well with some consistently good crossing.


22 Apr 2016 11:57:35
Yes but that's not the way we play. rather see Firmino upfront.


22 Apr 2016 00:44:04
really was good to see Sakho celebration with kolo, every time I see kolo on the bench, training he has a genuine smile he should be proud of himself the way he supports and plays in a red shirt, guys like these are who I want promoting Liverpool.

Believable14 Unbelievable0

 
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