Liverpool Banter Archive July 27 2017

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

27 Jul 2017 22:49:56
Reports that if Continuous moves to Barca, Ramifications could move the other way - even though He's recently signed an extended deal.
Not in the know - just what I've read.

Believable1 Unbelievable4

27 Jul 2017 23:29:14
what?


27 Jul 2017 23:36:04
Continuous and ramifications? Any news on these signing for lfc eds? 😂.


27 Jul 2017 23:36:30
That's one hell of an autocorrect.


27 Jul 2017 23:58:07
Are these lads academy players lad?

Any good?


28 Jul 2017 00:11:42
I've just read that Ramifications is moving to Liverpool, I don't believe it for a second.


28 Jul 2017 01:03:29
Apparently there are some SERIOUS questions being asked about Ramifications move to Liverpool.

Heads are going to roll, mark my words.


28 Jul 2017 02:08:32
Still trying to figure out who ramifications is suppose to be. help me here.


28 Jul 2017 03:05:38
I thought Ramifications was Derby fans writing fiction books?


28 Jul 2017 06:06:00
Great player is that Rami Fication.
Get him signed!


28 Jul 2017 06:58:28
I think if Ramifications does move to Liverpool it will have a serious knock on effect.


28 Jul 2017 08:25:51
I think he means rafinho (sp) lmao.


28 Jul 2017 08:34:48
He likely means Rakitic.


28 Jul 2017 10:43:22
hahahahah, funniest post of the day!


27 Jul 2017 22:32:04
Hopefully keita not a djemba djemba. can't blame couts if leaves . south Americans dream of Spanish top 2 . lanzini decent replacement 3rd of cost . Lfc4ever.

Believable1 Unbelievable7

27 Jul 2017 23:11:04
Lanzini is average at best I'd rather lallana got more minutes. ( that's not a bad thing)


28 Jul 2017 05:59:19
Lanzini is a good player but he is like Coutinho when we first signed him - lots of potential, some good things BUT lots of things he needs to learn too. He would be a player we have to develop in order for him to reach a level near Coutinho's at present.


27 Jul 2017 21:51:40
What have my fellow LFC fans been smoking? Telling Can to leave because he is not prepared to fight for his place? Well if there was already a very congested midfield and the manager was looking to bring in a club record signing and then the Italian champions and UCL semi finalists wanted to sign me and play me each week - I'd be thinking about it too.

And expecting bids of 150m GBP for Coutinho from Barca? No way that's going to happen, I really want him to stay but if he goes the fee will be nowhere near that.

Dont get crazy and desperate boys, calm down and enjoy the ride. Thanks again for your efforts Eds, love the site, just want everyone to take a chill pill! (saying we have here in NZ :) )

Believable6 Unbelievable5

28 Jul 2017 00:00:26
Yeah word it however you want but hendos not trying to get off is He?

He's the one who has the most to worry about with his heel issue, and missing 1/ 2 of last season. No he's fighting and working as hard as ever.

He's moving to a team that can buy whoever they want. people like veratti come up they'll be in the mix. There's going to be more competition there.


27 Jul 2017 21:37:28
Personally, I don't have a problem with Coutinho wanting to leave to play for Barcelona, surely that has to be the goal of every player, to play at Barcelona must be like the holy grail of a footballer's career.

I wish him well if he goes, yes he's a great player but he is definitely not irreplaceable. I think that we have enough quality to do just as well without him as we would with him, we did ok when he was out injured so it isn't the end of the world. It is an opportunity for other players to step up and I have no doubt that one will. Don't forget it is Coutinho who started this and if we stop him from going who is to say he will still give us 100%. He wouldn't be happy and I think that would show in his performance. It may be different if he agrees to give us one more year but if not just let him go.

I don't get the Emre Can love in, for me he has never been great, I wouldn't miss him at all if he went, I think we have much better options in the squad already. For me Can isn't good enough for us.

If luck is on our side, I would love us to get Keita, I think he is a player who would lift the team but RB Leipzig do seem to be stubborn and if Keita doesn't push it then they won't let him leave.

Believable6 Unbelievable6

27 Jul 2017 21:58:08
I agree that Can might have never been great, but he is still very young, and for most of last season he was carrying an injury. For the last few weeks he was injury free and he was one of our best players.

How some people can't see how good he is let alone how good he could be in a year or two amazes me, it really does. I know football is all about opinions but anyone who can't see it is quite frankly wrong!


27 Jul 2017 22:19:48
I care if he leaves, I really enjoy how he plays footy, and I really enjoy him playing for us.


28 Jul 2017 00:38:12
Two to Tango.

Coutinho can leave if we get good deal and also take Can and drop him whereever he wants.

On a serious note Can has to go where he will be guarenteed starter and Juventus will not roll red carpet and give his that.

But they will win and if he ia ok witn squad place, it will be good move.

Best would be any team which is bwtween 5 to 10 and has a starting place for him.

He has been extremely lucky to have had so many opportuniries here.

Cheers.


27 Jul 2017 20:38:07
Is anyone else worried about the amount of massive fans on the site? "I'm a massive Can fan", I'm a massive Couts fan", "I'm a massive Sturbridge fan"

Eds, do you think it would be a good idea to include links to Weight Watchers or Slimming World for some of our comrades so they are in better shape for the coming season?

Believable10 Unbelievable9

27 Jul 2017 21:00:42
Me bird is a 'massive' fan of things. and that's why she wants to leave me.


27 Jul 2017 21:20:57
Davey, shouldn't that be a fan of massive things?


27 Jul 2017 21:36:25
Billy you mean like your user name 😂.


27 Jul 2017 21:37:13
Shouldn't that be 'Me bird is massive'?


27 Jul 2017 21:56:25
Yeah, sorry, she said she was leaving me for a man with a'massive' thing.

Suprises me as she was never into cars for all the years we spent together.


27 Jul 2017 22:09:23
How very strange Davey, she was into my car mate.


28 Jul 2017 03:07:42
Was it a massive chip on his shoulder?


27 Jul 2017 20:26:35
What about a song for Mo salah to the tune of no limit by 2unlimited?

Believable4 Unbelievable4

27 Jul 2017 20:51:30
That one belongs to the Toure brothers my friend.


27 Jul 2017 20:55:42
This is brilliant!

Mo Mo
Mo Mo Mo Mo
Mo Mo Mo Mo
Mo Mo Mo
Mo Salah!

You deserve a medal, simple but brilliant.


27 Jul 2017 21:28:23
"all you need is Mane and Salah, Mane and Salah, Mane and Salah"


27 Jul 2017 21:38:49
Mo Salah Salah. Fly down that wing for me and take us to Wembley. Mo Salah Salah (to the tune que sera sera)


27 Jul 2017 21:40:57
ROCK ME SALAH LIKE A WAGON WHEEL
ROCK ME SALAH ANYWAY YOU FEEL
WHOOA WHOOA WHOOA ROCK ME SALAH.

to the tune by nathan carter.


27 Jul 2017 22:00:35
Song for solanke. Moby - trouble so hard tune.
" soolanke trouble up high,
soolanke trouble up high
dont you know he's trouble up high
dont you know he's trouble up high
Went to manu, the other day
Solanke got happy and scored all day"


27 Jul 2017 20:22:10
Evening eds what's worrying me is that the board or even the player i. e. Coutino has not come out and said am staying or he's staying very worrying that we are in the champions league and still can't keep hold of our players or even sign world class worrying times just my opinion cheers.

Believable2 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - This is simply business as usual at the moment.}

27 Jul 2017 20:32:55
Cheers Ed for quick reply.


27 Jul 2017 21:39:28
Didn't Klopp say he's staying? Didn't the club reject a bid? What more do you want?


27 Jul 2017 21:43:49
Look at it the other way, he's not said he wants to "win trophies" or "play at the highest level". Couts is a one in a million that will just get on with his job until either we accept a bid or his contract runs out. at least that's what I'm telling myself.


27 Jul 2017 22:00:01
Naive people.


27 Jul 2017 20:16:28
Hi eds just a quick question. If a player plays in a champions league qualifier would he be cup tied if he made a move then? And do u know when our qualifier is? Obviously asking so I'm hoping coutinho will play in it 😂.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - No he won't be cup tied.}

27 Jul 2017 20:23:01
Thanks!


28 Jul 2017 00:04:08
I remember Owen was on the bench when he was due to go to Madrid when we played the champs L qualifier. was a big thing at the time due to being cup tied.


27 Jul 2017 19:22:02
evening eds/ reds

if coutinho goes we want £100m minimum replace him with deli alli llalana+cash deal buy keita and CB and think we good to go lol.

Believable0 Unbelievable10

{Ed002's Note - I would be done with any thoughts about Dele Alli joining Liverpool.}

27 Jul 2017 19:56:51
I always but Alli and Neves in CM16. A formidable pairing!


27 Jul 2017 20:00:29
So with couts going will that convince can to stay on? Less competition in the middle then.

Mixed feelings about couts going, love the fella but he is not world class for me so not absolutely gutted. Plus he has given us some of his best years and has never disrespected the club publicly so im inclined to say good luck to yhe fella and wish him all the best. I feel really sorry for firmino tho, first lucas and now couts, he is going to feel like billy no mates 😂.


27 Jul 2017 20:49:42
cheers for the reply eds

i hope he stays though and maybe if we lucky get our last two t/ f targets.


27 Jul 2017 19:20:22
Obviously nobody wants to lose Coutinho, but if we got Barcelona to include Rakitic as a part of the deal that would be stunning business.

Rakitic is absolutely top class and would bring a winning mentality with him as well as plenty of experience. Not too mention his vision is second to none in world football, his set pieces are right up there, he has a great engine, and he chips in with lots of goals and assists.

He would be a great option for the next 3-5 years whilst we blood one of the talented youngsters as his long term successor (Woodburn, Chirivella, Ejaria etc) .

The cash in the deal could then be used to finally push Van Dijk over the line as that saga is getting tiresome!

It'd be a massive shame if we did lose Coutinho and/ or Can but I think it is sadly inevitable. Rakitic is a different player to them both but is probably in that bracket just below world class. I'd love to see him pulling the strings in our midfield.

Believable5 Unbelievable10

27 Jul 2017 19:46:24
Completely agree with you Adam. Not that Barcelona are used to their hand being forced, but they do tend to pay up decent transfer fees. Rakitic plus a fair wedge of the cash required for VVD would be very good business, if (and only if) PipCo wants to leave.

If Can were also to leave (albeit it looks like Juve are not so keen anymore as they'd rather grab him for free next season), then I would push for Keita too now.

A midfield 3 of Hendo, Rakitic and Keita would be quite formidable, and with Gini, Lallana, Milner and Grujic in reserve (not to mention the youngsters in Ejaria and Woodburn), we'd have very good strength in depth too for what will hopefully be a 60+ game season.

Don't get me wrong, I'd hate Couts to leave as it has seemed like 2 steps forward, 3 steps back with our best players in the last few years, but that sort of outcome would leave me confident for the season ahead.

As a side point, I truly believe that Can will go unless he signs his contract soon. Liverpool won't want to lose out on a transfer fee on him, nor will they want a disgruntled player on their hands. Can will want regular football in a world cup year (which is why he wants to leave in the first place) so even if Juve keep up their stance, I reckon we'll get a deal for him before the close of the window.


{Ed001's Note - has anyone actually watched Rakitic lately? He looks done and has done for a couple of seasons now.}

27 Jul 2017 19:55:43
Coutinho got Rakitic could be the worst transfer in the history of transfers.

Coutinho is irreplaceable as things stand. He must not be sold.


27 Jul 2017 19:55:32
He just needs a Klopp hug to reignite his passion, Ed001 ;)


{Ed001's Note - and a new pair of legs.}

27 Jul 2017 20:03:59
Take the fee and wait for the right player to come along i say. can't even really think of a suitable replacement for couts aside from sanchez and that's not happening.


27 Jul 2017 20:30:04
He has looked good when I've seen him Ed. He never really had pace to begin with and I haven't noticed his work rate drop off.

Anyway, Football is played with the body, but won in the mind 😂

Jokes aside, I really rate him. Everyone thought Yaya was finished 2 years back and second half of last season he was a monster. I think we could do with a player who makes the ball do the work. Though I'm nt sure that is Klopps style!


27 Jul 2017 20:53:30
Turan would be a better option in my opinion.


27 Jul 2017 21:04:40
If Rakitic is that good then why let him leave and join us 🤔 Maybe a few years ago but not now.


27 Jul 2017 23:22:37
Rakatic is average in an excellent team, very over rated.


27 Jul 2017 19:04:01
This could well be obvious, but looking through the posts here and just generally taking stock, I've come to the realisation that our squad is ludicrously bloated, even with Europe this season.

Believable2 Unbelievable7

27 Jul 2017 19:16:33
I recommend some Andrews Liver Salts to sort that out ;)


27 Jul 2017 19:44:06
Firmino looks bloated every pre season.


27 Jul 2017 19:45:01
you are correct sir. to paraphrase the ed's "you can't keep just adding players"


27 Jul 2017 20:40:59
Andrews liver salts comes in a CAN.


27 Jul 2017 21:51:16
At ine stage last season due to injuries we had a bench of inexperienced young players.

Since then we have signed 3 players (one of which might yet be for the u23s) and Lucas and Stewart have left the first team squad.

We do not have a bloated squad.


27 Jul 2017 18:50:48
Evening all -

Could I trouble you as to why no club has just gone and reported LFC for all the tapping up? With the obvious VVD and and Keita pitiful sagas, surely it is infuriating enough for someone to just report LFC to the appropriate association?

I'd guess there is more to it. not in LFC being good (that's been made quiet clear), but maybe because:

- Liverpool has available money and any ban given removes others transfers?
- Future business?
- Hard to prove? (Though from what you say unlikely. )
- Other reasons.?

Are there other reasons? I guess after reading all that has been written by your good selves about LFC, I find it really hard to believe that someone hasn't just said "enough is enough" and properly report it.

Thanks - love the site, such amazing insight that I never knew of.

Believable3 Unbelievable7

27 Jul 2017 19:09:20
Please, please, please, just move on everyone 😩 I'm so tired of reading everyday about this subject. Ed002 is going to have a repetitive strain injury from typing the same thing over and over!


27 Jul 2017 19:17:00
Better than the other reason he gets RSI ;)


27 Jul 2017 20:57:40
The reason that there is no big outcry about it is they all have skeletons in the cupboards.

Even the great Platini and der Kaiser have dirtied their hands.

Football is full of underhand deals

In domestic football the agents are the facilitators of it.

Its not hard for an agent having a meeting with a club official about 1 player, whose contract is running down with the club and another player who the same agent happens to represent to be discussed in a roundabout way.

These are greedy sharks, money mad and would sell their own mother for the 10% commission.


27 Jul 2017 17:41:32
Hi Eds, i wondered if i could bother any of you for your thought on Rangnicks comments about Keita and having his head turned. Do you think it's likely to have annoyed him? Thanks!

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I have dealt with this over and over.}

27 Jul 2017 18:49:55
They were stupid comments. But he's human and we all make stupid comments at some stages I'm sure keita isn't going to hold it against him, who cares.


27 Jul 2017 17:25:14
If Mbappe is being touted as moving to Real for 150 million euro the talk of Barcelona offering 80m Sterling for Couts does seem ludicrous.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

27 Jul 2017 17:41:25
£80m + Sterling? Not the worst deal ;)


27 Jul 2017 17:47:17
Maybe it's for his autograph.


27 Jul 2017 18:54:35
As much as I value coutinho and don't want him to move some people really need to get over the whole money thing and especially over valuating him if u are pushed on talking about money. Mbappe scored 26 goals to PC 14 last season, yes a lot where in the French league but he still won it for his team and scored other goals against good opposition in the CL. He's also 7 years younger than coutinho and has much more time on his side to improve and has sell on value. 80 million sterling u mentioned for coutinho is about 90 million euro, that's 60 million less than the world's hottest prospect at the minute so stop being so biased as to think coutinho is worth more than him.


27 Jul 2017 19:03:10
"Prospect"


27 Jul 2017 20:02:07
You could argue he might not massively improve, or that Coutinho has more experience, you could go on and on.


27 Jul 2017 21:55:41
I don't care how good a prospect Mbappe is. Paying that much for an 18 year is madness. A very impressionable age and he could go either way very easily, become a model professional or the opposite. A huge risk.


27 Jul 2017 17:22:42
I am a massive Emre Can fan and I would be gutted if he left but if we signed Keita and kept Coutinho then losing Can might just be the compromise for me. He would want to leave if this was the situation and we would be powerless to stop it. I understand his thinking and you can't blame him. I wish he could be happy to stay and fight for his place and you never know with Hendo's injury. A 4 of :
Hendo
Lallana Keita Coutinho
or
Can
Lallana Keita Coutinho
is very tasty indeed.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

27 Jul 2017 17:29:12
I assume Lallana will be benched as we tend to play 3 up top.


27 Jul 2017 18:09:49
Yep sorry. My mistake. Got my formation wrong.


27 Jul 2017 17:06:49
eds 001 and 002 any truth Barcelona could offer Rakitic as part of deal Coutinho and what do you both think of him would he suit are play.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

{Ed002's Note - He is one of the players they would certainly be happy to include if he were also open to moving to Liverpool and he a decent player.}

27 Jul 2017 17:28:38
2 season ago looked pure class was not the same last season so could be a good move for him. but at 29 not the sort of age we go for especially at the price they would want for him.


27 Jul 2017 17:07:04
How would you feel about Rakitic, Ter Stegn and €30m for Couts?

Believable1 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - No chance of ter Stegen.}

27 Jul 2017 17:27:16
Do you have any info on what value Barcelona are putting on Rakitic as part of the proposed deal, Ed002? I rate him as a player and was pleased that we were linked with him a couple of seasons ago. If Phil really wants to leave, and we get Rakitic plus enough money for, say, VVD, that would (begrudgingly! ) for me a decent outcome. Obviously only against the backdrop of Phil really wanting to leave.


{Ed002's Note - You need to ignore the money completely.}

27 Jul 2017 16:50:47
Hi Eds,

Do you expect us to lower our asking prices for some of our players? I know the market is crazy and we are trying to secure the best deals but Palace have baulked at £30m for Sakho, Napoli won't pay £12m for Moreno and most recently Fiorentina are saying £16m for Markovic is too much.

I'm sure these players will end up leaving but Im struggling to see who's going to pay the prices we're asking for.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - That is the purpose of negotiation.}

27 Jul 2017 16:33:17
Hey eds, I'd like to ask about Harry Wilson, last season it seems he was our best player in the u-23s, couple that with the fact that he plays in a position we're light in and you'd think he'd be at least on the edge of the first team but Klopp doesn't seem interested. Do you know why he isn't being given a shot?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - light in? You mean the wing? That we just bought another player for? Wilson has just not done enough to force his way into the first team thinking as a starter.}

27 Jul 2017 17:00:42
Unfortunately there is just too mch in front of him as well Asa's potentially not proving his worth just yet in training. 8 imagine he will go out on loan so he can get some game time and grow as a player.

The hardest part for someone in his position is growing from a youth player getting the odd cameo into a fully dependable adult first teamer.

I have faith he will make it as a player, whether it is with us is up to him.


27 Jul 2017 17:20:17
There's a lot of difference between being the "best player" and scoring the most goals or creating the most assists. The best players in that u23 team are in the squads Woodburn and taa and gomez and ejaria. Stewart sold. Wilson is in my opinion not as good as Kent either.


27 Jul 2017 16:13:42
Eds. just to clarify the Can situation. has he not signed for us because he is not happy with our or is he prefering Juve?
You said our valuation is differs from Juves. what price have we put in him?
Also if juve opt for there second choice and his move falls through. it will be awkward keeping a player who prefered a move elsewhere!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - what is there to clarify, I have spelt it out in plain English.}

27 Jul 2017 16:30:40
Craig, there's a thread on the rumours page in which Ed001 answers all of this. Basically, although Emre is happy here, he wants to play more regularly. At Juve he would be pretty much a first pick in midfield, whereas we have a wealth of options here, even more if Keita comes in, although unlikely. Emre wants the regular game time to give him maximum chance of forcing his way into the German team for the world cup next year.

Its entirely understandable from the player's point of view. You could argue he lacks fight if he's not prepared to fight for his place, but looking at last season, Hendo has always been preferred to him. Consider that Couts is likely to move back into midfield, Wiji and Lallana had very good seasons playing from midfield, Milner is available for midfield again given Robertson's arrival, and Grujic is on the fringes too, and I can understand Can's PoV. Of course, were Couts to leave and/ or Clyne (promoting Milner to first choice RB) things could be different. But, as Ed001 said, why wouldn't Can fancy a move to Juve to be first choice and win trophies? Can't fault a player for that.


27 Jul 2017 16:41:36
As we all know, you've got to spell things out in plain Aramaic for users to understand you, ed001.


{Ed001's Note - ah apologies. Good job you told me so I could delete the two I had just written, one in Tagalog and one in Visayan, before I began to write the Spanish version...}

27 Jul 2017 18:03:00
Can would be first pick for Juve? Pjanjic, Marchisio and Khederia would surely be ahead of him?


27 Jul 2017 18:21:20
Zeddicus. thanks for your civilized response. I did actually miss this thread so was unaware of the details. so again thanks for your patience. They do say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. and zpecialone - noone likes a kiss ass!


27 Jul 2017 19:01:55
Well said craigu. zspecialone Nutella Nose!


27 Jul 2017 15:46:25
People saying they would take 100m for coutinho, please tell me who you would buy as his replacement for the same amount who would make an instant impact to next season as he would, I for one can't think of anyone.

Believable5 Unbelievable2

27 Jul 2017 16:08:55
Not saying he'd be as good or would make an impact but Isco is a name that springs to mind. (I Know he's probably not available) .


27 Jul 2017 16:10:37
There is no one we would be able to buy that would be able to replace Coutinho. I would love Veratti but not a chance in hell. We need to keep Couts no matter the bid at least for one more season and hope we can win something to persuade him to stay longer! Phil does not seem like the player who would push for a move and hurt the club that gave him a chance so reject any bid.


27 Jul 2017 16:11:35
Keita.


27 Jul 2017 16:39:08
Griezmann is the obvious choice but know a very long shout given their Transfer Ban but if nothing else would annoy the Mancs and Moanrinho. With Mane, Salah, Firmino, Lallana, Sicknote, we might be better looking elsewhere in the team to strengthen with the money (if he goes) with the obvious players springing to mind. However let's pray he doesn't leave. On his day he is unplayable!


27 Jul 2017 16:49:12
Kane or Sanchez and utilise Mane or Salah in the Coutinho role.


27 Jul 2017 17:47:35
Kovacic (spelling) from RM.

Not sure if he would be interested but he has it in him to get to the next level.

Cheers.


27 Jul 2017 18:31:33
Delli Alli.


27 Jul 2017 14:56:12
This one is for Ed001 specifically although I'd love Ed002s' view on this as well.
How do you replace Philippe Coutinho in the team?
Personally I'd bring in Pulisic (because Dybala would be impossible to get) to play on the left and blood Woodburn in the first team more and more.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - we already have someone to play on the left, that is not the issue. He is intended to be played in the centre, mostly, next season, which means we would be left with the same midfield we had last season (possibly with the addition of Keita and minus Can). Not ideal and certainly not as good as a midfield with Coutinho in it, but that is what it would be. Pulisic is not coming to Liverpool this summer. He feels it is best for him to stay where he is for another season, at least. If we had any chance, Klopp would have moved heaven and earth to get him, believe me.}

27 Jul 2017 15:52:12
Mane firmino salah

Keita wijnaldum
Hendo

Rob vvd matip clyne
Loris

Studge, origi, Lallana, grujic, Milner, Lovren, migs.

Solanke, Gomez, Woodburn, ward, TAA

I'm pretty ok with that tbh.

I'm a fan of cou, not can but these two are simply not the players people think they are. Both are very replacable. Neither will leave a Suarez type Mark.

We could also make up to 130 mil off the pair of them for an 18 million pound investment. Wow.

Coutinho stays every day of the week because he's a good player and I wouldn't want to risk going into the market with 100 mil in our pocket because the club simply can't be trusted after last time. But if keitas done, then he can go.


27 Jul 2017 16:07:15
TAA instead if clyne and you have nailed it i think.


27 Jul 2017 16:32:34
Is Lloris even available Eds? I know every player is available for the right price, but knowing Levy it would be a very high one, and is Lloris even considering a move? I thought he was happy at Spurs?


{Ed001's Note - not a hope in hell of him moving to us.}

27 Jul 2017 16:54:53
Thanks, that's what I thought! Although now you've said there's not a hope in hell, well, it could just be the anti-Medel effect ;)


27 Jul 2017 17:42:37
I think he meant karius zed.


27 Jul 2017 18:03:11
Ah, OK 87, thanks! Thought a new GK was a bolt from the blue, lol!


27 Jul 2017 14:15:19
Say we sign Keita and sell coutinho, would we also look to bring a player into replace him, say Meyer for example?

Believable0 Unbelievable2

27 Jul 2017 14:51:38
Ed002 has been clear that Coutinho and Keita are not linked and that should Coutinho leave the club may well look towards Meyer as a replacement.


27 Jul 2017 15:52:55
Noone.

Keita win
Hendo

Grujic, Lallana, Woodburn, firmino (can drop into the ten slot aswel)


27 Jul 2017 14:13:37
Hi eds,
Regarding the coutinho situation, I was struck by the words and references Koop has made about Liverpool not being a selling club, about his time in Germany where he had to sell his best players and his references to our owners.
Do you think the club could find its self in a difficult situation with him if the do sanction a sale? He must have been hacked off at BVD with Bayern picking off his stars and I'm sure he doesn't want to be at a club where that stars happening again. He keeps making references to building things, the problem is you'll never build anything if the foundations are removed every year.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - yes but they are not looking to sell him. The only way he will be sold is if he wants to go or we want him to go. No one at the club wants him to go, so he will stay unless he decides it is time for him to leave. Klopp wants to build something but with the players he chooses and that want to play for the club.}

27 Jul 2017 15:13:56
Cheers eds.


27 Jul 2017 15:53:45
Let him go. Got no worries.

Just because we cocked up last time with Suarez doesn't mean there's a repeat on the cards.

Juventus lost pogba and bought highan, cl final and league winners.

We just need to get keita and we will be fine.


{Ed001's Note - Juve have no competition in their league to speak of, they were already head and shoulders above everyone else and then bought the best player (Higuain) from their closest opponent. We can't do that.}

27 Jul 2017 16:14:15
Keita more than an adequate replacment for cou in the middle and salah pretty much out performed him in every department last season.

We've already added 19 goals on the wings. If you add the 8 from keita. That's the 27. Cou got 15.

Think we will be fine.

Add to that studge and hendo staying fit. Grujic to come in. Mane to have a full season. Firmino to hit 15.

I'm very excited.

There's only two things going to happen. Cou stays. Or he leaves and keita comes in.

Either way I'm cool with.


27 Jul 2017 13:55:39
Ed001, il give you a break from the transfer questions. What I want to ask you is, are you worried or slightly concerned about the lack of acadamey graduates making it into our first team and being given a chance. TAA imo is the only one of recent times given the opportunity and maybe Woodburn. Is this down to the amount of money and on the line teams ironically can't afford to take a chance on them? Or is it out academies are failing, not just ours but more the football leagues in general.

Solanke comes to mind, not for a second am I judging him or slating, but we've paid 3mil say for arguments sake, is there no one in our acadamey who is as good as him? Just like to know your thoughts on the current state of Acadmies and players making it.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - yes, and not just with us, but across the entire Premier League teams are not giving youngsters the chances they should do. I mean look at what happens when one does get a chance, completely out of the blue, and he was not even the first choice to get the game. I am of course referring to Marcus Rashford, who only got his chance because Ashley Fletcher was ruled out. However since then, United have gone and spent hundreds of millions to ensure they don't need to try kids again! Youth development is a mess in England.}

27 Jul 2017 14:41:05
Completely agree ed001.
We do have some excellent youngsters but don't give them a long enough run in the team. I take my hat off to spurs and Everton as they have, and reaped the rewards. Although Everton seem to be buying every affordable man and his did at the moment.


{Ed001's Note - I do fear for Everton's kids now. However instant success is not gained by a team of kids, they are too inconsistent. And for anyone going to bring up the class of 92 Man Utd team, go and have a look at the spine of that side. Schmeichel, Pallister, Bruce, Irwin, Ince, Cantona etc. They were not a team of just kids. However, if you want kids to come through and reach their potential, you have to give them chances. Fergie was very good at blooding them and using them as fringe players. Loads of them got 4 or 5 appearances to see if they had anything, then were let go for a decent price because they had Prem experience but were not quite seen as good enough for United.}

27 Jul 2017 15:56:02
Get manager contracts turned into only end of season sackings and you will see the kids playing.

At no point in the season is the pressure ever off.

10 games winning streak at start of season and then 3 loses on the bounce, there will be calls for the managers head.

The kids playing is a risk and could jepodise the winning results needed.

Short term a win out ways a young player debut but long term the kid playing is the the win.

But there s no long term in the premier league.


27 Jul 2017 18:14:36
A very good post wonderWoodburn, It's no coincidence that the manager sacking ratio increasing has come at the same time as less and less youngsters are given a chance.


27 Jul 2017 13:46:32
Ed 1 what's your take on the players that came in last summer, I remember you being wary of mane (attitude), wijnaldum. I don't remember your take on klavan, matip, karius.

I think barring klavan the window was a success assuming karius turns it around.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - it is early days still for Mane, but so far he has been excellent, long term we will have to see. No complaints about his first season though, other than injury!
Wijnaldum I think has been quietly effective and improved as the season went on. I was wrong on him as I thought his talent had long been lost by his attitude.
Klavan I had never seen play before, but I am not happy with him. He has good games, but only if the team he is facing are slow, the moment there is any pace against him and he panics. Not a good buy and I would rather Gomez had played the few times he did. Waste of money.
Matip has not really impressed me defensively, really good on the ball but defensively he is not a good player. We still have the same old problems with him at the back as we ever did because he is just not a commanding presence and he needs more power alongside him as he is weak.
Karius never really got a chance to prove himself one way or the other, so I reserve judgement on him until he does.}

27 Jul 2017 14:19:00
Fair assessment ed, thanks for the reply!

Do you think mane and salah will be lethal especially if keep hold of couts. I know not to go by on pre-season but that salah goal against Leicester was some awesome football.


{Ed001's Note - Mane and Salah should be an excellent pairing, they are both fantastic footballers. Chelsea didn't jump in to get Salah because he is a donkey like! It may not have gone well for him there, but that was just one of those things and it was probably the wrong move at the wrong time, more than anything else. I have very high hopes for him this season.}

27 Jul 2017 14:43:21
Nice review here ed001.

Agree with the Matip comment especially. Feel like he often gets praise because he's okay on the ball when really his defending which he is there to do isn't that great.


{Ed001's Note - I do wonder what people are watching when they rave about him, he scares me when under pressure. He does not convince me in the slightest. When we are dominating he is excellent though.}

27 Jul 2017 14:50:23
Klavan played over half the premier league games along last season. Gomez wasn't ready after his injury. Bad buy but at what £5m? It's nothing these days most signings get a year to adapt before we judge them properly but I appreciate you were asked the question and gave an answer so gave a to the minute evaluation.


{Ed001's Note - Gomez was not ready because he needed games. Sorry but you are simply wrong. Klavan is not good enough end of. He was bought because Klopp did not want to take a risk, after the mistake of Caulker. Everyone at the club told him Gomez is the real deal and to give him a chance but he didn't want to take a risk so he bought someone who cost us dearly in a number of games instead. Gomez on a bad day will always be a better bet than Klavan.}

27 Jul 2017 14:58:38
The pace from those two ed is going to be terrifying add firmino and couts' intelligence and creativity, not to mention a fully fit hendo and studge to come on. If we can keep hold of our players and more importantly keep them fit, I am very excited about next season. Fullbacks are still a concern for me but I trust klopps judgement on robtertson and expect TAA to get more game time.


{Ed001's Note - Robertson looks an improvement on Milner, at least he won't need to cutback on his right when he has space for a left foot cross. Not the player I would have chosen, but it is a step forward.}

27 Jul 2017 15:22:03
its really frustrating because i really like the look of gomez. he is quick (we don't have any speed in our centre halves) good on the ball and reads the game well, especially for a lad of his age. he will only improve with games. he would be ahead of Klavan, possibly even Lovren for me. hopefully he can prove himself to Klopp as he seems keen to get stuck in to some first team football.


{Ed001's Note - I would say he is the only centre back we have that looks a decent defender to be honest. He is young and will make mistakes, but so do all of our defenders, so why not take the chance and let the lad gain some experience?

People will come back with the 'he's not ready' nonsense, but that is why he needs experience, which he will only get by playing. No player is ready until they have that experience, which they gain by playing when they are not ready and learning from the mistakes they make.}

27 Jul 2017 16:01:30
Manes are best player simple. Our x fact, suarez. el numero uno. Whatever variation you want to use. He's the most important player in our entire team.

Klavan was just a short term sakho replacement. Gomez is the long term answer.

Wii is ok. Keeps it simple. Better than allen so another step up. Similar to what robertson will be. just better than Milner which can only improve us.

Karius got hounded out by every man and his dog after a few mistakes. Only for captain calamity to be put back between the sticks (at the time that was a shocking decision simply because of the 4 seasons of crao he had delieved) he was stronger towards the end of the season but is not a title winning keeper.

Matips the grace to the actual defender next to him, without that player he's not good enough. Him and carra. Wouldn't mind seing that. Hence why I thought gibbo was the better bet for us, he is the defender and leader to make matip better. Whereas vvd offers the same as matip. But two of them isn't going to solve anything. Neither are a leader.


27 Jul 2017 16:08:59
I meant he wasn't ready physically not in terms of quality he needed to play in no pressure games where he didn't need to give 100% he didn't need to make the last ditch tackle when he's tired, he didn't need to stretch himself physically because it's only u23. Now he needs games proper ones.


{Ed001's Note - that is the point, he was ready physically and needed the harder games to push himself and learn his limits. Gomez needs to be pushed on, not held back, or he will never reach his potential.}

27 Jul 2017 16:29:55
Fair enough I see your point! One thing I would add for the argument of my POV would be ings came back first time round played a proper game too soon tried too hard and smashed his knee in the 94th minute of an easy win chasing about putting in wreckless tackles he wouldn't of bothered with in u23.


{Ed001's Note - that is not true, that is the way Ings plays in any game mate. However that was not down to the previous injury and could have occurred regardless of it.}

27 Jul 2017 16:44:38
Interesting thoughts on our CBs, Ed001. I think back to our most recent CB pairings that I was happy with - Hyypia and Henchoz and then Hyypia and Carra. Although I rated Agger, I didn't rate Skirts so have discounted them. And thinking back to the teams of the 80s and 70s, I was too young to really understand how the CBs played together and off each other.

So a few questions, if you have the time:

1) Do you think that Matip has the potential, with a strong partner with him (say VVD, as I do still think it will happen), to become half of a very effective CB pairing?

2) Should we pay much heed to 'RCB' and 'LCB' leanings, or will good CBs manage in either position?

3) Other than VVD, do you hear any whispers of what Klopp's preferred pairing is?

If we ignore the RCB/ LCB thing, and if as many suspect VVD comes in, I'd love to try VVD/ Gomez at some point during this season as I think that may work for years to come. Both pretty pacy and given time could develop a great understanding. I loved the calm composure of Gomez when he first arrived, and hope the injury is well behind him.

I would keep Matip. Lovren and Klavan for now, maybe looking to move Klavan or Lovren on in Jan/ next summer if the VVD/ Gomez pairing works out.

Would love to hear other views on it, including the Eds :)


{Ed001's Note - 1) Yes but in the kind of way Skrtel was effective alongside Agger, because he was being carried. I would prefer we just got a better defender in personally.

2) Yes, it does make a significant difference to the way you play the game. For starters you are in need of your left foot far more often when playing on the left, hence why a left footer is preferred when available.

3) Matip alongside VVD is what Klopp wants. Lovren is the other option.

VVD is a left sided centre half, Gomez is a right sided one, they should mesh well.}

27 Jul 2017 16:57:50
Thanks very much for that Ed001. Of our CB options (those currently here plus VVD for reasons above), would Gomez/ VVD be your preferred option and do you think that that pairing, with Robertson and TAA either side, fix a lot of the defensive issues we've had in the last couple of seasons?


{Ed001's Note - I would prefer we saved the money, rather than bought VVD, and looked for a top class centre half to partner Gomez. However, out of the options you have provided, yes that would be my preferred choice and I do believe it would improve our defence. At least VVD can head the ball for starters!}

27 Jul 2017 16:58:42
would agree with you ed on Gomez with our defending could he be any worse than any of them. and if we do get VVD I think he and Gomez would be are best 2 both have pace and strong in the air just hope if we do sign VVD Gomez stays.


27 Jul 2017 17:37:48
Thanks Ed001. Who would your pick be instead of VVD? Whilst I accept he's not perfect, when you add in the EPL experience too, I can't think of a better CB to be reliable and imposing at organising our defence?


{Ed001's Note - off the top of my head I don't know to be honest.}

27 Jul 2017 12:31:07
Hi ed's do you think Chirivella's loan move to Willem II is the right one for him, I feel that they aren't really a step up from go ahead eagles?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - it is up to him to make it the right move mate. Not convinced though either to be honest.}

27 Jul 2017 12:11:52
I'm sorry but this is just brilliant. Spoof Klopp / Coutinho to Barcelona song

Believable9 Unbelievable2

27 Jul 2017 13:27:02
Saw this yesterday. Very funny.


27 Jul 2017 13:01:02
Loved it! Had a good laugh 😂.


27 Jul 2017 13:12:35
Absolutely brilliant! 🤣 🤣 🤣.


27 Jul 2017 13:20:50
its funny because its true! thanks for posting Ben elf.


27 Jul 2017 15:45:28
My guilty pleasure.


27 Jul 2017 16:06:22
it is so funny!


27 Jul 2017 12:07:59
Barca can have Coutinho for 50mil + Turan, Rafinha and Gomes.

Believable0 Unbelievable9

27 Jul 2017 12:14:37
No they can't.


27 Jul 2017 12:18:49
Ummmm No thanks. I 'd take the 100 million plus cash. And use it to sign some real quality players like Keita and VVD. LFC are not a charity home for Barca's deadwood.
And have u even seen Gomes play? Awful player by every stretch. Rafinha is just coming back from a serious injury and Turan used to complain about Simeone's training methods so God knows what he will have to say when Klopp puts him through his paces.


27 Jul 2017 12:20:04
haha surely we need Mathieu and Paco Alcacer in exchange for Mane and £30m too?


27 Jul 2017 13:41:35
I say this not as a defence to any of those players named above but as a point of principle. I certainly wouldn't refer to anybody who isn't playing first team football at another club as deadwood.

It should be remembered Couts himself struggled to break into the Inter Milan team before transferring to us (which saw a loan spell at Espanyol the season before he moved) .


27 Jul 2017 12:29:21
All three? Basically all central midfielders aha!


27 Jul 2017 12:34:36
Confession: I'm not a huge fan of Coutinho (I know I'm in the vast minority here) . But if we can get around £100m for him and invest it directly back into the team, I would see it as good business. Depending on who we spent it on, of course.


27 Jul 2017 13:09:02
£100 million + Suarez.


27 Jul 2017 14:17:23
£1bn + every Barcelona player, a brand new stadium and nice leather chairs for all the Eds.

What do you mean this isn't Football Manager?


27 Jul 2017 12:04:28
Stop panicking people, we'll have a good transfer window and Klopp will make the transfers we need happen. He's the best manager we've had in years so get behind the man and leave him do his job. Can't see Coutinho leaving until next summer, but if he does go this window, we'll be just fine as we have been here before many times and recovered. One player does not make a team. Suarez/ Torres/ Gerrard/ Rush/ Fowler/ Owen etc. left and we were just fine.
Rgds.

Believable5 Unbelievable5

27 Jul 2017 12:31:33
Hi Olrish Kev 1.

I agree that people need to relax a bit. Plenty of time to go in the transfer window.

I disagree strongly with the point that when we lost our best players in the past we were just fine. No we were not. We have not won the league in that time. Teams that hold their best players and add to them have won the league instead.
Hugely important to keep couts.


27 Jul 2017 13:00:45
I disagree. No league title since 1990 suggests we are not just fine.


27 Jul 2017 15:37:34
If every time we get close to the title we sell our best player we will never get it. Keep coutinho. he will build additional value this season when we finally take the trophy back home.


27 Jul 2017 19:13:58
Hey all,
I understand what you're saying about keeping Coutinho but my point was that when he eventually does go, Liverpool will always do just fine. just as we always will/ have when our talisman goes for whatever reason.
What else do you suggest to do?
Go on social media and vent at players/ coaches lol.
It's a waste of energy being negative, so I just want and hope you just stay positive and let the experts do their jobs.
I hope we sign Keita.
Not bothered about VVD, way overpriced for a CB at 26 IMO.
I would rather let Gomez have a go. Would like a Striker too as Sturridge is prone to injuries - apologies if being negative there :)


27 Jul 2017 19:36:12
By the way, United won the league 4 seasons ago, kept their players and even added a few - that hasn't exactly gone well for them SINCE though eh?!
Look how close Spurs went last season and yet they sold Bale a few short seasons ago.
They already had a decent squad. but they developed some good youth prospects and bought well such as the Belgian CB from Athletico/ Southampton. I was desperate for us to get him.


27 Jul 2017 11:59:22
A slight change of topic, with Everton u23's and u18's I think being either champions or near the top anyways as well as them recruiting a lot of the very good youth.

Are they able to attract more of the local lads than Liverpool?

And are we pushing for any deals per say of a similar nature of players who can go straight into the development teams?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

27 Jul 2017 12:07:29
Aren't we banned from youth recruitment for a few months?


27 Jul 2017 12:32:34
Only in England.


27 Jul 2017 15:40:58
The ban (in England) is for two years, I think.


27 Jul 2017 19:22:47
Yeah I believe we have signed a couple of foreign prospects this summer but we can't sign local talent for another 12 to 24 more months due to a ban for. well you probably know what! Ugh!


27 Jul 2017 11:19:53
Predictions for the next season,

Liverpool won’t win the league,
Liverpool won't sign VVD or Keita
Couts will leave

(p. s I am always wrong so let's hope this continues! )

Believable6 Unbelievable7

27 Jul 2017 11:34:00
Im more worried about qualifying for the champions league next season as we will never win the league with FSG as owners anyway simple as. They will sell any decent player we have when offered enough instead putting together a great team.


{Ed002's Note - That is not how it works.}

27 Jul 2017 11:43:31
Wow, Cy. Way to be optimistic there. N BTW, FSG don't sell players without the permission of the manager neither do they have a say on who the manager signs. None of what you posted is true regarding FSG and as Ed said, that is not how any of this works.


27 Jul 2017 12:12:39
That's a very myopic view Cyklopps 😉

Back the team, forget about the owners 😎.


27 Jul 2017 11:57:35
How does it not Ed02? You can't tell me that the club wouldn't be more successful if it had better owners such as Sheikh Mansour or Roman Abramovich who single handedly turned their clubs into title winning teams. Can you tell me one crucial player who Man City or Chelsea have sold because I can't think of any, while we have sold some of the best players to play in the premier league ever e. g Alonso, Torres, Suarez. All I can thank FSG for is saving us from Administration. Apart from that they have brainwashed the fans into accepting mediocrity year on year. We have won 1 Trophy since they've took over. They have ruined the reputation of the club among other clubs through numerous scandals. Sorry I don't mean to rant but enough is enough to be honest.


{Ed002's Note - Decisions about players are not taken by the owners.}

27 Jul 2017 11:06:05
So Conte publicly states on Sky Sports that Harry Kane is the complete player and one he would love to sign.
Pardon my ignorance but is this not a blatant attempt to unsettle the player?

Believable6 Unbelievable5

{Ed001's Note - but Chelsea have made no attempt to sign the player, so how on earth could anyone with a brain see that as a blatant attempt to unsettle the player? What stupid depths people are plumbing now!}

27 Jul 2017 11:13:38
It was a compliment of a professional footballer, in a press conference which will eventually be watched by millions on TV.

It is hardly tapping up is it?


27 Jul 2017 11:35:47
I know it's not tapping up and never said it was but in my own opinion it's every bit as bad but in a sly within the rules kind of way.
Same as Couts asking Barcelona players to "let their club know" he would be interested in a move, again within the rules.
I know you're sick to the teeth of comments referring to "tapping up" or so called, so appreciate your reply Ed001.
Keep up the good work.
On the brink of the sack here as I, m checking in so often for updates so better get back to work.


{Ed002's Note - You don't understand this at all - you and many others are making the Liverpool fans look a complete laughing stock. The manager is doing the same for the club.}

27 Jul 2017 11:44:52
Verdo1, just stop. You are embarrassing yourself and making the rest of us look completely stupid and deluded.


27 Jul 2017 12:01:27
im amazed at some of the posts that manage to get through on here. No wonder the Eds on here get pissed off!


27 Jul 2017 12:23:36
Simply a compliment given bu Conte to Kane. So many people have nice things to say about Messi and Ronaldo, so does that mean every Tom, Dick and Harry is trying to tap them up too?
If random compliments constituted "tapping up" in football, then tapping up of players would be the most legal thing in the game.


27 Jul 2017 12:43:06
people seem unable to find the difference between deliberate and concerted efforts to lie, use manipulation, falsify documents, attempts to coerce others, deceive clubs and a compliment towards another club's player. strange one really.


27 Jul 2017 13:11:59
I'm sorry I posted now as it seems it has been misinterpreted.
I understand what defines "tapping up" and the last thing I want is to start another debate on the subject as I'm sick reading about it. I know Conte was only paying the player a complement but he should not have said that he would love to sign the player when he knows full well that Kane is contracted to Spurs.
Sorry if I upset someone because I shared my own personal opinion.
Over and out.


27 Jul 2017 13:43:42
Conte has not sent kane a video (not that I know) or a PowerPoint presentation detailing how he loves him and admires him that much showing how he would fit into Chelsea's system.

The ability of a coach to recognise, publicly, that a player from another team is outstanding is extremely admirable and a refreshing change from the bile spouted from fans who think they must automatically hate every other team and player.


28 Jul 2017 11:31:59
Sick of it, and then posts about it!? Anyways, it is clutching at straws.


27 Jul 2017 10:56:21
Surely 1 or 2 of Sturridge, Origi and Ings must be on the move this window.? 5 strikers plus young Brewster seems a bit much doesn't it.?

Believable2 Unbelievable10

27 Jul 2017 11:06:16
Ings and Solanke will not touch it this season i predict.


27 Jul 2017 11:06:44
Brewster isn't ready for the first team so needn't be considered. Ings may well go on loan leaving Firmino, Origi and studied for the first team with Solanke as backup from the u-23s.


27 Jul 2017 11:12:36
Exactly Putney and knowing Sturridge he can not be accounted on as a key player, a luxury player who plays when fully fit and in form.


27 Jul 2017 11:12:46
Id like to see Ings and Origi go on Loan. Ings has had a long lay off he will need games to get back to himself, year back at Burnley maybe. Origi needs to find some consistency and that will only come from playing week in week out, If he spent a year out on loan at a Premier league Club I think he could come back a new player and ready to become first choice. don't need that many strikers especially when we have Mane and Salah who can cover there.


27 Jul 2017 11:47:34
Cy, Origi to go on loan for what? He's already been on loan at Lille and has shown when on form, that he can hack it at LFC. Klopp is experimenting in this preseason with playing 3 strikers in an interchangeable front 3 which is an option to always have as either of them bar maybe Solanke, can play wide. If we have too many strikers then Klopp is the guy to refer your question to.


27 Jul 2017 11:49:46
If Coutinho drops deeper into midfield or, God forbid, leaves for Barca, that leaves us with Mane and Salah as natural first team wide men, and then three proven strikers in Firmino, Sturridge, Origi.

Behind them we have Ings (yet to prove fitness) and Solanke as strikers, and Woodburn as winger/ midfielder in Coutinho's mould.

Don't think we can afford to sell or loan anyone, and if anything my concern is if Coutinho leaves are we left a bit short of experienced wingers, forcing Firmino to play wide again?


27 Jul 2017 11:57:13
Everyone is quick to say this and that youngster is not ready for the first team. Could you please explain tome then when a player is ready?


27 Jul 2017 11:50:07
I will put Firmino, Stirridge then Solanke in that order.


27 Jul 2017 13:19:55
Billy Big Balls. When the manager, who sees him day in day out informs the first team manager that he thinks he is ready to train with the first team. Then it is up to the player to show he is ready.


27 Jul 2017 14:27:38
What a load of tosh. Managers are always getting recommendations regarding youngsters being ready. The problem is that the managers dare not as this is now a results driven game and they're too scared of the sack if the youngsters don't perform and results go against them.


27 Jul 2017 09:36:20
Here is a little debate.
If we sell coutinho do we

A look for a world class number 10

B play firmino as a number 10 an look for a top striker.

Believable3 Unbelievable10

27 Jul 2017 09:53:08
I think World Class players (depending on your definition) are few and far between. In my mind that is only a handful. Coutinho is probably in that bracket right now I think for his position.

So to go back to your question, I think due to the scarcity of world class players, if it were me I would try and sign the best player we could in either a midfield, forward or striker role and then adjust the team slightly to accommodate that new player.

An example could be as you suggested, moving Firmino slightly girly deeper to accommodate a striker. Another might be changing the system slightly to hold an extra man in the midfield.


27 Jul 2017 09:53:12
C. Tell Emre Can he is now first choice and convince him to stay.


27 Jul 2017 10:24:26
Why get a so called number 10?


27 Jul 2017 10:40:52
We just can't sell coutinho. Seriously, just stop it already, He is not leaving, if he leaves this season is over before it has begun, talks about the likes of Lanzini for £ 50 million makes me sick to my stomach.


27 Jul 2017 10:41:01
Depends if we can get Keita than switch to a 4-2-3-1 or 442 would work for me and see who the best striker we could!


27 Jul 2017 10:41:29
Emre can is no Coutinho replacment what so ever, MK scouser you speak a lot of jokes latley, get a grip!


27 Jul 2017 10:44:24
I can't think of any world class direct replacement, maybe demand suarez back in the deal and buy a youngster in the number 10 role and hope he comes good . Never going to happen though . Just a wish to see him back in the Liverpool colours.


27 Jul 2017 10:49:09
D. use Firmino as the 10 and use Sturridge Origi Ings and Solanke as our strikers.


27 Jul 2017 10:54:08
Firmino is no number 10, Firmino was always a 2nd striker at hoffenheim and is a striker at liverpool, just deal with it already!


27 Jul 2017 10:56:15
In my head 2 things have happened this window no1 is we've got a hell of a lot of money to spend or ni2 coutinho is going and we're spending the money an getting the players in before we allow him to go. So maybe Kieta is the replacement. It would be nice if we could sign vvd an Kieta an still have the coutinho money to spend. If that was the case I would be looking for a top (world class) striker. Aguero costa muller those kind of players. Just my thoughts. But then I also think klopp could turn Barkley into a cracking no10. Maybe I shouldn't say that out loud ha.


27 Jul 2017 11:02:01
If we sell Coutinho I would hope we would play Firmino as a number 10 an look for a top striker like Aubameyang unless Sturridge can get over his Injuries which doesn't look likely.


27 Jul 2017 11:13:42
we will never in my or your life time sign Aubameyang unless Klopp is fired!


27 Jul 2017 11:14:09
His relationship with him is like his relationship with Sakho!


27 Jul 2017 11:41:10
Spend all couts money on dybala 🙊.


27 Jul 2017 11:55:20
Sell coutihno play firmino as 10 and buy aubemayang, a front 3 of mane salah and aubemayang would win us the league.


27 Jul 2017 12:19:34
Buy ante coric.


27 Jul 2017 13:17:34
Why has Can got to 'replace' Coutinho?

Coutinho played in the front 3 last season, and we have replaced him already in there by signing Salah. If Coutinho was to drop back into midfield then that will push Can out the door. If Coutinho goes though, why not make Can first choice to keep him? This is a Germany international people! He doesn't need to do what Coutinho does. People need to get away from the idea of signing a direct replacement. There are very few players like Coutinho, even fewer as good as him, and probably none as good as him who would come to us.

Klopp will need to rethink the system and personally I'd play Hendo and Can in a holding two, with Mane, Gini and Salah in a three, behind Firmino as the leading striker. What is wrong with that? Mane and Salah are both capable of 15-20 goals, Firmino will get around 15, and behind the forward Gini is good for 10-15 goals too. That is already 50+ goals if they all stay fit.

Let go of this obsession with signing direct replacements. It won't happen and I'm shocked by the abuse Can is still getting. He is the next Emre Can, not the next Coutinho.


27 Jul 2017 18:55:50
The issue MK is the same as JK has said all pre season.

We need to be better when Coutinho doesn't play.

That midfield without PC last year struggled. That's a fact. Results reflect that and the manger has come out and said it quite clearly too.

So in my mind, your solution is to play the midfield without its best player, not replace him and expect that it will be as good / better?

I don't understand mate.


27 Jul 2017 09:05:20
Ed001 can I ask please. Are you and the other eds privy to differant contacts? I only ask because you, ed002 and Macca all seem to have your own views on certain players arriving/ leaving.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - yes of course, we all have our own contacts, though we do share info between us.}

27 Jul 2017 08:56:07
Ross Barkley anyone if coutinho leaves or am I just looking for abuse.

Believable1 Unbelievable19

27 Jul 2017 09:01:40
I'd rather have Ross from friends.


27 Jul 2017 09:03:19
No. Not at all. Not good enough, too rash, has zero brains.


27 Jul 2017 09:07:37
He's a lazy cheat who hides in the big games. absolutely not good enough and all my blue mates want rid of him. No way.


27 Jul 2017 09:13:56
He's a liability but I think he'd be a good squad player.


27 Jul 2017 09:15:19
The next Steven Gerrard haha. I'd rather have stevie now than Barkley in his prime (if he has one)


27 Jul 2017 09:52:10
Stick him on our bench and get the other clubs to chip in for him it'll save them and us thousands in medical bills.


27 Jul 2017 10:15:44
Yeah your asking for abuse woody.


27 Jul 2017 10:43:14
Ross Barkley is overated enligsh crap, and everton would never sell to us, i would never want that awful guy at the club always trying to hurt our players on purpose, should have got sent off each single one of the last games we met the bitters.


27 Jul 2017 11:58:38
@redwillis1
I would take "RED ROSS" any day!


27 Jul 2017 08:53:35
Morning all,
Question for ed1 if he's about. It's looking likely that we may lose Coutinho and Can this window and whilst the whole world and his dog know that NK is the no.1 target I was just wondering if you knew who else we were looking at? It appears as though many of the targets mentioned at the beginning of summer have moved already (Eg Paredes) and I'd imagine we'd want to replace both Emre and Phil.

Thanks in advance mate.

Believable0 Unbelievable4

{Ed001's Note - I have answered this question over and over this window mate.}

27 Jul 2017 09:00:54
I haven't seen any other names mentioned recently. What should I search on the search function buddy?


{Ed001's Note - I didn't say I had given other names mate.}

27 Jul 2017 09:11:04
I see. Thanks for your patience Ed. Only 35 days left to ☺️.


{Ed001's Note - 35??? Argggghhhh!!!}

27 Jul 2017 09:12:23
I'll help you out RedNick, Salah has replaced Coutinho and Kieta is who Klopp wants to replace Can with.


27 Jul 2017 10:37:41
Salah and Keita were targeted to play alongside them mate im sure. Ed would it be fair to say our strategy on targets has now changed depending on departures?


{Ed001's Note - our strategy went out the window the minute Saints complained.}

27 Jul 2017 10:44:31
Salah is no Coutinho replacment, Coutinho is the only PLAYMAKER at the club, i can't stand the jokes about how Lallana can displace him, Lallana can't score or assist to save his life.


27 Jul 2017 11:49:23
So Billy your saying we're going into the season with European football with, a squad the same size that couldn't cope without European football last season, if that's the case someone needs to sacked.


27 Jul 2017 11:59:51
I never said it was a like for like replacement. Although I do remember Coutinho playing a lot of games on the left of an attacking 3. I assume that is where Salah will play now?


27 Jul 2017 12:12:56
Port red, I remember when we were winning leagues and European trophies. There were no squads in those days. The players would be expected to play 50-60 games a season, and they did, and they still won loads of silverware.
Players today are pandered to far too much. I mean how hard is it to play 2 games a week? Besides, when do you give the kids a chance if you keep buying?


27 Jul 2017 08:36:28
Other clubs are digging their heels in and saying no! So should we.
#Couthino.

Believable12 Unbelievable0

27 Jul 2017 10:45:22
NOT FOR SALE AT ANY PRICE, even a world record fee. FSG can rather sell up than selling coutinho, they can sell the club instead.


27 Jul 2017 12:45:12
ye viking, sell it for a profit!


27 Jul 2017 08:12:37
Hi Ed's. Do you know what the club are looking to do with Ryan Kent? I have seen he is getting quite a bit of game time in this pre season.

Are we looking to loan him out again or keep him?

Cheers.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - it really depends on a number of things, how he gets on in preseason and what offers there are for him will decide what happens to him.}

27 Jul 2017 08:14:54
Thanks for the quick reply mate. Would be nice for him to get a shot this season!


27 Jul 2017 08:37:58
I think he's done fairly well with his game time so far.


27 Jul 2017 11:05:26
We need players with pace who can run at defenders, he offers that. Love to seem him given a chance, be useful to rest Salah or Mane and give him games.


27 Jul 2017 11:15:33
He is playing to put him in the shop window, pretty sure the club is looking to sell him.


27 Jul 2017 08:03:42
Would inter be entitled to any of the coutinho fee or were they daft enough to give him us for the price of bacon.

Believable3 Unbelievable5

27 Jul 2017 07:50:20
If we do sell Coutinho, I hope the club diea not look to replace him with a string of players. he's 1 player so his replacement will need to fill 1 place in the team. Use the money wisely and buy someone if a high quality.
We will be selling a player that's key to our team. Replace him with someone that will walk into the starting 11 and make the difference he did last season.
Do not spend it on 5 players who may become quality in a year or 2.
1 player that will walk in and make the difference. 1 player of similar quality as Coutinho. And it doesn't have to be the same position that he plays.

Believable7 Unbelievable7

27 Jul 2017 10:00:15
Quite sure that is the plan with Keita.


27 Jul 2017 10:45:54
Keita is not coming and COUTINHO IS NOT LEAVING.


27 Jul 2017 10:54:20
Keita and sigurdsson in if coutinho and emre can go . Could be decent deals plus find a youngster who could possibly excel.


27 Jul 2017 11:08:37
Sigurdssson?

I am off to jump off a cliff now.


27 Jul 2017 11:48:25
Andy the thing is there's not the quality of replacement out there, that's why Barcelona are coming for him. The selling of our best players has to stop, he signed a new deal 6 months ago. We were in a cl final 10 years ago, we've one trophy since which is a disgrace, either these owners get serious will these guys or get out and let someone who will.


27 Jul 2017 07:26:19
Eds do you know if Klopp is a fan or Traore at Boro. I'm only asking as I was watched him live v Swansea last season as part of a corporate afternoon. He was head and shoulders above the rest although his final ball and pass needs some work. He reminded me of a young Raw Mane. Apparently he is available for less than 10 mill and considering he massively outshone Siguardson (appreciate it's only 1 game) who is rated at 50 mill. Also any eds would love to hear your thoughts on him.

Believable0 Unbelievable7

{Ed001's Note - seriously no one is a fan of that useless cretin surely? He is dog turd. Dried old white dog turd at that.}

27 Jul 2017 07:53:48
Im from Middlesbrough, all i ever hear is the Boro fans wouldn't mind getting rid of Traore. Nothing but pace. Will beat his man day in, day out but he can't put in a decent cross or score a goal if his life depended on it.


{Ed001's Note - or pass, or track back, or head the ball, or tackle or anything that actually involves the ball rather than just running very fast. He is the ultimate expression of a man in the wrong sport.}

27 Jul 2017 07:58:02
😂 I must have caught him on his 1 and only good day then Ed 01.


{Ed001's Note - or you need new glasses as I saw that game and he was crap.}

27 Jul 2017 08:22:58
Tell us what you really think Ed01 :)


{Ed001's Note - I am staying on the fence on this one.....}

27 Jul 2017 08:23:20
He looked amazing in a couple of MOTDs but the fact he couldn't nail down a spot in the Boro side tells you all you need to know.


27 Jul 2017 08:30:39
does come out as a bit lazy.


27 Jul 2017 09:09:31
Staying on the fence? I thought you were a Scouser Ed001?


{Ed001's Note - we scousers are known for being quiet and keeping our opinions to ourselves....}

27 Jul 2017 09:38:58
I live in Teesside and have watched a few Boro games. Traore is just pace, nothing else. Like a bull in a China shop. He can run down the wing and that's all. He can't pass, he can't score, he doesn't track back. He is build like a sprinter and can't seem to control a football.

Baz.


27 Jul 2017 10:17:57
He's really good at dribbling, he'd be the best player in the world if it was 1v3 and all you had to do was dribble to the other side of the field. Unfortunately he has nothing else. Seriously nothing else.


27 Jul 2017 11:23:41
To be fair, he'd be better doing the 'anti-Bolt' - transferring from football to athletics. Spain have a dearth of good sprinters at the moment, and he could really excel!


27 Jul 2017 11:53:26
I'd rather have Djimi Traore.


27 Jul 2017 02:09:33
In these times of football madness i thought i would share some opinions . firstly on the Can situation. He did give his all when he played. But he will not be missed. He was never liverpool standard. never rwally developed and i don't yhink he will become the player we hoped he would be. Good luck to him if he goes. Wish him the best.
As for wee phil. I always like him. I live in brazil and have followed him since his Vasco days. He is a special player. but. again not irreplacable. He saved us a few times this year and does open up teams. But all this talk of continuosly selling our best is nonsense. Torres had a nightmare when he left us. Was nevwr the same. Im not saying that will happen for phil at barca.
What we need is to buy wisely to replace him. Remember when Rushy left. Bought aldo barnes and beardo. We need to be smart. Get the right quality players with an effective system. that's what works. We will go on long after these players come and go. The most important thing is replace with quality. not like for like. Salah is turning out to be a great buy. Imagine for the couts money we got another 2 of 3 of similar end product. Id be happy with that!

Believable10 Unbelievable10

27 Jul 2017 07:26:50
At can's age, what were you hoping for over and above what he Haas currently shown?


27 Jul 2017 07:39:43
A very sage and measured response to the carnival craigu.
No one one on this planet really knows what they are are doing with absolute certitude. Hence the circus.
However, there are those who have exemplified excellence and I think that we are fortunate enough to have many of them within our noble institution, despite perceived failings.

Liverpool Football Club is bigger than any player, manager or financial trend. It is an institution revered throughout the planet, based on a hard, tumultuous, but glorious history.

Klopp is not here for the pay cheque, he wants his name in stone next to King Kenny, Shanks and Paisley. And he's picking players to achieve that.

Hammer and Chisel at the ready. YNWA.


27 Jul 2017 07:43:52
Replacing players is a lot easier when you are the number 1 team in the land as players want to come to us. We already have a big bag of cash that we can't spend to improve the starting 11, so having an even bigger bag makes little sense to me. For every Salah or Mane we have signed, we have signed 10 markovic or downing or Andy Carrolls.


27 Jul 2017 11:36:34
No player is irreplaceable, I love Coutinho but he can still vanish in games. However as this summer is proving getting in top quality is very difficult, I'm not sure who we could get who would have Coutinho's quality.


27 Jul 2017 13:22:23
Faithinworks. im sorry, but at 23 he and 2/ 3 years here he should be showing us a lot more. If he is going to be a class above he would have dhown it already. hell. i don't even think he's been man of the match with us. Get over it. he's not that good. Answer this question. alonso had just turned 23 when he joined us. who would rather have? World of quality difference.


27 Jul 2017 01:17:53
Long time watcher of this forum. it's my life.
I had to think of who shall I have as a nickname

Hope it's a good one👍👍.

Believable2 Unbelievable3

27 Jul 2017 05:59:50
Moran or Wheelan?


27 Jul 2017 06:26:37
Or Rosenthal?


27 Jul 2017 06:28:14
Barker or Corbett?


27 Jul 2017 06:32:44
I expect it's Rosenthal.


27 Jul 2017 09:09:26
If it's 83 it's Whelan.


27 Jul 2017 09:41:11
I played football with Mr Whelan when I was based in Cyprus. He was my Hero after scoring that diving header against the Mancs.

Baz.


27 Jul 2017 10:37:47
Ah Ronnie Corbett, everyone's favourite family friendly comedian

Good choice.


27 Jul 2017 10:59:06
Very good choice dedicating your username to one of the best servants the club has ever had! Welcome!

In case you're wondering, you may know that Ronnie Moran died at the age of 83?


27 Jul 2017 11:54:18
Is it Ronnie Pickering?


27 Jul 2017 12:08:35
It could of course be an homage to Ron Keague. But is 83 referring to IQ, age or waist size? ;)


30 Jul 2017 02:05:39
Soz lads was steaming that night. but I just saw old jackycharlton give credit Ronnie whelan on you tube. his curler against them was a gem.


27 Jul 2017 00:14:18
just wondering if there is any truth to the henrique dalbert rumor I just read? at 30m I'm not sure it's worth it, if so.

Believable0 Unbelievable4

27 Jul 2017 00:10:45
Since you don't want to answer my question about Ryan Kent and Leeds :) I will ask a diffirent one. Are we interested in Dalbert from Nice?

Believable0 Unbelievable2

27 Jul 2017 01:03:48
Didn't we just sign Robertson?


27 Jul 2017 01:16:21
Yes but we have moved on from our love affair with central midfielders, it is all about the full backs now :)


27 Jul 2017 11:13:06
I think someone said here that there was interest, but after the Robertson signing, it seems unlikely.


26 Jul 2017 21:04:19
To the eds, away from all the transfer talk, would like your views on a specific topic on footballers. You guys have vast amount of knowledge of the game but I would like to know if any of you have come across any footballers who had huge potential but did not quite manage to fulfil it. This would be following on footballers who played for liverpool and outside the club. I'm not so sure if this questions been asked to you. I'm sure it would be a nice breather to get away from all nonse and having to repeat yourselves time and time again in regards to the transfer rumours. The one person that springs to my mind is smicer. Users also welcome to share their thoughts. Keep up the good work guys!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - There have been a bunch of kids whose career has been screwed by moving too earlier. I always use John Bostock as an example.}

27 Jul 2017 01:17:12
John Bostock, now there's a name from the past. Made his deput at 15, and if I remember correctly, Palace turned down a bid from Barcelona for him.
Good to see him rebuilding a career. Won a couple of accolades last season at Lens I believe.


27 Jul 2017 01:42:47
Vlad won the champions league, are you mad. Reading up till then I was thinking of players like Della Valle, Anderson, Nemeth, Trickett Smith, even Phillips who has just signed for Norwich. Then Babel and Collymore sprung to mind.


27 Jul 2017 06:14:00
I believe Heskey was rated as having the potential to be the best player in the world at 18. Le Tallec was rated higher than Ronaldo. Football is littered with players who were thought to be the next best thing but failed to make the next step up. Ojo for example is in danger of becoming one of them

For me, I love the stories of players who nobody thought much of but worked their butts off to make a career of footy.


27 Jul 2017 08:32:27
It's only people on here who think Ojo is the next big thing, and I'm guessing half have barely seen him play. He looks to be okay at best imo and he won't make the grade at Anfield.
The fact he couldn't get in the England u20s starting line up tells you something.


27 Jul 2017 08:42:01
Balotelli wasnt bothered about fulfilling his immense potential.


27 Jul 2017 01:51:27
Ed also a perfect example is Marco Marin. He was one of the most promising talents in Germany and played very well at Bremen at the time. Went to Chelsea and after god knows how many loan deals he ended up on the bench of panathinaikos or some other Greece club. Sad to see talent go to waste.


27 Jul 2017 11:31:55
Nii Lamptey is one that I always think of, a superstar as a teenager he moved to Aston Villa when he was 19, really struggled and was pretty much never heard of again at the top level.


26 Jul 2017 20:37:03
Question for ed002, hope your travels are going well. Does Rangnick's latest remarks about the Keita situation signal a change of stance at RBL? Apparently the player's entourage and the Guinean people are upset about it. Curious if you've heard anything about it or just your opinion on the matter. Thank you for your insight in advance.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - I don't know what he has said, sorry. If they get to the point where Liverpool has damaged their player to the point of no return, the then need to make provision.}

27 Jul 2017 00:57:02
Read the posts Ed002 :) JK. Rangnick said that NK has had his head turned by a hole village in Guinea and a few Guinean journalists have said his remarks were insencitive and he needs history lessons etc and that NK comes from Guinea's capital a major city with over 1mil people.


{Ed002's Note - Cool.}

27 Jul 2017 01:08:19
"Damaged their player" by bidding on him, there must be a lot of damaged players at this time of year hey Ed?


{Ed002's Note - You reallyneed to me explain again the damage that Liverpool has done?}

27 Jul 2017 01:14:11
I think it has been blown out of proportion and his words were not meant with any malice or racial intent, just wrong choice of words. But then again I don't know the man or his world views innoccent til proven guilty though in my eyes just the papers will now use this to sell thousands more copies of "Liverpool close to Keita deal after racialy insensitive comments" and the beat goes on.


27 Jul 2017 06:24:13
Fortunately for him he didn't specify the village or that it was Keita's head which had been turned.
I think he will get away with it.


27 Jul 2017 01:32:01
I am starting to think people just do it to wind you up and watch you go now Ed002 :)


 
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