Liverpool Banter Archive March 24 2014

24 Mar 2014 23:15:15
For all those attending the Sunderland game tomorrow, the spion kop supporters group are organising a mass gathering to welcome the coach to Anfield.

Get yourselves down to Anfield Road at 6pm to line the streets with as many flags, banners and scarves as you can. Brendan wanted the noise pumped up for the game, well this is our way to get behind the boys and show them our support.

For those who don't understand, go on to a common video sharing website and type in something like "Liverpool fans welcome coach to Anfield before spurs game" we done the same a few years ago before going on to beating spurs, let's get the players blood pumping and show them what being a part of Liverpool is all about!

Sounds good!

Excellent idea. I believe the plan is well underway and many will be there to meet the coach.

24 Mar 2014 22:50:48
Hi eds was hoping ou could clear something up for me. Why is it that Liverpool will be in pot four (assuming we qualify for CL) i'm just wondering if its avoidable and If you could explain the reason for this to me. I've tried the search function but couldn't find anything definitive. Any reply will be appreciated. Cheers

{Ed001's Note - it is based on a team's results in Europe over the previous years, so nothing can be done about it. We can improve it for future years by doing well though.}

I honestly think teams will dread us in their group. If Suarez stays, you can guarentee teams will dread facing SAS. Not saying we'll have am easy time of it but we are potent up front for sure!

If you don't play CL football regularly, the European ranking of the team goes down. We have not played CL for 4 years now and our position in the European ranking system will be close to 50 .
This does not mean we are only around the 50th best team in Europe, but that due to not playing CL, we are not awarded points or points taken ofus.
Playing and doing well in CL regularly.will get us a higher ranking

25 Mar 2014 07:22:27
Out side, Bayern, Real or Barca, Who can guarantee Suarez of getting thoruhg to the group stages?

Home fan how about psg athletico chelsea man city arsenal usually make it through the group stages too and if you add saurez to a lot of teams Juventus milan there chances would go up greatly too

25 Mar 2014 08:25:16
Gibbelt

Man city just got through this year.
PSG, don't think Suarez fancies a move to france only to play a couple of good domestic games and 8 CL games.
Atheltico are a strong team, But all the fuss started from this year (costa, koke, turan )
Juventus didn't get through
Cheslea would make it, But then again Suarez won't move there

And most important, who can afford Suarez, apart from Real, Barca or bayern,
player like Suarez would want to be in the grand stage (ballon dor, etc)

25 Mar 2014 08:26:27
Gibelt,

And I am pretty sure, Most the above teams would go down in the first Knock out, that's 2 games added with 6 Group games.

Don't worry about coefficients. Last year dotmund were about 30h and got to the final.
Fulham are currently ranked 47th
PSG are still ranked around 20th

As we as a club know, A lot can alter over 5 years.

Giblet did you really list Milan and Juventus? Firstly Milan are struggling to be in the top 10 at the moment and certainly won't be in cl next year.
Juventus while comfortable in Italy aren't a dominant force at all and will struggle to get out the group next year.
Ath Madrid probably losing their main players so they won't be the same force.
Man city 1 from 3 sbut they should get through
Arsenal wouldn't want to put a lot of Money ob it depending on group
And the rest should qualify but there's no guarantees I would say psg barca real Madrid bayern Chelsea and city will nearly guarantee themselves through

I'll take pot 4 over not having a pot to piss in any day.

Pot 4 sounds good to me, means bigger games in the group stages for us. And what?

Home fan (harry) good point about who coukd afford him i'm sure atletico could due to the part ownership deals they have over there but I can't see him wanting athletico hopefully he stays he's 1 of the best we have if not the best and yes shane I listed milan they may not be in the champuons league next year but they more than likely will be the year after they do have a history of sustained success and Juventus are a good team who can compete financially with most the pount I was making was there's not only 3 teams gaurenteed to make it through

Sorry my little lad posted before I finished I was making the point add saurez to any team there chances would greatly improve but thankfully he plays for us so its our chances

24 Mar 2014 21:55:36
It's quite simple really, if Manchester United beat Citeh tomorrow our destiny is in our own hands. Win em all and we win the league!

Groovy!

I don't think so. City have 3 games in hand. They are only a point behind us. Which means if Utd beat City and if City are beaten by us, assuming that them and us win all of the rest of the games remaining, we will finish level on points with City. Then, Goal Difference would say who are the Champions.

Even simpler: If Citeh don't win then our destiny is in our own hands.

It'd be nice if Arsenal take something from Citeh too. If Citeh get 1 point from their next 2 games, we can afford a draw with them at Anfield. If Chelsea drop points too, we can afford a draw with them too. First things first, let's have a draw tonight and a win for LFC tomorrow.

25 Mar 2014 07:23:44
Draw would do it for me, let's preserve Arsenal in the top 4 than UTD, Everton or Spurs.
A win for UTD would bring back their confidence and who knows what might happen?

Just a draw will do.
Then its in our hands.
One game at a time.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

To the real AG: Liverpool P 30 Pts 65 man c P 28 Pts 63. - Liverpool 2 games more 2 points more. Hopefully Liverpool beat city then it will be 2 games more 5 points more. If city fail to win one of the games in hand Liverpool will have the advantage. First of all let's win the two games this week and that will go a long way to securing a champions League place. With the silly situation in European football winning the title is only a bonus to the more important task of competing in the so-called 'Champions' League' which was only changed from the European Cup so that the top clubs would not form a breakaway league (although that was only avoiding the inevitable). Liverpool have to ensure that they are in that league when it does arrive.

Real AG, before you criticise a post please do your maths first. It is in our own hands if City draw or get beat tonight.

Zh, thanks for pointing out my mistake. You are absolutely right that we need to stay within touching distance of Chelsea and Man City. So, let's start with tonight against Sunderland. No easy games in the PL!

REX, why did you see my post as criticism? Maybe because you were looking for something? I got my maths wrong, that's it.

24 Mar 2014 21:39:54
Is there any footballer you know, whose play style is almost similar to Gerrard?

I always thought schwiensteigger was similar - good all round player who excels in all aspects of the game. Vidal is arguably similar as well though probably not as potent attacking wise as Gerrard used to be. He is a unique breed, there have been few, if any, with the all round game he has.

If you mean when he was younger then that'd be barkley for me. Closest to him right now is possibly pirlo

25 Mar 2014 07:25:03
Tony Kroos, Then again the question, which position? gerrard over the years have been in every possible position in the middle.

Toni Kroos similar to Gerrard? No way.

Perhaps Yaya Toure or Arturo Vidal or Ross Barkley. But they all have different qualities to Gerrard as well.

25 Mar 2014 09:46:02
The Real AG

Was the younger version of Gerrard looks like Kroos?
Vidal is a DM, an offensive DM, Yaya is a completly differnt to Gerrard, Barkley would defo be a good shout, So as Hughes.

25 Mar 2014 09:46:40
Ramish 96.

Isnt it pirlo DLP?, smiliar to Alonso?

No, a younger Gerrard was never like Kroos IMO.

What is an Offensive DM? That would make him a CM or a AM you know?

I can only conclude you have never seen Gerrard play in his younger days if you are comparing him to Kroos and Will Hughes and don't think he possess characteristics similar to Yaya, in that he is a powerful runner, and a box to box midfielder and loves to dive in; also very good setpiece specialist.

25 Mar 2014 13:16:54
At 28 years old Gerrard had the best season of his career in terms of attacking return then slowly declined. Yaya Toure is just like Gerrard and he is about to hit the same decline in the next couple of years. Players like that simply cannot maintain that level of running as their bodies start to weaken and take longer to recover.

Barkley is similar in terms of style to a young Gerrard, but nowhere near his level in my opinion. Unless his ability seriously spikes I don't ever seeing him scoring more than 10 goals a season.

Vidal again is an excellent shout in my opinion. I don't know which Vidal you've been watching Harry.

I think Oxlade Chamberlain is also very similar to a young Stevie and possibly has the potential to be better one day. It's like watching Barkley with an end product. He is also better than Gerrard ever was technically although he's not as agressive as Gerrard was. He would be my ideal signing for midfield. It's just a shame it'll likely never happen. He could cover Mingolet as well ;)

24 Mar 2014 20:25:57
Wow, if we don't have anything to moan about we'll certainly create something won't we? Am I the only one who sees the height of irrationality and folly in saying that you don't like a manager who is doing well at th club you support because 'they seem shifty'? Really?
What if the people you were working on behalf of told you that they don't like you because of that dark aura that surrounds you?
Secondly, I don't think any of us could complain if Rodgers went if Barca came calling. As humans we all seek to achieve our dreams and who could grudge the man wanting to manage a club which embodies the football with which he is enamoured. By your logic (or lack thereof) he'd still be at Swansea.
Questions like 'is he one of us', based simply on a distant impression of the man betrays the spirit of this great club and it's motto of You'll Never Walk Alone in my opinion.
Sorry for the rant eds but I held it in for as long as I could and irrational and unreasonable thinking like that really riles me.

Don't take any notice Fitz.
Some people are getting too long in the tooth.
What the crocodile is there to moan about?
Haha, gods sake.
Have a bit of confidence and enthusiasm. Shankly style!

24 Mar 2014 19:32:16
eds in your opinion who will win the league? The good (Rodgers) The bad (mourinho) or the ugly (Pelligrini)?

{Ed001's Note - Pellegrini.}

Unfortunately I think it'll be Mourinho

24 Mar 2014 20:13:43
Liverpool FC would win and win it handsome.

Looking at Chelsea's run in versus City's I got to agree with Chris that sadly it seems like Mourinho's this season. Lord help us when the gloating starts :/.

PS: sorry if my earlier post came more than once Eds. My phone didn't show that it was submitted at first so I pressed it again to make sure.

{Ed001's Note - no worries mate, I was just wondering then if I had forgotten to choose a place to put it before you said.}

Mourinho sadly. Citys run in is quite intense and Chelsea's, except for our game, is ridiculously easy. Those games at Anfield will settle the title, I think we'll beat City and draw with Chelsea and that they'll win their other games.

I said in July that Moaninho would win the league.
However, I think it's wide open now. Moaninho has the Champions league to distract him.

25 Mar 2014 07:47:10
Ken Aguero

He has Anfield to Disract him, We will beat them at Anfield

24 Mar 2014 18:55:16
Ed001 what will happen with Kelly next season has injuries wrecked his chance or what's going on

{Ed001's Note - impossible to say, he is being given time to find his feet again after a bad injury. Some players recover better than others, only time will tell.{

24 Mar 2014 14:58:05
Let's talk defence.

1) Has Skrtel won you over yet and would you be confident with him as first choice next season?

2) Has Johnson done enough to earn a new contract, and do you think that his poor performances were solely down to injuries and we will see him back at his best?

4) With Sakho no doubt first choice at left centre back, will Agger be happy going into next season as second choice?

5) Would you be happy with Flanagan as first choice left/right back next season, or do we bring in a stronger fullback with us competing in the champions league?

6) Overall, we need 2 strong players per position! who would be your 8 defenders for next season.

Reds and Ed001, if your not too busy, I would love to hear your views.

Red Rum

Question 3) Can I count? No! haha.

Red Rum

Well, Ed2 has said that either agger or skrtel will likely leave and I just think it would be wrong to force out agger after he stuck by us but maybe I'm being too nice - football is a cut-throat business after all.

So, Toure - he's done okay and a good voice for the dressing room which we lost in Carragher and I don't think we'd be able to move him on easily anyway.

Flanagan - he's done enough to be considered.

Sakho - was looking good until his injury after a bit of a shaky first few games.

Agger - for me he's just a bit more suited to our style than Skrtel but that's just my opinion.

Johnson - not his best season by any means but I think he can still do a job at RB although I can't help feel his high wages could be better spent.

That leaves 3 empty spaces. In an ideal world I'd take Ilori back from Granada and let him learn from Kolo rotating the two as necessary. I'd also look to sign a new full back DEPENDING on which side Flanagan plays next year. I would also TRY to promote one of Mclaughlin or Smith.

As such that would leave Skrtel, Wisdom, Kelly, Coates, Cissokho, Enrique OUT. (I just don't think Enrique is strong enough going forward.)

Red rum CLASS .
Personally apart from Skirts and Flanno,,, I think they're all average at best

For me, I'd try to keep all of Skrtel, Agger, Toure, Sakho, and Ilori. Personally I'd love to see the combo of Sakho + Ilori given a try to see how they get on. In theory, it could be a very good partnership.

At LB, I have doubts as to whether Enrique is ever coming back, so I do think a new LB is needed with Flanagan acting as backup. For RB, I'd use McLaughlin as backup there and sell Johnson if an acceptable bid was made.

So, I'd personally think we should be looking at a new starting LB and a new starting RB (presuming Johnson were to leave, if he stays, then just a LB).

{Ed002's Note - And Kelly?}

Hello ED's and Reds!

Another great win at the weekend! I've read through all the posts below and I think Ozone made a good point about Flano and his shortcomings. But I'm a fan of his and think he has real potential.

I have to admit when Brendan came in (despite the terrific football he had Swansea playing) I wasn't his biggest fan. But I was prepared to give him a chance and I think he's succeeded all my expectations (as have the players).

Regarding this topic (defence). Am I the only one who thinks Agger is a terrific defender? His composure, positioning and anticipation, for me, are up there with the best in the world. The way I see it, the style in which football is played nowadays favours forwards massively (and there is an abundance of better forwards than defenders at present).

I personally think our most naturally gifted defenders (as footballers) are Agger and Sakho. But Brendan will not play these two together as they are both left footed (unless he plays a back three). Skrtel, in my opinion, has improved drastically. I think he played in a certain way under Rafa (and managers since) which made him look poor. So I am happy with the those three.

I know nothing of Ilori, but he seems a great prospect. I read that he broke some form of Sporting ''sprint test'' record (can't remember exactly what it was), which basically means he is in that test, faster than what Ronaldo was and other players before. This really excites me, because if anything, I think we lack some explosive pace at the back who can get back at players when the ball goes past them.

My favoured pairing at the moment would be Agger and Skrtel, but as football is squad game, I'd like to see Sakho used often and Ilori given more first team opportunities.

I do feel that Kolo Toure should be back up. ''Another'' world class defender would be nice to provide steep competition all round, but I do not think it is absolutely necessary (pending we continue to stay RELATIVELY 'lucky' with injuries).

On a side note: SAS are phenomenal!

Puzzled red, I would argue Enrique, for a full back, is better at attacking than defending? better than Flanagan on the attack anyway.

Here is my thoughts.

1) For me, Skrtel has been quality this season. He has been our rock at the back and I would be more than happy with him going into next season as our first choice. There aren't many defenders out there who would come in and do a better job than he has.

2) I have always liked Johnson, but I have been extremely frustrated with him over the course of the season, and last season too, but now we are aware he has been struggling with injuries, I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. He said he is over his injuries and feeling like his old self therefore, I would give him until the end of the season to prove that he deserves a new contract.

3) Yes, I am an person!

4) Sakho, who cost around £15m is undoubtably Rodgers first choice and unless Agger is happy to sit on the bench next season, I would be looking to find a buyer. Don't get me wrong, Agger is still a top defender and I would be more than happy for him to stay and fight for his place, but I doubt he would want to be an understudy for 2 seasons running. The thought of playing CL football with Liverpool may persuade him to stay.

5) Flanno, for me, has been excellent, and as I said yesterday should we qualify for CL, I would like to have a stronger fullback for him to compete with. I suspect Enrique will be gone, although I am a fan. His injury problems may lead to a replacement being brought in.

6) My 8 defenders would be:
Johnson (depending on how he finishes the season), Wisdom, Skrtel, Toure, Sakho, Agger, Flanagan, RICARDO RODRIGUEZ. Caulker if Agger leaves.

I would expect to see Enrique, Coates, Kelly (due to injuries) and Cissokho leaving in the summer.

I suppose we will just have to see how Ilori gets on between now and the end of pre-season before deciding if he is good enough to be part of the squad for next season. Probably another loan move, I would think.

Red Rum

1) No, a defenders primary job is to defend and there is no evidence to suggest that Skrtel has improved in that regard.

2) No, a couple of good games do not mask a seasons worth of abject performances. If he maintains good form until the end of the season then maybe.

4) Agger loves the club, I think he will accept whatever the reality is. Personally I still think Agger is class, wondering if I will ever see him and Sakho as a defensive pairing but seems doubtful.

5) First choice I don't think playing a right footer at left back works, good players will be onto him and figure out how to make life difficult. If Johnson leaves I see no reason why Flanagan shouldn't be given a chance at right back - he has earnt that opportunity. In fact even if Johnson stays Flanagan has done well enough to seriously threaten his position as first choice. Quite obvious that we could do with another left back IMO.

6) LB: academy player, new signing (Rodriguez in my dreams). RB: Flano, Johnson. CB: Agger, Ilori, Sakho, Toure. Worth noting that Sakho is a competent left back who can be used their (though going forward is not his strongest attribute).

24 Mar 2014 19:31:24
I honestly don't know what the deal with Kelly is Ed02. BR doesn't seem inclined to play him or even let him make the bench.

He's too old to really be a prospect at this point, so for the sake of his career if he's not at least going to make our bench then he perhaps should look at leaving the club, unfortunately.

1. I think Skrtel will stay. Whatever faults he may have, I think it is between Agger and Skrtel and with Agger's injury history, he will probably be missing more games. Just because of this, I think Skrtel will be preferred.

2. Well before Johnson had this injury, he was suspect defensively. But I think we need experience at the back, especially if we get CL football. So, for me, Johnson stays.

3. Nope, you certainly cannot count.

4. I think Agger would stay. We will play atleast 42 games if we finish 4th this season, or 46 games if we finish 3rd or higher. That are the minimum. There is a good chance we will play over 50 games next season and it would be good to have Agger around. But I think the club will try to move Agger on and maybe Agger wants to play regularly. A less physical league may help him to play more?

5. Flanagan will remain a squad full back. He can cover RB & LB well and that is what he will do. I expect us to get a new LB and depending on who is the new LB, we may see Enrique moved on and Brad Smith promoted.

6. Johnson, Flanagan, Skrtel, Sakho, Toure, Ilori, Enrique, New Left back.

{Ed002's Note - I am very surprised that everyone seems to want Kelly moved on.}

No a want as such, but the last question said who are your 8 defenders or something to that effect. I suspect Kelley will be in there as a squad player for atleast another year; though I must agree with RDL.

Agree with AG its the wording of the last question "8 defenders" - we have barely seen Kelly this season and it is still unknown as to whether or not he will regain the level he was at prior to his injury. I want to give the lad a chance absolutely but gun to my head with a choice of 8 defenders for next year i'd choose the ones that we know can put in a performance. I'd keep kelly for at least another season but for his own sake (as RDL has mentioned) he might have to move on in the not too distant future.

24 Mar 2014 13:58:59
Was just wondering eds and posters if you were in charge of the club what would you do ready for next season to stop us conceding as many goals as we have this season?

{Ed001's Note - I don't think we will continue to concede as many as we have regardless. Right now teams are having a go because they think they have a chance of snatching it. Next season a few of those managers will not feel so confident and set out their teams accordingly. We are building up a fear factor that will be fix a lot of the issues without need for any changes.}

24 Mar 2014 12:31:58
ED001, hope you're well mate, had a quick question regarding your opinion on Oussama Assaidi?

For me he is one of them players that looks good on camera, but doesn't really do a lot of the ball in terms of tracking back and pressing players. I thought he was a little frustrating last year as he seemed intent on beating his man and crossing the ball at every opportunity, but we've seen it this year and he has little moments of absolute magic, and he has to be one of the best dribblers in the league. With a little coaching I reckon he could be a fantastic impact player for us.

And I don't know whether you remember or not, but we were discussing how Brendan talks too much and the media would put a spin on next to everything he says etc but it seems that he has become a bit of a media darling. i.e. he makes a lot of time for them and they in turn love him - can only be good for the club in my opinion and his theory on us being Chihuahuas went down well too. Reckon we're onto a winner here - very well rounded manager imo

{Ed001's Note - I am not convinced by Assaidi, technically he is fine, works hard, pacey, tricky, but his end product is far too wasteful. Every so often he produces a goal, but most of the time the ball ends up given back to the opposition. He needs to be more consistent for me, a lot more consistent and work on lifting his head up before making a pass or cross.

As for Rodgers, what has impressed me is his ability to learn and adapt. He doesn't just stick to what he knows, he learns lessons from his mistakes and changes so those mistakes are eradicated. That shows a real intelligence at work.}

24 Mar 2014 12:40:48
Earlier I posed the question ''Is Rodgers truly one of us'', Old big ears deemed this rhetorical statement unfair, he's entitled to his opinion but the fact remains, the players are paid to buy into Rodgers, i'm not! There's a certain insincerity about the man, I don't entirely trust him and as Ozone has pointed out, I'm not alone in this suspicion. Is he LFC for life, I doubt it, whenever the top Spanish job comes along he'll be off in a flash as bright as his denture razzle. Is he one of us, only time will tell but I for one will not be holding my breath!

They same can be said for any manager or any player, do you trust Suarez?

Not discrespect, but sort of a question is that? as long as he continues to deliver the results and style of football he has over the last 12 months I couldn't care less. I also think gerrards public backing of him last week for a new contract should go some way to explaining what our team think of him.

if the barca job comes up and he goes could we really hold that against him? they are after all a wonderful team with incredible players.

The players are paid to play football, whether they buy into the manager or not is reflected in the way the manager handles his squad. Considering Stevie labelled Rodgers the best man manager he's ever worked with, as well as the constant praise BR receives from other players in the squad seems to show they really trust him, which by extension should be something us fans should take on board. I acknowledge those who still don't trust him, I have seen interviews where I've thought, 'if I was a neutral, I'd say he's coming across a bit shifty and insincere', but I'm not sure whether this is due to him being notably less audacious with his comments as previously (last season in particular) where some of them were utterly cringeworthy and OTT. As Liverpool fans in recent years we've heard people talking the talk but not walking the walk, which has meant maybe we're a little more guarded than other clubs. It's up to BR to prove us otherwise and show he's different from the rest, but equally it's up to the fans to give him this time, as so far I'd say he's damn well earned it.

JFT 96

JP

I do consider this abit unfair to be honest, Rafa was idolised whilst he was here, and rightly so, but it was always known he wanted the Real Madrid job and would have jumped at the chance to manage them.


If Rodgers was to leave for Barca in the near or distant future then he would deserve it and would leave a great team that could be built upon.

If this "top Spanish job" comes calling, most in World Football wouldn't think twice about leaving.

Also, why do you only level this at just the manager? Just like the managers, the players, the owners, the staff and even some fans sadly, are all in the same boat.

"The players are paid to buy into Rodgers. " You mean like the Manager is paid to buy into LFC by the owners? The game is about money.

You just don't like the man and I have no problems with it.

I'm not sure what is meant by 'trusting' him? I trust him to do a job he is paid to do, same as I trust Suarez to do the job he is paid to do. Neither Suarez nor BR are likely going to be similar to the Gerrards, Carraghers, or even Flanagans of the squad. That doesn't lessen the impact either Suarez or Rodgers has had, it's just reality. I guess my point is do you 'trust' and support Suarez? He's far more of a mercenary that Rodgers and has been far less loyal, to be honest.

The manager is employed to put together a team that can be successful. He then has to achieve that success. Everything else is secondary.

'Is he one of us' is a pointless question. As regards interviews and how he comes across in them is irrelevant. Look at that obnoxious McBluster's interviews and yet the press still fawned all over him.
We have a manager who is showing the football world that he can do what he is employed to do - so be happy

When BR first came in, I didn't think he had a big enough personality for the job, and I also thought he looked a bit shifty. It turns out that he is plenty big enough for the job, and as regards his 'shifty appearance', some people just look shifty! Everyone I know that's met him, and all reports I have read, say he is a top bloke. I am happy to accept that he is a top bloke that happens to look a bit shifty! I hope he is here for the long haul, he has proved me well and truly wrong. Unlike some, I am delighted to admit my mistake.

Listen lads, iv'e been a Liverpool fan since 1966, seen the highs the lows the lot and yes, I want the lot! I want an imperious Liverpool team who play with style and panache and a manager with charm and charisma, a man like Clough or Mourinho to lead that team, iv'e waited to long to settle for half measures.I love toast, always have done, always will, what i'm trying to say is I guess I just prefer it with sardines and tabasco on top!

Oh and ''Big Ears'' Suarez comes fully loaded with a variety of exotic and tasty toppings!

Would never want Mourinho's name mentioned in the same breath as Liverpool - now go and wash your mouth out

{Ed001's Note - I am personally far more insulted by the Clough mention!}

You don't have to tell me how tasty Suarez is mate.
unfortunately there isn't too many Cloughs or Mourinhos around, but forgive me if I don't judge people for their appearance or charisma.

Clough was from long ago - different mores - JM is here and now

Maybe I should have said fortunately ED :)

Molbysmetronome, you do realise after your original post, mentioning Mourinho is a tad ironic?

I'm with you Molbysmetronome, I want the lot, that's why I moan so much. I want perfection on the pitch, owners I trust and a manager I idolise. Credit to Rodgers for what he's done under the constraints imposed upon him and to how he's set out our stall but a number of my mates don't trust him for the very reasons you've raised. They also take the view that if his beloved Barca come knocking, he's gone.

24 Mar 2014 19:30:46
This is all easy to say after Ed02 has stated that he wants to manage a Spanish club at some stage. In reality all top managers move clubs. Was Mourinho "all Chelsea before he moved to Italt? Would he have stayed if he hadnt got the bullet? If Rodgers has the chance to manage a top Spanish club in the future (remembering he is only about 40) then he will have done really well for us and that is all that matters. People get hung up on players and managers staying forever which isn't really the case in modern football.

24 Mar 2014 20:09:30
Jose still fancies UTD job TBH.
QF, CL. Jose : The best team lost.
How modest, humble and kind human being.

{Ed001's Note - he never wanted the Utd job, he was always going back to Chelsea.}

24 Mar 2014 20:53:17
Ed01, I trust you, But that Interview was just out of this world.

{Ed001's Note - nothing Mourinho says publicly is for anything other than the cameras. He plays them. Don't ever read anything into what he says during interviews, it is all just said to elicit a response.}

Irony's not lost on me ''AG'', the only thing lost seems to be a section of my original post(removed by the Eds)that was used to illustrate my point regarding Rodgers and sincerity.I completely agree that Mourinho is one of the most insincere individuals on the planet but he is also one of the most charismatic!

Mate I know plenty of politicians that are charismatic, but can you trust them?

Is Rodgers one of us?
For me as long as he still lead us, stand in our dug out, works hard for our team then he is one of us
How about when Barca comes along? Let's not think about it first, afterall he's still our manager, he deserves our full support

Fairplay molbysmetronome.

24 Mar 2014 10:25:13
Great game on Saturday, one step closer to CL spot. Can't wait for each game now! Roll on Sunderland on Wed. Just hope we can keep the momentum going and two wins against City and Chelsea well you never know what might happen! YNWA

24 Mar 2014 11:10:55
You ll know what happens If we manage to beat city and chelsea, we would finish above them.

Hope so home fan hope so.

If city win all there games apart from us and we win do we not finish 1 point behind them

24 Mar 2014 09:59:19
Eds what do you make of our current setup of a diamond in midfield with gerrard deep and either sterling or coutinho at the tip of it? It seems to be working well with allen and hendo either side who get up and down. Also meaning our front 2 can remain up top fir majority for majority of time. Do you think this is our best set up? Also I can't see lucas breaking back into the starting birth with the way gerrard is playing.

{Ed001's Note - I don't think there is a best set up as such, you have to take each game as a separate situation. Even the great Sir Bob Paisley used to alter his system slightly for each game, even when the personnel were not changing at all. So far, Rodgers has been getting his tweaks right, whether it is the best solution or not doesn't really matter if we are winning every game! It certainly suits the players we have available.}

24 Mar 2014 11:13:15
Diamond has its merit, So as its Drawbacks. Allen has been brilliant in this set up, probably he is playing with complete freedom, and nothing to bother. But this restricts henderson as he is a beast in the middle or as an ACM. He isn't comfortable with Johnson at the right side.

You are joking right, Harry? Allen playing with complete freedom, Henderson restricted?

Allen and Henderson have to be tactically very astute to play where they are playing. Based on whether we are attacking, defending or keeping possession or pressing to when back possession, they have to cover their full back, shield the CB, and help out the strkers.

24 Mar 2014 19:20:48
Real AG,

What I saw in the last two games was all Allen in the middle, He was just enjoying his game to best.
All those duties, I am not sure, but he might be doing it, But what if he is played as CM or DLP, he wouldn't have to do all those? or might be different.

Regarding Hendo, he is such a good ACM than a RM in the diamond formation

Allen and Henderson are playing as left sided CM and Right sided CM in the diamond. Like I said, they have to cover a lot of ground when attacking and defending and based on what we are doing, will need to cover the LB/RB, Gerrard and AM.

I would say the players who play these two positions have to be tactically very astute.

This is Joe Allen's ideal position. If you hadn't spend the last year and a half blaming everything on Allen and Borini, you might have seen this.

24 Mar 2014 09:24:29
Do you guys think Rooney goal is goal of the season as i've been hearing all morning? for me its not keeper was terrible if you asked me. the Norwich goal could be a better one.
who would you choose.

24 Mar 2014 09:43:10
Both looks excellent goals. But Suarez was more difficult, As it didn't bounced before.

It was rooney so obviously it will be goal of the season (or decade, or century, or history). Let's just remember that is too little, too late. The event that annoyed me more than any other this weekend was the reaction of Mutch when he scored the first goal. He pointed to his name on the back of his shirt to show us that he had finally reached FIVE goals on his 28th League appearence. That put Cardiff in the lead but he didn't do it when he scored his 2nd as this was another case of too little, too late. He now stands level with Martin Skrtel - 28 games, 6 goals. Is he also a defender?

Well if ever our S&S are ever both injured together at least we could use Skrtel as emergency cover. LOL!
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

24 Mar 2014 11:15:03
But Do we actually care, how about sturridge chip vs Everton, that's was Precise at its very best

24 Mar 2014 12:29:27
I scored a goal just like Rooneys when I was 15. The only difference is it was from inside my own half on a full sized pitch and the goal keeper didn't fall over. Its really not that difficult to execute those kind of Volleys. You just hit it high in the air and it naturally loops in and bounces into the roof of the net. From a bouncing volley it is actually very easy, you just have to be crazy enough to try it.

Beckhams lob vs Wimbledon and Suarez vs Norwich were far superior to Rooneys as they had a keeper to beat who didn't fall over. Rooneys was on par with Xabi's against Newcastle as both goals only went in because of atrocious goalkeeping.

Then you have long range Volleys. Well for me Tetteys was bloody brilliant! That takes serious technique. then you have Rooneys swerving volley against Newcastle which was also awesome. Both of Suarez Volleys against Norwich earlier in this season were better than Rooneys goal on Staurday also. Papiss Cisse vs Chelsea with the Banana shot. Gerrard vs Middlesborough from the right wing. Gerrard vs Olympiakos. Ibra vs England. Even Rooneys own bicycle kick against Man City was better (although it was from close range to execution was perfect). Henry when he flicked it up and hit it on the spin. Shearer when he just smashed it first time on the edge of the box. Zidane against Leverkusen. Even Glen Johnsons screamer for pompey that won goal of the season (2007?) was better.

Basically, I think people are focusing too much on how good it was from Rooney, and not enough on the fact he fouled Tomkins in the first place and then Adrian made the worst error I've seen since Rob Green at the last World Cup. Every other goal I've mentioned on this post was better and I'm sure many others have been too. Obviously I can remember more Liverpool goals as I'm a Liverpool fan!

To conclude, Rooneys goal isn't even in the top 50 from the last 10 years, let alone the best goal ever. United fans are just deseperate to take something positive from this train wreck they call a season.

Was a good goal but over-hyped, laughed at MOTD when they said they said it was a 'unique goal' that you've never seen before. except saurez against norwich, and again last season. was good but best goal is either saurez against norwich (the one he dinked over the defender then hit on the half volley) or wilsheres goal early in the season(dunno who it was but unbelievable link up play to set it up)

Can't believe that tetteys goal is not getting anywhere near as much praise as rooneys for me it was hands down goal if the season.

As one of the lads said above rooneys technique has been over rated to a whole new level it is quite easy to whack a ball up into the air and have it loop down over the keeper. obviously it is easy to miss the target but for me tetteys goal was far harder to score than rooneys

Whys everyone forgetting alonso ;)

Massive United over hype from MOTD. It was a quality goal but a few points about it:

1) Fouled Tomkins in the build up.
2) The goalkeeper was woeful.
3) It was a big punt in the air, there have been much much better examples of goals from that distant by other players (though given how bad the goalkeeper was I would not consider Alonso's to be one of them!)

24 Mar 2014 06:49:22
Eds do you think we still hold an interest in the likes of Bertrand and Hughes? The reason I ask is I would think a top 4 finish would enable us to possibly attract better established players? Not necessarily lots more money but more established bigger names. Hughes isn't even getting in the Derby team atm also.

{Ed002's Note - I am expecting Bertrand to move elsewhere. Hughes is seen as a long-term prospect and Liverpool remain onbe of the clubs who are interested in him.}

Were do you see Betrand moving to Eds please? Also sorry to ask but who can you see us going for as an alternative for Bertrand?

{Ed002's Note - Where Bertrand goes is really of no relevance on this page. I really don't know what Liverpool will be doing at left back right now.}

24 Mar 2014 01:17:21
I've seen a few people ask so I thought I'd clear it up.
Gerrard has 9 yellows an will miss the tott game if he picks one up against Sunderland, yellow cards DO carry over from the FA/carling cup.