Liverpool Banter Archive September 22 2014

 

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22 Sep 2014 19:19:54
Hi Eds,
Do you know if any of the youngsters from the youth teams will get a chance against Middlesbrough tomorrow.

Thanks in advance

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{Ed001's Note - the plan was to use fringe players, whether that has changed now our form is so poor and Rodgers intends to now use it to get some fluency and confidence back, I don't know. Mind, it is not like he has kept a settled side yet, so I suppose it is almost certain to be a mixed up team again.}

22 Sep 2014 21:53:05
I really want to see Lucas play at DM to hopefully demonstrate what he brings whilst playing there, and Suso in the team. Beyond that I (within reason) don't really mind what team we play.

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I think Henderson and Coutinho are not fit enough while Allen, Emre Can, Sturridge and Johnson are not fit.

I think Lovren, Moreno, Gerrard and Sterling probably needs a rest as we have the derby on Saturday followed by a CL away at Basel on Wednesday and another game the weekend that follows.

Talk is that Rossitter and Ojo will be in the squad. But the matchday squad is 20, with only 18 being involved.

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22 Sep 2014 18:56:30
Does anybody think we could actually do without an out and out defensive midfielder?
Just play a conventional 4-4-2?
Say hendo and Allen central and Lallana and sterling down the flanks.
If anything the defence might be a bit more settled in a more conventional system. Playing Gerrard so deep splits the defence down the middle and pushes Moreno and manquilo forward.
Still play a high tempo, pressing game and attack with pace.
You could play sterling as a deep second striker as well if you don't fancy him on the sides.

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That might be an excellent team and system with Allen and Henderson, who both work hard defensively and offensively. My concern is that they are not naturally defense minded players and with our GK and defenders and defending sucking at the moment, it probably will not work now.

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I was just thinking AG, sakho looks the business for France and lovren looked the business last year. Why not at Liverpool? Must be our system, go back to a more conventional system and we should start to see the best out of them, might even make migs a bit more confident. We only started playing an unconventional formation to get the most out of Suarez and get a bit more out of Gerrard, Suarez is gone and Gerrard has been found out in that position. Time to get the most out of what we have. No reason why Gerrard can't play in place of Allen or hendo in central midfield when he's actually fit either. He really needs to be managed properly now though, Brendan needs to grow a pair.

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22 Sep 2014 22:13:12
My personal view on 442 is that playing it in a non counter attacking fashion (ie. two banks of four behind the ball and then early into the forwards when you get it back) puts a lot of strain on your centre mids and fullbacks, both physically and in terms of their ability to use the move effectively and quickly. Especially when you're playing against teams with 3 in midfield, as most teams playing at the highest level seem to do these days.

It could work when we have Allen, Hendo, Manquillo and Moreno all fully fit to play. Can or Enrique having to come in probably wouldn't upset it much either. After that, though, I'd question whether we have the personnel. Lucas or Gerrard probably could play a few games as centre mids in that system but their lack of an engine vs. the likes of Hendo and Can would probably catch up with them if they played in it all the time.

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22 Sep 2014 23:10:30
What mikey said
I would rather see gerrard in his natural position for less minutes than this.

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MIKEY, the only positive I can think of right now of playing this "unconventional" system is that Sterling very effective centrally behind the strikers. But he is a very clever footballer and is very good playing any of the wider roles or indeed behind the main striker.

I would like to see Sterling behind Balotelli OR Sturridge in a conventional 4-4-2. Sterling is intelligent enough and can drop in deeper when we don't have possession.

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23 Sep 2014 07:42:07
How about a 3-5-2 smilar to Juventus model, With Allen actually being played as DLP and two Energetic Midfilders Henderson and Lallana alongside him.
We could eliminate the DM and would also help the Full backs to bom forward with 3 at the back.

We would have to bench some notable names with this formation.

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22 Sep 2014 18:36:56
Hi Eds

Can you shed any light on the extent on injuries to Hendo Coutinho Allen Studge and Can please? Surely will have some back for Saturday??

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{Ed001's Note - off the top of my head, Can is not due back until the end of next month and Studge is due back this weekend. Allen, last I heard, was not given a return date yet, not sure why, might be because it is day to day and he could be back tomorrow or because it is long term and they can't be sure until his rehab starts. I haven't heard about Hendo and Coutinho at all yet.}

22 Sep 2014 21:41:27
Thanks Ed

From what's been said so far, I think both Coutinho and Hendo are slight knocks and should be back by weekend. Fingers crossed.

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22 Sep 2014 18:32:36
I do not think our midfield was any better last year. It was certain LS7 who picked up the ball from midfield and fed it to sturridge or sterling and was linking up well with continuo. We are missing a really world class player not just a striker. Let's hope sturridge comes back soon and changed our fortunes.

Guys we still have a chance of winning the title howsoever slim it may be.

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22 Sep 2014 17:22:18
Think Rossiter needs to start vs Middlesbrough to show what he can do he is already our best academy player and his style is exactly what we need at the moment and now that Emre can is out for a while he needs to get in the team and be the next gem. With gerrard soon coming to end I honestly think he's the one we will look to in the future

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I think he's way to young mate, but you're entitled to your opinion.

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Considering near everyone else is injured, I don't know if we'll have much choice.

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22 Sep 2014 16:29:00
Pre season? i thought it was for getting the team to gel, not a shop window to sell our fringe players!!

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22 Sep 2014 16:42:18
Post of the day. And still couldn't.

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It used to be.
These days it is all about marketing and increasing your word wide sales.

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22 Sep 2014 16:12:24
As I think it was danieldenmark pointed out, looks like the translated Agger interview has been published. Any thoughts on Daniel's comments?

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BR preaches double-standards?

Certainly, it is very disappointing to see a true professional, and a faithful player (something of a rarity in modern day football and sports in general), being treated that way.

Appalling by BR, who represents LFC.

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A man who was hurt by the club he loves, forced out by our manager who is clueless when it comes to who to keep, who to sell and who to buy. There was no need to buy Lovren, Agger is easily as good as him

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So angry with BR right now. He had no right to treat a player with so much of loyalty like this. This transfer window is looking as bad as the one where we brought Downing, Coates and Adam under KK. The club could have just kept Agger, not spent 20 million GBP on Lovren and hired a defensive coach to improve a backline that has been steadily deteriorating under BR's tutelage.

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Would tend to agree, AG. The translated version I read (which may have been entirely inaccurate given they were done by someone online) seemed to imply that Agger and BR had hardly spoken really, which to me is a bit of a shame if true. He certainly deserved at least a bit of a discussion rather than being apparently Brendaned (apologies in advance, but seems to fit the context of the situation).

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22 Sep 2014 17:05:20
Agger won't lie. Loves the club more than us.
Sad to hear. More truth to come out in future I guess.

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22 Sep 2014 17:28:01
You are only hearing the story from one point of view there are always two sides to a story. Agger was never fit enough for selection and we need to judge Lovren over a period of time. Stop jumping to conclusions.

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I don't see much wwrong with anything Agger said. Players become out of favour and move on. I do expect the player that replacedhim to be better tho! No point in spending £50 million on 3 defenders and still concede alarmingly.

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I don't think anyone is jumping to conclusions Mighty reds. Comments from Reina and Sahin in the past now combined with Agger's don't really paint as glowing a picture of rainbows and harmony as is often made out though. Seems fair enough to say anyway.

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Mighty reds 100% spot on

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22 Sep 2014 18:54:56
I never put much pass on what players say, tbh.

Two people can just genuinely not get along without one of them actually being wrong.

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RDL is this the same Reina who made it quite clear he wanted to go to Barca.

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Not just 2 people though, like RDL says, Sahin, Reina, and even Borini tacitly has said the wrong things about BR.

I suspect, in the not so distant future, we can add, Kirikou to that list.

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Rdl
The 3 players that you mentioned all left under a cloud so to speak. I am sure you could pick 3 players still at the club that would sing Rodger's praises. Its the way it goes.

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I think BR had a very difficult decision to make with regards to Agger, the fans love him and he loves the club, he is a very good defender who was losing his pace each season, he was/is injury prone, ask yourself what you would have done in BR's shoes, i am sure he didn't enjoy having to make that choice.

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{Ed001's Note - Agger had been available for transfer for years, due to his injuries, it is just that in the past he had rejected the chance to leave. I love Agger, admire him for his desire to stay with us, but he was not going to play and it was best for all concerned that he went.}

I'm sure you could, Irish Rover. My completely unfounded and entirely speculative guess would be that once you're on Brendan's 'to go' list you may find his door rather more closed than open. Guess my thought was perhaps Agger, a long standing, loyal player, was worthy of a bit more conversation and, apparently, honesty.

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He played 20 games last season and it wasn't enough for him he just didn't meet eye to eye with Rogers we let him go for week below his value to his home town club so I don't think we treated him bad! ! !

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22 Sep 2014 23:16:40
To be fair to agger, he said some nice br stuff aswell
He will always be welcome at liverpool. Unlike a lot of players he truly cared

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22 Sep 2014 14:31:03
Well, I have 2 sons-in-law, one is a Utd supporter, and the other a Bluenose, and both of them gave me right down the banks after our result on Saturday, so at least Sunday was a much better day than Saturday for me, as I reluctantly (yeah right !) got my own back.

Seriously though, it was always going to be a slow start this season, because for some reason it always seems to be after a major tournament in the summer. Most of the better teams who tend to have nearly all their players at these world cups etc., seem to be struggling a bit. There is definitely a hangover period.

Of course it doesn't help that we have so many new players being bedded into the team at the same time, or that we keep changing the back four, the system etc.

I was a bit surprised that Markovic didn't get an run out on Saturday, because we needed to get a goal, and in my opinion he would have created a little more panic than the like of Borini or Lambert. When we got our goal in the first half it was clear that they started to panic quite a bit, but we were not good enough to take advantage.

It remains to be seen what our line up will be when everyone is fit. Unfortunately Emre Can has been injured twice now since he arrived and is going to miss a few more weeks yet.

I also don't think Sturridge will be involved at the weekend, so it's going to be really tough. The current attacking threat is not enough to concern our opposition right now, and so far defenders have had a relatively easy time of it, apart from Spurs of course.

Also when we do get Studge back he will need a couple of games for him to get up to speed again.

It's certainly worrying and nervous times right now, but we have to keep supporting the club fully.

Chins up everyone.

KBL

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22 Sep 2014 15:03:08
KBL

You would have a great saturday afternoon with your Son-in-law.
Good luck

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It's good to have you back KBL.

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Why has nobody questioned the fact he allowed his daughter to marry a Man Utd fan?!

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22 Sep 2014 19:38:35
EMS

ED01's Daughter is a UTD fan and good friend of ED04.

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{Ed001's Note - she is bloody not!! She is a Liverpool fan, as is the missus, though the missus doesn't actually know what football is yet, she just knows enough to cheer on us.}

22 Sep 2014 20:49:47
Sorry Ed01. I suspect some one is here a big time UTD Fan

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{Ed001's Note - it is certainly not my daughter, she is smart luckily....}

22 Sep 2014 13:26:36
I don't think our players are bad I just think Rodgers is getting it all wrong so far this season.

The 4 players at the heart of our team on Saturday were Skrtel, Lovren, Lucas and Gerrard. Do I have to say the problem or is it not obvious? Pace! There was no urgency and we sat too deep right from the off and invited pressure.

Hate to say it, but Gerrard, Lucas and Skrtel need to be dropped. Lovren proved last season he has the awareness to play in a high line (plus he is still setling in; unlike the other 3). We need to push higher. Why can't we do that? Because the keeper at the back doesn't read the game at all. In fact, I'm not sure he even watches until the ball is within 25yards of goal.

Let's be honest, Rodgers mucked up this summer. Not because the players he signed are bad, but because he didn't sign the players we needed.

We need a sweeper keeper and a world class midfield dictator (why the hell we didn't go for Alonso is beyond me). Hopefully we can make it to January still within reach of the top 4.

This would all be irrelevant if Rodgers hadn't changed the agressive style. It's like watching his Swansea team all over again. All the possession and very little to show for it.

Go for the throat. We are not solid enough to sit back, so hit them before they can hit us. We finished second doing exactly that.

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22 sep 2014 14:22:09
the reason we didn't go for alonso was the famous slogan which rings around here.
". alonso is past. let's look forward "

alonso is a world class player and would continue for atleast 3 good years.his wages would might prove a block, but nothing to take away from his quality. he has proved himself in 3 different leagues and has been motm in 3 matches with bayern already.
he would have bossed our midfield. excellent passer, brilliant in breaking up the play and he is the best player in that position right now.

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Hey Harry,

don't often agree with you, but you have hit the nail on the head with the Alonso comment.

Hi EMS,

i always enjoy reading your posts and concur 100% with your analysis. The last 2 matches have seen a completely lethargic midfield with no dynamism or control. As I have stated previosuly I still do not see why we could not prise Begovic from stoke when we bought Mignolet. and the fact that Medel went to Inter for such a low fee, and Alonso to BM without a glimmer of intent from us was just short sighted, certain players are luxuries we didn't need or could afford :(.

really disappointed with our current form and hope the players really pick themselves up and get BR to give them a kick up the back side!

Peace out
YNWA
JFT96

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I agree, but who would come in if we drop Gerrard and Lucas? I'd prefer it if we drop Gerrard and play Lucas until Can is fit.

I also hope we sign Valdes, who would bring experience at the back. The thing with Migs is he is prone to mistakes and always has been. He makes me nervous. Maybe with some competition he would up his game, who knows?

However, I do think that our problems start further up the pitch Gerrard hasn't been effective, Henderson has been playing too deep, Lucas can not play in an advanced position, Lallana is coming back from injury and Coutinho is not in form. To add to that we don't have runners up front. It's all too slow and predictable.

If we can fix these problems further up, it will benefit our defence greatly. It's about getting the lads to work as a unit by finding a system that will work with the players we have.

Red Rum

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It did not necessarily have to be Alonso we targeted in the summer. Anyone who can read the game well and dictate play for 90 whole mins would have done. Even Alex Song would have been an improvement on what we have. People can deny all they want but the cold truth is Lucas is not good enough anymore to last 90 mins and neither is Gerrard. I cannot wait for January to see what the club has lined up for GK and CDM. If we persist with what we have, even a 6th or 7th place finish would be considered decent.

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I'd play Flanno or Allen there Red Rum. Obviously Can when he is fit. For me, the team has out grown Lucas and Gerrard.

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22 Sep 2014 16:09:27
If you play Gerrard at DM. 2 things are happening

1. We would concede

2. Relese the ball quick.Move it faster in a blink of an eye.

3. press high up with 2 energetic midfielders.

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Hey EMS isn't that more or less what i posted a few days ago? so of course i agree, maybe not about Alonso but only because of wages etc. i was told i was daft for saying we should have sorted the midfield out last transfer window, sold Lucas and rested Gerrard and bought someone to play alongside Can, but i'm accused of being daft! really Mickey 1985? use the disagree button mate leave the name calling out.

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Aren't Flanno and Allen both injured as well?

Red Rum

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I think Allen is back. Not sure about Flanno. Sorry Jackthelad. Been very busy lately with my degree starting up again. If you posted something similar, I'm sure I'd have agreed had I seen it!

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Flan no just had surgery

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22 Sep 2014 12:23:43
Oh no here we go again. Now we're being linked with Joe Hart. What happened to all the great keepers? I grew up watching Big Nev, Scheichel etc and they were Head & Shoulders above him.
On a serious note though he looks far too much like Russ Abbott to take seriously. I believe he loves it at Anfield though. "Oh what and atmosphere".

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22 Sep 2014 12:41:14
Good effort.

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! Russ Abbot! sucking a lemon!

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Does a goalkeeper exist that can catch crosses and not punch the ball back into the path of oncoming forwards? who when he makes a save pushes the ball around the post not into the penalty area? who can command his area? who can act as a sweeper when needed, who can throw the ball to one of his fellow team members even to the halfway line? is you can answer yes to these questions could we please sign you?

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Manuel Neuer, nobody is ever going to get him from Bayern although he is exactly what we need.

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22 Sep 2014 19:00:32
@ Jack. I know a fella. Spanish bloke. name is Jose Manuel Reina. Heard of him? Quite good, but he can be a bit sensitive to the coaching he gets though.

Maybe Rafa will fall out with Napoli's owners get sacked and render Xavi Valero unemployed for a while.

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{Ed001's Note - what I want to know is why no one else has looked at what Valero does and learns from it? Surely every gk coach should be looking to work with the strikers on opposing keeper's weaknesses? Surely that should be the standard practice by now???}

22 Sep 2014 12:22:28
Haven't posted for a while, which must mean our form is down. Put briefly, I see the season so far as this:

1. We have a hangover from last season
2. We miss Suarez and Sturridge
3. The squad with its late additions and injuries is a full preseason short of getting to know the systems, each other and basically geling as a squad.
4. A World Cup hangover
5. The league is more even, if you are not 90-100% you will be found out.
6. All the lesser teams are full of beans until the injuries and fatigue kicks in.
7. To many changes to soon.
8. Midfield is not dominant enough.
9.opposition have Sussex us out and we have failed to adjust.
10. Everyone else is having the same issues, though I feel we should have dropped to less points.

We must use the next three home games to sort out these issues and get back to form otherwise it will be a very tight fight for fourth.

Cheers

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Number 2 3 7 I agree with also rogers changed tactics

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22 Sep 2014 10:58:21
So it seems Gerrard is the scape goat this season. Last season it was Lucas until form picked up.
Any link? They both played in front of the defence.
I think we need a reality check.
Nothing will come of blaming Gerrard. The defensive midfielder is not there to stop crosses coming in, they are not there to stop the long ball going straight through our centre backs, they are not there to defend crosses and they are not to blame from our complete inability to defend set pieces.

Obviously, as an LFC fan lucky enough to be in Istanbul, Gerrard is a legend for me. However, I'm not saying he's the best option in that position. What I am saying is whoever plays there it will not solve most of our defensive frailties. When our fullbacks spend most of the game in the opponents half, you are going to have to accept you will be facing a lot of crosses from the opponents. When you have 2 centre backs who seem to want to head the same ball, have no idea of working in tandem and a keeper who flaps at anything above head height (if you're lucky) and needlessly comes out of his box to cover through balls, you are going to struggle against those crosses.

I think with this keeper and these centre backs, we need our full backs to defend and stop crosses coming in.

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It won't happen under BR. His teams have always relied on full-backs who attack and push up field, which exactly why he keeps picking Johnson, and bought in Moreno.

I agree blaming it on Gerrard is pointless and have to agree again on Mignolet and the CBs (Lovren, SKrtel and Sakho) needing to get their act together.

But, the manager sees them in training everyday and along with his coaching staff, really should sort out the defending and the defense; something that he has never really looked at seriously, after spending 200 million pounds over 5 transfer windows.

Maybe it is time he realizes that it is not just the personnel but also the defending which he coaches, is part of the problem.

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There is a lot of truth in what you say here but where we have really fallen down this season has been in midfield. Aside from the Spurs game we have been dominated in the centre of the park in every game this season. Our midfield has been 2nd best against everyone - this is a massive concern. As long as our midfield is 2nd best we will struggle to impose ourself on the opposition, whoever they are. Gerrard has not had a good game this season. Lucas has not played at DM, overwhelmingly his best position, and has been very poor in all his outings as well. The midfield is the most important position and where many games are won and lost - as long as we continue to pretend we don't have a problem there we can expect more Villa/West Ham games in future.

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I agree with a lot that you have to say there Ken.

Only point I will comment on is the full backs; from the games I've seen this season (compared to last) we are moving the ball slower and do not seem to adapt when a player "sits" on Gerrard.

I've seen against Villa in particular (but again against West Ham) where we have 5 players in our own half when we first pick the ball up with the opposition easily marking our remaining 5 players. Then the other two CM's drop to collect the ball; by the point we've turned we have little options for passing or space available.

Your right; Lucas, Can, Allen, Matic, Toure etc. etc. etc. would all struggle in the current set-up.

Mignolet's distribution is poor; often hanging the ball in the air meaning a flick on header (to the opposition) or going straight out of play.

Here's hoping BR gets this sorted else it will be too late to recover the season!

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22 Sep 2014 12:35:16
The sooner you all realise that as a consequence of fielding a nearly new defence, the team will likely concede goals until a little stability has been structured.

Then, consider the age of the two full-backs and their inexperience in the league, the situation speaks for itself really.

We should feel grateful that most of the apparent 'top sides' have had a shaky start, with Chelsea an exception.

Amuses me how people are laying blame to so many individual players.

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22 Sep 2014 12:47:35
Dave

Then, consider the age of the two full-backs and their inexperience in the league

You would be surprised to see that both of the full backs hasv been brilliant and Moreno featured in the CL team of the week.

They both are enjoying their natural game while rest are fidning excuses to cover the their laps.

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Hi all,

I understand where you are coming from. But I think that there is something to be said about Gerrard's role in the team.

The way we play the Defence will always come under pressure, especially the CB's as our full backs bomb forward leaving large gaps behind them.

This becomes more of a problem when the DM, who should be able to spot these holes and either fill them, or organise someone else to fill them, hasn't got the legs anymore.

In the West Ham game Stevie was walking from about the 30th minute. Now I appreciate that he played mid-week as well but if he's not up to playing 2 games a week, he shouldn't be doing it. (BR asking him in the second half if he is ok is redundant, Stevie wants to play every second of every game, and that's why we all love him)

The guy is a legend for Liverpool football club, and one of my personal heroes. But I can't help but watch him struggling to get around the pitch and feel that someone like Gary Medel would alleviate a lot of the pressure on our back four. He has the legs and the energy to protect the holes as well as being technically good enough to start attacks. He is a defensive midfielder, a ball winner, a constant annoyance to the other side. Gerrard is a Deep Lying Playmaker. . we have 5 playmakers further up the field, we don't need a 6th.

As the pressure increases on the back four, they make more mistakes, that's always the way.

Hopefully when Can returns he will be given a shot at DM (I would love to see Flanno here while Manquillo is playing well at RB, but I don't think BR would do that)

Furthermore, if the game does still go the same way and we are 2-1 down with 30 minutes left for example. Is there anyone in our squad you would rather coming off the bench than Stevie G?

Ferguson did exactly the same with Giggs and Scholes, played them only in games where he knew they could do a job and had them as great options off the bench if things were going wrong.

BR seems to have lots of the attributes needed to be a top top manager, but he needs to be able to make the tough decisions (and keep his mouth shut!), but dropping Stevie G will be the toughest one yet, I hope he makes the right call.

Cheers all

Happy Monday!

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Boom, defending is a collective effort.

Individual performers/performances do not make a team.

Yes, they've been excellent, but as a defending unit, it isn't clicking - yet!

It's all down to game time and experience and it will come.

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Hoola, teams have figured us out.

If you press at our defenders then they flap thus preventing any attack and distribution to the midfielders.

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Stop being sentimental and defensive of sg. he like all the players in the squad should be benched if not on form.

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22 Sep 2014 13:48:21
Ken

You aware Everton plays the same way as we do. Coleman and Banies pushing high up leaving space behind.
But they have a player to cover up that gap in BARRY. We have Gerrard in that place.
Barry isn't an execptional passer or has awesome set piece delivery, But he does his job pretty well and simple.

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22 Sep 2014 13:55:08
I would suggest the problem is in the coaching.
clearly these are not bad players.
whenever I see photos of them on LFCTV they are all playing head tennis and giggling.
a bit like our performances at the moment.
you perform how you practise

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22 Sep 2014 14:26:30
Dave

You going to see a lot more then and would be dissapointed. Moreno was scouted extensievly for an year and He is an attacking full back much like Baines and Shaw. Her would contribute quiet a lot in the attack and BR loves that kinda player.

When you buy two offensive full backs, You should also buy a top class DM to cover them up.

We play quiet a lot similar to Everton, The difference is Barry compared to Gerrard in that most crucial position.

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22 Sep 2014 14:28:15
Frankly

That was Epic. out from my chair. lols.

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I don't disagree Dave (in terms of figuring us out); but most teams could not stop us (regardless of Suarez the ball had to get to him for him to score).

I think we are a different team with Sturridge playing (as are England); his movement creates space. But he can't / won't be playing every week so we need to change something.

Pace is not just about how quick a player can run but how they receive the ball and move it; at the moment we are not moving the ball quickly enough and letting teams settle and restrict us.

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Boom,
How is Everton's defence doing this season?
Is Everton's keeper more solid than ours? YES!
We don't have the keeper or centre backs to throw our full backs forward.

My point is, Steven Gerrard is not the reason we are conceding so many goals, yet most are using him as a scape goat.

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22 Sep 2014 15:21:49
Ken

CB doesn't throw the full backs. DM is the first one to cover up and take out the danger.
When Zabaletta and Korlov bombs forward, Its fernandinho that blocks the counter attack not Kompany and Mangala.

Y Does Baines fails for England and do well for Everton? Gerrard cannot cover when Baines push high up.

Lovern cannot be bad player overnight, Nor Sakho who is keeping MANGALA OUT FROM THE FRENCH TEAM.

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The centre-back we needed has been sold.

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I agree in part to what you're saying boom but everton is a shocking example. 13 goals in 4 games conceded. Hardly a blue print for success. They have a better keeper too.

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Gerrard is only one player in the squad that hasn't performed this season. Almost every player has had a shaky start and that tells me that it's more to do with the system than the individuals.

However, you have to analyse every aspect of our game and in Gerrard's case, it's not about making him a scapegoat, but noticing a major problem that area of the pitch. I don't think anyone wants to criticise such an iconic player who has been amazing for us over the years, but I do think that he needs to be given a new role for the benefit of the team. I have suggested numerous times that he should be played in a more advanced position that doesn't require as much physically.

The last thing I want is for him to be out of the team and I think I speak for the majority, but in my view 2 things need to be done. Firstly, don't overuse him and secondly, play him in a position that he will have a positive effect on the team.

Red Rum

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I wouldn't ever expect three new defenders out of a flat-back four to ever settle that quickly.

It does pain me to say that it's probably the managers naivety, not the players.

Plus, throw in Sakho (who still can't adapt to the expectations of both the Premier league AND Liverpool Football Club) and that pours the icing onto the cake.

Forget the finger pointing, the player criticisms, the tactics rubbish etc, it's all about playing time, and what I've seen so far, regardless of the pessimism, is that this will be a decent defence.

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22 Sep 2014 15:58:23
Swish

Was just an example. Barry isn't a world beater nor they could attract a world class DM, But still better than Gerrard at DM.

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Boom you're just not getting what I'm saying.
I'm saying our keeper and CB's are too vulnerable to crosses, therefore our FB's bombing on leaves us exposed.
Man City have world class CB's and keeper. We don't. Ours need protection from the full backs, City's don't.
Our system doesn't suit our players, or vice-versa.
It's more noticeable this season because without the threat of Suarez, teams are prepared to have a go at us more.

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"It's more noticeable this season because without the threat of Suarez, teams are prepared to have a go at us more."

Very wise words indeed.

Let's hope Sterling keeps them on their toes instead. Much to expect from a kid though.

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22 Sep 2014 17:34:33
Ken

Mine views were only on open play and Goals.
Your assessment on the corners and Setpieces are spot on.

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22 Sep 2014 10:23:34
Listen I still think Stevie G is a cracking player and will get better as the season goes on but I think our midfield three when all fit could be Allen, Hendo and Coutinho. We was predictable against West Ham we didn't move the ball quick enough. We badly missed Coutinho he always shows for the ball even when misplacing a few passes. We need his creativity.

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I disagree. Tying Henderson down to a DM role is pointless when his biggest attribute is his energy.

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22 Sep 2014 17:31:26
Why do you need a pacific DM? Allen could cover that job as well and share it with Hendo. We lacked creativity against West Ham.

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22 Sep 2014 17:46:58
Westham had 7 shots on target in the first half. They were certainly not playing defensive.
We couldn't stop them coming to your nor couldn't move with the ball.

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22 Sep 2014 09:53:09
If Macca is about I would really like to hear his views now on whether he still thinks it was a great transfer window and if he truly believes we have a better squad. I know we have a bigger squad but are we any better?

Secondly, Stevie. It's obvious to me that he struggled at the weekend and playing 3 games in a week is too much for him. His passing was off and when he loses the ball he struggles to get it back and I'm afraid Hendo is sitting too deep covering for him so we're not getting the ball forward quick enough as a result. Once Can is fit, I'd rest him and if necessary, bring him on late in a game in a more forward role.

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What about your own views on the window?
For me it's still to early to tell, lovren is not settled yet. manquilo and Moreno look like great signings but again it's too early to really judge. Lallana is not ready after injury. Can is injured. Mario is not getting the right service yet and hasn't settled yet. Markovic is not settled yet either.
I don't think we can blame our lacklustre start on the window and players in/out.
A lot of the other players are not exactly hitting the ground running, Rodgers seemed to have tinkered with the teams play and formation to cope with the loss of Suarez, that's not exactly bearing fruit, yet.
We all wanted to have a good start to the season so I can see why everyone is disappointed and looking for someone to blame. I say let's just see how the team gels over the coming weeks and months and see where we end up. Our main challengers for 4th (United) have bigger problems with the team than us so we can at least take a little joy from that.

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Too early, but there are signings which were made for the sake of buying.

Manquilio, Moreno, Lovren, Emre Can and Lallana are all OK IMO.

Balotelli, Markovic and Origi I am unsure on.

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Completely forgot about Lambert! His situation is bit of a mess though, with Borini staying, the Domestic Cup competitions and sub appearances are his best bet of game time.

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22 Sep 2014 12:49:24
I have no idea Where would Origi play for us next season and Y did we buiy him in first place.
If borini is replaced by another striker, What would happen to Origi?

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Harry, Origi will likely take Borini's place in the squad next season, and would be a major improvement on Borini. I think Origi is a good buy, he has started off well for Lille and according to a number of footie experts is destined for big things, so i'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will all work out between Origi and LFC. I very much doubt even the inept transfer committee would want to replace Borini now when we have a number of attacking players out on loan.

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22 Sep 2014 14:31:46
Indian

Another one for the future when we are struggling in the present aah?

Origi is 19. Yes 19, How is the lad a major improvement on a 23 year old Borini?

Origi would take atleast 2 good loans much like Lukaku to find the feet in the League. So whose going to replace him?

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No scapegoat, gerrard was always a stop gap when lucas was injured, should never have been made a full time dm when he is clearly bad at it. We have needed a dm for two seasons this is nothing new, BR is turning out to be a bit clueless when it comes to transfers. He had better hope Can comes good when fit again as i fear for brendans job if we bomb this season.

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I think Brendan has to win something this season or get top 4 otherwise his job will be looking very precarious.

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22 Sep 2014 09:09:51
Does anyone else think our lack of defensive confidence starts from right at the back meaning Mignolet. The guy gives me no confidence at all and personally I hope he gets dropped for Jones on Tuesday. While Brad isn't perfect it would at least let Mignolet know he's not irreplaceable and that he has to work a lot harder to be our number 1. At the moment he just seems to laidback doesn't have to work at his game

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22 Sep 2014 09:20:16
On current form Brad would do a better Job than Mignolet. If He commands his area well and good 80% of threats from the Set pieces and corners would be avoided.

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I'd expect Jones will start Tuesday but this will not be dropping Mignolet it will just be playing Jones in the league cup so Mignolet will either be on the bench day dreaming or else he'll be at home with his feet up. He won't be worried about Jones starting tomorrow.

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I've backed Mignolet numerous times people go on about Stevie being put on the bench i think Simon could do with a spell also it may buck him up.

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I'd like to see all players dropped to the bench after a few tepid performances, with no one immune. Coutinho deserved to be left out over the weekend and Johnson should have been picking splinters out a while ago. Unfortunately, it's our captain's turn right now.
It would give them a wake up call and improve standards. As long as it happened across the full team it shouldn't affect confidence as everyone would be aware of the high standards they need to reach.

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22 Sep 2014 05:06:28
Hi Ed's,
Just like any other fan here even I watched the WestHam game and was gutted to see the results.
Then I watched ManCity play Chelsea, was really impressed by the work rate of City defense. They way City defense blocked Hazard, Costa was mind blowing.
I wish our defense can step up and watch these guys to improve their game.
The best part of WestHam game was Downing totally owned Liverpool, I can say if Flanagan was playing he would have keep downing shut. But too bad he is out injured.
I still feel BR's demands of player playing in different positions is killing for few players.
Lucas cannot play upfront in EPL. He can excel in his natural position and I feel he should be played there.

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{Ed001's Note - I am sure Lucas could adapt, if he was playing week in, week out, but he is not, so he has no chance of learning the role without highly specialised coaching. Preferably he should get both, to really be able to perform at his best. This idea of playing him once every few weeks in an unfamiliar role is just bizarre. It reminds me of the mistakes during the Rafa era of not playing back up players in the reserves. Then everyone would wonder why they couldn't perform when they finally did get a chance in the team, when it was obvious they were just rusty as they hadn't actually played any competitive football. You can't just drop a player in to the team here and there and expect them to be at their best and up to the mark. They need to get used to the pace etc, just like when you drive it takes a little bit of time to get used to going at 70mph on a British motorway if you haven't driven for a while. If you drive every day, you can just settle in straight away, but if not, it takes a while to get used to it. The human mind needs to repeat actions over and over to allow them to become instinctive, that applies to any sport. They also need regular competitive action to sharpen those instincts, Lucas just isn't getting that and it is clearly affecting him.}

22 Sep 2014 07:31:00
Gerrard

Mate, When did you saw chelsea crossing the half way line against City yesterday?. Their first short on target came close to the 70th min.
Hazzard was playing as a Wing back and Costa was totally inside Kompany's pocket.

Neverthless Mangala looks like a beast. What a signing. That CB pair would rule the league for years.

Regarding Lucas, Ed01, I would want him either at DM or not. He is a DM and should be played there.

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Man City's defense did not have much to do yesterday. 90% of the game was played in Chelsea's half and when the ball did get into the City half, Fernandinho got into the faces of City's forwards, he made it easy for City's defense. Shame we do not have a player of that quality at LFC.

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22 Sep 2014 09:03:53
Lucas is a DM end of. He hasn't contributed to goal, or the build up to a goal in forever. Well it's very rare anyway, seems BR trying to squeeze him in because we couldn't shift him in the summer

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22 Sep 2014 09:23:04
Dbol

You know that's makes no sense, To play someone whom we couldn't sell in the summer.

BR wanted to pack the midfield against Westaham. Backfired.

Indian

I stand by what I said, We would continue to concede till we bring in a top class DM to protect our Back 4. And even more with our Fullbacks now would bomb forward to contribute to the attack.

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21 Sep 2014 22:54:50
I have a question Eds and reds why have we changed our style of play so much. I know we don't have suarez anymore but we have no tempo we're nowhere near as direct anymore. I believe if our play was not as slow and we were as direct as last season we would have seen better results than we have so far?

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{Ed001's Note - you would have to ask Brendan the answer to that question.}

I really wish a journalist would ask him just that. The one exception was at Spurs which coincidentally we handedly won. It's a bizarre one for me and seems to be intentional.

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22 Sep 2014 07:31:52
Seems BR isn't confidence in a diamond system without Sturridge.

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Suarez was a threat. Opponents were scared of him and had no idea how to combat him.
He's gone, not been replaced and now teams are no longer intimidated by us so they attack us.
Plus our confidence has gone with Suarez.

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22 Sep 2014 00:37:19
We've been very lucky this weekend. Only Arsenal have really benefitted from our result. Time to get those fingers out and stop messing about. Next two or three games are a big deal. I said we shouldn't be counting chickens before the last three and look how we blew two of those.

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22 Sep 2014 07:32:53
ND

I am sorry mate, But we have every chance to go down against Everton this sunday. I don't see us beating them without Sturridge on current form.

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Saturday

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