Liverpool Banter Archive December 04 2016

04 Dec 2016 22:16:43
Get a grip guys, we'd have bitten hands off to be where we are now at the beginning Of The season, too many Of The team switched off at 2-0 / 30 minute mark end of, yes it showed up our long standing frailties but trust Klopp to deal with it.

04 Dec 2016 23:04:18
I do agree, we shouldn't go into meltdown after one very bad result. It's an even worse result than the Burnley game because we where leading by 2 goals, and that's not title winning material but we should be grateful for where we are. I just think now that we are here we should not be losing games like that especially against much weaker opposition. That's why some people might sound harsh. We where due a bad result and one that highlighted our major frailties at the back. I said yesterday we weren't the best all round team and today proved the point. It's still very early and we could get it right, but I'm not hopeful we will improve enough at the back to be title winning material. Two major problems we have right now is the intensity of the training sessions around this time of the year (same thing started to happen last year at this point which makes you question how hard the players train, because fitness can't be the excuse anymore) and the other problem is defence which hasn't improved all that much from last season. We can get it right.

04 Dec 2016 23:09:27
At 3-1 we should have closed the game out, and with the result at Goodison should have gained 2 points over that lot up the road, instead they gained a point on us. Absolutely gutted.

04 Dec 2016 23:20:42
I'm sure he will but that doesn't change this burning anger I have inside after watching that. Fair play if Bournemouth play well and beat us I can take being beaten by a better side but for us to allow them back into that was very hard to take. Sometimes it's so easy for us that we think it's job done and lose our concentration. There's no way in the world we should have ever drawn that game never mind lose it. I'm devastated with that I really am. It's not even 3 points dropped it's 3 points fumbled then caught then fumbled again then dropped from a great height and trampled on by a herd of big wild cumbersome elephants. Absolutely gutted.

04 Dec 2016 23:36:06
kman fitness wasn't a issue after 30 minutes, application and professionalism was, contrast that performance against the Watford one, in that game we kept going at them and maintained the high tempo for the whole match, I'll be interested to see if the stats back up my views.

05 Dec 2016 01:15:37
Spot on, Markovic'snuts. We dropped our intensity and focus, something Klopp already observed at half time so I'm sure this will be dealt with. The defeat hurts and trust me, those players will feel the full fury of Herr Kloop throughout the week in training, but we need to be measured in our frustration and remain optimistic and focused on the task at hand because guess what, we are in a much better situation than the two Manchester clubs ATM because they are in complete meltdown mode.

05 Dec 2016 02:24:33
Kman, defence was not the issue here, I'm sorry as that is a false narrative. Before today, we had the joint 3rd best defence in the EPL Klopp has improved our defensive massively while at the same time, making us the best attack in the PL. It was our lackadaisical approach, lack of focus and intensity that Markovic'snuts alluded to that cost us today.

05 Dec 2016 04:49:57
I think Klopp actually lost us the game today. don't get me wrong he is an excellent coach. but his in-game management skills consist mainly of shouting and being animated. We need to be able to see out games even if it means making defensive subs or tactical changes. We still have no alternate way of playing. if we're not gung-ho all out attack we lose. Eddie Howe check mated Klopp with genius subs and tactical changes and Klopp did nothing to counteract them. he just watched us fold. he could have brought in Klavan and moved Lucas into midfield (he is not a CB in any way) or brought on Kevin Stewart to counteract the threat of Ryan Fraser but he did nothing. Bournemouth moved Ake into the leftback slot to stop Mane and Clyne and get him more into the game and it worked brilliantly. when have you seen Klopps subs make a real positive impact in a game we are in the back foot? The players could have performed better but its games like this where Klopp needs to show his management skills (different to coaching skills) and he failed again. think back to Europa League final and also why Dortmund never won the champions league. Klopp gets check mated by superior tacticians even if he has a stronger team which he badly needs to fix or we will always be runners up but i feel like we generally address the wrong issues. also Lucas needs to never play at CB for us again if at all. he costs us the game every time he plays. people will say i'm over reacting but i guarantee if these issues don't change we will never win anything and become an Arsenal top four trophy team lol.

{Ed001's Note - how did moving Ake across work to stop Mane? Mane tore him a new one and got injured in the process and was taken off. Ake did not stop Mane, injury did.}

05 Dec 2016 08:07:25
Not sure what is Hamilton crying about the INTENSITY part here. If you can't hold the ball for 25 mts against a team who would finish 10 places below us then please accept we have an issue there.
The team cannot press whole 100 mts if that's what you call Intensity!

{Ed001's Note - yes you can. There is absolutely no reason for them not to be able to press when we spent the first 65minutes monopolising the ball so did not have to do any pressing. The issue was clearly down to a lack of intensity, once we made it 3-1.}

05 Dec 2016 09:04:17
Markovicsnuts I'm talking about fitness purely from a training perspective nothing to do about the game. We are capable of keeping the intensity up in games for the most part when we want to and yesterday was a mental loss rather than a physical one but I'm alluding to why key players might be getting injured in matches and largely in training. It must be due to the intensity of training at this time of year where the games are coming faster and harder and the weather doesn't help the lactic acid in the muscles making it easier to get injured during heavy exercise. That's why I mentioned fitness, nothing to do with the actual game itself.

And Hamilton red, whilst I agree that our problem yesterday was dropping of the intensity and failure to close out the game however, a better defence handles situations in the box better than what was shown yesterday. To say we have improved massively is a huge overstatement and screams red spectacles. We have conceded more goals out of all the top 7 or 8 teams and that has largely been to lesser opposition. Our defence is our problem and was our problem as a whole yesterday. I'm not just talking about the defenders, I'm talking about the whole squads defensive capabilities meaning goalkeeper and midfield being large contributors to our problem. Look at the teams we have lost to (Burnley and Bournemouth), and look at who all our closest rivals have lost to. We could lose to anyone, they lose to bigger teams. There are many reasons to be optimistic, I am simply analysing our situation after a bad result, it's almost like a wake up call after games where our opposition didn't really attack us like Bournemouth did. Two clean sheets doesn't change the fact we are very bad at the back. Anyway we will get it right next week and this should serve a huge slap to the face to the players and fans. On the flip side people need to calm down, don't let rival fans dictate your support of the team. This is the first game we have lost since the second week of the season, so we are well on track.

{Ed001's Note - the higher intensity training reduces injuries, which is why Arsenal suffer so badly, they do not train at a high enough level.

I remember a few years ago Newcastle United used to have a terrible problem with injuries, so they got rid of the fitness coaches and it largely cleared up. We stupidly hired those fitness coaches and were hit with the same injury problems Newcastle had been suffering with. Having seen the training and spoken to players at the club at that time, it is clear they were not training at a high enough intensity under those coaches and that caused the injuries.}

05 Dec 2016 09:10:37
Fair enough Ed01. Not going against your opinion.
Good day to you.

05 Dec 2016 10:15:04
I guess in the long run that is true ed1. Players bodies get used to the intensity and the constant work eventually, they just need to get over that hill. We won't be immune from injuries but it's just frustrating seeing our most important players get injured one after the other.

{Ed001's Note - it just happens mate, that is why we have a squad.}

05 Dec 2016 11:12:48
Ed001- Regardless of why Mane went off. Eddie Howes impact had the desired effect. and what did Klopp do to counter it? Is that not the point of the manager on matchday? I like Klopp as a coach but he has a lot to learn as a manager. that's all i'm saying.

{Ed001's Note - if you say so. Amazing how you lot only appear when we lose.}

05 Dec 2016 14:03:37
I think the concern is mostly the feeling that We have been here before being able to beat the better sides while failing to do the same to the smaller clubs.
Its finding the consistency that is the key but it is not helped by individual errors which for the most part were avoidable.

Even the very best players like Messi and Neuer make mistakes but the best teams just make less of them and build on that.

The manner of the result was disappointing but the overall curve in performance, possession, goals from different players etc. is up.
I think we are value for money.

05 Dec 2016 14:58:09
Thanks for responding to Harry, Ed as clearly he`s never traineed a day in his life. If he did, he would know that intensive training doesn`t cause injuries. it prevents them and that if you are super fit, you can play at a high level for 95 minutes.

{Ed001's Note - it was Kman that said that, not Harry.}

05 Dec 2016 17:18:41
We don't always have to agree with you Ed001. but your right sometimes the teams intensity won't be as high as usual. that's when the manager is supposed to step in and do his job and make some changes or jig the team around. even a sunday league coach knows that. it didn't happen yesterday. for bournemouth it did and hats off to them. eddie howe check mated klopp end of. he knew lucas was a weakness and he adapted to it klopp didn't and we lost the game. same mistakes from the Europa League final.

{Ed001's Note - if you say so, strange that Lucas is not a full back or winger, and you claim Howe's 'master stroke', which was putting on a wide player and putting Ake to left back, was targeted at Lucas. Just shows you know nothing about what you are talking about, clearly you would not even get a job as a Sunday league manager.}

10 Dec 2016 03:34:14
Hi Eds
You mentioned Newcastle having a spate of injuries on season a few years back.
Was that when Sourness was manager?

I'd say Souness playing a part during 5 a side games in training probably didn't help the injury stats.

{Ed001's Note - it was for a long time period they had a problem, at least 3 managers went through the door, it started under Keegan.}

04 Dec 2016 19:59:28
For all those slating Karius just listen to Klopps interview after the game need I say more.

04 Dec 2016 20:28:06
Well if karius is the answer what the f#*ks the? Yet to be convinced. Still need a Kante, medal type player imho!

04 Dec 2016 21:24:34
Think we need a Gigantic wall in the midfield so the ball never reaches Karius or Lovren.

04 Dec 2016 22:09:30
We may need to look deeper, any sort of pressure and the keeper flaps. the problem might well be JOHN ACHTERBERG.

04 Dec 2016 22:19:20
Anything but blame Karius. I know you're all willing him to be great, and how I wish he was but, basically, he's crap.

04 Dec 2016 22:34:00
But buying a new keeper who is a clone of the previous one doesn't add up.

04 Dec 2016 22:42:24
So it's Karius' fault that the whole team switched off? It's his fault that the defence in front of him went AWOL and left him exposed to the point of making a one on one save vs Afobe right in the heart of the box with no defender in sight? It's his fault that our ragged defending left Fraser wide open to pick his spot? It's his fault that a CB had the freedom of Anfield to chest, control and pick his spot with no one even breathing on him to put him off? It's his fault that no one closed down the CB who had all the time in the world to shoot with no one closing him down that led to the fourth goal? Yeah, Karius is to blame for not rectifying all the above.

04 Dec 2016 22:51:12
Hamilton is right. Karius had no chance with the first 3 goals and made a few good saves.
Lovren needs a babysitter as he clearly cannot lead the defence and Lucas is not a defender and doesn't get in the team as a midfielder.

04 Dec 2016 22:52:16
The match wasn't at anfield.

04 Dec 2016 23:01:51
HAMILTON RED, he's not the only problem, but when called on he has to do his job, at 3-3 when that shot comes in he has to hold it, he's not inspiring any confidence in any of the games he's played.

04 Dec 2016 23:07:41
The team as a whole didn't cover themselves in glory in the second half Hamilton but Karius is to blame for not saving a routine shot for the second goal and spilling the ball into the middle of the 6 yard box for the fourth. I hate slating him and people who have read my posts will know I'm normally very supportive of our players but I'm so angry about that today. That's not to mention the other shot that went straight through his hands and he was lucky it went over the bar. You will get shots against you at any level of football and it's a goal keepers job to save the shots that can be saved. Today it looked like every shot on goal would go past him irrespective of how good the shot was. Yes he made a decent block from Afobe but it was hit at him rather than him saving it. I hope he comes good I really do but there's no hiding that was an absolute horror show today.

04 Dec 2016 23:19:56
Karius had a very poor game. Not sure how anyone can say otherwise. You can try blaming the defence but once the ball arrives with the keeper he has a job to do, and he didn't do it very well.
If i were Klopp, i'd flip a coin on which keeper starts the next match as i don't see much difference between them so far.

04 Dec 2016 23:22:01
My point is Klopp ain't slagging him off like the turnips on here are or any other player that cocks up, no mention of Milner and the penalty let's rip him also you get my point or do you.

04 Dec 2016 23:25:23
To be fair, Karius is an offensive keeper. I find him very offensive.

05 Dec 2016 01:24:43
I never said Karius was great. In fact, he could have done better with the shot but you have to go to the root of the problem in order to solve it. We dropped off our intensity and focus vs a team that hadn't had a kick all game, one that was being slaughtered with no where to hide. That is what triggered the meltdown. The defence had been doing its job for about an hour until Lovren had another brain freeze that led to Milner panicking and conceding the penalty. Then, under more pressure, the defence is all over the shop, exposing Karius. He's still young and in a new league. He needed the protection until he found his feet, something we had done since he came into the team. He got exposed by the defence and made a mistake. The lack of focus, poor attitude, no game management are the red flags for me, not the singling out of one player, especially a 22 year old GK who's still finding his feet.

05 Dec 2016 05:20:55
I accept your point, Hamilton - Karius was certainly not solely responsible for the loss - that was a lackadaisical approach by the whole team once we went two goals clear. But the OPs comment was regarding Karius's role in that capitulation and he should have done a lot better, particularly with the final goal.
I want to have Karius written on the back of next seasons shirt because he improved as much as De Gea after his first season but right now he's not showing us why he was so highly rated in Germany last year.

05 Dec 2016 15:07:31
Annie, if you want a Karius shirt on your back, then you have to stick and persevere with him for the next couple of seasons at least. Look, we all want a DDG type Goalie at LFC BUT even DDG or Reina himself, were woful when they arrived. Did their managers bin them after their calamitous starts or did they persevere, improve them and built defensive systems that protected them till they came good? they did not do the former, for sure. He`s not been outstanding and that`s fine because like it or not, he won`t be great overnight. You have to work with him and if Klopp is willing to do that, then we should be willing to support Karius if we claim trust Klopp. Binning him after 8 games and starting a known failure in migs or a 40 yr old semi retired in manninger is just ludicrous. He needs time to prove himself.

04 Dec 2016 16:10:34
Well that wasn't the result we wanted. Fair play to Bournemouth, they deserved the win for the way they fought back, they played the same way we were playing in the first half, pressing high and attacking us and they got the result.

Regarding how we played, first half we were totally dominant, i think it was 63% possession at one point? We certainly could have defended better and played allot better in the 2nd half. I think it emphasis the importance of Matip at the back.

That was the first time we conceded ore than 3 goals since we played Arsenal, and the first time we conceded 4 all season. We have conceded 3 more goals than the same point last season, however our form is much much better this season. our stats read at the same point last season as 6wins 5 draws and 3 losses, this season however we have 9 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses, and are 7 points better off at the same point. It isn't the end of the world this result and there are positives to take, I think the fact we became a bit complacent after the 3rd goal will be addressed by Klopp, he did say anyone that talks of the title or becomes complacent will be dropped. I think a result like this always sends us crashing back down to earth, which is what we need at times. We need that grounded mentality, we need forget both as fans and the media and especially the players need forget about any talk of the title, or even top 4, we need focus on the next game, and only the next game, we are only as good as our last game. Onwards to West Ham next sunday, YNWA.

04 Dec 2016 16:21:29
If we don't improve our game management we'll struggle to win anything. At 3-1 up we should have tightened up and controlled the tempo of the game. Instead, we let Bournemouth call the shots and lost all our concentration and composure.
So disappointing to lose this one. but we need to learn from our mistakes and move on.
It hurts now. but will soon be forgotten with a good 3 points next week against West Ham.
Let's hope Matip will be fit and that Mane's injury is minor.

04 Dec 2016 16:29:33
I don't know what have we improved on seeing off the games. We let Arsenal come back and we we're very lucky. The point is most of the teams doesn't press us or commit men forward because our firepower up front is the best in the league but whenever someone has pressed us they ran past our midfield and backline like ussajn bolts!

04 Dec 2016 16:32:28
Im normally a really big fan of Karius, but i really do feel he let himself down today. Of course there was nothing he could do about the penalty or the third goal which was a fantastic finish, but i just felt for the 4th goal if the shot was too hot to handle then he should have been trying to push it out wide or out for a corner, not straight back out into the middle of the 6 yard box. He is still very young however and i just hope he can learn from these sort of mistakes unlike mignolet who still continues to make the same mistakes. The reality is we played today with 2 players who have played in midfield their entire career in our back 4. Lucas was actually bought as an attacking midfielder and milner has played everywhere in midfield and the left back spot is something new for him. Just such a shame about sakho because him and lovren were starting to get something really good going at the end of last season and we seen how we missed him in the europa league final. Just feel that Chelsea are the team to beat and i just don't think youd see them conceding 4 in 45 minutes after being 2-0 up, and i think we play them again in January when mane is at the ACON and coutinho may still be out. Having said all that i would have happily taken top 4 at the start of the season and even if the mancs win later we are still 7 ahead of them.

04 Dec 2016 18:05:39
Tell you what I love our game management. It may lead to bad results like today but the excitement and entertainment is great.
This is clearly what Kloppo wants from the team. He plays heavy metal football so if you want the 4,5 goals scored you have to accept the 3,4 goals conceded.
I'd hate us to go all "1-0 to the Arsenal".

In addition, we do not have a good enough defensive unit to shut games down, the only way is to just keep scoring.

04 Dec 2016 18:55:20
Klopp doesn't seem to want to make changes to see games out
When he was forced to sub Mane he should've maybe brought on Klavan and pushed Lucas into midfield to add some more protection to that horrendous central defence we had today.

04 Dec 2016 18:59:41
We didn't manage the game well today, something we are actually very good at and have been all season. We need to improve on this front and go back to the drawing board. 2nd loss in the PL this season with the most difficult opening schedule and in third place, 10 points ahead of the mancs. I'll take the current state of affairs and move on.

04 Dec 2016 19:05:53
Totally agree Ron. But do you think klopp should try and smooth things over with Sakho until a suitable replacement is found? I think he would be a better replacement for Matip when needed than our defensive midfielder.

{Ed002's Note - Klopp wants Sakho gone and he won't play for Liverpool again.}

04 Dec 2016 19:12:08
I agree with Supermane. Bringing Klavan and pushing Lucas means we would have got the grip in the midfield. Not sure at what point Klopp actually shed his all out philosophy to a more mature tactical approach.

What is the shame in seeing our a game at 3-1?

04 Dec 2016 20:01:46
Klopp needs to rethink his heavy metal philosophy.

04 Dec 2016 21:18:37
We won't win the league until we have a top drawer keeper.

The Liverpool Football Club first team goal keeper should be better than that.

Carra was spot on today saying the whole defence were not good enough and Karius not nearly good enough.

But easier said than done I suppose.

04 Dec 2016 21:20:38
No. No and no Supermane. The players need to maintain intensity, reduce the no. Of errors. Some tweaking perhaps, no rethink required.

04 Dec 2016 22:54:59
Spot on, Andy. Had we won the game, no one would be saying or asking for an overhaul of the system. Our performance was good enough to win easily. This is just a reminder that mire work needs to be done and nothing has been achieved yet. As for Karius, he should have done better with the fourth goal but to blame him for the loss is absolutely ridiculous. There is so much blame to go around so that needs to stop. i'm still sticking with him as at least he should be given time to learn and improve, which he has been until today. Migs is a three year failure and going back to him is a non starter.

05 Dec 2016 11:55:18
Harry goes on a wobbler and everybody jumps on his bandwagon. It was unfortunate but these things happen. I said we would struggle until our injured players are fit again. Klopp just needs to find the right mix to get us results. Nothing to panic about and no need to be over dramatic about harry. Jeez.

05 Dec 2016 14:22:33
Hi ed 2.
When asked about the Klopp - Sakho situation you answered correctly that Klopp wants Sakho out.

In your opinion is Klopp right in doing this and could it be handled differently since a quality centre half on full wages is ot even training with the first team squad where at least he could be challenging the rest to keep their place.

In my opinion Mourinio is in the same predicament with Schweinstieger at Utd.
Surely he would have been a far better choice to bring on instead of Fillani.
Keep up the great work.
Tks.

{Ed002's Note - It reflects double standards if you consider how another player was dealt with but it is Klopp's choice. Manchester United has a list of players who will depart in January and the summer - the difference is BS has done nothing wrong.}

04 Dec 2016 15:49:25
Well done to Bournemouth. it ain't over till the fat lady sings. LFC been there + won games the same way. Roll on the next game.

04 Dec 2016 15:42:20
The only team that beats Liverpool is Liverpool.
Self inflicted again 😣.

04 Dec 2016 22:59:23
That is the annoying thing, Nomsi. No team has cut us open and ever dominated us into defeat. We have dominated almost every game we've played this season, including today's game yet we are our own worst enemy. Frustrating but not concerned yet as I expect us to bounce back.

04 Dec 2016 15:32:51
Not the result we wanted but fair play to Bournemouth who deserved to win today. If it was us who had come back like that we would be saying how good we are not how bad the other team were, In fact we did exactly that v Dortmund.

Plenty more points to win this season so let's have dignity and congratulate Bournemouth on the fight and desire to win.

04 Dec 2016 15:32:38
Terrible result. Not really sure what happened as I don't think Bournemouth were that good. We have to put things into perspective tho and we are still only one point off second, and still ten in front of the mancs (for at least a couple of hours) .
This result is very hard to digest, and will probably take a few days to digest.
Let's stay calm and wait and see what happens in our next game.

04 Dec 2016 15:40:25
Bournemouth were terrible, it's an absolute mystery how Liverpool let them win, but it's something only Liverpool can do.

04 Dec 2016 15:58:13
I don't think that they were terrible but I'm baffled that we ended up losing. As I said before, it's how we react to this. We can't blame injuries as it's important that every member of the squad is able to step up. Massive game next week. I'm remaining optimistic.

04 Dec 2016 19:31:27
They were terrible, period. I've seen them play way better in the past. Watch their game cs Spurs this season and you'll see why, Kate. We lost that game on our own and we have no one to blame but ourselves. However, let's not start spitting our dummies out just because we lost our second game in all competitions this season. Keep the faith, lads!

04 Dec 2016 15:28:18
So hard to stay calm after that.

Lovren's days as first choice must be numbered. Nice third choice defender.

04 Dec 2016 15:26:28
certainly makes yesterdays debate sbout best team in the league look a bit silly.

04 Dec 2016 15:19:29
How did we blow this game?

04 Dec 2016 15:21:44
Off day, it happens.

04 Dec 2016 15:22:39
matip injured will lose us this game all them now.

04 Dec 2016 15:25:46
By Mane going out and relieving pressure on Bournemouth.

04 Dec 2016 15:27:21
Too many players sleeping, lack of mental toughness, individual stupidity. The same story again and again. Bitter pill to swallow today.

04 Dec 2016 13:24:10
Hello Ed's,
Is there a chance Grujic could go out on a loan in January. Limited opportunities.

Good luck to the lads for the game.

{Ed002's Note - I really don't know.
}

04 Dec 2016 12:41:27
Grujic once again not even on the bench.

04 Dec 2016 13:07:57
Yeah, what's the deal with that? Attitude problem? Bulking up programme like Origi last year? Not as good as everyone thought? Homesick?

04 Dec 2016 13:18:49
I think one of the eds a few weeks or so back had said he's just not ready yet. Worrying considering he needs games for his work permit and all but we can discuss it forever it's been done to death. I think the lads promising and really want to see more of him but don't think we will. I don't understand why he was bought in the summer when we have youngsters as good if not better but I'm no Klopp, what do I know.

04 Dec 2016 13:25:27
Y was klavan bought if not to send Gomez to U23?

04 Dec 2016 14:16:18
Cover because gomez was injured as well you know.

04 Dec 2016 14:13:56
if we would of waited a year he may of went elsewhere an became a success. Being made to wait until he's ready without kicking up a fuss tells me he has a good attitude 👌.

{Ed002's Note - There has been a fuss.}

04 Dec 2016 12:33:58
No matip gutted! But think Lucas will slot in and do the job. going to be a very tough game!
Come on you reds.

04 Dec 2016 13:19:32
Yes thank god we have Lucas, otherwise it'd of been Klaven.

04 Dec 2016
The real time live chat page is open for today's Liverpool match at the below link for you to talk to each other during the match
Liverpool Live Chat page

04 Dec 2016 09:55:22
Virgil Van Dijk? Any chance in January of a liverpool move and would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the player Ed001. Does seem his pace and power gets him out of a few lapses in concentration positionally but rarely gets caught out.

{Ed001's Note - I don't expect him to go anywhere in January.

As for the player himself, physically he is damn near the perfect player. Big, very big and strong as an ox, fast as well, with a decent leap too. His pace and power are amongst the best of any centre back around. On the ball he is very good too, his touch is excellent and his passing is very good.

However he is caught out of position far too much, sometimes through ball watching and sometimes because he has charged forward and lost the ball, then made no effort to get back. Often he can rescue the situation with his power and pace, but there are far too many times when he is too busy stood watching to help out at the back. Last weekend, for instance, he made a charge forward with the ball, it was lost behind him around the halfway line, just a couple of yards from him, and he just stood watching while his team mates battled for the ball, goalside of him. There was no attempt to get goalside in case it broke the other way, or an attempt to get involved and win the ball. He just stood watching, affecting nothing. Indecision like that is unforgivable. It reminds me of Glenn Johnson, where there is so much ability there but the mental side of the game is completely missing.}

04 Dec 2016 10:56:47
Excellent response. Thanks Ed001.

You probably answered this before but who would be your number 1 realistic choice as partner for Matip now Mustafi is out of the realistic list?

{Ed001's Note - I would like to see what Gomez can do, personally. There are no realistic quality centre backs out there, that I have seen anyway. So I would allow Gomez to fight Lovren for the place. Lucas is good cover.}

04 Dec 2016 11:12:19
Hi eds

Would he improve playing Klopps style of football surrounded by better players?

Eg. I think Lovren has improved under Klopp.

The way Klopp has us defending as a team as high up the pitch as possible where his pace and power would be an asset to us
And he would improve us at set pieces at both ends.

{Ed001's Note - he certainly would not be all that much of an improvement at set pieces, he gets caught napping at them a lot. I just don't see any hope for him, not just by working with Klopp. He is too much of a Glenn Johnson, imo. He needs a life changing experience to change his attitude and make him see what he needs to do. He just does not have the focus required.}

04 Dec 2016 11:18:22
Do you think ed001 it is possible he could grow as a player and become more composed, like you said with sol campbell, or is he just a player hopelessly destined to have no footballing intelligence, like moreno or johnson?

{Ed001's Note - Johnson, nor Van Dijk, lack intelligence. It is focus and desire they lack. They are mentally sleepwalking because it has all come to them too easily. Not necessarily easily, but more easily than most. David James was another, they are natural players, so they lack focus and drive, as they can do it early on without needing to put the same effort in that others have to. Unless something occurs to focus them on the game, they tend to just drift through their careers, never quite achieving what they can, but still showing flashes of quality to keep people hoping that they might.}

04 Dec 2016 11:29:01
Van Dijk is nowhere near good enough for Liverpool. I'm all for Gomez getting his chance, it's about time for the lad, if it wasn't for his injury I reckon he'd of already been there doing the job by now.

04 Dec 2016 11:29:01
Van Dijk is nowhere near good enough for Liverpool. I'm all for Gomez getting his chance, it's about time for the lad, if it wasn't for his injury I reckon he'd of already been there doing the job by now.

04 Dec 2016 11:30:37
What about Fonte? He seems to be the CB who keeps making his CB partner look like a boss.

{Ed001's Note - love him but too old to make his price worth paying.}

04 Dec 2016 08:16:28
Another tough afternoon on the Sourh coast and it's going to be an interesting contest as Bournemouth like to get the ball down and play. Let's see how they set up against us, I think they'll try and press us high and contain/ squeeze the space.

Need 3 points to keep up with the Chavs.

04 Dec 2016 02:54:12
Love souness though.

Can't blame him for the demise of a club as historical trends back-up the demise of football giants, unless of course you are a state run illegal bullying club like Madrid.

Carragher stated he would love to sit down and have a scran with Ferguson, and these comments are no different.

Don't hate anyone or anything, yet can't stand Utd, but love Keane and Scholes, and see a massive similarity between Graham and Roy.

Two great players who are loyal yet express their opinions in a true footballing fashion which is quite rare.

04 Dec 2016 06:32:08
Been on the lash, Davey?

04 Dec 2016 07:42:54
Souness is one of our very best ever players. As a manager he was a disgrace. Just look at his signings. Kozma, Piechnic, dicks. Terrible mistakes and giving an interview to the s*n was unforgivable.

04 Dec 2016 08:17:28
Great player greedy man.

04 Dec 2016 11:30:24
The dirtiest player as well as a great player.
Arguably he came into a great team and improved them so that says a lot.

I love listening to him as a pundit but how many times does he say or refer to
*being a top player or its time for the top players to win the battle. '

He thinks that each team has a hierarchy with a huge alpha male leader.

This goes against klopps philosophy where every player in the squad are equal in status and those not chosen to play are equally important to the group.

As a manager he brought through Robbie Fowler, Rob Jones etc. but his style of bullying management is soon found out wherever he has been
Souness has always needed a war or rivary to win to keep proving he is tough.