Liverpool Banter Archive November 25 2016

25 Nov 2016 22:39:44
Any news on Lallana? I take it he's still out this weekend . from what Molesey has said we could do with as much play making talent as possible to get around the parked double decker bus.

25 Nov 2016 23:47:24
Time to oust Sturridge in from the start . We know he does not work hard but he can finish.

26 Nov 2016 00:30:59
The current front three can do both so he should sit exactly where he is until he shows he can press, work hard and score.

26 Nov 2016 00:59:54
true HR.

26 Nov 2016 07:27:26
Sturridge will come late on as we will struggle to score goals because Sunderland will park their double decker today .
Sturridge will score today and Hamilton will change his opinion by midnight.

26 Nov 2016 07:38:25
@ sweetchin your thinking continues to amaze me!

Everybody has their off day, ours was last week. Get behind your team.

Sometimes I think you would rather be right than us win.

You didn't have a problem when we were winning continuously but we falter once and u come out with these comments?

26 Nov 2016 08:33:18
Pankaj

I want Sturridge score a hat trick tonight and zip some of the lips here forever.

{Ed001's Note - I think you are missing the point, as usual. Everyone wants Sturridge to score loads for us, but we are just realistic and not living in your fantasy world. Right now he is not performing so he should be watching from the bench, but we all want him to get back to his best.}

26 Nov 2016 09:25:52
Thanks very much Ed001.

{Ed001's Note - you are very welcome.}

25 Nov 2016 22:16:54
with the jan transfer window approaching does any body think where we could add to the team as i think we don't need to and that's the first time I've ever thought that?

25 Nov 2016 22:19:43
Klopp has said he will look into the market. Ed02 had given us where the interest lies. No idea what will happen though mate.

25 Nov 2016 22:27:10
I don't think we need anybody either mate. Who knows maybe something will happen we will have to wait and see but overall I'm chuft with what we have.

26 Nov 2016 00:33:15
Spot on, Lfc16. We will not sign anyone just for the sake of it. Steven Caulker taught us that.

26 Nov 2016 01:35:24
Its hard to see any player who'd ba available thT would improve what we have.
Maybe Sakho out.

25 Nov 2016 18:26:11
Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow reds and Eds alike.


I would like to state my opinion about the whole Daniel Sturridge situation at LFC at the moment.
Firstly, there is no doubt that Danny is a gifted footballer and simply the most natural finisher in England. Even Harry Kane is not in his league. he was brilliant for us in 13/ 14 in a front 4 of him, Suarez, Sterling and Couts. That front 4 was the best in the PL by far and even till today bar our own current front 3, there`s no team that boasts that lethal quartet. Unfortunately, that was almost 3 years ago. That team played a different way and those four created so much space for each other that defences were never at ease for 90 minutes and Studge flourished, especially with a demon like Suarez who did the work of two strikers harrying and hounding defenders into submission.

Now, we have a new manager who demands not just goals and assists from his CF. He demands relentless high pressing, high work rate and tenacity in his play, overall. The CF needs to be not just a provider of goals as well as getting on the end of chances created by his fellow forward men and midfielders. He needs to do a lot more than that. It is clear for all to see that Studge (due to injuries and loss of pace) can simply not cope with what Klopp demands of his CF while clearly, Firmino can and is doing the business. Studge can`t cope because he IMO, lacks the physical and tactical tools to play that way. He also lacks the selfless attitude to effectively work for the team and do the hard graft that will eventually lead to the team`s success. To Klopp, goals are not everything and if you watch Lewandowski play, he is just like Firmino in his attitude, work rate and tenacity in pressing and harrying as Bayern play the same pressing game.

The reason I posted this is because I am seeing on some places on the web and in the media where they are insinuating that Studge should just start over Firmino because well, he used to be good about 3 years ago and not because Firmino is underperforming and well the English media think he should. That to me, is ridiculous.

To whom it may concern, I and definitely Klopp, doesn`t care who Studge used to be. We should care about who he is now and right now, he simply CANNOT start over Firmino because he simply does not offer what Bobbie does nor does he have the ability to do what Klopp asks of him, all of which Firmino can do. When the ball gets to Firmino, he keeps it moving in rhythm. When it gets to Studge, it stops at Studge. And there lies some of his issues. Firmino seems to not care if he does or doesn`t get on the end of through balls to score. Sturridge always wants to get on the end of things.

We lead the PL in every attacking category, all accomplished without Studge on the score sheet. And before people start highlighting the Leicester game where he was actually good, I can also highlight the Swansea and Utd game where he was poor so I`m looking at the big picture here. All in all, Studge to me, is either not willing or simply cannot for diverse reasons, play the CF position the way Klopp wants it to be played and putting Firmino on the left just to accommodate is not the answer either. Therefore, the line should be drawn. Either he keeps his head down, work hard or he gets sold in the summer and we move on otherwise, this is going to be a distraction ontinuously. Please, feel free to contribute, fellow posters.

25 Nov 2016 19:08:50
While i agree overall and wouldn't relace Firmino with Sturridge, he is capable of doing a job in Mane's absence and is far from horrible.

25 Nov 2016 19:10:59
I just hope that if he has to make a move then it's in the summer, and not this coming January, as per some of the rumours floating around. I'd be happy if he stayed beyond the summer, but I highly doubt he would ever accept coming off the bench.

25 Nov 2016 19:23:56
I agree with Andy in that I agree overall, but there has to be room for him on the wing, and Bobby ain't superman - he will be injured at some point. The shame is that it is so difficult to shoehorn Studge into the team if everyone is fit. Also, what a player to come off the bench (I do think Klopp should have brought him on a bit earlier at Southampton) . He is pure quality and probably deserves more minutes on the pitch for a player of his level, and because of that I wouldn't begrudge him a move away - preferably to Europe so he doesn't come back and score too many against us!

25 Nov 2016 19:44:07
There will come a time when Firmino will simply stop scoring for not matter how much he does on and off the ball. You all will regret the sale of Sturridge.

Sturridge possess certain qualities only matched by elite strikers like Aguero, Dybala etc none would be moving to us.

25 Nov 2016 20:03:50
Daniel Sturridge is a better a striker than Firmino would ever be. Sell him and regret it later on!

25 Nov 2016 20:37:55
Thanks for the posts lads. I agree that he should be kept and not team in the premier league can rely on the best finisher in England the way we can rely on Studge off the bench but since he`s not that good off the wing, coming off the bench will have to be his role for now if he cannot dislodge any of the front three which right now, picks itself. I also agree that he may have to leave for the sake of his career in the summer.

However, I respectfully disagree with saying he will be regretted if he got sold. I don`t like these types of blanket statements that have no basis in fact, only in projection. And projections and opinions are not facts nor reflect reality. the fact is that no one knows how we will fair if Studge leaves nor how we will do if Bobbie gets injured as he was injured vs Chelsea and we beat them at the Bridge w/ o breaking a sweat, really.

Also Harry, we already know how we are doing when he`s not playing nor in the team and the facts, attacking stats and league table speak for themselves. And even if he leaves, we already have Origi who has proven himself that he belongs to the first team squad and who has a higher upside for improvement than Studge, as well as whoever Klopp brings in to replace Studge and it may not be like for like. Keep the posts coming lads, loving the participation.

25 Nov 2016 21:48:31
You are delude by the current flow of the water Hamilton. We are going well the way we went well 3 years ago and we collapsed. There is a weakness in our team if you look closely. Firmino is one of my fav player. He has the best touch in the league. HE IS NO STRIKER AND HAS MISSED SOME SITTERS INCLUDING AN OPEN NET AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON Largely because he isn't a natural finisher.

Would you bench Robbie Fowler for Firmino?

I don't know what is the obsession on running players.

{Ed001's Note - Robbie Fowler was fond of chasing around and pressuring defenders as well, something he learnt off the master sniffer himself, the ultimate natural finisher, Ian Rush. I just wonder what your blind obsession is with being unable to see just how good Firmino is. You always have this bizarre fondness for players not in our team, while always denigrating those that are. Perhaps you should just leave it, as you are clearly wrong on this matter, as you only have to look how much better our performances and results are with Bobby up front rather than Studger to know how stupid this is getting to keep on about it.}

25 Nov 2016 22:02:11
I was following this until you said "even Harry kane". Kane is decent but he has a team that makes him look much better than he is. He is pretty overrated IMO. I know I wouldn't be upset if he went to United or someone like that. As for sturridge; I think the injuries have just taken too much from him. He's not the sturridge of 2012, though to his credit, has stayed fit. I hope he gets back that killer instinct and lethal sharpness/ quickness he did have. But I'm not seeing it.

25 Nov 2016 22:07:44
Selling Sturridge would be a huge mistake for whatever reason Ed01. He is the best finisher I have seen at the coub. It's no obsession it's just my view.

{Ed001's Note - selling him would be, as would moving Firmino aside for him right now. Sturridge has to earn his place with his performances, which he is simply not doing.}

25 Nov 2016 22:19:27
I think Sturridge is history at LFC come summer, I'll probably get slammed for my post but I have to give my honest opinion.

He's nothing on what he used to be, I have waited and waited for him to return to his best and it's simply not happened, he shows his talent from time to time but it's not enough.

WHEN we're in the champions league we need a top quality striker who can put them away, Sturridge is in my opinion not the man that can be relied on game in game out. Origi however I believe will be - yes he's not quite at that stage just yet but will be under Klopp, everytime I watch the lad he really tries to impress and puts in 100% this will benefit him in the longrun and I see him been a top top player for us.

Ever since his Sturridge's injuries he's not been the same, he never recovered well and is not the best suited to Klopps tactics. He's injury prone and seems to play good when he wants to.

It sounds like I'm slamming him but I'm not, I would really like to see him stay with us for years and be at his best like he was a few years ago but I can't see that happening.

Harry you say Sturridge is better then Firmino? I disagree, to me he's far off that quality, Firmino is something else, how can you say he will stop scoring at some point, how could you possibly know that? He is the complete package imo.

I wouldn't be happy to see Sturridge leave, and I may be proved wrong, who knows next thing we know he could start banging them in left right and center I just can't see it happening, I think his days are coming to an end at LFC. I hope more then anyone I'm wrong.

Having said all of this I will support him, as I will support any Liverpool player.

Good post as always Hamilton.

I'm not American but Happy thanksgiving to you mate enjoy.

25 Nov 2016 22:22:25
You just can't expect someone to do a miracle in 12 mts. Even though he did set up one golden chance against Sputhamton. He is trying hard to work and chase around.
If you don't play him he is never going to learn the way.

If he isn't good enough how would he replace Mane in January?

{Ed001's Note - who said he will?}

25 Nov 2016 22:22:56
Harry, the best finisher you have seen at the club? do you need me to make a list of better finishers we have / have had?

25 Nov 2016 22:32:01
Liverpool FC

His stats are better than some of the Anfield legends. Check the goals scored to number of games / mts played. He is in top 3.

I have seen a large portion of people claiming we have Sturridge to fill in Mane's absence.

25 Nov 2016 22:33:19
He is going to score a hat trick tomorrow and all above would be singing his name by night.

25 Nov 2016 22:55:45
I hope your right Harry.

26 Nov 2016 00:50:47
Happy thanksgiving to you as well, LFC16 and your contribution is greatly appreciated. Harry, I will not even respond to your pathetic reply because I think the Ed did a much better job responding to you than I would have. Here you are again, posting your opinion and projecting it as facts. If you can't see how good Firmino is then I can't help you because to do that, you would have to pay me. Studge's stats mean nothin to me because in football, you're only as good as your last game. Just face it buddy, Studge is finished and Klopp will not shift his style which is working, to accommodate Studge. Either he bucks up or he leaves even tho, I like him as a player. As for him scoring a hatrick tmrw, I hope he does as that would mean that he's improving.

26 Nov 2016 07:32:42
LOL Pathetic reply Hamilton only because I disagree with your prejudice view?
An year ago you were running behind Sturridge on his sublime quality. Now you don't rate him because there is someone performing better than him atm?

For me this is a Pathetic view.

What about Lovren then? He has one crucial mistake every game. I have never heard you to bench him.

25 Nov 2016 16:48:32
Eds ................

{Ed002's Note - Sorry, we are not going to discuss that.}

25 Nov 2016 17:41:45
Ok cheers ed I understand 👍.

25 Nov 2016 14:49:22
MOYES: "Anybody who plays against Liverpool has to park the double-decker bus, but we also have two centre forwards scoring goals. "

Seems 2mrw will be playing again against 11 goal posts 🙈🙈🙈.

25 Nov 2016 15:13:53
If the big, bad Mou literally gave up and never even tried to compete with us even a multi million pound squad at his disposal, then Moyes and an inferior squad won`t even bother, IMO. it will be all up to us and Klopp and the players know that.

25 Nov 2016 15:17:52
9 goal posts and 2 running posts.

25 Nov 2016 15:37:43
Spot on Hamilton Red👍.

25 Nov 2016 16:31:56
Sunderland is catching upward trajectory in form. We have to be wary.

25 Nov 2016 16:32:24
This from the tactical master who told Rio Ferdinand to watch how Phil Jagielka played and copy that - what did you think his plan would be?

25 Nov 2016 17:33:35
The Football Genius himself, actually asked us to watch and copy Phil Jagielka? Oh dear.

25 Nov 2016 10:21:30
Stevie G, my hero, my captain. How I miss the sound of commentators screaming 'Gerraaaaaaaaaaaaard' after another 30 yard belter. After King Kenny, my fav ever Lfc player. Don't care what he is like as a person as I will never have the privilege of knowing him.

Happy retirement 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆.

25 Nov 2016 10:45:18
Good post. He gave me some great memories - too many to list. I will never forget 2004-2006 - the Olympiacos goal, the goal against Milan and his celebration, lifting the Champions league trophy, the FA cup final goals against West Ham. He was untouchable those days.
YNWA 🏆.

25 Nov 2016 10:50:46
Great player no doubt about it. I don't know him as a person. I just go on what I have read and I don't like the sound of him 1 bit as a person but that's beside the point. Point is he was incredible for us there's no denying that and there's not many around like him now, probs won't be for a while either. He was loyal and a top top footballer and any club wouldve loved to have him when he was in his prime. Good luck to the fella, he'll do well no doubt.

25 Nov 2016 11:04:17
Think it's time to move on and put the limelight back onto our fantastic manager Jurgen Klopp, and the group of players we have now, who are playing some wonderful attractive football.
Our focus should be on them and the game tomorrow, which I hope will bring us another 3pts and solidify our position in the League.

Good Luck tomorrow Redmen. YNWA.

25 Nov 2016 11:06:20
I am not sure y are people bothering about his books and personal life. On the pitch he was nothing short of a genius, A real inspiration. The last successful player from the academy infact the best from the academy.
Some of his goals My word. Do we have a player with his set peice abilities, Passing abilites, Goal scoring abilities, Freekick in our squad rigt now?
My Generation has only idlozed him because he was the best we saw at anfield. every one came and left for career and money, then man stood with the club.

25 Nov 2016 11:07:58
Cheers for all those memories Stevie Gerrard great career mate.

25 Nov 2016 11:40:04
Gerrard will always be Legend no matter what some vegetables say . he carried LFC most if his career and delivered most of the times when the club was completely down and flat.

25 Nov 2016 11:42:43
He was more than a " great" player. He was a special player. He could have become the greatest English player ever if he'd utilised all of his ability.
None the less a special player and midfielder. Incredible memories. Liverpool legend.

25 Nov 2016 13:45:57
hi edds what does everybody mean what he is like as a person? what is he like and is he someone we want to be part of the coaching set up in the future.

{Ed001's Note - he will be fine I am sure. What he is like as a person is not really relevant, it is what skillset he has which will matter and his ability to learn.}

25 Nov 2016 14:54:59
I think what you are like as a person is hugely important as a coach and manager.
An awful lot of people may know it all in the head but the ability to get that info. across Into a group of young players is aother thing.
An awful lot of top coaches and managers were not top top players beforehand and had to struggle and constantly work on their game learning how to cope, say having to mark a top striker.
I think this struggle benefits them later as coaches.
Ps
Sorry for rambling on ed.

25 Nov 2016 16:28:41
He has more than enough money to retire completely from the game . I hope if he does remain in the game he has the same attitude as a youngster starting out in football. Working his way up especially if he wants to become a manager or a great coach . That's the only way I believe anyway a great player can become a great manager. Start of with coaching the kids.

25 Nov 2016 07:58:23
Fellow Reds,

I believe the coming summer transfer window will be the make and break moment for us. Why is this you ask?

First, it is becoming highly likely that we are going to qualify for champions league. In the case that we do, I strongly believe that we should ONLY purchase two players in key weak positions.
1. Virgil Van Dijk
2. A solid natural left (yet to figure out who it is)

(this is also based on the assumption that Sturridge will stay and regain his form which I believe will happen, plus Coutinho staying put)
If we nail these two signings then I am certain we will be among Europe`s elite at least for the next 5 years.
Klopp should learn from BR mistakes and only invest on what's necessary and that in my opinion is a solid CB and LB nothing more. The other lads in the squad are capable of improving and becoming top top players so am really not concerned about them.

YNWA!
All Red.

25 Nov 2016 10:43:43
Make or break? Nah

I do agree with most of your post, should we keep our top players we don't need to add much, just tweak a little and that's about it but I can't see it going as smoothly as that somehow. I think 1 of coutinho or Sturridge will be on their way, who knows. Anything can happen but i'd rather keep them two then look for someone else.

What do I know, I'm nowhere near in the know just my opinion.

25 Nov 2016 11:09:58
Virgil Van Dijk could also turn out to be a Lovren except we will have to double the transfer fees. I can't see us spending that sort of sum on a defender considering a free signing has been a revelation at the back and big money has been a failure.

25 Nov 2016 14:44:15
Very true Harry.

25 Nov 2016 15:31:35
Spot on, Harry. I don`t know where this Virgil Van Dyke lovefest is coming from because to me, he`s not the finished article yet even tho he has all the tools to be a great CB. My main problem with him is that he lacks concentration and has the tendency to switch off at the most crucial times.

Last Sat, he was caught out of position and Firmino did him for pace and he grabbed his shirt, something the linesman for some reason missed. Had he or the ref seen that, that would have been a straight red and Saints would definitely had lost that game. He reminds me of Glen Johnson, all the talent and ability but lacks the drive to succeed.

There are better CB`s like Ben Gibson (who I watched vs Chelsea and he was so good, he made a poor defender like Callum Chambers look good) and even I don`t want him. I say, stick with what we have or go get a Matip type player on a free who IMO, (Matip) is the best CB in the PL but won`t get any credit because he doesn`t cost 50m.

25 Nov 2016 17:04:55
We need to find someone who is capable of playing without a natural DM ahead. Fast and good with the feet to play out the ball.

All this imposing Chris smalling types would be a complete failure.

Liverpool play high up the pitch and doesn't play a natural holding player so less protection and more exposed on counter attack. Find a defender who got the attributes to such system.

Else it's another Lovren who would need Schniderlin and Wanyama infront.

Stop wasting money!

25 Nov 2016 00:36:24
Ed01 if you about just wondered with the whole Gerrard coaching role debate. How did it come about that the club turned to Kenny to become manager (1st time)? Was it always the plan for him to take over one day and it just arrived sooner after Fagan resigning due to Heysel? I think I read somewhere that Phil Neal thought it would be him they turned to as well was there any truth in that? Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - it was a quick decision, nothing had been decided beforehand as it was a shock resignation. Roy Evans was extremely disappointed to be overlooked at the time. Kenny was expected to join the backroom staff, in time, but not like that.}