Liverpool Banter Archive March 22 2016

22 Mar 2016 18:34:16
Last summer there wasn't a whole lot of enthusiasm for the signing of Benteke. The price tag was too high (I wrote a post saying I'd go for him around the £20m mark) and the view was that he wasn't the right guy for a Rodgers' team (let alone a Klopp one) . Fast forward 9 months and he's being labelled another disaster. I want to defend the guy a bit.

First of all he has, in no way, been a disaster. We've seen disasters, Ballotelli, Aspas, Borini and Lambert fit that bill. Those four players managed a pathetic 5 premier league goals between them at a rate of 1 every 566 minutes. Benteke hasn't been brilliant but he's scored 7 at a rate of 1 every 183 minutes, not brilliant but not insignificant either. He remains number 2 on our league goals chart.

The £32m we paid was a lot but A, it's not his fault that's the price the two clubs agreed and B, a premier league striker with a record of a goal every other game would be at least £20-25m at today's prices. Look at Berahino, he's got 23 goals in 95 appearances and West Brom rejected £23m for him. It's not fair to attack Benteke for his price tag.

Benteke has missed a lot of chances recently it is true but, and this is a half glass full kind of thing, he keeps on getting into good scoring positions. Benteke's history shows he's a good finisher, if he was in form it's likely he'd have a few more goals this season.

And form is a funny thing, morale is definitely linked to it, Benteke has been unloved since he's arrived. He's had the press and the fans on his back, he's got a coach who's shown little faith in him, he's behind his national youth teammate in the pecking order (a lad who, for all his promise, is scoring less than Benteke is) and, in January, was effectively demoted to the u-21 team. How can anyone be surprised that he's not at his best?

People will argue that he's lazy and he's not what the team needs. The accusation of laziness fits, I can't defend that but he's always been like that and he's scored plenty of goals in the past so it stands that he can still score plenty for us. As for what the team needs? The team already has Studge, Ings and Origi, why do we need another striker who does what they do? We're never going to have more than two of them on the pitch at one time anyway and usually just one. What the team needs is something different when teams stifle plan A. No one in our squad other than Benteke really offers anything different.

So what do I think should happen between now and the summer? If Klopp's decided he's leaving then there's no point playing him. Tell him he can look for a new club and leave him be. But if there's a chance that he may stay then Klopp has to encourage that. Benteke needs game time, not cameos in the last 20 minutes but full games with the first 11. He needs to know that when he does well he's going to be appreciated for his contribution and Klopp has to be part of that. There's something about Benteke I like (it could be that everyone else hates him, that's kinda my style), I just think it would be sad if he left with a whimper.

22 Mar 2016 18:50:03
If you don't play him then his value goes down like a ticket and the club will have to take a massive hit close to £20 mill. TBH I was happy when we signed him except the price. He made look the entire Liverpool backline Mickey Mouse at home and away on various Occassion and some are still playing in that defense line. He is a physical monster who could surrender any CB in the world due his physicality. He has a brilliant first touch. He could score all type of goals. The goal against UTD ( over head kick ) was not a fluke. The lad is talented and that's a fact. What we missed early was a class out and out winger to whip in and improve his confidence. We did not and we wouldn't in the future either ( Miner has been the biggest culprit of not providing any meaningful crosses)

His work ethic could be questioned but then if all other average players could be coached under Klopp y not
Benteke.

He will score plenty in a west ham side with lanzini and Payet offering him plenty.

I wouldn't sell him just for the sake of selling unless someone offer us the money close to £25 mill.

I don't byte this crap of mobile striker and nonsense. PL as a whole has no mobility. We deal with more Fellaini's than Silva. It's a very physical league and except Benteke we are crying for a physical monster CM.

The lad had goals in him and there is no question about that.

My opinion.

{Ed001's Note - you do realise that neither Fellaini nor Silva are strikers right? The strikers in the Prem are the likes of Vardy, Kane, Defoe, Lukaku, Perez and even Costa is mobile despite being big. The only one who could even slightly be considered immobile is Mitrovic.

Plus, how many other players in the Prem lack mobility? It is almost entirely pacey players outside of Man Utd. Sometimes I wonder if you really believe what you are saying, because no one could seriously think these things could they?}

22 Mar 2016 19:08:01
Except the work ethic there is actually no blame on Benteke while Players like Aspas and Borini lacks quality.
Martial looks very similar to Benteke in physicality, I just can't understand how could a player one day stop playing. He wanted the move and to lead the line which he got at Liverpool ( with Danny out injured ) y would he not work hard? Mystry to me. I don't get the wholesale abuse on him. He could score all type of goals. He has a brilliant control of the ball. Right foot, left foot. From distance, anything and we have seen it before.

22 Mar 2016 19:16:57
I don't think Borini and Aspas can be counted as disasters. They both tried their best when they played which is the minimum expected from any player. If they aren't good enough then fair enough shake their hands and wish them good luck at their next club.

22 Mar 2016 19:23:12
Seriously? He's awful, doesn't put in any effort and is so slow it's painful. He's no better than Ricky Lambert. I think Rodgers signed him as a joke when he knew he was on his way out.

22 Mar 2016 19:27:56
I actually agree with what the original poster says completely but i still think we should get rid for all parties involved. He is talented but frustrating and could do better elsewhere.

22 Mar 2016 19:33:22
Hey DGENERATIONX, your post infers that we should play Benteke because his value will decline if we dont. But his value was rapidly depreciating when he was on the pitch because he was stinking the place out. Klopp gave him numerous chances to perform and it's evident he is a square peg in a round hole and will never be able to conform to klopps system. Your logic is flawed just because a player comes with a hefty price tag that doesent mean he has a divine right to play. If that was the case Aquaman, Keane and Carroll would still be playing for us. You have the right to be jingoistic, partisan and have a voice but advocating for Benteke is a waste of time. He's proven lazy which got him chastised by his national team boss also. I don't care what anyone says we bought a £32 million pound striker who is scared to enter the 6 yard box. I just don't understand that. It's as if the 6 yard box is his kryptonite! He's behind play so many times when we attack it's as if he's a midfielder. Joe Allen gets further forward than him. Yes this is probably a bit of a hatchet job on Benteke but I really think he deserves it. Conversely look at Origi. The antithesis of Benteke. Yes he is not prolific either but at least he tries. We need to get rid as soon as possible and hope the Chinese haven't watched Benteke play for Liverpool this season. Have a day off Harry you need it.

22 Mar 2016 19:38:15
I agree the whole "mobile" thing is a joke, I'm taller and heavier than most of the "big lumps" in football and I'm most certainly mobile.

It's a ridiculous statement, are rugby players mobile? Yes.

Are basketball players mobile? Yes

Because Benteke is a coupl inches taller than Gerard he's suddenly not mobile and a big lump. Makes me laugh.

22 Mar 2016 19:48:26
Here is my take on Benteke:

First of all, I think we should all remember that new signings are always a bit of a gamble. If we would have bought last summer players like Schwinstieger and Depay people here would be ecstatic. For long time people here thought that Pedro would be sensational signing for us. There were also great advocates here of Mitrovic or Bony, Remi and others. None of these worked for their new teams this season. They may come good in the future or they may not or they may flourish in a different team (Di Maria was rubbish in United and is great in PSG (I still think they were stupid to release him but never mind) . But signings are always hard to predict (ye there were many here who said it would not work, but a lot of them would have been very happy with one of the above names) .

It is true that we paid for Benteke a price you pay for a player that is supposed to be good in any team but there are no guarantees.

There is a combination of reasons why Benteke didn't work for us. Even his greatest admirers and I like the guy, will have to admit that some of it has to do with him. He clearly didn't handle well the move to a big team like LFC and the pressure coming with it. In many games he looked lost and some of the missed shots he had in front of goal were shocking. Obviously he didn't suit our style, didn't understand what to do in our style of play and maybe didn't always made the effort to do the defensive work. He also deteriorated during his time for us and his confidence has gone. In the first games he would at least keep the ball under pressure very well. He still is I think one of our best passer of the ball but he was even better at that when he arrived.

There were reasons which were not his fault. Our passing and especially crossing is awful. He is a big guy and with someone like Gerrad in the team who can put a ball on your head he would have scored many more.

I do think that Klopp gave up on him too easily. I was never impressed with Firmino as a sole striker. Origi had some good games but against the Saints on Sunday for example despite the assist to Sturridge lost a lot of balls. Although at this stage Benteke is probably not an option. But earlier this season maybe another penalty and another goal and he would have gained his confidence eventually. He has qualities that no one else has in our team.

I said last summer our season will be decided by how much we would be able to make the most of him and we failed. Whatever his fault was we should be aware that we are not an easy team for forwards to hit the ground running, especially the big guys (Lambert, Balotelli, Carol etc) .

I really feel for him and hope next year wherever he plays he finds his goals again. I would hate to think that his move to us ruined his career.

22 Mar 2016 20:43:02
He is talented and do feel bad it hasn't worked out but don't think he helps himself.

He was brought in to score and isn't scoring, despite getting good chances. Has gotten numerous great chances to score and put away games and has missed, if you do that then you give he other team a chance to get back into and turn things around. Which is exactly what happened last match, could have happened against Leicester and other countless times.

Though struggle to feel bad for him and if you want to know why go watch him play in person. He doesn't move! Know footballers aren't renowned for brains but can't believe they can't be coached to make basic runs which he just doesn't do. Added to him not pressing makes me think it's a lack of effort!

If you aren't scoring goals putting a shift it makes up for it, but isn't doing either. Look at saurez, if he had a bad match his effort made worth having him on the pitch as it lifted his team mates. Would be worth giving him time if it at least looked like he was trying.

22 Mar 2016 20:58:30
Well he's not mobile, that fact is staring us in the face.
He may be capable but he seems to lack focus and motivation.
He has a history of this, consistently inconsistent.

22 Mar 2016 21:44:23
Hey all, enjoyed reading everyone else's thoughts. I know the most likely thing is he'll leave but I've got to say I'll be nervous about the back lash when his new team comes to Anfield.

22 Mar 2016 22:12:50
Brendas

Let me remind mate. We gave Henderson 4 year to blossom, Can has been improving from 2 years, Ibe would require another year. Lallana has been at the club from 3 years and how many goals has he scored? So the logic of he isn't good enough because he hasn't scored in first year makes no sense.

Aubemayang whose banging goals as well Mikhatariyan were terrible in their first season.

Who knows Brnteke might start doing things next season? He will score at another club without a doubt because he has talent.

22 Mar 2016 22:31:14
I seem to remember Aubameyang scoring a hattrick in his Dortmund start. inconsistent perhaps, but terrible Harry? In both of the examples you've cited they've been maiden seasons in a league, Benteke has been playing in the EPL for a number of years now and should not require a season to bed in.

22 Mar 2016 22:39:10
The big guys consistently got himself in goal scoring positions'on the odd occasion he's been given the opportunity', so the idea that he doesn't suit our style of play is bollocks. Yes his missed some sitters but if he lacks confidence who's really at fault, i suggest Klop. At his previous two clubs he was 'consistently consistent', that's why we paid the money. Its about time Klop earned some of his and got the best out of an undeniable talent!

22 Mar 2016 23:22:22
Harry, there's a difference with the majority of those players - those that turned out to be good were always good in the first place and they just needed to right training and/ or the right team around them to bring out their best.

May I now remind you of Salif Diao (at Liverpool for 5 years), El Hadj Diouf (3 years), Djimi Traore (7 years - may have won a CL medal, but still! ) . Not all players will make it at Liverpool.

Now, to look at the specific players you mentioned:

Jordan Henderson - he only arrived in summer 2011, so he's been here for 4.5 years so far. He didn't have 4 years to blossom, he blossomed within 2 seasons. Most knowledgeable people agree we lost the league in 2013/ 4 (2-3 years after Jordan joined) because he was suspended for the last 3 games - I would assert that he had 'blossomed' by that stage.

Adam Lallana arrived in summer 2014, hence he has not even been at the club for 2 years yet, not 3. I would be surprised if he's still here next season.

Jordan Ibe has only just turned 20. Very few players blossom by the age of 20.

The only important thing is whether or not Klopp sees a future for Benteke within our team. He may be the world's best player (though I would contend that), but Klopp is trying to build the best TEAM. If Benteke doesn't fit with the team Klopp is building - and that much as been pretty obvious of late - then he will either not be here, or if he is, will be as an impact sub. However, if he is still worth >£20m, which he should be, then I would be surprised if we don't see him cashed in on, and the money reinvested elsewhere. Crouchy went on and found success elsewhere after Liverpool, and I have no doubt Benteke will too. I just can't see him fitting into our team on a regular basis, no matter how many seasons he spends here.

22 Mar 2016 23:53:31
meucat - that's an excellent and balanced write-up on benteke imo. highlights his known areas of strength and deficiencies. and it is true that a lot of factors are out of his control - e. g., price tag and his style vs the team.

The key is that he adapts and can show to Klopp that he can adapt. I don't care that Klopp yells at him or whatever. Klopp has done that loads of time to loads of players in his short time at LFC and not heard much from anyone about that other than others finding it humorous.

But I think overall your point is that people are criticizing him for areas of his game that are not his natural strength but were well known before he arrived. So who is really at fault for the outcome.? and actually he has managed to pick up a few goals whilst being terrible. there are good signs. ultimately it is up to him to prove to Klopp that he belongs. it's a tall order, and I think in the end we will cut our losses.

23 Mar 2016 00:53:46
I can't believe this is still even being debated.

Benteke was a big mistake. Time to admit it. Including all the remaining Benteke apologists still claiming he'll be a huge success if only he "gets proper service" or "better crosses" from "out wide".

Unless we expect him to transform into an entirely different player-- which people seem to think can happen with a summer under Klopp-- the wise move is to move him on in the summer if we get a decent offer.

This is also why waiting for Benteke is different from waiting for, say, Henderson or Dortmund waiting for Aubameyang. Because those players played in a way or style that made sense for both teams. You can easily envision both players succeeding if they developed a bit more, as they could be pieces in a given footballing system or style.

By contrast, Benteke doesn't fit our style. He will never fit our style. And he would be better and happier elsewhere.

DGenerationX / hem B: that's a silly caricature-- people saying we need a "mobile striker" mean not that Benteke isn't mobile because he's big. Benteke isn't mobile because. he isn't mobile.

He's slow. He doesn't do creative runs. Or darting runs. And he has very little awareness. His most common movement is to drop deeper in the box and wait for a cutback, which often never comes because everyone else is moving and running at the goal, offering better options, since he's marked by two defenders in the middle of the box.

All the most successful teams in EPL and anywhere, use a pacey, powerful, and mobile striker/ attacker: Vardy, Kane, Suarez, Aguero, Sanchez (false 9), Lew, Aubameyang, Ronaldo, Benzema, etc.

There's not a single top team that uses an immobile tree that sits in the box and requires service from out wide for offensive production.

Zilch. Zero. None.

23 Mar 2016 01:11:30
He was given more than the odd game molby he had a run of games after christmas were he showed absolutely no desire at all. He has since realised he is playing for his future and has put in a few ok performances albeit without scoring many.

Consistently consistent, you may want to speak to some villa fans about that. He had long periods where he did and scored nothing then he went on a hot streak and so on. Sounds like the definition of inconsistent to me.

Not disputing he has talent but to lay the fact he is wasting at klopps door is a bit disingenuous. So you really believe he has received no one to one coaching on the art of striking since he has been at lfc or indeed from any other club he has graced in his 25 yrs.

We simply don't have the wingers and its down to bentekers to adapt his game to suit the way we play or simply stay rooted to the bench.

23 Mar 2016 01:32:59
'Martial looks very similar to Benteke in physicality'

Yo, what? similar how?

23 Mar 2016 01:53:14
I don't fault his scoring record - anyone can go through a dry spell, particularly when adapting to a new team. What I do fault however is the way he fails to press or tackle back in Defence (compare Origi and Sturridge pressing vs Benteke against S'Hampton), yet he somehow also fails to make dangerous runs, be in the box at the right time, or follow up on others shots as well. It's almost as if he is playing like a lost child at times - where's the urgency and drive to help out in Defence or create help something in Attack? It's almost like he's hanging around hoping it'll fall to him so he can bang it in?

For me, that's why Origi is playing, because like almost all the TOP strikers he contributes to the game ALL the time, not just when he thinks there's a potential chance to score. The best strikers like Aubemeyang, Suarez, Aguero and Vardy are a huge boost for their team when not in possession, and are always making dangerous runs, as well valued for their scoring abilities.

23 Mar 2016 02:34:18
I'm not sure this whole 'we don't play with wingers' argument is relevant, he's only scored one header this season. His most notable misses have come when put through on goal. I think the dismissal 'he's a lump that's good in the air' is a red herring.

23 Mar 2016 05:35:40
Kaizer 😄 I thought the same as you when I read that.

The only similarity is that they are both human.

23 Mar 2016 07:23:26
We could argue all day about whether he's right for the team but at the end of it he has had his goal scoring chances. If he had converted we wouldn't be discussing if he suits the team style.

23 Mar 2016 15:45:47
I think bentekes issue is his laziness, not in his pressing, but in his movement, use of the ball most of all, his finishing. Every single time he gets a chance he just strokes it down the middle of the goal like he isn't bothered. To think how many goals he should of scored this year if he actually thought about how to put it in the back of the net. So frustrating as the guy finds himself in more goalscoring positions that anybody else!

22 Mar 2016 15:10:03
Hey Eds and reds
Getting excited to see the players klopp chooses to buy and sell this summer I think this summer is a very important summer not so much in buying but in getting rid . Can see a few fan favourites sold to find big moves IMO . One player I'd love to sign is Ricardo Rodrigues of Wolfsburg but I think I'm dreaming when it comes to him.

22 Mar 2016 16:00:31
the swiss Moreno?

{Ed001's Note - I am glad I am not the only one who doesn't rate him!}

22 Mar 2016 17:08:53
I don't think you rate any left or right backs Ed :p.

{Ed001's Note - there are so few good ones around these days. It is a lost art, seemingly.}

22 Mar 2016 17:25:36
What about Wendell? He's highly rated, what's he like?

22 Mar 2016 17:29:53
Ricardo Rodriguez looks good when playing for Switzerland, but whenever he plays for Wolfsburg he looks like a lost puppy. The Jekyll and Hyde case in football.

22 Mar 2016 17:40:16
He is very much in the mold of Moreno. Brilliant going forward. He has cracking left foot. Takes free kicks for the club. Not sure y people has a problem with Moreno and then pay money to watch Marcelo.

{Ed001's Note - I wouldn't pay money to watch Marcelo.}

22 Mar 2016 18:24:52
Wendell is a shout.

22 Mar 2016 18:41:39
Real madrid have a different philosophy to fullbacks. They always have the ball, so teams only play on the counter against them. As such, they can afford to have someone like moreno, who is fast as hell, attacks and can get back quickly. We, however, cannot.

22 Mar 2016 19:25:21
AW
Exactly and that's our biggest issue. We hardly look dominant with the ball. Every PL clubs has the same issue. Danny Rose, Walker, Moreno, Korolov. And I rate Moreno higher than those TBH.

22 Mar 2016 20:34:27
I completely agree with your opinion on the lack of genuinely good full backs in world football right now Ed, so I'm interested to see if you agree with me that Ashley Cole was the best left back in the world and was underrated due to the fact that he was an idiot off the field?

{Ed001's Note - for a time I think he was. Though parts of his career were up against the likes of Maldini, so it was only for a couple of years. Cole did mature (on the pitch anyway) into an excellent player, who actually could defend one on one against a winger.}

23 Mar 2016 08:21:20
Why is there such a scarcity of great fullbacks these days? Because they're all failed wingers converted into fullbacks?

{Ed001's Note - it is as much because of the success of Cafu, Carlos and Dani Alves really. People copy.}

23 Mar 2016 10:27:40
The problem I have with Moreno is his decision making it's terrible, don't get me wrong he's quality going forward but he's a defender he should be able to defend. His positioning, timing of tackles Ect I could go on he would be better suited left wing and you smith at lb.

22 Mar 2016 13:47:30
Afternoon eds and fellow reds. Just a question on your opinion of Adam Lallana. Seems to divide a lot of people on wether he's a key part of the squad or dead wood. I personally rate him highly. Fast, agile, good shot and also an Englishman. Seems to of flourished under Klopp with a few MOTM performances. Just wanted to know your views on him and wether any club are looking to try and take him away. Thanks for your time.

{Ed001's Note - he is neither to me. A good player but not a great one. One that is good but not indispensable.}

22 Mar 2016 14:28:18
for a guy who cost £25m we deserve more from him than a few motm displays, I could count on one hand and have three fingers cut of the displays that stand out from him, does he take a game by the scruff of the neck or produce a bit of magic that wins us games on a regular basis? He talks a good game in the press but when it comes to action, 9 times out of 10 he comes up short.

22 Mar 2016 17:07:08
Completely agree king kenny.

Lallana used to be great for southampton. I was annoyed we signed him because we didn't need him but i did like him at the time.

It is pretty obvious that the guy has a fantastic touch and technique, and can deliver the goods if he wants.

As a guy in his prime, blessed with such skill and experience, and costing 25 million, its a joke he cannot deliver.

He never takes the game by the scruff of the neck and i cannot remember a goal from him that didn't feel like an accident. Never have i seen him play a cutting pass like coutinho to set someone up, nor embarrass someone with skill so much they fall on their arse - in fact, i don't know if I've ever seen him take it past a player.

His only traits are that he sometimes works hard and is hard to get the ball off, he is tidy i will give him that. But tidy is only good when you are on top, not chasing a game.

If he was going to be top class he would have done it by now, and for his technique and performances for southampton, he really should be. Its an embarrassment to himself that he hasn't become an important player for us, especially in our times of need - he has it all but won't step up, its unforgivable. Just to make it even worse, he has the most stereotypical and distasteful media conduct of any modern day footballer - stop talking every 5 seconds to the press and do it on the pitch!

22 Mar 2016 18:31:25
If LFC want a wideman, and there is ddefinitely interest in getting one, we need to make space for the player, and for me, Lallana gets the boot ahead of Milner.

22 Mar 2016 19:17:40
I can't disagree with anything that has been written about Lalana but at the same time I can't help but think when he was at Southampton he often played on the left side of a front three and seemed to score more frequently as he cut in on his right foot. I'd just like to maybe see him given an opportunity in that position to see if it helps him improve but on the other hand we have Coutinho!

23 Mar 2016 04:40:53
Llalana provides a valuable role in giving energy to defending from the front, and rarely loses the ball in a tight spot. He also adds a bit of trickery and skill that can be valuable in unlocking defences.

If only could learn to get his head up and pass earlier, and start scoring goals more regularly he'd be excellent, and I think that's something he's getter better at under Klopp.

I'd keep him over Milner as I think he's more dangerous going forward.

22 Mar 2016 11:40:56
Hi ed 001 I was wondering who you thought were the top 5 head coaches in the world currently.

{Ed001's Note - tough one. I would personally have had Klopp in there before he joined, I can't see any reason for that to change.

Marcelo Bielsa has to be in there. Mad but a complete genius.

As a coach it is difficult to leave out Pep Guardiola. He does need to prove himself with lesser teams, and to take teams forward over a long period, to be fully sure he is great. I do wonder if he is that good, Barca slid back under him and now Bayern are doing the same.

It is after those 3 that problems come. That's if you truly are convinced Pep is a top 5 coach.

Allegri would be in there for me. He has taken Juventus to a whole new level.

Diego Simeone would be the next one for me, he gets his players working for him. The big question for me is whether it should be Pep or Jose, Emery or Tuchel as the final one.}

22 Mar 2016 12:38:31
What went wrong for allegri at Milan do you know? He also started this season shaky. I really like how flexible he is at changing systems but I do have doubts.

{Ed001's Note - Milan are beyond saving by a mere coach. They need a complete rebuild.}

22 Mar 2016 12:35:45
No klopp? :) i remember a while ago you were keen on Emery for us. Do you know if he was ever considered?

{Ed002's Note - About a year ago I was also aware of the efforts of a "super agent" to try and foist someone else on the club - but by then Rodgers was clearly secure in his job and Liverpool were not looking to change. Liverpool then took advice from third party advisors in the summer and I am aware of one name being suggested to MG as an option to BR. When the decision was made to move BR on Klopp was the clear first choice target.

Unai Emery was not a consideration with two clubs already having approaches batted away by Sevilla.

But all of this is history now.}

22 Mar 2016 12:41:51
George Jesus of Porto currently. He was sensational at Benfica. One of best attack minded coach I have seen in some time. Its real shame he couldn't move to a bigger club.

{Ed001's Note - is he related to Jorge?}

22 Mar 2016 12:54:47
ed001, the guardiola supporters will argue that he had a lot to do with shaping together that all-conquering Barcelona team.

{Ed001's Note - it was already in place for him to conquer with, what he did was tear it down, if anything.}

22 Mar 2016 13:24:40
I mentioned that because I'm sitting on the fence and really have no idea what to make of the pep debate, lol. How did he tear it down?

{Ed001's Note - brought in the wrong players, such as Zlatan.}

22 Mar 2016 13:28:03
what are your thoughts about del bosque ed, the guy has won the lot, what is he like as a coach?

{Ed001's Note - he won it, but I do not like the help he got to win things. He is far too loyal to players who do not deserve it, like the woefully awful Iker Casillas.}

22 Mar 2016 13:49:24
do you mean help from the refs in spain ed? there is a long standing thought that Barcelona and real get more than there fair share of favourable decisions or did he get help from backroom staff who don't get any credit.

{Ed001's Note - neither mate. No more can be said though apologies. There is legal reasons for leaving it here.}

22 Mar 2016 14:06:28
Where do you rate Ancelotti Ed. every country he had managed in he has won the league?

{Ed001's Note - very good coach, but should have won more with the teams he had.}

22 Mar 2016 14:06:57
no worries ed thanks for your time pal. one thing we can say is he loved Casillas no matter who was better and how badly he was playing, no wonder he got so many caps.

{Ed001's Note - Casillas was always rubbish at his best, he was lucky to get where he did.}

22 Mar 2016 16:08:49
Just want to ask Ed01/ 02 here. Do you think UTD should get Allegri in the summer. Like you I am a fan of him. He is tactically sound and gets the team play brilliant football. I was excepting him to join Chelsea in the summer.

{Ed001's Note - god no. He is good, they should stick with the man they have....}

23 Mar 2016 00:16:04
Hard to disagree with any of your choices there Ed1. Tuchel in particular has impressed me with the way he has pushed Dortmund on. As a side question how do you rate Schmidt?

Have to say I've been disappointed in LVG. Before he came I had read a bit of his stuff with great interest - particularly his stuff on running channels. But I haven't been able to work him out at ManU. One moment he seems to have them playing with tactical flexibility (match against I think it was Swansea springs to mind) and then the next moment, he is playing overly cautious and stifling them (or at least it seems that way to me) .

{Ed001's Note - I like Schmidt but he has shown signs of weaknesses at times. Losing the plot earlier this season was one. I have just woken up, so the details are hazy, but I remember there was an incident that did not reflect well on him on the touchlines this season.

As for LVG, all his success was achieved in the past using someone else's instructions. Mostly on the back of Johann Cruyff. At Ajax they had a way of playing, he was just coaching the players how to play it. He did the same at Barca. Trouble hit when he tried to implement his style, rather than using the blueprint laid out by Cruyff. Since then he has gradually destroyed every club he has been at, with his arrogance alienating huge numbers of the staff. Shame actually, because he, while astonishingly arrogant, is a nice guy with a decent sense of humour. It is just that he has no idea of how to be flexible and adapt to changing times.}

23 Mar 2016 05:23:32
I don't remember the incident in question - but you've tweaked my interest so will have to find it on google. Mind you it must be pretty bad if it excludes him from the company of Jose (and Klopp did pick up a ban for his facial expressions at a certain sideline official! )

Perhaps the ManU players are struggling to work out when LVG is joking because he can't smile any longer?

{Ed001's Note - it was not that it was particularly bad as much as it just upset his team's chances in that match.}

22 Mar 2016 07:28:26
I wouldn't mind Nathan Aké this summer as a cheaper alternative left back. Been class this season in the premier league! He is young, solid in defence, tidy going forward, has silly hair. Would fit in 😂.

22 Mar 2016 09:59:14
And how exactly do u expect LFC to convince Chelsea to sell one of their brightest prospects to a competitor? Not going to happen.

22 Mar 2016 10:52:39
IB, tbf they sold us Sturridge.

{Ed002's Note - Ake is not really a left back.}

22 Mar 2016 12:52:06
have to agree with ed here. he's a cb who's shifted out wide due to not being ready for cb in prem yet (just like carra in the early days) if we are to buy a lb, it has to be one of recognised quality, we already have smith if we want to take a punt on someone.

22 Mar 2016 12:59:33
Ake is a midfielder who can play LB or CB but is defo is neither of these.