Liverpool Banter Archive April 02 2013

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02 Apr 2013 23:19:19
Alonso or Wanyama everybody and why?

Not saying we'll get either but I'm interested to know which one you would prefer to get?

Be happy to hear alternatives also. If you have an alternative please give your reasons why they would best these 2?

Just some banter.

I'll give my opinion later.

Davey Sulls

Alonso as he is guaranteed to play for the shirt.

Liverpres

Davey If I let my heart rule my head I would say Alonso, but having said that I am not totally convinced about Wanyama's ability to step up to the Premier League, although we could really do with a player with similar attributes. I posted a few months ago stating my preference would be Sissoko and to my horror he moved to Newcastle for a ridiculously low fee. I would love Strootman but I think he will be expensive and highly sought after, Gokhan Inler is also a player I really like but I can't see that materialising so I will plump for Mo Diame at around 7 million as I think his wages would be affordable and if we are going to see the best of Joe Allen (who is going nowhere I hasten to add) we need a physically imposing ballwinner to get the best out of him - it does stick in the back of the throat a bit that KK wanted him on a free before he was relieved of his position but I think he would make a shrewd acquisition.
DT

I'd say arevalo rios he's not going to come in he's to old and not well known enough, but he's a player who really understands the holding / defensive mid role, always makes the option, good going forward on the ball and in defense

Medel. is one to go for.

Wanyama is very similar to a young Yaya Toure. Quick and powerful at the back but with a decent eye for goal and can hit a shot from distance. Wanyama would supplant Lucas in the starting 11 and add the power we need. Alonso's previous position at Liverpool is now being filled by Gerrard, so no place for him. I'd take Wanyama this summer along with a top CB, Mertins, and Eriksen.

Wanyama would good as he would cover DM and CB. Alonso would have an immediate impact and should fire us up the league.

Agree red army, finally someone understands alonso was and is a deep lying playmaker and not a dm. He needed a ball winner next to him (masch). Gerrard has filled the role well, more dynamic but not as good passing. Gerrard moving deeper also made the sahin and Allen signings A waste. Rodgers thought Gerrard would play attacking mid but he struggled with his quick short passing. I hope suso can be our next alonso.
Garth Sydney

Whichever poster stated Medel, You sir, are a gem. This man is excellent and would be perfect for Liverpool.
Pity we'll probly spend the money on like Paul Konchesky
RedpOWER

02 Apr 2013 22:16:23
Eds fellow reds, just watching LFC tv LFC now and there is an advert on there for the pre season tour of Asia. Make of it what you will but Luis Suarez say that he will see the fans in Thailand on the tour. the game is on July 24 th I think so I take Luis won't be sold til a week before the season if he's going.

Of course he's going to say see you there. He's not going to say "See you there, maybe?"

He may be holidaying there before he signs for Bayern.
Scouse_Pride
PS
This is not a serious comment.

He's unhappy about the venue, when they told him it was Bangkok he said Phuket.
DT

03 Apr 2013 01:53:51
Isn't the confederations cup on?

02 Apr 2013 21:29:20
Personally, if I had to buy only 1 player besides the necessary CBs, I would buy Benteke. Why?

He is 21, strong and fast. Will learn a lot playing with Suarez, can hold the play and does not need the team to play to his style as he works hard on the pitch.

Especially if Aston Villa go down, we could get him really cheap.

I tracked him throughout this season after his performance at Anfield in December, and he is consistent in his hard work and technique.

He's had a good first season that's it someone is likely to get mugged for him if he was to be sold when he stops scoring for a few games people will stop talking about him like they did Michu. remember him anyone?

02 Apr 2013 22:07:03
Agree

Wud be a awsome playa
Basy

02 Apr 2013 22:18:48
Andy Carroll looked an absolute world beater at Newcastle, he tore a younger J. C and Skrtel new ass holes. Culminating with 30 yard rocket That Reina barely seen. He'd already outjumped Skrtel to set up Nolan for Newcastle to open the scoring. He looked the dogs bollax every time I saw him play that season for the Magpies, from a hatrick against Villa to out jumping Arsenal's keeper for the winner at the emirates. Don't forget Spurs had a bid for around 28 million turned down before we paid a kind random for him.
My point being is that I'd wanna see Benteke do what he's doing over 2or 3 seasons, I'd hate for is to sign him, iI know it's doubtful but I think it's harder to be consistent on a regular basis. Theirs a couple of reasons for this.
Thoughts anyone

Doesn't suit our style of play but he is a very good old fashioned centre forward

03 Apr 2013 00:06:27
Never signed my post.
Jonson

02 Apr 2013 21:26:51
Is there any interst in salvatore sirigu from psg? {Ed002's Note - Not from Liverpool.}

02 Apr 2013 21:07:53
The Sanchez that the small minded want on here. Is it the same Sanchez that is very ordinary tonight and most of the time? Just checking there isn't another one somewhere. Lol

You mean the Sanchez that just won an 88th min penalty?
That Sanchez?

Stupid reply, anyone could of gone looking for a pen, like he did.

I think sanchez dive was very poor tonight, he's a long way to go before he topples king diver saurez on that score

Sanchez didn't look for the peno, the keeper fouled him blatently, grabbing a guy's foot a foul no grey area there.

02 Apr 2013 20:40:16
watching bayern against juve. dante 4.7 mil alaba 2 mil gustavo 14mil they must have good scouts, these players would walk into our team. money is important they have robben/ribery/martinez and they did cost serious money but if you find great players for little money we would have the for some big names. bayern have been doing this for years and it pays. MALTA

Would love to see luis Gustavo in our team I can see him leave in the summer worth looking at class player

Would love to see luis Gustavo sign for us class player for the DM position grate competition for lucas even better in my opinion

Forgot to ask for personal opinions? If not who would you rather?

If pep wants luis, 50 million and mandzukic, what a game he had

If u want players like them, good and cheap, is only 1 solution get Benitez back. This guy rodger he spent money wer he shudntve, he got us Allen when we had plenty in the midfield, he got rid of kuyt and got us some1 worst than him on borini. We needed a finisher natural finisher jackson Martinez, he wudve cost us 3 millions less than borini, we needed some 1 like Jackson Martinez, Steven jovetic, or llorente, or villa, hu r finishers, and not mess around on wer shudnt.

"This guy rodger" bought us Ole Ole Ole Ole Coutinho-ho-ho.
DT

Benitez got coutinho at inter from Brazil on less than haf of millions, wot a big surprice when we paid 4 him 8 millions and tripple his wages, and u telling me this guy Rodger is a genius, hu is better manager Benitez or Rodger, u want to make an argument wif me.

Benitez is managing a top 4 side full of quality that might not make the top 4. Oh and by the way, all of Benitez' signings at Liverpool were quality weren't they?
To me Rodgers is the better manager as he is OUR manager!

Benitez wasted far too much money on rubbish quite frankly, he also signed players on enormously high wages which almost ruined the club. Granted we saw our highest level of success over the last decade/ two with him but don't forget the bad stuff.

Also, Benitez got him for inter a few years ago as a youth player with no experience at top level at all. Why would we want Courtinho if we he wasnt at all better and worth more than he was 3 years ago?

Didn't even read all these as Liverpool fans shouldn't be getting into a Rodgers v Benitez thing. Both great, shouldn't be fighting over them and certainly shouldn't be comparing them - one is a very reactive manager in his tactics and the other a proactive one.

Rodgers v Benitez
one's won stuff, the other is a future Northern Ireland manager and a boss blagger

02 Apr 2013 20:18:57
There's only 1 team who's scored more goals than us and that's UTD who have just 11 more and believe it or not they've conceded just 9 less than us. I honestly don't think we're a million miles away, if only we could score those goals where and when it matters. We need to go into these games with confidence and more importantly belief that when we concede we can still turn it on its head like we used to a not so long couple of seasons ago when Anfield was a fortress. I'm behind the team and the manager, progress is beckoning and with progress comes success.

You make a good point there, but where we play well and don't get the results we deserve eg. Man city home and away, west brom home, villa home, etc. Manchester United play bad and win all the time, that's always been the big difference and until we start doing it we won't be anywhere near them unfortunately

Ack17

02 Apr 2013 22:47:19
I love your optimism, but united have won 12 more games and lost 6 less then us. The gap is near 30 points and may be 35 if we don't have a solid finish to the season. That is around the amount of points we were behind mourinho's Chelsea side. In my opinion we are not making much progress.
Apart from 1 season when we were the main other contenders we have hardly threatened top spot in the past decade.
This season has been a season where arsenal and Chelsea and city have all been worst then ever. There is no Newcastle as there was last year yet we are at best looking at 5th more likely 6th and may improve a tad on last season.
No chance of us investing enough money to close the gap on the top 4. It's likely all the current top 5 will spend more then us in the close season so we will be playing catch up just to stay where we are.
Should FSG get Anfield refurbished ever and raise the capacity, then we will be more attractive to a Russian or Arab billionaire and maybe then we will see champions league football again.

Some good point about Chelsea, Citeh and Arsenal, but credit where credit is due Spurs have been fantastic this season and have made some great business in the transfer market. Having said that I still believe we are 4 players, a slice of overdue luck and a much needed good start to the season away from a top 4 place next season.
DT

I don't want the Champions League through some oligarch. Let's do it right. (And I really, really hate to say it, but Spurs have proved it's possible, well done AVB).

02 Apr 2013 20:10:56
Hi eds do you Liverpool still hold an interest in Jeffren? {Ed002's Note - I don't know, the interest was only for a loan.}

We have better already

02 Apr 2013 18:55:23
Found the below on an Armenian website and thought I'd share. Don't know anything of this player. Has anyone seen him play?

Very well could be bull but I've pasted for everyone anyway.

Armenian player Henrikh Mkhitaryan with the hope of bringing the midfielder to Anfield over the summer, Keeda of Sports reports.

Mkhitaryan has impressed many since his arrival at Shakhtar Donestk in the 2010-11 season, and Rodgers is determined to beat the host of other clubs who are also interested in the 24-year old, seeing the midfielder as the perfect successor for Steven Gerrard.

A bid worth £10m as well as out-of-favour centre-back Martin Skrtel will be offered to Shakhtar by Liverpool in their hopes of landing the player.

Liverpool will be more than happy to welcome the playmaker, given their influential skipper, Steven Gerrard's growing years. Rodgers is also ready to sacrifice Skrtel.

Henrikh has gained a huge fan following in Ukraine thanks to his consistent performances with Shakhtar, and looks set to win his third league title at the end of the season. He has also scored 35 times in 90 appearances for the Ukrainian club, the website

Jonesred

I doubt you found it anywhere other than in your imagination

He's a crackin player!

Why the hell where you on an Armenian website?

02 Apr 2013 18:46:48
With Sunderland in disarray at present and with a new manager in place, would anyone take a punt on Adam Johnson?
I know he's had a bad year at Sunderland without really doing anything, but for a fee of say 5-7 million (if accepted) would represent a good deal. He's still only about 23 or 24 so still a player who could still perform at the highest level as he has only 12 months ago.

If Sunderland went down I don't think he would stay next season. I think Rodgers could mould him into a quality winger for us.

Thoughts anyone?

Jonesred

Rather go for Weimann if Villa go down for the same money.

Its a good shout, and any manager worth his metal would be looking at him, he will be better than downing,

He's going to be 26 in the summer. If he was going to be top class, he'd have done it by now.

Not creative enough, doesn't work hard enough

'I know he's had a bad year at Sunderland without really doing anything' Does this not answer your question?

Right ok and at the grand old age of 26 there's no point in bothering?
Didn't we sign Bellamy twice when he'd played for top clubs got given chance after chance and ruined it?

Wasn't Mascherano languishing in the West Ham reserves when we got him? I think he still has a lot to offer (for right price).

He was a good little player only 12 months ago. Lus Sunderland may still go down which could trigger some clause in his contract ( I don't know for certain but most players have some kind of release clause in the event of relagation.

Another option would be to offer a player as part of the deal i. e. Spearing, Pacheco, Ngoo or even Morgan (if deemed surplus). All what ifs I know, but I wouldn't write a 26 year old footballer off just yet.

Jonesred

He's terrible with a terrible attitude. There's far better out there for less money.

02 Apr 2013 23:49:49
Jonesred you are the worst judge of Player on this site bar none. From Zarate to Johnson wow you must be rubbish at FIFA.
JONSON

Great talent who appears to lack the discipline to succeed at the very highest level. He's playing for his boyhood club and I think Di Canio will either get the best out of him or send him packing if he does not up his game sharpish.
DT

Jonesred Jonhnson hardly got a look in at City last season because of how poorly he played, he didn't like it and moved, now he is playing even less well (but much more regularly) in a team that are fighting relegation.

SideShowBob

Jonesred, Mascherano was 22 when we got him, and yes we did take Bellamy twice.

He hit someone with a golf club and now he's playing in the Championship.

02 Apr 2013 18:38:17
Hey eds, any info what is the club's view on Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Robinson, Adam Morgan, Michel Ngoo, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique? Are some of the deemed surplus to requirements? And what are your own views (esp. ed 052 :P)?

Cheers,
Drigan {Ed052's Note - I hope you don't mind me answering mate, as I'm profiles Ed etc.

Shelvey hasn't played as much, as after the Utd red card, he seemed to lose all form. He needs to start playing much better, so maybe a loan next season.
Robinson is doing well at Wolves but needed work harder when he got opportunities, thus why he was loaned out.
I spoke about Morgan earlier, and wouldn't be surprised to see him leave.
Ngoo has done well in Scotland, but I don't think enough to have a chance at L'Pool. There is interest in him from Celtic, I believe. Again, I can see him going this summer, but personally, I would like to see him given a chance.
Hendo has proved to BR and to the fans, to an extent how good a player he is. He will stay and kick on next year. I think he has it all, and will get better with more games, but he has started to show a real flair in his game, which, as he is so talented, is pretty great.
Downing, similarly to Hendo has done very well and wont be leaving. He is showing us now what he really can do.
Borini is a good player but needs a run in the team, in his position, without getting injured. I am sure he can show that next season. Also, there will eb less pressure on him next season to score, with Sturridge, Coutinho etc, so he should perform better.
Enrique was dropped at the beginning of the season, but has come back very strong over the past few months. A position we no longer need to worry about}

02 Apr 2013 21:54:40
Thanks ed, much appreciated!

Drigan

Shelvey is not good enough for any team challenging top 4, downing is still not good enough he disapears in every game, also henderson is not that great yet but has improved, just we like to over exagerate on players after a few good games. Morgan is not good enough but ngoo should be given a season in the lfc first team squad. Robinson is another over rated lfc player that won't make it. RedTurk

Shelvey turned 21 in January. He is very young and the ability he shows in the England U21 matchs is incredible, he just needs to improve his confidence - if you really think there is no chance he'll be good enough then quite simply you haven't watched him at his best.

Downing might dissapear sometimes but every winger in every team does. He does the job he needs to do, and does it well. Not worth splashing out on a replacement.

Henderson has been as good as Cleverly this season hands down and if he was U21 captain would be a regular England International. He is doing great and showing why we bought him.

Morgan is probably coming to an end, as is Ngoo but he has looked very dangerous on loan and would like to see him given a chance in a better team first.

Robinson is another very young player who has been consistently good for England U21 and Watford on loan. He has one or two matches (in between long periods of sitting) where he was decent but not brilliant, but has shown what he is capable of on a number of occasions and is still very much a future prospect.

RedTurk, not everyone who does not perform at Messi level every single time they take the field is overrated rubbish

Ed whilst were on the subject what's your thoughts on jack Dunn? {Ed052's Note - he has really kicked on recently - he has pace and has started scoring more. Very impressive tbh. He just needs to translate that from the U18 to the reserves }

02 Apr 2013 18:37:40
There is a problem that when Liverpool show. interest in a player for e.g Ince, some hearts rule their heads i. e Ince is a very good player, when carrol was bought, ' this lad can be worldclass' etc. All fans want players to be brilliant but the truth is caroll was never good enough for us like many others who came and went. Players deserve a chance no doubht however, but in our heads we know how good tuey are. I believe we will pursure INCE in the summer however IMO he is no improvement on what we have and we younsgters such as IBE who I analyze consistently andis a better player at just 18. As I always say if any club buys a player it should always be to improve not to make up numbers or appease the fans' if we don't have the money for a better player in a certain player give our younsgters a run in instead of having another 'let down' on the pay roll.

Spot on mate

billynwa

Al you can't say Ibe is a better player than Ince because quite simply he hasn't proved it yet whereas Ince has carried Blackpool all season and deservedly won the Young Player of the Year award. Ibe is an amazing talent and I would suggest he is arguably a more exciting prospect than Ince and is certainly better than Ince was at that stage of his development but only when he regularly plays senior football against men week in week out can we say he is better than Ince.
DT {Ed003's Note - I found the vote a bit weird myself Ince was better than Vydra as a young player but not as the player of the year,Ince is class, even on a cabbage field he has scored 18 and has 23 assists and will only improve}

Couldn't agree more Ed, I don't really see what more the kid could have done to prove he is a good player, I genuinely think he has surpassed everyone's expectations. I suspect a lot of the fans who don't want him either don't watch the Championship or still resent the fact that he left to continue his development as a footballer (which he has done successfully). Vydra is one tasty player as well though! Keep up the great work guys.
DT

It has occasionally occurred to me that winning player of the year should discount you from the running for young player of the year, maybe other people thought the same?

02 Apr 2013 18:19:36
Can any of the lads on this site tell me if and when LFC first team/reserves/under21s are coming to DUBLIN in the summer thanks LADS JON96

02 Apr 2013 18:10:09
Hate to say it, but with Yesils great progress before his injury and Morgans disappointing form this season, I don't see Adam Morgan having a long term future here, I think there are better prospects and he just lacks the quality. Add to that he hasn't exactly progressed this season.

AsianRed {Ed052's Note - I would have to agree with you. He came into the team and got his chances, but didn't take those 2 games. He hasn't really had a great reserve season, and had the chance to go out on loan, to a league, which we all though was way below his level, yet, he couldn't even get starts at Rotherham he was playing so poorly. I'm afraid I wouldn't be all so surprised to see him go, or, if he does stay, he will be a way down the pecking order}

Have to agree. He seems to try too hard on occasions, but it seems like he might not have enough about to make it at LFC. I believe he was shifted to a wing-forward role in order to improve other aspects of his game and he just has not stepped up.

Along with Morgan, Roddan is another who I think will leave. Also, I think we will look into making a decision on Sama, Adorjan, Gulacsi and Coady this summer. They are all at an age where they need to play regularly and I don't see any of them making it at LFC {Ed052's Note - I can see Adorjan and Gulasci also going. Sama and Coady will probably go on loan, unless we get a decent offer for either}

Ed052 reckon Hodzic could get a work permit this summer?
He could solve our ST problems for U-18s. {Ed052's Note - I'm not too sure how the work permit situation works for youngsters, but, if we've been rejected once, I cannot see us getting one this summer.}

02 Apr 2013 17:37:51
Hope all the Eds & Reds had an enjoyable Easter,

Few things I've heard over the weekend which may be of interest to some heads here.

1. ) Firstly a piece of news I haven't seen anyone post yet, but apparently we are chasing "Dutch sensation" Rodney Kongolo. Anyone know anything on this?

2. ) I know the whole Alonso situation has been covered over and over again, however according to a certain Mr. a person, Liverpool are prepared to pay £8.5m to bring him back to Anfield in the Summer. I'm sure I have read on here before that this journo was reliable back in the days of Rafa as they were close friends. So it begs the question, does he know anything these days? Or is he just making up rubbish like most of the rest of them? I personally can't see it happening, more money and guaranteed champions league elsewhere, combined with FSG transfer policy makes this a non runner for me. Although the quality of Alonso is undoubted, it would make more sense to invest funds into a player like Eriksen or a young player of similar caliber.

3. ) Another point I wanted to highlight was a supposed screen capture from John Henrys twitter I saw online a few days back, stating that he was willing to put £50m into Liverpool in the next window. The reliability of this one is questionable as well, think the twitter name was W_John_Henry or something similar. I seriously doubt the owner of a club would tell the world how much money his club has for transfers, concequently inflating prices for us etc. As much as I want this to be true it could well be fake.

4. ) The rumour with the most legs is probably this last one. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Liverpool are tracking Barcelona midefielder Thiago Alcantara, who is reportedly unhappy with his lack of playing time at the Nou Camp. However United may also be in the hunt for his signature. From what I have heard, his contract expires in 2015 and has a ridiculous release clause of 90m euros

02 Apr 2013 17:37:30
Am I in the minority thinking that it's not just gaining places in the league but points total that means improvement.

If we score more points than last year does that not mean improvement? If we keep scoring more points than the previous season, it's stands to reason that we will eventually score enough to win the league. That's improvement in my eyes.

I do believe we are looking better overall than last year. More young players coming through and maybe a little bit of money plus money from players sold to be spent in the summer. The money from players sold will go back into the kitty.

2 defenders and a defensive midfielder and we will be improved again. I'm not going to name names as Brendan has a far better clue than me who he wants but he is not blind to see where we will be short next year.

I hate seeing the team layout before the game. Teams are not rigid 442 or 433 nowadays (unless it's Everton or Stoke and the likes), it's a lot more fluid than that. If you was to look at the average positional play during a match we probably play a 23221.

Gazza

Agreed, there has definitely been an improvement this year.

Some excellent points Gazza, that's the perfect way of shooting down those who present the argument that 8th to 7th isn't progress when you look at the money we have spent. Brendan is changing our playing philosophy and after the next transfer window he will be better equipped with a change of personnel to continue the overall improvement in our league form. He does however face arguably his biggest challenge in terms of signing 1 or 2 defenders that can hit the ground running and add stability to our defence from the off next season as I feel some fans will be on his back from the get-go if we make a poor start to the 2013/2014 season.
DT

I've never really thought of our formation as 2-3-2-2-1, but I suppose in a way yes it is. Interesting, and lends itself slightly to using a Phil Jones- like player as a CDM to play both there and as CB as the game moves on

02 Apr 2013 17:35:40
Good afternoon Reds,

I would like to know your thoughts on a few players who I would like to see arrive at Liverpool in the summer. I would like to see at least 2 players fighting for each position within the squad.

Firstly, as we all know our biggest problem at the moment is our defence. I would like to see Clyne of Southampton as competition for Johnson at RB. He is only 21 years old and has already established himself as a very good player in the premier league with Southampton. I would also like to see Flanagan loaned out for a season to see how he develops.

I also agree with many rumours that De Vrij would be an excellent addition to our defence. Already at only 21 years of age he is the captain of his current team Feyenoord and also a Holland international player.
Agger, Skrtel, De Vrij and Kelly would be my choice as competition for the 2 CB positions.

For the LB position I would like to see Luke Shaw of Southampton as competition for Enrique. He already at 17 years of age looks like he will become a quality player. Definitely one for the future! We also have Robinson who I would like to see loaned out again next season. Possibly an extension with Wolves.

In my opinion a CDM is a crucial part of the defence. With Lucas our only player suitable for this position at the moment I would like to see Wanyama of Celtic as competition for him. Wanyama is only 21 years of age and is a kenya international player. He has great vision and is the powerful playmaker Liverpool need in front of the back four.

For the CM positions we already have Gerrard, Henderson, Allen, Suso and Shelvey. I think we have sufficient strength in this area and I would be very surprised if we added to what we already have. Possibly Ramirez if Southampton get relegated.

For the LM/LF position I think Coutinho is already establishing himself as BR's first choice with Sterling and Assaidi as competition for him.

For the RM/RF position I would like to see Schurrle of Bayern Leverkusen, with Downing his competition. He is only 22 and a German international player. He is probably the most unlikely to join of all my choices, however I believe that he would be our long awaited replacement for Kuyt.

I do not think we will add to our current number of Strikers. I think Suarez and Sturridge with Borini and Yesil is how it will remain. The same goes for the GK position. I believe Reina, Jones, Galucsi and Ward will be our four again next season.

Overall my summer acquisitions would be.
Schurrle
Wanyama
De Vrij
Clyne
Shaw

I would like to know your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks guys

Schurrle, Wanyama and Shaw won't happen and Clyne is not good enough. I agree De Vrij is an excellent player and hopefully we will get him.

Its nice that he can dream though

I have followed Clyne's career quite closely and whilst I think he is a fantastic prospect, I think we are already well stocked in that position and could only really see us moving for him if GJ departs which does not appear likely at this stage. The concern with De Vrij might be a lack of pace although he is a very good all round defender. Shaw clearly has talent but I think its unlikely he would want to move as he is getting regular first team football and we have Jack Robinson waiting in the wings who will have benefited no doubt from his spell at Wolves. We definiteley could do with a player with Wanyama's attributes in that position although I'm not sure if he can make the step up to Premier League top 4 quality (which is our aspiration). I haven't seen a great deal of Schurrle but I suspect it would be a difficult deal for us to conclude. Nevertheless, a good post and some interesting suggestions Red Lee.
DT

02 Apr 2013 17:32:05
Not posted on here for a while. I don't know why a lot of fans say we are in sh$t street if we sign such 'n' such etc. Every player performs different for every team they play for as its who's around them to what kind of performance you get from them, so really I'm happy with most possible buys as I'm confident we will draw out the best of any player if they have the potential! Skrtel is the best example as every1 didn't think much when he turned up but with carra, hyypia, and agger next to him, he has proved to be a great CB!! Am I wrong? Eds? Any1?

Jimerny cricket {Ed052's Note - You are right that a player can be poor for one team and great for another. Carroll for us and Newcastle, par example...}

02 Apr 2013 17:17:39
This site has become so annoying. When you browse the site, its a bunch of whiny, acrimonious people who seem to revel in spreading negativity. Let's hope your lives aren't similar.

Miss the site when this was minimal. Lol, even after a win, you'd swear we'd lost the game. Like I said before in a previous post, I'm convinced many are fans from other clubs who either aren't satisfied with their own clubs situation or are somehow obsessed with LFC.

ETHAN21

Great post Ethan, the negativity really beggars belief, I also think a large number of these posts are from fans who were unhappy with the appointment of BR and aren't prepared to give him time to try and get things right.
DT

My life is similar : (

02 Apr 2013 15:25:16
wont all happen but just what we need I think
ter stegan/hummels/de vrij/alonso/erikson/

ter stegan/reina/jones/
de vrij/kelly/johnson/ enrique/hummels/wisdom/agger/
robbo/mcglauchlan
gerrard/alonso/lucas /hendo/allen/
coutinho/downing/ sterling/erikson
suarez/sturridge /borini

Hummels? haha what land do you live in? the others are audacious enough

And eriksen looooool why do you build yourselves up regarding transfers

Didnt say wed get hummels just what I think we need the rest are very much a chance we pay far more wages than spurs and barca have cooled their interest in ter stegan read it properly next time you can give me your potential signings if you want aswell

02 Apr 2013 14:22:36
I don't knock what the Ed's do on this site and what they've Created but this site has turned from a rumours website to a Q&A. Why don't you people just read the rumours what people have to say, using the search bar so we don't have to scroll through countless of the same Questions on a daily basis.

Tosh

Here here!

HB

Harumph!

Tosh on a mad one.

02 Apr 2013 13:40:09
Alright Eds? Just thought I'd ask, how many signings do you reckon we will make in the summer?
- Rookie {Ed002's Note - It depends on departures, loan players returning and whether any of the younger players are going to be given a chance. It would be no more than guessowrk to say right now but perhaps four or so.}

02 Apr 2013 13:33:55
Hi Eds

Quick Question I know we will be looking to strengthen the defence this year in the summer with Coates, Skrtel and Reina all likley to leave and JC retiring BUT if suarez does leave along with Carroll, and all the other players - Wilson, Pacheco etc do you think Liverpool will use all the money to rebuild the team as potentionally there's a massive bit of cash there if suarez goes? Can you see them signing attack players in that case other than possibly ince?

Thanks
ajh316 {Ed002's Note - If Suarez leaves they will indeed by a forward or two. But the club needs to concentrate on the defence.}

02 Apr 2013 12:42:00
just watched the villa game highlights on tv. maybe I was so excited when henderson scored that I didn't realize this. yes hendersons finish was cool, yes coutinhos pass was amazing, but how did gerrard find coutinho like that lol, looked like an under pressure pass. amazing.

Yes everyone is harping on about how good Coutinho's through ball was, but the pass before that was by Stevie was also sublime. Two quality passes and a sweet finish by Hendo.

More of the same please!

I don't agree much but do on this one.

02 Apr 2013 11:56:48
My summary of this season goes like this
Started with a tough fixture list. Team unbalanced without enough forward power, several experienced players maginally off form and new manager out of depth once the enormity of the job started to sink in. First ten games set us back in terms of points. Next the team pattern started to take shape, but team played inconsistently and struggled mentally to beat the "big" teams. Fell further behind, lack of forward options and squad depth resulted in losses to more physical teams. However you could see the what the team were attempting to do, some results were encouraging but the lack of points started to split the fans as CL football was ebbing away.
Last ten games, new additions to team. Results improved. Inconsistency still there but poor early season results magnifies bad results at this stage of the season. Style of play is much better, I would say we play as good as anyone in the top 5. The only difference I think is the quality of the squad is lacking. Where as our rivals have proven internationals, we have potential. Unfortunately we do need to buy 3 to 5 proven players costing 50 - 80 m. Cheap buys may work but we should take risks with all player purchases, just buy proven talent and develop like Suarez. Also, I hate to say but less British players but skillful south americans or spanish. I think more leadership type players are needed as well. If we get a good offers on Carroll, Downing, Skrtel, Coates, Spearing then sell. Allen, Borini, Henderson deserve more time and help make a decent squad.
The manager, BR, has slowly won me over, I think the litmus test is next season, no excuses but the team must be still challenging at Christmas, the team needs to be unbeatable at home, beat the "lower" teams, cope with injuries and not lose to rivals. So there you go, from a "juries out on BR" to acceptance that the team play is getting better.

PS. Please can we buy Honda, he is a great player from what I saw playing for Japan, don, t let EFC get him.

Good constructive post. One point, though, when you say that we play as good as anyone in the top 5 - that I do not agree with. We have played as good as anyone in the top 5 in maybes half a dozen games this season, this is not good enough. And by the way Rodgers has not won me over yet.

How have we not played as good as anyone in the top 5? We've played most teams off the park with silly mistakes at the back so we could easily be top 5

London red

Please remember, we have not beaten any team above us in the league this season.

We have only had three or four poor performances this season. I don't see anyone who has played consistently better football than us in the whole League - Spurs have played great football in some games, but because they're grinding out results when they don't means AVB probably isn't getting too frustrated. If the "jury" is out on anyone, it shouldn't be Rodgers, it should be one or two players, and not the young easy targets everyone seems to think. 3 to 5 proven players probably isn't essential, I'm sure we'll continue to go for potential but I too would like to see at least one player of known quality!

Please remember, we have not beaten any team above us in the league this season.



Didnt we beat spurs only a couple of weeks ago

Havent beaten a team above us this season? Well, guess we should go give those points back to spurs then!

Of the current top 5 teams in head to head, only 2 have a positive aggregate against us (United and Arsenal, 1st and 5th. Chelsea we are yet to play again but so far have drawn, City we drew twice and Spurs we lost and won. That could be considered evidence for 'as good as' - personally I don't think so but when you look at those, and then add to the mix our games against Norwich, Wigan, Sunderland and Swansea I see where the poster is coming from.

Man Utd haven't beaten anyone above them

02 Apr 2013 11:45:15
Why all the rave reviews about Tom Ince? He is a good player in the Championship, that's all. We got rid of him so why would we play silly money to get him back? We need TOP CLASS players who will take our club forward, not average players like we have signed in the past for silly money, e. g. Allen, Henderson, Adam, Carroll, Downing.

Well said, I definately do not want Ince at our club.

02 Apr 2013 12:19:01
If we were willing to pay 'silly money' he would be here by now!

We didn't 'get rid' of Ince - he chose to leave to get regular first team football. We tried very hard to convince him to stay, we just couldn't gaurentee him the first team development time

Adam and Carroll were always going to be mistakes - many fans were saying that when the rumours started but were ignored. Allen, Henderson and Downing however were good signings.

Allen, Henderson and Downing good signings – what!
Total cost £55m.
Tiote, Cabaye and Sissoko - total cost £6.7m.

02 Apr 2013 14:41:59
In my opinion if Ince can do it in the Championship then he can do it in the Premier. i'm not saying the Championship is better, but it is more harder for that type of player to continually play attacking football on worse pitches as well as harder challenges.
IMO if he gets in the Prem with any team, and with the added protection and excellent pitches then he will flourish. Any other position I would say it is a big leap in terms of physicality and fitness, but for a 'flair' type player on the wings I can only see him thriving.

TaffyTel

Where are cabaye and sissoko in the league currently?

Experienced Home-grown or country-grown players are always expensive. {Ed002's Note - I always had a thing for home grown when I was younger.}

02 Apr 2013 18:42:35
I don't know Ince only gets here just a good or very good championship player. Hats off to him in my humble opinion because how many young players these days would leave the mighty Liverpool even though a contract would've been forthcoming, in order to play week in week out at Black pool. A lot of players would've just signed with us and he could well of sat on his ass telling anyone who might listen he's a Liverpool player. I really admire him for having the confidence to do that and most important of all the ability to sign for a Prem team which ass sure as night follows day will happen, if not for us which I hope it is it'll be for u someone more them decent.

It was actually the contract he was offered that Daddy Ince told his son to reject.

All the good stuff is home grown, right ed 02? ;) {Ed002's Note - It still is man. Paradise with an ocean view.}

Your Pacific Northwest upbringing really shines through with that statement.

02 Apr 2013 11:13:24
Alright EDs hope you guys all enjoyed your Easter festivities?
I remember reading EDs002 say he thinks it might b the biggest summer for transfers (I apologise if it wasnt) do any u guys foresee maybe a new world record fee splashed out? Or maybe even a new British fee set? {Ed002's Note - No, I did indeed say that I expect more money to be spent this coming season that in any other.}

We're definitely not going to break record fees - I will bet on that. But I do expect our outgoings to rack up in a way that piles the pressure on Rodgers next season to get results, as it's clear he'll need to bring in at least two defenders and one attacking player - maybe more if first teamers leave.

02 Apr 2013 11:11:22
With Suarez looking towards the exit door this summer and Pepe Reina ready to be offloaded I think these players will be sensible to look to bring in:

Suarez + reina = +- 60m

-Vorm (7m)
-Benteke (15m)
-Chico Flores (5m)
-Jordan Rhodes (10m)
-Adel Taarabt (10m)
-lallana (8m)
-parker (3m)

[58m]=+2m

Then 1 market signing maybe a goalscorer from midfield to follow up gerrard or a top class striker.

-Huntelaar (25m) or Gotze (35m, wishful thinking but you never know)

Vorm? Jordan Rhodes? Chico Flores? Adel Taarabt? Lallana? Parker? – these are really going to improve our team aren't they!

Glad your not our Manager, Suarez alone would fetch £60M and Reina £15M, The only player I agree with you on that list is young Jordan Rhodes who would be happy to sit on the bench and be given a chance at out great club, the rest are average squad players that we already have enough of so no thank you.

Suarez won't go for £60 mill! More like £40M max

On which planet is Huntelaar worth £25m?

Suarez won't go for £40 mill or £60 mill, because he will still be here next season

02 Apr 2013 13:28:57
hahahh. huntelar 25 mill?.
my god.

Lol at anyone who thinks Suarez would go for more than 40m after his comments. And a 'keepers don't usually go for big money.

As for the signings listed above, Parker, Flores and Taarabt are never targets of ours now. I don't want to see Benteke myself, as good as he is now I don't see it lasting. Vorm however is a very good goalkeeper.

That has to be joke.

So basically you'll sell two quality top class players in Reina and Suarez for 60 million and then flush the money down the toilet.

-Vorm (7m) probably the best name on your list but a bit erratic and I'd prefer Reina. Ochoa or Mignolet which have been touted would be far better replacements although my personal favourite would be Kevin Trapp or even hold onto Reina. He has been much improved lately.

-Benteke (15m) We certainly do not need Benteke and he is still unproven. Our strikers need the ability to run in behind defences to through balls from Gerrard, Coutinho and co. Benteke comes short and hangs on to the ball. A very useful skill for most teams but does not really suit our style of play. 15 million would be better spent elsewhere. Sturridge and Suarez are far better players in my eyes. I think the lad has had a great season and could easily step up a level but we do not need him.

-Chico Flores (5m) This one I would actually be happy with but we won't get him for 5 mill. Chico Flores is a very underated player. I've been very impressed. Again though for first choive CB I think there's far better realistic choices.

Now you start going really mental.

-Jordan Rhodes (10m) 10 million for a championship striker who plays for a team in a relagation battle. that's nuts my friend. Wiemann is better for what I'm guessing you're thinking is third choice striker and he'd cost 2.5 mill. We still have Borini also.


-Adel Taarabt (10m) Ha ha ha ha. 10 million for a bad attitude, pre madonna player who can't make the QPR team half the time. Come on lad. Seriously?

-lallana (8m) Sterling is a brighter talent.8m could be spent on far better, proven talent to allow sterling to develop. Another no.

-parker (3m) Not worth his wages. His moving on and I would prefer younger better.

I can only assume you simply think names being branded out such as Alonso, Eriksen etc. are unrealistic. While I think we would be extremely lucky to get either of these 2 that doesn't mean our bracket is now buying players from relagation battling clubs such as Southhampton, QPR, Aston Villa and even Championship clubs like Blackburn.

There is plenty of very realistic talent should Liverpool show an interest that would improve us.

Menez, Wanyama, Lovren, Honda etc. to name but a few.

Your post did give me a good chuckle though. Hence, you're alright!

Davey Sulls

02 Apr 2013 10:50:39
Everyone seems to be saying "buy a dominant centre half".
What is Coates then, 6'4" and about 14 stones isn't exactly lightweight?

No, what we need is a ball-playing centre half, who is competent in the air. It's the tactic of pressing us high up the pitch that is used most often (Southampton did it as well as anyone I've seen this season btw, and that includes the big sides).
What I wouldn't give for a Jocky Hansen. Slips his man, advances into midfield, draws a player and then puts away a spare man. Bingo, away we go.

That's the way forward to replace Carra. It was always the Liverpool way. Play football.
The Juicer

We have Agger to do exactly what you mention. What we need is someone to compliment him, a strong, powerful CB who won't be bullied about by the likes of Benteke, Lambert or the whole Stoke team!

It's about balance.

The real AG

Coates needs a loan next season where he will be playing week in week out, and if he is good enough we keep him if not we sell him either way we will get our money back for him. {Ed002's Note - Coates wants out, it is very clear.}

You need to outplay those teams, the real AG, not react to them.
Lawrenson / Hansen or Thompson / Hughes were our best CB pairings. Two ball players.
I defo don't want a lumper.
The strength is being able to have 11 x players who can all play. You can't get pressed all over then.
The Juicer

Not one of you has mentioned pace.

That compliments any centre-back.

DaveyBootle

The Juicer, you say that we need to outplay them, thereby concentrating on our own game and not worrying about the opposition. By this you assume that we will be able to outplay every team by our strengths.

This will not happen throughout the season and there WILL be times when we need steel, which is why we need a combination of strengths in 2 players as opposed to 2 players having the same strengths and the same weakness.

I am not saying the strong, good in the air and pacey CB have to be a 'lump' either.

The real AG

Yes Davey, that's taken as read mate.
I've just been thinking of this 'centre back stopper and / or dm stopper' debate walking back from Sainsburys.
If you do that, you're effectively (to my mind anyway) "losing" a place to a specialist.
If you're going to do that, that guy has to be top notch - I'm talking Mascherano or Makele class - AND those about him, to make up for that specialist, have to be top notch as well. We had that with Alonso and Gerrard. That midfield was good enough to hold a specialist.
So, for me, Liverpool are better off getting good footballers and not lumps for Stoke etc games.
A Liverpool footballer was always someone who could play in numerous positions (Hughes, Tommy Smith). I hate to say it, but Phil Jones at Utd is of that ilk. That's what we should be after.
Players like that, with a sprinkling of international class around them, like Suarez, and we wouldn't go far wrong.
The Juicer

Have to agree, if we're going to play a high line we don't need a CB with the turning circle of a train - pace is essential.

Agreed pal.

DaveyBootle

02 Apr 2013 10:35:10
a person has tweeted about Liverpool wanting to re-sign Xabi Alonso and are willing to pay £8.5 million pound for him. Sure I am not the only red praying that this comes off. Selling Alonso is one of the worst mistakes I have seen the club make. Unbelievable player even still.

Come home Xabi.

Bristol Red.

It's a person who's now come out and said we want Alonso back, obviously because of his standing in the media world it's caused a bit of a stir. Personally though I think he might be re-hashing what the Mirror said two days ago? Don't believe it will happen and besides, Gerrard now plays the same deep-lying playmaker role as Alonso- don't see them fitting together as well as they used to

DP

02 Apr 2013 11:14:23
Alonso wanted to go.
He wasnt performing well untill the 2008/09 season. and rafa wanted to sell him to buy barry who was on fire with aston villa.
then came the season defining moments which showed what a class alonos was.
He had already set his mind with the galatico era with madrid and he was willing to move back to spain to win things and be a part of the best madrid sides.
The script was written.
no doubt about the quality.
Alonso still is a treassure to watch.
He can easily control the midfield of alomst 15 teams in the EPL with ease.

Short term gain for long term pain in my opinion - Xabi is a great player but not that suitable for our style, will slow the development of all the young players (maybe including Lucas in that as well) and will be diverting money from the part of the squad that really needs rebuilding - namely the defense

02 Apr 2013 11:26:26
Some fans here criticizes rafa of selling alonso.
the fact is rafa wanted to sell him to juvenus in 2007-2008 when he was actually not performing good enough to fund the move for barry.
It didn't materialize and alonos remained with us.
and produced his career defining performance in 2008-2009.
rafa then realised not to sell him.
But alonos wanted to move back to spain.
his boyhood dream of madrid. with stars like ronaldo, ozil, etc.
Liverpool recievd an offer which was as good as for any midfielder 30 mill.
alonoso was happy.
he was never forced out from Liverpool fc in 2009.

there are 100 of players at clubs who are targetted every season if they don't perform. to be replaced.
alonso was one. as like downing and henderson.

some stay with the club and fight ofr the places.

alonso wanted to move. and went.

He knew that was his chance to be with real madrid.
and he took it.

It was a person, on his blog. Guys on the site withdrew the name from my post.

Bristol Red {Ed002's Note - Nope - the swearothon or some other bit of software did.}

Surely pubically pushing him out the door to raise for funds to buy BARRY of all players is kind of Rafa's fault then? Barry on fire for Villa behave.

Bristol Red

02 Apr 2013 12:33:52
Bristol red Alonso was crap in his 2-3 seasons and we badly needed another midfield, hicks and gillet refused to give money so rafa had no choice but to sell Alonso to juventus and buy barry who was on fire for villa and had very good pantership with Gerrard for England, in fact Gerrard was one of them who was consistantly talking to barry to move to us, but Alonso refused to go to juventus, then the next season he had the best season of his career in red shirt and madrid came for him and he wanted to leave but rafa refused and he forced the move so we hold it for 30M + 5M bonus. Other hand we had finalised barry transfer with villa for 14M, but villa didn't keep their word and sold barry to city for 25-30M, it was very late and we had no option as alonso transfer fee went to hicks and gillet pockets, so had very little choice as hicks and Gillet refused to release alonso transfer money and wanted to buy players which their club accepted selling players on installments and that's where Aqua was bought because roma were only the club willing to do bussiness in instalments.

02 Apr 2013 12:39:05
He wasnt publically criticized nor pushed aside.
He had 2 bad seasons with us. and like every manager. rafa was upset. and wanted to replace him with barry. barry was playing pretty good decent at villa. and was a midfielder with england along with gerrard.
Alonson then re wrote the script in 2008-2009.

cant understand. what's the confusion here.
alonso was not pusehd from the liverpol airport. to spain. neither he was sent a notice by the club to pack the bags and move.

Alonso struggled after a injury yet there was no doubting his class.

Some people still insist that Rafa and Alonso had a fall-out.

Remember the Inter game and the birth of his baby?

Rafa's comments?

Now, I'm not implying that there was a rift, yet some sources suggested that there was.

Regardless of form, it has been proven that if the sale was instigated by the players poor form (alleged poor form!) then it has been proven to be a catastrophic mistake.

Lets's be honest here, but as much as we love Rafa he does have some strange issues.

Personally, I think he had issues with Alonso.

If the player didn't want to leave then he should never of been sold; if he did want to leave, then who would blame him.

A boss player though who hopefully will grace our pitch once again.

DaveyBootle

02 Apr 2013 13:31:16
he wanted to move. simple. and he knew madrid wanted him.
Liverpool wanted to sell him in 2008. not in 2009.
alonso wanted to move in 2009. what ever the reason was. and he didn't moved to stoke city or chelsea.
he wanted to move to madrid and he did.

02 Apr 2013 10:22:00
all big clubs spend big money on at least 1 central defender, we need to spend big on at least 1 that will control our defence. ferdinand nesta chielini pepe carvalho ect ect all had high fees, us buying a world class defender will make it easier for us, we create loads of chances but give other teams to many chances. if we get another midfielder and a striker that can play upfront/wings I be happy. we need to sell quates/skrtl/caroll/assaidi that should give us the funds for 2 players so fsg will only need to fund 1. I would send shelvey/suso on loan it will do them good

02 Apr 2013 10:34:31
Why are we selling Assaidi?
why did we bought him?
to show anfield?. take a ride through the city?
this is becoming a joke.
buying in june. selling in jan. buying again in jan. selling in june.

What is the score with Assaidi? He looks a good player, BR brought him in and we never give him a game. {Ed002's Note - It has been suggested to me that Assaidi would like to move on as it hasn't really worked out for him at Liverpool and I suspect a summer exit likely. Depending whether or not Liverpool want a fee will define the options he has. A return to Holland, perhaps with Twente, might be an option and there was some thought of interest from Kayserispor.}

Why is it a joke? - Happens all the time at clubs throughout Europe. This season we have seen the emergence of Raheem Sterling, Ibe is coming along nicely and we have other youngsters who are coming through in that position. We have signed a significantly better player in that position in Coutinho + the likes of Borini, Downing and even Suarez can cover that area of the field if we play with Sturridge up front. He only cost 3 million, if most of this can be recouped and the funds redirected towards other areas of the field that need addressing (CB, RW, DM) then it seems like a sensible move for all parties.
DT

Cause we are guna want a fee for him we payed £3M or so for him and should be able to get that back. Although I really don't see how people can say it hasn't worked out when he has barely played, but when he does he looks exciting. {Ed002's Note - Barely played is what perhaps leads to the conclusion that it hasn't worked out - and what will also impact any fee.}

02 Apr 2013 12:41:50
dude. what's this likes of borini?
where is he better than assaidi?
we would struggle to sell borini for even 5 mill let alone.
is that the reason you want him to stay with us?
Assaidi has pace. he can dribble. and he showed his glimpse.
If joe allen is worth playing 30 matches awful for Liverpool fc.
sahin and assaidi is worth playing atleast 10-15 matches.

You missed the point, Coutinho is far better, Sterling and Ibe provide more than adequate cover for that position and in addition there are others that can play there. Borini appears to be more of a striker and it is therefore unfair to compare the two like for like - also Borini has been really unlucky with injuries so perhaps it is a shade too early to pass judgement on him as a player.
DT

I don't understand selling Assaidi! he is one of the few real wingers we have, he is the only one who I remember seeing consistently getting past defenders! he may be unhappy because he gets overlooked time and again for players like Sterling, who is too lightweight (at the moment) and IMO overrated, Assaidi comes from playing regular football to being left out? I don't understand that, it's a guessing game as to why because we are never told, I hope we keep him and play him more, he has the talent, he just needs some direction as to what his role is! cut in and shoot more? hug the touchline get past defenders and cross? I think he is a victim of poor management and I am not anti BR, if he is not what we want why did we buy him? poor scouting? bad purchasing method? (not for tee first time) not being absolutely sure he was what we needed? and, will we ever know? another poor executive mistake? aka Sahin? there are other players I would sell before Assaidi.

02 Apr 2013 10:20:31
I know everyone is looking for quality players but I think we need a Hyypia type defender, not only did he teacher Carra how to control the back line but he was great at clearing balls from corners and he chipped in with his fair share of important goals.

If you look this season we look vulnerably from every corner and every free kick / set piece into our box.

Is there anyone out there similar to Hyypia in his qualities that we could interest in coming to LFC, I also think we need another defender a more physical type defender - Williams at Swansea would fit this bill.

With Carra, Coates and maybe Skrtel leaving I think this is our most important area for summer transfers.

What are peoples thoughts?

02 Apr 2013 10:36:13
Hummels. excelelnt derfender. But you need to shed the money. which we don't have.

It's not always about money, it's also about OUR interest in the player and the PLAYERS interest in joining us among other factors. In Hummels case, it's just a random name you have thrown out.

The real AG

02 Apr 2013 12:44:28
its not a random name mate.
Matt hummels is an excelletn defender. simple.
He would be exiciting to watch with agger.
Two CB potential to carry the ball forward and start the attack on its own.
he is the key of a a dortumand team.
If we have a project in hand. and if the future is looking bright and can convicne this fella + we can shed the money.
he is easily the best readymade replacement for carragher.
the lad is pure quality {Ed002's Note - Feel free to add Hummels to the list of players not moving to Liverpool this summer.}

It is a random name because as Ed002 points out, he won't be joining. As for your point about trying to convince him, how do you plan to do that?

The real AG

02 Apr 2013 10:19:36
Ideal Summer window for Liverpool
Ins : One of Dede/Benatia/Cahill, Luke Shaw, Wanyama, Ben Arfa (Just to move on Carroll to Newcastle), Ince.

Outs : Skrtel, Coates, Spearing, Carroll, Assaidi, Wilson, Pacheco.
Plus while it maybe coontroversial to some, one or both of Downing and Shelvey if we recieve an offer of around 5 milliom pounds each.

{Ed002's Note - Realistically, one of the "Ins" seems a fair bet.}

Please, please, please add Allen and Henderson to your Outs list.

Allen won't be sold after a year with injuries (though I don't think he's good enough) and Henderson has shown a quality and work ethic that is perfect for a squad player.

One of your CB's and Wanyama should be top priority. Ben Arfa would be great too. I doubt we'd be in for Shaw but i'd be thrilled with that summer.

I'd imagine the fair bet being Ince right Ed? {Ed002's Note - Right.}

02 Apr 2013 11:29:17
And by "one of the "ins"" you mean Ince, Ed? {Ed002's Note - Yes, I would think so.}

Original poster here.
Don't know why people disagreed.
That was just an opinionated list on who would help us take the step towards top4. I reckon everyone agrees if we get the above mentioned players we have a great chance of top4. Everyone on that list is achievable if the club really makes an effort to get them. And on top of that even if we manage to get all the players mentioned it would cost around 60 million pounds at a stretch and the OUTS should easily provide us with ateast 35 million pounds. A summer spend of 20-25 million pounds is pretty realistic if you ask me
On the other hand if the window pans out as Williams, Ince, Iturra, God knows who else we can always call it a season of transition.

02 Apr 2013 09:58:57
Would I be correct in stating that if Chelsea win the FA cup, 6th would be enough to get us into Europa?

Dent Bick {Ed002's Note - No, the runners up will go in to Europe.}

Ed I read that if Chelsea win the cup and finish 5th, then the cup runners up do not get the place (as the rules only state that if the winners are already qualified for CL) but rather the next place in the league. Do you know if that is right? {Ed002's Note - If Chelsea or Manchester City win the FA Cup and end up fifth in the League then yes. You are clutching at straws a bit here.}

I can't imagine Chelsea won't make top 4 two years in a row, especially with Spurs nightmare run in and Chelsea players like Terry starting to return to fitness

Arsenal are only 2 points behind them, you never know.

SideShowBob

02 Apr 2013 18:17:42
Check Chelseas run in! They are hanging on and Arsenals run in is easier than anyones!

My bet is United, City, Spurs and Arsenal, with Chelsea then us! {Ed052's Note - Exactly what I think WBD}

02 Apr 2013 09:27:39
I noticed, while watching the Villa v Reds telecast the other day, that one commentator said something along the lines of 'I think Coutinho has started ok. But, Inter Milan are not renowned for selling good player'.

Ok. Just before anybody else gets this idea in their head, I urge you to remember where Andrea Pirlo played before his move to AC Milan. That's right, Inter Milan, the club that told him he'd not amount to much.

Early signs of Coutinho are very promising, hope he continues his good form.

In the past 3-4 years off the top of my head I remember Inter selling Eto, Ibrahimovic, Maicon, Julio Cesar, Pazzini, Luc Castaignos, Lucio, Motta, Balotelli and Maxwell. A couple were getting on a bit but not all of them and all are still regularly playing at the top level, and all quality players. Juventus aside, Italian teams are pretty well known for selling good players right now

02 Apr 2013 10:29:22
but they do get a lot of profit.
a 30 year old Ibra cost 30 mill.
and a 25 year old silva cost 30 mill again.
there are some stuppid buyers also.

Did Inter not also sell Bergkamp to Arsenal, some players in some leagues just don't work out

Let's be honest, it was a BIASED comment! not unusual on this particular channel.

02 Apr 2013 08:29:56
What is the deal with Suarez and yellow cards? Is he suspended if he gets another one all season?

02 Apr 2013 08:19:33
Suarez message to thailand 'see you in pre season in 2013' is that a hint he could be staying?

Remember Xabi Alonso was advertized with the new kit in his last season with Liverpool, before he was sold to Real.
So don't take that as a sign.
Having said that, I expect him to stay for one more season atleast, unless a huge offer comes in!

02 Apr 2013 04:35:41
Ed, Do you know the whole Pre season tour itinerary? Obviously Thailand, anywhere else? {Ed002's Note - Australia and the detail to be announced.}

I wished they had come to India this time!

It would be a dream come true for me if Liverpool come to India
Think lfc have a huge fan base here

2011 {Ed002's Note - I suspect you will just see Thailand, Indonesia and Australia this summer.}

I've heard that the reason travelling sports teams in general don't go to India is because it's such a big country that they don't want to isolate fans in one part of the country by visiting another and not them, but the facilities and quality of opposition isn't good enough to justify spending 3-4 matches there (like we would in the USA for example). Very sad if true and I hope the emergence of the IPL Cricket League and the legacy of the commonwealth games can change that situation {Ed002's Note - I rather think it is simply commercial. Liverpool has a sponsor in Indonesia and they will pick up something like £1M per game in Indonesia, Thailand and Australia.}

02 Apr 2013 03:06:13
Anyone wanting BR out knows nothing about football. He was appointed for the long term, to rebuild the squad from the ground up and to change the philosophy of the football we used to play. To expect to go from 8th to 4th In one season aswell as changing the type of football the club plays Is very stupid.

02 Apr 2013 09:32:43
rebuilding from 8th to 7th. doesn't require 100 mill.

I never wanted Rodgers at LFC. I still do not want Rodgers at LFC and I never will want Rodgers at LFC. Bad season, out of three cup competitions and one good performance two bad ones in the league all season. NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

02 Apr 2013 09:37:33
Rodgers was appointed because he had a plan to get us back in champions league, there is no transition in modern footy, owners invest millions to run a club like Liverpool and they expect their money to return and make more money but its impossible without champions league, more then fans owners will be very disappointed without champions league, in fact Liverpool valuation goes downwards and that won't go well with any owners forget Liverpool owners who are losing money every year.

Fact is without Champions league Liverpool can't move foward, for them its failure just read werner interview and he makes it clear.

Before anyone starts I have got nothing against Rodgers but that's the reality of our club, champions league is only the way to move this club foward or else owners will run away, no owner will accept losing money evey season, now is 3 years and still they are crying for champions league.

02 Apr 2013 10:32:40
I uderstand your points mate.
Everyone knows CL is the main priority every year.
Expect some fans here. who are pretty happy with another 23 years in waiting.
probably a true fan is the one who waits patiently. end of his life.

There will be an offer of around 40-50 mill on the table for suarez.
Lets watch what LFC will gona do with it.
sell him or keep him.

02 Apr 2013 00:24:45
{Ed002's Note - They have rather more money than that available and will likel;y be the highest spenders of the highest spending summer. There are other sides who also have significant money available this summer. }

Wow Ed002!

Would you care to expand? What other clubs are spending big? Any surprises?

Very exciting, but also depressing. The gap between us and the TOP teams is increasing at a rate of knots!

Mr Steinhaus.

{Ed002's Note - I have explained previously that this coming season will see more money chnage hands for players than ever before. A number of clubs have significant funds available to support rebuilding and improving their teams including Bayern Munich, Monaco, a couple of Russian League clubs etc.. Add to that ambitious plans by the likes of Real Madrid who need to sell to buy but will be moving in the market. This coming season will also see the transfer of a number of the most highly valued players (e.g. Falcao) which will add significantly to the spending.}

Is anyone else finding the prospect of Bayern Munich's current team + one of the most attractive managers in the game for players + huge money available plus more easily raised through big player sales a terrifying prospect for world football? They have the potential to rule more supremely than Barca {Ed002's Note - A lot of their current team will be moving on this summer as they rebuild.}

01 Apr 2013 23:59:36
GePiES Great blog article. Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.

01 Apr 2013 23:34:59
i have recieved news from my uncles in manchester who are in charge of reseeding the old trafford pitch at the end of the season that alex ferguson is going to retire at the end of the season as he needs a hip replacement. I have no reason to lie nor does my source and I am sorry that this not relate to Liverpool but i'm sure many of you cannot stand the sight of him much longer. {Ed002's Note - A hip replacement will certainly retire him from playing. Maybe he could do his coaching badges and move in to management?}

Sounds like a April Fools

You've been had, moro