Liverpool Banter Archive June 26 2015

26 Jun 2015 23:39:04
Ed2 thanks for the kovacic info.
I want to know your personal opinion if u think we'll sign him?

{Ed002's Note - I think it can be done - but have no feeling for it being done or not. The club are now going to be looking carefully at the money - and it would be another major commitment given the club are also looking for a striker.}

27 Jun 2015 00:25:16
How serious is the interest from Liverpool eds? Has he been identified as a priority signing etc??

{Ed002's Note - I have no measure of "seriousness" and imagine he has been categorised as a Type 9A signing.}

27 Jun 2015 00:40:42
We should get a striker in and see if the change will stretch for kovacic who would be a luxury signing rather than a necessary one, unlike a striker.

27 Jun 2015 02:58:19
So u think if they do splash 25m+ on benteke that will end our pursuit of kovacic?
some reports are saying that the players we have signed we're in the plan and have nothing to do with the sterling money and if sterling were to be sold we'd have that money to spend on top of what we've already done.

If that is true? Maybe then there could be a benteke/bacca plus kovacic?
Cheers mate

{Ed002's Note - You are just making this stuff up - I didn't say anything of the sort. I am not going to discuss the money as it will clearly confuse you.}

26 Jun 2015 22:31:21
I am of the belief that Rodgers remaining in post by the start of the season are 50/50. Rodgers's uncharacteristic silence despite major spending, FSG being tight-lipped, etc etc How many teams do you know that blow 40M on two players in a matter of days and no-one says anything - especially the manager who by habit can't shut up

{Ed002's Note - They will perhaps say something when the transfers have been completed, because right now they are not.}

26 Jun 2015 23:27:39
Agree with Ed002 about silence, isn't it July 1st before you can officially register a new player?
I remember even from Houllier days, big press conferences with half a dozen players on July 1st.
In short, I don't think the silence is significant.

I also can't recall many clubs sacking the back room staff, blowing all our transfer budget and then replacing the manager. It seems like a backwards thing to do.

IMO he's staying but as others have suggested, he's in the last chance saloon and there can be no more excuses.

26 Jun 2015 23:40:15
Come on Ron, you love an excuse for that bloke!!

27 Jun 2015 00:03:16
Essex, I'm sorry but it's just not true.
He's made a lot of mistakes, I've never excused or denied that. But I can see the bigger picture and experience tells me that no-one works in isolation. There have been a lot of mistakes made by many at the club.
Issues have been dealt with quite ruthlessly but correctly in my opinion: scouting/recruitment seems to have improved, coaching is being addressed, a few big names have signed new contracts which is a step in the right direction.

So Rodgers now has to step up. He can't point to the other areas which the club has struggled with anymore.

27 Jun 2015 00:14:50
It doesn't make a lot of sense to keep him on whilst transfers go through and then get rid. He will be come match 1, possibly with a different role but he will be here.

27 Jun 2015 00:49:21
So Rodgers first has the responsibility of transfers taken away for a committee, then he's told to shut his mouth in press conferences, then all his assistants are sacked, then he has no say at all on transfers. What exactly does he do at the club now? Pick the team still, that's about it.
I don't think having a lame duck manager like Rodgers hanging round with no real power or responsibility is good for the club at all.

27 Jun 2015 01:40:43
Mikey, you're making a bit of a presumption about Rodgers' role. The only thing we know is that we haven't got a clue what's going on behind closed doors.

26 Jun 2015 21:49:49
Eds what is the chance of A.Mitrovic leaving the Beligian league, and is he an option for our striker search?

{Ed002's Note - Try the European pages.}

26 Jun 2015 21:06:38
A couple of questions, just on your opinions both Eds and readers.

Ward on loan to Aberdeen. If playing regular is this a good move over regular in the Championship? I think Aberdeen are a good club, but is the SPL a high enough level?

We would like to compete in 4 competitions hopefully at least 50 - 60 games next season. An extra competition to last season when we had three keepers, we now have two. Is this enough? Don't want another just wondered if loaning Ward leaves us short?

{Ed002's Note - I would think Lawrence Vigouroux could provide adequate cover.}

27 Jun 2015 00:04:50
Ok yeah, heard he is looking like a good prospect. Thanks for the reminder.

26 Jun 2015 19:42:23
As we are in for Kovacic and possibly either, Bacca/Benteke it got me thinking of other players, which i like, which we should target instead. All fit FSGs model.

So instead of Kovacic why not target the following:-
Geis-Mainz
Kramer- Leverkusen
L.Bender- Leverkusen
Gonalons- Lyon
Krychowiak- Sevilla
Allan- Udinese
Sanson- Montpellier
Veretout- Nantes

Instead of Benteke/Bacca:-
Alcacer- Valencia
Rodrigo- Valencia
Destro- Roma
Icardi- Inter
Mitrovic- Anderlecht
Embolo- Fc Basel
Martial - Monaco
Batschuayi- Marseille
Berardi- Juventus/sassulo(co owned)
Volland- Hoffenheim

All fantastic players. 40m for both then it seems one mid and one forward. Could even been less.
Personally i'd go German and try for Geis and Volland.

{Ed002's Note - Some of these players already have agreed moves this summer, including Johannes Geis.}

26 Jun 2015 20:37:44
A few have signed new contracts, a few aren't good enough, one has a broken leg and the others are going to be too expensive.

26 Jun 2015 20:45:58
Sorry ed my bad. Shame really some good players.

26 Jun 2015 21:20:24
Mate you crack me up, why don't you send Ian arye a list of players you think will do well see what he can sort?

27 Jun 2015 00:46:36
Might aswell OG or are you happy with wanting to spend 32.5m on Benteke as Villa won't be dropping their stance. I agree with ed2s suggesting on Mitrovic aswell as Volland. Lots of other cheaper options.

27 Jun 2015 02:09:02
Gonalons and icardi at a pinch, but he'd probably be a rip off for the risk of a serie A player, so maybe just no strikers.

27 Jun 2015 06:35:36
Mitrovic or Volland may be very good but we'd have no balance in terms of experience. That's the point. If Sturridge is out we'd be looking at Ings with one season in the Prem at a club where the pressures nowt like it is at Anfield, Origi who's just 20 and never played here and another young player from another league. That's called digging an even bigger hole for yourself. The striker signing simply has to be capable of hitting the ground running and getting 15-20 goals.

26 Jun 2015 19:04:30
Here's a question.for the eds

Someone posted a while back that kovacic renewed his contract this year until 19 and it's true, but I just wanted to ask I can't remember if I am making it up but I remember one of the saying that there was a chance of Hernanes joining us because Kovacic is off the card's. If I haven't made it up is there a way we could rekindle interest?

{Ed002's Note - You need to search out what I said about Hernanes, you have this slightly muddled. However, Hernanes remains available as Inter do need to sell, as I have explained. But they are struggling to find any one interested in the player. I have also never said Kovacic is not possible - that is the word from those on here that follow Twitter and trust the Echo, Sky etc.. I have explained the situation and Liverpool know exactly what they have to do now if they want Kovacic.}

26 Jun 2015 19:32:45
I thought we had stepped away from him Ed altogether and is gone a little quite. Do you think we will stump up the asking price surely if we was it would of been done by now judging by how fSt the other deals were conducted.

{Ed002's Note - No, the situation remains as I have explained. The club returned with a further offer that is close to the asking price, and acceptable - but not at the terms Liverpool are offering, so there is no final agreement and Liverpool would need to pay significantly more for the terms to be acceptable to Inter due to lack of hard cash. A representative of the player has been courting Arsenal to make an offer but they have no interest at the asking price. However, Barcelona are now back talking with Inter about their convoluted offer again.

As for the other deals, Ings and Milner were always very likely, Bogdan again was a likely move once Liverpool showed interest. Clyne was a bit of a surprise but with only a year on his contract Southampton are satisfied with the offer. Liverpool agreed a vastly over the top deal for Firmino which was so far beyond anyone else's offer all they needed to do was convince the player.}

26 Jun 2015 19:33:28
Yeah sorry eds I'm sure you said because wr had been good on that particular day you would give us Abit of info and said there might be an outside chance of Hernanes.

And sorry I didn't mean you said kovacic is.off I just meant what u think, as it's never going to happen now. If we really wanted him look how we acted over firmino (if we know what we need to do! As you have said) then we would of done it by now, but as I said it's not going To happen now. I do hope we address the middle of the.park though, so hopefully something will happen with someone else.

Eds what is it Liverpool need to do? Is it kiss ass or up the bid?

Thanks

{Ed002's Note - Try searching and reading what I actually said about Hernanes. As for Kovacic, the situation remains as I have explained. Liverpool returned with a further offer that is close to the asking price, and acceptable - but not at the terms Liverpool are offering, so there is no final agreement and Liverpool would need to pay significantly more for the terms to be acceptable to Inter due to lack of hard cash. A representative of the player has been courting Arsenal to make an offer but they have no interest at the asking price. However, Barcelona are now back talking with Inter about their convoluted offer again.}

26 Jun 2015 19:33:45
And is that hope that Hernanes isn't sold and pay in the instalments that inter want ed?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

26 Jun 2015 19:56:00
I know you can't predict the future but you will have more of an insight than myself. If it is immediate cash they are after surely the Barca deal will not get them as much right now due to the complications with signing players?

{Ed002's Note - The Barcelona offer is structured to help Inter out immediately.}

26 Jun 2015 20:46:05
Surely if we approached firmino with blow everyone out the water technique, then we would do that with kovacic if we really wanted him which we clear do not now. With it not happening now I do hope we address the cm position but we'll have to wait and see.

If BBarcelona want him then it's definitely over not only is it Barcelona, they also have rakitic.

Fingerw crosser we still go for a new cm.

{Ed002's Note - It is not as simple as that - there are money issues. As for Barcelona, they have been interested all along - there is nothing new.}

26 Jun 2015 20:47:58
Hey ed! I know you hate questons about timing - but do you think this will be resolved soon? Or soon-ish?
Thanks!

{Ed002's Note - I cannot answer such things, sorry.}

26 Jun 2015 20:50:52
Ed, as I understand the situation, Barcelona are able to buy players this summer, despite the transfer ban, but the players they buy aren´t allowed to play in official matches for Barcelona until next year. Is it expected that players signed by Barcelona would be loaned out?

If FIFA decide against the appeal could they punish them further?

Thanks in advance.

26 Jun 2015 21:06:49
If you care to explain Ed002, I understand if you dont, but just how would the Barca deal work. Would he join them in January, or be loaned back to inter until January or how have they proposed to make it work?

{Ed002's Note - Barcelona were plotting a deal that would see Martin Montoya, Alex Song and/or Pedro Rodrigues move to Inter on loan until January and then will be part of a permanent deal for Kovacic. Whilst this option did not suit Inter originally, it is back under discussion now.}

26 Jun 2015 21:33:40
Thank you Ed, would all be part of the permanent deal or just 1/2. Can barca really afford to be trading squad members with them unable to make signings?

{Ed002's Note - It would not be all three. Song could also end up in London and efforts to secure an agreement with Pedro have seemingly failed and there are clubs beginning to show and interest in him. All are surplus to requirements.}

26 Jun 2015 21:44:20
Ffs i hope we can get him ed i really do

26 Jun 2015 22:34:53
Is the ..............

{Ed002's Note - We are not going to get in to the money.}

27 Jun 2015 03:16:58
Thanks Ed002 for the information. It looks like we might miss out on kovacic as Inter agreed for a deal with Barcelona to sign Montoya on loan.

{Ed002's Note - I would not complicate matters too much just yet. Right now Liverpool's efforts are elsewhere with a pressing decision required about any move for Bacca - a decision that will need to be made over the next couple of days. After that perhaps thoughts can return to Kovacic and/or Benteke and whether Liverpool can stretch to the fees required.}

26 Jun 2015 17:52:20
A word on the quiet one

I slated Rodgers and the end of the last season and wanted him gone, as did most. Tough luck, he's staying.

We seem to be having a good transfer window and our squad should be prepared for the next season to target a too four finish

Therefore as our motto says, we must all get behind Rodgers and the team and hopefully we just click from the off, Rodgers has made a lot of mistakes but in managerial terms he's still a youngster.

Give him until the end of the season, if we aren't in the top four we have to sack him but please don't start the Brendan bashing in September because it isn't good for anything

26 Jun 2015 18:17:53
How do you know he's staying? Who told you? Why should we get behind a complete loser? I'll support the team and the players but it's moronic to suggest we have to support that nose

26 Jun 2015 18:21:53
Fact is BR should not have been appointed in the first place - we are Liverpool FC and we appoint an inexperienced PL man, without a CV to talk about - who then proves himself to be the least effective ( left out the word worst ) manager we have had since Phil Taylor. How on earth he is still employed baffles me completely, his backroom staff are let go, the capitulation against Stoke City was more than embarrassing, and his constant press conferences insisting we were outstanding, after losing, err a joke.

{Ed002's Note - You are right the club would never appoint a manager who had only had experience at say Carlisle, Grimsby, Workington and Huddersfield.

Yet the Liverpool fans crave the likes of Bielsa - who doesn't even speak English.}

26 Jun 2015 18:32:35
I'm genuinely starting to think he's already gone and, once the window opens officially and our player deals go through , the real picture will emerge.

26 Jun 2015 18:35:20
Neither did Mauricio Pochettino Ed, to be fair.

{Ed002's Note - Wrong. He spoke English but didn't do interviews in English because it wasn't that good. It has since improved. Bielsa doesn't speak English and won't be learning it.}

26 Jun 2015 18:55:34
I despair at some of the comments by so-called "supporters" on here.
How can you support players, some of whom outright disrespect the club and supporters and put in half a shift for tens of thousands a week, yet insult and undermine the manager?
Yes, he had a bad season, he made a lot of mistakes. it happens even to the best managers like. Klopp. If you can't give him a second chance then that's up to you, but stop the constant undermining, it doesn't help anyone associated with LFC.

26 Jun 2015 19:08:06
I think it's a matter of craving a tactically astute manager with a plan rather than craving for somebody specific.

26 Jun 2015 19:11:24
I thought Rodgers nearly won the title. Who was in charge that season?

He has many faults but spewing bile at the man who, whether you like it or not, will be OUR manager makes no sense to me.

As has been pointed out if we're not careful it'll be the biggest self-fulfilling prophecy ever as vast swathes of the clubs "support" prepare to dance on his grave every week.

Imagine in your home, work or school environment people denied you any credit for literally anything that you'd done well and instead constantly pointed out all of your faults and pinned a load of shite on you that isn't your fault. Oh and they laughed at your appearance and the way you speak too - as if you weren't feeling bad enough already. And these are people supposedly behind you by the way. How would you feel?

Of course half the dimwits who come on here trolling him would probably run up to him and ask him for a "wee" pic or autograph if they actually saw him in real life before revealing themselves to be the real "nose" by assuring him to his face that they're the clubs biggest fan.

This is just destructive, not constructive criticism.

26 Jun 2015 19:20:58
Agree 100% with the origional poster. Let's get behind the manager hailed the best in the league 12 months ago, and hope that the issues he encountered last season are well and truely behind him. He has had a lot of problems off the pitch too and I don't know maybe he let that creep into his work.
If he does go I'll be very surprised but so be it, I'll support the next manager who comes after him like I did the one before him.
@Ron don't mention Klopps bad season you will be considered a guy who knows nothing about football by the Rodgers bashers like I was. imagine Klopp came in and had a bad season they would be saying he's worse than Rodgers. 12 months Rodgers was the messiah!!!

26 Jun 2015 19:44:13
That's the point though isn't it? He never accepts responsibility for anything even to the extent of selling his friend Pascoe down the river. The fact that he wants Benteke tells you all you need to know about how little idea he has about football

26 Jun 2015 19:51:27
Essexred, grow the f*** up, name calling like a little schoolgirl, and it's not the first time either. It demeans any relevant, constructive criticism that you might occasionally post.

As for the Biesla love in, hardly anyone on here had even considered him until ED001 piped up about him, the same with wanting a DOF.

26 Jun 2015 19:56:26
I am just guessing but I think the biggest concerns with Rodgers are that he has ignored advice and went back to his way of doing things which, as we have seen, has lead to a terrible season. I remember Ed001 saying that he changed his approach somewhat after attending a course run by Bielsa (or at very least inundated with Bielsa's philosophy, forgive me I forget) which culminated in our improved play that lead to 2nd. He abandoned those principles for his own which failed, time and again, and as a result we endured last season. His ego is massive and I think that is why so many do not like him - if he proves us all wrong bully for him but he is miles away from the manager he thinks he is - if he started to act as such is would be a good start.

26 Jun 2015 19:49:31
It is not constructive to keep criticising him as the owners seem to think he is still the right man for the job. I still don't respect him and that is my perogative but there's no need to insult him.

Am i right in saying though that you Ed02 said it would end in tears, what made you come to that conclusion when he was appointed?

{Ed002's Note - My view of him was that he was technically naïve and that would not change. He is also easily led.}

26 Jun 2015 20:02:48
Better than defending someone almost without question who has almost single handedly made Liverpool a laughing stock. Anyone who defends him had serious issues

26 Jun 2015 20:04:19
See what I mean? Why can't we all just be happy and give the guy another season? Some Liverpool fans don't deserve to say you'll never walk alone

26 Jun 2015 20:21:13
Thanks ed02, so with the right support from a competent assistant manager and better coaches for the first team he may be able to turn it around if he listens to advice.

i hope he turns it around for the sake of the club and my sanity. I will hold off with the effigy for now.

That was a joke btw, i will stick to daubing abuse on the stadium. still joking.☺

26 Jun 2015 20:22:01
Why should we be happy and give him another season?

26 Jun 2015 20:23:32
Essex should stick to watching TOWIE locally if can't get behind the club in its entirety and have a go at the many more hopeless individuals on that instead!

26 Jun 2015 20:26:30
Lerchy happiness is subjective, can you say you were happy when we were completely embarassed by stoke? No. but i agree name calling is not necessary. But you need to hold off on the superfan stuff, people are allowed to have differing opinions, as long as its not abusive and it is constructive i am willing to listen to peoples concerns.

26 jun 2015 20:26:43
i'm not sure that brendan abandoned any principles last season - we were hampered by poor transfers that didn't fill the gap that suarez left and that sturridge couldn't plug it due to being made of glass. i think brendan deserves this chance that the owners are giving him, especially as the transfer policy is their doing, but it is clearly last chance saloon. i hope he comes good - this isn't blindly following, just support for our manager. ynwa.

26 Jun 2015 20:39:06
Essex. No one was laughing when we finished 2nd. If anything too many people (not just LFC fans) were going overboard and talking about a Rodgers dynasty. I was in the camp that thought 4th last season would be a major achievement and its the doom-mongerers now that told me I was pessimistic last season and that we should be aiming for the stars. No one with half a brain would have said we'd challenge for the league last season ( and if BR did promise that to the owners he's missing a load of grey matter). If we continue to recruit well the club will give itself a real shot at CL. If Rodgers doesn't get 4th he'll be gone and he won't be able to say he wasn't given a fair crack of the whip. But if the fan base makes life so difficult for him to his job he will have a ready made excuse. Let's therefore not give him that opportunity and hope that our support helps to get us where we all want to be.

26 Jun 2015 20:42:40
He totally changed our style of play fishy regardless of personnel. Teams with less talented players than our own seemed to be able to play like a team. At times last season it looked like 11 strangers on the pitch. Too much chopping and changing of formation and personnel meant we never established a settled team until he stumbled on the formation basel used effectively against us and we went on a mini run. Even then we did not look convincing.

I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt seeing as the owners have given us no choice but to.

26 Jun 2015 20:49:33
So we should keep him because people weren't laughing at us even though they are now?

When we finished second we did so in spite of our worst defensive season ever. Ever ever. We had keeping and defensive issues, organisational and tactical issues that is, that didn't get fixed.

26 Jun 2015 21:18:27
User013. So if anyone laughs at us we should immediately sack our manager?

And you'd rather dwell on conceding 50 goals 2 years ago rather than the fact we scored 100? Sums it up, glass half empty merchant.

That was one of the most thrilling seasons in my near 4 decades of being an active supporter. It was actually funny watching us having to score 4 goals to win a game.

Last season was horrible, the polar opposite. But it will never be that bad again in terms of performances. Of that I am convinced. How we got so many points while playing well in just half a dozen games actually makes me confident that we can get mid 70 points plus quite easily this season.

26 Jun 2015 21:54:59
Easily led one minute and then stubborn in his ways the next. Lol

26 Jun 2015 23:15:15
BR's a failure and his blunders are well documented and no amount is excuses for his glaring incompetence will change that. The fact that the owners kept him means nothing because they have taken critical responsibilities and decisions away from him as well as appointing his own assistants for him simply means he is nothing but a lame duck manager in a weakened position. Whether this tactic will work is another story BUT the owners know that he is not good enuff and if they know there's no one out there that they feel can work within their structure, they have decided to simply babysit him instead which to me, is just cowardly. Now as for supporting the manager or the club or not, we will always support our club and root for our players to succeed even if we disagree with our manager's policies. Many fans of clubs do that. I supported our club through the last bit of the Rafa, Roy and KK days even tho I wanted them all gone so to say that supporters must support the manager no matter what, is just ludicrous and has no basis in logic, IMO.

26 Jun 2015 23:37:56
Ohio, if your scenario at the beginning of your post were true, Rodgers is in a no win position. That being said, he could sue the club for constructive dismissal and seeing as he has a long contract, it would be costly.
They would be better off sacking him than following your suggested scenario.

27 Jun 2015 01:28:09
Look at this way, if the owners were going to get rid it would have happened by now, there's no good reason to keep it secret. All these whispers that he may have been sacked already or that he'll be replaced by August are pipe dreams by some pretty desperate fans.

Live with it or don't but please stop being so boring.

27 Jun 2015 02:13:13
Im not bothered about failure unless it is consistent and there are reason to give him another season.

But rodgers is not one of those cases.

He has literally done everything wrong he can. The money wasted, the alienation of players, the pointless spewing out of b*ll*cks in press conferences, and worst of all, pissing our season down the drain by sticking with failed tactics to inflate his own ego - essentially putting himself before the club. He has to go.

27 Jun 2015 06:05:16
Boom! No. I was responding to the point that was made: that nobody was laughing at us 2 years ago and this was some kind of reason to not care about people laughing at us now. With that kind of approach we will always be the "during the eighties we were good" kind of club and I don't want that.

Also it's not a matter of glass half empty. If a part of our play needs strengthening then the job of the manager is to do that and improve us (while keeping doing the things that went well).

Perhaps my attitude is "we did great in the year we came second but there were some issue, that we can fix and give ourselves the best chance of kicking on to the title next year". Yours is "second is pretty good, let's have more of the the same please".

I'm sure you know that doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is the actual definition of insanity.

26 Jun 2015 17:37:40
hi eds , after reading posts and thinking about it can you tell me where did spurs finish when they bought a lot of players with the gareth bale money , i'm only asking because if we finished above them at the end of this season then you could say we had a season that could have been better but not as bad as spurs if you catch my meaning , also I've had a moan about mingolet like a lot of fans but he was up there in contention for the clean sheets award , as i think if our defence would have been beyyer then he could have easy won the golden gloves award , i know we wanted to finish higher even in the top 4 for champs league but with all the new players coming in and players getting played out of position and sturridge being injured most of the season so missing his goals to finish were we did then i thnk the season was not a total disaster it could have been a lot worse , also it could have been a bit better if BR played balo and lambert and borini more we would have got more goals and some of them goals could have won us games ,

26 Jun 2015 17:58:53
Come on man, the Eds give valuable insights and views. Don't ask them stuff you could find on google in less time than it took to create the post.

26 Jun 2015 16:47:45
Knowing that Mario preferred the 2 up t system and Rodgers seemingly never going to it, can we assume that Sturridge and Ings won't see a lot of time in that system?

And I know it is presumptuous but if they did manage to get Bacca, could BR the. Finally have to give in to the 2 up top?

26 Jun 2015 16:55:26
So Rodgers should have changed the system to suit one player. Maybe if he was decent I'd agree but you can't blame Rodgers for how poor Balotelli is. He didn't even want him.

Red Rum

26 Jun 2015 17:10:49
Not to be combative but how is scoring no goals and finishing 6th being productive because he didn't want to change the system? If sticking to your philosophy gets you the same place as "let's give it a try" I don't understand why not, but that could just be me. I originally just curious if anyone knew if he was just against the 2 up top

26 Jun 2015 17:20:20
Maybe not change the system for one player, but surely adapting the system to suit the players he had might have been a better option? Chelsea still managed to get third season before last despite not having a decent striker because Jose adapted to the team's strengths, not attractive football by any means, but it did the job. Sometimes it has to be done. Maybe if Mario was given the chance with a strike partner he could have contributed something last season.

26 Jun 2015 17:28:49
Red rum, the system didn't suit ANY of our players at all.

26 Jun 2015 18:06:34
Great point, Anonymous! All BR did was persevere with a failed system despite it failing before our very eyes, the very same thing he did at Reading that got him the sack. We`ll see if he has learnt

26 Jun 2015 18:15:13
The season will start and be will be using the same tactics that didn't work last season albeit with new players.

26 Jun 2015 18:25:54
Love all this positivity.

26 Jun 2015 18:27:17
And you know for a fact Rodgers didn't want Balotelli ? Like a lot of things at LFC since his appointment, pure conjecture and rumour. I'm sure a successful business wouldn't pay 16 million for a employee that the manager wouldn't want employed.

{Ed002's Note - He will be referring to the statement made by Rodgers in Miami on August 3, 2014 about Balotelli: “I can categorically tell you that he will not be coming to Liverpool". Balotelli was identified by two senior Liverpool employees who knew the player well. Whether or not Rodgers wanted him is really of no significance as he could have blocked the move if he really wanted to. As for the statement made in Miami, it turned out to be incorrect - but Rodgers suffers, as I have explained, from foot in the mouth disease.}

26 Jun 2015 18:56:58
I feel his ego got the better of him.
He thought I am the one that can make Mario into a great player. Unlike numerous in my opinion better managers before him.
It didn't work, you would of thought that he could see Mario was crying out for another striker alongside him, but didn't change the system to suit.
But he didn't. The rest is history

26 Jun 2015 19:10:35
Where did all of this go wrong? I was just wondering if BR was philosophically against 2 up top because he seems to really enjoy employing a CF with wings. In the USA, I don't get to hear all his press conferences. I never intended it to be Balotelli vs the world ( Mario is one of my fav players btw as I am Italian as well, but still understand he was poor last season) I hope he gets more chances but understand why fans want him out

26 Jun 2015 19:59:48
Balotelli is his own worst enemy and you cannot save him from himself. Keeping him at the club unsettles the squad, it is needless and he is a player we could do with out. Sorry for those still bumming his head in because his named is "Balotelli" but he was rancid. If Ings has a season like Balotelli just had fans will be wanting him hung, he doesn't get off lightly just because he used to be good - accept we made a mistake and cut the losses quickly: this should be our action IMO.

26 Jun 2015 23:20:59
"No player will come in here that the manager doesn't want". BR made that comment in May of last year so why is he and his acolytes acting like Balo or any other player was forced on him? That's because his mouth goes faster than his brain. He stopped the Remy deal yet was powerless in the Balo deal? If you believe that, I have a bridge in London I wanna sell you.

27 Jun 2015 06:46:27
You're all arguing against a decision that's already been taken. And none of us posters can change it. Happy to read the odd one if it helps that you share your pain. But I skip over most as it feels like some people are just barking at the moon every day. Take up fishing for a few weeks. And Breathe. Deeply.

26 Jun 2015 12:31:30
Edd001, did lfc have any interest in begovic or any top class keeper before bogdan was purchased? Is mignolet now favoured by RodgerS. Thanks

{Ed001's Note - no, yes.}

26 Jun 2015 15:04:28
Like to just say its been nice seeing yet another fresh input on topics so thank you ed007 , ed030. It's appreciated and keep it up!

26 Jun 2015 11:15:28
Eds was wondering if you could post the updated list of targets that you said you would post

{Ed002's Note - When I get some time.}

26 Jun 2015 08:35:22
Morning Eds,

Lots of media outlets are reporting we are about to make second bid for benteke, stating that we had an initial bid of around 20mil rejected? To your knowledge is this info on a first bid correct? Did we move for him? I assumed we had only showed interest

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool made a very low bid - we discussed it at the time.}

26 Jun 2015 15:45:20
Can you see us going in for another bid Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool know what they need to pay if they want the player - they don't seem keen to do that. So it remains a maybe.}

26 Jun 2015 16:05:26
Thanks Ed, Sorry I must of missed that part

Appreciate the response

26 Jun 2015 17:38:54
I didn't realise we actually made a bid eiher. Ed is it looking like we want Benteke more than Bacca at this stage or other way round?

{Ed002's Note - I have no way of measure such things.

26 Jun 2015 13:46:42
hello everybody. first of all i see that there is a lot less negativity around here which is good thing but there are also some people who think we are all of a sudden title contenders. Unless we bring a world class striker we will not show much improvement. And this Benteke talk?? He is clearly not kind of striker for us. if he comes i hope he proves me wrong. we need bacca/tevez/vietto type of player and only bacca of these is possible so our efforts should be to sign him and we might have a decent season. our squad has some really good players in coutinho,firmino,henderson,milner,sakho,studge,can. we just need that cuting edge and thighten up our defence

{Ed030's Note - It's unquestionable to me, Bacca all day long. He is a very good player now which means we would have to hear about all this potential stuff, he is also far more suited to the style of play it looks like we are going to be playing. Finally as Ed001 correctly pointed out, with the signing of Bacca it will not hinder the development of the younger strikers such as Sinclair. }

26 Jun 2015 16:09:40
The fact that people are mentioning Benteke and Bacca in the same breathe is stunning. Bacca is THE striker we need in this window and IMO, we should do all we can toget him. Benteke is a waste of funds, poor and lazy. I did not say that, Marc Wilmots said so.

26 Jun 2015 16:10:44
Ed30; "the style of play it looks like we are going to be playing" - is this a deduction from the players we have signed or from what the manager has said.

Whoever that may actually turn out to be?

27 Jun 2015 05:54:46
Bacca all day long for me, he's got that quality that Suarez has, gritty and hard working yet skilful and a good finisher.

26 Jun 2015 11:12:35
Hi Eds,

Suddenly Mateo Kovacic rumours have gone quiet. Looks like we are going to miss him.

we have too many CMid's in the team and don't know how we are going to line up.

What's up with Skrtel's contract?

Most of the fans like Skrtel a lot but the Ed's seem to differ to the popular opinion. Any specific reason for not link Skrtel?


Turan rumours are doing the round again. Just started.

{Ed030's Note - If Kovacic is signed, I presume it will be to take up the role occupied by Gerrard last season. }

26 Jun 2015 15:56:40
Most of the fans do not like Skrtel.

He is our marmite.

26 Jun 2015 13:02:28
Surely Begovic is worth a shout. Villa have made a bid.
Would be a great addition

{Ed030's Note - Liverpool have already purchased a goalkeeper this summer. }

26 Jun 2015 14:41:07
Let's give Mig another year I still think he will come good,let's be honest if the rest of the team is not performing in front of him it doesn't give you confidence as a keeper and you will drop little changers did he cost us loads of points last season.

26 Jun 2015 14:49:13
Yeah, but a GK who is championship standard at best. Once a striker like Bacca is signed, i want to see the club replace Migs with a better GK like Begovic or Trapp (if money is available). New GK as first choice with Bogdan as back up.

26 Jun 2015 14:52:37
Agree with Reusch.

I also think Begovic is not a massive upgrade on Migs. If we are going for a new number 1 then it has to be a major upgrade.

26 Jun 2015 16:08:58
I don't see why so many people are putting Migs down so much. He had a much better second half of the season after he was dropped. He made better decisions overall and was much more convincing when coming out to collect, or punch, crosses. He ended up with 13 assists, second in the league, and that for me is enough to give him at least until January to show that he is the right GK for us for the next few years.

26 Jun 2015 16:13:35
Kevin Trapp or Ron Robert Zeller

26 Jun 2015 16:15:17
I think danny ward is going on loan,so another keeper maybe on the cards

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool would be the most stupid club in history if they intend to buy players to replace players going on loan. But I do imagine many of the younger players will be considering their future at the club.}

26 Jun 2015 18:33:45
Makes no sense, Wazintime.

26 Jun 2015 20:07:47
Mignolet is simply not good enough. Look at United last season - De Gea probably earnt them 12-15 points with his displays. How many points do you think Mignolet earnt us? He lacks in too many areas and, if we have ambitions for challenging at the very top, he needs replacing. It is harsh but the world of football is, pretending like we have a world class goalkeeper when we don't is daft.

26 Jun 2015 12:38:43
Are we still in for konoplyanka or is that over??

{Ed030's Note - I think interest may have gone. }

26 Jun 2015 16:22:37
He has his club owner to blame for that

26 Jun 2015 12:19:16
Morning Eds

Amidst all the news of transfers and potential targets, I was wondering if you had any new info on Danny Sturridge and Jon Flannagans injury recovery and rehab?

Have they been given a approximate month as to when they will be back at the club training do you know, and is there recovery going well?

Getting those two back up and running and back to peak fitness will be like 2 new signings

Thanks in advance

{Ed030's Note - No, sorry. The club website is probably the best way too keep up on injuries. }

26 Jun 2015 14:13:19
Hi Kemlyn
Physio room says Studge bk October and Flanno not until January next year. Hope this helps mate

26 Jun 2015 17:00:24
Thanks Phooey

I forgot about that website.I'll check it out

Cheers

26 Jun 2015 19:02:37
Welcome mate 😊

26 Jun 2015 11:30:50
Also, anyone interested in Luuk de Jong? Had a great season in Eredivise. Cheers

{Ed001's Note - try the Euro page.}

26 Jun 2015 11:15:03
Reports in Germany saying we will use Sterling money to bid for Reus

26 Jun 2015 12:27:28
Ings, Milner, Firmino and Clyne. I just don't think my ting little mind will be able to handle the signing of Reus as well, not in one transfer window. :)

26 Jun 2015 12:45:39
So which money was spent on Clyne and Firmino?

They cutting back on fuel for Ian's Harley and making him negotiate via video chat?

26 Jun 2015 13:38:46
And in other news, reports are coming through that Hansel & Gretel have ventured into the woods and discovered a cottage made out of gingerbread.

26 Jun 2015 13:49:10
If that's true then can't wait for klip klopp to be announced

26 Jun 2015 13:02:49
I thought we were using the Sterling money to pay for Firmino, Gomez, Clyne etc.

{Ed002's Note - This is why we don't discuss money, you have a very naïve view of it.}

26 Jun 2015 13:54:29
And we will send Firmino on loan

26 Jun 2015 09:22:13
Why oh why are we not taking the £40m for Sterling? 1) he's not worth it, 2) he won't improve city but he will diminish their financials, 3) he really would not be missed on the LFC turf, 4) we could end up with him start of season and it be a disruption to squad. I can think of 5) 6) 7) etc all for but no against. Any light to shed re negatives?!

26 Jun 2015 10:07:45
We are holding out for more.

26 Jun 2015 10:14:38
I had this debate yesterday. I wouldn't be worried at all if he left especially at 40/50 million. However if he stays look at the competition he has for places this season, that can only develop his game. All the pressure of being the main man lifted off his shoulders, better coaches developing his game and better quality players around him. If he stays I again won't be too disappointed.

26 Jun 2015 10:22:51
1) They will pay more

Why lose out on extra money that could, for example, cover Ings' fee, if we don't have to? Don't forget that Citeh are trying to stage payments to stay within FFP so, using a personal example, you'd expect to pay more for an item if you are spreading the payments than if you paid cash up front, right?

Whilst we have dithered in the the incomings market in the past (hopefully no more) we have seemed to extract maximum value from our biggest assets - Suarez being prime example.

Most of us here are not ITK and therefore only base our opinions on negotiations on paper talk and any other snippets gleaned from this site and others. We have to trust the commercial guys at the club that they know what they're doing.

And if the upshot is we have loads of incomings and Sterling STAYS (toxicity aside) is that such a bad thing from a footballing point of view?

Happy to let the deal makers continue negotiating and extracting maximum value - I fully expect him to leave, BTW!

26 Jun 2015 11:16:11
He's going to be a cracking player let's face facts and get as much money as possible for him.

26 Jun 2015 12:08:49
You can only bluff so long when you don't hold any aces Mikey, were going all in with a pair of jacks, we will get our fingers burnt if we continue to push it.

26 Jun 2015 12:45:19
QPR are due their cut
We are in a strong negotiating position.

26 Jun 2015 13:54:38
Spot on Waro.

26 Jun 2015 16:27:58
Exactly, Waro! The club had better be careful or else City will back away and we will be in a world of hurt. Just take the offer and run before they change their minds. And NO, we are not in a strong position because you`re only worth what someone is willing to pay and if City think he isn`t worth what we want, they won`t pay and we`ll look like fools for it.

26 Jun 2015 09:06:17
Konoplyanka off to Spurs .thank f that's over !! Now I hope he's name is never mentioned on here again lol. Saga

26 Jun 2015 05:26:18
Hi Ed's first time posting, just wondering on the future of Lucas. Does it look likely he will stay? and if not are we looking at any defensive midfielders to replace him?

Thanks

{Ed001's Note - he was persuaded to stay in January, and is looking like staying right now, unless the club decide to push him out.}

26 Jun 2015 08:28:44
I know flannagan recently signed a new contract but does anyone know what the plan is for him?
Clynn (assuming we get him) and wisdom will be our RB's, am I correct in thinking flannagan is to battle Moreno for the LB spot?

26 Jun 2015 09:09:26
I don´t believe he will be able to play in the EPL after his injury nightmare. I heard that someone suggest that it could be microfracture he has suffered, and few come back to a 100% after such an injury. The contract he signed was a 1 year extention (AFAIK), and I think the club wants to take a chance and see if he can return to full fitness.

26 Jun 2015 09:11:18
Flanagan first has a battle to get fit after another injury and a year out so far . 18 months in all out injured if he's lucky

26 Jun 2015 09:41:37
I heard, before the start of last season, that his knees were shot and that he would be lucky to play at all (which turned out to be true). There is genuine concern that Flanagan may not, sadly, return from this injury nightmare - it would make sense, if this turns out to be the case, that the club look for another RB.

26 Jun 2015 09:59:14
I wonder if its not to also provide competition for RB as well?

Wisdom is as much in the mix for CB as RB, with Flanno for RB/LB and both of them being a bit more defensive minded that Moreno and Clyne, it gives us lots of options for different formations and cover.

26 Jun 2015 08:20:56
Benteke is the one we want and are only seeking alternatives to maybe drive price down at villa. And also in case they can't do benteke deal they need a back up.

Yes we sign good players but what drives me mad is we still apparently don't know what players play well together and have no plan in place is just he's ok buy him.

So expect a break from transfers after clyne then they hope to getbbenteke done in July. Once no one else comes in for him expect villa to come down to about 25m which we will reluctantly pay.

26 Jun 2015 08:38:46
Popular opinions among well respected journalists are that Benteke is a the primary target because Rodgers want him. It makes little sense to me to buy Benteke to play in a team that uses strengths which are mostly his weaknesses.

26 Jun 2015 08:56:14
Can't see this happening to be honest and I think we will get Bacca instead.

This would make me happier, I don't think Benteke is a good suit for Liverpool, let's be honest he's done nothing I can only hope Liverpool don't go in for him, he'd fail at Liverpool and any other top flight club.

26 Jun 2015 09:12:47
Exactly! So why sign him? Surely these people at the club know just a tiny little bit about football?

26 Jun 2015 09:17:25
Whatever happens with Benteke, if he becomes a Liverpool player, we give him our full support.

No better feeling than having the Kop on your side, but half the stadium on your back before you've even kicked a ball isn't what any player needs.

26 Jun 2015 09:50:08
You mean the quiet kop? Never hear any support nowadays pal!

26 Jun 2015 07:47:52
Who's this 1x1 clown?? Apparently he "grew up" in the 70's. Not sure about that, he should be old enough to have better bants and show a bit more class.

I'm not even going to disrespect your club because I admire what Southampton have achieved, it's quite amazing really. A very well run club. But people like you really don't represent the club particularly well. Don't get carried away after a couple of good seasons and stop being a prick

26 Jun 2015 08:44:28
My best mates a saints fan, he's exactly the same! They are doing well, may come top 8 again, they did well last year with signings, pelle, mane, Bertrand and even Elia did well. If they keep selling though, they will eventually have a year where they don't gel, and will find It hard to keep pace. If they lose schneiderlin they will struggle to replace him, even with their fantastic youth setup.

26 Jun 2015 09:18:20
I don't admire the way they're ran at all. They're constantly selling their best players and then trying to replace them on the cheap.

Complete lack of ambition. I believe the owner passed away and his kids turned the club into a cash cow. Don't get me wrong, it's a very well ran cash cow. No way can I admire a club content with finishing in the top 8 as long as their owners pocket a nice Christmas bonus though.

Imagine if in 2001 we'd sold Owen, Gerrard, Carragher etc to make a quick buck. We'd have been livid.

My admiration for Southampton starts and ends with the state of their finances.

26 Jun 2015 10:34:15
They definitely have a good youth set up churning out players with good attributes which they sell on at a good profit , I like their manager as well and so far they have reinvested some on their money quite well ala last year but maybe the bubble will burst as you can't keep selling your best and expect to do well in the prem league imo .

26 Jun 2015 14:41:15
I thought liebherr Died and his daughter just wants little to do with the football team and thus isn't interested in investing anymore?

I don't think there's anything wrong with selling players. Especially when they're so overpriced it's hard not to accept the bids. Lallana,Shaw,Schneiderlin,Lovren.

Especially getting in Bertrand,Wanyama,tadic,mane. You get the odd one that doesn't work out so well (ramirez)Over all I think for a club who apparently has an owner that doesn't want to invest more money and were in financial dificulties last year,they've done ok. I think ED002 said they really needed to sell last year,to get cash into the business.

I'm impressed with how they've gone about replacing players in general. There must surely come a point where they are stronger financially and won't need to sell.

Their current team for me is more than capable of competing.

26 Jun 2015 14:26:56
Suarez-Gerrard-Sterling!!

"Selling your best"???

Myopia is a truly wonderful attribute.

Mathematics are a lot more straight forward. Saints keep improving at the level they did last season and Liverpool keep declining at the level they did last season and Saints will finish above Liverpool at the end of next season.

Will that happen? Probably. Why? Saints have a manager who has a clear vision of what he wants to develop, shared by the Board, and will be given time and resource to do it. That will be your problem next season and as Utd have found, it will then take some time to sort it out once the owners look elsewhere.

Good luck with Clyne. I predict you will view him as another Dejan within a couple of months.

26 Jun 2015 04:31:12
I know it's been mentioned before, but with all these players coming in and talk that Liverpool are in talks with Bacca and Kovacic, my wonder is whoever is in charge, must have some sort of idea in mind who they are trying to get rid of, to have some sort of cohesive balanced happy squad, numbers have got to dwindle a little, so fellow reds who would you not mind letting go?

26 Jun 2015 06:54:34
Starting from the back i'd love to see mignolet replaced but that's not happening this year so moving on

Enrique - swapped for a set on training bibs
Skrtle
Allen
Sterling
Lambert
Borini
Ballotelli
Coates
Alberto
Aspas

26 Jun 2015 07:08:34
I'd add Mignolet to that list Carra.

Red Rum

26 Jun 2015 07:09:56
Skrtel
Sterling
Allen
Enrique
Balotelli
Borini
Aspas
Alberto
Coates
Lallana
Markovich out on loan
Lambert
Lovren
Manquillo sent back

26 Jun 2015 07:14:33
Is no one interested in enrique for free even?

26 Jun 2015 07:19:37
Sounds about right 23CG, except I am happy Migs is staying.
Any keeper that comes through a crisis of confidence is going to be a great keeper IMO.

26 Jun 2015 07:44:21
This is going to be controversial but I'd keep Balotelli. Sooner or later he will come good.

26 Jun 2015 07:55:24
Lallana shouldn't go!

26 Jun 2015 07:58:13
He may have gained more confidence but he is clearly lacking in ability. He's a good premier league keeper, and one of the best shot stoppers around, but every other part of his game is poor. Maybe he'll up his game next season, who knows?

Red Rum

26 Jun 2015 08:15:38
I'm always unsure on migs, sometimes he will have a good game, do everything right etc, then the next we look likely to concede each time its near him. John terry summed it up when he said cech will earn arsenal an extra 15 points a season, I could never have that faith in migs.

Ps I would also cancel manquillos loan, forgot about him

26 Jun 2015 08:48:34
Balotelli is an interesting one. When you saw some of his touches the lad has immense talent, some of the no looking back heel flicks straight to the runner, while holding up defenders were top class. He just wasn't scoring the goals and was very random as to whether he worked hard or not at all. Get the feeling he is like Sturridge (and to be fair any top forward), give them someone alongside as a threat to take some pressure off then you'll see the goals. Neither Suarez nor DS would have scored as many 2 seasons back without the other posing a threat. But on the downside, if the attitude ain't there then not worth it.

Bit surprised some want Lovren and Skrtel out. One or the other fine but not both. My understanding was the massive difference between one playing a high line and the other wanting to play very deep and cautiously. One or other needs to go but also whoever else is there needs to be playing the same way. Still think we need a much better CB to lead the defence but would settle if we're really going to stick to developing Can there and can improve the midfield cover.

26 Jun 2015 08:42:11
Regardless of who LFC want to move on, I don't think they will be able to move on everybody. For example, Enrique, Lambert, Balotelli, Allen, Skrtel might all stay.

26 Jun 2015 08:59:08
Enrique would need one of them bibs for when somebody is feeding him his dinner

26 Jun 2015 08:59:50
Fencey he wouldn't just be a free, he'd also come with a selfie stick, underwater camera and be well on track to be their new social media manager! For any high street shop he'd be a great employee

26 Jun 2015 09:51:04
Can't believe some posters are still backing Balotelli. He shows no desire or effort, scored a paltry amount of goals last season, is on big wages, doesn't link up effectively with the team, lacks fitness, positionally all over the place, the list goes on and on. He needs to go, he simply isn't good enough and we should never have taken such a huge gamble, especially given our record with last minute gambles previously (andy carroll).

26 Jun 2015 11:20:09
Anyone who goes to the game and has taken the time to watch Balotelli closely (as I've done) can only conclude he's the biggest waste of space and the biggest waste of money EVER.

26 Jun 2015 11:32:10
Ofcourse lallana should go, he isn't nearly good anough for a top 4 team(wich is what we want to be ), he isn't getting younger, he takes up space in the squad we could use for youth and/or a better player.
He never was and never will be anything more then a ok squad player.
So sell now while we still can get some money for him.

The rest is obvious, get rid of all the "older" high earning squad players and fill with youth and new higher caliber players one window at a time.


But that said, i don't expect that to happen. So until theire gone, i will support every singel one of them!! And none will walk alone as long as they are connected to the club in my heart.

26 Jun 2015 14:03:15
Lallana is a fantastic footballer. As you'll see this season. Watching him live at real speed you see how good his touch and awareness is. With better options forward of him and a clear run without injuries he'll prove himself an invaluable member of our squad.

26 Jun 2015 14:50:53
Nobody gets younger. Lallana is getting older at the same rate as everybody else. and he's not old to begin with.

He's also a very good player who had a sub par season after a high profile move.

Selling him would be mental.

25 Jun 2015 23:35:52
Hey eds/reds,
Please tell me we are not going for Benteke, I would rather not buy a striker and deal with what we have and bring Sinclair through than spend money on an overrated, injured lump that doesn't even slightly suit our style of play

26 Jun 2015 04:33:54
Agreed. I don't want Benteke at all.

Red Rum

26 Jun 2015 07:20:34
Balotelli mark 2

26 Jun 2015 08:02:07
I think I would rather Keep Balotelli than get Benteke in and spend 30 odd million for him, Just hope now we can get Kovacic and Bacca

26 Jun 2015 08:17:03
I've spoken to loads of Villa fans (I used to work in the Midlands) and he's not a lump. They all point to his movement as being great. You're doing the old big = lump thing again. He's nothing like Carroll and he's nothing like Balotelli. More Drogba if you ask me (who hadn't done anywhere near as much as Benteke at the same age). Cue the abuse! I reckon all this Bacca/Rondon stuff is a negotiating tactic to get Villa to shift on price. Unless someone else is going to pony up 32.5m then they're going to have to consider their options. This is their only chance to raise sufficient funds to rebuild their squad. If they don't sell him this summer that chance is gone. That's my theory anyway!

26 Jun 2015 08:44:13
Bacca's agent has confirmed LFC has shown a clear interest in him, so definitely not a "negotiation tactic".

26 Jun 2015 08:52:41
But Villa have another option, keep him and improve on last season. It isn't like Sterling where his head is completely wrong, agent playing up and clubs circling. My question is what will who we buy be. If Sturridge is fit then he starts but is that as an out and out goalscorer or as a roaming threat (which to me suits him better). Are we going to play a front 3 with Sturridge and Firmino roaming and Benteke (or Bacca) feeding off them? If not then have to ask why spend 30M+ on bench player when Ings is cheaper, still developing, already here and if only bench to come on will do a similar job.

26 Jun 2015 11:26:18
In the sense that we were told 32.5m or nothing from Villa and are now casting our net around it's clearly a negotiating tactic. It's not unusual. Our interest in the player hasn't gone away. We want Benteke, but we don't want to pay their asking price so we move down our list. As we do so Villa must weigh up whether we're the only show in town or not. If they have other bidders at their price fair do's. If Bacca was top of our list we wouldn't have asked about Benteke (who costs more) would we? FSG will always want a sizeable fee to be recoverable where possible. Bacca is a write down from the off.

26 Jun 2015 13:29:39
Benteke reminds you of Drogba, is that the Drogba we saw last year? In which case yes I agree, if you mean Drogba at his peak then absolutely no chance. Benteke is too lazy for the type of game we want to play. He only started scoring again because Sherwood went Allardyce and decided to just lump the ball to the target man ASAP

26 Jun 2015 16:09:55
What too lazy scoring goals? Why are people seemingly more keen to have someone they think will fit our system than someone who scores goals and does just fine in a Belgium team who don't lump it? Borini runs around a lot. Should we just stick with him then? Chelsea are the most successful team right now and they have good players, don't lump it and play with a strong, physical striker who holds the ball up well and brings others into the play. Seems to work for them.

25 Jun 2015 21:49:47
Ed001 is it a case of Clyne 1st choice and Wisdom as cover or a straight fight between the two?If I am being honest I don't see the need for Clyne,Wisdom is the better defender for me.
Barry inLouth

{Ed001's Note - I doubt Clyne has come in to sit on the bench mate.}

26 Jun 2015 04:23:24
Exactly what i have been saying Barry. We need defenders who defend first and foremost and not charge forward at every opportunity they get. Wisdom is calm on the ball and his primary instinct is defending which is a must for our team with all the attacking minded players waiting to burst forward. Clyne is a better wing back imo but Wisdom fits what the team really needs better.

26 Jun 2015 08:45:41
Clyne will be first choice. If Flanagan was fit, I doubt Wisdom would have been given a new contract. Next summer, when Flanagan is recovered and ready, a decision will be made between him and Wisdom IMO.

26 Jun 2015 08:55:01
Ed is Wisdom possibly being looked at as the defensive mid player who can protect the defence? He is a good ball player after all.

{Ed001's Note - no.}

26 Jun 2015 12:38:06
Clutching at straws there lad

26 Jun 2015 00:16:09
You will probably all find this strange ?

Somehow I cannot see Rodgers in charge next season.

It is not a gut feeling, I just don't see him being there.

{Ed007's Note - It's not the strangest thing I've stumbled upon on here.}

26 Jun 2015 02:32:28
Have you considered visiting an optometrist?

26 Jun 2015 07:21:26
Alright Mr Geller.

26 Jun 2015 07:37:25
To be honest, with the eds saying Rodgers didn't sign Firmino or didn't want him it makes me wonder who's calling the shots.
If Rodgers isn't making the calls on who he's signing he must be hanging on by a thread, if we have a disaster and we are nowhere by Christmas would he still be there??

26 Jun 2015 07:49:01
It looks like he'll be given another season, but I think the very tough early run of away games, combined with rodgers' usual very slow start every season, will see us fall to a very disappointing league position by november, and I think this time the owners will act.
We can't say he is a transfer dealing idiot any more, but whatever his merits or otherwise as a tactician, he doesn't seem able to motivate the team to come out and compete, and if you don't compete hard in the PL you'll get turned over every time.
I hate to say this because I really want to back the manager, and I don't think he's a bad guy, and he has given it his best shot and he is a hard working man, but after the stoke game I don't have any faith or optimism that he can get us back into the CL, even with a better squad at his disposal.

26 Jun 2015 08:58:11
Thing is we're in world of having it both ways. Wasn't one of the statements that he's staying providing he agrees to transfer policy. Problem is if he doesn't buy the players it is a bit rich to sack the guy if they don't work out. The purchases need to be seriously hot to justify that. Also not surprised he is still there. The club has ruled it wants young for the future, can't really blame the manager for not getting results right now in that situation. Having said all that, if he doesn't deliver at least CL with this squad I reckon they'll bring in someone they believe can make use of what they've bought - if they can find someone who'll let other people decide what his squad looks like or someone they trust to spend the money himself.

26 Jun 2015 14:06:45
Love posts like this. I bet Yuri watches Ancient Aliens & Hangar 1: UFO Files.

26 Jun 2015 00:43:53
Why try for benteke when Mitrovic is available. Younger and much better player who would cost significantly less.

26 Jun 2015 04:26:14
We need an experienced and pacy striker who fits into our style of play. Neither Benteke or Mitrovic are the answer. If the club cannot get Bacca, then i hope we turn our attentions to Aubameyang who would also fit in well. Last season proved Brendan does not have a clue how to use a target man, so why do u think anything will change next season? Better to improve on Plan A than prepare for Plan B.

25 Jun 2015 23:45:34
How could we let Everton buy Deulofeu so cheap?

We should attempted to hijack the deal with a 'cheeky bid'.

I'd have offered £1.5 million, Fabio Borini's collection of scarves and Brendan Rodger's signed bed-side picture of Joe Allen.

Barca wouldn't of been able to say no.

26 Jun 2015 02:34:59
We couldn't decide whether a cheeky bid or a smokescreen was the right move, so missed out on another world class signing.

26 Jun 2015 06:29:22
If there's on thing we need, its definately another winger

26 Jun 2015 11:25:15
Ah, I remember when 'cheeky' bids, 'sneaky' bids, smokescreens, and who knows what other improbable and machiavellian manoeuvres were regularly proposed by our fellow fans.
Sadly we still sometimes talk of 'deadwood', or post all manner of unlikely transfer budget summaries (eg 'ballotelli out 28 million, allen out 17m, aguero in 10m', etc).
I can still remember the days when dodgy rumours and sightings abounded (who could forget the classic 'ozil seen today getting into a taxi at manchester airport singing "ET go home"?)
Now that we actually have some clue about what is really happening thanks to the Eds, the dodgy rumour mongers seem to have moved on to pastures new- well mostly.
Vietto seen this morning at Melwood, anyone?