Liverpool Banter Archive January 27 2016

27 Jan 2016 21:45:53
Here's hoping we stick with youngsters to play West Ham in the FA Cup this weekend. Our 1st team need the rest and it would send out all the right positives to the youngsters and build their experience for the future. We have a day at Wembley already nothing to lose?

27 Jan 2016 21:52:45
cant disagree more we need to win games now to move forward playing the kids will see a good west ham team beat us.
what lesson will that give the young players.

27 Jan 2016 21:53:17
I'd say a mixture of young and old, although Ward has to start for me!

27 Jan 2016 21:56:22
Behave.

27 Jan 2016 22:03:23
im sure we saw west ham beat our first team already this season mystic.

27 Jan 2016 22:10:11
Nope. I want Liverpool to win and go to the next round. This isn't Exeter. Play our best team.

27 Jan 2016 22:50:56
Yeah let's play the young lads an get beat 8 nil ya clowns.

27 Jan 2016 23:01:57
Tough one this, I mean, it is the FA cup. That said, our best finish in years came with no cup footy and no euro.
If you had a choice:
1. Progress further in the FA cup and the europa and finish 6th
2. Out of the FA, some progress in europa and finish 5th
3. Out of FA and europa and finish 4th
Easy choice surely?

27 Jan 2016 23:52:18
Klopp needs to rotate and rest players more - it is clear to see that a lot of the players are tiring. I think Klopp has been slightly naïve as to the demands of the playing schedule. We will most likely pay the price in one of the competitions. I hope I am very wrong though, but still feel Klopp needs to rotate the squad more.

27 Jan 2016 23:38:11
If you think Klopp will just allow another loss without a whimper vs WH which is what will happen if we play the kids, then you're fooling yourself. I hate losing and so does Klopp. He will play a team competitive enough to finally beat WH who we have let off the hook by never challenging them physically in our two losses. Play every game to win it and stop with this thing about saving players for other games.

28 Jan 2016 00:56:11
Liverpres
If you were to rotate the squad as klopp and taking into account current injuries and poor performances from certain individuals how would you rotate the squad without affecting what has been improved on the pitch since he took over?

Who would you rotate and who would you keep as a regular as there has to be certain players in a rotation system that just has to keep playing to keep consistently in their playing style and performance

Would be interesting to see what others opinions on this would be

Personally right now I don't think a rotation system would work very well as we just have too many on the books who quite frankly are just not good enough to be at the club at present and hopefully will be moved on this summer and replaced with real quality and then a possible rotation system could be implemented to a certain degree but a system like that takes time to get right it's not as simple as many think.

28 Jan 2016 01:18:55
Bring in a few youngsters to freshen things up and rest Firmino. this is what I'd go with

-------------Migs----------
Clyne--Lovren--Sakho--Smith
------------Can------------
------Allen-----Teixera----
Ojo-------Benteke-------Ibe.

28 Jan 2016 02:22:28
Savvy - Klopp has rotated players somewhat, but not enough. I hear what you're saying with injuries etc - they haven't helped. Smith and Allen are two players that could have had a start or two recently. I also don't think it would be the worst idea to start Benteke in certain games. I do trust Klopp, but think even he would admit that the heavy schedule of games has taken its toll, and in hindsight, maybe he would have rested players more where the situation/ game allowed.

28 Jan 2016 02:24:22
Zimbo - I almost agree fully - I think Can would benefit from a rest also. Lucas in for Can.

28 Jan 2016 02:28:31
not a bad selection Zimbo

I would swap Clyne for flanno and swap the position of can and allen with lovren behind allen

SO WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS

--------Migs-------

Flanno-sakho-smith

------Lovren-----

------Allen------

---Can-----Texeira---

Ojo---Benteke---Ibe--.

28 Jan 2016 03:59:41
------Ward------
Flanno---Lovren---Sakho---Smith
-----------Lucas-----------
- ----Can---------Hendo--------
Ibe------Benteke-------Lallana.

28 Jan 2016 05:05:17
I find it amusing that people are posting about our best team and we have to give ourselves the best chance etc when WH have beaten us soundly recently. Its about adapting to the game and doing things the opposition find difficult to play against. They clearly don't find out "first team" difficult to play against. IE weak at defending crosses and set pieces, a lack of pace and penetration up front. considering out goal scoring record generally why not play young forwards?

27 Jan 2016 20:52:44
Eds, with all the talk about Studge hanging up his boots I was wondering if a club would take out some form of insurance against one their prized assets retiring due to injury? Does such a thing exist?

{Ed001's Note - yes and it is standard.}

27 Jan 2016 21:14:59
Thanks ed. I take it the club wouldn't get as much as if they'd sold him but at least we'd get something.

{Ed001's Note - if he was retiring through injury, how could you sell him?}

27 Jan 2016 21:18:56
Not that there is any question at all about him retiring?

27 Jan 2016 21:33:35
why would he retire when he and his crutches can travel the world paid for by us till he contract runs down?

27 Jan 2016 21:53:08
Very harsh to put it that way Danny. He's not some spoilt brat who deserves that kind of hate. The guy is having a hard time. Give him a break.

27 Jan 2016 21:54:19
Through injury?

27 Jan 2016 23:59:42
Arcrux - was that pun intended?

28 Jan 2016 01:11:06
Arcrux the kid declares himself fit for the glamor games then he suddenly gets injured for the exeter games of the season plus anyone else notice most of are injured players at the game last night how often do u see studge at games when not fit?

27 Jan 2016 21:54:29
You know what I meant ed. we wouldn't get his full value as if he were a fit player being sold. Don't be so argumentative! ;-)

27 Jan 2016 23:27:58
Edd001 is sturridge really considering retiring?

{Ed001's Note - I never said that, we were discussing what happens if a player did retire.}

28 Jan 2016 02:26:09
Danny - they usually show an injured Sturridge at most games that I see on TV.

27 Jan 2016 20:40:31
Good evening fellow Reds,

Here's hoping for a people's league up final.
Quick question for anyone- where are we getting our money from?

Much love,

N.

27 Jan 2016 21:06:18
Texiera shirt sales?

27 Jan 2016 20:05:59
Silly season is well and truly under way.
We are now being linked with Gary Cahill from Chelsea as he is unhappy at lack of playing time.
Agents and media are really earning their money in this window.

27 Jan 2016 18:57:01
I can't wait for the summer as with the TV revenue, competition earnings and transfer sales we will be able for Jurgen Klopp to start building his legacy at the club. JK will already have decided which players have o future with us and what areas need to be strengthened adding to Marko Grujic who has already been signed this is going to be a very exciting transfer window. Before then we have to take the positives at the moment we are still competing in all four of the competitions which we started the season in and we have already booked our place in the league cup final, with the team that Brendan Rodgers built. The Norwich game reminded me about the season when we scored 100 goals and the mindset that if you score then we will score more. Roberto Firmino is getting played in a position to which he seems more suited and with our injured players returning imminently our season could still turn out to be fantastic. It is time to rebuild fortress Anfield and trophies will follow.

27 Jan 2016 19:16:11
Liverpool A.

27 Jan 2016 18:38:02
With news breaking that Torres is being let go by athletico I can't help but reflect on his time spent with us. I used to love Fernando and it really hurt when he left. But I was hoping he would get his fairytale ending to his career.

27 Jan 2016 18:44:46
He did win ucl medal with chelsea.

27 Jan 2016 19:14:58
Cheeky six month loan bid anyone?

(And yes, that is a joke) .

27 Jan 2016 21:12:41
I too was hurt when he left. Great memories of him tearing it up. He was not as successful as Suarez, but I still preferred him - the way he went about his goals - pretty to watch.

27 Jan 2016 18:04:06
Read bookies make us favourites to sign Cahill from Chelsea.

Possible BS, but would fans here prefer him over Matip? If we are looking at both as options.

27 Jan 2016 18:16:36
I really don't rate Cahill, Matip would be better.

27 Jan 2016 18:16:47
I would take cahill good player under rated at chelsea.

27 Jan 2016 18:38:31
John terry has made Cahill look like a good player now for years

He's definitely what we DO NOT need.

27 Jan 2016 18:49:28
I'd take Cahill, when toure leaves and if skrtel does we would be lacking experience. I think Cahill is as good as we have at the back, good in the air and hopefully will be able to lead with the knowledge of terry. Don't see it happening mind.

27 Jan 2016 22:05:38
As good as we have at the back fency?

Are you serious?

Why replace below average defenders with another below average defender it makes no sense whatsoever

Cahill would never be of such high regard as he is without john terry beside him and to be honest in regards to john terry in his day he is/ was one of the best defenders around for years imagine how good skittles would be regarded if he was playing alongside terry week in week out

There's a lot better out there than Cahill

Really hope there's no foundation to this rumour.

27 Jan 2016 22:55:52
Better than any our centre halfs .

28 Jan 2016 01:04:04
It's only better
I slightly agree he is better than what we currently have but seriously he has had his best days at chelski and he's not what we need as he's not a leader and has never shown the capacity of being one which is essentially one of the most important things a top centre back needs

Being able to kick and head a ball would be a bonus can't discredit him for that but like I said there better out there than him we should keep looking around there's plenty of fish in the sea and must be a monster catch out there somewhere nobody has noticed yet.

27 Jan 2016 17:59:35
I would keep my war chest in tact if I were Klopp. The market is so much easier in summer. All kind of options to improve the first team. I like Texiera but I'd love a really big proven player to come in. This would have to be entirely on the back of klopps name as I can't see us getting top 4.

I think Dortmund will have some changes over the summer and we could benefit. One or two of there squad greatly improve our first team. I don't think Klopp would ever raid his old club out of respect but I think we could pick up one or two who enjoyed working with him and both clubs benefit.

It's certainly worth waiting to see who is going to be available and see if we can develop Ojo and Origi as well as Ings in the meantime.

I am adamant we need a striker, I don't think Texiera is going to get us 20 plus goals from an attacking midfield position in the prem? Maybe he will be another false 9 but he doesn't look like he will lead the line to me, which is what we need.

27 Jan 2016 18:06:44
I think Texeira would have been brought in as a striker, not an AM, my opinion really based on his current playing style at Donetsk.

27 Jan 2016 18:09:26
Develop Ings in the meantime? What before the summer?

Yeah, good one!

27 Jan 2016 18:04:35
This summer won't be as easy as the last one to get in players I think due to the Euros.

27 Jan 2016 18:04:35
This summer won't be as easy as the last one to get in players I think due to the Euros.

27 Jan 2016 16:14:43
Interview with alex teixeira. Asked about joining Liverpool.

27 Jan 2016 17:44:25
I don't know how AnnfieldHQ pulled this interview off, but surely shakhtar knew about it? Are they using this to try and get us to pay more for him? I'm really confused I've never seen anything like this before.

27 Jan 2016 17:44:25
I don't know how AnnfieldHQ pulled this interview off, but surely shakhtar knew about it? Are they using this to try and get us to pay more for him? I'm really confused I've never seen anything like this before.

27 Jan 2016 17:44:25
I don't know how AnnfieldHQ pulled this interview off, but surely shakhtar knew about it? Are they using this to try and get us to pay more for him? I'm really confused I've never seen anything like this before.

27 Jan 2016 18:06:13
Wow very interesting interview! Almost unreal.

27 Jan 2016 18:05:30
Wouldn't Teixeira be in a lot of trouble after this interview? I cannot imagine Shakhtar will allow such a thing to happen.

27 Jan 2016 18:05:30
Wouldn't Teixeira be in a lot of trouble after this interview? I cannot imagine Shakhtar will allow such a thing to happen.

27 Jan 2016 19:01:33
Is the translation accurate? I don't speak Portuguese (I assume that's what he's speaking, given his nationality) .

{Ed002's Note - Brazilian Portuguese which is different to Portuguese.}

27 Jan 2016 19:32:01
Hey ed's after this interview where he supposedly says he wants to come to Liverpool, I wonder if he's being truthful or would he say something similar tomorrow if Chelsea or city or whoever put in a bid for him? My point is does he really want to come to anfield or does he just want out to any big club? Cheers for any opinions.

{Ed002's Note - He has previously thanked the other interested clubs and has on plenty of occasions mentioned Chelsea.}

27 Jan 2016 20:10:09
Thanks for the reply . Have a good evening.

{Ed002's Note - And you.}

27 Jan 2016 22:04:56
The translation is correct except for when talking about the offer sum. Translation says 32m euros, what he actually says is 'don't know how many millions'.

28 Jan 2016 00:57:02
Thought he was a bit hesitant walking up the stairs at the end. Hamstrings must be dodgy. Surely we could haggle them down a few million based on that ;)

27 Jan 2016 16:52:25
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Man City Set For Kompany Boost, Lionel Messi's Barcelona Contract Details Leaked And More

27 Jan 2016 16:36:02
Hello everyone just a quick question everyone going on over matip I don't rate him that well expecially for the prem because of strength I would prefer illori giving a chance this season same build in player size ha but for me shawcross would be better to me since he's solid English and a leader type also anyone over skittle or toure who would you prefer if you could pick someone thankyou for the info on the page and patience over some people.

27 Jan 2016 15:24:54
Ed1 are you going to make your way to Wembley for the final mate?

{Ed001's Note - I wish mate, I can't afford it.}

27 Jan 2016 15:41:21
I should have a spare ticket. I have access to club Wembley through work, maybe we could set up some sort of raffle for a good cause for the members on the site. I don't know how we'd go about it and I'm not certain I've got them yet but maybe in a few days I'll know.

27 Jan 2016 16:29:30
Dude that's so cool of you good to see good people out in this world.

27 Jan 2016 16:47:28
If you decide you'd rather just sell it Barney I'm buying!

27 Jan 2016 16:57:42
If it comes off. Would be epic.

27 Jan 2016 17:53:33
Get in line hjikle!
😉
What would be the entry fee of this draw be and how many tickets max per person?

27 Jan 2016 14:56:30
Ed's 002 can we have the transfer updates everyone is eagerly waiting for today please?

{Ed002's Note - Tomorrow BD. Maybe this evening.}

27 Jan 2016 15:30:56
Thanking you in advance Ed's 002.

27 Jan 2016 14:35:09
Why don't they put the money they are will to pay for Matip towards Teixeira and sign Matip on a pre contract.

27 Jan 2016 12:58:46
Offer gone in for Matip?

Let the hate commence in three, two, one.

27 Jan 2016 13:24:52
The fact howedes is injured means they will not sell Matip.

27 Jan 2016 14:05:20
I really hope the deal is for Matip to join in the summer. In case anyone has not noticed, we have 6 senior CBs on our books right now. We certainly do not need a 7th unless a couple of them leave.

27 Jan 2016 16:06:14
Matip ain`t coming till the summer.

27 Jan 2016 16:06:14
Matip ain`t coming till the summer.

27 Jan 2016 12:31:57
Ed1 or 2, I can't remember which of you commented on mark Hughes yesterday, saying about how he kept players and staff segregated and it causes problems when the 💩 hits the fan.

I was just wondering how you see klopps approach and staff integration so far. Do they speak decent English?

When things went wrong in his previous club, - what happened? Players (like Chelsea) staff (like United) or just had taken the club as far as he could? Maybe a strange question, but I'm interested in what failed in the final season! Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - he prefers to integrate everyone, even the coaching staff's Xmas dinner was one big meal for all the staff and players. Dortmund had just been taken as far as he could take them and were hit with a few big players with long term injuries and they were not finding the bargains they were.}

27 Jan 2016 13:05:43
I think losing your best players continuously to your direct rival would discourage anyone and as ED said injuries took their toll. Plus the club can't keep on finding players like Goetze and Lewandowski.

But I think they still have a very good squad so on the whole a job very well done.

27 Jan 2016 19:36:12
Did he not get them back on track before the end of the season?

27 Jan 2016 12:06:13
I'd like to open a debate for all posters end would love the Eds input aswell if they have an opinion about Jordan Ibe.

Im of the opinion he doesn't know his role in the team, I don't mean his match to match instructions I mean his natural postitional role in the team. He's not sure if he's a winger, Inside forward of second striker and because of this isn't able put a run of games together to progress in his role. There is no doubting his ability or his attitude but he just seems abit lost right now, And I think it would benefit him to be given a role and one to one coaching to understand his role because for me he's just the fast guy at the minute. Maybe even take him out of the team for awhile to asses his game then bring him back in when he has a better understanding of his role.

Just my opinion. Thanks.

27 Jan 2016 12:13:43
He has all the undesirable qualities you expect from a rough youngster. i'm no expert in coaching so I wouldn't know what to alter to improve him but I believe he will turn out to be a very talented player, and he needs the time to develop.

27 Jan 2016 12:28:51
I think a short term loan move or an extended run in the reserve team might help Ibe. All the hype and attention that came his way when Sterling left for City has not helped one bit. Too much pressure and expectation on the lad imo.
Time to give Ojo and Kent a run out and give Ibe some breathing space. Same goes for Moreno and Can, who have been woeful and need some time out.

27 Jan 2016 12:38:39
his confidence must get zapped everytime milner and lallana are chosen over him. I know I would.

27 Jan 2016 12:48:49
So you want to remove Ibe, Moreno and Can for some time. Idk what to say to that but let me try:

Can: he drive us forward with his runs. Yes he is not the finished article but we really really need him. Apart from him there is nobody who can provide this in the midfield. Lucas has defensive duty, Hendo has to create space with passes, press players and be there in the box to attack. Allen is best as as an attacking mid, forward passes and likes to be in and around the box to attack balls. Can is our best and only box to box midfielder. Maybe a one match break for him but nothing more than that.

Ibe : He is our only source of speed. Granted he is not very good atm but gives us the option to stretch the defenses. Maybe he can be rotated with Ojo but we can't afford to drop him.

Moreno : Smith is still inexperienced. Again maybe Moreno should be substituted to give some gametime to Smith. But Moreno is sometimes our only outlet to attack


It would be very very foolish to drop these 3 players for any amount of time. They need to learn while playing and we need to be patient and as supportive as possible.

27 Jan 2016 12:52:09
What worries me is that he seems to be pouting, he looks sullen all of a sudden, which is ridiculous considering he has not been in a good form recently (just my opinion) . Bad form I can understand, especially considering his age, but displays of attitude are something I cannot stand. Getting his head down and working hard for the team would be some of his most important assets if he wants to nail down a place in the team. I cannot understand where this attitude is coming from, and so recently, he has been getting quite a few chances in the first team.

27 Jan 2016 12:53:59
Hes class . And should be playing every game . he's a defenders nightmare unlike anyone else in our team except sturridge . as for position i'd say left wing. he's rapid . Very strong / skillful and has an exellent shot . Decission making though is not there yet . Probably due to the people around him . that's my opinion . he's my 3rd fav player behind lucas snd sturridge .

27 Jan 2016 13:15:36
I'd like to see Smith get a game and rest Moreno. As for Ibe, I understand the post and think within the next 18 months we'll have some player on our hands. He is young, but good enough and old enough for first team football. I think he has much to learn in the final part of his run, his final ball. That will come. He seems to have a professional head on his shoulders and less fame hungry like Sterling did IMO.

Let's keep, fingers crossed he stays like he is and he never gets an Aidy Ward type agent.

27 Jan 2016 13:42:43
He isn`t class in any shape or form and is currently having stinkers at the moment. Vs Norwich and Stoke, he kept coming inside to were the defenders were instead of taking the ball wide to stretch them. He didn`t put in one cross yesterday and he had opportunities to. I like him as a player and is still rough around the edges but to say he`s class is incorrect.

27 Jan 2016 14:52:52
To me ibe need to learn to cross earlier. I see him best as a traditional winger. Lots of time he tried to cut in instead of just crossing which would be much better choice. Not saying he shouldn't cut in when there's opportunity but usually it's already cramp inside plus him cutting him and having no space to shoot or even pass ending up losing the ball.

27 Jan 2016 15:00:21
I just don't think he's as good as people say he is. His decision making has always been dubious to say the least. Can is the same thing, sure he has potential, they both do but they both have a long way to go.

27 Jan 2016 11:50:25
Hey folks,

Off the back of a satisfying (and often terrifying) victory yesterday, I am in a reflective mood.

Given that stage we are not at in the window - less than a week to go- which clubs have done the best business so far, not just in terms of the fees paid and individual players bought, but in terms of addressing their shortcomings as effectively as possible for the last few months of the season?

Do you think Adebayor will set the world alight at Selhurst Park? Will Stevie's cousin give Oldham an all important lift? Or is Jonjonjonjonjo going to finally find his niche?

From my PoV, I'll tip Demerai Gray and Charlie Austin to fit in well at Leicester and Southampton respectively, giving Leicester a bit more depth and Austin pitching in with a fair few goals for the Saints.

Z.

27 Jan 2016 12:33:20
Hasn't been a lot done to be fair. The ones I'm surprised haven't done business is Spurs. With another good striker they could make a push for the title but they are a kane injury away from falling out of the top 4. Austin seems like good business but his wages are huge and his attitude poor ( according to what was said in here a year ago) . Palace need goals and adebayour may do that for them for a couple of months until he loses interest ( also read he's on an incentive based contact which is about the only way he'll make the effort)

27 Jan 2016 13:23:29
I think Palace have made a huge mistake, which I'm glad about. Both Austin and Shelvey will be good signings. I saw on some programme each prem place is worth £3m. I think Austin will put Saints two places higher then without him, that's £6m and pays for himself.

27 Jan 2016 10:56:53
good day eds fellow reds from all over. i'm from South Africa and been a fanbof this site when I happened upon it way back in 2012. always wanted to write but every1 asks (often at your nauseum eds) what i wud.

so first let me thank you for an amazing site (s) and for all the hard work u do. from yhe majority on here it is not unnoticed an appreciated.

lastly, apologies for the long post but i'm alwyas interested in what your views are eds. so would like to ask for a summary of players you would bring to the attention of Klopp if u had 10min of his time.

ive seen Mitrovic play and ed 02 did say he would of been more appropriate for us. so could u indulge us please with your opinions would add ro our squad if they gave u guys the purse string?

{Ed001's Note - Jan Oblak, Mattia Perin or, if Kevin Trapp is going to keep him out of the team, Sirigu for goalie.
Someone such as Mustafi, possibly Murillo of Inter or maybe Musacchio of Villareal. Knoche of Wolfsburg has looked decent on the few times I have seen him play. Veltman of Ajax could be worth a closer look as well for centre back.
Not sure what other positions I would want to prioritise until I knew for sure who was going.}

27 Jan 2016 14:12:47
001 what do you make of Diego Lopez. I watched him closely at madrid where I thought he was very good and should have easily replaced casillas. He's now been replaced by a 16 year old at ac milan but if reports are to be believed this youngster is top notch and losing a place to him shouldn't be disheartening.
I haven't watched him for 2 years though. Could you give input. For me if he's still close to the player I saw at real I think he could be an option.

{Ed001's Note - he was crap at Madrid though! He has never been any good and he just got lucky to be there as a back up when Casillas was being a pain. He was never anywhere near good enough to be a number one.}

27 Jan 2016 16:00:43
The kid (Donnarumma) initially got a chance because Lopez isn't that good; he is excellent though, Donnarumma, playing way above what you'd expect for a 'keeper of his age.

I'd take Jan Oblak in a heartbeat though.

27 Jan 2016 10:46:47
You would think we lost 6 0 to acrington Stanley (who are they) . Come on people enjoy we are in a final for the first time in a 4 years. We played better than them in the way game they played better than us the second. But what does that mattter. One word WEMBLEY, how do you like them Apple's stoke.

27 Jan 2016 11:48:16
Red and ripe!

27 Jan 2016 10:11:57
I find it so difficult to understand how many people can be negative about last night. Who cares how we played, I would rather play crap and scrape the final than play wonderful football and lose out on a cup. Also, great to see the team spirit looking so good recently, players really seem to like and respect Klopp.

27 Jan 2016 10:29:24
Do you not want your team to improve? you can't just say oh we won, who gives a crap because it was luck we beat stoke. we were not good at all. do you want to go into the final just counting on blind look?

The reason we are pplaying even worse lately because klopp is forgetting what is most important and that is scoring goals. the best form of defense is a good offense and as the match went on last night the players looked bewildered. They struggled to play attacking football and they are incapable of doing so against sides that know how to defend.

firmino is the only player that knows how break down defenses, shame about the rest of the team backing him up. lucas, can, hendo, lallana, milner while all can be usefull, playing that combination of players is never going to get you anywhere.

27 Jan 2016 10:47:42
Agree with stuie_boy.

Klopp has taken over a mid table team. Rodgers has bought a mid-table team.
With all the injuries it is a great achievement to reach a final. Hopefully we may have a few back for the final.

Patience is required. Klopp will need to sort out Rodgers mess in the summer. If he can get us to a final with this team imagine what he is capable of with HIS team.

27 Jan 2016 11:06:05
In my experience you learn from mistakes but you don't improve as a team if you are getting bad results.
Bad results are like a virus to the body, they sap your energy and they cloud your judgements, they inhibit your powers of expression and bring your mood down.

You need confidence to improve, you need confidence to try new things. Confidence can come from the manager, but if the manager is fighting various different battles then it can be difficult. Positive results help confidence. We are one game away from being in Europe next year. That will help with summer budgets and it will help with confidence. It will take a lot of pressure off.

Klopp is vexed and agitated on the touch line because he cares. He cares about the club and he cares about his own reputation. If you're spending every training session drumming in the same message and they go on to the pitch and let you down, I can see why he's getting angry.

I'd rather that than sitting there impassively.

27 Jan 2016 11:14:20
In the first leg we outplayed them, they outplayed us last night, but only just. In the end the only thing that matters is the result, not sure how anyone can think otherwise? If we won the cup, no ones going to remember how we played in the semi final second leg are they?

27 Jan 2016 11:35:19
Superb,

You're making excuses for Klopp there. For all his fault Rodger's did not produce a mid table team, last season we finished 6th with 62 points, it was bad for us but it wasn't mid-table. Yes there are improvements to be made in the summer but we all expected Klopp to do more with this group of players than he's done so far.

Klopp will get the time he needs but I'm not prepared to write off this season as Rodger's mess up.

{Ed001's Note - so where in the table where we when Rodgers left? Was it not midtable?}

27 Jan 2016 11:48:13
Obviously I would like the team to improve, I don't recall saying I wouldn't. How is Klopp forgetting we need to attack?! He is doing his best with the players he has available, if you could magic us another striker, please do. Let's just all enjoy the moment for now and appreciate that Klopp has got us in a cup final against, may I add, a very decent Stoke team, regardless of whether it was penalties or not. As Fencey said, no one remembers anything but who won.

27 Jan 2016 11:50:56
To be fair it was also lucky for Stoke to be ahead from an offside goal. Did they play better than us? Yes, but we played like we were afraid to lose the slender lead we got from the first leg. We also looked tired from our heavy game load. Including last night we have played 20 matches since the start of November whilst Stoke have played 16 matches. Up to last night we had 9 injuries to first team players whilst Stoke had 3 (Adams being injured last night so not counted) . These might sound like excuses but I think it shows some character in the team and a stronger willingness to not give up. That first half was as dire as under BR but BR had few injuries, had a pre-season with the team and cannot claim game fatigue was a factor. I do not think of Klopp as a messiah of some sort but he doesn't strike me as a person to throw his close colleagues "under the bus" so that he's not hit and he has showed on several occasions he's willing to try a few things whereas BR often lacked any plan B. and like most of the country I find his enthusiasm infectious and warming. How many of us punched the sky and shouted with every bad pass, etc., during the Norwich game along with Klopp. how many of us wished we were in the middle of that post Allen goal huddle. And how many of us are happy when he's openly shouting at a player for not doing the task he was charged with? I know I'm ecstatic that he has a go. Now this might be a bad thing or a good thing depending upon perspective but Klopp gives me a feeling that he is like one of us when he's managing the game and I (for one) am willing to wait until he can put his own stamp on the team. YNWA.

27 Jan 2016 11:55:30
In Klopp i trust. Like you said he has a right to be annoyed. I am sure he will make adjustments in the summer and if we can get a more mobile, talented striker i dare say he will be selling Benteke for a good price.
Most of us agreed that this season it was fair to let Klopp work things out and not to judge him on results.

My only slight disappointment is that some of the youth squad have not played as much as i would like. I think Smith should have played in a few not to mention one or two others.

27 Jan 2016 12:09:59
Ed1, you're doing what you always tell me off for. After 8 games we were 10th, and that is mid table but we'd only played 8 games, one point behind 7th, 2 points behind 6th and three behind 4th. We had better points per game then than we do now.

We all knew Klopp would need time to implement his style but we also thought there'd have been more of an improvement by now. Because it's taking longer than expected everyone's making excuses. The reason we're where we are is because Klopp's finding it harder than we or he thought he would, simple as.

{Ed001's Note - my point is that Rodgers had left us in midtable with a bunch of midtable players, so how is it not midtable? I am not doing anything like you claim, I am just pointing out that we were midtable under the clueless fat bloke and now we have a decent guy and you are getting on his back when he hasn't turned a steaming pile of cack into Barcelona after a few weeks.}

27 Jan 2016 12:29:36
I'm sorry but the Ed is right, you have to have the players as well as the know how. You can see what Klopp is trying to do, finding his best 11, his best set up depending on the opponent etc. The fact people are saying he should have done more is absurd. This season was always going to be a 'bedding' in season and I think if we can win a trophy, then that is a success in my eyes and if we can snatch a top 4 spot then that will be a bonus. The fickleness of some supporters never ceases to amaze me.

27 Jan 2016 12:39:30
Muscaret are you for real, Rodgers left all this crap at the club after spending vast fortunes, klopp has come in with no preseason, games every couple of days with a mountain of injuries, and you're expecting miracles.

27 Jan 2016 14:03:19
@ Muscat : I don't think this season has been written off. aren't we still in FA and Europa apart from the Carling cup final. Yes the league form is inconsistent but that is a marathon and one needs time and good preparation for that.

Honestly I fail to see how were are worse than when BR left us. Personally I think we are much much better.

Normally like your posts but little disappointed with your lack of patience and objectivity.

27 Jan 2016 14:43:52
I don't think we're worse now, I just think we're no better.

27 Jan 2016 14:43:52
I don't think we're worse now, I just think we're no better.

27 Jan 2016 09:24:39
Eds I need a bit of your knowledge if you have the time, why does the away goals rule come in after 90 mins? Then surely one team has 90 mins to score an away goal and the other 120. Any information would be appreciated it's one of those that I haven't got my head around.

{Ed001's Note - it is just one of those quirks of the game they probably should change.}

27 Jan 2016 09:51:46
I don't particularly mind that rule to be honest I'd personally change it to away goals rule after 90 mins and then golden goal in extra time if it gets there.

27 Jan 2016 09:52:21
I imagine because the team that is away in the second leg gets and extra 30 minutes at home. Therefore, the away side is compensated with an extra 30 minutes to get an away Goal.

27 Jan 2016 11:01:03
Walls I get that, but no matter how good the home support is, not one of them can get up and score look at stokes support last night, it wasn't exactly quiet. But I understand that's the logic they have lead with.

Thanks for the reply ed!

27 Jan 2016 11:01:03
Walls I get that, but no matter how good the home support is, not one of them can get up and score look at stokes support last night, it wasn't exactly quiet. But I understand that's the logic they have lead with.

Thanks for the reply ed!

27 Jan 2016 11:09:37
Very rarely is this an issue IMO.

27 Jan 2016 11:15:48
Is there a reason it's two legs for the semi? Tv coverage? Why can't they just do one at Wembley like the fa cup?

27 Jan 2016 09:10:16
Does anyone know whether the match against man city will be postponed because of the final? I know we're meant to play on the 28th anyways but just wanted to make sure as I am currently making plans to go to Anfield for the city match.

Here's to hoping my heart survives long enough for the city match, any more of this 5-4s and 6-5 shootouts, we'll need to sign health waiver forms from the club before watching any more matches 😂😂

Kopchu.

27 Jan 2016 11:20:15
Think we were supposed to be playing Everton on the 28th and city in the second of March. May still be playing Everton on the 28th.

27 Jan 2016 08:33:42
Not sure why there is so much negativity on here bout the game last night we won!

Stoke got an offside goal so we should havd gone through without the extra time and pens!

And remember rodgers had 3 years and got us to no finals klopps been here 4 months and got us to one already so ket the good times roll!

Hope we get everton in final would be good to see a mersyside derby in the final again!

27 Jan 2016 09:05:39
Not feeling negative about getting to the final all, really bloody proud and excited. I do agree with those who are disappointed with our overall performance at home in a semi. Seeing (via MOTD) how poor Stoke were last game and how many goals we scored last weekend I'd have also hoped for a game where we created a lot more chances and scored during the 90mins.

Fact is IF Stoke had scored a 2nd, I couldn't see us scoring 1 let alone the 2 required to win. Should that be the case at home?

27 Jan 2016 09:22:15
Delighted with the result and, as Ed1 says, getting through's all that counts. The disapointment is that we put in one of our worst performances since Klopp arrived, we didn't have a shot on target till extra time.

Maybe it's tiredness, being in three cups whilst going through an injury crisis will do that.

27 Jan 2016 09:24:56
We will be playing either of our traditional rivals manchester or Everton, its fantastic! . eerrrr. wait a minute.

27 Jan 2016 09:35:37
Max - The fact is, is that we were the better side over the two legs. They shouldn't of even had an equaliser, it was off side. Where you expecting Stoke to roll over and die? They knew they had to come to Anfield and win by 2 clear goals. I for one wasn't expecting anything else from them. As for their last game I think the only reason they were so bad was that they had one eye on last nights game. We weren't lucky, we should of won in the 180mins. My only disappointment from last night was how poor our midfield was. Shocking. That said, we still deserved our final place.

27 Jan 2016 10:07:53
I never expected Stoke to roll over or be an easy pick off, I did expect us to perform better and to create more scoring oppertunities at home, in a semi final, with the advantage. We did deserve to go through, I'm biased.

My points were that we never looked like scoring, which at home in this type of game, so important isn't great IMO. The offside goal stood, can't change that and if they had scored a second, we would not have scored the required two.

One shot on target. Maybe LVG would see this as a good enough, I'd say it was poor.

27 Jan 2016 11:07:25
We've been saying for weeks that it will take time for a style of play to bed in properly ( next season realistically) whilst that happens we're going to be very up and down ( which is what we're seeing) we don't even have a full first team squad to pick from. Sometimes to win trophies you have to win ugly, that's exactly what we did. Maybe we should have done what Rodgers did against chelsea and went all out for the attack and lost the game.

27 Jan 2016 08:10:28
Well done reds holding the nerves during peno's. tough going.28 Feb can't wait. and flannagan with his performance WOW. After long time out brilliant. . also not mignolet biggest fan but peno saves were massive for us hope he can build on it and gain confidence. YNWA.

27 Jan 2016 08:41:43
Big thanks to Mignolet for his saves but he is still not good enough for us and should be replaced with a proven stopper.

27 Jan 2016 09:25:49
That's the spirit Salim, don't give him a moment's respite! We don't want him feeling good about himself do we!

27 Jan 2016 07:05:44
Good morning all

Wembley on the horizon. Wasnt vintage stuff but were there.

Ed002 i'm wondering if your able to do your player transfer update please mate.

{Ed002's Note - I am travelling so not for a day or two.}

27 Jan 2016 07:47:21
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Palace Take A Big Chance On Out Of Contract Former Spurs Striker And More News

27 Jan 2016 07:32:58
I'm sure I'll get a high score in the disagree Box. but here goes

I thought Benteke showed some real potential when he came on. He won more headers down to our players. His first touch was instant control and he used the ball well more often then not. His range and vision of passing was really good, he had intention to find a wide player and this time he was getting into the box. His presence when we had a corner was noticeable.

I look at these and I'm considering his lack of minutes, starts and probably confidence.

What I did notice is how the team look like they don't want him, because they don't use him at all almost ever. It looks intentional (although I know it isn't) .

This guy gets slated for not being in the box for crosses. Firstly, what crosses? It's like everytime he runs in while Milner, Lallana, Ibe, Firmino. whoever has it on the right or left ready for a first time swinging cross, they fart about with it passing backwards or sideways. If any get to the line the cross is either lame, over hit or low. If he pulls back for a cut back, they cross it high. It beggars belief.

When was the last time we saw a quick ball out wide and an instant whip into the box? 2/ 3yrs ago when Gerrard used to for Sturridge or Suarez?

I'm not saying build a team round him, but at least play to his strength if he's on the pitch. I can't think of anyother team who cannot cross a ball or take a decent threatening set piece. I'm not sure why our CBs bother to go up for corners half the time.

So I feel a bit sorry for Benteke, but I also think it's a problem whether thy sell or keep him, we do not cause problems with quick whipped balls into the box it's just pass it back and forth, no wonder we don't score the opposition have time to get back into shape, all players return behind the ball.

27 Jan 2016 07:39:59
I agree actually wrote something about Benteke myself then came in to read this .
Cheers
Jamesee.

27 Jan 2016 08:52:07
I think in term of getting the bal near the box, keeping it under control and definitley passing it he is OK. To be fair his passing around the box is probably the best of any of our forward players who are really poor in passing. But in term of being threat on goal, do soemthing with the ball other than passing it, his movement, his head game, and of course scoring goals something still doesn't work with him.

But you do wonder if we start with him some games if we won't have mroe chances either becuse of his passing or because he draw a lot of attention from the opposition.

27 Jan 2016 10:00:25
'When was the last time we saw a quick ball out wide and an instant whip into the box? 2/ 3yrs ago when Gerrard used to for Sturridge or Suarez? '

Actually it was Llalana passing to Firmino making a run into the box against Norwich. who then scored

I agree with your general post Benteke played better this game and was an important part of regaining some control, but it doesn't discount the fact he doesn't run in behind, he's too easily marked out of the game.

27 Jan 2016 05:56:24
Great win yeasterday. Wembley here we come be it the Toffees or Citizens I don't care we will beat them for sure. Big thanks to all the lads especially Flanno. What a player he is, giving such a performance after being injured for so long. Hats off to you.

27 Jan 2016 04:44:30
Absolute class from Klopp, not being able to be on his knees he decided to sit out the penalty shoot out due to the fact that he would possibly block some fans view of the shootout if he stood
I think he is the best signing we have made in the last 10 years.

27 Jan 2016 09:00:50
I thought it was because he couldn't bear to watch the penalties!

Kopchu.

27 Jan 2016 02:54:21
Flanno is just a boss!

27 Jan 2016 06:47:08
Scouse Cafu.

27 Jan 2016 07:33:58
Flanno did well considering it was his first start in a while, he had a few tired moments, but managed to stifle Arnautovic on a few occasions.

I think the midfield is weak, Hendo, Milner, Can, and Lucas are good players not great players. I still think we are missing a bit of quality there. Can in particular last night was wreckless. Despite that, you need that bit of luck and I could watch Klopp all day.

27 Jan 2016 07:34:10
Brazilian Flanno.

27 Jan 2016 00:00:51
Flanno showing those players what it means to play for the club, almost a year and a half out and just slots straight back in, motm, no messing around.

For the rest of these players my god.

Can had a shocker and his shockers seem to be getting worse the more they happen. He started off as a mature, intelligent player and just seems to be getting more idiotic every time he plays. Thank god he is young.

Firmino was, again, shocking, but he is new to the country and shouldn't be expectee to carry this team, he didn't choose the price tag, no matter how bad he was.

For the rest of them i have no patience.

Aside from the penalty saves, which we know he can do, mignolets kicking was awful and didn't instil me with confidence.

How moreno has ever made it at fullback i do not know. He never stays in position, all the time tonight he was running all over the park away from where he was actually meant to be. Oh how i miss joe gomez.

Benteke. What else needs to be said.

Main two culprits again were lallana and milner. Seriously what is stopping us putting in kids to replace these two i do not know, they should be holding this team together and making an impact when it counts, popping up with goals, laying people off, taking players on. But for the whole 120 minutes all they did was have their heads down and didn't even look like they wanted to score, as well as just giving the ball away for no reason, as did everyone, but they seem to do it because its actually less scary for them to do than to actually have a shot.

Other than flanno honourable mentions go to lucas for being okay, sakho and kolo for being tolerable, ibe for actually trying to do something when he came on and joe allen for actually playing a pass longer than 5 yards and for keeping his cool.

This is probably the most negative reaction to going to wembley ever but the truth is i'd be fuming if i was stoke after that shootout and whoever we play in the final will paste us, and deservedly so, if we play like that.

A moan is justified because this is a serious crisis.

120 minutes of football and not one player, with the exception maybe of ibe and flanno, looked like they wanted to grab that game by the scruff of the neck and actually score and win. I have never seen a liverpool team so uncommitted to sticking the ball past the goalie and taking some responsibility. Even in the rafa days when he was bringing in terrible free transfer fringe players like no tomorrow, they actually DID THINGS, the mellors and the baros' and the rieras, they actually chipped in and contributed at least something, but rught now all our players just shy away and don't want to do it.

I think klopp is probably losing his patience with some of these players and tbh i would rather see smith, flanagan, ibe, ojo, kent, teixeira, allen and even sinclair get some game time over this lot, it might actually motivate them to buck their ideas up.

27 Jan 2016 00:44:19
So you're feeling optimistic?

27 Jan 2016 01:19:42
Thought firminho and lallana had decent games not sure what game u were watchin.

27 Jan 2016 01:25:30
I understand u have your own views but never understand so much negativity of our players, yes our football was hard to watch but we went through to Wembley and we win lose or draw as a club players fans everyone involved, sorry your proberly as much a fan as I am but following a club like ours isn't just for the high moments it's also supporting players when there low.

27 Jan 2016 01:25:42
your spot on about flanno . Sakho was a boss he won headers for days . toure look ok. Morono can't defend we all no this . Lucas was the glue in the team. Hendo look like he just come back from injury. Can look to have some shots but needs to learn to pass the ball at the right time . Milner is just Milner he works his *** off but can't do naver else . Firmino look better with Benteke on the pitch . Lallana is doing the same as Milner that's why klopp loves him so do I but he needs to score and assist more. Benteke give us a plan B but it looks like the team don't know how to play with him . Ibe come on and try but sometimes he's two greedy . The Welsh pirlo takes a pen like pirlo . migs did what he's good at shootsaving but makes me feel like whan the **** up coming . (sorry for my spelling and wording) ynwa.

27 Jan 2016 01:28:38
"Firmino was, again, shocking"?

Yes, Firmino didn't score a brace or a worldie, but "shocking"? Give me a break. He showed intent, made countless creative runs in behind (which no one in our MF seems to have the awareness to pick out), and often was the lone creative flash up front, which admittedly wasn't much.

People slating the team need to recognize the craziness of our schedule. Our third game in how many days?

Everyone looked tired to me. That's it. No jump.

27 Jan 2016 02:20:28
To be honest, I think there was positives to take, despite the fact we did play poor as a team. i think credit has to go to Stoke, they got the tactics spot on, Crouch caused problems all over the pitch for us. I agree Flanno was the MOTM, he was very good, albeit a bit rusty, and got extremely tired after the 70 min mark, but he did what was asked of from Klopp, he kept fighting and pushing hard until he was substituted.
I felt Milner had one of his better games for Liverpool tonight. He did a decent job, still much improvement needed ofcourse, but i felt he was better.
Firmino, in fairness to him, he was very isolated in attack, the Stoke defence did well to keep him quiet, any ball that got near him was dealt with. Lallana did have a poor game, taking too many touches again. Sakho was great at the back, apart letting the ball bounce in the box, but other than that was solid. Migs had a good game, apart his distrubution at times. I felt Joe Allen changed the game for us. Moreno was the only for me who was extremely poor. I don't really understand why he is on corner and free kick duty at times, he has the potential to be brilliant, but needs to work on his awareness and accuracy at times. I would like see him play left wing to be honest and play Flanno at Left back, maybe that is what Klopp would like to do, he seems to be a real admirer of our Scouse Cafu, and rightly so. Hopefully he can stay injury free for us.

Overall great to get the win, was a nervy night, but the fans were immense I felt. I like Klopps confidence in saying we will win the final no matter who is against. Many positives to be taken I felt. YNWA.

27 Jan 2016 02:36:23
Good grief! Think you were watching a different match tonight. I'd give it a rest really.

27 Jan 2016 03:27:47
I'd take a crap performance to get to a Wembley Final any day.

27 Jan 2016 05:10:31
Result over performance any day!

I just think these are all little pieces of a larger jigsaw that Klopp is creating. A 5-4 win, a penalty shoot-out win, team spirit, fan spirit, Anfield atmosphere.

Some of the team looks jaded, we are still without many key players, the squad does have a several players that are not top class, but we have one cup final booked, hopefully more later on in the season. Yes, the top 4 looks out of the question but we all know that another player transition will take place in the summer with quite a few leaving and a few coming in.

So chill and enjoy the Klopp ride, because it ain't boring.

26 Jan 2016 23:35:00
when you are in the final no one cares how you got there. And I think the current Stoke are a really good team they played great today so well done for the team for beating them over the two legs. Overall we defended well, Ming and Sakho in particulur deserve some credit. They had tones of set pieces, kicked the balls into our box from every position on the pitch but we didn't concede other than one offside goal.

Going forward, if anyone still don't understand why we need Alex Textiera you saw it tonight. Our passing in the final third, as ever, is absolutly awful. Still you would hope that with Origi, Couts and maybe even Sturridge fit for the final we can do something there.

You just feel that Klopp, beyond everything else that he brings with him, bring the litlle extra bit of luck or belief in the final moment of close games.

Let's just hope the guys have soemthing left for Saturday.

27 Jan 2016 05:16:57
On a side note: I think Mourinho still cares how we got to the 2005 CL final lol.