Liverpool Banter Archive February 02 2018

02 Feb 2018 20:52:06
Good to see Masterson, Dhanda, Kane and Jones training with the first team. Glad to see our development sessions are still being done!

02 Feb 2018 19:56:58
Hi Ed001,

Interested to hear your thoughts on Alan Hansen as a pundit? Personally I liked him. He spoke his mind but I felt he was not doing it to make good television or to attract attention.

{Ed001's Note - he is the only one on TV I liked. MOTD died when he retired.}

02 Feb 2018 20:13:44
Alan Shearer not to your liking then? I don't think he's as bad as some of the others on TV.

{Ed001's Note - a lot of what he says is for a reaction imo.}

02 Feb 2018 20:38:38
Alan Shearer is apparently a bit arrogant and self important and comes across as such. That’s said never met him so who knows!

02 Feb 2018 21:07:52
All the other pundits come across as reactionary petulant babies. Hansen always seemed to have real gravitas and wisdom behind his opinions. Everyone always goes on about 'yo won't win anything with kids' but fail to mention every other pundit who utters a wrong statement every other sentence.

02 Feb 2018 21:24:17
Guy who i know used to live in Newcastle and said that he often ran in to Shearer, Given and Speed on nights out. Apparently they were all very humble nice people who always spared a minute for the public. They frequented the quiet establishments rather than the high octane clubs.

Talking about 10-15 years ago now though. People change so Shearer may be an arse now. Gary Speed, bless his soul, is no longer even with us 😪.

02 Feb 2018 22:19:48
Brooking and Hansen best line up for me.

02 Feb 2018 22:37:24
Shearer is a cock. Hansen may be a Liverpool legend but as a pundit I liked him, although “you can’t win anything with kids” was not his finest hour. He was credible, knowledgeable and believable. Shearer and his ilk are idiots, pandering to public opinion. I didn’t always agree with Hansen but I respected him.

02 Feb 2018 23:58:21
Ay. shearer is a massive blort.

02 Feb 2018 20:35:32
Thanks for the fast response Ed!

{Ed001's Note - you are welcome, not sure why everyone is bringing up that kids line as he was right. If people actually bothered to look at that team it was full of experience. It was a very balanced team with Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Irwin, I think Ince was in it, Keane was no kid, Cantona, Cole, Giggs was very experienced by then, there were others who were in and out of the side as well. It won because it had the right blend of experienced heads guiding the youth.}

03 Feb 2018 12:05:58
Ed, I don't think Hansen has been taken out of context. If you watch the video, the host of the show says "well, they have got star names to still come in, like Cole and Giggs, and Cantona and Bruce", and Hansen replied "yeah and it's still not enough, you need strength in depth to win the championship and they just haven't got it".

{Ed001's Note - I never mentioned context, I just said that line that keeps getting quoted is nonsense as they did no such thing.}

03 Feb 2018 12:23:44
Yes but was Hansen actually talking about a team full of kids? Or a team with both? Because like I said, when the host mentioned a few experienced names the squad had, he basically said 'nope, still too many kids. '

02 Feb 2018 17:46:24
Regarding signings this window and how it will effect the teams competing for top 4.
-United done a good deal w/ Sanchez and I believe they will be top 4 taking into consideration they also have a atleast 3 point lead on the rest.
-Spurs seem to have done a good deal in Moura and are gaining form. We will see however if Moura will be the boost they are hoping him to be and if the will keep the upward form. They are for me favorites to beat Chelsea and Ars to top 4.
-City adding Laporte and with that more depth w/ quality at the back. They will win the league and hopefully win against our rivals.
-Chelsea got Giroud in hope that they will have someone when Morata struggles but I don't see him as a good signing and believe he won't help much. Wouldn't expect much from Barkley either. Palmieri I don't know.
Chelsea along w/ Ars are my favorites to finish out of top 4.
-Ars did well with Aubameyang but Mktaryan hasn't been playing well since his arrival to England so I don't see him helping much.
Auba will do good but already 8pts behind is too much imo.
-Liverpool lost Cou but we have a strong enough attack without him to continue to score goals. VVD will come good but after he get's ready, he wilk be a strong addition.
Final table predictions:
1.City
2.Liverpool
3.United
4.Spurs
5.Chelsea
6.Arsenal.

02 Feb 2018 18:13:54
I hope you are are right AB.

02 Feb 2018 18:58:00
Great read, AB. For me, I'm never worried about what other teams do cos in the end, it will all come down to 11 players on either side on the pitch and THAT is where the reality will be decided regardless of whatever anyone says or what their projections are. I trust Klopp and his ability to get us playing and performing thru out the season. Why? He did the exact same thing last season when Mane was injured for the last 6 weeks of the season and we had to change the way we play to get us top 4. That is testament to Klopp's ability to adapt and actually coach the players he has at his disposal to gain good results.

Also, Klopp has the ability to change formation 3 diff. times in one game cos his players are that good enough to execute these very well. We may lack Cou type creativity BUT you can compensate for that with better inter-play, smart movement and quick passing. This is what we did to City and Hudd and put 7 goals past both of them.

Now of course, there will be bad days at the office and sure, that is frustrating esp. knowing these players have proven that they can do better. We have enough players and versatility within the team to cope and if Bobbie is injured, Salah can play CF with Mane and Ox either side. We'll be fine and we are good enough to make top 4. Red Till I'm Dead!

02 Feb 2018 19:33:29
I agree BRover.
I think the 4-4-2 will do us a lot of good for the rest of the season and I think we might do that against Spurs for the weekend.
Last time they closed Salah well and we will need adapting to that in this game.
I have no doupt that Klopp will adjust us and we will have a good chance to win the game.

02 Feb 2018 19:59:03
What if 2 from Salah, Mane and Firmino get injured or lose form. Mane'sbinjury record isn't great so it is possible. Ox has been decent in the middle but he is not a shadow on them when it comes to goals or assists in the front 3 and neither are Ings or Solanke. That's not being negative it's being honest.

02 Feb 2018 20:19:22
True that Jayden23.
We don't have the same depth as before the window.
But we do have more depth at the back, and can use a back 3 if needed with wingbacks providing width.
Or we use 4-4-2 to acconodate to rest someone upfront or if someone is injured.
Imo we don't have as strong of a 4-3-3 without Cou because he would play a lot from the middle, so a lot of the times we had something of a diamond in the middle.
I think a 4-4-2 with Salah and Firmino interchanging as front 2 would be very strong.

02 Feb 2018 20:27:11
That is a big if Jayden with 3 months left. You could say the same about every team.

If the worst happened Ings and one other up front and a midfield 4. We would be more solid and still be a threat. I do worry about Firmino the one man pressing machin. Klopp should look after him. At 2-0 v Hudd he should be taken off asap.

02 Feb 2018 20:29:55
Yes please. 😎.

02 Feb 2018 20:31:55
Rattling good read that blossom, thanks for sharing.

02 Feb 2018 20:47:54
Agree Mark it is a big if and unlikely to happen. But so is expecting Mane, Salah and Firmino to maintain their best form with no quality back up and play every game for 3 months.

02 Feb 2018 21:10:07
I can't see us overtaking Utd if im honest. I was gutted to see Sanchez end up there.

02 Feb 2018 21:38:50
You're welcome Waro.
I enjoy your input on this website.

02 Feb 2018 21:48:04
We will just tweak the system Jay. Remember last year we actually ground out some good results during the run in. Nothing wrong with a few 1-0's.

02 Feb 2018 22:13:44
I honestly think injuries will decide TOP 4. If spurs have and injury to Kane, Chelsea to hazard or Liverpool to Salah / Firmino, the equation could change very quickly.

02 Feb 2018 23:39:15
w0rdsmith that's a good observation.
The thing is I believe we have more players we can rely on, that's why I believe Spurs and Chelsea will fight for 4th place and we and United will fight for 2nd.

03 Feb 2018 00:29:37
after the 1st leg against barcalona Chelsea have games against m. city m. united and spurs could drop a few points there hopefully we capitalise on it if they do.

03 Feb 2018 05:31:19
I think the mentality of our players will decide where we finish. If the players can stay motivated and professional like they did against Huddersfield, we do definitely have the quality to finish up there in table. However, if the players rest on their laurels after each win, then top 4 may be a struggle. With our team I'm not worried after a loss because I know we will bounce back, but I worry more about whether we can get a result after a win because of the mentality of our players. Hopefully with Hendo back we can play with more intensity and keep our boys honest.

03 Feb 2018 08:29:20
I know some will not agree but I think hendo playing is massive in us finishing in the top 4. I know we lost still but you could feel the intensity change when he came on against WBA.

03 Feb 2018 11:43:28
Agree LFC1974. Hendo is not a world beater but the pick of our bunch when it comes to dictating the pace of a game. Can and Gini are awful in this aspect. They have other qualities, but setting the pace is not one of them.

02 Feb 2018 14:55:28
Clyne added to the CL squad. A bit strange Ed001 don't you think mate? I was thinking his days were numbered with us?

{Ed001's Note - just shows we had a gap and are being careful. Everton decided they didn't need to add Garbutt to their Europa League squad and ended up without a left back. It is silly to leave a gap when you have a player just in case.}

02 Feb 2018 15:56:24
Ed01 do you not think Clyne will play at all then when he returns to fitness. Excuse me if I'm wrong but I'm sure I remember reading on here in the past you possibly saying Klopp does not rate him.

{Ed001's Note - there have been a large number of issues between the two. It would be a surprise if he did get games.}

02 Feb 2018 16:11:38
Cheers for the reply Ed01 mate. Are the issues well publicised or in house.

{Ed001's Note - inhouse.}

02 Feb 2018 18:38:56
I don't know what's gone on but I hope he never plays for us again, he's simply not good enough for us, never was.

02 Feb 2018 19:15:15
Spot on, Salah. I have read elswhere and seen where fans keep saying Clyne is quality. I don't lknow which games these people have been watching or if it is the case of "absence makes the heart go fonder". Clyne is pants offensively and defensively and like his fellow headless chicken Kyle Walker, proves that good athletes do not make good footballers.

02 Feb 2018 19:29:35
I don't claim to be in the know at all but what I have to say is honest truth. Me and clyne have the same barber and I've met him a few times when he used to come to London for a trim. However it's been a long time I've seen him but my barber told me his attitude has changed since signing for Liverpool and he believes the money has changed him and made him focus less on his football.

02 Feb 2018 21:57:55
FatboyFatNotSlim - interesting mate thanks for sharing.

BRover, couldn't agree more mate.

02 Feb 2018 23:44:43
Although I don’t think Clyne is the answer to the rb spot. He’s a steady eddy that plays at a consistent level week in week out without being spectacular or dire. He’s a solid 7 when he plays for me. Not the best going forward but defensively is better than some on here suggest. But I do think we need to go out and get a real quality right back that’s is able to offer something going forward and be good defensively.

02 Feb 2018 14:10:14
Interesting comments from Jamie Carragher, regarding Van Djik needing to get fitter and maybe lose a bit of weight until we see the best of him. I think we'll have to wait to see the best from him, just recently coming back from a long injury and still trying to regain fitness. Eds do you have any idea what the overall consenses is on Van Djik, with his training etc. Appreaciate it eds.

{Ed001's Note - Carragher knows full well that the reason van Dijk picked up the hamstring issues is due to the lack of fitness, which includes excess bodyfat as part of the problem. He is basically going through a pre-season programme to get up to fitness.}

02 Feb 2018 17:09:54
Thank you for the insight as always Ed001.

{Ed001's Note - welcome mate.}

02 Feb 2018 19:18:03
I stopped paying attention to what this poor excuse for a pundit has to say since the day he went after Karius cos he had the guts to challenge Carra's assessment. It seems he is just interested in stoking the flames of controversy and rancor within the fan base and the fact that as an ex player as Ed said, he knows better, makes it even worse.

02 Feb 2018 13:25:44
Ed, would like to hear your opinion on Klopps substitutions. Do you think, in general I mean, that he makes the right changes, at the right times and if he utilizes the bench well to give players a rest and non first team players enough minutes .

{Ed001's Note - no, I do feel that is his weakest area of the game. Subs very rarely happen early enough to make an effect on the match. I think this is a problem with having too many cooks, it makes it difficult for him to be decisive when he takes so much advice with regard to tactics from the 'brain'.}

02 Feb 2018 14:48:53
I don't rate his substitutes at all. Even if we look to wear Brom in the cup he made changes so late and continued to use the same failing system for too long. In our last game he put on solanke with 3 minutes left. I'd have liked to have seen him make subs as soon as possible after the penalty. Why throw on a man in need of a goal with 2 minutes of a game left which had been put to bed well before that point. Especially with studge gone ings and dom need more premier league minutes to get the goal drought out of their system.

02 Feb 2018 14:54:27
Klopp seems to use subs to rest tiring players only rather than tactically in order to change a game.

02 Feb 2018 15:03:54
I’d agree Ed but particularly against the sides we typically struggle to break down - it seems often around the 60min mark is when the opposition start to feel they can get a result, and it’s then you need to shake things up with a dangerous substitution and/ or change of shape to change the game.

We had that when we could bring on Mane or Coutinho for the other way around, and you could often see the tired defenders think ‘oh dear’ (or similar effect), however we too often wait for the last 10mins when the opposition is fighting for their lives and little time to hold out.

I actually like the idea in these types of games to play someone like Solanke and then on 55 or 60mins bring on a Mane or Salah when defenders are starting to tire and they have to rethink their defensive patterns all over again.

02 Feb 2018 16:51:19
It's his biggest issue and the sort that do come back to bite you in the behind.

2-0 down to spurs, clear issues need to change to two up top, bring ings on at half time with oxlade. Perform better but lose 2-1.

Did everything he could.

2-0 down same changes needed, bring players on at 86 minutes, lose 3-0.

Klopp got out thought, not good enough, cost us the game.

02 Feb 2018 19:23:00
I have issues with his subs as well even tho, he gets them right sometimes. I just think he either overthinks things or is so immersed in the game that he hopes his first 11 can figure it out. Sometimes, they may BUT most of the time, they need help from the bench. For me, a change needs to be made by 65th minute. The second change by the 75 min and if things don't change, the third one in the 80th minute depending. I hope he improves on this as time goes on cos it's part of coaching as well.

02 Feb 2018 12:41:56
Can't wait for this next game! Really think we can get a result.

After this weekend, we've got United and Chelsea away still to come but we should be favourites for the other games and we've got quite a few favourable home games too, feeling confident about the rest of the season at the moment.

A midfield 3 of Can, Hendo, and AOC will work very well for us moving forward I think.

Good times ahead!

02 Feb 2018 14:33:52
massive game for our season.

02 Feb 2018 14:40:41
I would go with that midfield too.

02 Feb 2018 15:08:15
It’s an important game. But by no means is it a must win, long way to go.

02 Feb 2018 15:37:23
Agree with Mag_ic. The result is not season defining as far as the top 4 places go, because I see one of Chelsea or the mancs falling off and their place taken by Tottenham, a draw would be acceptable for me on recent form.

02 Feb 2018 19:30:23
I would go with that midfield as well BUT like Magic, it is not a massive game for our season as there will still be 36 points left to play for win, lose or draw. An important game? Absolutely BUT at this point of the season, ALL of them are important.

02 Feb 2018 20:25:55
Is it not the games we're expected to win George, that we let ourselves down? I still think we will hit a poor patch because of lack of squad depth.

02 Feb 2018 10:30:13
Hi Eds,

Is there any material update re the Firmino.

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - It is on going, they are duty bound to complete a thorough investigation.}

02 Feb 2018 11:29:17
The only update you need from Firmino is whether he is fit or not for the next game.

02 Feb 2018 11:35:21
Taking a while isn’t it. You wouldn’t have thought it would be that difficult to interview the small group of players, ref and look at the video footage.

{Ed002's Note - It takes whatever amount of time is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and make a decision about what to do.}

02 Feb 2018 12:17:37
I’d rather they do it properly than quickly so that he’s fully exonerated (expected) or properly punished (unlikely) .

02 Feb 2018 19:32:13
Does need a thorough investigation to ensure no questions can be asked afterward, however I agree it does seem to be taking a long time considering there were relatively few people involved in incident and the protagonists are all based in the same city (save for the official who must surely be easily contactable) .
As a side note, and it is a side note not some sort of distraction technique, I still can’t believe Holgate wasn’t punished for that push. Should have been dealt with whilst the other investigation was conducted.

{Ed002's Note - Certainly it was a booking. The rest I have answered.}

02 Feb 2018 08:50:40
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Huddersfield Town v Liverpool Match Review - A Liverpool Perspective

02 Feb 2018 06:12:55
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 2nd February 2018

02 Feb 2018 07:22:35
The agents fees thing looks like it may be the next big thing in world football. Basically the people who are negotiating transfers are incentivised to inflate transfer fees and wages to increase their own paydays which is a crazy system.

Would the answer be flat fees to agents, could FIFA legally enforce that?

{Ed001's Note - they could do a lot of things if they wanted to, the only way it will be known for sure to be legally enforcable is if they are challenged in court.}

02 Feb 2018 14:44:40
I was thinking if the PFA acted as agents for all players coming in to the English game it would make things easier, one governing body, one set fee. Would that be a practice, if unatainable solution?

{Ed001's Note - it is certainly possible, the PFA do act like that for a number of players.}

02 Feb 2018 17:59:56
The player should pay the agents fees imo the agent is acting for the player not the club.

{Ed002's Note - They would not have the money to do that.}