Liverpool Banter Archive June 29 2016

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29 Jun 2016 20:52:43
Ed's - who else can we realistically expect to see brought in by the end of the window? I appreciate it'll be quite difficult to say for certain but is there anyone likely to get the fans excited? It's frustrating as a fan at the minute to see the all the big names being attracted to our rivals. As excited as I am for
Mane, I wouldn't exactly call him a household name.

Believable2 Unbelievable9

{Ed002's Note - RTFP.}

29 Jun 2016 21:32:58
When was the last time we bought a player you were generally 'excited' about and was a big name? For me, the ones I end up liking the most are the ones I had barely heard of previously- players like Kuyt, Benayoun, Agger, etc.

29 Jun 2016 22:05:42
Torres mate, that was the last one for me, remember believing we would win the league when he signed.

29 Jun 2016 22:22:31
Andy Carroll for me!

29 Jun 2016 22:37:45
The least known usually end up the best.

30 Jun 2016 05:12:10
Hard to look past Konchesky. I was so excited i peed a little.

30 Jun 2016 05:47:15
Agreed Burkeyboy. If we had kept Konchesky for another season, league title number 19 would have been in the bag in 2011. KK should have been sacked just for trying to replace Konchesky. At least that is what his mother thought.

30 Jun 2016 06:11:57
Christian Poulsen for me, I was prescribed a months worth of sleeping tablets just to get me off to sleep at night. I couldn't believe we actually managed to pull this signing off
😬.

30 Jun 2016 06:31:43
Stewart Downing, thinking the supply he can give for andy carroll.

30 Jun 2016 08:29:29
Ronaldo
Terry
Fred
Puyol?
Bit of a curve ball there Ed and how do you think they'll work under a high energy system like klopps?

29 Jun 2016 20:16:03
Hello fellow reds

I just wanted to ask, how does everyone feel about the way we are shaping up for next season? Happy with the new signings? Not excited? If not, why? Do we need more players? Move players on? What would you guys do that you don't think Klopp or LFC in general will do?

Look forward to your replies

Kam.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

29 Jun 2016 20:29:40
We are a left back away from a very strong squad in my opinion. If Karius and matip can hit the ground running I think we can have a very good season. We've got more than enough going forward to cause anyone issues so as long as we don't have too many injuries in the middle of the park I think we can do very well. Maybe not win the title but definitely push on like Spurs have done. All the other 'big' clubs changing managers will either be a blessing or a curse so it's hard to tell what will happen but I think top 4 is a definite possibility. No silverware would be extremely disappointing for me.

29 Jun 2016 20:58:29
Im positive about the new season ahead. The signings we have made are the right ones. Matip tall strong centre back looks like you can compete with anyone and alongside Lovren will be good. Grujic is also a tall unit and has been bulking up I here so can see him used in the 2 sitting mids alongside Emre or Jordan or off the bench. Karius is a big improvement from Migs. Mane really excites me. Yes his fee is big but he has everything and if Klopp can sort his attitude out then I think he can be dynamic and have a big say in how our season go's. We will have 3 go to men in Couts, Bobby and Mane with Studger or Divoc up top. As regards to players leaving I think this will happen very soon. I won't list them all as we know who will be moving on. All in all very upbeat and positive for the new season ahead. First 3 games are all tricky away from home so we could find ourselves playing catch up if we don't hit the ground running. Onwards and upwards.

29 Jun 2016 21:17:08
I think they are buying players in positions of concern or which requires more quality and variation in styles. Some young talented players coming in building the future and they will take a little longer to adapt.
We all know left back is being sorted - no need to mention names as I think it may have been covered before! Lol
It has been said Gomez is staying so CB has cover.
My main concern, getting rid of enough players - on the side of finding interested clubs and no selling at flash sale prices. FFP in mind.
Rather optimistic about dealings so far and looking forward to seeing the team in action. I am not placing expectations on my team, and just want to enjoy watching them play this season.

29 Jun 2016 21:50:37
Bring it on!
Absolutely loving the fact Klopp is completely re-shaping the team. Looks like the fans on here that are happy with this 8th place finish, worst squad we've had In years will be disappointed. In comes new players, excited now.

29 Jun 2016 22:17:29
Nowhere close to being the worse squad, some of the hyperbole is really annoying. Yes the squad could have performed better and no it was not a successful season but that's just nonsense to suggest its the worse squad.

One more signing in chilwell and i will be content.

29 Jun 2016 23:40:12
Supremely confident bordering on arrogance for next season. 😎.

30 Jun 2016 00:30:44
I am not totally convinced by the signings we have made so far, however, i do believe that Klopp is the right man for us and as long as the new signings are being sanctioned by himself then i trust that they are the RIGHT players, if not the ones that would get the tongue wagging. I do not believe we will finish in the top4 this coming season, however, we will, in my opinion be far more competitive than in the last couple of seasons. I would personally like to see a more consistent striker upfront than Sturridge. His injury record does him no favours and as a result he lost that dynamism that he had a couple of yrs back. Like origi and ings but sturridge for me sums up liverpool last season - inconsistent. I am also of the opinion that liverpool, much like the England national team have no genuine world class player. It becomes increasingly difficult to compete against teams who do possess these players or teams that are hunting these players. It would be nice for Liverpool to have that one go to man, however, no european football is what is stopping us becoming a force again. Its going to take time. And maybe a little more swallowing of those bitter pills. But we will get it right. Klopp will get it right. That is a promise.

30 Jun 2016 04:59:11
If I could convince Klopp/ LFC to do one thing only - it would be to fly to Australia and conduct a training session with my u10's side that I coach. These kids are a great bunch - keen and talented - I would love to see their faces if this happened. My son would cry I reckon (and me too)!

30 Jun 2016 04:59:45
Same old Ron then eh mate?

30 Jun 2016 05:48:41
DBol, certainly not the worst squad we have had in a while.
But certainly the most bloated and unbalanced one.

30 Jun 2016 09:09:51
I think that'll be sorted before season starts Indian buzzer, a few offloads coming.

In terms of my views on the squad.

Striker - happy with Sturridge, Origi, Ings and Firmino backup
AMs - happy with Coutinho, Firmino, Mane, Llalana, Milner, Markovic, Ojo
CMs - happy with Can, Hendo, and as much as I like Lucas, Stewart, Grujic I'm a little concerned if one or both first team choices get injured. not much experienced cover and not sure Lucas is as mobile as we need him to be on counterattacks
FB - happy with Chilwell (assuming we get him), Moreno, Clyne, Flanno
CB - happy with Matip, Lovren, Sakho, Gomez but would be concerned if we see injuries
GK - happy with Karius and Migs

In short, I'm very happy with the squad and think we have a very good shot at TOP 4 provided we get Chilwell as planned, and the only concerns I would have is cover if we have a long term injury to any of Can, Hendo, Matip, Lovren or Sakho.

30 Jun 2016 09:31:18
Damn straight Preso.

29 Jun 2016 18:06:48
Bentekes agent was asked if he thought bent eke would be at Liverpool for next season and he replied "yes".

Believable1 Unbelievable11

29 Jun 2016 19:25:35
It's just noise, he'll surely be moving on. He's a decent player who wants first team football so he wouldn't stay to sit on the bench.

29 Jun 2016 22:29:43
Did he also say "only if selected for the away game against Liverpool. "

29 Jun 2016 19:24:44
Which means he is certainly off.

29 Jun 2016 22:50:48
Harry has spoken.

Klopp, make it so.

29 Jun 2016 15:31:16
Anyone else spotted Skrtel apparently calling Klopp a d**khead on instagram? So much for this "loyal servant tag he seems to have from a few fans.

Believable22 Unbelievable7

29 Jun 2016 15:41:59
Just saw it on Instagram.
Not going to judge until and if it's proved (not that it will be)
Players don't have to get on with managers, don't see what the big deal is really.

29 Jun 2016 15:42:06
To be fair, someone else called Klopp that and Skrtel just agreed.

29 Jun 2016 15:54:40
It's on his mate's instagram account, it captions a photo of himself and Skrtel together.

29 Jun 2016 15:56:21
I think the proof is Skrtel replying saying he thinks calling him a dickhead is "TOP" and that he hopes Klopp sees it. he's clearly leaving anyway so not really much of an issue.

29 Jun 2016 16:06:05
Delightful.

29 Jun 2016 16:14:56
It's just his opinion, I have left a job before thinking the Manager was a D*** and I am a niceguy.

29 Jun 2016 16:26:03
I could care less. It's just one more reason not to keep him :p.

29 Jun 2016 17:51:13
I like to think Liverpool fans have better class. We welcome in new players and when a player leaves we salute them for their service even if they didn't reach a level we would have liked.

Skrtel isn't a kid any more to call this anything but a lack of class. It's a poor way to leave a club.

29 Jun 2016 18:36:31
He has now apologized for this, and claims that it was his friend, who he had given control of his social media account as he was busy, who had responded his behalf.

29 Jun 2016 18:37:09
Skrtel = doubter 🙄.

29 Jun 2016 18:50:03
Oh yes the "my account was hacked" excuse. Don't let the door hit you on the way out Mrtn.

29 Jun 2016 19:08:11
Im suprised he didn't say it got sent from his pocket.

29 Jun 2016 20:16:18
Skrtel is obviously a bit sore about getting pushed out of the club by a manager that doesn't want him. It's not nice to see/ read it being publicized but that's where we are at.

Good luck Skerts and all the best for you at your new club, thanks for the memories and the goals.

YNWA.

29 Jun 2016 21:55:38
To be fair he wasn't pushed out, his performances did that,

30 Jun 2016 04:34:46
lets face it, if his twitter account security was anything like his defending a 2 year old could have hacked it.

29 Jun 2016 14:39:05
what I've noticed in the past few seasons is that the teams we have played have just played right through our midfield as though we never had a midfield and i hope Klopp will sort this out maybe he already has with getting Gruijic in and just maybe he will get another defensive minded midfielder only time will tell if this happens, as the saying is the midfield is where you win and lose games, if we can stop attacks at our midfield then we can start our attacks from our midfield instead of our defence or our gk, its just a thought.

Believable7 Unbelievable3

29 Jun 2016 15:14:34
i agree. The main problem for me in the last two season how easily teams cut through our midfield. I just wonder if this will require some adjustment to our pressure game. When you try to pressure opposition teams near theirbox with 2-3 players trying to get the ball - if you can't get the ball your midfield is exposed and that happened to us a lot.

29 Jun 2016 15:27:35
Have to agree a bit here as well. The pressuring the ball works well when it works, when it doesn't it leaves plenty of opposition players open for a quick counterattack. In my opinion we need to be a bit more intelligent about when and how to press- everyone running at the man with the ball doesn't work very well.

29 Jun 2016 16:38:18
Cant spell his name but the polish lad from Sevilla.

What a player he is. Slap him in the middle next to a hen do or can and that would sort our hot knife through butter syndrome.

29 Jun 2016 18:39:03
Couldn't agree more with the OP. Our midfield is as soft as --- and teams just waltz past them. Equally our midfield seem to be running in quick sand when trying to get through opponents midfield.

29 Jun 2016 20:10:57
Paolo, we can't put a whole hen do in the midfield with Can, he'd be distracted.

29 Jun 2016 20:20:00
You'd probably say Can and Hendo will start in the middle. (Not my personal choice)
players will again run through that like last season, not really tacklers are they?

29 Jun 2016 14:52:52
I cannot see us bringing a defensive midfielder this summer. Zielinski might be added to the list of offensive midfielders. Can and Stewart are the two players to sit deep and hold the line. This is my assumption from what Klopp has used so far and where his eyes are in the market.

29 Jun 2016 23:26:56
Harry didn't you say on the rumours page that we are going to sign Dahoud? Isn't he a defensive mid?

30 Jun 2016 05:08:30
Bring back Xabi.

29 Jun 2016 14:10:19
As we all know Skertal is going to leave us, i wish him all the best at his new club, he has been a good servent to our club he tries his best for us when he played even though his best was not good enough and he has got worse over the last few years but good luck to him in his pastures new.

Believable10 Unbelievable2

29 Jun 2016 14:18:44
Jeez, mbrock, might have to find someone else to write Martins goodbye tribute.

29 Jun 2016 14:55:35
Was Skrtel a loyal servant of the club when he spit his dummy out just because he didn't get his move to City in 2012 and used it as leverage to get a better deal?

29 Jun 2016 14:56:11
Hi Annie, i did not mean to be nasty towards MS, its sad in a way that he has lost his pace a bit because that's why i think he does all that fouling, but as i said he has been a good servant to our club and played to his best for us and i reallyy do wish him all the best for his future, I've just read that he has put his house up for sale so he must be on his way soon.

29 Jun 2016 15:20:48
Reading around what he has posted on Instagram about klopp I have lost any ounce of respect I have for the man.

29 Jun 2016 16:10:17
I would guess that City would have paid Skrtel a lot more than he received from Liverpool. Surely if it was about money then he would have just went? Good luck Martin, played under 5 managers and over 300 games. Well done.

{Ed001's Note - Liverpool refused to let him go, for some bizarre reason.}

29 Jun 2016 16:17:45
Mbrock, I think Annie was referring to your spelling of Skrtel rather than what you've said about him lol.

29 Jun 2016 16:39:14
At the time agger and skrtel had just finished the season solidly under daglish and I think it was seen as a brilliant basis for Brendan Ti build off.

29 Jun 2016 17:12:56
Reet considering what the fans have posted about skrtel and indeed the whole squad over the years its probably a bit too late to be climbing onto high horses. Not so fussed about his opinion more so his awful defending. Wish him luck and we move on.

30 Jun 2016 05:14:41
Regardless of what hatred gets spewed on here for Skrtel, I actually liked him. Not sad to see him move on, as the time is right, but wish him all the best.

29 Jun 2016 13:43:34
Hi Eds I know you hate talking figures but I'm wondering how do different news outlets come up with different figures for how much a player moves for?
For example with Mane, Chris Bascombe was adamant that the entire deal including future add ins, won't exceed 30mill. Bbc sport yesterday said 34mill and sky are now sayings its 36!
How can there be so many differing versions of the same story?!

Believable0 Unbelievable4

{Ed002's Note - The figure will be known when it is registered with UEFA.}

29 Jun 2016 15:44:13
Out of curiosity Ed002, are the numbers registered with UEFA inclusive of all possible add-ons or are those reported separately (or not reported at all? )?

{Ed002's Note - The raw initial transfer fee and then notification as bonuses/add ons are paid.}

29 Jun 2016 15:57:23
Interesting- thanks, Ed002!

29 Jun 2016 17:07:38
Is there anyway that these fees can be accessed once they've been registered?

{Ed002's Note - By those who have access to the data, yes.}

29 Jun 2016 14:12:09
Lol daft isn't it. all about bringing in readers.

30 Jun 2016 05:17:45
I am not sure why the fees matter. I am sure everyone has paid too much for something before, as well as finding a bargain - just like Liverpool FC has. Does 30mil or 36mil matter too much if he is the player Klopp wants? Not to me.

29 Jun 2016 13:37:37
Can we rip off the will grigg songs and sing it about any/ all of our players that their name fits? We need that atmosphere.

Believable2 Unbelievable9

29 Jun 2016 13:45:25
I sincerely hope not. That song has become the vuvuzela equivalent of the World Cup from South Africa.

29 Jun 2016 14:51:45
stu-ridge on fire
man-e on fire

any of those would fit.

29 Jun 2016 16:12:13
The Republic fans maybe should have invested in a few vuvuzela's.

29 Jun 2016 16:28:09
I've seen a million and one videos of Shane Longs on fire aswell as Stand up for the boys in green etc etc

I wasn't even over there in France and I'm sick of them songs!

29 Jun 2016 14:13:46
Lol I'd like to see it personally. sounds class when there's a huge crowd singing it for one player. should never of been sung for vardy like but there you go.

29 Jun 2016 13:13:47
Ed 1
What do u think of our CMs for next season? I was hoping we'd sign someone to play along side Can, Dahoud has been mentioned but not looking likely.
Do u think we need someone or do u think Hendo and Milner are good enough in that role?

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - not Milner, but Hendo, Branagan, Stewart, Lucas and Grujic should be plenty in there.}

29 Jun 2016 13:52:19
Chirivella.

29 Jun 2016 14:11:46
Henderson is miles better than Can right now. So much so that when he plays without Henderson, Can looks like a shadow of the player he is with the captain alongside him. So if either gets replaced, it isn't Hendo!

And as for Dahoud, he is not even in the same league as Hendo yet. Potential is there to be class, but right now be is just a good player. He is so physically weak though, and he only gets away with it due to the fact he plays in a 3 man central midfield. He'd get stuffed in a a 2 man pair, just like Chirivella did against Swansea. You can't have a physically incapable player in a 2 man midfield because there is so much ground to cover, they will inevitably be forced into multiple 50/ 50 challenges both on the ground and in the air. You cannot carry a player in the middle when they lose virtually all of those duels. Hence why average players like Cork, Ayew and Britton absolutely demolished Chirivella, who is a good little player when given the required midfield support. Dahoud has different qualities to Pedro, but they are of identical builds. You can over come size with aggression or clever positioning but neither of these young lads have that.

People just see Dahoud had good stats and get over excited. It's pretty clear not many have actually watched him because if they had, they wouldn't all be calling for him to play as part of a 2 man pivot in front of the defence. A role he is completely untested in, and not built for. It's absolute madness and everything wrong with this clubs past transfer business. We signed good players without any thought as to how we would fit them in to a team that suited everyone, and ultimately made a lot of the guys who've joined look very average.

Moreno is a good young wing back. But he is not a full back. Benteke is a good target man. But he won't ever link play or press. Firmino, Lallana and Coutinho are all good players. But if you shoehorn them all into the same team there is no variation to our play and we become predictable. Clyne is a solid right back. But if you ask him to play as an attacking right back he has no end product and doesn't know how to time his forward runs.

It goes on and on. You can't just sign Dahoud because he has been good in a 3 man midfield as the most attacking player of the trio, and then make him play in a 2 man midfield and put far more defensive responsibility on him.

You need to define a way of playing and then build a team around that style. You can't just buy good individuals who suit different styles and chuck them in together. That is why Rodgers failed. He had no idea what his "philosophy" actually was for all but 6 months of his tenure, and for that reason couldn't get the team playing well as a unit.

Football is only as complicated as you make it. 11 players and a manager all pulling in the same direction is what gets results. Not individuals playing how they want and a weak manager at the helm picking his favourites. In fact, there is no better example of that than the England national side, or Brenda's Liverpool!

29 Jun 2016 14:34:21
Gruijic is a def-mid so i think he will play alongside Can next season plus he is supposed to be a very good def-mid, i have not seen him play so can't say for sure but he is tall and strong so we should win a lot of headers in midfield, were as in the past we have had small mids who never won many headers.

29 Jun 2016 15:41:04
Mbrock, Grujic is not a defensive midfielder by any stretch of imagination. More like a box to box midfielder who likes to get forward a bit like Yaya Toure.

29 Jun 2016 15:43:49
Can and Hendo in a 4-2-3-1 will be the backbone of the side, who will play if they're rested or injured? I'd guess Grujic or Brannagan against the weaker sides until they build experience, and Stewart or Lucas against the better sides where we need to be more defensively solid. I really hope Milner doesn't play in a 2 man midfield but he's useful on the right of a midfield 3 IMO.

29 Jun 2016 16:20:18
Dahoud in not weak my friend. watched him in more than ten games, not a finished product but strong on legs, good shielding of the ball, and so resistant on pressing. He is that kind of player that has every touch different and you fall in love. That guy rarely loses ball, and know what to do with the ball and knows who the guy in best possition is and that is job of midfielder. not yet better than hendo but will be in 2 years. Than we will say we have Henderson who always plays it safe we could have signed this little genious. He is so similar to Modric. Hendo is good player but just that, good English midfielder. Dahoud attracts interest from Guardiola, Bayern, Barca. would hendo ever play there? i think not. don't get me wrong Hendo is one of our best player but to slate Dahoud,20 yo guy playing at highest level of football is disrespect!

29 Jun 2016 19:46:24
Mandzo, where did I slate him? If we signed him to play in midfield with Hendo and Can I'd be all for it. But everyone on here seems to think he would come in as a replacement.

Got to disagree with you though on the weak aspect of his game. He has no upper body strength and very little aggression. He is intelligent in that he puts his body between the ball and the opposition making it difficult to dispossess him. But he loses lots of 50/ 50 challenges because he just isn't tough enough - yet.

Give him a couple of years to develop and he will be stronger and easily good enough to play in a 2 man midfield. Right now though, unless he is signed to play alongside Hendo and Can, he is no better than what we have.

Not to mention the fact, is Dahoud better than Brannagan? Because he has attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona! Why spend £20m on a 20 year old technically gifted central midfielder, when we have young Brannagan?

29 Jun 2016 21:26:48
MK : No offense to Brannagan but Dahoud is much better.

If we can get him he can become one of the best players at Liverpool.

29 Jun 2016 15:09:34
@MBrock MK has told us that he is not. Actually, he seems to play further forward.

29 Jun 2016 11:52:21
I liked the look of markovic, reminded me a little of Steve mcmanama do do do do do
Mcmamama.
Anyway. Think we should give him a chance, as someone said with Mane her possible limited chances. But I wouldn't complain if he started a few games.

Believable3 Unbelievable4

29 Jun 2016 12:49:35
I hope he gets a chance as well, but then there's ojo.

29 Jun 2016 10:08:25
So, Mane is a done deal. It is what it is.

People talk about his pace (I've read his top speed is comparable to Moreno but his acceleration among the best in the EPL), but fewer talk about his power.

For a little guy, he's incredibly strong.

Seen plenty instances/ highlights where he knocks huge CBs off the ball with relative ease. Lower center of gravity, excellent balance, strength -- it all helps.

Beyond pace, that's also something we haven't had for a while -- some power/ strength up top. Benteke was supposed to offer some of that, but his impact has been minimal. Mane, because he actually fits the LFC attack/ pressing style, will be a different story.

Believable10 Unbelievable1

29 Jun 2016 13:23:52
Agreed, I particularly remember his goal against Chelsea the other month where he rolled the defender as it was played into feet, sending who I think was Terry sprawling to the ground and then he had to pace to get after the ball and the composure to put it past the keeper. It was a demonstration of his power, pace and technique all in the space of about 5 seconds.

He has everything required to be a top player. He just needs to show it week in week out.

29 Jun 2016 10:32:45
Ed just wondering if you know will Balotelli train with the first team when pre season starts or will he be exiled?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - I assume the first team.}

29 Jun 2016 14:32:16
Why would he be exiled? he has done nothing wrong. just done nothing right. Klopp has yet to see him, and even though he without doubt a complete lost cause. Klopp will give him a chance to train, if we can't get shot of him before then.

29 Jun 2016 11:23:00
Hello all, just a quick one but i really would like to see Markovic given a real chance with us next year, in glimpses he looked like he really had something in his locker. It looks with the signing of Mane maybe he will be let go, but then we do need depth in the squad so maybe as an impact player and the domestic cup games he will be given the chance. Further to this i believe all we are now lacking like everyone else is a decent LB, this is pretty much a no starter but if Man Utd are willing to let Blind leave would anyone take him? i believe he is a brilliant footballer.

Believable4 Unbelievable9

29 Jun 2016 14:28:43
I would never take Blind. He just isn't a very good defender.

29 Jun 2016 11:21:53
Lfc takeover talks gathering momentum.

Believable3 Unbelievable4

29 Jun 2016 14:21:57
Yep, been three years of it. Could see the talks reaching a crescendo in 2018.

29 Jun 2016 11:12:39
Hi Ed001,
Do you see Chilwell as a starting LB at just 19?, this seems risky to me, or are we going to start with Moreno again, or are we looking at another LB?

Believable3 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - he is apparently ready, according to people whose opinion I would trust.}

29 Jun 2016 12:31:20
hector bellerin is a prime example of this. came straight into the first team and looked like he'd been there a couple of seasons. delli alli is another one, playing L1 football and took the league by storm.

29 Jun 2016 12:34:36
Saints played Luke shew at a young age . Doesn't matter what age the player is if there any good the will play.

29 Jun 2016 13:31:15
I really don't get the hesitation surrounding Chilwell. He's 19, not 12.

Nobody batted an eyelid when Sterling was a first team regular at 18. Nobody would bat an eyelid if we signed 20 year old Dahoud, in fact people are practically grovelling for him.

Chilwell is just under rated because of Muppets who are saying "but he doesn't even get in Leicesters team! " Newsflash; Leicester have one of if not the best left back in the Premier league in Fuchs. He is captain of his national team, so Chilwell didn't stand a chance at breaking into the side. Hence why he wants to leave the Champions.

29 Jun 2016 13:52:26
Well said MK. If the Leicester staff and scouts as well as David Wagner think Chilwell is the real deal, i would take him in a heartbeat. Klopp clearly sees him as his first choice LB target, so the club needs to pay up for one of Leicester's best young talents.

29 Jun 2016 14:22:33
I saw him play for Huddersfield a few times and I can assure everyone he's the real deal.

29 Jun 2016 17:00:48
If he's that good surely we should just pay £10 million for him and be done with it?

29 Jun 2016 10:40:06
Fellow posters i think as liverpool fans we need to get our heads out of the clouds i see supposed LFC fans making statements of Mkhtariyan and how his better than Mane and how could united get him and how we should buy a Marquee signing like Higuain or buying kids like Dahoud we are over run with midfielders where is he going to play? . Klopp has never bought a so called marquee signing so why should that differ now. The next step is a clear out and to get a reliable left back, and the EDS have given enough info on this. so relax guys

Eds keep up the good work! Will start getting interesting after the Euro's.

Believable6 Unbelievable1

29 Jun 2016 11:23:35
He has just bought Mane at £40m isn't that marquee?

29 Jun 2016 11:28:58
I am quite happy with the signing of Mane, he is quick, he poses a threat and isn't scared of sticking the boot in. Plus you know that he has premier league experience and adapted to the league really well. I will be the first to admit I wasn't keen, but he is here now, he wants to play for us and he is no mug on the pitch.

29 Jun 2016 12:44:27
Cheers Ed,

29 Jun 2016 12:46:09
Cheers Ed, appreciate your opinion, just wondering who you would like to start with as a defensive unit next year, if we get Chillwell.

{Ed001's Note - Sakho and Matip with Flanno on the right.}

29 Jun 2016 13:25:35
Sorry ed, i like the CB pairing but for me Flanno is in not yet at the level of consistency to nail down the first team RB slot and as much as Clyne can frustrate at times, for me he is better all round than Flanno. Having said that last season he was returning from a long term injury so hopefully he can improve his form to more of what we saw in 2013-14.

{Ed001's Note - Flanno at his best is much better than Clyne. Clyne is and will never be good enough.}

29 Jun 2016 13:00:23
If that's the case why are we going for zielinski? We are definitely going for a midfielder so saying you don't know where dahoud would play, well he would most likely be in the first 11.

It seems Allen and even possibly Lucas are on there way out. Milner, hopefully will not play there ever again and is used as a utility player. Stewart, with the arrival of grujic and another midfielder (which we are definitely going for) means he may go out on loan or see his chances very limited next season.

If klopp wants to play his favoured 2 sitting midfielders, then that's about 6 players vying for 2 spots so it's over pact, but the midfield needs improvement regardless. Last season is testament to that.

In terms of marquee signings, klopp has made so called big money signings before, and mane is certainly a marquee signing by price.

29 Jun 2016 14:16:45
Cheers Ed. Is that because Sakho is the best we have or do you rate him? he always looks clumsy to me but to be fair hard to say he's had shockers, just always looks awkward as an athlete if you know what I mean.

{Ed001's Note - Sakho is the best of our defenders, he has pace and strength. The awkwardness is just the way he moves. I remember a quote from a guy involved in the Moneyball thing in baseball, about how they could get a value by looking at players that looked awkward, as people judge them based on that, rather than their actual ability.}

29 Jun 2016 14:40:13
Ed001.finally someone has spoken sense about Sakho. I have been saying this since he first played. I've heard fans say he is terrible and they and the media go on and on about his awkward passing. What does it matter how he looks when kicking the ball if it get to where he wants it to go. He is a beast.
It is just the same as aul whiskey red nose rubbish prediction of Hendo never being good enough. Unfortunately some fans still think that is true also though.

{Ed001's Note - again based on him looking awkward. People forget that Fergie wanted to sign Hendo before we got him.}

29 Jun 2016 15:35:17
Rooney looks good when passing the ball yet he's been aweful for years. The Sahko awkwardness nonsense is just a stick to beat him with as those who can't find anything good to say about him say that. The guy is a beast and can play, end of. All the other stuff is just while noise. As for Fergie, he said what he said about Hendo because he was sore that Hendo rejected him and signed for us.

29 Jun 2016 10:29:18
Just havin my tea break👌 looking over towards the extension ( new stand to some) for all you fans who don't live or get to visit Liverpool it really is massive 😎.

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29 Jun 2016 11:35:09
That's what she said.

29 Jun 2016 09:08:01
Is it likely Eds that should Benteke be sold (which seems highly likely) and we can find a charity who'll take Balotelli off our hands that we would look to buy another striker. Or would Klopp look to fill the gap with an Academy prospect. If so whom?

With Sturridges injury record that would only leave Origi and Ings as first choices who are more than capable to lead the line. I know Firmino can play that role too though.

Thanks.

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{Ed001's Note - we don't need a striker to replace those.}

29 Jun 2016 09:43:27
We have enough options up front. We need a quality LB first and foremost. Anything more than a LB at this point would be a luxury signing. We have already upgraded our wing and GK positions so LB is all that remains.

29 Jun 2016 10:16:29
You don't replace players who you don't need anymore. That makes no sense. We need a LB right now and to me, Mane is an upgrade on Milner and Lallana on the right so either or both need to be gone.

29 Jun 2016 10:14:13
I would add a top class CM along with a LB and we are good to go. There is no need of buying a new striker.

28 Jun 2016 21:44:21
Ed002 you were recently asked who you think is the best English midfielder of all time, and you chose Percy Barton.

He played from 1914 to 1929! How old are you? Haha.

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29 Jun 2016 09:01:58
Ed002 is a time traveller. He can travel through alternate universes too.

29 Jun 2016 07:27:10
Eds, not a Liverpool player but once linked. Gregory van dre Wiel. What happened to him? He was well rated at Ajax and a lot of top clubs were linked, he went to PSG when they were splashing to build a super team. Now he's off to the Turkish league with Skrtel.

Attitude?

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{Ed001's Note - he is woeful. He was crap at Ajax, crap at PSG but somehow got highly rated and big wages, despite offering nothing. Never understood the deal with him, looks the part, but he is very like Skrtel that he just looks it, while actually being hopeless.}

29 Jun 2016 07:34:49
Van Der Wiel had one good game at the 2010 World Cup and people stated calling him a world beater. Moved to PSG for peanuts which is his actual value and now he is moving on a free without PSG even blinking at his departure. Clearly they realised he was a mistake, and just not good enough.

29 Jun 2016 10:05:29
Thanks guys.

29 Jun 2016 11:30:26
I just want a competent full back, if that is Chilwell then so be it.

29 Jun 2016 16:18:39
He is about to join Skrtel and Fenerbache.

29 Jun 2016 06:53:37
Wisdom of the Day: 30 mill seems to be the new 20 mill.

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29 Jun 2016 11:08:17
I was thinking about this the other day
20 Million would afford you top talent. That's how much we paid for Torres back when he was a Top TOP prospect

But anyway, inflation and what not.

29 Jun 2016 11:45:52
A little bit inflation but mostly a reflection of how much more money is in the game. The increased money doesn't mean we can afford better players, it means we're buying the same players just for a lot more money.

28 Jun 2016 23:17:32
Hi Eds, What first team payers would you say will be leaving Liverpool this summer?

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{Ed091's Note - Done to death.

29 Jun 2016 02:46:49
As I understand it

Kolo, Teixera, Rossiter gone
Skrtel, Allen, Benteke, Balotelli, Canos, Illori almost certainly gone
Ibe, Markovic, Alberto, Wisdom, Moreno all possibles to leave depending on signings/ pre-season
An outside chance we see Coutinho or Firmino receive large bids and leave, but I suspect they both stay as Klopp will want to keep them
Not too sure about Milner, Llalana and Lucas but guessing they'll very likely stay unless a good bid comes in we can't refuse

On incomings I can see Chilwell and Zielinski joining and possibly Amavi, probably that's it unless Firmino or Coutinho get their heads turned. Dahoud is clearly being watched but maybe for next season.

I'd be very happy with this as a window, I think Klopp will have done a good job addressing the weaknesses at GK, CB, Wing and LB.

29 Jun 2016 07:17:32
Nice post Zimbo. If you're right, I'd hope both Alberto and Markovic do well enough to stay a further season at least. Obviously hope both are amazing, but trying to stay realistic.

Ibe I'd loan not sell, or as above, I'd hope he impresses.

How close are we really to selling those you listed as?

29 Jun 2016 08:03:07
About 26.7cm, Max.

29 Jun 2016 12:24:54
Haha, I believe Skrtel all but done while Allen, Benteke have a few interested parties but still some way to go (will only progress post Euros) .

Canos and Illori we should shift fairly easily with reasonable interest, but Balotelli is anyone's guess who takes him.

I too hope we keep Markovic but I believe he will take some convincing after his first experience here. I doubt we'll keep Alberto, particularly if we get Zielinski.

I agree to lending Ibe. has has long way to go but if he can get lots of playing time next year or two who knows?

BTW most of this is from spending way too much time on this site + my own views rather than any great real inside knowledge like the Eds. just thought it might be helpful to summarise as I read things for those that don't track everything here all the time.

Hats off to them taking the time to keep us updated, and hope they'll correct me if I got anything wrong!

28 Jun 2016 22:56:48
Hi eds,

What do you make of the official Liverpool site/ social media accounts posting things about transfer rumours? Talking about Zielinksi etc won't they look bad when/ if they don't happpen? Maybe it doesn't really matter at all but seems a.

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{Ed091's Note - its all 3 party rumours they post.

29 Jun 2016 08:02:29
Oh dear!

28 Jun 2016 22:30:11
Eds, Probably been done to death, but the search doesn't clear it up. I'm just a tad confused, does interest still remain in Gotze?

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{Ed091's Note - you didnt use the function well. It was answered today, he isnt keen.

29 Jun 2016 03:34:34
Would rather steer clear of Gotze. IF Coutinho does leave, then its better to actually sign a player who wnats to be here for the long term than just another mercenary looking to add a few pieces of gold to his collection with minimal effort. Someone like Boufal or even Perisic would make more sense than Gotze.

29 Jun 2016 07:22:56
Boufal I know nothing about, but I've read Perisic won't play under Klopp.

29 Jun 2016 07:36:43
The bottom line is LFC should steer clear of Gotze, regardless of what happens with Couts. If Klopp feels we can cope without Couts, that is fine. If he wants a replacement, it should be a player who has not disappeared into oblivion for the last 3 seasons.

29 Jun 2016 10:20:44
Gotxe is nit shat we need and the guy isn't good enuff nir thinks he's better than he actually is. Never wanted him here and thank heavens, he won't be because we don't need all the drama and his premadonna attitude.