Liverpool Banter Archive May 03 2017

 

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03 May 2017 22:31:52
Centenary stand being renamed the Kenny Dalglish stand!

Believable16 Unbelievable0

03 May 2017 23:55:18
A fitting tribute for the king.

A genius, a gentleman, a legend,

Though our best and worst moments he has done us proud.

On and off the pitch.

And credit to whoever in our club came up with this idea.

The old LFC spirit is alive and well.

I'M PROUD TO BE A RED.


04 May 2017 04:08:44
I second that Dermot, for once the term legend is totally justified.


04 May 2017 09:06:41
And while he will always be King Kenny, Sir Kenny would be a long overdue recognition.


04 May 2017 11:27:57
One of the best decisions the owners have made, a fitting tribute to a giant of a man.


03 May 2017 21:47:42
Right to squash this rubbish
Working on the concourse staircase on the new main stand outer as its cracked and comong up in places
Henderson comes n goes on crutches and chats and alls well and no big stars are leaving
Coutiho rumours on here are crap he was even on pitch last wednesday doing New balance promo shoots
Hes going nowhere
Were after a couple of youngsters from Barcelona and that's it
Thanks all.

Believable4 Unbelievable6

04 May 2017 00:00:30
I really hope we strengthen our defence!

A couple of youngsters coming in from Barcelona will not be enough for all the extra games we will have next season.

Especially to land the treble!
YNWA.


04 May 2017 01:55:46
Neymar still classed as a youngster?

Thanks TomoTomoTomoTomoTomo. 👍.


04 May 2017 11:08:29
Personally not sure defenders from Spain will solve the problems our defence has with EPL teams.


03 May 2017 19:52:13
Eds are Liverpool looking ....

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Try the European pages - this is the Liverpool page.}

03 May 2017 19:25:04
Eds is there a possibility of player + money for Coutinho? Have they mentioned anyone or is there any player we would consider?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - You are clutching at straws about a player the club don't want to sell.}

03 May 2017 22:20:04
Ok mate. I no I am. No problem.


04 May 2017 02:13:08
Please no to any of Barca's rejects. Just keep Couts no matter what.


03 May 2017 21:00:37
I can see the the attraction in a player from SA wanting to play for either Barcelona or RM but I can see Barcelona being in decline over the next couple of years with their financial situation, this is related to the Liverpool page because of couts btw. Plus the fact that the premier league is getting even bigger hope Phil sees this too.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

03 May 2017 23:07:59
Why would he want to go to a team that's full of stars when he is the brightest star in our team! If Neymar want to play with him so bad we got a opening as a lw;)


04 May 2017 00:03:20
If he does the business for us then he too may have a stand named after him.

Long long way to go though.

KK KLASS.


04 May 2017 00:14:48
Either we should stop buying South Americans or Spanish who always has a tendency to move back or we start winning TROPHIES like Chelsea who has successfully kept Hazard at their club. There is no other way to bring / keep a good player from other clubs! It is not even money in Coutinho's case!


04 May 2017 08:20:36
Harry, you DO know that Hazard is Belgian, right?

Last time I checked, its a small country adjacent to France which is famous for Poirot, the European Parliament HQ and a clutch of very good footballers including Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard and a number of current crop strikers like Benteke, Lukaku and Origi.

It is certainly nowhere near South America.

This has been a public service announcement for the "State the Bleedin' Obvious" Party. :)


{Ed025's Note - love it zeddicus..

04 May 2017 08:32:30
that was good zed, if he was actually saying hazard is from south america, bt he didn't mate ha.


04 May 2017 08:55:48
"Either we should stop buying South Americans or Spanish who always has a tendency to move back or we start winning TROPHIES like Chelsea who has successfully kept Hazard at their club. "

You're right, its either South America or Spain, and Belgium isn't that far away from Spain, so clearly Harry has a point!


04 May 2017 13:45:52
So in Harry's eyes the way to move forward is to not buy good players so that other clubs don't try to buy them off us? Haven't we been doing that for years? 😂.


03 May 2017 20:49:09
Ed01. With mingolets recent upturn in form does klopp still see karius as number 1 next year or has his opinion changed?

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - last I heard he was open to having his mind changed. I have not heard anything since, but I doubt anything has changed. Migs has the jersey so long as he plays well.}

03 May 2017 21:52:39
What are everyone's views on our goalkeeping situation?

I don't like to be down on any player we have, but despite the fact that he has improved, I'm not overly impressed with Migs. He gets across his line sharply enough and isn't dropping or flapping at crosses anymore. Great. But that to me is the bare minimum that should be expected of a Premier League keeper. He's still poor with his feet and doesn't make saves that aren't more or less at him. He's not going to ever make match defining saves and actively win us points the way De Gea has for United, or Courtios could if Chelsea needed him to. At least the fact that he is more composed off crosses that he's ever been means that we're actually improving our goalkeepers through training for the first time in about 8 years.

Karius has much more potential, but I think Klopp's put himself in a difficult situation by not restoring Karius to the first team when he had the opportunity in late Jan or early Feb. Karius is now effectively still untested in the Premier League, so putting him back in at the start of next season, as is the assumed intention, is a risk. Training and pre-season isn't the same animal as Premier League football every week.


03 May 2017 22:22:28
I like Karius much more than Mignolet - in his initial entry he showcased a proactive style with better speed and distribution, and a similar level of shotstopping; also, he has more room for development in organizing the defense.

However, since his return ol boy Simon has improved greatly. Much as I loath to say it, he has to keep his starting berth as long as he is showing steeliness, determination and concentration.


03 May 2017 22:35:53
He's definitely improved lately. One thing he still needs to improve on is his distribution as it is generally pretty poor.


03 May 2017 23:05:02
Ive slated him in the past but i really don't see right now whose doing a massively better job in the prem, even his kicking is better than it was which shows he's working hard, I think fair play and how anyone can say Karius is better this far is a mystery as we've barely seen him!


04 May 2017 00:07:51
Karius didn't really have a long enough run in the team.

He broke his hand in preseason and that set him back.

His presence has definitely given Migs a wake up call.

If we could improve the defence then that would help each keeper greatly.


04 May 2017 06:58:51
Who knows what a retcon is? Klopp always knew that Mignolet had the potential to be the keeper we needed but knew he needed motivation. He found a cheep goalkeeper from Germany who he could pretend was awesome and was going to take the number one shirt. Mignolet responded just as expected and Liverpool have now got a good goalkeeper without paying a huge transfer fee. The whole situation shows Klopp's genius.


{Ed025's Note - klopp does not rate migs putney and karius will be the number 1 next season, it is not a case of genius mate more a get away with murder scenario,,

04 May 2017 07:27:04
I dunno ed025, if you consider mignolet has been a keeper for the last 15 odd years (including youth) and it's only now under klopp he's actually learnt how to catch, klopp must be some sort of genius.


{Ed025's Note - hes a really good shot stopper ruthless and does make some outstanding saves, but he does not command his area and his distribution is still very poor mate, an upgrade is needed but i dont think karius is the answer at this stage..

04 May 2017 11:13:14
Considering age Mignolet's current best is pretty much where he is going to be. If Karius can get to that level now he has more room to improve. Neither is absolute top class but that is a very narrow band and no one in that band is moving to LFC. So either those guys develop to a higher level or we find a way between them and defensive improvement to win things with those two. No point buying in guys who are probably never going to be noticeably better than them.


04 May 2017 13:38:52
I just want to give credit to Mignolet and the coaching team for his improvement, which deserves recognition. Some very important saves recently.


04 May 2017 11:49:28
Ed25, it was more a joke that we're going to pretend that pushing migs on was Klopp's plan all along. Hence the bit about a retcon :)


{Ed025's Note - my bad then mate cheers..

04 May 2017 17:39:32
Karius is a myth. Nobody has seen him do anything yet, but blind-faith people want to replace a keeper who saved 4 points for us against Stoke and West Bromwich with a keeper who took us from level with Chelsea to 8 points behind in the blink of an eye.

There was a reason he broke his hand - he punched his own defenders head, which shows how far his hands were from the ball. If Karius starts next season as No 1, we will be out of the title race by October.

The best case scenario for Karius would be for Mignolet to get injured and he could be put in without any pressure. Maybe, just maybe he would be able to justify everybody's faith in him.


{Ed025's Note - one of your own players getting injured can never be seen as a best case scenario mate, klopp will start the season with karius as number 1 so deal with it..

04 May 2017 17:51:24
No chance Ed25. I'll bet you a tenner he doesn't.

I wouldn't wish injury on any player and never meant it like that. What I meant was that, if Karius came in due to an injury, he would be under less pressure than if Klopp dropped a goalkeeper who was playing well to accommodate him.

Incidentally, can you explain what you have seen in Karius to rate him so highly?


{Ed025's Note - of course injuries may come in to play but barring that you have yourself a bet, lets say the loser donates £10 to either alder hey or claire house, i dont rate karius at all mate but the man who counts does and promises have been made..

04 May 2017 18:22:08
That's a good deal Ed. If LK starts, my tenner goes straight to Claire House.

I just want to clarify that I have absolutely nothing against Karius and hope he goes on to have a long and successful career with Liverpool. My only gripe is against some of the posters on here who seem mesmerised by him when he has shown virtually nothing yet.

As for Klopp's promise, we can ask Grujic about that, even allowing for his injuries.


{Ed025's Note - fair point kloppometor, mine will go to claire house as well if by some divine intervention i am wrong mate.. :)

04 May 2017 22:35:06
If we don't see the player on the park, then all we have to off is the lads attitude.
I havnt heard one grumble, moan in papers about not playing, watch a replay of Emre wonder strike and who's one of the first to be celebrating with him? Karius. I know we didn't buy a cheerleader, for me that tells me his attitude seems on point, which is as good a place as any to push on from.
Whether he goes on to better things with us remains to be seen and we all know what we hope happens, if only life was like that.


{Ed025's Note - some good points there mate..

03 May 2017 20:32:44
Hi Eds, I haven't tuned in for awhile and when I do I find someone asking who KK is?!? (& Ed01 having to explain-bizarre), Someone suggesting we shouldn't name the stand after KK and another suggesting we should take that idiot Suarez back! Either I'm in a parallel universe or this is actually reality, can't be can it?

Believable3 Unbelievable6

03 May 2017 20:59:12
Gonna be honest here: I think anyone who says they don't want Suarez back, and may genuinely believe that they don't want Suarez back would actually be delighted if he did come back. (Not that he ever would, at least not this side of his 35th birthday, anyway) .

Yes he possibly has emotional or mental issues, is at the very least unpredictable and dangerous when he goes onto the pitch, and when he was here he damaged the club's reputation whilst using us as a stepping stone to Barcelona. But he's also one of the 3 best footballers in the world. More importantly, he has an insatiable need and determination to win football matches which rubs off on the players around him, and along with Kante is the closest thing that exists in football to a one man team. We got within one individual error of winning the league with him despite the fact that we were managed by half a chimp. Given the attitude and complacency issues we seem to have against everyone outside the top 6, there are very few players in world football who'd improve us more.

Am I a stupid, blind fanboy for thinking this? Quite possibly. Would it in any way a sensible move for the club if it was actually possible (which it isn't)? Most likely not. But for all his flaws and all the damage he did, I know how I'd react if he signed for us with any good years left in his legs.

I am struggling to believe the bloke saying he'd rather the stand be named after the highest bidder rather than after Kenny, though. Is that person actually real?


{Ed001's Note - I would not want him back and I would be disgusted if we brought the little weasel back. Same with Mascherano, they have nothing but my contempt for their actions.}

03 May 2017 21:21:44
With my sensible, logical Liverpool supporter hat on, Ed, I agree 100%. I know he's a little scrote who shouldn't be allowed near the club in any capacity, even to watch a match from the corporate boxes.

But I also know that as a fan, as an emotional being, I'd leap out of my own skin with joy if he signed for us again. I can't really defend that logically, because it isn't a logical reaction, but it's the one I'd know I'd have. And I bet I'm not alone.

Of course, given that I'd have re-hired the bloke in my avatar when our last three managers were sacked had it been up to me, there's probably something wrong with me.


{Ed001's Note - that last point cannot be argued with to be fair.}

04 May 2017 00:08:07
Not sure I'd be happy myself!

Rather take Torres back to be honest. Half the player but twice the man. I see your point mate but what about integrity?


04 May 2017 01:30:58
We are not that desperate.
Suarez is a great player, but I don't want him at our club.
We're building a team that doesn't rely on individual brilliance.


04 May 2017 07:28:42
Unfortunately world class footballers win trophies not honourable gentleman.


04 May 2017 11:33:53
I'd rather we were an honourable who win nothing than adopt a win by any means policy and welcome back people like Suarez. Morality is important and the club should look to set the very best example, irrespective of results on the pitch.


04 May 2017 19:13:40
Every top 6 club in the country would have Suarez tomorrow if he became available. His will to win sometimes causes him to occasionally cross the line but he certainly knows how to beat the lower teams, which is where we are weak.

Ad for engineering a move to Barca, he agreed to stay for one more year and gave everything. Whereas Saint Nand sulked for a year and downed tools until we played Chelsea.


04 May 2017 22:45:43
Simple answer really, as a footballer, when on the field (possibly if in contract he agrees to wear a muzzle) yes absolutely, as a man, he would shiv ya on the pitch if he thought he'd get away with it categorically No.
After all that I really started to think, stay with me, imagine Suarez under Klopp with our front line #catchusifyoucan ;)


03 May 2017 20:02:13
Ed01 if your around could you give us the likely team line up for next season . i know this request will likely get deleted but its worth a punt.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure how I could possibly do that, the current season hasn't even finished yet! Perhaps someone could loan me a crystal ball?}

03 May 2017 20:47:08
Sure Ed but I want 3 crystal balls back.


{Ed001's Note - Ed003 has crystal balls apparently.}

03 May 2017 21:47:51
Whilst you're at it ed, can I have next weeks lottery numbers.

Cheers 👍.


04 May 2017 00:09:48
I think Brandt will be in for Coutinho, with Sessegnon in for Moreno.

After that i think we can only speculate right now. Maybe we will target replacements for Mignolet, Clyne, Lucas and Sturridge if they leave. It is far from certain they will leave.

I think anyone hoping for a mega summer with the likes of Van Dijk, Keita and Lacazette will be sorely disappointed though!


04 May 2017 11:52:30
Pure speculation but I would say:

Goalkeeper: expect Karius to start and be given a chance (though mistakes could see a similar scenario to this season play out) - I doubt we'll sign a GK or sell Mignolet. Ward will probably move on.

Defence: sadly seems Lovren/ Matip is the preferred partnership - I have huge doubts over them, both individually and as a partnership, and know against certain opposition they will struggle. Perhaps a season for Gomez to stake a claim. It seems almost certain that Sakho's days are numbered. Klavan will likely stay despite being below the required standard.

Surely we will sign a left-back this window - names are well known and have been discussed in detail on here (Sessegnon, Pereira, Tierney - though very unlikely) - the only way we won't sign one is through poor strategy/ bad planning. Right-back more tricky but I'm hopeful we will see more of TAA next season - or perhaps the versatile Pereira if we manage to get the transfer over the line (? ) .

Midfield: I'd argue, when everyone is fully fit, that it will be exactly the same (Henderson, Wijnaldum, Lallana) - if Can continues his recent good form he may push for a starting berth but otherwise I imagine it will remain unchanged - Henderson's ongoing injury problems mean more game time for Can is likely next season. Grujic will also have to be played more so will be interesting to see how he fits in. The unlikely signing of Naby Keita could change things as well though it might be overkill. I could see Coutinho shifting to central midfield if we sign Brandt or another such winger as well so possibility of more options - again though remains to be seen what we do in the transfer window.

Forwards: Unless Coutinho leaves it will likely remain exactly the same (Coutinho, Firmino, Mane) with a new winger signed to provide depth and competition.


04 May 2017 13:42:27
MK, we are trying to get Brandt in to add to the squad with Couts stating BUT he is not open to being on the bench if Couts will still be first choice on the left. He is not Couts' replacement as LFC will NOT be selling him.


04 May 2017 22:48:51
If Rons having next week's can I have the week afters Ed? Don't like the thought of splitting my winnings ha while we're doing obscure questions, any chance of Confirming my tea for me on the 16th March 2022?


03 May 2017 17:03:28
So the centenary stand is now the kenny dalglish stand. Personally I'd have preferred they sold the naming rights to the highest bidder but it's not a bad option if there's no takers. What about shanks and paisley?

Believable2 Unbelievable29

03 May 2017 17:20:32
Not a bad option?!
The man has done so much, not just for our club, but the whole city of Liverpool.
He has inspired people the length of the country and further.
I would have the whole stadium named after him.
You want a few extra million as opposed to honouring a great man like Kenny Dalglish? Shame on you.


03 May 2017 17:28:21
I'll now sit in the lower Kenny Dalglish stand.


{Ed001's Note - I can't believe anyone would want the stand named anything but the Kenny Dalglish Stand! He is the greatest legend of the club, which says a lot when we have had Shanks, Paisley and Fagan, amongst many others. If anyone deserves this honour, it is him.}

03 May 2017 17:35:13
True ed and not just for football. What he done after Hillsborough went above and beyond.


{Ed001's Note - that is the most important thing of all. His actions then have been deserving of any honour, nothing we could do for him as a club or the city as a whole, could ever truly repay him.}

03 May 2017 18:11:55
Sir kenny?


03 May 2017 18:14:38
I can not understand how or why he has not been knighted. The man will always be a Sir to me.


03 May 2017 18:07:20
Im stunned by the original post.


03 May 2017 18:08:13
For the younger fans on this site do you want to explain why Kenny Daglish is King Ed?


{Ed001's Note - I can't believe I need to! This is a man who is the greatest player ever to pull on a Liverpool shirt, to becoming the manager who continued to win trophies, our last manager to win the league. There is his total devotion to the club, taking any role asked of him just to be involved.

Most of all though, his involvement in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster was above and beyond any possible call of duty he could have been asked to do. He ensured that he got to as many of the funerals as he could personally, possibly do, as well as organising the players and staff to make sure they were at as many as possible. Then there was his time he gave to the families, always being there just to listen when they needed someone to talk to. He did as much as anyone for the families.}

03 May 2017 18:54:50
Love king Kenny. Absolute legend and a giant of a man and human being. Total respect for him and every liverpool fan should feel honoured to have him associated with our club. Long live the king. YNWA.


03 May 2017 19:18:46
I honestly can't disagree with the original post enough. Embarrassing.


03 May 2017 19:23:27
The greatest player to don a red shirt. This is SO the right decision. Long live the King!


03 May 2017 19:29:38
Original post is a Jezza Kyle wind up post.
I'd rather Kenny wasn't knighted, I don't want him associating with some of those dirty, corrupt political cronies. He's above that.
The stand name is a fine gesture and 100% appropriate.


03 May 2017 19:52:43
I'm actually laughing at the original post. And i put it down to generational differences (I hope) . It's not the first time Ed001 and other posters have explained KD's significance and importance to the history and legacy of the club. But if people don't want to pay attention or don't give a damn, then what can you do? As I said - generational differences.


03 May 2017 20:32:05
Thank Jesus for Ron.


03 May 2017 21:11:48
I was at wembley v manutd in 77. First time the chant 'DALGLISH' went up from the terrace is someting ill neuer forget. Goosebumps then and now. Little did any of us know a legend was preaent. I was a kid . now much older . Thanks kk.


03 May 2017 21:55:06
Wasn't the reason he stood down as player manager due to the Hillsborough events finally getting on top of him and he needed a break? The man comes calling for our club without question, he let his name be dragged through the mud to protect players and was treated like dirt by others but still stood alongside them to show a united front cause he felt that was best for us. He shouldn't just have the key to the city, he should have the key, bed, and possibly wife of every Liverpool fan for what he has done. We were lucky to have him and even luckier to have him love our club as much as he does.


{Ed002's Note - No. It has been dealt with over and over and I explained that very day.}

03 May 2017 22:15:25
Spot on there Ron I 100% agree. The honours Kenny already has, the freedom of Liverpool, now the stand being named after him, his European cups, his league titles and his 102 Scotland caps those are the honours that matter to me . Those honours are what make Kenny a legend and hero to me . Have you seen some of the excuses for humans that have been Knighted Kenny is better than that in my eyes.


03 May 2017 22:35:28
I would call myself as a junior supporter of Liverpool, started following the club during the Rafa-Torres-Ngog years. I am not even English. And I only knew about the Hillsborough since the last few years. Questioning about naming the stand? That is so embarassing, even me know who Dalglish is and what he has done before this.

I despise some of the football fans, especially from where I come from. Not all but some. Supporting something, regardless it is a football club or anything, they chose what to support blindly based on the fame and the current success. I wouldn't argue that those usually what trigger someone to start to follow or support it, but once you did, spend some time to actually learn something from its history, traditions etc.

I knew some Chelsea supporters, who didn't even know who was the manager before Mourinho, who were the stars and legends before the likes of Drogba, Lampard, Cole or Crespo.


04 May 2017 08:27:32
Please, please, please people, supporters everywhere especially the younger ones, read some books about Liverpool, they're all available on Kindle.

To find out more about KK the man, I would recommend his autobiography - My Liverpool Home. To find out more about him as a player and manager from a contemporary, I would recommend Rush's autobio. I would also recommend Carra's, Fowlers and Gerrards (first one) to find out more about him as a legend, as they all grew up locally during the years when KK was in charge (both on and off the field) .

They're all available on Kindle, so no excuse!

Also, do as much reading as possible on t'internet about Hillsborough and especially try to catch the BBC documentary from the last couple of years about it, I'm sure you'll find it on YouTube or iPlayer. Make sure you have a box of tissues to hand as I was in tears through most of it.


04 May 2017 08:29:38
Ed002 I'm not sure if you thought I was on about his second stint in charge or not? As I meant tenure during the 1990's if I'm wrong still then my apologies.


{Ed002's Note - Ok.}

03 May 2017 17:03:08
Brilliant news regarding King Kenny! 👌🏽 A true legend.

Believable13 Unbelievable0

03 May 2017 20:31:31
Great news! How's Gomez getting on ST? Expecting opportunities pre season?


03 May 2017 22:51:04
He'll push lovren next season.


04 May 2017 13:24:38
thank you very much for your info ST.


03 May 2017 16:59:43
Just read about the centenary stand being renamed the Kenny Dalglish stand. Absolutely a good decision in my opinion. That man deserves it.

Believable10 Unbelievable0

03 May 2017 15:04:17
Ed I know there's been talk of Sessengon and (possibly Tierney), but is there much chance of Juanma starting ahead of those assuming he's fit? Do you think he's any more ready for the prem than the other two?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I would doubt it.}

03 May 2017 15:14:31
Well it would seem we need an experienced LB them and leave the others for later and get Juanma some more playing time.


03 May 2017 16:49:57
Problem with Juanma is that he has played little U23 football and is nowhere near ready for the first team as he has spend pretty much the entire time out injured since he has joined.


03 May 2017 17:59:02
But do you think he is more of a gamble than sessegnon and Tierney? Sounds like we should avoid them for now and get someone who's more tried and tested especially if we have CL.


03 May 2017 20:27:03
I can't see us getting a top class left bank from Europe. It must be a championship player. I agree with your sentiments on Juanma.


03 May 2017 12:24:40
Hi Eds.
If we finish in top 4 do you think this is the good season for us. Starting of the season we were title contenders but after new year we were start losing points. I think because of injuries to our players cost us. We have good depth in squad like Chelsea and city we were still there.
Thanks.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - No I don't see it as a good season.}

03 May 2017 12:44:17
Champions League qualification was crucial this season, if we can start next season the same way we did this season we could win it next season so long as we improve the squad as a whole. Need better players who can push each other in most positions. It really excites me because if it wasnt for our bad period in January when we had so many players missing we could of challenged.


03 May 2017 13:27:50
Yes it's a good season. Last season we finished 8th a long way off anything. This season finishing forth or third would be an over achievement. At the start of the season it was expected chelsea, city and united would fight for the title and spurs, arsenal and Liverpool (because of the advantage of no Europe) would fight it out for 4. We started the season with the termoil of no left back, our number 1 GK injured, new signings to bed in. We had a great first few months until even more injuries and AFCON. That was 2 months of all our key players being out for different reasons: mane, coutinho, matip, hendo, sturidge, lallana. In this period players like woodburn, ojo, Randell, wilson, Taa, Stewart, klavan were all relyed upon a little too often leading to poor results in the league and cups for much of Christmas and January/ February. After all that we will hopefully win the battle for 4th which was our highest hope for the season back in august and most fans and pundits had written us off. Only 1 of 8 sky sports pundits predicted us to finish in the top 4 (ex manager tommo) and he was ridiculed for his blantent bias. Top 4 is a good season for us after a transfer window with no net spend. No January buys. Lots of impact injuries (not muscle / fatigue injuries) . The only disappointments are the cup runs which I've delt with were caused by squad issues. 3 games to go and we're fighting for 3rd. Successful no, there's nothing to fill the cabinets but hopefully we can flood the bank balance and unlock our higher band sponsorship deals.


03 May 2017 13:33:50
I would say that with Top 4, this would be a satisfactory season, trying to view things from the owners perspective (which I think Ed002 is trying to do in her comments, dispassionate informed observer rather than passionate fan as Ed001 and most of us are) .

A "good" season would have been a cup and still challenging come the last few games of the season.

An "excellent" season would be winning the league.

"Awesome" may include the league and one or more cups.

Would this rough guide be a fair approximation of the owners views, Ed002?


{Ed002's Note - The owners expectation is that Liverpool should be winning the league - that is why they have spent considerable money and that is what Klopp promised.}

03 May 2017 14:01:31
Achieving the absolute minimum expected standard is not a good season, it's just that - the minimum point before we could call it another bad season.


03 May 2017 14:03:59
Hey ed, a little side question, if we manage to secure Champions League, would you expect Coutinho to stay, even though Barcelona are pushing for him?


{Ed002's Note - I would doubt it would make any difference.}

03 May 2017 14:25:07
If he did go then ed would you expect us to push for a direct replacement for him, or are the players we are looking at (Brandt) already seen as a replacement? Surely loosing a key player would need a replacement of equal ability?


{Ed002's Note - It would make space in the side for Brandt who otherwise would probably not make the move - so it would make him a possibility. But as I have said, Liverpool will look to keep Coutinho.}

03 May 2017 14:49:12
Cheers ed. Appreciate and respect your information and update, its not always the news we want to hear but would rather you be honest mate. Thanks again.


03 May 2017 14:57:57
If Chelsea win there game in hand we are 15 points off 1st place having been in the driving seat for the title at Christmas.

From that perspective it has been a bad season. Not to mention than Klopp has promised the owners the league title. We got knocked out of the EFL cup in an embarrassing fashion failing to score over 2 legs, and knocked out of the FA cup by a Championship team.

However if at the start of the season I'd been offered a top 4 place, I'd have taken it but probably would've said 'top 4 and a cup'.

Considering we had no CL we should've done better really. Live and learn.


03 May 2017 15:01:02
We live and die in mediocrity that top 4 has become an achievement. No guarantee we will maintain the position next season. Dumped out from all possible competitions as early as the draw were out. Still fighting hard to secure the CL spot inspite of playing just one match a week.

A massive 15 points off from the 1st place and 3 above the 4th place. Resigned of loosing the best player. I can't believe but what's so proud of?


03 May 2017 15:03:26
Coutinho is the best passer in the team and much more than just a wide player. Brandt is not in his class and without Couts we will struggle creating clear cut chances. We have none bar him to dictate the game and pick those little pockets in the space. I have no hopes on Hendo, Can and Wiji. Mark my words we will struggle if we end up selling him!


03 May 2017 15:18:16
Well we need to get use to life without PC chaps im affraid. Sounds like the writing is on the wall. I agree what's been said about replacing him although Brandt is more direct so maybe him and Mane down the wings with Firmino up top it might be a better option.


03 May 2017 16:32:35
Sorry Harry, dumped out of the competitions as early as the draws were out? We were in the semi final of the league cup and in the driving seat for the title at the halfway point - we went out of 1/ 3 of the competitions early! Granted we haven't got the intended result in any of them but don't exaggerate, it's hardly helpful or practical.


03 May 2017 16:32:38
On the basis of the last 10 years it's a good season, but we should be aiming to be top 4 consistently and winning cups (very good season) and then every 2-3 years winning the league or CL (a fantastic season)


03 May 2017 16:49:17
A good season would have included a cup win and possibly 2nd in the league, especially with no European football to cope with!


03 May 2017 16:51:03
If Coutinho needs to be moved on to make room for Brandt, I will no thank you to Brandt.


{Ed002's Note - That dependency does not exist - Liverpool will not be looking to sell Coutinho to fit in JB.}

03 May 2017 16:52:19
"But he promised the owners the league and didn't keep his promise to the poor owners! ". who gives a f#@k about the owners. Any reasonable supporter would have jumped on top 4 at the start of the season.


03 May 2017 17:45:42
Good work Emre 😎.


03 May 2017 18:44:21
Top 4 is all that can be expected with this team and the lack of money the owners have given Klopp. Fsg need to wake up and stop this nonsense of hanging on every promise made. These are astute buisness men, right? Yet they act so naive that they think Klopp is a miricle worker, turning water into wine as such. These guys have no clue about football or the Premier League and coming out with "Klopp promised them the League" is just trying to shift the blame when it goes tits up.


03 May 2017 20:19:41
Just like City struggle without Silva with all their superstars on the pitch We will struggle without Coutinho. As soon as the clock tick to the 10 minute mark we see Couts slowly dropping into the midfield picking up the ball and carrying it forward and picking those pockets. He is such vital for us to function. One player with genuine class and top vision to find spaces between lines. There are hardly any like to like players. 18 managers deploy a player or a tactic to stop him as they know he is the supply of every attacks.

No wonder the whole world tips him to be the successor of the best Midfielder Iniesta!

We will have to convince him at any cost!

CL will mean nothing if we were to loose Phil!


03 May 2017 20:34:33
Not being funny Emre, but if I told my boss at work I could set up a production line using the equipment we already had, and then after 6 months went to him and said 'sorry boss, I got it all wrong and need £250k of investment. We've let the paying customers down' I would most likely lose my job.

I am not saying Klopp should be sacked by the way. Football is an almost unique industry in that there are so many variables to factor in that it is much harder to make commitments you can definitely stick to.

However, the fact is Klopp got it very wrong and in a season without European football to contend with, we should've been challenging for the title or at least a domestic cup.

I love Klopp and think he will take us back to glory, but stop giving him a free ride. It seems people either want him sacked, or think he is a god. The truth is somewhere in between!


03 May 2017 21:51:07
I don't think he's a God, but were lucky to have him. by the way, what attitude should a new manager come into the club with? should he say and believe he can win the league or should he just accept its impossible and not try to push towards it?


{Ed002's Note - All excuses for the manager are accepted.}

04 May 2017 00:06:52
If you thought we would win the PL with the team we currently have, the injuries, lack of decent depth and inconsistencies that currently plague this team, then that is your fault for believing in fairy dust. If Klopp said he would win the PL to the owners then he too is just as deluded. We were NEVER in the driver's seat for the title under any circumstances. We were only top of the table ONCE all season so how were we in the driver's seat?

Remember, this is the same team that our own fans thought would be lucky to make 5th YET many on here want to slate it for not winning the league. That is just illogical. That makes no sense. We have had a very good season and if we make 3rd, I will be happy with it.

Acting as if Klopp failed cos he didn't win the league is just nonsense as NOBODY has won the PL for us so why is Klopp suddenly being judged on that standard? I suggest people just pipe down and realize who and what we are and start dreaming with their eyes open. Klopp is not a miracle worker and cannot manufacture a PL title from this squad with as many wholes in it as a slice of swiss cheese. That is asking for too much, even for Klopp.


04 May 2017 13:40:53
I'm pleased that we have been competing for the title for half a season with a solid 1st 11. Pleased that we have dominated the games with the other top 6 clubs. Pleased to have made progress from last season and pleased that we haven't wasted money in the transfer market on unsuitable players.

I'm disappointed our challenge faded with injuries, disappointed in the cup performances and disappointed that we can't seem to break down organised but less talented defences. If we get top 4 it will be an 'at least' season. Not good, not bad, but offering hope for squad building and further progression.


03 May 2017 11:47:17
Reading this morning that Van Dijk has a verbal agreement that he'll join Liverpool if we can get champions league. Then also seeing that Chelsea almost have a done deal by offering cash and Andreas Christensen. Any further update on the situation? Or is this going to be summers transfer saga? Cheers eds!

Believable2 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of Liverpool making any approach to van Dijk - I would have thought given the continuing issues the club has regarding tapping up would make them steer well clear of making any verbal agreements with players.}

03 May 2017 12:15:20
Well said Ed! I hope this nonsense never happens again.


03 May 2017 12:46:34
Think People really need to give up on the idea of us getting a centre back this summer. If we were going to sign him Lovren wouldn't have been offered a new contract.


03 May 2017 12:42:59
VVD will not be coming to LFC, IMO as we have not approached him and IMO, may never do.


03 May 2017 12:59:19
We'll be signing a new centre back no doubt about that.


03 May 2017 13:18:32
Sakho, Square Tomatoe has already said Klopp only wants four centre backs - Matip, Lovren, Klavan, Gomez.


03 May 2017 13:32:51
What makes you think that sakho? We have 4 CB's at the club with Lucas and the youngsters aa back up. Non if the first team 4 will be moving so Klopp has what abd who he wants having signed Klavan and Matip (his choice) . The VVD hype is fabrication and nit happening.


03 May 2017 15:08:23
Firmino,
You do realize we have conceded 50 goals with those names?


03 May 2017 15:57:17
Klopp isn't stupid, we've conceded close to 50 goals again this season. Remember klopp told Karius he would be 1st choice. managers always tell lies.


03 May 2017 16:33:23
Maybe not lies, just change their minds?


03 May 2017 16:51:51
Or they change their minds and make a decision depending on the situation.


03 May 2017 17:20:35
I would hope we will sign a centre back although its not looking likely. The amount of goals we have conceded this season would suggest that our current crop of defenders aren't good enough. Which teams out of the teams challenging for europe would Klavan Lovren Gomez or Matip get into?
I think Matip will improve next season after having a season to adapt and Gomez is a promising young defender but the other two defenders just aren't quite up to it.


03 May 2017 17:32:13
Regardless of what you want to call it, we'll be signing a new centre back.


03 May 2017 17:47:14
Klopp said he wanted 4 centre backs for this season - no european football.
It's a bit of a different scenario when we have the addition of champions league football!


03 May 2017 20:28:11
Harry it is actually 42 goals, with only 3 games to play (2 at home) .

Let's not make things up buddy.

Besides, that is not with those 4 centre backs. Lovren and Matip have had long spells out due to injury or FIFA making a hash of things, and Gomez will be like a new signing next season.

I would've liked to replace Lovren in an ideal world with Gibson, Laporte, Nastasic etc. However it isn't going to happen so rather than moan at the players we have, perhaps we should look at the coaching and tactics and how they don't get the best out of the defensive options the current management staff chose.


03 May 2017 11:46:09
HI Ed,

Do you know if we have an interest in ...........

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - You are on the wrong page - this is the Liverpool page.}

03 May 2017 06:20:35
Hi Eds, just wanted to pick your brains on something if possible, it's been mentioned a few times on here, especially with the young Fulham left back, that they wouldn't be able to train all the time due to school work. What is the clubs policy with this?

The reason I ask is school finishes between the ages of 15-16 depending on what month you are born in. Any further education from that point is surely optional whether it be sixth form, college, university etc.

I finished school at 16,didnt enter further education as had always dreamed of joining the RAF which I did at 17. I was just wondering as obviously being able to sign a professional contract at the same age I joined, it's a much more lucrative career than the armed forces so for those kids who don't wish to partake in further education, is it forced upon them and written into the contract or is it, like every other person of that age in the UK, optional from the age of sixteen onwards?

Just wanted to know if they wanted to quit school at 17 when they signed pro contract and put every breath into training and improving are they allowed to?

Cheers.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with club policy. I have explained, they are required to attend school until they are 18 and are limited by the number of hours they can train as they are children.}

03 May 2017 12:32:41
I think the question is required by whom though ed?


{Ed002's Note - The FA.}

03 May 2017 15:05:19
A few years ago it became law that you have to stay in formal education until you're 18 in the uk. Be it an apprenticeship, sixth form or college.


03 May 2017 18:07:01
Ah OK, I wasn't aware the law had changed, weird that it only changed in England though, just checked on government website and Wales can still leave at sixteen, so can Scotland, only England that has changed, makes sense why the FA have done that then.


03 May 2017 11:36:08
Question for the Eds,

How do clubs go about building coaching staffs, as in how do they make sure they have the best possible people training the players? In my mind the coaching makes such a difference, yet it is something that is not really talked about publicly.

I get that the manager has a say, for example with Klopp bringing along Buvac and Kraweitz, and more recently Kornmayer, but for instance how was Pepijn Lindjers brought to the club?

I guess my question is, how do clubs go about deciding who they should look to hire, particularly from other teams, how do they judge how good they are?

finally, is John Achterberg really as poor as many people say?

Thanks,

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - Pepjin was being chased by a number of clubs as they saw the improvements he was making to the youth teams he was working with. That is how coaches usually come to other teams' attention. Their teams perform well and their players improve under them. It is usually when youth tournaments or youth league matches that bring coaches to other clubs' notice. It is not just the players that are under scrutiny at them.

Achteberg is learning his role and had not shown any signs of improving the players under him until recently. This summer he got his pro license, so he is not just standing still, he is looking to learn. This season started off with the keepers being under pressure and looking dodgy, which of course, reflected badly on his coaching. Since then, Mignolet has come back into the team and is showing a genuine improvement in his game. As well as looking a better player, he looks more confident too, which is massively important in a goalkeeper. So I think we have to draw the conclusion that Achteberg is improving as well.}

03 May 2017 12:42:48
Thanks Ed. As insightful as ever. All the more reason for me to watch youth tournaments then!


{Ed001's Note - thanks mate.}

03 May 2017 12:45:36
Improvement in our players is all a coach is asked to do and nothing more. If he can't do that then, questions should be raised and rightfully so regarding Achteberg. Hopefully, he will keep improving as well as the players.


03 May 2017 23:38:29
Yes but the up turn could be down to the influence of manninger.


03 May 2017 11:23:49
Ed1 just want to run something by you.

As Ed2 has said it is increasingly difficult for youngsters at top clubs to make the jump into the first team, so I wondered if any team has tried promoting a few young players at the same time rather than individually.

I was considering that if you had a group young players who had played together for many years how that might offset some of their weaknesses as individual players if they were put into the first team at the same time.

Didn't Xavi and Iniesta play at youth level together for a long time? I know they were very good players anyway, but they had an excellent understanding of each others game. Also the Mancs had Beckham, Giggs, Scholes etc. and managed to win the league.

As Football is team game it's so important to have that continuity to maximize performance. This all being hypothetical if I were Klopp I'd try this with the youngsters we have - though there's more chance of Ed2 becoming a Liverpool supporter than that happening.

Anyway as always I'd welcome whatever thoughts you have, and thanks in advance.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - recently at the top level, only really Saints have tried this approach. Even they have not really done it in a meaningful way. Clubs tend to just try and get them in and around the first team in training to build up that understanding now.}

03 May 2017 11:39:02
Thanks for the reply Ed1. Out of interest what do you consider the right approach to get the youngsters into the first team?


{Ed001's Note - I am not sure there is one. If it was me, I would look to keep a smaller squad to give them opportunities when there are injuries. It can be as much luck as judgement who makes it. Look at Marcus Rashford, who was a young winger in their youth sides until an injury crisis meant they had to turn to the youth team for a striker. Ashley Fletcher got the nod only to pick up an injury and Rashford was drafted in at the last second.}

03 May 2017 09:49:29
Where's Leekuanyew gone? Miss his ridiculous posts ha.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

03 May 2017 13:13:22
Think he's 12 12 now.


03 May 2017 09:42:18
Marco asensio looked different gravy last night when he came on . sure I read a few weeks ago we were looking at him for our left side mid or am I barking up the wrong tree eds.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - you should have read it properly and you would have seen Madrid will not sell him. He is a different gravy you are right.}

03 May 2017 09:59:27
👍😩 gutted.


{Ed001's Note - I know, he would be a quality addition.}

03 May 2017 12:50:59
Watched Marcos Asensio last season on loan at Espanyol and he was very good so not surprised Real and Zidane brought him back. ZZ apparently sees him as heir to Bale or CR7 so he won't be going anywhere cos yep, he is that good.


03 May 2017 13:37:01
OK, on behalf of the majority of posters here, I'll ask the obvious question.

What sort of gravy is he?


04 May 2017 13:41:56
Wavy gravy with fried moonbeams?


03 May 2017 08:15:16
Hello Ed01 and/ or Ed02,
Please i would like your opinion on Harry Wilson and why you think Klopp does not rate him (seemingly)

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - he does rate him, he just rates other youngsters higher. It is up to Harry to push himself harder to show he deserves the place in the squad that others are getting.}

03 May 2017 05:03:34
If you were to be made manager of Liverpool today, with the proviso that you could only keep one current player over the age of 21 and had to offload the rest. That one player you could build your team around. Which player would it be?

Just ONE remember.

For me it would have to be Roberto Firmino. He leads the press, he creates space for others, has some sensational skill at times, scores goals, creates chances. Most importantly, he stays fit week in, week out and he is not going to be missing for a month each season to head to the AFCON either.

Believable12 Unbelievable2

03 May 2017 06:16:11
I would agree with you, Ed. However for the sake of discussion I'll say Mane.

Yes he's gone for a month in the AfCON, but he's fairly resilient to injury-minus this last one- and it's undeniable that he is a huge contributor to our success this season.


03 May 2017 07:17:26
I think this for most comes down to the front three as we'd all be ok replacing the rest of the team. But how do you pick between those three?

Mane apparently had some issues at saints and wanted a bigger move so id be worried that he would do the same again if barce/ real/ Bayern was interested, so he's out.

Couts has been rumoured to be linked to a few top clubs and I've not heard him push those rumours away and speak of his desire to stay at Liverpool. so he's out.

Firmino for me is only one area away from being on the same level as suarez and that's his hit and miss finishing. If he could become a more clinical goal scorer he would be world class but he is still young and has time. he stays.


03 May 2017 07:36:46
This is really difficult. For now, I have at least 4, Firmino is one of them. I don't want to be the manager then.


03 May 2017 07:43:13
Firmino hands down. The boy has all ingredients to be one of the best in the world. I remember posting some time back that Firmino is very much capable of reaching the levels of Suarez.


03 May 2017 08:31:21
Is the AFCON every year. Is it an annual or bi/ annual event ☹️☹️☹️.


{Ed001's Note - I was exaggerating mate, it is defo not every year. Though they do keep changing it, so who knows for sure what it will be in the future? There have been consecutive years when it has been held recently, as they moved it around.}

03 May 2017 08:32:55
If i was the manager, i would keep Hendo in this scenario. he would be the perfect role model for the young lads and would really guide them into the right direction.


03 May 2017 08:43:17
Probably go for Mane myself - offers us incredible pace, ability to unlock defences and crucial goals - we are undeniably a different outfit without him in the team (our attack is certainly not as potent) and he is a player who can truly make something special happen. Firmino would be a close second.


03 May 2017 08:53:08
Hendo, there's no one better in the squad to lead and develop the u-21s.


03 May 2017 09:13:23
Lucas

His attitude and loyalty can't be bought or sold.


03 May 2017 09:36:09
Really hard question but honestly would go Firmino too I feel like he can play anywhere and you can really rely on him works so hard scores goals gives others confidence his first touch is superb what a player, a managers dream.


03 May 2017 09:43:27
Emre for me, for the versatility and strength that he provides. And I still think there is a real future leader in that lad.


03 May 2017 09:45:18
Philippe Coutinho without a doubt.


03 May 2017 10:49:52
Mane, blistering pace with talent isn't easy to find.


03 May 2017 11:19:41
Has to be Coutinho, People have slated him at times this season myself included but looking at his return of goals so far this season for a midfielder and the beauties he has scored he's been great and everyone knows he is only going to get better. If it was my team he wouldn't be on the wing though, Id have him right in the middle behind 3 fast forwards.


03 May 2017 13:26:49
A fit Jordan Henderson, hands down imo.


02 May 2017 22:33:30
Evening Ed001. As an example you have previously called out Clyne as a weak link. However he is rarely if ever called out by the so called experts on TV. I realise they have their own agenda and are not always great at analysis in any meaningful way.

Following that, It would be really useful to see clips alongside some explanation, have you considered doing any YouTube clips with commentary as I think that would be really insightful. I just like to enjoy the game live when I watch but post match reviews with clips would be great addition to the site if possible?

Ps. I am not diagreeing with you trust your judgement but struggle sometimes to see why Clyne given so much stick, hence using him as an example.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - actually that is something I am currently working on now, analysis with footage to explain it, along with a few other bits and pieces, for a YouTube channel.}

03 May 2017 06:16:34
Do you think that is wise ed. Nobody deserves the abuse that the players will get from those videos.
Higgins all you need to do is look at clyne when he has the ball, the lad just is not up to the job.


{Ed001's Note - it will be more than just a pick at a player's shortcomings, it will make sure to point out their strengths as well. Plus there will be a lot more, including short documentaries, interviews, tactical analysis etc.}

03 May 2017 06:23:46
When did ed001 called Clyne a weak link? I missed that, but it echoed my thoughts exactly. Even Milner outshone Clyne as a fullback, and that said a lot.

He see a lot fight balls going forward, but has done precious nothing with it, no taking it to the byline and cross, and in facet the less said about his crossing the better.
Had not seen him being a menace on the ball like a Johnson was.

I have seen many goals (and ed, your footage will help) where crosses come in from the left, or second ball falling into our right, that Clyne is not tracking an incoming attacker.

The one plus point about Clyne is his fitness though, as in he seldom get injured.


{Ed001's Note - he is very quick and strong as well.}

03 May 2017 07:33:02
Must say the system saints played suited him very well.


{Ed001's Note - they played with wide players who were the focal point of the attack supported by fullbacks, rather than Clyne being the main wideman in the attacking third. It is very much playing to his weakness, rather than his strength.}

03 May 2017 07:48:13
To give Klopp some credit I'm sure he is aware of Clyne's less useful attributes but probably had to prioritise the spend last summer so getting a decent wide player - Mane - was a better decision than splashing out on a new right back. Perhaps that's what we'll look to do this summmer?


{Ed001's Note - it is certainly planned. We looked at a few last summer as well, so Klopp knew.}

03 May 2017 07:59:12
Thanks Ed. It wasn't meant to be a Clyne bashing or to put you on the spot. That player just came to mind as his weaknesses aren't as obvious to me. Like you say we have a whole team of players with strengths and weaknesses. If you can point out the less obvious stuff I would personally like to see it. Thanks for your response and look fwd to seeing something in the future 👍🏻.


{Ed001's Note - cheers mate, I don't want to just bash players when I do it. Even if I don't rate them, I intend to try and pick out their strengths as well. Then people can decide for themselves.}

03 May 2017 09:31:07
The youtube channel sounds like such an exciting idea, I will definitely be subscribing. Please post and update on here when it is up and running!


{Ed001's Note - I will mate don't worry.}

 
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