Liverpool Banter Archive March 02 2016

02 Mar 2016 23:20:14
Great performance tonight, hats off to lallana can and Milner who each had one of their best games for us. Flanagan as well, excellent, the rest of the back 5 weren't bad.
It's all well and good doing that every time we play city, but the players originally mentioned need to create more against the lesser teams starting at palace, and find this form week in week out. Lallana was so much more direct today, his touches were forward and beating players not just because he can take them. The best thing today about hendo and can today, was when one made a tackle, the other was always around, ready to pick up the pieces, can was very strong on the ball today, which he needs to replicate as well. A good win like I said, but it would be more than typical of us, to lose to palace now.

03 Mar 2016 02:46:14
The boys had something to prove to themselves and the fans and boy, did they. That is the way and attitude we need to play with till next season.

03 Mar 2016 03:11:01
I've tried to never bitch about our players. I hope Flanno has cemented his place the rest of the year and we see the back of Moreno.

03 Mar 2016 14:49:11
I hope we see the back of a few more as well.

02 Mar 2016 22:21:49
Bloody hell. This is why it's so hard to support Liverpool. You finally give up on them and then they give a world class performance.

Boom!

{Ed002's Note - The term you are struggling for is "fickle". And in terms of the fans, "embarrassing".}

02 Mar 2016 22:57:54
The hope is eternal. The expectation though is reduced. I always want Liverpool to win though. That's not fickle in my mind. It's self preservation.

02 Mar 2016 22:27:36
Why ever give up on them, fans should stick by through thick and thin?

02 Mar 2016 22:34:39
give up is probably the wrong phrase to use unless your a terrible fan. I know where your coming from. choose your words more carefully. the eds and posters can be very literal.

02 Mar 2016 22:40:11
So embarressing. what do you mean finally give up on?

02 Mar 2016 22:45:40
You should naver give up.

02 Mar 2016 22:51:08
Not every fan is fickle and embarrassing Ed.

{Ed002's Note - Who said it was?}

02 Mar 2016 22:54:26
Absolutely the opposite! The ups and downs of the last few seasons, despite their frustrations, have made supporting Liverpool ridiculously exciting.

03 Mar 2016 00:02:03
The reason for the "fickle" statement is because you even said that you gave up on Liverpool.
I'm not claiming to be the best supporter in the world and very much an armchair fan, but I will always support LFC regardless of how successful we are, whereas you, with the "finally give up on them" statement come across as a glory hunter and as fickle.

{Ed002's Note - Thank goodness you are not just making stuff up.\]

02 Mar 2016 22:47:36
Gotta agree with ed there it is embarrassing sometimes.

03 Mar 2016 02:24:57
Some of you lot need to get out of Ed02's arse.
He didn't literally mean "Give Up" Jumping on a band wagon and calling him because he said "Give Up"

I give up with Liverpool week in week out, By give up I mean I watch every game, support them no matter what, have a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach every game. And when things don't pan out I sigh and move on. No matter how bad or how good they play I'm still a red through and through.

I say to my partner a million times I give up with her, Guess what. 5 years later I'm still here (I'm 23)
It's a figure of speech.

No offence Ed but your comment peed me off, You associate every LFC fan as fickle.
Sometimes it's just banter, every club has those fans.

02 Mar 2016 21:59:36
We are rubbish. Klopp out. Etc.

02 Mar 2016 22:13:11
Great team performance tonight.
7 goals against City in the two league games, and thoroughly deserved.
The whole team played well. but have to single out Lallana tonight. he was immense.

02 Mar 2016 21:26:08
What a difference the first goal makes.

02 Mar 2016 19:15:46
Don't understand why Allen is on the bench this evening yet Can, Henderson and Milner are starting, before he had his knock Allen played his best few games for a long time.
Can, Henderson and Milner have played 3 games in a week now, with them 3 there is a lack of creativity, Allen would add some creativity, I feel Origi will be feeding off scraps this evening. hope I'm wrong.

02 Mar 2016 19:51:02
I reckon you'll be right. can hendo and milner together add the same qualities. there is not craft or guile which we need to connect the mids to our attacking 3.

02 Mar 2016 21:03:51
im glad milner has proved you wrong it was an excellent goal, but i think the reason they are playing is because they have the fitness levels to play 3 games in a week, that's what i think if they are fit enough then don't change them there will be time for them to have a rest soon enough.

02 Mar 2016 21:18:13
I stand corrected, Milners best game in a red shirt?

02 Mar 2016 21:23:06
Lol. Milner and lallana have a goal and an assist each. Great to see sterling inaffective and benched as well :)

02 Mar 2016 19:01:56
Seriously hope we mix it up in tonight's starting XI hopefully see flanno and smith but not sure if they're injury free?

02 Mar 2016 14:56:40
What a job mou potch is doing at Spurs, such a balanced team.

Hope klopp can have similar impact next year.

I think football is changing, money created teams won't necessarily be at the top anymore and we have one of the better managers to create a "team".

02 Mar 2016 15:24:25
Certainly done a great job for them, (as he did for Southampton) bought sensibly and on a moderately modest budget has got them through in the cups and are in with a great chance of league.
They have been lucky that they have not suffered many injuries to key players, if they had lost Kane for a period of time they really don't have much back up - when you look how many strikers we have on our books yet we have struggled to get one on the pitch at times.

02 Mar 2016 15:55:03
Pretty much the same spurs squad 2 seasons ago and many didn't have much good things to say about spurs then. Guess team consistency plays an even bigger impact than what us as fans consider it to be. Sometimes too much change too quick can be a bad thing.

02 Mar 2016 16:10:22
spurs have the right balance, their players are decent, and they've been playing together for a while now. I think its a question of who can keep their players fit on who wins the league.

02 Mar 2016 16:59:38
Luck! As some would have claimed about our run in 13/ 14. But unjury-run aside pocc has done a fantastic jobvwith that group. It shouldn't be rocket science that consistency csn bring results. Then the requored lyck can push you over the edge.

02 Mar 2016 17:18:30
You say that Bandit but he didn't score for basically the first 3rd of the season and they still did okay - everyone needs their best player to perform to an extent to have a real chance but they have shown that they can win without his goals.

02 Mar 2016 18:31:32
Their defence has been so good that they've only needed one goal at times so there hasn't been a need for Kane's goals, plus as said above I'm sure he took ages to get going this year.

03 Mar 2016 02:42:00
and this time next year spurs and poch could be rubbish, they will never have a better chance of winning the title.

02 Mar 2016 14:32:42
Edward (s) wil there ever be a time, where you would envisage that we would be able to buy a seasons ticket for tv . ? So you could watch your team week in week out? Or would it be detrimental to small clubs . I'd imagine clubs wit bigger fan base would gain the most?

{Ed002's Note - At some point there will certainly be a step change in the way clubs capture their media income. Two EPL clubs (Arsenal and Liverpool) have already investigated, and probably continue to investigate, the streaming type options for games. Whilst they cannot do it in real-time right now, in the future the chance may well be there to do that. Both clubs have media exploitation expertise within their existing senior management structures – but both will also be aware of the damage being done to the clubs by the illegal “free” internet providers. So in the longer term, I would think that there will be more options to watch games live – either through existing/revised media deals or through the clubs providing that service themselves. In all probability it would be far more cost effective and beneficial to do it through the likes of a television company, perhaps as a partner. Clubs on their own do not have the broadcast capabilities, nor equipment and facilities necessary to do this easily on their own and it would seem likely they would seek a media partner rather than go in to the broadcasting business. But it will happen.}

02 Mar 2016 15:15:59
I'm currently paying $89 a year to stream through the local Australian pay to online service. occasionally I get the live matches but more often than not I have to avoid any other media so I can watch it the next day. Even if they only made it $100 you'd only need 1.2 million people world wide to generate $120 mil. Even if half of that was going to the broadcast partner that's still $60mil or about half that in pounds.

Can't see it not happening soon.

{Ed002's Note - It can't happen soon because of existing contracts. The amounts of money you are mentioning is a pittance compared to what clubs get now.}

02 Mar 2016 16:37:11
Sorry ed, should have clarified. Soon as in the next 5-10 years, maybe 15 is surely realistic. Also I meant that as an above, so they might get reduced overall money in the TV deal but can make that up, if not more so through streaming arrangements.

Also forgot to mention I was thinking purely international not UK. So say there are 5 mil liverpool fans willing to pay the equivalent of 75 pounds per year to get all games live. Assuming that that was at all feasible, how much roughly would this be more/ less than what they are currently getting?

{Ed002's Note - Soon is hardly 15 years out - particular when you are my age. Ignore the money for now but it is certainly on the cards. I would also put aside any thoughts of 5 million Liverpool fans paying that sort of money. I am not going to get involved in talking about any made up numbers.}

02 Mar 2016 17:04:05
Similarly to our aussie friend, in New Zealand we have premier league pass. I think its about $150/ season and we get every single PL game live on demand, highlights package and some footy shows. Is that same as what the OP is referring to? Does this kind of service exist in UK?

02 Mar 2016 17:20:20
I hope that this is something that gets sorted soon. I watch way too many matches via these means because if I didn't, there is just no other way to see them!

02 Mar 2016 18:22:21
As an American, I do find it a bit strange that I can watch/ record literally every single PL game every weekend via my cable provider and you all in England can't as they are not all aired. Such a strange one for me.

02 Mar 2016 16:48:56
Was thinking thinking that with the relative success of the preseason tours in Asia/ oz you might be able to get close to that number. No dramas ed, thanks for your input. You lot do a great job with this site btw so cheers for that too!

{Ed002's Note - Australia is a country where LFC are popular I am not so sure it is a growth target. The club is very good at supporting the fans who support them so they won't let go K. Going forward Asia and Australia are somewhere the club will continue to support and I hop continue to visit when practical.}

03 Mar 2016 03:34:11
In Hong Kong know, my package shows EVERY SINGLE premier league game LIVE. For example at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, there are literally 5 or 6 channels broadcasting each game. I pretty much watch every liverpool game plus some other interesting match ups.

{Ed001's Note - it is the same in pretty much every country around the world, apart from Spain, other than the UK.}

03 Mar 2016 06:46:48
Sadly for me the Taiwan Broadcasting Companies have some serious issues when it comes to showing games - the Bein Sports purchase of the broadcasting rights has been a death knell to football in Taiwan as BEin sports itself has failed so negotiate a deal for it to actually become active in Taiwan. The result is literally no PL at all in Taiwan and that looks set to remain until at least the next round of talks (2017 I think? ) - if Fox Sports repurchase the rights all will be fine; if BEin win again I suspect Taiwan will not have any PL football and I'll be forced to continue to use pretty shoddy streams. I hope it gets resolved.

{Ed001's Note - that sucks mate. Fingers crossed it gets sorted soon for you.}

02 Mar 2016 11:52:41
if the fans put as much effort in supporting the team as they do moaning we would make the champions league every year, yes its been a disappointing season but I personally think we have plenty to look forward to, yes we have a right to get frustrated but its been carnage on here since Wembley, the captain has been trashed and now klopp himself is under fire a man we dreamt of taking over, the dream came true but its still not enough, don't be fooled by the smiling german you see talking to the press, that man is ruthless, as we shall see come the summer, let's face it we all agreed the squad was unbalanced when he took over, privately he must have been appalled at some of the purchases, I trust the man 100% to get us back on track, if of course we don't want to give him time, we could always get some banners made calling for his and the fsg's head. I have had some wonderful times, some not so great, supporting this club, but support I shall till my dying breath, you take the ecstasy of victory you have to take the agony of defeat. The one constant in that should be you carry on supporting.

02 Mar 2016 12:38:39
If fan support actually made the difference in games, Portsmouth would be fighting for the title every year.

02 Mar 2016 12:32:59
Kingkenny

i have to agree with you, don't the fans realise we were playing one of the top teams in europe who have the money and players to win everything they set there might will to, to take them to penalties was a great feat and the team should get a pat on the back for doing so, we never had our CB's so Lucas took the CB role and played that well he was my M. O. M and i'm a big critic of Lucas, i felt bad for him that he missed his pen but that's how it goes in a pen shoot out plus their GK was not on his line for the pens so the ref should have had the kicks re-taken, but it's over now and tonight we can put it right, the way i'm thinking of it is if we win tonight and go on a winning run then just maybe we could get into the top 4, i know i'm dreaming but that's what its all about dreams of winning cups and the league, so it could be a blessing in disguise in a way because tonight the team will want to put the record straight by winning tonight, because if we win its 3 points to us and 3 points taken away from man city, it will be a hard game but the players will want to get revenge giving us the edge tonight so if losing in the final means we get into the top 4 then its fine by me because the team we have left to play are all winnable even the games against the top teams we have yet to play let's just hope our players remain fit and klopp has a full squad to pick from, even benteke could start scoring for us because we all know he can score when in the mood.

02 Mar 2016 10:29:02
EDS 001 and 002 can we have your opinions on the financial results that were released yesterday please? I can't decipher them but Ian Ayre seems to think their 'good' do you guys agree? Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

02 Mar 2016 16:13:16
The full report isn't available at Companies House website just yet and, for me, going from the club's press release has been shown in the past to be a bit misleading.

{Ed002's Note - Not misleading, just a little spin which is not uncommon.}

02 Mar 2016 16:16:51
Fair enough, Ed002. I remember last year them comparing the current debt to debt pre-FSG take over. Thought that one was pretty novel.

{Ed002's Note - That is a very good example.}

02 Mar 2016 08:29:24
I read an ED reply, can't recall which one, saying the players who have impressed Klopp he could count on one hand.

My guess on the 5 (or mutant handed 6)

Lucas
Firmino
Coutinho
Sakho
Origi

I think also he'd have like what he's seen with Sturridge, although limited.

I'm sure he would have been impressed with a few of the kids who played in cups and I'd have included Ibe, but it seems he's not improved as Klopp expected and although no danger of being sold etc I don't see Klopp and Ibe as they were during his first few months.

Anyone include or swap out other players?

02 Mar 2016 08:45:09
how can anybody be impressed with sakho. all ways letting the ball bounce giving it away cheaply. lucas has looked are best cb.

02 Mar 2016 08:52:03
I'd add lovren, can and Flanagan to that list. Henderson as well ( though he's been operating below par with injury)

02 Mar 2016 08:33:38
Kevin Stewart. Got a new contract as well. I could see Sakho leaving in the summer if the right offer is made.

02 Mar 2016 10:01:26
Yeah I thought Can, overall he has been impressive and for me a favourite but I'm not sure how impressed Klopp is as he does lose possession and position. I think like Ibe, he will turn him into the player he sees he can be.

Sakho has more often then not played well, is solid and gives 100%. I'm not sure considering his position he gets many cards? I might check that, if low shows for a CB he is intelligent. Also he makes important blocks and tackles and seems a leader. I think Klopp would be impressed compared to Lovren, Ilori and Skrtel. I do agree that Lucas seems the best CB.

Not sure about Flanno. Klopp did sing praises, but he has done that with Mignolet too. I understand Flanno had long term injury problems, but so has Sturridge. Flanno hasn't been picked ahead of Clyne or Moreno, fit enough for the bench so fit enough to play. I can't understand why he hasn't played more? He moans about too many fixtures but plays Clyne every game.

02 Mar 2016 17:34:49
Sakho has on average 13 defensive movements per game and on average only one error. He also has a 91.3% pass completions rate and that's from hardly ever passing it backwards. He is in the top 5 of defenders in the prem. This assertion that he is poor in possesion is an urban myth solely based on his gait on the ball which looks awkward, but he has learned to be effective despite this. Not rose tinted just the facts.

02 Mar 2016 20:34:45
not rose tinted blacked out mate. if you put him in top 5 defenders.

02 Mar 2016 20:50:34
In terms of possession and passing mate, just because you have a hate fest on for him it does not detract from the stats.

02 Mar 2016 04:39:51
EDS 001 and 002 can we have your opinions on the financial results that were released yesterday please? I can't decipher them but Ian Ayre seems to think their 'good' do you guys agree? Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Remind me this afternoon. certainly the revenue was good - but otherwise the story is not a great one.}

02 Mar 2016 08:06:06
Take Suarez money out which was ridiculously spent, and we broke even. An improvement on previous years.

02 Mar 2016 10:02:24
I did read the news yesterday. There is none better than Ed02 when it comes to financial aspect of the game.

02 Mar 2016 05:47:15
A lot on here say that a good manager should adapt his playing style to suit the players he has. And I understand that a bit. But, should a manager have the players he needs to play his style? And realistically speaking, isn't a manager also somewhat of the coach and tactician of the team? So he should dictate what style needs to be played. So I guess what I'm leading to, is if a manager walks in mid season, and inherrits a team of players that's really not suited to his game plan, should we not allow him some time to get the tools he needs?
We cannot compare 1 manager to another, its not that simple. Some teams have the players that are suited to the new manager. Some players are better equiped to change.

02 Mar 2016 07:51:31
So you mean Klopp is not good enough too unless you give him a quarter billion to bring his own titanic full of German players.
A good manager is the one who gets the best out of the players at his disposal.
How are other clubs and their interims doing a better job?
Klopp hasn't got us playing any style let alone his own style.
Slow build up play. Pass around the middle and back wards. Lots and lots of possession doing nothing. Still looks cluless chickens when the opposition comes and park the bus. Relying too much on individual players. ( I am
Not even going at the defense )

Keep aside new players for a second. Klopp has done hardly anything on the pitch. We are still playing the day way we used to play under Rodgers.

Are you trying to say this 40 members group is not good enough?

Not a dig at the manager I love. But reality is reality.

02 Mar 2016 11:51:53
A good manager has the ability to adapt and turn things around if they aren't going well.
All this talk of Klopp taking over a "poor" team that Rodgers assembled, and that we need another summer of rebuilding is so wrong.
At the start of the season we had strengthened our squad with Benteke, Firmino, Clyne, Ings, Origi
(back from loan) etc. And things felt really positive as we had a squad to challenge for honours. Injuries we have suffered with but we have had injuries every season and its part of the challenge.
I think our club jumped the gun with Klopp especially with the timing of bringing him in. Now we have underachieved this season unless we manage to win Europa/ Top 4 finish. This is unacceptable under any management because its another season gone.