Liverpool Banter Archive June 29 2013

29 Jun 2013 21:57:46
Who are we looking at realistically as targets if Suarez leaves? I mean Mickey's really good but we're going to need another striker?

Even without Suarez we currently have Sturridge, Borini and Aspas as well as Yesil. Alberto can also play upfront. Why do people think we need another striker if Suarez leaves?

I just don't see us getting another out-and-out striker if Suarez leaves unless we were to sell one of Sturridge or Borini (which I don't see happening).

If Mkhitaryan comes, then I think that's pretty much the attacking side of things finished. If Mkhitaryan doesn't work out, then perhaps an alternative instead but I think it would be someone similar who is capable/comfortable playing wide as well as behind the striker. Flexibility seems to be the key.

Aspas is Suarez replacement.

Ozone

IF he goes. Benteke for 25m would plug the gap considering we will also have full season of Sturridge & Coutinho and more goals from new starters Aspas & Mkhitaryan than last years Downing & Henderson. Villa know we'll come calling if LS gets his move.

I would take bent, fairly cheap, around 8-9 mill, proven scorer . ant

30 Jun 2013 10:35:46
Aspas is NOT suarez replacement!

Mkhitaryan+Alberto+Aspas+Coutinho+Sturridge
all are Suarez "replacement"

We will NOT go in for Benteke either.
We DON'T need him.

29 Jun 2013 20:16:34
Hi Eds, rumours are that Mickey is a done deal but if it falls through, wouldn't surprise me and if Eriksen also isn't going to happen then is there a fall back, another attacking midfielder that we've been looking at or are all of our eggs in one basket? I have tried the search function. Thanks. {Ed002's Note - What did you search on? Eggs?}

I searched on eggs and all I found was this post. What have I missed?

29 Jun 2013 20:09:06
Hi Eds,
is there truth in the Jorginho rumours? {Ed002's Note - RTP.}

29 Jun 2013 17:30:22
Ed has there been any news if Daniel sturridge will be back for pre season

Cheers
W.b {Ed002's Note - There are no staements about injuriesin the close season - at some point the club will say, but I don't know when.}

29 Jun 2013 23:10:15
Has Brendan Rodgers improved LFC as a team?

I think yes. And we'll only improve further under him.

We had a higher points tally last year, despite playing half the season with only one recognised striker and with his two main signings suffering injuries. He has also massively lowered the wage budget.

Plus our squad is gradually going from strength to strength:

Adam out, Allen in
Kuyt out, Borini in
Carroll out, Sturridge in
Cole out, Coutinho in
Bellamy out, Aspas in
Doni out, Mingolet in
Carragher out, Toure in
Maxi out, Alberto in

Hopefully more to come.

FranklyMrShankly

When you put it like that you can see all his hard work!

billynwa

No BR has not improved the team

One cup win last year under KK

One runner up stop under KK

Qualified for Europe under KK

BR is great at public relations and KK is not that's the difference!

Robin in the Hood

30 Jun 2013 12:59:44
I'm sorry robin, but anyone can put a couple of cup runs together with the odd good performance and a bit of luck

(Bradford City) (Wigan) (heck, us in 2005)
Alvy

30 Jun 2013 13:04:18
Robin are you really that stupid?

Wigan and Swansea are cup winners and play in europe next season. Kenny didn't improve us at all.
Stop being the worst kind of supporter there is.
Slating the players, the manager and doesn't really support the club but individuals.
Slating the new signings and making clueless uneducated BS comparisons.

-BR got us 30 goals more
-BR got us 10 points more
-BR had half the squad kenny had
-BR had 10 more games.
-BR played with 1 striker half the season
-BR made us play the best most attractive football in over 15 years
-Improvement in the league all the time even for a blind person to see.
-Didn't blow 120 million on English crap
-Huge reduction of the wage bill
-2 of the best signings we have had for years.
-18 different players scored, the first time ever.
-71 goals is the 3rd time only in our history.

-KK did good in the first 6 months, then really bad! Relegation form and performances.
-If you're so "butthurt" because we didn't win a Bs cup please please Wigan is the perfect team for you.
-Ive supported Liverpool longer than you have lived, this season was a huge improvement on the last season. No single shadow of doubt.
We re moving in the right direction and you are a short-sighted fickle glory hunter.

In Buck we Trust

Look you can all go on fooling yourselves about BR and the one direction sorry right direction thing but I am not buying it so I must follow wigan now, how silly is that?

Adults agree to differ I think BR is the wrong man but time will tell, if I am wrong I will be first to admit it, but if I am right I am going to have a great time telling all who trust in BR what plonkers they were! I bet there will be very few of "I trust in BR" left in two seasons time!

Robin in the Hood.

29 Jun 2013 18:10:58
Hi Eds, if reina leaves, we won't have much strength in depth in the GK position IMO, would a move for kasper smiechal (excuse the spelling) be possible, I think its a long shot but a very good GK, if not LFC do you know of any other interested parties for his services?
Thanks {Ed030's Note - Exactly why I think Reina will stay,Why not have 2 very good goal keepers? }

Neither will be happy on the subs bench especially with a view to their international career prospects.
So it might be good if Reina stays.

Livern01

Because we need the 10m to strengthen elsewhere and there's no chance we will have a guy earning almost 5m a year (Reina) warming the bench. Mignolet is for now not the future.

29 Jun 2013 21:29:16
Last time we talked of who should be back between alonso and torres many of us backed up alonso so should we bring him back to help stevie G shape our young midfielders?

He plays in same position in our formation as Gerrard. Ain't going to happen and neither is Torres.

Shall we bring poulsen back too? Let it go man

29 Jun 2013 21:12:59
The more I see of Mkhitaryan, the more he reminds me of a super pacey Frank lampard, who can smash in long range goals gerrard style.
He looks genuine quality and would more than fill the void left by Suarez. The side would be fairly well balanced. Especially attack. Mkhitaryan will look forward and see 3 very good attacking players ahead of him in coutinho, sturidge and aspas and therefore be able to pick out the player in the best position rather than the world class player (Suarez) all the time. The attack will be super hard to defend against 3 very decent and tricky forwards who can all interchange, with Mkhitaryan making late runs into the box to latch onto any loose balls or passes from our forwards. Rodgers said he wanted to add an extra 20+ goals to this team and this system might just get them.

MIKEY

Mickey type of player is invaluable in todays football especially when you need to draw the CB's out of the centre.
No good having clever forwards dropping off and drawing the centre backs out without having that 3rd man running type of player like Mickey that can finish.
Henderson, Shelvey and Allen all played that position last season, with Henderson the most successful but he doesn't have a great shot and is not clinical. Mickey does and the position comes naturally to him.

29 Jun 2013 20:32:53
Just like to find out how we all feel about our new signings and hopeful, reaslistic targets!

For me although maybe a little steep in price HM will be an excellent signing. On one side I think he is too expensive but the more sensible side of me (i think) says someimtes you need to spend big to get great players and although unproven in our league I do think he will prove to be brilliant, if all goes through

As for Aspas I think he is a good signing, especially for the money which wasn't a crazy amount.

Luis I am undecided about as would I be if we get ILORI who I have not seen loads of but what I have seen would not ignite flames in me if we payed over 5m.

Toure will prove also to be a great signing I think and I am VERY PLEASED with SM. I think he is a great keeper and seems somehow like a Liverpool player and has a great attitude and will bond well also

What do you guys think
Gareth

For me.

Our squad is stronger in numbers and competition for places. That's it.

If Suarez leaves we won't be able to replace him so overall we will be a weaker side with 1 less quality player.

In goal though I think we could have a great signing.

So until Suarez goes our side is better on paper.

Simon O

29 Jun 2013 20:10:14
I think we should step in ahead of Leverkusen for Toby Aldewereld. If he's good enough for Sami Hyypia that will do for me.

Ya but it is probably Rudi Voller's decision to try and sign Alderweireld. Sami could think he is rubbish?
The Gooch

Liverpool and Pompey played in Div 2 in the 60/61 season and didn't play each other again competitively until 1980. Maybe there played in a friendly during your dad's friend played.

29 Jun 2013 19:19:28
Hey eds, regarding the African age issue, what are your thoughts on victor Moses, John obi mikel and even Emmanuel frimpong. Do you think these players could be older than you say, I am interested to know because they were brought tithe premier league at a very young age I believe.
Aidy in ireland {Ed030's Note - I think Moses is around the same age,I think Mikel and Frimpong may be a bit older. }

Yea I think Moses came to England when he was about 5 with his parents so I think that would rule him out of being older

29 Jun 2013 19:16:39
Mkhitaryan. Its really not that hard. I'm not having a go at peoples spelling, just after reading about MKHITARYAN for the past few weeks thought people would have copped on. Now how to pronounce it that should be funny.

Moo-kitaryan is how it's pronounced, bet it sounds brill in scouse.

YorkshireRED.

Don't get your hopes up, I still see people spelling Allen with an A

Its pronounced

Mickey

Get it right

Diagne LFC

29 Jun 2013 17:07:55
In the Sky Sport poll on which is the best transfer in this window so far, Simon Mignolet has been voted as the best signing till now with 21% votes, followed by Andrea Schurrle (18%) and Ricky van Wolfswinkel(11%).

My god you lot clutch at straws, there is 2 months til it shuts, what a pointless post!

Much love

How long will that stand?

Till Roman or the sheik gets out the check book?

Simon Mignolet has been voted as the best signing till now with 21% votes

=======================

I wonder if most of these are Sunderland fans . just saying
A lot of you in here are so insecure about the future, you are clutching to the smallest of straws .

Roy

Those money-men can get the cheque book out but is £50m+ value for money on any player other than messi or ronaldo? No. But there is no denying our signings SO FAR are value for money. Even without kicking a ball. But the beauty of it is that we hope they can push on and become better players at Liverpool and help the club move further forward and eventually achieve Champs League football. There isn't an expectation to do so as there would be if we signed say Cavani. But there is just enough hope with the players we have signed. Which is good for the players to not feel the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Can't you read? Or has your ignorance just got the better of your mind? Or do you just LOVE the pessimistic rambling? I've clearly stated 'Best signing till now'!
And moreover, I am just stating something which was reported. So please second poster READ before you comment.

Third poster, I agree if Abrahamovich or sheikh spend as usual, then things will change. But hey, they already have! Mignolet has just edged Schurrle and is way ahead of Fernandinho according to Sky readers. I'm not saying that Mignolet will be the best signing in this window, I'm merely stating the fact that we've made a great deal and we must support the new signings, the team and the manager.

Cheers

Only until we sign mickey :)

MIKEY

I'd rather have Schurrle than Mignolet. He's not an improvement on Reina and the money spent could of brought in some much needed outfield talent. let's get our heads out of our arses for a second, it's a pointless post and none of our completed transfers will significantly improve us to a top 4 standard. The money FSG pump into Liverpool should be used to sign 2 top class players not 6 average Borini's.

When you have the money of Roman or the sheik

Value for money is not high up on the list of priorities

After all I doubt either shop in discounts stores more likely 'Arrods

29 Jun 2013 16:20:02
Ed's I see Ruben Botta is a perfect player! and will not be expensive, he's 23 with lots of potential to be world class! He has lots of pace, vision, ball control, dribbling, eye on the goal . your thoughts please, and is he available?
El capitano {Ed001's Note - isn't he already signing for Inter Milan?}

What a loss! They took him on free

29 Jun 2013 15:49:33
Quite a few websites reporting an agreed fee reached for Mkhitaryan now today.
Anyone know how reliable Russia Today is?
Cheers.

No idea but like you I'd like to know and have fingers crossed as the race to sign him seems to be hotting up

Russia Today the news channel I find to be pretty reliable, so if it is their website I would take some notice! Hopefully after all the speculation it's correct this time!

The A man.

Just check the Russia Today website and there's diddly about Mkhitaryan or LFC so sadly looks like a false statement

29 Jun 2013 15:35:20
Anybody else think Mertens for 9.5m euros to Napoli is an absolute steal? They did great business there. Ed002 has previously stated they expect this window to be one of the biggest bank-breaking transfer windows we've seen, but deals like this are much more interesting than mega money moves. Always good to see the tactics of clubs in getting great players at good prices.

JFT 96

JP

Agreed and definitely seems Napoli got a good bargain there. Bit surprising to be honest he went for so little, at least to me.

Stealing is against the LAW


It also says on Moses Tablets "thou shall not Steal"

Unless your a banker!

29 Jun 2013 15:17:56
Mr Suarez for goodness sake talk to your employers and either put up or shut up, if u want to leave put in transfer request so we all know where we stand and we can plan accordingly. Liverpool time to do to others as others do to us. Suarez you have xx days to decide what u want and to those who may want to buy u have the same time limit to bid once deadline passed Suarez will not b sold

29 Jun 2013 14:46:02
surely wilfred bony worth a punt BR likes swans players how about getting one before he joins them .
then we could say to suarez sit on the bench if you want to and we won't have to reduce price to real madrid

If we sat Suarez on the bench all that would do is drop his value. He needs to just not bite people.

Put a muzzle on Suarez when he plays

You mean Make Suarez into Hannibal Lecter!

Clarisa you bit of a sort - Hum, Hum

Sorry I meant

'ear Pal come over 'ere

I want to bite you mate, alright!

29 Jun 2013 00:11:43
Different type of question here eds to the ones usually asked. I know its very difficult and I understand how things change in football, but what state do yous think Liverpool will be in 5 years or so from now - title challengers, 3rd/4th place team, or on still on the fringes of European spots? Also, do you think BR/owners will still be around? Would love to hear your opinions, especially ed001.
Thanks,
aldo88 {Ed001's Note - not sure mate, it could go either way. Hopefully we will have settled down under Rodgers' management and he will still be in charge. That would mean we would be up there challenging. If he has gone, it would mean we have struggled and not pushed our way into the title reckoning. I do expect the owners to still be there, either way, though they are looking for extra investment into the club.}

29 Jun 2013 14:11:51
With people being so negative here at times I'd like you to dream of this scenario 10 years down the road.
Manager - Hyypia.
Assistant - Marcus Babbel.
Coaches - Gerrard, Alonso, Fowler (Forward coach), Reina (GK coach), Carragher (Defensive coach).
A new generation of bootroom boys.
Gerrard and Carragher next up for the big jobs perhaps.

I WISH. :)

I'd prefer to dream of Rodgers still in charge as we've turned it around won the league for a 25th time. Now that's a dream my friend
TSB

Would love to see Carragher as a manager some day. I don't see Gerrard as a manager type though, just too moody for that sort of thing.

Too moody?
Have you heard of
Mourinho?
Ferguson?
Wenger?
Rafael Benitez?
Trappatoni?
The list is endless
Ha ha!
The moodier the man, the better the manager maybe?

LOL. Fair enough point, previous poster. Still can't seem him as a manager though.

29 Jun 2013 18:02:12
would love to see the likes of steve nicol steve mcmahon involved in the club some day.tommy Irish Red

I would love Sami Hyypia to be our next manager.
The Gooch

I agree with TSB with his coaching staff consisting of Carragher as his assistant, Fowler as finishing coach, Reina as GK coach with Alonso coaching at the Academy.
Scouse_Pride

Ya I know what ya mean RDL :)

If we cou;d see round corners would we lose or gain supporters? Who knows what the future holds, thank god.

Gerrards got too much of a GOD complex to be manager the better the player the worse the manager I seem to find.

Kopping a feel

29 Jun 2013 14:20:13
Liverpool do love a good drama when it comes to signing players. HM has been talked about for this last month and yet we haven't even made a bid. It was mentioned on sky this morning that Swansea's De Guzman would be open to staying with them for another season, 3hrs later it's confirmed. No messing about. Pool4Life

And your point is?

Easy as 123

Think that may be over-simplifying it slightly. First De Guzman is a loan player who has agreed to another season on loan, second this is Sly Sports you're talking about so any information and the timing of information from them is not necessarily entirely chronologically correct, (ie. 3 hours), and 3rd there have obviously been complications with Henrikh Mkhitaryan regarding ownership plus Shakhtar Donetsk wanting to squeeze as much money from prospective buyers as possible, and interest from other teams in the player. That asides from the player choosing where he would like to play his football and continue his career, the involvement of agents and the fact that the transfer window isn't even open yet. It is a shame that there has been so much open publicity about the potential tranfer otherwise we would have been unaware of interest from Liverpool until he either signed for us, or unaware because he'd gone elsewhere, but that's how it goes in modern football. I think we've done ok so far in aquiring targets so far, without too much drama.

29 Jun 2013 15:38:51
There is so much wrong with your post that the only responsible answer you will get is YAWN & SIGH.

Hve we not wrapped up more deals than any other tean ib the league thus far?

Stop being a spoilt brat its a complex deal i'm sure itll get done have faith

Oh yeh it's not like we've already secured 4 players before the window has even opened.

Dan.

Is it just me or are the similarities between sigurdson last year and mkh this year uncanny!

As you can appreciate Pool4ife every deal has its own complexities and hurdles, especially in regards to 3rd party ownership should it apply.
In addition, LFC are seemingly sticking to their guns on fees which I can appreciate!

We haven't done too bad so far so let's see what happens my friend, plenty of time for the deals to be made as its not even July until Monday!

The A man.

29 Jun 2013 14:01:16
Sorry to bother you eds but what do you think of Kristoffer Peterson and adam phillips, do you think peterson will make it?

Lil Red {Ed030's Note - Peterson is a decent players,But I doubt he will make it at Anfiled,Sorry mate never heard of Philips. ]

Ok ed thanks for the opinion anyway.

Do you ever wonder if young players post these themselves to get people's honest opinions of them?

29 Jun 2013 13:54:39
Evertonian in peace here.does it not worry you guys that although you already have just about the biggest squad in the premiership, you are adding player after player? I know that we (Everton) are always slow at bringing in new faces, but my point is that it is often a slow process to bed in new players. I think you have just signed 4 or 5 new ones and are looking at a few others. Quite often it takes half a season just to bed in a couple of new faces. To bring in 6 or 7 can really disrupt the squad. I will quote QPR as an example of my point. They brought in some class players but never really got it together. Whilst I am not saying you will be near the bottom, I am suggesting that you want to get in the Champions League positions and therefore need to get off to a flying start. I myself would have thought bringing in say 2 or 3 TOP quality players would be better than 6 or 7 squad players. Over to you for your thoughts.
Degsypulford

For a start we don't have anywhere near the biggest squad in the PL. We actually really need to bolster the squad as well as improving the first 11. We have a lot of kids in the squad who aren't necessarily ready for the first team in a few cases.

Your 100% right. There was nothing wrong with Liverpools squad. All we needed to do was replace Reina, Skrtel, Carra and Downing with better players and the team would have been perfect for a top 4 finish.

LFC's a hedge fund for the American owners and their mates. Incoming players don't necessarily have to be useful to the squad, they just need to have resale value.

Ozone

Oh dear, smell bitterness again
Small man (club) syndrome?
The wage bill at LFC has and is being drastically reduced
Players will obviously leave once targets brought on board (Riena, Skirtel, Pacheco, Spearing, etc)
Don't you worry about Liverpool Football Club, we are the most successful team in history of English football and popular through out the world with a support that is second to none.
Go back to your Toffees and bask in the sun of being Man U's B team whilst you can, you know it won't be for long

Qpr simply bought players by their name. we are trying to get the players who will fit in the system so it won't take much time for them to adapt. also the players who have been brought so far are very much to add depth which we lacked last season. mkhitaryan and papadoupolus are the one's who are seen as the one who will starters

Agree with the first reply.

In peace or not, you're still a typical Blue. talkin' s***!

To the unknown poster just below Ozone's post.
I'm a Liverpool fan of nearly 30 years pal and your arrogance and your like is one reason why we are hated so much by the likes of Everton fans.
He clearly stated he came in peace yet you feel the need to knock the guy.
Let me just say to the Everton fan and original poster that I'm sorry for the arrogance of a 'fan' like this guy.
He certainly doesn't represent me or LFC the way he disrespected you.
I apologise on his behalf.
Good luck to Everton next season, so long as they finish below us :)

Sorry if you think this is bitterness. It was not meant to be so. Although I am tempted to respond to your insults, I will ignore your small man club comments and take more notice of the constructive comments made by your other real supporters above.
Good luck for the season coming.
Degsypulford

Ozone and his hedge fund conspiracy again. At least the blues supporter has a realistic opinion.

Do us a favour mate, regardless of the fact that maybe we might be looking like were buying cheap alternatives to the like of turan or say biglia or even soldado that's because we overpayed for this kind of player last season, so maybe its reasonable to say that this time around we've been cautious, but the fact remains we've got the signings done early, talented or not remains to be seen, nothing ventured.

29 Jun 2013 16:07:14
We have a really small squad so your original point is baseless and to the one who agrees saying we only needed to replace yada yada, and then mentions 5 players to replace and we already had a very small squad. Utter tosh.
Then Ozone with his hedgefund nonsense.
Yawn!
Ozone mate you don't understand the math at all.
You are probably one of the deluded suckers who think Liverpool will double there money on Suarez.

Here is a simple equation that I hope your brain comprehends.
Suarez cost £23 m in transfer fees.
£ 2 million in agent fees & signing on fee.
£ 9 million wages in 2 and a half season.
5% of any transfer fee.
5% of the remaining contract.
5% of 40m is £2m
His wage payout is £1 million.
So Suarez total cost for LFC is around £37 million.
£3 million profit! Don't you look silly!

Not sure the need for the negativity against Everton when asked a very valid question. Sheesh.

My opinion is that Toure was obviously signed as a direct replacement for Carragher, Aspas to provide competition to Downing and as a 3rd choice striker, if needed, Mignolet for Reina (who I think will go), and Alberto to provide squad depth as he's pretty versatile.

It is a lot of players and, as you say, there are likely to be more, but with losing Carragher that's one that is necessary out of 11. Reina and Suarez would likely be 2 and 3 out of our starting 11 so need some sort of replacement and in general we need more competition for the wide forward slots anyway. This is why we trying to get deals done early but you're correct in that this level of turnover probably isn't ideal. Just not sure what other choice we have as I'd rather have new players than ones who don't want to be here.

29 Jun 2013 16:33:47
whats wrong with being disliked by other tesms fans. If youve been going the match you will have noticed were hated by everyone, the press, sky, refs, so don't knock your own fans and give the lad your support, and remember what shanks said, " if everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, i, d close the curtains".

The hedge fund thing makes little sense, Ozone. If we signed a younger player and his value increased then surely it would be because he performed well on the pitch and generally helped the team to do well, no? That being the case (they performed well and thus their value has improved) how could you classify that as a 'bad signing' for us? I'd much rather have players whose value goes up than ones whose value doesn't?

What on earth is up with you guys? This is a banter site and an evertonian came on it in peace and hoping for constructive discussion. To the everton poster please continue to post, I feel embarassed that so called supporters where so arrogant and disrespectful to you.

Trust me the vast majority of decent LFC supporter do not condone arrogance or disrespect to anyone. You are a blue, fair enough, we are reds. That doesn't make us enemies, it just means we support different teams, but we all love the game of football.

Everton FC have given LFC tremendous support over the years especially during the dark days of Hillsborough. Please have the decency to be respectful to all posters, whoever they may support

Tel 1949

There is ZERO reason of benefit to try to be disliked.
We just need to focus on ourselves not go out of our way to make enemies.
It's no wonder we're hated by everyone with so called fans like the guy above.
For the record, you sound more bitter than any Evertonian.

Everton fan DegsyPulford again. thanks for the positive comments lads. I understand there are one or two with the bitterness they say that I have. The vast majority of banter between the clubs is done in the right spirit. But like you guys, we also have a few. My comments were a genuine query really. To prove my football based comments, I will state that I am worried that we Everton have lost Moyes and we have an unproven manager trying to follow in his footsteps. It will be difficult. I have to also say I do not know the players you are signing (goalkeeper/Toure aside), it just appears that with the sort of money you are spending, perhaps one or two top quality proven players might be a better option. Toure is obviously a good signing as is Mignolet. that's assuming Reina is off. It's the others I was referring to. Perhaps they will be great for you? Again thanks for the positive responses and good luck for the season.
Degsypulford

Well said Tel.
These so called fans are a disgrace.
Trying to use the 'if you were a regular match goer' card as well.
Evertonians are our neighbours and friends.
Personally I have nothing but respect for them!
They showed their true neighbourly skills and instincts with the Hillsborough situation especially quick coming to mind.
These so called Liverpool fans just don't have a clue mate.

Fair play Degsy,
Keep posting over here if ya like mate.
You're more than welcome pal.
Ignore the red bitters :)

29 Jun 2013 13:52:33
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is pretty much done and dusted. Medical start of the week so expect an announcement Tuesday/Wednesday barring any delays. Player wants Liverpool and fee now agreed so very little should hold this up now.

Total and utter nonsense mate, all of this is is rumour mongering of the worst sort. Never going to happen.

You know that for sure do you? "will never happen?" well I would say it's 50/50, could happen-could not, do you know something we don't?

29 Jun 2013 12:50:14
Are arsenal willing to sell vermaelen. I know a move to Liverpool seems near impossible but he would be a good signing {Ed030's Note - I would like that,But I can't see it happening. }

I know it isn't going to happen but reina for vermaelen would be an ok deal for both teams

As an Arsenal fan I can safely say that that would not be okay for both teams.

Vermaelen is just off form and we will hopefully see him back to his best. And he will not be leaving Arsenal this summer anyway.

And if he did leave it would be for a Champions League team somewhere abroad.

29 Jun 2013 12:05:09
hi eds I keep putting good an true imformation an your never putting it up so annoying! {Ed030's Note - Is this the same guy who has just sent in a post saying "you don't know any more that we do" then you say you are posting correct information,Which you are not. }

29 Jun 2013 12:31:09
Liverpool agree £25.7 million deal for top transfer target
Liverpool set to make their second biggest ever signing as deal agreed for goal machine.


Liverpool have finally reached an agreement to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk,
Armenian television programme 'Extra Time' announced on Friday evening that Mkhitaryan had agreed terms with a foreign club over a transfer, and it would now appear that Liverpool have won the race to sign Ukraine's top goalscorer this summer.
Mkhitaryan scored 25 goals for Shakhtar Donetsk last season from an attacking midfield position, and providing he can adapt well to the Barclays Premier League, he could be an immense signing for Brendan Rodgers' team.

Sport Express state that the 24 year-old will fly to Merseyside in the coming days for a medical and to complete the necessary paperwork in order to finalise the deal.

With a reported fee of �30 million (approximately £25.7m), Mkhitaryan would be the second most expensive signing in Liverpool history, after the £35 million Andy Carroll cost when he signed from Newcastle United in January 2011.

29 Jun 2013 11:29:03
Here we go again. spurs are now interested in HM. kls

29 Jun 2013 10:51:49
Listening to some of doom and gloomers.  Guys, motto for the season needs to be.
Listening to some of doom and gloomers.  Guys, motto for the season needs to be.

Sing and shout like never before,  
Support like never before, and
Believe like never before!

Get behind the team and give them the confidence to believe they can!   YNWA!

STATO

The motto is, always has been and always will be:
you'll never walk alone.

'Always has been' would be a bit of a stretch, no? I think the club was around for what, 60-70 years prior to that being adopted?

29 Jun 2013 11:03:46
To be fair I only asked that question because there has been no answer on whether or not a deal has been agreed or if you even think he's likely to move. I only ask this because I think he would be a brilliant signing for us!

Is there intrest in Muriel as a replacement for Suarez? {Ed030's Note - No,WP would be a major issue. }

How so I just don't understand why it wouldn't be approved as a exceptionall talent {Ed030's Note - I am not sure mate,He has not played many games at the Columbian youth levels,Maybe that's why? }

29 Jun 2013 02:02:40
Ed030 you said in a reply you would be interested in more info about ageless Nigerian players, so I think these articles may give you a bit more info.

http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2009/08/11/football-age-real-age-and-the-meanings-of-age-in-africa/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/21/nigerian-football-age-old-problem.

After digesting in the info I think the real reason the players fake their age is to get a physical advantage over players with more technical ability and to increase the chances the chance they have of moving to play in Europe. The reason they are not caught is because of how easy it is to change their documents to make them seem younger, with a few thousand pounds jay jay okocha the 30 year old can become okocha the 18 year old and kanu can go from 40 to 20. The fact that the government couldn't be asked to use money to fix the problem also doesn't help the situation. They are working on it now but the country was very corrupt at one point.

Lil Red {Ed030's Note - Cheers mate,Just had a read,Very interesting. }

Cheers Lil Red, have also just had a read, interesting article. Remember a while back there being question marks on the "actual" age of Obafemi Martins when he signed for Newcastle, he was supposed to be only 21 but there were suspisions that he was actually 26/27. {Ed030's Note - Did you read about the Inter Milan centre half,Taribo West,Someone said he is more than 13 years older than he claims,I don't think many of them actually know there real age,There is no way Doumbia is 25 or Taye Taiwo is 25 and Kanu is only 38. }

We were heavily linked with Taribo West at one point weren't we? Just as well we didn't sign him, 13 years, that's ridiculous. {Ed030's Note - I know mate,I am pretty sure he might not know how old he is,But to be wrong by 13 years,That's got to be a age he made up surely. }

29 Jun 2013 13:55:43
Sam Sodje - Born: May 25 1979
Akpo Sodje - Born: January 31 1980

That doesn't quite add up, the mother would have had to have gotten pregnant again with Akpo literally after
popping out Sam!

I'm glad you found it interesting. But its the genuine players I feel sorry for because, its actually pretty hard with African players because some develop a lot earlier than you would expect in Europe and others fake their age to get into Europe. Just to prove how easy it is to change your age I asked someone from Nigeria to get fake documentation and it arrived pretty quick; as long as you have the money most things are possible in Africa. But the players are sabotaging themselves because take someone like freddy adu, who I guess faked his age, when he got the chance he was not be able to take it as he was well past his peak.

Lil Red

Rigobert Song was a classic case.

29 Jun 2013 10:37:17
Ok guys, Liverpool may end up having a good season, but people on here are again thinking top 4 is an almost certainly, it is what you will be challenging for and a realistic achievement, but arsenal who would be the most likely to drop out, will not finish outside the top four. They will be heavily strengthening, and players quite frankly would rather go to London that Liverpool.

While Liverpool are signing a relatively unknown signing for 7 million, arsenal are signing proven goal scorer from Real Madrid for 20 odd million at the same age.

So guys, be realistic, and don't think arsenal are not a strong team, and do not have a strong squad, because let's face it, they do have a strong squad, and if they carry on the form from last season towards the end of the season, they could be a very dangerous side.

The same can be said for Liverpool in regards to their form at the end of the season. Well from Christmas! But you are right, the best way is to just go about your business. Liverpool will be much closer than recent seasons. Keeping Suarez is key and with the purchase of Higuain I would see Liverpool as the stronger squad. This doesn't necessary mean Liverpool will finish higher than Arsenal as Liverpools problem for many years has be a mental one. Very inconsistent over a 38 game season!

James Mc

If we Sell Suarez we will have absolutely no chance of getting closer to Arsenal

"If we Sell Suarez we will have absolutely no chance of getting closer to Arsenal"

What is it like on your planet? Quiet is it?
Here on planet earth we realise that football is a team game played over 38 games per league season. Not an individual game played over 32 league games.

29 Jun 2013 11:50:32
Aspas is more of a goal threat than Higuain.
You will call me deluded, I will call you uneducated but the way I see it is Aspas played for Celta, a weak team compared to Madrid.
He scored & assisted over 50% of their goals in the same league.
The season before that where they were down in the 2nd. division he scored 23 and assisted 16 goals from a wide forward position. All incredibly important Goals and assists, first to take them to La Liga and then save them from the drop from La Liga.
Most of Higuains goals are unimportant goals that are coming when Madrid is already leading 4-5 nil, and the other team has given up the match long ago! I am not trying to be funny but put anyone upfront with Ozil, Di Maria and Ronaldo behind him even I could score 15+ tap ins a season.
Also Higuain is 3 times as expensive in transfer fees. 4 times in wages & agent fees.

Arsenal without doubt do have a strong "squad", as do Man Utd, Man City, Chelski and the Spuds, however we were (with the exception of Arsenal at the start of the season), competitive against all of them. We have a had a manager who for a year has been moulding the team into playing a particular type of football and with some more players coming in (that have been heavily researched identified and scouted), who can strengthen the overall squad and fit into that style of football. I think there is every chance we can turn those marginal losses into draws/wins, and the draws into wins. The other main issue is going to be consistency against the "lesser" teams, which with more competition for places, and players coming in more naturally suited to the style is not out of the question. Whilst I agree that it is far from guaranteed that we will reach top 4, there is great reason to be optimistic, especially as James said our form post Christmas. As for Luis, as many have already said, he is not irreplaceable, and we will if he goes hopefully end up with players who genuinely want to play for the club and do not act so stupidly on and off the pitch, he is not going to be the difference between being able to compete or not.

Higuain is slow and will be a premier league flop at £25m

Fair comment regarding Aspas and Higuain.

Ozone

29 Jun 2013 10:32:18
Hello eds, what do you think about mkhitaryan? Lots of rumours that we have agreed a fee any truth?

29 Jun 2013 10:18:47
Liverpool have finally reached an agreement to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk, according to Russian newspaper Sport Express.
Armenian television programme 'Extra Time' announced on Friday evening that Mkhitaryan had agreed terms with a foreign club over a transfer, and it would now appear that Liverpool have won the race to sign Ukraine's top goalscorer this summer.
Mkhitaryan scored 25 goals for Shakhtar Donetsk last season from an attacking midfield position, and providing he can adapt well to the Barclays Premier League, he could be an immense signing for Brendan Rodgers' team. Any truth on this eds? Thanks. If we sing MK and waymana and keep suarez we can win epl {Ed002's Note - RTFP.}

29 Jun 2013 10:17:30
Liverpool F.C. reached an agreement on acquiring Armenian national football squad and Ukraine's FC Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

In the coming days, the 18-time English Premier League champions will make a formal announcement on the transfer of the Armenian international, Sport Express of Russia reports. The deal will be about $25.7.

Diehard Reds

So is that about £15 milion

Mate your off with the figures, its 30million euros which is about £26.5m.

Lil Red

29 Jun 2013 09:55:23
Hi eds, we've reportedly agreed a 25.7m deal for mickey, great news if its true, can you back this up or is it just more rumours?

He will join spurs or Dortmund. simple reason being champions league football.

I personally think he's a big risk and certainly not worth 25 ml. 15 ml is the maximum we should pay.
I would like us to buy Strootman, big, strong and play a bit too. we are desperate for some physical presence in the CM ( just my opinion.) JB

If it's champions league football he's after why would he join the spuds?

Spurs didn't make CL

Spuds are not in champs league u clown

Idot, go and FSG off. to the spurs site

29 Jun 2013 09:46:13
Have to say I believe in the team, I like the BR project, having reserved judgement on him early. He always had potential but I feel he's progressed faster than most were expecting, obviously still lots to do but a positive start.
The competition will be crazy for the top 6 places this season. i'm optimistic about top 4 though. hoping that spurs and arsenal have their usual downward spiral in mid season. would be nice to see the mancs blown out of the title race (unlikely but would be nice!)

29 Jun 2013 09:40:06
Hey eds,
I think Mickey would be a really strong addition to the team there are some reports that a deal has been agreed? Is any of this true and I know uve answered this question a lot but how likely is he to move to Liverpool? {Ed002's Note - I have to ask why you bother asking a question including the words "I know you have answered this a lot but"?}

29 Jun 2013 09:24:23
hi Eds. Honestly, which one you rate is better? Mikhitaryan or Eriksen. Even Eriksen rumours is cool off a little bit but I quite like this player and same goes to Mikhitaryan {Ed052's Note - Mickey}

Would you pay the 30mil being thrown around lately ed? for me 22mil seemed a lot for a player I knew nothing about, but 30 seems to be too much.
but hey I don't know that much about him saw some videos and listening to other peoples opinion on him. {Ed002's Note - Try the search function - perhaps searching on the word "flake" will give you the answer you want.}

Ed, they are both different type of players + eriksen is 21 micky 24 it makes a difference.eriksen is a xavi/scoles kind of player and micky runs and gets in the box more similair to hendersen. we should get them both and sell shelvey and hendersen.

I must have seen this exact post at least a dozen times in the last couple of weeks. Wise up people and ask the eds a different question, they must be fed up with this one now

Eds: Coke or Pepsi? Edam or Cheddar? Rolls Royce or Bentley? Blonde or Brunette?

Right, now can we ask questions about LFC again?

29 Jun 2013 16:58:23
I don't know about anyone else, but it speaks volumes to me that Dortmund have also cooled from Ericsson and bid for mkhitaryan.

In all honesty, that's really telling about which is the better player, for what looks like approaching twice the price. There may be other things I'm not aware of but.

29 Jun 2013 18:44:24
sorry should have said ed052, not a dig at you Ed002 but wanted an opinion of a Red {Ed052's Note - we should pay it, get him in and then we're sorted}

29 Jun 2013 08:48:16
Hey eds, great site
I was just wondering if you had any idea what Mkhitaryan's personal preference was in regard to a move? Does he want to stay, move to Liverpool, move to spurs or move to Dortmund?
Thanks {Ed002's Note - He has previously said he is looking for a move to Spain with Barcelona or somewhere in England, preferably London, so he can get the very high wages he says he is due. Now I suspect he understands it is not as simple as that.}

So Spurs then. MonaghanRed {Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

Surely our wage bill would have dropped come the end of the window. I don't know who earns what but with Suarez Carra Carroll and Pepe all to be off the books it would seem to be the case

29 Jun 2013 10:21:47
Mongahanred mate.
It's between us and Dortmund.

To the 2nd reply, Pepe's not going anywhere mate!

29 Jun 2013 08:19:11
I really hope the news that HM will sign next week is the real deal.This player is going to have bums off seats with is pace and trickery.I am so looking forward to next season.The last 2 seasons we have relied upon a few to score the goals and Brendan has gone out to bring in more goals.I feel if we sign HM, then He will concentrate on the defence.

29 Jun 2013 07:23:32
This is what the Armenian journalist
Artur Petrosyan has been reporting in Armenia
Oh 30mil€ if true

"Also I'm worried, how a young lad without a girlfriend coming from a far, far land is supposed to get one if he has to wear that away kit?!"
"Has any #LFC player ever lived in Melwood before? Cause you know. there are some lads who prefer to live on a training base
Don't believe what Bild wrote, don't believe what #Shakhtar GM said, just wait. It's hard but I hope it'll be worth it."

29 Jun 2013 07:06:00
Just heard we are going to sign that armenian. All honestly would rather sign honda on a free and get benteke in along with david villa. Get rid of suarez now that would be a strike especially with the mighty sturridge aswell

Honda isn't on a free!

You must be mad mate. miktaryan is already one of the nest players the world will ever see.

You must be mad mate. miktaryan is already one of the nest players the world will ever see.

Just because we are linked with him does not make him one of the best players in the world

29 Jun 2013 06:42:28
Mornings eds :)

Reports in russia this morning are that a fee has been agreed for mkhitaryan to Liverpool in the region of 26.5m! Have you heard anything? i'm hoping this is true because this player will be a big hit at Liverpool. Cheers :) {Ed002's Note - See previous answers please.}

29 Jun 2013 01:50:04
Molby and rush and the league is ours. :-)

Ynwa

Hansen and Tommy Smith would be handy too :)

Terry Mac and Stevie Heighway
(To be fair this could go on all day)

Speedie and Piechnik. What's the game again.

St john and hunt come on you reds

Traore anyone?

Rush for his work ethic up front and goals, and Souness (for some midfield bite).
Dundee, Camara, Kvarme for the bench ;-)

29 Jun 2013 10:39:35
oh for Ray Kennedy and Terry Mcdermott

'Mad' Eric Meijer and Sean 'crocodile' Dundee!

Come on!

Paul Stewart in the Mickey role!
God help us!
I know Ed001 loves a bit of Paul Stewart.

29 Jun 2013 00:18:28
Lets not get ahead of ourselves. I am a Liverpool fan through and through, but who we going to replace as 4th placed. Only real team is arsenal. Now what it the completion, other than arsenal. Spurs. Who have a solid defense, a midfield of dembele, Sandro, bale, holtby, Lennon. And look like adding paulinihio. all they need is a solid number 9 and they could do really well. Chelsea, utd and city all looking to spend big, we have no chance

Ramo

29 Jun 2013 02:45:53
Haha, it's impossible you're a Liverpool fan.
You sound like a spud through and through.
Bale will be gone, Lennon & Holtby? Haha.
Stop being so funny. I would take Coutinho over any of the players you mention.
We have a bigger chance than the spuds who are a one man team. We only have PL matches to think about while others will play in Europe and pick up injuries and get jaded.
You have no chance Mate of ever becoming a real Red. You are probably a wind up tool anyway so I will tell you:
You have no chance of ever being psychic so keep your stupid predictions for yourself.

Sod that. We'll be top 4 this season. We'll be displacing 1 or 2 of your 'other' teams along the way, don't care which ones.

SpudRed

Ramo, we support the same team, kidder.There is nothing wrong with us having hopes and dreams for the season of us challenging for the title. Who knows what this season will bring.Yes in reality City, Utd, and Chelsea, all have powerful squads, but they also have new managers with new ideas.Spurs and Arsenal have no better resources than us and if we continue from how we ended last season we will be a lot closer.If the players believe, the fans will believe and vice versa. there's nothing wrong with dreaming, mate. Come on you reds

We also just need Papadopoulos/Sakho and Wanyama and one more winger/striker if suarez leaves then we'll surely be in contention. You need to believe in BR and the team. If we can get Mkhitaryan which is looking likely we're seriously going to challenge for a CL place especially with no European football this season.

I'm a Liverpool fan through and through, we have no chance. These two statements don't belong together.

Spurs are a 1 man team? Liverpool are exactly the same and if u would take countinho over bale then u are deluded

Big Mac

Exactly wh are LFC going to replace in the top 4

Chelsea? Really?

United - Moyes is a much better manager than given credit for on here.

City - With an experienced manager and the biggest transfer pot of them all

Arsenal? The only possibility to repalce in the top 4 and in BR we have a very inexperienced manager whch showed last season.

Its unlikely Top 4 this season or in the foreseeable Future.

BR has sadi himself the fruits of his labour may not be seen until after his departure.

Robin in the Hood

Big Mac u might want to include Gerrard, Suarez and Agger in that statement

You are indeed a Big Mac
No one can question what sort of player Bale is, but if you look at Tottenham's stats when he weren't playing, you will see they didn't win much. On the other hand, as far as Suarez is concerned, Liverpool did better with him out of the team.
As much as I like Suarez, I am not one bit worried he might be sold. I think BR will bring in the right type of players required to challenge, and challenge we will.

This is a big big season for Liverpool and BR, and if all the fans would get behind what he's trying to do, instead of moaning and slagging the club and manager off, we'd be one hell of a force together.

Here is some advice, get down to the bookies and put £50 on Liverpool to finish 4th or 3rd. If your bold enough, go for 2nd or Champions. The odds will be grand, and trust me, you won't regret it. Just believe, and support your club and manager


RD

29 Jun 2013 08:37:18
big mac if you could stop eating for a min and read the post you are replying to he said bale will be gone so away back to one of the least successful clubs in english football with ya.Tommy Irish Red

I am a realist. Whilst I think we are building a capable team, we have to compliment them with some quality players. Alberto and aspas could be very good shrewd signings, but compare these players to our peers. Would you rather have a Barcelona b team player or analysis who just scored for brazil in the semi finals. Micky would be a great addition, but BR needs to focus on our defence. Liverpool like to pass the ball around, sometimes it's easy for a team to defend against, just sit back and wait for their chance. That happened time and time again last season, we are too soft in the middle. I rate Lucas, but we need an enforcer in their, along with a fast, powerful centre back who takes no prisoners. I feel wayanama and the Greek who give us extra solidity to counter act these threats. In 2009 the spine of our team was immense, maschy running around breaking up attacks, Alonso playing the ball out from the back, with worlds best am in Gerard in his prime. I believe Gerard can do the Alonso role, but needs Micky in front. Coutiniho has been a great signing. At 20 he is still young and will take some time to find consistency to do it week in week out. We are just too weak. We have no real steel in our team.

Ramo

I thought we all started on 0 points, we all played 38 league game and those games all started at 0-0.

Sorry, didn't realise I was wrong