Liverpool Banter Archive April 25 2015

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25 Apr 2015 21:40:23
The whole contract situation seems to hav got to sterling at the minute his head doesn't seem in the right place at the minute. I think a new deal in the summer or a transfer needs to be sorted for all parties involved, lfc won't want to loose him for free next summer so we need to make a decision(if one hasn't been made already) come the summer time. Ed002 if i may do you know who seems to be pushing for sterling the most at the minute or who seems most confident of a deal happening??

Believable0 Unbelievable1

26 Apr 2015 03:09:03
He has two years remaining on his contract mate, so no matter what he won't be leaving for free next summer. I agree though that his head isn't in the right place at the minute, he hasn't been playing at all well lately.

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26 Apr 2015 07:15:59
Don't really agree - he is just one player in a team low in confidence that are, as a team, playing poorly. He has not been good but then almost all our players have not been good. Think the "contract situation" is just fishing for a reason that is not really there - the entire team is playing poorly and Sterling, as a 20 year old, is not winning games for us. Did we expect he would?

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26 Apr 2015 08:30:09
He can buy his contract next summer and leave for a free. I agree with the OP, selling him this summer would raise the cash we need to do a little jigging that is necessary due to the mess BR has created and now blames the proverbial third person for.

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25 Apr 2015 20:38:22
Havent post in a while but I understand a lot of people are whining with the team again today and again asking for FSG to sack rodgers but I honestly think the team is lucky to be fifth considering its injuries all season, to lose suarez in the summer is bad enough and to have sturridge only start 7 games and the likes of Lucas and lallana in and out you can't expect us to be getting top 4 without our best players available week in week out I can't imagine were Utd would be without rooney or chelsea without hazard ? So we should all just admit it wasnt our year and to look forward to next year and hopefully we look for another 20 goal a season striker to stand in for sturridge vietto maybe who knows. anyway If you can't support the team when they lose don't support them when they win simple as rodgers is a good manager and the supporters need to get behind him

Believable3 Unbelievable17

25 Apr 2015 22:32:29
I'll tell you where United would be without Rooney or Chelsea without Hazard - still above us is where. Our average player is too poor. The standard of our squad is simply not top 4. We have 5 or 6 quality players, the remainder are mid to low table which considering Rodgers has spent 250M on players is actually appalling and inexcusable. So what if Sturridge was injured - he isn't actually good enough, reliable enough or consistent enough to be the first choice striker for a team that wishes to be continual top four - he's a subs-bench/squad choice at best,

Have a real good look at our first choice 11 and think how many are of the quality to be Prem winners - then you'll see the scale of the problem we have. Other than Mignolet, Henderson, Sterling, Ibe, Can, Flanagan & Coutinho everything else is merely squad grade and that is all and you're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. And of those at only squad level few have the potential to progress. And that has cost a quarter of a billion pounds.

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25 Apr 2015 22:50:09
Losing suarez is an excuse. You can't rely on one player. We lost ronaldo and just missed out on the league the season after. What you guys need is a few proven world classs players. You have a talented squad and a lot of exciting youth but you're missing that fear factor.

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25 Apr 2015 22:51:43
I agree that we were hit very badly with injuries this season. But injuries is part of the game. United played most season without RVP who was considered before the season their number 1 striker, Falcao was injured and then couldn't score against an open goal, half of their defence was injured at any point and they are still 7 points ahead of us. Some of our injuries are recurring. Sturridge we know, Lucas is not the first season I think, Lallana and Sakho each had 2 or 3 spells of injuries - and their replacements (Glen Johnson, Lovern, markovich) are just not good enough.

The main problem at th e moment is that there is no hope. If BR stays, you will not find one football person in all this country that will predict at the begining of the season top 4 or us winning trophy because even his greatest supporters know he has problem in preparing the team mentally for big games. You can say, this is where we are 5th is the best we can hope for and maybe the leage cup once every 5 years. Fair enough. People here still expects a bit more. In any case - Even if you think BR is not bad you have to admit that Klopp's record is way better. If he is interested to come at least you are giving statement to everyone, our team, other teams, players who want to leave, players who consider coming, that we aspire higher.

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25 Apr 2015 22:54:48
Chelsea would be in the top 2 without Hazard no doubt, world class managers do that.

Rodgers needs to go, doesn't learn from his mistakes (or learns the wrong things). Can't coach a defense, doesn't use the players that he buys - (aspas, alberto, ilori, sahin, borini etc.), embarrassing press conferences, broken promises to the board, spent a huge amount of money and says we are 'on par', doesn't bring Liverpool youth players through anywhere near the amount the media think.

I will always support the team, every single time the team is on the pitch. That doesn't mean blindly supporting the team when you can see the direction is wayward.

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25 Apr 2015 23:03:57
I think that's where we went wrong. We never tried to sign a top striker to compensate for Suarez leaving and didn't buy a striker as cover for Sturridge. Having bought many good squad players that should kick on next year I just wish we'd bought players to slot straight into the starting eleven

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25 Apr 2015 23:18:06
Should we not have appropriate depth that we can cover for Sturridge? Especially when we've spent £37m on four other strikers in the last three years?

He got picked up at least 3 or 4 different injuries in his first season and a half here, so it's not like it's a secret that he's more susceptible to injuries than average.

Likewise with Lucas. He shouldn't be the only midfielder at a club with Liverpool's resources who can be relied upon to bring some needed steel, grit and composure in front of the back four. There should be cover.

Is sorting things like this not part of the manager's job?

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25 Apr 2015 23:54:48
Imred,Chelsea weren`t in top 2 last year without Costa.

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26 Apr 2015 00:55:18
My spies tell me: FSG are not looking for a new manager.

They are looking for new owners.

That is what I am told.

Get upset about it? That is up to you.

They have spent quite a bit, but the money, effectively, has been poured down the drain.

They will not be able to attract top flight players, the money has already been unwisely spent. They are in a damage limitation exercise.

They are not happy at all.

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26 Apr 2015 04:28:28
Lining up for comparison

Man Utd squad Liverpool Squad
De Gea Migs
Rooney Coutinho
Di Maria Sterling
Robin Van Persie Sturridge
Juan Mata Llalana
Valencia Henderson
Carrick Lucas
Herrera Allen
Smalling Sakho
Jones Skrtel
Young GJ
Blind Moreno
Valencia Markovic

I think it's not a massive difference, but Man Utd squad clearly has more experienced internationals in many more positions over our youth and talent (eg. Moreno, Markovic, Sterling, Llalana). I truly believe if we hold the squad together for a couple of years the likes of Sakho, Moreno, Sterling, Llalana, Hendo, Ibe, Can, Coutinho could be exceptional.

I agree we need to get in 3 top experienced players in key positions like RB, CDM and Striker to help others learn and develop around them and this will be critical to bring back the "fear factor" as someone pointed out above. Without it we'll continue to struggle against top sides with proven international winners until our team grows up.

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26 Apr 2015 07:17:42
It seems strange, in hindsight, that we never properly addressed the centre forward position. Balotelli was our answer and was predicted to be a huge mistake by many, many fans. It has been and we have paid the price - I would love to know who pushed for that transfer as it has to rank as one of our very worst.

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25 Apr 2015 19:59:22
I can't believe what people are saying about Depay, yes he will more than likely choose Man Utd over Liverpool because, well, who wouldn't right now? Not to mention Van Persie, Blind and Van Gaal already there. He's an absolutely wonderful footballer, he's as good as, if not better than sterling and if sterling does leave he should be a priority. I can't remember the last wide player we had who brought goals to the team? Last season sterling was at his best in the number 10 role.
Milner would also be a great signing on a free, he's been city's best player this season and whilst he'd warrant 100k a week it's still worth it.
I do think our absolute priority should be someone like lacazette though, not saying him exactly, but someone with a proven goal scoring record becaus without a partner I don't think Sturridge would score 15 never mind 20, he needs a strike partner.

Believable6 Unbelievable4

25 Apr 2015 20:53:37
He's better than sterling !! Has the delivery and shooting . Sterling can't cross the road or shoot outside the box barring the Norwich game last year . Either way I think he's off to Utd . Agent snapping pics of its training ground etc yesterday whilst en route to meeting . Ayre. Ayer head

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25 Apr 2015 21:46:36
I absolutely think Sturridge could hit those numbers. the problem is getting him fit! A striker the priority come summer absolutely.

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25 Apr 2015 22:41:04
Sturridge is mentally weak. He refuses to play unless 100% fit and places more importance on finishing his career healthy than making sacrifices for it. If he takes a knock on the pitch he asks to come off. Compare that with Henderson who plays with injuries even needing pain-killing injections at times.

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25 Apr 2015 22:42:01
And it isn't even a physical game anymore.

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26 Apr 2015 06:56:14
Ridiculous REdLenin Sturridge has picked up needless injuries/exacerbated needless injuries because he has been rushed back quicker than he ever should have been - first with England and then with us. Some players, like Henderson, rarely get injured and seem to have the genetic look of not picking up injuries easily. Others have a worse time of it, like Sturridge. I think it's so harsh to question his commitment because he is cautious about his injuries - actually I think its plain stupid - that "playing through the pain barrier" nonsense is what will, more likely than not, compound and complicate pre-existing injury problems. I would prefer any player, when feeling a niggle, to do the sensible thing and leave the pitch. What good is Sturridge playing through the pain barrier for one game only to then be injured for 2 months afterwards? Insane logic.

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26 Apr 2015 08:32:44
I think it unfair to say Sturridge is only bench quality. he has proven in the PL, with Chelsea and with us, that he is a top striker that pretty much every team in the PL would like to have.

I don't know about Sturridge being mentally weak, but BR hinted as much some time back but since it was BR, I wouldn't believe it.

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26 Apr 2015 11:04:42
Seano - he is mentally weak. He refuses to play if even slightly injured. In a line-up where you only play one out-and-out striker (4-3-3, 4,2,3,1 etc) you need a far better and physically/mentally tougher striker than him - in the formations we play he is subs bench material. If he isn't fit enough to play 80% of the games as a minimum, then he isn't good enough. And if he was so good at Chelsea they wouldn't have been so eager to sell him - especially to a club that sees itself as a rival. Personally I think they only sold him to us as an act of revenge for ripping them off over Torres.

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25 Apr 2015 19:15:02
What happened to the Macca's of yesterday ?

My view is that the Bodger has had been given enough time to learn on the job.

However I think the owners will keep him on as at least he does as he is told, and takes the majority of the crap when things go wrong. However I feel after two truly shameful woeful performances in two very high important profile important games ( semi final and Real at home ) I think the majority of fans are beginning to think he could be replaced with someone who might be able to get a bit more from the players staying and not bottle
the big occasion. Someone who has actually won something would be nice

Believable4 Unbelievable5

25 Apr 2015 19:57:35
Huh? The Owners aren't Mike Ashley. They want to win!

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25 Apr 2015 20:38:11
I would stick with Rogers but hey That's just me. He does need to shut up a bit but I am optimistic about next year , balo Borini lambert maybe get something for them and try our best without blowing budgets. Anyway support your team whoever is manager .

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25 Apr 2015 21:20:37
He will NEVER do as he is told because NEVER has till this point so what will change? The owners have a winning mentality and track record (See Red Sox) hence the reason they invest as much as they have done and have NEVER rewarded mediocrity nor failure so why should they start now? They should keep trying to win and sticking to a failurer of a manager is NOT how you do that as you have said hence, cut bait and get someone in here who has a winning pedigree and knows what he is doing instead of sticking w/ proven failure just for the sake of it.

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25 Apr 2015 21:27:47
If the owners want to win then get rid of Rodgers

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25 Apr 2015 23:08:26
All my friends are convinced that rodgers will get another year. I recon he's gone personally, unless the owners are worried of another "transisional" period. I think he's a fantastic coach yet a poor manager

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25 Apr 2015 23:41:17
Enough time to learn on the job ??

What is this?

Liverpool the struggling Championship team ?

Enough time to learn on the job ?

Liverpool with a novice learning on the job !

Good grief !

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26 Apr 2015 07:19:53
He has failed too much - football is a game of results and I can't see how he will be given another season after such an abject season. If he stays I also can't see how we will improve next year - especially as we will have much less money to spend and no CL to lure signings with. I don't see his position as being tenable and if the owners have any ambition they will likely think the same.

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26 Apr 2015 22:40:55
Actually, what I meant for a club of liverpools size it is not a job for a manager who has not won anything or does not have European experience. And by going along with what the owners want I mean the failing recruitment policy.

Ditto Liverpool is not a apprenticeship course for aspiring managers

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25 Apr 2015 17:40:48
I'd like to wade into the depay debate. Most people seem to think he'd be a waste of money pointing out ibe as a replacement for sterling but what I'd like to say is that both ibe and sterling played today and in my opinion markovic has shown nothing since arriving. Depay in my opinion would be a step up from all our wingers and strikers, he's scored 25+ goals this season with countless assists fair enough it's a weak league and he's playing for one of the better sides but his goal return is amazing, he actually reminds me of hazard when he was in France. He seems to be going to Man U as the eds have pointed out but as a replacement for sterling I'd be extatic, bare in mind origi will be okay next season potentially someone like Ings too and hopefully a fit sturridge. If sturridge is injured origi, ibe, ings, depay would be a fantastic forward line depays goals from a wide area would loosen the load on sturridge. ings & origi will be better back ups than balo, lambert, borini plus depay will score more goals than sterling. A team next season including ibe, depay, can, coutinho, sakho, hendo, sturridge in a 433 or 4231 is what we should look forward too. We can't sign a top striker there's none in our price range but a top young winger we can sign who will score goals unlike some of our current wingers (ibe/markovic). Lots of people want a top midfielder but as with strikers can we get on? Probably not do we need one? Not if we add more goals from the wings and bench. Hendo & Can plus the likes of lucas and possibly Milner & rossiter on the bench should be enough. Players I've barely mentioned or haven't mentioned lallana or sterling or markovic I think 2/3 should leave (but probably only 1 will) plus the expected outs of the likes of balo etc and I think the squad is in good shape

Believable4 Unbelievable1

25 Apr 2015 19:15:37
Has his agent not posted a pic of utds training ground it's like if utd want him they will get him from what a read into it.

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25 Apr 2015 20:01:47
We just need a top top striker and we will score goals never mind wingers our wingers are young they will improve our striker are not goal scorers

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25 Apr 2015 20:05:09
There is a catch 22 here. If he is as good as you suggest, and I tend to agree that his statistics are very impressive - then he will not come to us but will be taken by United or one of the other big European teams. If they are not interested there must be a reason (though I will still take him).

Whe you are were we are not at the pecking order we get only the leftovers of the big guns. the only exception might be Klopp (not sure why but there are some indications he may be interested). Otherwise we just have to look for bargains.

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25 Apr 2015 21:25:16
Cos that`s our level right now. We had the dosh and CL footie and STILL could NOT attract big names like Alexis (for which we offered even more money than the Arse did, if I`m not mistaken) due to our inconsistencies in qualifying for CL. The ONLY good thing the Arse has over us is that by perenially reaching the CL, they are a much more attractive club BUT not necessarily a bigger one. Players want CL footie and a notion that the club can comptete every year which we cannot provide atm. If we keep screwing up and remain inconsistent, we will remain unattractive and good players will not come hence, we have to take risks and use our academy. Sad but true, IMO.

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25 Apr 2015 22:17:36
Bip that's really pessimistic. Maybe he doesn't want to risk becoming like Anderson, Nani etc at United? Or - as I've said - lots of players who have played under Beavis really dislike him, maybe Depay is the same?

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26 Apr 2015 01:09:00
Essex, Depay has spoken about van gaal being his father figure.

So he would have no problem playing for him.

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26 Apr 2015 04:50:32
Sanchez wanted to live in london is what I thought . Wonderful playerv

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25 Apr 2015 15:26:32
I know everyone is possibly watching the Match but I'd request everyone to spare a thought for the families of over 500 people dead in today's earthquakes in Nepal.

Believable34 Unbelievable2

25 Apr 2015 16:53:11
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.

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25 Apr 2015 16:59:52
I hit disagree by mistakes guys not a heartless sob

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25 Apr 2015 17:07:05
Dezyboy
Happens to us all mate

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25 Apr 2015 17:10:38
ooops dezyboy my finger slipped to

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25 Apr 2015 15:22:55
I haven't seen much of depay play but have read he typically plays from the left wing cutting infield onto his right foot. Anybody who has seen a fair bit of him, do you think he has the ability to become a centre forward like Henry did when he moved to arsenal. I remember even as a forward Henry often occupied positions on the left.

Cheers

Believable1 Unbelievable1

25 Apr 2015 17:03:24
He's a good player but he isn't what we need

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25 Apr 2015 17:42:43
Not really seen him play but shouldn't be wasting anywhere near that amount on him even though he is meant to be really good. Striker & CM are most important, though do think having a more natural wide player would help but we bought marko & lallana to do that (even if it doesn't suit them) so hands are tied. also think there is a pacey left winger who likes to cut in and shoot with a power shoot who is on a free who I wish we got last jan, but unless sterling is sold no point really.

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25 Apr 2015 18:34:20
He is a winger and nothing like Henry. More like Sterling but a better finisher IMO.

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25 Apr 2015 21:26:38
Posted the very same thing, calm. We have Ibe who is ready and Ojo who can come in to help. Use the money onmore pressing needs.

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25 Apr 2015 14:58:20
Hi eds, was wondering if there is any interest in Embolo of Basel from Liverpool or any othrper teams, thanks in advance.

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{Ed002's Note - Asking about random players and interest from Liverpool will always get the same answer.}

25 Apr 2015 14:46:20
A suggestion for eds. Do you think a matchday page would benefit the site where all matchday posts go, pre match discussion, formation discuss, post match team slagging off etc.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - We use the "Other" page for that - we are not adding yet another page of abuse from the Liverpool supporters.}

25 Apr 2015 18:09:54
Think that's a good idea Frisky. Could maybe just rename the other page though; it only gets used on match day really.

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25 Apr 2015 14:33:01
Seems our attacking possibilities this window will be down to.

Vietto.
Ings.
Depay.

With an outside chance of either Konoplyanka (free) and Yarmalenko.

A big factor will be if we can sell on players such as

Balotelli.
Borini.
Aspas.
Lambert.
Alberto.

For me a combination of any two of these would be fine with me. I certainly think it would be a more dangerous attack that could deal with the absences of Sturridge through injury.

What two would anyone else take or is there anyone I've missed from the list?

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25 Apr 2015 17:54:04
You think we have any chance of getting Depay when United are very interested? Ings could fall into that bracket too.

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25 Apr 2015 14:11:59
Just watching the Southampton vs Spurs game and it dawns on me how important it is to have quality coming in from wide areas and have a all round striker in the middle to finish it. It is such an important outlet to have if a team can't penetrate from the Middle, then you play out wide and send balls in to a packed box. We haven't been good at doing this at all since BR has been in charge and it's one of the reasons why we don't win certain matches and actually end up losing them.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

26 Apr 2015 07:03:56
I think we limit our wide, attacking outlets hugely by playing wing backs. I mean Ibe, the few times he did rampage high up the pitch, looked capable of doing something. Now I know he wasn't great by any means, but he is far more effective when he is getting forward than tracking back and it seems the wing-back role simply shackles him in an unfamiliar position where his impact becomes limited. Markovic and Sterling have both suffered the same problem when played there - and they both did well tracking back, covering ete. I think how personnel is being used (and has been used this season) has been very poor and it really comes across when you see how incohesive we have been. Yesterday was a good example - we had tons of posession but in reality had very few, clear cut chances. I mean how many times were we taking punts from outside the box because there was simply no movement and no attacking outlet? It was Coutinho, Sterling and the ever lazy Balotelli and that was it. Ibe was barely involved, Henderson had moments but was largely peripheral in attack.

I know it is well discussed about our attacking limitations, losing Suarez, Sturridge injured, blah blah blah but I really think the match strategies employed this season has accentuated these problems needlessly. I'm not saying we could of scored quite as many goals as last season - but the sheer number of 0-0's, 1-0's are completely disproportionate to the players we have at our disposal. The issue, to me, looks to be how we set-up to play, rather than the personnel on the pitch - although I do concede having Balotelli does impede us somewhat: he certainly should not be starting ahead of Borini IMO.

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26 Apr 2015 11:27:52
It's not worked for a while now.
We will however stick with it over and over and over.

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25 Apr 2015 13:57:32
Does anyone else think that the £20-30m the club want to spend on Depay would be better spent on a top striker?

We've got talented wingers by the boat load at the club, with more youngsters trying to break through.

Cheers

Believable10 Unbelievable2

25 Apr 2015 15:55:38
Overstocking players in certain positions while neglecting others is what we do at Liverpool under Rodgers.
Got too many centre backs at the club? Buy another.
Got too many young right backs? Loan one out and loan another back in.
Too many attacking midfielders/wingers with more coming through the academy? Buy some more.
Short of strikers? Buy loads then don't use them.
It's no wonder some people want Rafa back, I'm Suprised nobody is asking for Roy hodgson yet.

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25 Apr 2015 17:20:15
We should buy him because he's better than anyone else we have in that position

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25 Apr 2015 18:29:01
He is a good player but we do not need him, unless sterling is going then I say perfect replacement for him for half the price we would get for raheem hopefully. Then spend the rest on nainggolen

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25 Apr 2015 13:33:35
Hi Eds,

I would just like to ask a question about transfers: usually the manager has the last say in bringing in a player (I know Rodgers does), but does he also have the last say in selling a player?

Thanks Eds for such a wonderful site.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I passed on the technical question. In terms of sales, if a player wants to leave most clubs will let them - for those clubs that don't always let that happen it would be a decision taken by the Sports Director/Director of Football/Board under advice from the manager. If the club wishes to sell, it will be down to the player whether to accept a contract elsewhere or not.}

25 Apr 2015 13:26:28
It's funny how depay was rarely mentioned but as soon as Liverpool declare interest fans are grovelling over him. I hope he ends up at united. We have to spend wisely this summer and depay will fetch 25 million. He is a player we do not need. When is Ibe getting his chance? When he's forced to play on loan elsewhere?
And if 25 million is spent on depay there is no hope in he'll we sign a top midfielder and striker which we need. Milner is being sought which is another poor transfer decision.
It's simple. We need 3 top players. GK. Striker and midfielder. Milner is not a top central midfielder. DepaY is not a striker and website gone quiet on goalkeepers.

Believable14 Unbelievable3

25 Apr 2015 14:18:15
People like big names and Rodgers collects Attacking Mids and CBs like tic tacs.

Depay fits the bill, I imagine it has something to do with the Sterling situation also.

I think some of our defensive woes will be repairs by a coach who knows how to coach some sort of defensive shape into the team. If I could pick one it would be a top top striker with Sinclair, Origi to cover and hopefully to play alongside Sturridge if we can ever get some sort of consistent fitness out of him.

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25 Apr 2015 13:39:59
Big Al for manager then? Its simple!

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25 Apr 2015 13:46:28
I think we'll stick with Mignolet as #1, we may sign a decent backup GK though.
I'd prefer Keita Balde Diao as striker to Depay.

I genuinely think Sterling will go if a very high offer is made. Somewhere over £30M will see him go.
Other sales will raise a bit of cash.
I still think we'll get top 4. Man Utd will lose tomorrow.

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25 Apr 2015 14:48:39
I agree Big Al, though if we sell Sterling I think that Depay would be a suitable replacement, having watched PSV a number of times this season he can certainly do a job as a striker as well however. And with Johnson leaving and Flanno's contract situation uncertain, I think we should be looking for a right back as well.

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25 Apr 2015 15:10:45
Kyles I would assume the interest is due to sterling but I still think give the shirt to ibe. Give him a long run of games. He's an excellent player and is proven and put the 25 million into a top class striker or a vidal type midfielder.
Irish rover, I can get my teeth whitened anytime of the week

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25 Apr 2015 15:48:31
Big Al is right. We have a ready replacement in Ibe as well as Marko and Ojo to come in. We need goals and a topstriker should be the priority and using 25m on Depay who like Sterling, is NOT a striker by nature, is NOT what we need. We spend money a lot BUT get the wrong players for positions that we already have people to cover which is why, we have failed in the TW unlike the other big clubs who know what they are doing.

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25 Apr 2015 15:59:35
We don't need someone who can do a job as a striker, we need an actual striker.
Depay is going to be a top player, but we don't need him.

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25 Apr 2015 13:19:15
Edd002 can I ask why are we showing serious interest in players such as milner and depay now instead of waiting until the season ends in case of a new manager coming in?
Makes no sense to me unless Rodgers will be remaining because surely if a new manager is being lined up you get him in asap and work with him on the players he may want? I know clubs work early to move on players but in our case I am a bit baffled.
We are all aware of our terrible transfer dealings under Rodgers and the committee yet we aren't waiting until the summer to assess it all.
And depay and milner are again two players we don't need Imo which adds further to what state we are in. Milner is an expensive(wages) aging squad player who won't improve us and depay is an unproven player in an already crowded position who will cost a fortune.
It would be great if I could get your opinion on this Edd002 if you have a minute.

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{Ed002's Note - Clubs have scouts watch players all year around and clubs discuss players internally and then will discuss the availability of the player with agents and owning clubs - regardless of when the transfer window opens and closes. Coaches and managers are one part of that overall process but they are no more than transient employees of the club. So a new manager arriving may inherit players the previous regime were part of the decision process to buy. Clubs have to manage a change of manager as seamlessly as possible - as an example, Mourinho originally arrives at Chelsea and was immediately joined by two players purchased at the behest of Ranieri - Cech and Robben. You just get on with it. Whilst a new manager arriving would perhaps see a target or two change, he (or she) has to work with the tools available. The club have a sustained interest in James Milner - and are putting effort in to getting a deal in place - but other sides can talk directly to the player and that gives them some advantage - wages may yet be an issue. Depay is, as I have explained, a player Liverpool would like to join them, but I suspect he will end up elsewhere.}

25 Apr 2015 13:40:48
Thanks Edd002 for reply.

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25 Apr 2015 13:48:18
What do you think of Liverpool's scouting network ed002. Also Liverpool's efforts to get a deal done? Are the same staff still involved that offered a third of the price for Salah (i appreciate this wasnt the only issue), the decision to offer £8 million more than Chelsea could buy Markovich for? In general, in these 2 aspects of the club, do they do a reasonable job or room for improvement. Compared possibly to the clubs above us maybe? Cheers.

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{Ed002's Note - The club fired three senior scouts and replaced them earlier in the season as part of the overall review - so as of yet I don't know. It is one of the same people involved in transacting transfers when courting Salah and now there is be a second person involved - when the deal for LM was done.}

25 Apr 2015 14:27:27
It was also the case when we bought Cisse even though Houllier had agreed a deal for him 12 months before he signed. Houllier was gone and Rafa was in therefore it was Rafa who worked with Cisse

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25 Apr 2015 13:01:56
Hi eds was just wondering what the truth is about depay been at anfield on Thursday. Does he fancy a move to anfield or would old Trafford be his preferred destination

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{Ed002's Note - Read the posts.}

25 Apr 2015 13:23:27
Looks like it's OT all the way my friend.I don't know what he's like as a player so I can't really say if it's a loss to us or not.
Barry inLouth

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25 Apr 2015 12:31:07
Saw a post earlier claiming we had no spine in the team.

To be honest, i believe that this is the best spine we will have had since the alonso-mascherano-gerrard days.

Sakho, Henderson, Coutinho, Lallana, Sturridge, hopefully Lucas and Sterling if they stay. i'd say that's a solid base to build on.

I also believe the academy can fill most of the gaps we have in the squad. I don't believe sturridge is a world class striker, but a very good striker who will play well with a partner. So maybe vietto would compliment him well, or playing ibe, origi, sinclair or ojo would too?

Wisdom, ilori and jones to fill the departures in
at centre back, maybe a new right back, but mclaughlin could always be given a chance and we also have flanagan. Brad Smith could be used alongside flanagan to cover for left back. Rossiter and williams used to cover for lucas or whoever the new defensive mid we will bring in if he leaves is.

I would really be willing to let a manager like klopp, and some good coaches, develop these kids and play them while spending little money and just see how we do. We may not get champions league for a while, but it will be better than throwing hundreds of millions at the problem in panic and falling short. It also makes sense as with the new stadium plans, we are in for a period of austerity anyway.

But i just don think any of this will be achieved
under rodgers. And now i think that while he may be limited by a director of football in his idiocy, i just don't think he would cooperate and probably throw a temper tantrum.

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25 Apr 2015 11:32:03
I feel in the summer Liverpool need possibly 3 or 4 players. They should have a lot of free wages with the amount of players leaving the club.

Out: Jones Manqiulo Johnson Enrique Toure Gerrard Aspas Borini Lambert Balotelli Alberto

Positions to strengthen: RB CM WF ST

I think the club would ideally like:

RB: Clyne
CM: Pjanic
WF: Depay
ST: ?

I'd say two of those three will end up at United though.

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25 Apr 2015 11:53:03
So we must be selling sterling and Sturridge then!

How many times we haven't got any money to spend.

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25 Apr 2015 12:21:03
We need a world class goal scorer. It doesn't really matter where we raise the cash from because Daniel Sturridge is a complete liability. The club will slump into 9th 10th next season if we don't

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25 Apr 2015 12:24:01
All your targets are unrealistic. Depay and Clyne will choose Man Utd and Pjanic is just too expensive. Ings, Milner and a back up GK will probably be the business that the club do this summer but i'm not convinced any of them will improve what we already have in the squad so possibly this summer will be another difficult window for the club.

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25 Apr 2015 12:02:43
Lavers, I'd be surprised if we didn't sell Sterling which, along with other sales, would leave us with the money to get two of them.
Can't see them choosing us over other options really though, unless Klopp comes in

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25 Apr 2015 12:55:52
I don't think we will go for Milner he's not the youngest player will want over 100k wages and is only a decent player I don't see the logic in it.

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool are very keen on Milner.}

25 Apr 2015 13:09:50
Milner is a good player; on a free it's a no brainer for me. Regarding Depay, would you want to work with Beavis again?! I'm not sure the Van Gaal pull is such a strong one. Ask Di Maria or Falcao next time you bump into them

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25 Apr 2015 13:22:26
Essex
Milner is 30 and will be on huge wages. He is a squad player, he won't be in our starting 11 and yet holds back another talent in our ranks. It's a poor transfer that we don't need but probably again will end up with.
And depay is not a player we need.
Unproven 21 year old costing 25 million. That's means less spend on a striker which we desperately need top quailty on

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25 Apr 2015 13:52:29
Why is Sturridge getting abuse now?
He's had one amazing season and one season where he was injured by Team England playing him when advised not to. That injury has disrupted his whole season.
I feel sorry for the lad, he deserves support.

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25 Apr 2015 14:07:44
Depay could be a player we need if we sell Sterling.

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25 Apr 2015 15:13:31
Possibly Irish but far too much money. Ibe would have probably more impact and cost nothing'
The sterling money has to be invested in a striker and midfielder.
And milner also looks like the cheap alternative in midfield if the moneys spent on depay.

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25 Apr 2015 15:19:05
Ron
There is no abuse on sturridge just that he is never fit to play. He is top class but we need in another top class striker that is going to play for most of a season and possibly play along with sturridge

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25 Apr 2015 15:55:15
Milner is NOT what we need especially for his age and what he will be bringing which won`t be that much considering his wages. We need to move forward with better players like him. Depay is a good player BUT we already have Ibe who is ready and Ojo to step in and get his feet wet if Raheem leaves. Next man up, IMO should be the mantra there instead of wasting money on a player although good, who will only push our boys further down the pecking order. As for Studge, no one is giving him abuse. Just stating facts which is, "If he can`t stay fit, he is of NO use to us". It is not an insult to state a fact.

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25 Apr 2015 15:59:36
There's no abuse towards Sturridge on my behalf.

Sturridge is class just been unlucky this season with injuries , I feel though that our main priority should be another top striker.

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25 Apr 2015 16:36:16
Ok guys but calling a player "a complete liability" counts as abuse to me.

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26 Apr 2015 07:09:20
lol have you seen how much the ed's have said Pjanic would cost? There is no chance we could afford him.

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25 Apr 2015 08:32:51
Eds hearing that monchi had a meeting with Liverpool reps during the week? Would be a quality addition?

Thanks

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{Ed002's Note - Twitter is this?}

25 Apr 2015 09:11:18
Never been on twitter, so it's incorrect then??

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{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of Liverpool making illegal approaches to employees of other clubs and holding any secret meetings. Monchi has been in Switzerland and then in Russia for two days this week and he would have returned to Spain yesterday.}

25 Apr 2015 13:53:35
Perhaps they were meeting him as an advisor rather than offering him a job?

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{Ed002's Note - No, that certainly wasn't the case.}

25 Apr 2015 07:45:49
Ed2 been reported that we met DePays reps, maybe United might focus on bale which could open the door for Liverpool?!

Thanks

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{Ed002's Note - There is no secret that Liverpool has spoken with his representatives and with PSV - I have explained this a number of times.}

25 Apr 2015 15:56:02
Utd will be his destination UNLESS something changes.

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26 Apr 2015 08:57:21
How would you rate him? I admit I didn't see him play but according to wpedia he scored 20 goals for PSV in the league this season, 3 more in other competitions and I understand he is a good assist provider and score some nice free kicks and all this as a 21 yesrs old midfielder, Sounds almost too good to be true. Surely United or one of the other top 4 will grab him and him flirting with us is only to tempt them to take him? Or is something wrong with the statistics?

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25 Apr 2015 02:48:22
Eds do you have knowledge on the alleged meeting between Ian Ayre and Memphis Depay on Thursday? It seems certain he did fly into Manchester, & while the Mail contends he met with Man Utd., ESPN is convinced that only Liverpool have permission to speak with him?

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{Ed002's Note - It is best to ignore tittle-tattle.}

25 Apr 2015 15:00:11
Daily Star LFC hold a SECRET meeting with depay and advisers so how can it be a secret meeting if it is all over the paper

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25 Apr 2015 02:06:41
Hey ed is monchi been interviewed for job at lfc

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{Ed002's Note - What job?}

25 Apr 2015 09:53:19
Sporting director or something else

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{Ed002's Note - He was a goalkeeper, perhaps he will come out of retirement to challenge Mignolet?}

25 Apr 2015 00:41:46
Man UTD have Gundogan pretty much wrapped up for 21 million and i wouldn't be surprised if they have Depay done and dusted.

They have gone from Anderson, Fletcher and Cleverly to Di Maria, Blind, Herrera and now Gundogan.

Judging by how we we had a better team than them at the end of last season why is there such a gulf in quality now between us? Where have we got it wrong?

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25 Apr 2015 07:33:43
Because we sell players like Luis Suarez and buy players like Ricky Lambert to replace them

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25 Apr 2015 07:48:20
Bit Skeptical about Gundogan, Though fine player before his injuries, But Depay is an excellent player and would rock the League

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25 Apr 2015 08:00:19
The transfer window you have answered your own question mate.

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25 Apr 2015 09:07:18
It's just the start of them buying quality and U.S. Buying rubbish. It's so hard to take and watch happen.

We are awful in the market we really are, can't blame bodgers, we were woeful before him.

Truth is we can't compete, it's obvious. We couldn't compete last year when they weren't in cl how the hell we going to do it now?

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25 Apr 2015 09:32:19
Reading a comment about rubbish players with a name like 'supermario' makes me laugh.

Maybe your judgment is ad poor ad the managers on that one.

There's me thinking Utd are not too far ahead.

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25 Apr 2015 09:37:18
Yeah, that and the massive wages they are willing to pay to match the huge transfer fees.

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25 Apr 2015 09:39:03
We have made the wrong decisions. Things like signing Lallana instead of Shaqiri, not being appealing enough for Sanchez, William and Costa have hit us bad.

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{Ed002's Note - You might want to try the search engine to find out why those players didn't sign.}

25 Apr 2015 11:51:00
Shaqiri? Give me a break. Most one footed player I've ever seen. I'd much rather play Ibe

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25 Apr 2015 12:16:04
We could have a midfield of Henderson, Can, Ibe, Coutinho and Lucas. Its not that bad at all. Maybe requires a bit of cover.

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25 Apr 2015 16:05:25
Sterling and Couts are better than Shaquiri and if he was that good, why did bayern not keep hin? He is too inconsistent and thinks he`s better than he actually is by the trash he was talking in the media b4 his move to Inter a midtable club where he`s not even getting games. As for Gundogan, let`s wait and see because I remember when the media said a fee had been agreed for Kroos to go to Utd and where did he end up again? Let`s wait and see, is what I`m saying

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24 Apr 2015 23:45:29
to all the fans who want rafa back don't you remember his bad points, like losing xabi alonson because rafa wanted to sell him to buy barry and all the money he wasted, also that no matter how much he is given its never enough, now i don't know if the tend will stay with him where a manager should never go back to an old club because it always goes pear shaped (maybe after that thought he should come back to show you all he not the answer 0 but for me his bad points might have got worse also i could not stand his mad substituions, when we need to win he puts on a defender when we are getting beat that makes great sense i still remember stevie scratching his head i'm not saying he is a bad man or he never made us a top club in europe, i just think his bad points will outway his good ones plus maybe you all want to finish 7th ot lower again

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25 Apr 2015 07:49:54
like losing xabi alonso because rafa wanted to sell him to buy barry

That's not the first incident in football. Xabi always wanted to return to his boyhood club. Rafa just added some fuel into it.

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25 Apr 2015 08:04:38
I think there was an argument between rafa and xabi and in any argument there is 2 sides to the story and everyone just hears what they want to hear I'm sure rafa did not simply want xabi out because he thought Barry was a better player he is a top class coach he would have known he wasn't.

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25 Apr 2015 09:08:56
Clueless ^^^

Rafa wanted Barry, to get Barry he wanted xabi gone. The bike isn't any better than what we have now.

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25 Apr 2015 09:34:02
I rest my case with above poster it is not as simple as that if any worker at any company has a run in with the boss there is only 1 winner. in this case we as a club lost.But I would not like a boss who was too soft either so who is to say what really happened and just maybe rafa was justified in his actions FACT.

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25 Apr 2015 11:29:11
Re cynical, Xabi wanted to return to his boyhood club? He signed for Real Madrid and this certainly wasn't his boyhood club. Xabi had no intention of leaving Liverpool before the horrible Barry mess.

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25 Apr 2015 11:38:55
Who is to say Alonso Didn't use that as an excuse? Rodgers tried to sell Henderson and he's not pushing for a move.

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25 Apr 2015 14:30:59
Rafa bought 59 players. Almost 40 were pointless and achieved nothing in a red shirt. Put Rafa, LFC and FFP together today, and I suspect we would end up a lot worse than the ninth place he left us in.

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25 Apr 2015 16:13:32
Bigbad is spot on. The pro Rafa brigade are quick to say what he did (several years ago, I might add) and "selectively" forget his raft of blunders, failures and how he ran Xabi out of town (IMO) as well as his dreadful record in the TW (I think he bought much more than that) as you just stated. If the owners liked Rafa as a manager, why have they never and clearly are NOT looking his way for a new manager for arguably the THIRD time of asking? The brigade never ask themselves that question. Maybe because they know what the answer really is and can't bring themselves to accept it.

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