Liverpool Banter Archive July 30 2017

30 Jul 2017 21:14:50
Hi all. im getting excited for the season ahead and can see us scoring a bucket load of goals and we will be great to watch. another top 4 finish awaits i believe. On a side note anyone else think TAA will eventually move into CM? I think that's his long term position.

30 Jul 2017 19:09:53
Quick question for Eds - regarding squad depth, how do you think the transfer window is panning out and is Klopp OK with where we stand?

From my perspective, obvious gaps last year seemed to be

Striker - mostly due to Sturridge injuries but we're we'll stocked now

Wing - looked short when Mane left for AFCON but better stocked now with Salah., if Coutinho drops deeper or leaves though we may end up playing Firmino or a striker out wide if we have any injuries?

Midfield - We have a strong midfield and if Hendo remains fit, Grujic can step up and Coutinho drops deeper, we feel well covered. With both Lucas and Stewart leaving though is Klopp still desperate to add 1 more, or is Keita just more of an opportunistic target?

FB - last year we were a bit short but feels well stocked now with Andy coming in and TAA another year older

CB - this one worries me with first choices just about OK, but Klavan looking to have plenty of mistakes in him and Gomez still to prove himself. Given we played Lucas a lot at CB last year, is Klopp really going to be happy to call it quits if we can't get VVD?

GK - Fine there, if anything feels overstocked given Ward. would rather he got gametime on loan. does Klopp plan to keep him?

With all the extra games this season just wondering how we feel about squad depth given the problems we had last season around the turn of the year.

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - The issue is that the manager has not gotten any of the players he wanted so a rethink is needed. Some of the youngsters were told opportunities would come (e.g. Ojo) but it never happened. Regardless, the squad is constrained by numbers but there is still a little work to do.}

30 Jul 2017 19:47:11
Thanks Ed, sounds like maybe a couple more incomings then subject to available targets and a few departures or loans being organised for the likes of Markovic, Ojo etc. CB is really the only problem area I think we have left personally.

30 Jul 2017 22:01:01
With 36 players on the 1st team roster (as per the LFC website) we have to sell or loan 12 players out before the window shuts. To me, that means the probable candidates for sales/ loans are Bogdan, Ward, Sakho, Moreno, Flanagan, Brannagan, Kent, Markovic, Ojo, Allan, Ings and Taiwo Awoniyi. It seems like a hell of a lot of work to do in the coming 5 weeks.

And if you throw in the possible departures of Coutinho and Can, and the new arrivals that everyone is clamoring for (like VVD or Ox) or replacements, then the picture becomes even more complicated for Mr. Edwards.

30 Jul 2017 23:52:11
I've made a mistake in the above reply. We need to have a roster of 25 players, therefore only 11 need to go from the mentioned list. I'd keep Ings.

31 Jul 2017 05:28:13
and actually some of the younger ones do not get counted as the 25 and can be in the squad. So there is no way we need to sell or loan out anything like 11 players. You know Klopp's view is that in general it is better to be part of the squad than go out on loan.

31 Jul 2017 22:35:34
Iconic - Which younger ones are you referring to? Care to give some examples? The LFC website, which I used as reference, lists the first team and the U23's separately.

30 Jul 2017 18:09:37
Quick question for ed001 if you're about mate.

Do you think we can push on from 4th? I personally think it will be a real tough ask, both of the Manchester clubs have strengthened well, Chelsea and Spurs still strong, plus we have Europe this season.

{Ed001's Note - yes, the teams around us also have European competition.}

30 Jul 2017 20:50:30
I think spurs will suffer playing in Wembley, united have replaced ibrahimovic with lukaku and not much else, arsenal will I think be the same as usual, much will depend if they keep Sanchez and how lacazzette settles, city and Chelsea will depend on how their new players settle, I think if we keep coutinho and add one or two more we could be right up there.

30 Jul 2017 21:00:25
If we had a solid defence we would be competing for the title I think.

30 Jul 2017 17:48:24
Bit surprised at the Bobby bashing going on today, the lad is pure class, and I think Klopp wants him in that CF role he's not just trying to 'shoe horn' him in, look at the way he leads the press, drags players out of position for fun, gets a fair few goals as well and some bloody screamers every now and then.

Spain won the World Cup with fabregas playing false 9, Germany did the same with Gotze, we don't need a world class striker to be a world class team, and I'm pretty sure there's nobody attainable who will open us spaces for Mane and Salah as well as Bobby will, and nobody who'll do the running that Bobby does either.

30 Jul 2017 17:58:57
Completely agree ruthless. I think some people on here are either too blind, ignorant, or just don't understand football enough to see how good Bobby is for our team.

30 Jul 2017 18:08:22
People are blind if the can't see Fiminho's quality on the pitch. Just because he is not scoring goals left right and centre some want to throw their toys.

His movement and game intelligence is what sets him apart. He also works his socks from end to end. His engine outlasts many a player.

And you never hear Firminho whine. Once everyone is up to 100% match fitness, Mane, Salah, Firmino and Coutinho, it will end up being a slaughterhouse for many opposition defences.

We have the most versatile attack in the League and hopefully we can put in a good showing this season in the CL too.

30 Jul 2017 19:03:39
He's a quality player who can only get better in my opinion but there are times that as the sole striker you need to be relied upon to score and this is the one area I question about him. I really hope he can improve his regular goalscoring this season or sadly I think he could inevitably be replaced in the starting 11 by the likes of Studge.

30 Jul 2017 22:42:35
He's a good player but isn't top tier yet. I Don't think anyone's bashing him, just commenting on his weaknesses.

31 Jul 2017 00:55:44
the fans need to bash someone.

since we first signed firmino, the frustration I had with him was how at times it'd seem like he in cruise mode through. he'd let someone nick the ball off of him from behind, or he'd have a casual touch and let the ball get away. stuff like that. now there are elements of his game that still have that about him, which is the frustrating thing. I'd still rather have him than now! there are so many more positives about his game that out-weigh the "casual-ness" about him.

30 Jul 2017 17:03:36
Danny Ings just posted this on social media.

"Coutinho tipped to give Liverpool at least 12 months".

What's all this 'giving' about? The frigging media is portraying the whole thing as if Coutinho is bigger than the club. I know he is our little magician and I love him to bits. But I'm sick and tired of the media trying to show Liverpool a downgrade team or a small team/ club, like Liepzig or something.

Bitch we're Liverpool. We are used to heartbreaks doesn't mean we have hearts to give away. Media in England is just crap man. Even with Suarez they messed the whole thing up.

Coutinho signed a new contract in January and spoke about repaying Liverpool for the trust and win trophies too. Making a contract without a release clause is as blatant of a sign that Coutinho is a long term project, at least 2 seasons if we consistently be in CL. at some point he will want to play for the Spanish Giants, yes, and that's okay. Not everyone is Gerrard. Not everyone is Carraghar.

Let me know your thoughts below. Getting tired of people saying he will leave. HE WONT LEAVE THIS SEASON.

30 Jul 2017 17:37:16
Hey Jon! My thoughts are that you should relax a bit. just a little. You take all this stuff too seriously. going to give yourself a stroke my guy.
Am sure all will be well and end well.

{Ed025's Note - good advice that suku mate..

30 Jul 2017 17:51:22
Could not be further from the truth Suku but thanks for the thought. I am not particularly worried either way if he goes for the right money then so be it.

I think Ed02 was spot on. one more great season and good world cup and could sell for more.

For me we need to sure up our back line and I think we could well be in for a great season.

Just thought I would share the above as it popped up on my FB feed 🖒.

30 Jul 2017 18:20:36
He wanted out under Rodgers but things have turned around with Klopp in charge so I feel he will stay short term and hope with my fingers crossed it will be the length of his current contract.

30 Jul 2017 16:02:39
Well if we really sell Couts there are very few players on his level that would not weaken the side and be a good investment but it would be very hard to lure them in. for me Isco, Asencio, kovacic, Reus, would be instantly ready, Pulisic, Dembele, Balde keita would take time, and Hazard, sanchez are impossible to get.

30 Jul 2017 17:03:34
I think if you look at players we've shown an interest in then there are hints at who we may turn too. In Klopps time we have watched, shown an interest in, or attempted to sign:

Hector Herrera, Franck Kessie, Dennis Praet, Naby Keita, Leon Goretzka, Mario Götze, Rafinha, Piotr Zielinski, Lucas Vazquez, Malcom, Oxlade Chamberlain, Julian Brandt, Rafa Silva and Max Meyer.

You can probably rule out a the majority of that list instantly (Kessie, Keita, Chamberlain, Silva and Brandt) as they are all players we've tried and failed to sign this window. Then you can probably scratch a few more who have massively lost form recently (Praet, Götze and Herrera) .

So i'd guess we may look to 'replace' Coutinho with one of Goretzka, Zielinski, Rafinha, Vazquez, Malcom or Meyer. I doubt the club see it as a direct replacement though as Salah has already come in to take up Coutinho's role in the front 3 so he could drop into the middle.

This is all assuming Coutinho leaves which is not a forgone conclusion yet anyway!

30 Jul 2017 14:46:01
Why are we considering selling Coutinho? he's irreplaceable and just signed a 5 year contract. Surely the owners and klopp see that.

30 Jul 2017 15:06:44
We have bobby who can play there and would be as good.

30 Jul 2017 15:14:21
No. Coutinho is miles better than Bobby mate.

30 Jul 2017 15:26:55
no one at the club takes a set piece anywhere near Phil's quality. Firmino (still one good game in five for me) especially.

if taking a Rafinha or Rakitic, can we remember that I wonder?!

30 Jul 2017 15:47:30
You can't stop the barcas and real madrids buying your best players especially if they pay the amount asked. It's just impossible now. Coutinho also wants to go. He's respectfully showing class for now but Let's not sugar coat it.
He'd be Playing in a side that genuinely competes for everything including the champions league and playing alongside some unbelievable footballers and arguably the greatest to play the game. Secondary to that. Living in sunny Spain and an increased wage packet.
Barcelona aren't the same side either. Definitely have regressed however If I were coutinho I'd most likely go. He loves this football club and the fans no doubt but this is his career and Barcelona may not come knocking again.
On a final note regardless of what Barcelona and he wants this club comes first and he's contracted to Liverpool. So Barcelona will have to massively pay up.

30 Jul 2017 16:00:17
We are not considering selling him. Not for sale. We will resist a sale as ed explained.

30 Jul 2017 15:56:45
Firmino cannot play centre midfield. Even if he could he would be nowhere near Coutinhos level in that position. He has completely different attributes.

30 Jul 2017 16:26:17
Gayfish, who said that you need to replace him with a like-for-like player?

This obsession needs to go.

30 Jul 2017 17:09:15
You need to consider that Coutinho was our top scorer last season. Also had 7 assists.
So he was directly involved In 20 goals.
That's from midfield or wide. He's irreplaceable to Klopps way of playing there's no point in having £100m in the bank if you can't even sign a player from Saints or RedBull.
We need Phil. Or someone equally as good. Not some Barcelona cast off or WestHam luxury player.

30 Jul 2017 17:19:58
Agree Davey, it's always about the team. I read an article recently explaining why a Liverpool without Couts could actually execute Klopps strategy better - more bite in midfield with Keita and Hendo with Lallana for example.

Don't get me wrong, I'd still love Couts to give us another season or two as i don't like the whole two steps forward one step back mentality, but it's not the end of the world if he leaves. No player bigger than the club.

30 Jul 2017 19:20:04
You can't keep saying Coutinho is not for sale because he's under contract etc, and then keep asking daily for updates on Keita and VVD.

30 Jul 2017 13:06:46
Ed002/ 001 - question about our striking options. With Ings, Studge, solanke and Origi all trying to fit in a position that is currently occupied by bobby. Who do you think will be his main challenger in terms of getting in that starting line up? For me Bobby has to play.
His work rate and energy is something that I don't think can be matched by either of the above mentioned, his link up play and movement off the ball is brilliant and he drops back just enough to let the likes of Couts and mane cut in. Be very surprised if we keep them all.

Your thoughts Ed?

{Ed002's Note - I would think Sturridge. Solanke will be eased in. Origi can play wider as well. Ings might struggle to get game time.}

30 Jul 2017 14:28:25
Ings can't realistically expect a starting birth and will most likely be content to fight for a squad place and get some regular footy from the u23s. Solanke looks like a player 10 times his fee in preseason and scorched the u20s world cup so I can genuinely see him challenging for time but it's important to remember origi was essential to Belgium success a few years ago and has developed into a multidimensional player. I see Solanke as a central forward and Origi performing a balancing act between two different roles in the squad. He can close down well so I don't mind him out wide in certain fixtures. Granted we have two incredible wingers now but they can't possibly play every game. Same with bobby and danny. The thing about this season is that you need a massive squad to contribute because we are playing 3 times a week for most of the year. Losing anyone who can credibly start at their position would be bad business for us.

30 Jul 2017 14:54:17
I don't like that idea of Origi going out on to the wings. I pay my money at the turnstiles so I have the right to say I don't rate Origi. I don't think he does enough. Always late arriving to the ball and switching on and doesn't close down play in my opinion. So putting him on the flanks because he can't muscle in on the central role, is a bit of a kick in the teeth to Woodburn and other young players on that left side who we have in abundance.

30 Jul 2017 15:47:37
I thought Solanke's 'fee' has yet to be decided by tribunal?

30 Jul 2017 16:49:59
Think he means whatever it turns out to be he's going to be cheap, isn't 3/ 4 mil the amount being tossed about. Make more on pie sales throughout the season ahaha.

30 Jul 2017 11:45:52
I noticed someone complaining about Michael Owen being a spokesperson for an insurance company, just heard it on the radio and it made me laugh actually "hi I'm Michael Owen so I know what it's like to be injured" 😂.

30 Jul 2017 15:32:54
Really cannot understand why he does it. The man must be absolutely loaded with cash, let someone else have a go Michael, like Dean Ashton?

30 Jul 2017 16:17:03
Well to be fair to him it's a local company (maybe he knows someone involved and is doing them a favour? ) or maybe he's just doing it for a laugh, I don't think he's doing it for money.

{Ed025's Note - you dont know owen by the sounds of it mikey..

30 Jul 2017 11:16:23
Also don't get me wrong i beleive we need a striker badly. I think firminho and another top striker would be ideal going for 1 position. Origi is ok but never going to be good enough. Danny is too class but just may never get back there. Id rather spend 75 mill on a striker and a proper left back and use milner as utility. I mean why do we need keita? Yes he's better than can. Much better. But there are other positions need filling a lot more urgently. It certainly wasnt our midfield that letus down lasyeat.

30 Jul 2017 11:34:32
We signed a proper left back a week ago.

We also have 5 strikers, 4 of which would want to play first team football (Stu, Ings, Origi and Firmino) .

30 Jul 2017 10:46:19
Hi Eds, two questions here.

1. Are we in a position to say "No" to Barcelona for Coutinho like what RBL and Soton did to us for Keita and VVD?

2. What's the situation with Ings anyway? If Moreno can play, why can't he? Is he injured or something?

Thanks for the good work.

{Ed002's Note - (1) Yes Liverpool can say "No" but they are aware of the efforts the player and his agent have been making. I expect them to resist a sale. (2) Ings has only just returned to full training - I don't understand your comparison to Moreno.}

30 Jul 2017 10:52:23
Yeah I don't get that either!

30 Jul 2017 12:30:35
Meant Mane maybe?

30 Jul 2017 14:32:09
Is the report a week or so back that Klopp took coutinho aside and told him he is not selling him and Coutinho just sort of accepted it and just got on with it true? Wishful thinking a bit?

30 Jul 2017 15:18:59
It will be the same efforts Keita and his agents are making trying to get a move to Liverpool. He has a contract, make him stay at least for the season. Liverpool just have to take the same stance as RBL.

30 Jul 2017 10:19:06
Love PC but if he wants to go then let him leave, just make sure we get good money. I think JK will go back for Keita in January, hopefully RBL are out of theChamps League so will want to cash in before he can leave for 48 million next summer. Seems as though chasing Ox wasn't such a bad idea now as we do look light. The way we play we are going to get injuries so need a few more in but need to be quality. CB, DM and maybe 1 more wiseman and we should be good. Pulisic looks a hell of a player, good shout going after him.

{Ed002's Note - RBL will not be looking to sell Keita in January.}

30 Jul 2017 09:43:54
Philippe Coutinho will plead with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to let him join Barcelona. If the 25-year-old Brazil attacking midfielder does leave, Klopp will target 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund and United States winger Christian Pulisic.

This has got to be lazy linking of an old target Right?

30 Jul 2017 10:42:46
Why go for a winger to replace coutinho, Salah and mane will play there, I'd would agree on lazy linking of an old target.

30 Jul 2017 08:50:27
Hi Edds if coutinho goes
What are the chances of Berkeley of Everton. I think he be prefect signng because of klopp I think he get best out of him.

{Ed025's Note - its not happening adam..

30 Jul 2017 09:08:51
It's like replacing your rolls Royce with a fiat tempo.

30 Jul 2017 10:20:53
Sigh.

30 Jul 2017 11:51:33
That's very very very unkind. to Fiat Tempos.

30 Jul 2017 08:15:17
As a club we have to accept RBL don't want to sell as will Barcelona have to do the same.

30 Jul 2017 07:27:20
So there was me feeling pretty optimistic because we have added 2 first team players to help improve on last season and a great prospect who is looking good in pre season but obviously I'm wrong and should be moaning so here goes:-

Marquee signing - No way he's worth that much! Don't believe we've over spent on him especially when we should be concentrating on other areas

Solid first 11 player - Definatley not good for us, should be looking for much better quality.

Squad player - we can't just keep adding the likes of these players our squad is too bloated as it is

Youth prospect - Why do we keep doing this? Need to buy proven players who can fit into the first 11 right away as he's just blocking chances for other young lads

No one else - Well what a rubbish window this has been, we've really messed up how are we meant to compete with the like of City, Chelsea and even Everton now?!?!?

So whatever happens I'm just not going to be happy - Moan moan moan moan moan.

30 Jul 2017 07:54:47
I'm really not sure if this is sarcastic or real? Someone help me out?

30 Jul 2017 08:25:26
Completely agree laughin, think we should also add great manager, looking good under him but didn't win the league last year so should be fired immediately, love our owners, in a much better place than before they took over but they haven't bought neymar and Messi this window so let's get rid of them as well. VVD and Keita, definitely not worth the money, both average players, should definitely not sign them, what do you mean we're not signing VVD and Keita now? They were average when we were signing them bit world class now we're not. And on and on and on.

Redwillis, OP obviously just commenting on exactly how fickle a lot of fans have become. Any reason to moan, even if it contradicts what they have said, they'll still moan, and it's so tiresome. So far, we've added 2 definite first team starters with a possibility of a third depending on speed of progression. If we manage to keep hold of our other players, with hopefully the promotion of TAA to right back and gomez to centre back I believe we would have a very strong first 11 and an awesome bench as well.

So, as we always have, and what we're supposed to be famous for, let's get behind the team, the club, cheer like mad til the final second and stop moaning about absolutely anything possible to moan at.

30 Jul 2017 02:16:39
Coutinho from his body language seems happy enough despite the media doing it's best to sell him. Thankfully, Barcelona seem to be considering other options after we have quoted £133 million for the Brazilian. Having sold Suarez and Mascherano to them I am sick of them and Real Madrid stealing our best players. Does ed think Coutinho will leave and what are the chances of us signing more major players before the window shuts? . I don't think we'll be signing Van Dijk and Keita.

30 Jul 2017 06:30:01
The way you're sick of Barcelona and Real Madrid do you reckon Saints fans are sick of us for doing the exact same thing?

30 Jul 2017 08:39:51
lambert, Lalana, Lovren, Clyne, Mane.
Best players?
Mane would be the only player who I would be disappointed to see leave.
The other 4 at the time of sale was good business for Southampton. I don't think Klopp buys the other 4 if he was Manager at the time.
That's not me having ago at the other 4 players, they have all been proffessional and tried their best.
I can see Barcelona and Madrid peeking at Sadio Mane in a few yrs if he continues to progress. They wouldn't look twice at he other 4.
Let's be realistic every teams a selling club if the price is right.

30 Jul 2017 11:03:30
I think the point is at the time they were doing well for Southampton.

29 Jul 2017 20:09:20
Question for ed 001 if your around. What's your opinion on vvd or keita being signed before the squad heads to Watford? Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - what's my opinion on them? In what way?}

30 Jul 2017 06:08:55
Do you think either will get done, is what he is asking.

{Ed001's Note - and this has been asked a thousand times a day.}

30 Jul 2017 06:31:27
Yeah but come Ed001 has it not all changed dramatically overnight? Surely that's how it works.

{Ed001's Note - ah yes sorry I was forgetting that!}

30 Jul 2017 07:34:00
VVD I've no idea about, but the Keita saga looks dead and buried. Ed, do you see us going for anyone else?

29 Jul 2017 23:45:36
Coutinho will ask too leave, his replacement will be pulsic.