Liverpool Banter Archive August 03 2014

03 Aug 2014 21:58:22
Thankfully (according to ssn), Brendan Rodgers has said "I can categorically tell you that Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool". Thank God.

If true that's great news

Just seen the interview and that's exactly what he said, he was only asked of his thoughts on the player, we should all know what the press are like by now.

Sadly, Grantly, many of the Liverpool supporters don't know. All you need to do is scroll down for evidence.

03 Aug 2014 21:06:53
In response to a comment someone made earlier, I cannot believe people on this site do not understand this yet.

Money, however it is spent, is money lost, whether it is on transfer fee or wages.

Lallana may have cost a few million more than kroos, but i'll take a guess at saying his wages are at least half of toni kroos' at real madrid. Ultimately, that means he will cost a lot more than lallana. Lallana is cheaper. Pretty simple.

We have not been humiliated by that comparison of those two transfers. Anybody who thinks that is too stupid to realise that we havent. Use your heads!

Agree 110% Kroos was also in the last year of his contract and we aren't going to compete with RM. As it happens I think Lallana is going to do well, he's a damned good footballer and I welcome him, if he was Spanish or Brazilian people would go mad for him. He has great technique it's our job to give him the confidence to express it.

I'm more than happy with Lallana personally. Was he worth £25m? Dunno.

If we have the Lallana I saw last season and he improves further then yeah cause he showed some great skill, leadership and has goals and assists proven in this league.

How is money spent lost? Last summers investment resulted in a bumper income due to finishing position and CL qualification triggers a huge increase in sponsorship income. Players are assets that (correctly deployed) can generate more than enough revenue to fund player acquisitions and salaries. Unfortunately football doesn't always work like this but your statement is incorrect. Southampton may have lost half a squad but they have made not lost money on their investment.

{Ed002's Note - Best avoid the finances as clearly you have a very naïve view.}

So we didn't earn more in TV revenue than ever before?

Our sponsorship deals aren't looking better than they did without CL?

Southampton haven't turned a profit on the players they have sold?

Football isn't a basket-case of a business to be involved in?

You don't have to invest in talent to be successful at the highest level in football?

Not sure what you have objected to or why you like to demean people who aren't financial professionals even though this is a banter site. You don't usually post considered responses so I won't hold my breath.

03 Aug 2014 20:59:46
Ed002 you said the other day there was meant to be a decision on vidals future that night, was there anything said?

{Ed002's Note - Yes, try the Manchester United page for detail, but in summary he has gone on the tour.}

03 Aug 2014 20:26:07
So the media web continues to throw up the suggestion that Balotelli is the new striker target.
A tonne of natural talent, can score, can create. can be a sulking, lazy waste of time.
This has the potential to be one of those signings that could make all the difference or be a total cash burner.
Balotelli could play quite a key role tactically, easily fitting in across the front three whilst the mooted price of around £14mil seems attractive when you consider the Remy valuation.
I would like to think Balotelli is starting to mentally mature as he ages and could with guidance be the player he promises to be. BR managed it with Sturridge, why not here? The attitude within the squad appears infectious and this can only be positive.
With all things considered surely, if the rumours of this deal are true, it has to be a loan with option to buy? And what a deal it could actually be.!

{Ed002's Note - It is the same story over and over. I cannot believe how naïve many Liverpool supporters are about the "internet" and how it works.}

03 Aug 2014 20:40:57
No chance of it happening, both the eds on here and James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo have said it's rubbish. They are the most reliable sources. Dismiss most other stuff online.

Ok guy's no more Balotelli questions to Ed2. Just heard from the horses mouth Brenden that is. Balotelli will not be a Liverpool player.

03 Aug 2014 20:06:14
Agree Rusty. Shows why we are a unique support. Not words. Actions.

03 Aug 2014 19:17:19
Hello everyone,

was just thinking how good it would be for us fans to start the new season off in exactly the same way as we finished the last.
By that I mean greeting the coach at our home games.

It was very effective last season, and what a great way to make the new boys feel at home and show them what we are made of.

What do you reckon?

I'm up for that!

03 Aug 2014 20:39:08
As a fan who has trouble getting tickets and can't afford to go to Liverpool without them, I'm always gutted I can't join in with stuff like that. However when I do have tickets I'm out there hours before to greet the buses whether anyone else is or not, so it would be great if we start doing that every game. Maybe speak to an official supporter club?

{Ed002's Note - I am not sure but maybe others could help with the names of local bars and other places that show the game in Liverpool. If not, and I appreciate it can be expensive, get together with like minded folk for games - this is how it has worked in the States, South Africa, Australia etc.. Organise, make it work.}

I guess just putting the word out on other lfc sites could help.
Other people might be thinking the same thing anyway. If not, I'll still be there.😎🌆

04 Aug 2014 07:26:41
The lads you need to contact re the greeting the team buses are Spion Kop 1906, a group of young supporters who do a lot of organising in such matters. They also have a lot of banners present at every game.

03 Aug 2014 18:54:25
Loving the "back to the top" button! :-)

Where is it when using an iPhone? Am I being really daft as I can't see it.

Bottom right Mikey, don't worry I was confused for a while too haha

Nothing there for me. Oh well, the digits on my right hand are well developed and I can scroll really quick as a result :)

{Ed002's Note - Mikey, don't be embarrassed; all Liverpool supporters have over developed right hands for the same reason. You need to start washing your own Stevie G PJs.}

03 Aug 2014 22:06:10
Mikey if you have an iPhone you can touch the top bar on the screen twice (where the time is shown) and it automatically goes back to the top.

03 Aug 2014 22:13:22
How about if your a left handed LFC supporter. I kinda feel left out now.

{Ed007's Note - So how's things going on the Devil worshipping world?}

04 Aug 2014 08:10:43
Mickey you need to be using the mobile version of mobile.Liverpool-rumours dot co etc. If using the full site address it doesn't have the back to top feature for your phone.

03 Aug 2014 18:45:45
Not a rumour just LFC tv sayin that markovic carryin a niggle and that's why never made the Milan squad, nothin bout a bad injury. Just for those who were worryin.

03 Aug 2014 20:55:00
I wasn't aware markovic played for Milan.

03 Aug 2014 17:48:20
Italy's Sport Mediaset reports that Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, is already in contact with a Premier League club to discuss wages.

Yeah arsenal.

Its arsenal

Balotelli attracted to the London night life me thinks.

03 Aug 2014 17:15:01
Hi all, SAFC fan here can you tell me what is afoot with Borini, is he coming or staying

I think we know about as much as you brother, I know he's injured at the moment though so that's why he's not been playing. I got the impression he wanted to stay though whilst the whole Remy shenanigans was occurring.

03 Aug 2014 18:21:27
Rumour has it he is waiting to see if the Juventus interest materialises into a move otherwise he will more than likely join you.

His coming but only if there's no other interest in him.

03 Aug 2014 16:10:16
Eds who do you think will be our midfield this season?
I would think br would put out a 433 formation.
Who would u pick out of:
Coutinhio
Can
Hendo
Gerrard
Lucas
Allen
Lallana
Suso

{Ed002's Note - Unless Suso is sold I would think they will all be getting opportunities this season.}

I would like to see hendo, can coutinho, sterling and lallana as our starting 11. Obviously with sturridge up top.

Markovic needs gametime but also to show us why he was bought and I can't help but think gerrard should be used when needed not just every game he can.

03 Aug 2014 15:00:21
Damn! Just wanna say how much I love Emre Can. he's such an elegant midfielder! Love his every now and then skill move. For the past 2 games he been banging micha richards and super mario off the ball. got to love him man! Of course handsomeson(henderson) is still my favourite though.

What about that little tender hug between Can and Balotelli after he fouled him later on.

He's a brute of a lad, 6'2" and built like a tank, yet moves like a gazelle when he has the ball and he is stronger than most off of it. So glad to have a physical presence like that, genuinely think he is the kind of player we missed last year. Top scouting! It's a very well wanting Vidal/Pogba/Kroos etc but would it not be better to get the next super star early on(ahead of the curve as they say?), in this respect we have.

Can will be a beast as soon as he adapts to th PL. He is built like a brick house BUT has pace, power and skill w/ the energy to play multiple positions on the field.

04 Aug 2014 06:47:35
Well said Mr Dennis!

03 Aug 2014 14:33:33
We were after sanchez and with Suarez gone i.still believe we will seek a top attacker/ forward. Is bony that player BR believes is top class? there's noone really that's available thats.top drawer in that area that's why I believe we.should wait until January and assess

03 Aug 2014 14:21:42
@Ed001, cheers for the poll of the day on Bertrand. I was glad to see 88% thought that he isn't any better than our current options.

I fear for the other 12%'s sanity.

On the contrary I fear for anybody who rates Enrique, our only first team left back.

03 Aug 2014 13:36:58
I know we have been connected with loads of forwards, But I really hope the rumours about Mario Balotelli

are just that "Rumours" He has got to be one of the most overrated players over the last few seasons

He didn't do it at Inter, City, and now A.C. Milan, when he's not interested he just strolls around the pitch

and i'm not having "Brendan would sort him out He done it with Suarez"

Suarez is a lot of things but he's not lazy, and he will give you 100% his problems are all in his head,

Balotelli would be an expensive risk, you might get 4 out of ten good games from him, my advice Brendan steer clear

I wouldn't call scoring a goal every 2 games 'not doing it', personally. Yes his attitude can be terrible but I would definitely take him. He has bags of talent

Totally agree.

He actually scored 16 goals in 15 games for Milan last year. The goals dried up after that but if anyone can get his head on straight it's Rodgers.

03 Aug 2014 14:20:21
We have zero interest in him!

Spot on mate, LS liked the taste of human flesh, but god damn he was motivated.

And who's going to pay his ridiculous wages while he "BR sorts him out".

And maybe BR has better things to do - you know, like managing a football team?

03 Aug 2014 15:10:44
I think some of you missed the point. :/

I just don't understand that he has bags of potential. Every 2-3 weeks there are clips of him going through training drills half bothered. If you don't train properly or work hard enough on the pitch then how will he reach that potential.

I always thought he was overrated, especially by himself.

03 Aug 2014 13:04:57
MAJOR breakthrough in understanding Liverpool's transfer strategy this summer: all of the players we have signed this summer have come from teams which play in RED!
Origi - Lille: red
Can - Bayer Leverkusen: red
Markovic - Benfica: red
Lallana/Lambert/Lovren - Southampton: red
And so what does this mean for the rest of our business this window? Manquilla -At. Madrid and Moreno - Sevilla are nailed on while unfortunately Marco Reus will not be joining the club.

03 Aug 2014 14:37:30
By that logic we should expect mario here very soon then

03 Aug 2014 14:43:43
Balotelli equals red as well.

Wrexham FC players are now on 'Red Alert'

So we could still get Sanchez then? Lol

Interesting observation though, maybe this helps them recognise their team rather than names - what with language barriers it can only help! Ha ha

03 Aug 2014 11:54:10
Hi there I was just wondering what's the clubs general views on Coates, I understand he's been out the picture with injury and out on loan, but from my point of view he's a solid defender just needs to improve his sharpness/passing but that can be done with game time.

Is the clubs general concensus to move him on or watch his development and decide?

{Ed002's Note - The club would like to sell him but no one is interested.}

03 Aug 2014 11:35:01
Did anyone else notice how strong Ibe looked last night, he had chunks kicked out of him left, right, and centre and just got up. At times he looked just as strong as Sterling, who is a machine. Can only hope they become twin terrors for years to come!

He has looked good all pre season.

Could be a big year for the lad.

Pace, strength, skill, brave and looks like he has good decision making, just needs to work on his finishing but practice makes perfect and you can see that he is a determined lad.

I hope he doesn't get loaned out. He deserves a chance with us.

Red Rum

03 Aug 2014 13:04:35
I hope he gets loaned out because if he stays with us this season, he is unlikely to feature meaningfully and that could hinder his development.

I used to watch Ibe & Sterling throughout out their reserves time and can honestly say at the time I bet on Ibe to be the better player and to progress further - Even if you have to type him in on youtube and hopefully it shows some reserve games but his pace, power and trust me the boy can finish - He'd often be on the scoresheet, Him and Sterling playing behind sturridge will always cause defenders issues so by having him with us gives us another option

03 Aug 2014 14:24:25
Ibe is a massive talent but not ready to okay regularly for us. He does something brilliant like skipping past a player but then tries to take another on when passing is a better option and loses the ball. His final ball needs some work too. I think a year on loan where he can okay week in week out will do him the world of good. He could be amazing in a couple of seasons

Definitely agree with those suggesting he needs a loan, love the player but I feel a year playing regular football for a team who play a similar style of football, could really help to push him to the next level.

03 Aug 2014 10:53:45
Eds are balotelli rumours true that fee has been agreed or is it just because of what Rodgers said. Also is reus a possibility.
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - There is no fee agreed for Balotelli. I cannot sensibly answer questions with "possibility" in it but Dortmund are not looking to sell Reus.}

03 Aug 2014 11:10:18
There is no interest in him from us. He was just praising his ability.

Ed said no fee agreed. Not, there is no interest. So that tells me that there could be interest.

03 Aug 2014 10:35:30
Last night was practically the Joe Allen show. Well done lad keep it up!

Good post. Doesn't matter how well he plays he usually never gets the credit round here.

03 Aug 2014 10:20:05
Good game last night and another good fitness test,
Thought we controlled the game realy well and actually thought both Toure & Coates played well.
Joe Allen very interesting after seeing a few posts slating them - I commented then he will be a good squad player and thought we seen that.
Jordan Ibe - Looking strong and sharp and is really pushing to impress.

Think with the 2 full backs coming in we have a good young solid defense and think its vitally important we go out and get another creative pacey striker to work with DS. RL trying hard but he's brought in to provide something different if needed - We play with pace which makes us frightening

Agree it was a good game, complete control throughout.
I thought Mignolet was great, not many mention him.
Sakho also looks more comfortable and less erratic, Skrtel looks solid.

I was one to slightly slate Allen. I've not said anything like I want him out, but I don't think he is good enough.
He did ok last night, but I still don't see anything great about him. He scored, but really he should have scored the first chance. I was more impressed with Can who played less minutes.

Allen maybe a good squad player but I still saw someone easily muscled off the ball, stray passing and no killer defence splitting passing. He broke up some play, neat 3yrd passes, he was ok nothing more. Lucas had just as good a game, no one comes on praising him?

Hope Suso gets a real chance, clever player and great goal.

Squad looks good

03 Aug 2014 12:07:24
Most teams just need a grafter who can do the less talked about part of the game well. To have a player who can just press in a certain area and cut out options for the opposition and when possession gained quickly move the ball on to a more attacking minded and skillfull player is so valuable. They are never going to the heroes but they play a vital role in the team. Lots of fans only realise how important such a player is in a team when they are not on the pitch.

IMH, I agree with that but we have Henderson, Gerrard and Lucas already and Can looks similar. I see those 4 as better players.
Allen isn't completely useless nor do I want him out, but I don't think he should play ahead of those as they are less likely to be bumped off the ball, they can pass long and just have better ability.

It's a squad of depth we want, I'd have Allen to cover injury or early cup rounds etc, but not in the 11 ahead of the 4 I've mentioned.

I like Joe Allen. Think he has the determination to succeed and he is not short on quality either.
I also look back to the late stages of last season and his introduction had a positive impact on the team.
This season is more about our squad than a first eleven and I for one am more than happy to have Allen part of that squad.

Agree with all these replies - I just look at him and as i'm sure you all remember - Over the past few seasons if aplayer was out it was so worrying as our squad was so thin all over the park - that's why I love what BR is doing and thickening our squad - Unfortunately we lost Luis but that can't be changed (Although not to dwell on it but wouldve loved to see the force we had this season with him but without the ban) but anyway if we had slight injuries in the team and the starting 11 shows on SS I wouldn't be worried because he was in the team if that makes sense - Not a starter but a very good useful squad player

03 Aug 2014 08:46:14
Sturridge injured yet again. This guy is a modern day Darren anderton

Can't have lambert leading Liverpools attack for most games

How they haven't bought another striker is beyond me .
So what's the plan . Reply on sterling all season or the midfielders . Yea that worked for Chelsea didn't it. With their poor strikers

03 Aug 2014 09:11:22
relax man there is plenty of time left and someone will step up the the plate

I'm very relaxed I'm just saying they should have addresses that area a long time ago. It's common sense with Daniels injury record. Someone with pace and skill and could run on to a through ball
Arsenal suffered having just giroud upfront . And everyone didn't understand why wenger didn't get a striker it was just foolish
Lambert and Peterson. U think that's good enough then. Last year the club were very vocal about starting the season strong and being ready etc

Slow and disjointed this year

You are not a Liverpool fan lobster. Does everyone forget every game at the back end of the season he would come on and say his prediction for us to lose. Why do you carry on this act to get a rise out of people.

I think we've done really well so far in this transfer window. But I have to agree with Red Lobster, Sturridge is slightly injury prone probably due to his phenomenal speed and acceleration so we really do need a striker who can step in and allow the team play the same way they do when Sturridge is up top.

Slow and disjointed? You have got to be out of your mind, we have done more business than any of the other teams, we have gotten our first choice targets and we have gotten 6 of them in with a month to go. Seems like we are doing exactly what we need to do. Some of the fans on this site can't miss a chance to knock the team for anything.

3 games - 5 goals - 2 clean sheets

from a team that is probably less than 50% of our starting line up. They are doing okay and I am sure we will find our striker soon.

Better hope for Reus then eh?

03 Aug 2014 11:48:26
It's clear Red lobster is not a supporter of LFC. I would advise not replying at all to this guy. That is all he is here for.
We do need another forward however, but let's not let the dark clouds ruin what has been an excellent 12 month on and off the pitch.
YNWA

What DaveyLiver said with nobs on!

03 Aug 2014 05:26:25
Hi Ed,

Two questions:
Are we scouting the Bundesliga for young players?
If so, have we or another team looked at Timo Werner? This kid is the next big thing, "next Marco Reus" without a doubt.

The league is filled with great, young talents and German U19 team just won the European Championship and we should buy them before their price is inflated or before Bayern just buy all of them.

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - we are always trying to scout as many of the leagues as possible, especially around EU nations as it stops there being problems with getting a work permit. As for Werner, he has a huge waiting list of interested parties, you can add all the top European teams to it. Though personally I have never seen the lad play to know if he is good or not.}

Surely it'll help having his dad as our chairman?

03 Aug 2014 04:19:29
Mario Balotelli yes or no Ed, must admit I like the big fella. he's got everything Brendan's looking for fast 6`2
great control, scores for fun, maybe his lift doesn't go to the top sometimes but he's not going to bite anybody so that's a plus.
£25 million or whatever the fee would be Mario and Dannyboy would be an awesome partnership

{Ed001's Note - I love Mario as a person, as a football player utterly awful. Lazy, poor attitude, can never be relied upon to turn up at any point in a match, smokes and drinks far too much for the position he plays meaning his career at the top only has a few more years before he hits the downhill slope. I would rather have Remy and I really don't rate Remy.}

ED1 Your description suits some other great footballers - e, g, George Best to mention just one. I wonder what you like so much about his personality given how you describe him. I think the opposite - very talneted footballer but quite childish and insecure in his behaviour i.e. overacting and overreacting. You have to assume though that these will improve with age (I think they have already improved a bit). At the end of the day it is a question of comapring contribution to damage. If he shows up only once or twice in a game but then scores a brilliant goal (like aainst England) - who cares about the rest of the time. And he is the kind of player who will draw a lot of attention from defenders which leaves a lot of room for SAS. The main downside for me is potential for red cards so I would take him out after the first yellow card in a game. For me it can be an amazing signing not only in terms of actual contribution on the pitch but in rasing the standards of expectations and vibe around the team.

How can you compare George Best and Mario Balotelli?
Worlds gone mad!

03 Aug 2014 03:34:52
Eds, stepping away from the first team do you know of any clubs looking to take the young players on loan outside of the previously described interest in Paez/Ilori? Teixeira, Ibe in particular since they seem closest to breaking through but might need regular game time.

{Ed001's Note - there are a few but the club is looking to assess them in preseason before deciding who to let out on loan. I know Peterson has a couple of English lower level clubs strongly interested, not sure if either will work for him. Off the top of my head, I can't remember the other but one was Barnsley.}

If you were the manager would u loan or keep ibe in the squad ed001?

if were really going to buy konoplyanka seems like he'll be going on a loan imo. he really seems to want to impress BR though.

{Ed001's Note - I would keep Ibe and play him regularly, but then I am not under pressure to deliver trophies, so it is easy for me to say that. I am looking at it with a view to what is best for Liverpool's long term future, rather than with a view to winning something to keep my job. I might feel differently if it was my neck in the noose, like it is with Brendan Rodgers. As it is not, I feel that youth players should get more chances, especially the promising ones, as you never know for sure if they have it or not until they get the chance to show you. Flanno has shown that the right attitude can make all the difference.}

03 Aug 2014 02:51:37
What did everyone think about how we played tonight? Thought it was half arsed at times (I know its just a friendly and we was already in this final by that time) bt especially first half second half we looked better impressed with emre can and happy suso gt on score sheet bt I would like to read other people analysis n thoughts!

Thought we were essentially playing our second string side for 65% of the game and they never once looked like scoring. We certainly didn't dominate play for most of the second half but it gives me increased confidence that we can look very comfortable at defending a lead even when we are playing rather poorly.

All in all it was a pretty dull game for the 70 minutes I saw but it's good to see game time for our youngsters. I personally think last night for me was the decider in Ibe needing a loan and Suso staying next season, Suso is clearly, talent wise in his current level of development a greater asset to the team of the two, not that Ibe won't be. I hope Rodgers can see Suso's talent because I really believe that not only is he a top player but he can also offer us a goal threat which some say there could be slight concerns over now Suarez has left.

03 Aug 2014 10:43:03
Nice one dude

03 Aug 2014 02:15:00
What has happened to AC Milan?

''Since joining the club in 1986, Berlusconi has mostly been spoiled by success. Starting from the legendary Sacchi team to the finest side built under Carlo Ancelotti, Milan and its president made a worldwide name through victories.

In the meantime, Berlusconi magnificently twisted the Rossoneri success to boost his political campaigns and increase his popularity in the country. But as soon as the financial crisis hit his business, Milan were among the first under the Fininvest holding company umbrella to suffer.

Classified as a wasteful leisure business by the president’s family, the universal Rossoneri soon came back on planet earth. CEO Galliani fought his way through the increasingly threatening economic climate, balancing books and keeping Milan alive on the pitch.

But the director too was at threat as he faced an internal conflict with Berlusconi’s daughter, Barbara, eager to cut off the old guard aiming for a more efficient - and hopefully successful – way of running the club.

While ultimately Berlusconi and Galliani agreed on continuing their legacy, allowing Barbara to co-exist in a management position with the current CEO, Milan have still struggled to find results on the pitch as well as financial stability off it.

Clarence Seedorf replaced Massimiliano Allegri on the bench, but little has changed since. Milan are out of the Champions League and in serious troubles in Serie A, most likely missing out on European qualification at the end of the season.

It’s a blow for a club that has shined for its international achievements and yet another financial knock for Berlusconi. With competition growing stronger in Italy and no income from the UEFA, Milan have a serious chance of falling even further behind their rivals.'' ~ Serafino Ingardia.

Thought it was interesting if nothing else. Reminded me when we had H&G in charge of us, how lucky we are now, to have genuine supportive owners.

Thanks Ollieston, you're a star!

03 Aug 2014 02:01:28
Whoever got the "back to top" button on the mobile site so quickly. Thanks!

{Ed001's Note - Ed033 did it, was it you that requested it? Thanks if so, it was something we never even considered or thought of.}

Yes it was and its a god send, your unique page views might decrease as I don't have to load a new page each time to get back to the new stuff, but you'll keep visitors like me longer per visit.

03 Aug 2014 21:06:21
Are those web analytics metrics I hear ;)

03 Aug 2014 01:38:46
Great to see the midfielders getting goals.

We'll need that this season. Thought Ibe was good again and I think he has a role to play at the club this season instead of a loan.

03 Aug 2014 00:50:54
Last Season we squeezed out 101 goals, split:

Suarez - 31
Sturridge - 21
Gerrard - 13
Sterling - 9
Skrtel - 7
Own Goals - 6
Coutinho - 5
Henderson - 4
Agger - 2
Allen - 1
Moses - 1
Sakho - 1
Flanagan - 1
Total - 101

This season with conservative estimates let's guess that we will score:

Sturridge - 20
Sterling - 10
Gerrard - 5 (conservative guess on penalties)
Henderson, Allen, Can, Coutinho, Lallana - 25/30 (I believe this is achievable with each scoring a minimum of 5/6 goals)
Borini and Lambert - 10
Defenders - 5/10
Markovic, Ibe, etc - 5/10
Total - 80-95

Some may doubt some of these guesses, but I have tried to be conservative on figures, but also allowed for improvement on young players from last season. My lowest estimate comes to 80, which could still outscore every other team last season apart from City. The important part is tightening up that defence.

I think it is conceivable we could come close to matching last season with an improved bench (we only scored about 3 goals from player off the bench last season!), especially with some of the pace of our boys late on in games.

03 Aug 2014 14:31:26
Nice post Jolly!

03 Aug 2014 00:40:50
Haven't posted in a year or so but still read the site daily, felt the need though to ask some of yous about the idea of signing Balotelli. I think its abit silly to say he's a target just because Brendan has praised him but I honestly think he would be a quality signing I mean look at the likes of Suarez, Zlatan and Cantona they all had abit of unpredictability about them, so for 14-20m I think its a risk worth taking considering his age and resale value even if he is a flop. anyway back to the point what is the rest of your views?

Well I didn't even see the guy run today, so how will he fit our system? At least Lambert tries when playing.
If we do get an attacker, it needs to be someone versatile for the wings as well as a striker.
Lets sort the full backs out first though.

Suarez, Zlatan and Cantona were/are not lazy apathetic players. They might be a bit nuts in their own way but you couldn't really accuse them of not caring. Balotelli just doesn't work hard enough in my opinion and for the system we play that simply isn't acceptable.

I've got a great idea for a business mate. I'm a bit prone to not turning up and might even get arrested for doing something a bit mental but it's only 14 million pounds after all and if it doesn't work out I'll definitely pay you back some of that money. Fancy backing it??

There are many, many others I'd much rather have. Volland, Son, Lacazette, Bony, Okazaki, etc, etc.

Balotelli is a small gamble but you no what happens when class players come to Anfield and feel the passion. They become world class! We have the best man manager in the league in Brenden who would get him to the next level for sure.

03 Aug 2014 10:14:18
Regardless of what I think of Balotelli as a player, his troubling past + vices outweigh his talent/skill. With having so many young lads at the club you absolutely can NOT allow risking having Balotelli mixing in with them and turning the grapes sour. Outside Stevie, the club lacks true senior leadership to deal with his potential tirades atm.

02 Aug 2014 23:30:29
Hi everyone,

Reading everyday although haven't posted in ages.

I'd just like to express my joy on the whole organisations business this summer, top job so far, I for one will be the first to admit I had my doubts about the owners willingness to spend but they've surpassed themselves IMO, not putting a dampener on it by asking and also edds I won't include any figures, but, have Liverpool overspent, not on players directly but as a whole should we be taking things a little easier than we are? I'm really looking forward to the new season and the game now so thanks in advance,

Ps I think mere can will be a beast!