Liverpool Banter Archive January 04 2018

04 Jan 2018 23:36:01
Bit of a turn around you could say 🤔🤔🤔🤔

Liverpool are not chasing replacements at this stage - they have made no contact with Monaco regarding Thomas Lemar - and are focusing on convincing Philippe Coutinho he can achieve Champions League ambitions at Anfield in 2018. [Chris Bascombe].

05 Jan 2018 00:48:30
They can convince him all they want but the Eds have said he wants Barcelona and I don't fathom that will change unfortunately.

05 Jan 2018 12:46:01
They had better let him go to Barcelona now so we can all move on w/ our lives, IMO.

04 Jan 2018 23:28:05
Hi eds. my first post. any truth in Cabellos wanting to leave Madrid for LFC? heard he would be a decent replacement for Couts.
great site btw.

{Ed002's Note - Welcome. He has been offered to a few clubs including Liverpool, who met with his agent. Certainly not out of the question.}

05 Jan 2018 06:53:44
Hardly a replacement like for like KTYD. A fringe squad player who plays CM and deeper than Phil does.

05 Jan 2018 07:38:51
Kind of player who could be a replacement/ upgrade on Gini. He’s been poor this season and I’m sure it won’t have gone unnoticed.

05 Jan 2018 10:48:52
Would be most pleased to see Ceballos come in.

05 Jan 2018 11:42:34
Fringe/ squad player. Like Coutinho was when we signed him?

04 Jan 2018 22:06:45
So, top 4 is ours to lose now.

Let's see how big our balls really are!

04 Jan 2018 22:18:53
Still half a season left to play, Mr T. One game at a time.

04 Jan 2018 22:20:46
It will be very difficult. It is very tight between 2nd and 6th and we'll have to be close to perfect to get through.

All fingers crossed!

Lets hope we can avoid defeat to City next.

04 Jan 2018 22:33:08
Oh I agree it will be tough, we need a solid January on and off the field.

04 Jan 2018 22:38:40
Still points to be dropped by all the teams maybe not city though!

05 Jan 2018 00:43:16
We were in it when were trailing spurs by same margon, and we are just as much a chance of falling out of it now we've grpund our way past! . Still loads of games and points to play for!

05 Jan 2018 04:30:48
Balls as big as an Irish broads ass.

- Ralph Cifaretto.

05 Jan 2018 07:22:28
Balls to top 4! We’re still in 2 cup competitions.
We want Silverware! 🏆.

05 Jan 2018 10:44:37
Ashamed so many fans already throw in towel before we face Citeh.

04 Jan 2018 21:58:32
Well done mo well deserved. And great result for us at Wembley tonight.

04 Jan 2018 22:03:26
A result against city on the 14th would be huge.

04 Jan 2018 22:20:32
Great result for WH today. Spurs looked Knackered. Also, great job to Salah and Mane as well. YWNA!

04 Jan 2018 21:19:39
Sorry if this is a stupid question but is VVD cup tied in the FA Cup or can he play for us in it?

{Ed002's Note - He can play.}

04 Jan 2018 22:11:01
It's third round, no premier league team has played yet.

05 Jan 2018 08:52:43
Save him for the City game imo. If we progress in the FA cup then sure play him the next round.

04 Jan 2018 20:57:55
Watched the at home with Mane today on YouTube. Really does seem to be a genuine bloke, he talked about his family, his love for Liverpool, Keita, many other things. He seems very grounded as well. Just thought it'd be a change from the transfer talk if anyone's not seen it.

04 Jan 2018 22:01:42
Yeh I've seen it Welsh and he really does seem like a lovely bloke. He comes across as very respectful and grateful.
YNWA Sadio.

04 Jan 2018 22:13:21
I have always found that on the pitch he comes across as super confident, almost arrogant (in a good way), but off the pitch he comes over as humble, almost shy. Let's hope that strike against Burnley is the start of his return to form.

04 Jan 2018 22:23:05
Mane is a great guy and a lovely bloke, off the pitch. On the pitch, he is a monster, very sure of himself and his ability BUT, in a very humble way. I would not trade him for anyone in the PL, really.

04 Jan 2018 22:42:39
My seats are right behind the dugout. out of all the players who turn around and interact with the fans mane is one of the best. great player, great fella.

04 Jan 2018 20:25:05
Just wanted to put a general footballing question out there around referees. This is NOT a post to abuse officials, more to gain opinion. There have been some debatable calls this season, some decisions that give one outcome in one game and another outcome with an identical situation in another.

My understanding is there will be no referee from the Premier league at this year's World Cup finals. Now baring in mind Howard Webb refereed the final a few tournaments ago that is some come down. Now is this because there are only a set number of officials needed so at certain times countries don't send officials as it is their turn to sit out. Or is it that the refs in the Premier league are not seen as adequate by FIFA

I would be surprised if it was the latter as the Premier League, due to the pace and intensity it is played must be one of the hardest in the world to ref consistently. Surely the guys reffing now are of a better standard than say a ref from the Chinese league or the A league who, with due respect to them and their countries ref football at a lower threshold and standard.

Would appreciate opinion on why our refs are not going to the World Cup, if they are indeed any worse than in other countries and if they are being made to look worse than they are from the constant glare of media, and replays if every decision they make.

{Ed002's Note - FIFA have identifies the 10 from Europe and there are no English refs, the decision is based on those thought to be best.}

04 Jan 2018 20:38:50
Thank you for the reply Ed, food for thought for the Premier league perhaps.

04 Jan 2018 22:12:21
I like the Swedish millionaire - commentators always seem to drop that in!

04 Jan 2018 22:23:42
No English refs. I wonder why.

{Ed002's Note - For the Eason I have given.}

04 Jan 2018 22:29:08
The refeering standard here is horrendous. There should not be controversy every week but there is.

05 Jan 2018 00:17:20
sort of backs up my point the other day about how the PL should be looking for foreign referees, or just appoint me head of the group 1 refs.

04 Jan 2018 19:55:30
I don’t know why everyone's adamant we have to sign a pipco replacement, or why they would be disgusted if we didn’t
We have tonnes of attacking midfielder . Gigi Lllalana and ox would be better if playing further up the pitch surely .

I’d rarher is spend the money on some proper midfielders, a number 8 or Maybe a holding midfielder, maybe then we would stop conceding.

04 Jan 2018 20:00:31
“We have tons of attacking midfielders. ”. But what you forget is that none of them have the eye for a pass or shooting ability from distance that Coutinho has, which is a critical factor.

04 Jan 2018 20:22:40
Tomorrow though - Salah is out, I'd imagine Ox will start wide opposite mane and firmino up top. With hendo out, that leaves us, Milner, lallana, gini and can from the first team squad.
Whilst that is fine for one game, I wouldn't go with the flair player versus Everton, I don't see any of them providing assists and goals consistently.

04 Jan 2018 20:29:19
Spot on, Firmane. This is where Klopp's management skills will be crucial.

04 Jan 2018 22:08:25
I'm with you OP! firmane, most teams in the league if they are missing 3 key attackers and their captain they would potentially be looking at changing up how they play too!

04 Jan 2018 23:52:40
Ings could play in false 9 position and firmino can play the no.10 position though.

05 Jan 2018 04:55:03
The reason why people are adamant we replace Coutinho is because he is a high quality player, a level above others in the squad of a similar position. Factor in we are half way through the season in which we are doing reasonably well in the league and have progressed to the knockout stages of the CL - we need to maintain a core of the highest quality if we want to realise our ambitions. Selling Coutinho and not finding a replacement has the potential to derail our season as well as display a lack of ambition from the club - he does need replacing should he be sold this January though I am hopeful that an agreement is made for a summer transfer as this would (hopefully) please all parties.

@leekuanyew - Firmino is already playing in his best position, to move him out of it to accommodate Ings is just ridiculous in my opinion.

04 Jan 2018 18:33:50
Shame to see Pep Lijnders leave Liverpool as he was so highly rated. But good luck to him at his new club.

04 Jan 2018 19:33:06
I hope that they left the door open, if he ever wanted to return .

04 Jan 2018 17:31:48
Hey Eds, Happy New Year's to you all. I searched the site, but could not find the answer I was looking for. I keep hearing all this talk about Lemar, but a while ago Dani Cebellos who was looking to actively leave Real Madrid and the club looking to move him on. IMO he seems the more likely to join in January since he is available compared to Lemar who Monaco is not looking to sell in January as the replacements are hard to find. If the club was to secure the services of Cebellos would that end all interest in Lemar or would Lemar still be an option in the summer? Thanks Eds, as always appreciate all the hard work.

{Ed002's Note - Try spelling his name correctly and search again.}

04 Jan 2018 16:56:50
I'm also getting fed up of people asking the same questions regarding transfer of players. I know this is a transfer rumours site as well as a banter site but wouldn't it be nice if we were all just a little bit patient and then maybe Eds would inform us of potential in comings and outgoings when they have some information. Eds is it possible you could just let us know when you hear something? Perhaps a page could be made of those players which indicates whether they are likely/ less likely or every chance/ not a chance. I know we have shark pod but people obviously don't listen and continue to ask the same questions. This might keep everyone sane including yourselves. Just a thought. 🙄.

{Ed002's Note - too complicated really. The trick is for folks to read through the post and use the search function.}

04 Jan 2018 17:24:49
Use the search function? You really should have mentioned that before ed, would have saved you a lot of hassle 😂.

04 Jan 2018 17:31:27
Fair enough Ed. I was only thinking a page just for transfer windows where all the names you have mentioned could be put into categories and perhaps a line to mention what has happened thus far. Just like your shark pod but on paper. This can then be updated at any time. You then won't get individuals asking or unable to find in the search. If it ain't on the list then you need not reply Ed.

04 Jan 2018 17:51:01
In fairness, both eds always mention when they know of links to players, it's just gets lost in the mass of questions about random players.

04 Jan 2018 18:15:54
Yeh I know they do. This is more of a suggestion to keep the eds sane and save many reading the same questions about the same player over and over again. Like you and many others on here, we are well aware of where we are in regards to incomings and outgoings because we read and remember. This was only a suggestion. I hate the transfer window and would much prefer to concentrate on what we have got and the upcoming games.

04 Jan 2018 16:06:44
Everton's last two games (Chelski and ManUnt) has yielded 0 (zero) shots on target, so could be the perfect team to blood VVD against!

04 Jan 2018 17:52:35
They played Chelsea a few games ago, in sure they have scored since then.

04 Jan 2018 22:43:18
Thanks for putting me straight Firmane. That'll learn me for believing a bluenose! I still want VVD to play tomorrow though.

04 Jan 2018 15:54:54
Ed you said we was offered Cabellos from Madrid via his agent, has that gone any further at this stage please, I take it depends on who leaves in some degree?

{Ed002's Note - Gone any further in terms of what?}

04 Jan 2018 16:29:44
Has Klopp given him a hug yet Ed002? Or have they wined and dined in Blackpool? 😂.

04 Jan 2018 16:29:44
I just meant in terms of was we intetested in taking him on or not. I think you said he was offered to a few clubs so wondered if there is a likely destination.

04 Jan 2018 15:18:36
Hey all, I have had a mini conspiracy theory and thought I would share

Klopp has been playing with fire within the squad: I think that Klopp and everyone knew this. So I think with klopp knowing Phil would leave he decided to use Phil and save Mane. What I mean is over the past months Phil has played a ton of minutes and surprisingly unlike in the past has not really been subbed out late as much, where in the past I feel like because he may not have the overall stamina of a hendo hendo type he would be subbed late in games as his legs would die. Instead the subs have been mane, or a midfielder. This could be because Phil is just in the best conditions he has ever been, or that he is our best player. But I think this is because klopp is thinking that if he's gunna leave he might as well squeeze all the juice he can out of him without worrying that late in the season it will come back to hurt us. on top of that mane in the past few months has been sat for more games and subbed more than last season. That could be because he is out of form, or Because he's sulking, or because Phil is better in that lw position. However I think this again is a klopp move to say, when we lose Phil we are going to need all our attacking options healthy and fresh. I believe klopp knowing Phil was leaving and because mane has had some minor injuries has been saving mane for when Phil leaves so that he is fresh and ready to go. I don't think klopp will sign a January replacement for Phil, I think klopp has been holding mane back so he is as fresh as possible to fill that gap when the time comes.

I know this isn't even a conspiracy, more of a dumb rant, but hey I'm bored and wanted to start some banter maybe.

YNWA.

04 Jan 2018 15:32:09
Genius is an understatement.

04 Jan 2018 15:36:03
You have a point mate. I didn't believe you, but then i remembered reading a Klopp fuel doesn't burn hot enough to melt Coutinho beams.

04 Jan 2018 15:48:39
You did say it's a conspiracy theory.

04 Jan 2018 16:15:28
Just to back my super opinionated thought up here are some quick stats.

December 2017 lfc epl games (7 played)

Mane- average mins per game of 45. And only played in 4 of 7, being an unused sub in the other 3.

Phil- average min per game of 86, playing all 7.


Average minutes based off all epl games played by each player last season.

Mane- averaged 86min per game for all he was involved in.

Phil- averaged 80min per game for all he was involved in.


Take that as you will, but manes minutes per game have been very low where phil has been used at a much higher rate.

04 Jan 2018 17:28:59
To be honest, I said when he didn’t take off Coutinho on Boxing Day that I wondered if it was because he was expecting him to go and therefore wasn’t bothered about energy conservation. Don’t know about the Mane bit, but i don’t think you’re far wrong with his attitude to Coutinho.

04 Jan 2018 17:39:20
If that conspiracy were to be true could end up being a really good bit of management.
Mane when fit and playing to potential is a very good player. Could end up trying to prove to klopp how good he is which will only benifit the team.

04 Jan 2018 15:08:52
Afternoon all.

Does Lemar score many goals from outside the box? Is he any good at free kicks?

I think this is what we will miss most about Phil. He's started scoring from nothing.

04 Jan 2018 15:28:38
Yes to both I believe, his versatility is also one of his plus points.

04 Jan 2018 15:51:13
His left peg does pack a punch. from any ball. dead or alive.

04 Jan 2018 15:57:44
He’s got a very good long range strike on him and can take free kicks.

04 Jan 2018 15:52:44
Yes and yes. He's a dead ball specialist, and he has scored some screamers in the last 2 years.

His striking technique is very similar to how Yaya Toure used to hit them. The power and movement is unreal. Coutinho is probably better cutting inside and curling one inside the far post, but hitting a shot from a straight on position, Lemar is just so unpredictable. He hit one last season that looked like it would fly over but it just dropped suddenly under the bar. You question physics when you see goals like that 😂.

04 Jan 2018 18:30:53
I hope so. We don't really have anyone else who can smash one in from 30 yards.

04 Jan 2018 14:52:19
Klopp: PC available for City game. I suppose "technically" he has to say that. But until a deal is finalised, he should play. Simple.

{Ed002's Note - He doesn’t want to.}

04 Jan 2018 15:13:11
He's paid 160K a week and has a contract to do so ed, who cares what he wants, until Barcelona reach an agreement with Liverpool for his services, he should have a bit of respect for the club who helped develope him into the player he is, he should be told to do his job or forget his move, bending over again as a club,

{Ed002's Note - If he won't make himself available (again) then the club won't play him (again).}

04 Jan 2018 15:16:35
I don’t want to go to work today, but I’m still going.

{Ed002's Note - You don't seem to understand. Not to worry.}

04 Jan 2018 15:42:31
The absolute definition of a heartless, childish, sulking moaner. If he loves playing football so much why doesn't he want to play? What is this? We have been kind to him for 5 years and took a chance on him when nobody else would, he has been idolised by the fans, old and young. He has a contract with the club.

If he wanted to leave so badly then why didn't he let us know a year ago instead of more than halfway through the summer window? What did he expect to happen, we aren't just going to let our best player go without a replacement. The feigning injuries, the countless rumours spread from his entourage. i've absolutely had enough of this circus, he always struck me as a quiet, honest lad, but clearly i was wrong. His behaviour from start to finish of this whole saga has been nothing but pathetic. He has split bad blood with the fans forever, dare i say even more insulting than suarez's handling of the situation. A simple transfer request in advance would of sufficed, instead of this circus that never needed to happen.

04 Jan 2018 15:55:10
If he refuses to make himself available I hope he's not been paid, in what other sort of employment are you allowed to refuse to do your job and still get paid?

04 Jan 2018 15:51:38
Smeg is right, it's the same situation whichever way you look at it. He wants this move and is spitting his dummy out about it all, he doesn't want to play for us yet will accept his wages, it's pathetic, that alone should Barcelona off the deal imo. I know it won't mind.

04 Jan 2018 15:58:03
Other than getting an injury how does playing affect Barcas next move? If the bid is coming, it's coming. I moved jobs this year, I knew the new job was going to happen but still turned up to my existing job til the last day.
Why should footballers get to be such drama queens. The club have already ignored his play acting and kept him regardless then he came back and played.

04 Jan 2018 16:05:54
I am resigned to Coutinho going but hope we don’t let the whining rat call the tune. Only upon receipt of an offer that we consider acceptable should we sanction the move, no matter how far he spits the dummy out. The medical men should be able to check whether an injury is genuine and if he ‘makes himself unavailable’ we should make the bank transfer of his salary unavailable.

Get someone in who wants to play for a club on the up and let him go to his easy ride against the Spanish cannon fodder but, I repeat, only on our terms.

I accept big players leaving clubs and we have lost plenty who I wanted to stay. However, Coutinho koins the elite group of Owen and Torres who left in a way that left a sour taste. Owen left for a pittance in order to win trophies. Well that went well, didn’t it as we won it 5 times the first season after he left. Torres also went ‘to win trophies’ and may have won a few, on the backs of other players as he sat on the bench.

Let’s hope Coutinho achieves similar ‘success’ as the other 2 traitors.

Finally, never mind get-out clauses, we should insist that a ‘we won’t sell you to Real or Barca’ clause in the contracts of potential signings. If anyone won’t sign because of that, let them do one, as they were only intending to use us as a stepping stone anyway.

{Ed002's Note - The only person who has mentioned an injury is Klopp. All of you whining sounds stupid and embarrassing in the light of Liverpool signing van Dijk.}

04 Jan 2018 16:32:53
Players have all the power in football these days, I’m not sure what Shanks or Clough would say about these situations.
A player signs a contract with a club and agrees to length etc earns a huge wage paid for by that club. The club then is obligated to pay that player that figure regardless of whether he plays or not until the player is sold (& agreed to this) or contract expires.
However these days players seem to sign contracts but when a big club comes calling down tools and do whatever it takes to get thier way. Really until a club receives what they consider to be a suitable offer the player should be made to fulfill their contract. That applies to Pip, VVD, Sanchez etc pretty soon footballers contracts won’t be worth the paper they are written on.

04 Jan 2018 16:43:35
We keep hearing about how footballers are just employees, we’ll Coutinho should act like one, he is an employee under contract paid to do a job, he should continue to do his job until he leaves the club, just because he is a footballer shouldn’t make him a special case to everyone else.

04 Jan 2018 17:09:51
Don't think any Liverpool fan on here wanted vvd to defuse to play for his club ed, it's not whining when fans expect players who get paid dream amounts of money to do their job,

{Ed002's Note - The point being he, like Coutinho, refused to play. Yet it is Coutinho being trashed.}

04 Jan 2018 17:36:55
Well personally, I'm a Liverpool fan so I'm only worried about what our players do. Or don't do in this case, what vvd done in the summer is every bit as despicable as coutinho,

04 Jan 2018 18:29:12
If he makes himself unavailable he should be fined 2 weeks wages every time 👍.

04 Jan 2018 19:36:43
Exactly Ron,

04 Jan 2018 14:01:36
Salah out of everton game.

04 Jan 2018 14:23:38
We already been told he was out around two weeks so didn't expect him to play.

04 Jan 2018 14:40:34
You mean the player who was ruled out for two weeks, one week ago, and who will be in Ghana 24 hours before kick off, isn't playing? 😱

I'm only joking, jordz. It was pretty clear he wouldn't play though. I'm not convinced Mane will start either as he's ill apparently, and also in Ghana as i type this, too.

With Coutinho throwing a paddy whack again, it looks like we'll be down Bobby, Solanke and Ox as the front line, with Mane coming off the bench. Maybe Ings and Woodburn can get a game even?

This is why we have a squad i guess. Plus Everton are awful and it will be embarrassing if we fail to beat them. AGAIN. I wonder if they'll make more than 50 passes this time? 😂.

04 Jan 2018 14:55:24
More reason to have played his first team first time round 😡
Rotate players and they get injured anyway 🙄.

04 Jan 2018 15:18:19
I'd be happy to see Woodburn get a shout if Mane is unavailable. Maybe Woodburn Firmino and Ox as the front three.

Be surprised if he gets a go though before any potential loan move.

04 Jan 2018 15:21:05
Ron, the first team played 3 days later against WBA and couldn’t win that one either, get over it mate.

04 Jan 2018 13:19:48
Hi Eds,

Do you know if Liverpool have looked at Cristopher Schindler of Huddersfield. I've seen him play a lot this year and he seems like he would be an upgrade at centre back. Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea - let's assume not.}

04 Jan 2018 14:42:28
Garth Crooks says Lewis Dunk is worth £35m, but apparently we should bid £45m 😂 how's that bloke still got a job? He's BBC as well, so my taxes are paying for him to talk this tripe.

04 Jan 2018 15:27:08
That headbutt from souness many moons ago must still be effecting him.

04 Jan 2018 12:10:29
Who will replace Phil?

Very hard to find someone with his passing, dribbling, shooting and pace!

Who do you want?

04 Jan 2018 12:20:39
The shots from distance will be missed, when teams are hard to unlock he would often do it from the middle of nowhere.

04 Jan 2018 12:45:10
I want a player who wants to play for Liverpool fc, personally I would go for lemar.

04 Jan 2018 12:43:35
Agree with diggers left peg.
Spot on with your observation mate 👏.

04 Jan 2018 12:43:57
Think for me it would be Lemar! think he looks like a great package, not sure if he would contribute as many goals but looks creative enough!
Makes me wonder where Lallana will sit as we don't seem to be thinking of him stepping up to take coutinho's spot!

04 Jan 2018 12:45:41
We're actively trying to sign Lemar. I reckon if it fails we'll move for Brandt or Draxler though. If it was my choice, I'd go for Insigne, but Napoli probably wouldn't sell him anyway and Lemar is quality and very versatile.

I do think we might also sign a midfielder as well as a Coutinho replacement. Henderson is injured (again), Can is lacking motivation, Wijnaldum is playing terribly, Milner isn't getting any younger, and Lallana has only just returned from injury and is also the wrong side of 30. There are plenty of options this January.

Ceballos has had his agent approach us, Rafinha and Andre Gomes have been offered to us by Barcelona, and Meyer/ Goretzka might come cheap if we could fight off the likes of Spurs, Juventus, Bayern and Barcelona. Alternatively, we could try and bring the Keita deal forward as he is pushing for it and RBL fans have turned on him.

Next summer will be busy so anything we can get done now, should be done. We'll need at least 1 keeper (Alisson, Trapp etc), possibly a right back (Vrsaljko, Pereira etc), a centre back (Akanji, De Vrij etc) a midfielder to replace Can (Ceballos, Rafinha etc), possibly a striker (Luan, Malcom etc) and maybe the biggest signing of the summer will be a new wide forward if Mane or Salah were to leave! (Let's hope it doesn't come to that though) .

We're close to competing at the very top and the owners are making that final push. Klopp has to achieve something big next season with the incredible backing he's receiving. Exciting times ahead (touch wood) .

04 Jan 2018 12:49:29
There is nobody realistically we could get as good as Coutinho.
Should be looking at Isco, Dybala, Greizman etc but we won't. The club cannot risk selling him half way through the season it could cost us so much more than it's worth.

04 Jan 2018 12:53:00
Dybala - excellent shout mate 👍.

{Ed025's Note - no chance ron..

04 Jan 2018 13:52:05
Don’t sell PipCo then 👍.

04 Jan 2018 14:30:47
How about letting the Ox have a crack at the Coutinho role, he could thrive there.

Baz.

04 Jan 2018 15:01:01
Lemar, Draxlar, Fekir, Taison or Bernard for me.

04 Jan 2018 15:02:46
Nah. Let the Ox do his own thing.

I like him getting up and down the pitch, pulling wide right to whip crosses in etc.

What even is the Coutinho role? Taking all the set pieces, shooting 5 times a game from open play, and not even turning up every other game? I keep reading he has 12 goals and 9 assists in 20 games. He doesn't. This is no word of a lie, those 12 goals and 9 assists all came in just 10 of his 20 appearances.

The other 10 games, he did nothing. This is both amazing and frustrating. Amazing because it shows that when he wants to turn up, he is literally the best attacker in Europe right now. However, frustrating because half the time he doesn't want to show up! I'm pulling my hair out because i want the Coutinho who scored a hat trick in the Champions league, not the Coutinho who went for a casual stroll around Anfield against West Brom. At the minute, we're playing roulette with him. He either tries and we feel like we have 12 players, or he pretends to play and we literally have 10. We can't afford to keep putting our faith in someone who doesn't commit himself every time he pulls on the shirt.

04 Jan 2018 16:02:46
Keita will be fine when it comes to shots from distance, he replaces him in that aspect but not all. Lamar will be the one to replace him with the rest.

04 Jan 2018 16:02:56
I'm not at all keen on Lemar as Coutinho's replacement. Coutinho not only drives at the opposition and breezes past players, but is excellent at penetrating with his passing ability, not to mention his ability to score goals out of nothing as well.

Lemar (from what I have seen) seems to be very one footed and is more of a winger than a midfielder. I don't think Coutinho will be going anywhere until the summer anyway, by which time Keita will be here to step into the vacancy.

Red Rum.

04 Jan 2018 16:11:40
I'd still like to see us go for Kovavic for CM MK.
Coutinho replacement. I really like Lemar, Insigne also (although very unlikely) . I could see Draxler doing well under Klopp if he shakes the attitude and laziness. his work rate may not suit Klopp unless he picks it up.

04 Jan 2018 11:06:12
Away from all the transfer talk, can the eds or anyone else tell, what happened to that kid from stoke that we messed about with in the previous window by tapping him up?

{Ed002's Note - I don't want to open it up again but the Football Association gave permission for Liverpool to buy there way out of it in this one case.}

04 Jan 2018 11:59:11
The fa must really like us.

04 Jan 2018 11:41:09
What do you mean by buying there way out of it Ed. Does it mean doing right by the kid and paying off his and his parents debt which they had taken on. Can you please elaborate?

{Ed002's Note - No, I don't think it right to open it all up again.}

04 Jan 2018 12:07:10
Does this avoid the potentially more serious issue that we won't discuss which was mentioned at the time?

Cheers in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Yes, it should do.}

04 Jan 2018 12:09:16
So the football association take back handers? Or have I got you all wrong Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Really? They help out the club who is the most unprofessional in European football and that is what you have to say.}

04 Jan 2018 12:44:33
The FA hate us and are always discriminating against LFC 😉.

{Ed025's Note - yes ron, they meet weekly with referees and discuss the best way to screw liverpool, they also roll up one trouser leg and wear buffalo head dresses while singing the we hate liverpool song..

04 Jan 2018 12:49:15
Why flog a dead horse? It's embarrassing and we should be glad we got away lightly. Let's hope we are starting to improve the way we do things.

04 Jan 2018 12:54:41
So are you a ref or are you part of the FA ed025? 🤨.

{Ed025's Note - no i just chair the meetings ron..

04 Jan 2018 12:51:26
No issues Ed002. Thank you.

04 Jan 2018 13:39:28
Ed002: sorry but you obviously misunderstood what I was trying to say. With you sayin the football association allowed us to BUY OURSELFS out of this one, I just wasn’t sure and shocked at what you ment if it’s ok with you to make a mistake? Just asking for some clarity as to what you ment.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool didn't make a mistake - it is one of the worst offenses, if not the worst in the English game. It nearly destroyed the future of a child and plunged his parents in to debt. The FA provided dispensation to Liverpool to make the necessary financial provision for his parents and his education and that will allow him to sign for another club - and perhaps Everton will help him out there.}

04 Jan 2018 14:43:21
I didn’t say Liverpool made a mistake Ed002 I said I did by not being sure what you ment by saying BUY OURSELFS out of this one, I understand the situation how liverpoolacted and treated the young lad and it’s highly disgusting if you ask me I fully agree with you on that. All I asked for Ed is clarity on not understanding what you ment by the F. A. Allowing ourselfs to buy our way out of the situation. I’m not here for arguments or to be disrespected or disrespectful by or to anyone just found it hard to understand the “buy ourselfs out of it” part, thanks either way for your time and reply.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

04 Jan 2018 15:57:07
Why can't we just do things the legit way like everybody else. I don't know who this is down to but it needs sorting out, there's been a few instances the past few years and it's not doing us any good at all, I don't care what anybody says, illegal approaches are just going to ruin our reputation with other clubs. It needs to stop. Who would blame other clubs if they didn't want to do business with us? I know I wouldn't if I was the owner of X club, no chance.

04 Jan 2018 16:41:07
We have to start doing things in the correct manner or we will just continue to upset clubs and soon only Southampton will deal with us at cost plus 40%.

04 Jan 2018 09:27:14
with knowing that couts wants out, i can't help but feel i want him out and lemar in, sometimes bringing a new player in gives everyone a lift which will be great for the 2nd half of the season. plus the atmosphere will improve once couts gets his wish.

lets just get this sorted out this month asap and move on.

04 Jan 2018 09:44:55
There are some things that Couts does that we can’t durectly replace. However, I feel that Klopp is reluctant to play the Fab 4 against the top sides due to the extra strain on the midfield.

If we can bring someone in who can do something different to Couts in a midfield role it will probably help the balance if the team as a whole. I think Lemar is that your man.

04 Jan 2018 10:18:12
Its a real shame. With the team that klopps building around him he could have gone on to be one of the greats. Genuinly think we are a couple of signings away from challenging for the title. He could have made himself a legend.

04 Jan 2018 11:52:42
The pace and skill we have on the wings now we are desperate for a great creative passer, what I wouldn't give to have a young alonso we would win everything, if we can bring lemar as a wing option/ left mid, get kieta early and get lallana back to his best would be dreamland stuff.

04 Jan 2018 12:30:25
Agree that would be good but we still need to fix the defence and the goalkeeping issue.

04 Jan 2018 13:13:14
Mickmullin I agree we need a creative CM - I will miss that from Coutinho when he has been deployed in the CM position as he can find those defense-splitting passes. I really liked the look of Banega when we played Sevilla as a deep creative midfielder. Although he's 29 now and has only just moved back to Sevilla unfortunately.

04 Jan 2018 15:56:27
Lemar will be a great signing for us. One thing he has in his locker which surpasses Coutinho is indirect set piece ability. Coutinho occassionally puts a good corner/ free kick into the box to be fair to him. However Lemar just causes carnage. With us signing Van Dijk, Lemar will have a monster to aim at as well.

Lemar is also more suited to counter attacking football than Coutinho, and this season I've noticed a harder defensive work rate come into his game. Ed001 even said he can play left back. Meanwhile, Coutinho has decided he's above defensive duties in most of his performances this season. Another advantage is Lemar is left footed. They're like gold dust at the top of the game. Salah, Sturridge, Robertson, Klavan and Moreno are the only left footed outfield players in our 25 man squad. None of them are what I'd consider set piece specialists either.

Lemar brings so much to the table. He's over priced for sure, but who isn't? If Coutinho is worth €150m then Lemar is worth €100m!

04 Jan 2018 08:03:25
Hello Eds just a quick question on the liverpool Youth system, since they have capped the wages has there been a massive improvement in attitude and who do you think is most likely to break through out of the under 18s.

Thanks and Happy NY.

{Ed001's Note - far too early to tell what effect a move like that has had. It will take time before we see if it effects the quality of the players joining the youth system etc. I haven't had a chance to have a look at the youth sides for a couple of seasons now, doing the sites just takes up too much time for me to spare any for watching them sadly.}

04 Jan 2018 11:55:17
From the u21s I’d go with most likely to step up as
Brewster - obviously.
Yan Dhanda - talented all-rounder in attack, seems to be a Lallana like player
Matty Virtue - not a superstar but I really think he’s always competitive in midfield, would really like to see him in box to box role for cup games
Connor Masterson - supposed to be one of the better CBs
Grabara - tough for GKs to get chances at the moment but think he’s very good

Unfortunately think Wilson missed his shot due to a certain Woodburn just being better.

From u18’s
Adam Lewis (think he is potentially an outstanding left fullback one day)
Curtis Jones - talented no.10
Tagseth - seems to be well rated
Liam Millar - very hard working and talented forward
Rafael Camacho - can play all across the front line

The problem is that with very limited slots available for first team opportunities, we’re lucky if one breaks through every 2-3 years. I think most likely that’s going to be Woodburn and Brewster so hope those to get all the game time they deserve, then maybe Adam Lewis down the road.

04 Jan 2018 05:45:18
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Premier League Match Preview Thursday 4th January 2018

04 Jan 2018 01:16:27
Hi Eds?,

Is Klopp looking to replace Mignolet?!
I’m seeing links about Roma and Brazil GK Alisson.
Can you shed a bit of light on that one?

Happy new year btw.

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

04 Jan 2018 04:37:27
Yahoo!

04 Jan 2018 07:14:36
Its a shame neither Karius or Ward gets a chance if Alisson joins. But can't complain too much either as Alisson looks one hell of a keeper. I just hope he will be worth the money and the sacrifice of Ward and Karius if he joins us. The interest seems real so hope we get him.

04 Jan 2018 07:32:25
Ed1 is the summer transfer window the more realistic time we will replace him?

{Ed001's Note - yes mate.}

04 Jan 2018 08:13:44
If he is looking to replace him, why keep playing him? It's pretty much fact he's not good enough, but if you trust Karius for the CL then why not at least give him a go. I understand if klopp doesn't trust him too, but he's younger, had less of a chance to prove himself, barely got a run of 10 games, and he was returning from an injury when he did, in a new league and country. And he's looked decent when playing recently.

04 Jan 2018 08:26:01
If we had VVD and a better keeper from the start of the season. well we still wouldn't win the league cause city is running away with it.

04 Jan 2018 08:44:25
I prefer Google myself haizan!

04 Jan 2018 09:07:28
Exactly pak, as klopp said when he first joined, you can control how good your own team is but not the quality of opposition! I take comfort in the fact that even if van dijk and alisson had come in summer it probably wouldn't have made a difference. Just focus on enjoying some of the phenomenal football we are playing and look forward to the champions league knockouts :)

04 Jan 2018 08:18:41
ed1, if klopp isn't sold on migs, is he then just protecting karius or ward by not playing them regularly?

{Ed001's Note - Karius yes, Ward was just cover and a major mistake by Klopp to keep him at the club rather than letting him go out on loan again.}

04 Jan 2018 11:06:27
Ed do you think JK realised he has made a mistake with Ward?

{Ed001's Note - I would think so, but I think he believes it had to be done.}

04 Jan 2018 11:30:17
I'm slightly surprised by this as I had come to the assumption he didn't rate karius (which shocked me as he brought him in all not that long ago) . If I'm honest I have found how it rather bizare how the whole GK situation has been dealt with.

04 Jan 2018 11:31:57
I have no problem with people making a mistake just so long as they learn from it.

04 Jan 2018 11:40:00
Bizarre is a understatement Jimmy.

04 Jan 2018 18:25:06
Really interesting that ed1. Klopp strikes me as someone who'll just do what he does, but I wonder if there is some mental fragility to Karius then that Klopp knows he needs to nurture him through? Also in this context, is it more of a factor to protect a keeper cos they are literally stood next to the crowd all game?

{Ed001's Note - he just felt Karius was being affected by the morons in the media and the morons in our support who were giving him abuse when he reacted to some of the comments.}

04 Jan 2018 21:55:14
cheers ed1.

{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

03 Jan 2018 21:44:16
Ed1,

Who do you feel is the best to partner VVD of our current defenders?

{Ed001's Note - Gomez long term, short term probably Klavan for consistency.}

04 Jan 2018 04:59:26
Agree 100%, Lovren looks great but then every now and again makes a clanger of a decision which costs us a goal, while Matip doesn’t look up for it enough and doesn’t tackle back or cover his team mates effectively IMO.

Klavan is unspectacular but also very effective, and underrated for his ability to compete with most physical of players while still being deceptively good playing out from the back.

I reckon he should hold the position with VVD until Gomez (and TAA) are both ready to start at CB and RB respectively.

04 Jan 2018 10:44:56
I wouldn’t say Lovren looks great like some games he looks better but the inevitable mistake is always in there.