Liverpool Banter Archive January 04 2016

 

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04 Jan 2016 20:02:29
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Vodafone Egypt Accused Of Match Fixing, Real Madrid Sack Rafa And More

Believable1 Unbelievable0

04 Jan 2016 18:51:28
At the beginning of the season who would of taken this.

Into the new year, we have one of the best possible club managers at our club with his own backroom staff.
6 points behind fourth. With all of the top teams to come to as field.
Semi finals of the Capital one cup and through to the knock out stages of the Europa league
And some of our loaned out players getting good reports.
After last season this season doesn't look to bad guys.

Believable15 Unbelievable4

04 Jan 2016 19:03:52
Gazza, I'll apologise because I'm in an argumentative mood. But we wouldn't have accepted this at the start of the season, that's why Rodgers was sacked. We're doing average and I hope for more over the next 5 months.


{Ed001's Note - we would have done, Rodgers was sacked because he was not one of the best possible club managers. Not even close to it. If he had been, we wouldn't be in this mess.}

04 Jan 2016 19:16:11
I can understand some optimism, but am no way happy with our performances or apparent standard of the squad. I hoped that after a few good performances under Klopp we would see that the players may well have what it takes to compete higher up the table. Sadly, it would appear that just handful are of a decent enough standard.
I don't care too much about how teams around or above us are performing right now, making our position look not too bad as you say, I care more about how we are playing, as a pointer to what we can expect. I know we have a few keys injuries: Hendo, Sturridge, Ings etc, so I'm looking forward more to next season, seeing how Klopp's methods take effect and who he brings in and who is shown the door.


04 Jan 2016 19:24:07
With a lot of players back from injury and the whole second half of the season in contention for our targets?
Yeah, I'd have taken it.


04 Jan 2016 19:41:49
Well the loaned out players are nothing to do with Klopp.


04 Jan 2016 19:48:18
I do agree pretty much about the rest tho. A little bit of consistency would go down a treat, also a few players back. I can't believe Muscat that you are comparing Rodgers, here 4 seasons and Klopp here 3 months? New league, new players, trying to get his feet under the table, and instill new ideas, better fitness into the players and play 2 games a week more or less.


04 Jan 2016 20:30:15
i can't lie, i see the reason for oppltermisum, granted we are way off where we want to be but, and as frustrating as it gets, all it takes is a nice little run, string a few results together and boom, last season? = distant memory. There is always a reason to be positive when you're a LFC fan! :)


04 Jan 2016 20:31:54
This is more or less where we were last year. We also got to the semi final of the league cup, we were still in the Europa league, and I don't think we were lower than where we are in the PL table. Of what I read about our loaned players, most of them are being sent back to us by their teams after hardly playing and they are seen as a serious first team prospect only by some of the very optimistc fans here. And last year we had Sterling which with all his deficencies played better than any of our current midfielders.

Klopp is a big improvement on Rodgers but mainly in prospects for the future, not so much in where we are (this is not a complaint about him, he couldn't do much in such a short time but this is the reality) .

In any case this post is premature. Let's speak in two weeks and a bit. If we are in the league cup final, if we get 6 points (you know what, I will take 4) from our games against Man U and Arsenal then yes I will say this is a big improvement. Otherwise, it can be a pretty rubbish season.


04 Jan 2016 21:43:37
Still defending one of the main reasons we're an absolute shambles muscatred, WOW! I'm sure wherever the fraud rocks up at next, you will be rooting them on, what I can't work out is, is it still your man crush or an unbearable desire to be proved right.

I hope for your sake it's not the latter because the man is a charlatan and a con artist so that scenario will NEVER materialise for you. I actually have extreme sympathy for the fans of the next team that have the misfortune to employ him, let's hope there are no clueless owners like the ones we're saddled with in this country who will be taken in by BS 1000 word philosophy which won't be worth the paper it's printed on.


04 Jan 2016 22:15:24
Not me. Six points behind fourth and most of the teams above us are better than us.


04 Jan 2016 22:44:10
Don't worry about Muscat's comments, lads. It's what he does. In the past he had insinuated that he sensed that if results started getting poor, many fans would turn on Klopp like they did BR. Well apart from a small minority, the fans are with him all the way.

Now to my real point, had BR still been in charge, we would never have beaten City, Chelsea, qualified top of the EL group, smashed the Saints on their patch and made the cup semi. That is a fact based on how dreadful we were before his sacking. Anyone saying otherwise is just being morally dishonest.

We are where we are because Klopp is hamstrung by BR's incompetence three years in the making. He got sacked for his body of work and not for his blunders this season as Ed had said the owners weren't comfortable hiring those replacements proposed to them.

As soon as Klopp said he was ready, he got the chop regardless of the result of his final game. Had he been available earlier, BR would have been sacked way before that. He has improved us more in three months than BR ever did in his last fifteen months here.

His legacy will live on till the summer when Klopp will have time to stamp his authority on the team. Till then, one game at a time and showing some fight and grit would help a lot especially vs Stoke tmrw.


04 Jan 2016 21:24:07
If Rodgers had stayed things would have got worse than they are now. Klopp needs time, end of story.


05 Jan 2016 06:44:09
It's been a bit up and down to be honest, but you couldn't say we are not better overall since Klopp came. Besides, we are talking about 3 years vs. 3 months. It's a bit unbalanced to compare the two, but clearly, you can hardly blame Klopp when he has not made a single signing yet. I'm sure we'll be better once he's had the time to put his stamp on the team.


05 Jan 2016 12:40:40
Without a doubt I'd have taken it. A lot of us have wanted Klopp for a long time, it was never going to be easy but it's no where near as bad as some make out, it could have been with BR still at the helm. Fair enough we aren't playing to well in this moment, but in the next moment we will be the champions, Klopp will do something special, it may take more time than we would like but 1 day we will be saying, in this moment we are champions.

In this moment, I Believe.


04 Jan 2016 17:47:00
---------deleted---------

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - We are not going to get in to minute-by-minute updates - please don't ask anymore. Anything else take to the appropriate page please.}

04 Jan 2016 19:44:02
Ohh sorry ed! I did search but couldn't see any news from the last few days.


04 Jan 2016 17:38:48
Redmen,

Brace yourselves, its the weekend loan update 🏆

Aberdeens match got postponed.

Alberto scored and played for 80minutes as deportivo lost 2-1 to villareal.

Markovic played the full 90 as fenerbache won 2-1.

Canos played for 80minutes as Brentford lost 2-1 to birmingham.

Kent played for 70 minutes as Coventry beat Crewe 5-0.
For those that didn't know Kent has now returned to anfield and is expected to start against Exeter on Friday.

All others are either injured, didn't make squad, or still on winter break.

Here's hoping for a positive response to the weekends shambles tomorrow against stoke. It should be a tough game over two legs.

COME ON YOU REDS.

Believable17 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}

04 Jan 2016 17:48:22
And Balotelli didn't blow anything up on New Years. Been a good week for the loanees.


04 Jan 2016 18:51:41
Cheers Carra.


04 Jan 2016 19:37:25
Good lad Carra - much appreciated.


04 Jan 2016 20:32:10
Yes, thank you, do appreciate the updates very much.


04 Jan 2016 22:21:02
Nice one mate!


04 Jan 2016 23:10:18
Nice one carra fair play.


05 Jan 2016 01:18:16
Don't mind the vegetables who disagree Carra thanks for your updates mate.


{Ed007's Note - (clap) Disagreeing with that is pretty pathetic.}

04 Jan 2016 17:00:35
With Henderson missing tomorrow, that's our captain and vice captain out of the game. Looking around the team nobody stands out for me who I think will take the game by the scruff of the neck and lead by example. Any thoughts on who might.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

04 Jan 2016 17:19:58
Sakho would be the one that jumps out for me. Maybe it's time for one of the number 10's to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and inspire us to victory?


04 Jan 2016 17:55:02
Not been doing to well without everybody's most hated. Milner. Have we?


04 Jan 2016 18:42:01
RED, I was thinking the same thing myself. You don't appreciate certain players until they are missing. At least he always tried.


04 Jan 2016 18:48:32
He was a scapegoat lads. Same as Lovren, Lallana, Benteke, Lucas etc.
Truth is the squad as a whole is 7th to 10th quality and it's no shock after half the season we are still round about there to be honest.


04 Jan 2016 19:25:37
I don't think it's anymore than coincidence personally.


04 Jan 2016 17:29:01
Got to be sakho surley.


04 Jan 2016 20:37:53
Well, the Captain has to be one of either Lucas or Sakho, but who is going to inspire us to victory? There is no doubting Coutinhos brilliance, but i don't feel inspired by his leadership qualities. Lallana? nah. Maybe Fimino, Maybe not? it looks a bit rudderless to be honest. Any thoughts?


04 Jan 2016 22:47:51
Milner will never be a scapegoat for me as I said from day one that he wasn't needed and regardless of our situation which is not dire by any means, he will never be the solution. Ed has already said that Klopp is evaluating him and many others who he doesn't believe in and come this summer, heads will roll and I hope he's and several others are shown the door.


04 Jan 2016 23:13:38
I'd definitely give it to Sakho. Clear leader. Leaders don't have to be the best players on the park btw, but lead by example and don't be afraid to lift others out of it that are not pulling their weight.
For that reason I'd have Sakho first, then Lallana - who used to captain Southampton many forget.


{Ed002's Note - Not caring too much about the language issues - are you giving it to Kirikou because of the haircut?}

04 Jan 2016 16:10:42
I was catching up on all things Liverpool and read this headline in the Echo website.

'Liverpool FC talking point: Good Klopp bad Klopp routine spells trouble for players'.

Good Klopp, Bad Klopp routine makes me giggle. I love the idea of Klopp being really sympathetic to a player then just losing it and getting all aggressive in the player's face lol.

BTW Happy New Year.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - It has pissed off a lot of people in the past.}

04 Jan 2016 16:33:59
Ed002 can you clarify what you mean? Is this a Klopp trademark?


{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you mean by "trademark" nor what you expect clarification over. There is no secret that Klipperty gets frustrated with players and the media and occasionally lets loose.}

04 Jan 2016 17:26:46
im gladd klopp doesn't give a hoot. I think we can safely say benteke won't be here much longer, if he wants first team football.


04 Jan 2016 17:32:05
We can't say that wise. Benteke has been here 6 months. Let's try and be a little patient because he has scored some wonderful goals. I understand everyone needs a scapegoat but the whole bloody team is playin tired/ poorly right now. Not just benteke.


04 Jan 2016 18:00:21
benteke is not the scapegoat, we are playing poorly because of klopp, which I am ok with as the future looks good.


04 Jan 2016 18:09:16
also, crouch, carrol, scored some wonderful goals but left for first team football. we bought benteke thinking he could adapt and be a focal point but seems caroll and crouch were better at adapting too our team. let's hope benteke is just a slow learner and by the seasons end he has proven his worth somehow because ability wise he is a lot better than caroll and crouch.


04 Jan 2016 18:28:22
when benteke came to us he did have a lot more movement and made some good runs he showed it at villa as well but the injuries have put a halt to this, if he can get back to doing those things again then he will look a different player and he will score more goals.


04 Jan 2016 22:50:39
Benteke isn't the only one.


04 Jan 2016 22:56:54
We are playing poorly because of Klopp, Wiseryan? You must be joking. Did Klopp sign the players he's trying to get the best out of Did Klopp break the bank to buy Benteke who at the moment, he can't stop screaming at to move his butt? Is Klopp responsible for signing the players he himself would never have touched with a ten foot pole? Who created and up unbalanced squad with no true wingers to supply Benteke? I can keep going, mate. The guy is trying his best to make the crap burger BR left him into and edible dish and he must be furious at how hamstrung he is and the lack of fight in this team. I suggest u stop blaming him for other people's mistakes because you're being unfair. When he's had his chance to mould his squad, you may have a go but defo not before.


05 Jan 2016 01:02:16
yes we are playing poorly because klopp is still figuring things out. its been stop start. Benteke is playing awful because klopp is asking him to adapt to his style, which if he ever adapts, it will take a while and there will be a bumpy road in results in this decision to get benteke to play a totally new way. right now klopp is learning a lot from his mistakes. you can't just be naive and blame only the players.


05 Jan 2016 01:06:52
also i'm not having a go at klopp. i just acknowledge of what klopp himself has admitted. he is not perfect. he will need time. he will make many more mistakes, but he will learn and improve this team.


05 Jan 2016 02:02:07
Spot on, Wise one!


05 Jan 2016 06:56:50
Wiseryan, you're on a double-speak tonight. You blame Klopp for our failures because he's trying to adapt his team, and next, you're not having a go at him? You must remember that this team was conceived, designed, built, constructed, whatever you want to call it, by someone else. Someone else built this structure and molded this team. This team was someone's dream for 3 years. Enters Klopp. He's doing what he can to get the best out of this bunch. How can that be his fault when he hasn't had any input into the team? Brendan did not have the kind of crisis Klopp has at the moment with the striker situation and all that. The truth is that Brendan complained more about getting more resources to squander, while Klopp has done his best so far to give the boys some heart to fight for their team and defend the club they play for. I can't see any blame going to Klopp other than trying to make players account for their attitude rather than Brendan Rodgers saying the the had character!


04 Jan 2016 15:37:32
Hi eds just reading on metro (unreliable I know) that liverpool have agreed to sign some young Polish GK named Grabara? Any truth to this or is he one for the academy? Thanks.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - He is a child and perhaps one for a couple of years time.}

04 Jan 2016 15:24:09
Hi Eds, Happy new year!

My question is targeted towards the youth, from what I have seen so far Klopp doesn't seem particularly interested in trying many of our youth players, such as Taxiera, Branagan, Sinclair, Rossiter to name a couple. With games coming so thick and fast I was surprised to see a similar team each week, with players like Lallana coming off the bench even when it looked like he was rested. Is this a decision based on him not rating our youth? In his conference today he mentioned he doesn't have much room to rotate the team, which doesn't inspire much confidence! Just curious if you had heard any rumours regarding his opinions!

Thanks!

Believable0 Unbelievable7

{Ed002's Note - There is no issue, rumour or anything elee. He has a first team squad which includes a number of youngsters, some of which have had an occasional game. They are not ready to play every week unless Liverpool wish to give up on getting good results.}

04 Jan 2016 20:46:22
For Ed002 please, imagine you are talking to an infa when/ if you answer this! when you say "they are not ready to play every week unless Liverpool want to give up on getting good results"at what point does the Liverpool hierarchy deem them ready, i guess, what i mean is how does the transition work? how do you make a youngster first team ready without risking them in games that the results matter?


{Ed002's Note - They will be one by one given an opportunity when they prove the time is right - training, fitting in, maturity, etc.. It is a team game and folks sometimes forget the need to train with the first team, understand what is being said on the pitch and fitting in seamlessly. Just heaving them in is a recipe for disaster.}

04 Jan 2016 23:35:56
Not much point in throwing a load of youngsters in to an underperforming, low confidence team.

That said, I think he's been fair and a few have had a runout already.


04 Jan 2016 14:17:50
Ed1 can I ask your views and what you would like to see happen in this (Jan) window and the summer. Players out would be interesting. And a few possible ins to better the squad.

Not what will happen per say but just what you think needs to happen. You have a good understanding of the club, I'm sure it's a topic that people will enjoy reading.

Also, any players you think we should be looking to add to fit the style and policy's you see the club having going forward.
A few gems you admire and want (like Koop before he signed)

Thanks if u can be bothered 😍
No worries if you can't 👍🏻.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

{Ed001's Note - I don't think there should be a lot happening. If anything I would like to see Klopp given a bit longer to look at the players we have, before doing much. We could do with offloading Lallana, in my opinion, as he offers no width or movement or pace, may as well get as much for him as possible and let Kent, Teixeira and Ibe fight over the place. Release Jose Enrique. Sell Joe Allen. Get rid of Jermaine Sinclair and the vermin he has for an agent (no player with him for an agent should be allowed to be at the club). Mostly though I think we need to stand pat and just ride out the season and look to do business in the summer. With the upcoming Euros, any player whose team is going there is going to want to stay put, in the main, unless they are not playing regularly, so that limits the options for transfers.}

04 Jan 2016 15:12:36
Ed 1 which young strikers could fill a gap in the squad while we have so many injuries, our bench was very limited with no strikers on there against West Ham.


{Ed001's Note - Personally I would push Ibe up alongside Firmino.}

04 Jan 2016 15:17:07
Agree with Lallana only because firmino was bought but not in January to many injuries

Also ed001 why is Klopp not given youth a chance with injuries it seems a good time to play some younger players or bring them of the bench no pressure.


{Ed001's Note - he is checking out the squad first, he can't just dump off players on huge wages without even giving them a proper chance. The club can't afford to just lose more money for the sake of it.}

04 Jan 2016 16:01:01
Also makes sense clean slate for every player I guess.


04 Jan 2016 16:15:34
Ed1 good point about Ibe, I really like him as a player and he as a very good finish on him, maybe on the wing he isn't involved enough and give him a chance down the middle would possibly bring the best out of him?


{Ed001's Note - he can go on his left or right as well, which is why putting him central has a chance of getting more from him.}

04 Jan 2016 17:02:22
Spot on Ed01 Lallana would be the player to go for me and probably the one we would get a high return on 16-20m, we paid way over the odds for him and he doesn't add goals or assists so what exactly does he do? If we got in 20m for allen and lallana and free up playing time for the younger players then that would be good. Enrique is a no brainer. For me biggest problem with the team at the moment is the balance in midfield we badly miss an Alonso/ cabaye type player.


04 Jan 2016 17:52:42
I've said it before but I think it's an ideal time to use the youth. Allen, lallana, Milner, Enrique (if he had a spot) can be replaced by rossiter, texiera, Kent and smith. I doubt lallana will because he has appeared in every game under klopp I think but they can't do too much worse.


04 Jan 2016 23:02:26
Ed is in the money. I would play Ibe as the striker or play him the way Stoke plays Arnautovic as in drifting inside from wide areas to run on to through balls and score with Firmino as the main striker like Bojan who like Firmino, has an eye for a pass but you wouldn't know it because Benteke never finishes the chances he creates for him on a platter.


{Ed002's Note - A Stoke love fest then?}

05 Jan 2016 02:03:33
Nah, Ed. Just a thought.


04 Jan 2016 14:39:45
Hi eds,

With grujic expected to sign soon, I was just wondering was he looked at with serious interest by us before klopp?

Or is this someone klopp has admired for awhile?

Dev.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Pre Klopp.}

04 Jan 2016 14:39:45
Hi eds,

With grujic expected to sign soon, I was just wondering was he looked at with serious interest by us before klopp?

Or is this someone klopp has admired for awhile?

Dev.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Pre Klopp.}

04 Jan 2016 13:55:04
Eds is there any progress at this stage on Allen leaving in January or no change further than what you have already explained?

Believable0 Unbelievable5

{Ed002's Note - I am not expecting Joe Allen to leave in January nor am I aware of any interest in him.}

04 Jan 2016 13:16:34
Afternoon Ed002
Luis Alberto, doing ok at Deportivo this season. Do you know of any interest to sign him permanently, is he interested? Maybe another Spanish club or if it is Deportivo was there an already arranged fee as such? Cheers.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - It will become clearer in the summer.}

04 Jan 2016 13:12:44
migs, clyne, moreno not going to make it tbh. not bad players, but not going to take us far. the 2 are our only pacey players but they're a bit useless. smith and flanagan the future? need to see more of smith, but flan reads the game so well. I used to think he was bang average and would never make it but his potential must have been seen in management and it didn't takke too long for him to adapt to the first team.

Believable2 Unbelievable11

04 Jan 2016 22:49:25
Agree
Clyne and Moreno very pacy but only when running in a straight line without the ball
Looks like they lack confidence in their ability with the ball at their feet

Clyne looks like the most awkward player ever to take a throw-in
That's just looks like the pressure of making a mistake has got to him

Moreno has too much to learn about defending
He is not a natural defender

Remember - in the memory absent players always appear better than they really are.


04 Jan 2016 23:03:55
It's a foul throw each time Clyne does a throw-in. Unbelievable!


04 Jan 2016 12:57:59
This may not be ..................

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - You need to find another page for non-Liverpool related stuff.}

04 Jan 2016 12:57:55
Hi Ed's with all these incomings,

What are your thoughts on the 6 players out of contract which should be offered contracts and which shouldn't.
There are the obvious ones of enrique not to be offered another one but with rossiter and flanagan and texeira?

Also where could i find the list of reserve/ U18 players who are out of contract, any that are leaving that we wouldn't want to go?

Thanks for your response.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I am not sure which "all these incomings" you are referring to. Offers have been made to those players the club are looking to keep and a couple of players have not agreed. Under 18s are an entirely different matter due to the rules.}

04 Jan 2016 16:11:08
Sorry, when i said all these incomings i forgot to put in the word "rumoured"

I'll endeavour to proof read my posts next time!

Thanks for your response.


{Ed002's Note - Not to forget all of the nailed on ones that the fans get out the KY for - Pato, Reus, Grosskreutz etc.. And no doubt they will get all wobbly over Gaston Ramirez as soon as they hear is is just about to depart Southampton - he is at the station! is that the Liverpool train he is boarding?}

04 Jan 2016 12:41:42
Ed2 latest today is grujic could end up staying and not going back on loan. Rubbish as usual? Reports are from Serbia mind.

Believable0 Unbelievable2

{Ed002's Note - I would not get wrapped up in this just yet.}

04 Jan 2016 13:22:45
Its possible he may not go back to Belgrade if Allen leaves. Otherwise there is no reason for the club to keep him till the summer unless first team promises have been made to him.


04 Jan 2016 13:57:25
Grujić goes nowhere. He is on vacation in Belgrade.


04 Jan 2016 12:32:52
Hey guys, I work in Belgrade (Serbia) at the Sport Klub TV. I have absolutely true and verified information that Grujic won't sign for the Liverpool FC. You should know that Grujic does not use Facebook nor Twitter, Instagram only. His father looks for some smaller club that will guarantee game time. Bad news, but you should now that rummours are false.

Believable0 Unbelievable14

04 Jan 2016 10:43:47
Long time looker, first time poster. Thanks for a great site. Before we want a new team and millions to be spent we need to stop been so weak and panicky when defending set pieces, crosses. I hope klopp has a solution/ system to solve this asap. Same applies to our attacking set plays.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

04 Jan 2016 11:40:01
Thank god. We could do with a few more lookers on here. Ed001 and Waro were scaring off all the ladies!


04 Jan 2016 15:03:35
I wouldn't mind some decent crosses and corners from us, as well as being still worried when we face them ourselves!


04 Jan 2016 07:51:28
Hi reds or ed's,
Was wondering with it lookin like marko grujic is going to sign if anyone knew what type of midfielder he is? Reading wiki which states he is a midfielder but was wondering if anyone knew if he was more of a box to box, dmc, amc etc etc.

Cheers lads.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

04 Jan 2016 11:44:37
Yaya Toure.

Very gangly, but very strong, powerful runner, wicked shot and great eye for a pass. Not a lot of defensive awareness but he's only young. He gets caught upfield when the opposition counter attack.

Only been following him for a few games though as I'd never heard of him before our reported interest!


04 Jan 2016 11:55:34
I think at his age and experience he probably can't be pigeon holed just yet.


04 Jan 2016 12:31:14
In the latest interview he say he idol is Matic which is exactly what we need in middle of park. But the downside is he said his fav team is Chelsea. So i can say he is should hardworking physical like matic, he is very honest a bit too honest but not very clever.


04 Jan 2016 12:49:07
His idol may well be Matic but I think he is far too attacking to ever be a dedicated holding midfielder like his fellow countryman.

He ventures forward literally every time his team attack. He could play as part of a midfield duo alongside Can, Lucas or Henderson though.

He would have to be coached into a holding player though if that's what Klopp has in mind for him. Taught when to break forward and when to hold.


{Ed002's Note - You needto consider the league he has been playing in.}

04 Jan 2016 13:03:56
Let chelski pay 50m in a couple of years for him then.


04 Jan 2016 05:39:23
Ed001, if you don't mind I am just curious as to your opinion on what you think is the next move and best thing for Danny Ward? By all accounts he seems to be doing very well in Scotland this season, and the reports seemed to be positive on his progression. Do you think it would be better for him to return for us next season as one of our keepers or do you think a move to a better League where he is playing at a better level than the Scottish League and playing as a first choice keeper is better for the next step in his progression? I'm not certain if he comes back to LFC he would be more than a number two at this stage and don't think sitting on the bench helps him right now. I'm kind of sitting on the fence with this one. Just curious as to what you think would be best or most likely scenario for him. Thanks in advance.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - personally I would recall him now and give him the next few months to prove himself.}

04 Jan 2016 07:06:29
He's young for a keeper. Look at Joe Hart and Courtois, they both had spells on loan when they were Wards age and now they are 2 of the very best.
I think he'll either force his way in as number 1 or he'll be loaned out again. I don't think he'll sit around on the bench as a number 2 next season.


{Ed001's Note - I am not sure Hart is one of the very best at all, personally.}

04 Jan 2016 07:49:45
i agree about hart, he had one fantastic season, had a few rough spells, now he's a solid keeper. i'd definitly have him at liverpool. I see mancity upgrading in a few years if there's any on the market, every top team has top keeper and i wouldn't be surprised to see hart at liverpool one day if we continue to have keeper troubles. but he's eenglish so mancity will be keen to keep him unless someone young and world class becomes available. would city ever replace hart you think? naaaaaaa. they think sterlings world class so what do they know! ;)


04 Jan 2016 10:36:31
Yeah harts not amazing but he's not bad, would have him in a heart beat, excuse the pun.


04 Jan 2016 11:42:40
Fair enough about Hart, but the point was I don't think another loan move would be a bad thing for him next season.


04 Jan 2016 13:03:07
I would like to see him see out the rest of the season at Aberdeeen as they are in a title hunt!

then next pre-season assess how close he is to being at the level we want him and either use him or send him out on another season long loan into a more competitive league than the scottish premiership!


04 Jan 2016 00:08:45
Whats with the live chat page. I usually go on here on my phone. Is it just on the computer?

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{Ed033's Note - no, the live chat only opens during a matchon phones and computers

04 Jan 2016 04:37:11
Teams are doing better than us because they don't have prima donnas or huge money spent on players who were bought by people who do not fully understand or give too much thought to what their team actually needs. that's why we have firmino, a cam who wasnt needed and is not much if any better than continho, lallana. Then there's Benteke who doesn't have the all round game we'd hoped he'd have. for some reason lfc are afraid to find lesser known players who might actually be what are team needs and take us up a level,

so we end up with betenke and ings for our striking options. from what I've seen of ings, he has a good all round game, ok finishing, ok pace, good work ethic, reads the game well enough but nothing special at all. will be another dirk kuyt ( did a good job, but nothing on torres) there was no risk and reward in this purchase. we got what we paid for, a good squad player. benteke was risk but was never going to be reward for are style of play. peter crouch and andy carroll are probably better players haha. might score less but would serve the team a lot more.

it seems benteke would only be worth it if we design are game around him which still wouldn't be the best thing for a team who want to compete at top level. he's a very limited player. he has all the right attributes except the one that matters the most, reading the game and adjusting acordingly. (i hope he magically learns how to adapt but i doubt it) World class players are world class mainly because of how well they read the game and adapt. suarez did this when he came to the premier league, he adpated and made his game improve so much more. Last match Benteke did awful because of the instructions he was given and he ignored what limited way of playing the game he can do that gets him goals. the runs he made were pointless, and showed a lack of character or intelligene to change something he knew/ should know was not helping.

klopp admitted, himself was to blame (not 100% sure if i'm remembering this correctly :) ) and the points about benteke were probably the reasons why. he's slowly but surely figuring out what works and what doesnt. everyone will seemingly get a chance and i expect a lot of people to be moved on to get liverpool back on track with the right players.

if this was still stubborn rodgers then only a miracle would save us, as he would be stuck in his philosophical ways with benteke as first choice. a recipie for disaster. Now we have a manager who is not afraid and truly understands foottball but is currently giving all players the owners invested in the benefit of the doubt before any final decisions. it will be the end of season and a whole lot of reflecting from klopp to decide who makes the cut. I expect the rest of the season to continue to be a stop start season. its something we fans just have to deal with.

sorry if i rambled too much. I know many people will disagree with many of my points. I do get things wrong. i thought origi had a similar problem to benteke but he adapted. now he just needs to keep playing to keep improving his game. real shame he's injured. a front three of sturridge, origi, ibe or ings would be klopps ideal choice in the future. stick a cam behind three of those and we will be flying.

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04 Jan 2016 05:45:49
The club has been having this problem for years. The people involved in the transfer process just spend money for the sake of it, to please the fans and show competitors that LFC are still going strong. Not a single thought seems to be put in to the players that are brought and what position they play. They just spend, spend and spend without using their brains.
Like u said, Firmino and Benteke should have never been bought. We already had Coutinho, Lallana and Tex for CAM, so why spend 30 odd million on another CAM? Benteke is a target man who feeds off crosses, certainly not capable of playing alongside the likes of Coutinho and Lallana. That's 70 odd million down the drain for 2 players we did not even need, and have not improved us in the slightest. Ings is a decent squad player and Origi offers pace and height up front so both good signings imo. Clyne was another disaster waiting to happen. I remember stating my negative opinion when we signed him and so did ED001 and a couple of other posters, but got shot down as being negative when it was blatantly obvious Clyne is just another average RB who gets the benefit of doubt from the press because he is English.
The club should have pursued Kono who was a freebie and offered natural width, but instead we plumped for another average midfielder in Milner. The club's biggest problem clearly lies in recruitment, and Klopp and co need to ring in massive changes to that particular aspect of the club.
LFC needs more professionalism and thought to be put into it, not more egos.


04 Jan 2016 06:24:27
i agree about clyne but we got what we payed for, while being a slight improvement over glen. the thing with clyne is very similar to glen attacking wise. they don't have much in their locker, and I don't like seeing clyne trying to prove a point wasting play when players are in better positions. i'm confused by him though, he skipps past people from our defense but when it comes to making a pass, he takes too long and its always underwhelming.


04 Jan 2016 06:46:39
Wiseryan, we did not get what we paid for as far as Clyne is concerned. Southampton signed his replacement for a fraction of the money we paid for Clyne and he is just as good if not better than Clyne. Clyne has always been a bang average player, but Brendan and his yes men could not see that and the same goes for Allen and lallana. Mario Gaspar, Soares etc were cheaper options available in the market but we still ended up paying more for a worse RB than them. can't cross, shoot and don't even get me started on his positional sense which is just abysmal and appalling. The guy is so lucky to even get to wear the LFC shirt, while better players in Wisdom and Kelly got shafted.


04 Jan 2016 07:16:28
being lfc the price normally doubles. i'm surprised liverpool didn't pay more for him a the time tbh. that's why we can be upset but not too upset. i mean how much did we end up paying for glen johnson. I think flanagan could take his place anyway. do you rate flan?


04 Jan 2016 10:34:51
I do rate Flanno. He may not be the most talented player around but at least he shows heart and puts in the effort required. Only thing that holds him back is lack of pace. If he had Clyne's pace to add to his application, we would have one of the best full backs in the league in our team.


04 Jan 2016 04:22:31
i think klopp will be really disappointed with the fitness of the team in general. for all hype of physicality of English game i think he'd be taken aback at just how fragile players in EPL are. week after week he is faced with a new injury dilemma. add to that games coming thick and fast. and then in the game we do all the Hard work but can't finish. i think there is going to be a bargain sale at LFC in summer. ( atleast 10 players out) . but for this season let's just enjoy premier league, pretty sure this season won't give us any reason as LFC fans to rejoice.

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04 Jan 2016 00:02:27
Not posted in a while, nearly 18 months, but something I have been reading recently and I wanted to ask ED001 something if he is about.

It's to do with Fowler.

I know the guy is worshiped by us, and rightly so, God was my idol as a kid. But I wanted to know why did Houllier sell him? I assume he just preferred the Heskey/ Owen partnership . but with Fowler saying he used the Echo to turn the fans against him . it would indicate more. Am I reading to much into it or was there more going on with Robbie?

Cheers for your insight as always.

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{Ed001's Note - because Owen wanted Fowler out and kept throwing his toys out of the pram if Fowler was played.}

04 Jan 2016 04:45:40
we got rid of fowler for an unloyal ass. I didn't grow up watching fowler but it was great to see his class for a season when he returned. what was owens problem with fowler? and is there still a rift between them?


{Ed001's Note - there was no rift between them personally, Owen was just the most selfish person I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. Everything was about him and what was best for him. Fowler was great alongside anyone, but Owen wanted everything to be about what was best for him, hence the signing of Heskey at his insistence.}

04 Jan 2016 05:13:01
sometimes a player being verry vain and sure of themselves is the edge that separates them from the good players. shame his career went to sh*t :)


04 Jan 2016 10:15:12
Fowler was ten times the player Owen was imo .


04 Jan 2016 13:30:16
Never knew that. Cheers Ed, hope life is treating you well.


{Ed001's Note - no worries mate, glad to help. Ged was the real one to blame, he was a very peculiar manager. He was a disciplinarian in so many respects, but he would pander to certain players, it was odd and caused divisions amongst the squad.}

04 Jan 2016 02:45:31
Eds how does a club work out a players value? For their own players and for who they want too buy.

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{Ed001's Note - no idea.}

04 Jan 2016 05:01:53
football is simple, what ever a club is willing to buy/ sell for, only difference is, some clubs have imbeciles in charge.


04 Jan 2016 05:07:05
As with any saleable commodity, a player is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for him.


04 Jan 2016 02:05:51
Ed001 now this may not be possible but you know the way you do the podcast with Benny would it be possible to pick a poster from this site and do a podcast with them? Just a general Liverpool related podcast.

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{Ed001's Note - yes.}

03 Jan 2016 22:04:42
Hi ed's Happy New Year,

I thought i'd offer some alternative discussions other than transfer news!

I know fitness is being a significant change in the regimes between rodgers and klopp.

are there specific changes or is it just improvements in general fitness?

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{Ed001's Note - lots of changes, though mainly to overall fitness. Not sure what there is to discuss in this to be honest?}

04 Jan 2016 12:51:07
sorry, i was more thinking in a general training sense! as i know he has focused on overall fitness, but whether specific training changes.

forgive me if there isn't anything to talk about! especially with all our recent injuries as to whether they are due to all these changes? and will these lessen as the players adapt?


{Ed001's Note - you would need a much larger dataset to know that mate. There are a lot of injuries, but any number of factors can influence it when you are talking about 10 being a huge amount. Most of those injuries happened before Klopp took over, so it seems unlikely to be connected.

As for the general training, there is a lot of focus on general fitness, with extra sessions to build it up, which will take its toll early on.}

03 Jan 2016 20:09:40
Ed1 if you're around what are your thoughts on Odion Ighalo. Just seen a clip of him and he looks good and more suited to our style of play. I know we're probably shown no interest but was just wondering what your views are because apart from the clip I don't know much about him other than he's attracting some attention.

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{Ed001's Note - he is ok, but he is nothing special, just got the huge advantage of playing as part of two up top, so there is always space for him to work. He is constantly getting the opportunity to go one on one with a centre back because of the way Watford set up, rather than because he is doing something special to create the opportunity. Decent like, but not special.}

03 Jan 2016 19:39:38
Hi ed1, you say you believe players will be moved on so out of the players we have which ones do you think should make the grade . Just wanting your opinion on who you think should stay that's all . Cheers
Jamesee.

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{Ed001's Note - Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Sturridge, Origi, Ings, Ibe.}

04 Jan 2016 04:27:06
Lovren has vastly improved in recent times bar Saturday. Just goes to show the value of Klopp's skills as a man manager. He has a huge reputation for bringing the best out of players and Lovren has clearly shown that thus far he's enjoying working with Klopp.


{Ed001's Note - I am sure I forgot a few there, Firmino for instance.}

04 Jan 2016 05:40:33
i don't think there should ever be more than one cam playing. how do you compare lallana, continho, firmino and who would you choose ed?


{Ed001's Note - I don't see a problem with more than one myself, but it would depend on the situation. Lallana is definitely the weakest in an attacking sense, as he offers next to nothing in that regard, but he works his backside off chasing everything. Firmino still needs time to settle in to the Prem, it will be next season, at the earliest, before we see what he is capable of. Coutinho, right now, is the best overall. Hard working, always looking for an option, the problem is that we offer him no options.}

04 Jan 2016 05:48:22
Coutinho? Henderson? Flanno?


{Ed001's Note - like I said I forgot a few. I hate doing lists to be honest.}

04 Jan 2016 06:41:48
my problem ed is that when it comes down to it, they might as well all be the same player (effectiveness wise) because they offer no pace, and feel teams can easily set up against them when when they do they're homework. i feel the arrogance of chelsea (chelsea were just bad) and man city is the reason these players shined together, and nothing more.

I actually like all 3. i really want lallana to turn things around and always thought he was the better finisher but he hasn't had a sniff at goal lately. I thought last game Ibe improved us attacking wise who is different from any other player we have but I don't know what the hell benteke was doing that day who was trying to be something he clearly is not.


{Ed001's Note - you can get pace from movement without the ball, allowing the ball to be moved quickly. Our problem is that we have no movement in behind. We miss Hendo, in particular, because he is the only one who makes runs past the forwards.}

04 Jan 2016 06:49:43
Ok Ed001, but u missed the two most important ones. Not sure about Moreno though. Has spectacularly failed to live up to expectations. Was a big fan when he joined, but something just seems off and the moment Real come calling, he will be off in a flash.


{Ed001's Note - Real? Do you mean Madrid, Betis or one of the many other Reals? If you mean Madrid, there is no chance of them stepping in for him right now, and when they do, there is a good chance they will pay big for him as he would be playing well to get their attention. Right now he is pretty much worthless, best to keep him and let him fight it out with Smith for the left back berth or use him further forward when the situation warrants it.}

04 Jan 2016 06:55:43
I don't think the problem is in playing 2 CAMs, i think its more playing 3. All 3 like to occupy similar spaces but the problem is that all 3 are coming deep for the ball. there's no real pace running in behind.


04 Jan 2016 07:08:39
yes, all these cam's become redundent when we have benteke up top, which is why i can't wait till all our strikers are fit and klopp is forced to play them like at southampton. (am i the only one that sensed some tension between benteke and sturridge when they were being subbed? ) we did miss hendo's movement, we miss movement overall, something i think allen also offers from midfield. If klopp is smart, benteke knows his days are numbered and probably explains why he drastically tried to show he could change but just crashed and burnt.

also if klopp has to play benteke then 3 cam's aren't going to reap any rewards very often. should he try 1 cam and 2 wingers always with him? or maybe 2 up top? benteke clearly is not going to change but he's are only goal scorer and what else can we do.


04 Jan 2016 12:01:29
Lallana firminho and coutinho restrict themselves to being cam's. Are they on chains stopping them from running in behind? As Sen at Watford with a front 2 it makes a massive difference, is anyone really believing deeney is a better player that benteke? But with support he is more involved. What would stop all 3 moving themselves up another 10 yards of the pitch and closing the gap between midfield and forwards? I am far from saying benteke is long term answer but as things stand he's all we've got and we need to be winning games so why not give him extra support on the pitch with what we have available.


 
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