Liverpool Banter Archive March 04 2014

 

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04 Mar 2014 23:31:13
Eds & Reds,

Hope you guys are OK. One player I have to say I'm excited by, non-Liverpool, is Alexandre Lacazette. I'm not sure if there is interest from Liverpool, but I certainly wouldn't mind him signing. Him & Kono signing in the Summer would complete our attacking options for sure.

Thanks for the effort on the site Eds & fellow reds who make this easily the best website for LFC fans :)

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04 Mar 2014 23:30:36
I think our next 5 games is absolutely crucial in terms of getting into next season's Champions League. 70 points should see us cement 4th or even 3rd, regardless of results elsewhere. The final 5 games could determine where our title ambitions could go.

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05 Mar 2014 08:01:21
We win next game at OT and Chelsea drop points against Spurs could see us challenging title,
If spurs loose / drop points against both arsenal and Chelsea, would take us safe to Top 4.
Regardless of what happens elsewhere, we must win all the remaining games for the title.

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04 Mar 2014 22:20:35
What does everyone think about Diego Costa representing Spain despite his Brazilian heritage?

I wonder whether players should have to choose the country they want to represent before a certain age?

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I think Eduardo (once of Arsenal) played for Croatia, Thiago Alcantara chose Spain over Brazil and now he doesn't even live there, moving to Germany to play for Guardiola at Bayern.

Apparently Big Fil Scolari (the current Brazilian manager) has asked Brazil authorities to take away Costa's citizenship for choosing to play for Spain over Brazil, citing that Costa is a traitor to Brazil. But Big Fil is actually said to have convinced Pepe (Real Madrid) to chose Portugal over Brazil (Big Fil was the Portugal manager for 8 years. I read Big Fil walked out of a presser when a journalist put this point to him. :)

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If Suarez did the same and played for England I might consider watching the world cup. Then again, I had thought about changing my nationality to be Uraguyan so I could finally start to enjoy internationals, maybe this would be easier. Nothing worse in life that loving football and being english.

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Try being norwegian

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04 Mar 2014 20:10:00
Ed's, how did Sterlings new contract tie him down for? And do you think that if he keeps up this level of performance, will it be long before they offer a new bumper deal to him?

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{Ed001's Note - 2018 and I have no idea, it really comes down to whether the player's reps start making waves.}

04 Mar 2014 19:57:57
Howard Webb in for the utd game eh, and here's me thinking they may play a weakened team because of the champions league

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United would never play a weakened team vs Liverpool

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It was a joke from OP saying Webb plays for united man.

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Doesn`t matter. THe boys know what they have to do and will go out there and find a way to get it done.

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Taken from Liverpool Echo.

In the past five years, the Reds have lost 14 of the 22 games he has officiated, winning just six.
In comparison to his fellow Fifa listed referees who feature in the Premier League, the difference is telling.
Since 2009/10, Liverpool have won 10 and lost just four in games under Lee Probert, while they have won nine and drawn six of Martin Atkinson's 21 games in charge.
The Reds have lost just one game apiece refereed by Andre Marriner and Michael Oliver in 16 and 13 games respecitvely.
That is not to insinuate Webb was a cause for those 14 defeats, of course, as football shifts far too quickly to even attempt lay the blame at Webb's feet.

Will be interesting.

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Ok, that went right over my head. Good one, though

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05 Mar 2014 08:06:53
But don't they have Moyes still at there?, with cleverly and carrick in the middle?, Mata again on the LW?. More than sufficient to beat them.

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Would it not be fair to say that Webb, being a 'top' referee, typically gets the A-list matches and the simple fact of the matter is that over the last few years we have not been good enough against the top A-list teams?
The fact that Webb was on the pitch is deflecting from our true league standing in previous seasons.

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04 Mar 2014 19:21:42
Liverpool's next game is away to Manchester United on the 16th, Howard Webb will be the Ref, so the home side will have 12 players and Liverpool 11, I expect Webb will send a Liverpool player off just to make it fair.

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And potentially miss 2 Perfectly good penalties.
Everyone loves a good Ref ;0)

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Where have you seen he's been appointed?

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Really, how Howard Webb? Again? How many times do we have to put up with that cretin. F*** the South Yorkshire police. In the words of o'shea Jackson.

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Then the team have to make sure that there is no disputing any goals we score and Skrtel will have to refrain from so much shirt pulling.

I doubt that even Fergie reffing the game would matter to the team, it won't unsettle them, they won't moan, they'll just try harder. That is one of the most pleasing aspects of this season for me, this team don't feel sorry for themselves, they hold their heads up high and try to score right up until the final whistle. They don't stop fighting and will continue to do so right up until the final game is over.

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If we get behind the lads then we can make the 12th man, simple

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04 Mar 2014 19:09:23
I know there's a Daniel Sturridge song to the theme of Lola (the old Patrik Berger song). Does anyone know the words. Thanks

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04 Mar 2014 18:45:30
I'm glad BRANDON Rodgers looking players with certain characteristics: technical in speed mode. all players who have been associated with Liverpool as transfer Rumours have these qualities, salah, mykhtarian . and recently . ; Konoplianka, Nico Gaitan, lacazatte . do not know if LFC sign one of these players . but this kind of players is what we need and what I like

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I don't believe that for a second. I think if barca or real came in for him he would ask the club to let him go again.

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Whay are you calling him Brandon?

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04 Mar 2014 18:18:05
Wouldn't normally post newspaper talk but the telegraph, to me a more respectable one, are reporting Suarez says he will stay champions league or not, as he's happy here! Family are enjoying life and so he is, they quote anyway!

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I have been reading the same thing.
Question is.IF Real or Barca come knocking with a cheque for £100 mill.would we keep him or sell him?
I know he is a brilliant striker. World class. And he will be needed for a good run in the CL next season. But at what figure would FSG find too good to turn down? And don't forget he is 27. which means his value will begin to depreciate in the forth coming seasons.
I am not advocating us selling. Just wondering what FSG and other LFC fans think would be too much to say NO to?
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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100m I'll take as long as we spend 80 of it

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He said the same thing last jan and still wanted to leave.

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Beware what you wish for. Spurs got 80 million for Bale and blew it all, with the exception of Eriksen. They are only pushing for 4th spot because Sherwood drought Adeboyor back in!
So, let them keep their 100 million! We'll hold onto Luis for another while yet thanks

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04 Mar 2014 18:00:37
So I see Howard Webb has been appointed for the game against United. Don't worry lads there's still 9 games left to go!

My question for you Ed, everyone says Webb has a thing for United and a thing against Liverpool, so I was just wondering, is this actually true? I know it just seems to be an association with Howard Webb but is it actually a fact Ed?
Cheers,

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{Ed001's Note - I think he is just simply an awful ref. It doesn't matter what game he refs or who he is reffing, I have yet to see him be anything other than embarrassing.}

Ed can't we ask the fa for him not to ref as he always gives us nothing

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{Ed001's Note - you think the FA will listen to us??}

The players should no by now they won't be getting any help from him so just go out and make sure we don't need it

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Leaving aside the obvious suggestion that he is biased, Webb has made some absolutely terrible glaring errors of late. I'm not just taking anti-LFC or pro- MUFC.
So how does the FA protect and build his confidence again? I know, put him in the most heated game in the premier league.
Heads should roll at the FA for this incompetent decision, however, we probably wouldn't notice if heads did roll. (In my opinion) A drunk blindfolded chimp with rabies and a pencil in his mouth could do a better job than the FA. Therefore I do not think there is much point in asking them for a change of ref.

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Thing is about Webb. (Apart from being terrible and getting everything generally wrong) he loves being center of attention. Even when it's not Liverpool, he blows up way too much and just kills the game. Stop start football, he ruins every game

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OMG! What on earth is going on. Webb should not be allowed anywhere near a Utd game. He is always on there side. Surely the FA know this. There's enough jokes out there as to this regard.
Its time the FA woke up and smelt the coffee.
But then again what do we expect from the FA! F**k All!
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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04 Mar 2014 19:33:01
I am very surprised to hear some people, the commentators in pacticular to label him as the best referee in the country. Maybe just because he is a police officer.

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I honestly think rogers should say something before the game and to the f.a make it known were dissapointed over the last 2 penos and just see what happens

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If you ever doubted Webb's bias, have a read of 'What has Webb ever done for Liverpool' by Steven Kelly on ESPN. He has an appalling track record with our club.

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I know a manager can be fined for comments on a ref but what is the biggest punishment, I mean BR got into trouble earlier but if he comes out and blasts howard webb (in well reasoned style point one he made this decision point two etc not just rambling) couldn't LFC just pay the fine as he is drawing attention to all the decisions. I mean its one thing for pundit to say one decision against arsenal etc but if the facts are listed no one can deny it surely

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04 Mar 2014 22:56:16
DBol. spot on with the 'centre of attention' part.
He doesn't seem to understand/accept, that when a ref has a great game, he is barely noticed.

He has all the attributes of an egotistical maniac.
He must have been crap at hide & seek when he was a kid, because there is no way he would want to be hiding for too long!

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#in Nirthern Ireland anyway I know of a lot of behind the scenes politics regarding referee selection etc. I hsve no doubt England is the same.

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04 Mar 2014 15:00:29
Your man on ssn didn't seem to knowledgeable about the financial figures. his masterful insight was they look bad but not as bad as at a first glance, champions league football could go a good way towards reducing the 50 mill loss and finally a bigger stadium would increase revenue.

Well stadium obvious first point was pointless and while we may receive near 50 mill from a good cl run but if we get in I hardly see wage bill going down in the summer or even us making a profit on transfers and even ignoring that we would still need to pay back debt from previous years in some way?

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{Ed002's Note - People tend to over-egg the additional revenue that would come from adding 15k seats to the ground.}

Hardly ED;

15,000 additional seats @ the current £940 a seat would lead to a 14M quid increase in revenue, this is just from gate revenues, then we have the money spent on pies, drinks, club shops etc and we are easily looking at a 18M quid increase in revenue - the fact is it will be a little more than that due to the fact that the new seats will lead to some very very expensive hospitality packages being sold.

A £20M increase in match day revenue would be huge for the club, and would represent a 10% increase in our total revenue.

Obviously these figures have been dumbed down, but they are a very good representation of the kind of difference the seats will make.

David Moores, H&G and FSG have all pursued some very expensive stadium plans for a reason - that additional revenue will be huge for the club and the reason FSG have come out and said it won't make a big difference is to manage supporter expectations.

It will not allow us to compete with Man City or Barcelona - but it will bring us a lot closer to breaking even every single year, with and without champions league revenue.

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{Ed002's Note - Firstly, the match day revenue right now is about £45M so and increase to £60M or £65M is by no means unreasonable. However, that comes at a cost - the cost of administration, policing the additional crowd, maintaining the facilities etc. and not least - paying off the loans that will be required to make the changes - and don't under-estimate that cost. I think you are rather over egging this and forgetting all of the costs involved. The reason "FSG have come out and said it won't make a big difference" is not to "manage supporter expectations" but because in both the short and medium term it is true.}

Policing costs and maintenance fees are negligible considering how much money the expansion will bring in.

Obviously the repaying of the loan will be expensive, considering the size of the loan is around 150M quid but depending on how FSG want to repay it, with any amount of reasonable success it could be paid of within 10 years which in the grand scheme of things is not very long.

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{Ed002's Note - I am afraid that the figures the club has do not align with your rather naïve view of all of this.}

Well we have been given very different figures then

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Presumably the capital repayments of the loan would not count as an expense when considering if pass ffp. So it would just be the interest element. Ed do we know if they intend to get a bank loan or plan on financing it through directorls loans or similar. Thanks in advance

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{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to go down this road.}

05 Mar 2014 06:39:03
and will I be right in saying that people forget that adding the 15k costs money Ed02? adding em ain't free. i'm not saying adding 15k is bad, i'm just saying itll take time to reap the benefits

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05 Mar 2014 06:40:24
Ed02, how much the extra tv revenue would be worth to Liverpool. Also should they show on the 2013/14 accounts or 14/15? Cheers.

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{Ed002's Note - At least £20M and it will go in next year's accounts.}

05 Mar 2014 06:41:07
Quick question Ed02 firstly can the club take an internal interest free loan for the stadium expansion?
Secondly would they have the money to do so?
And finally is this something they're considering or is this what they are doing as obviously a interest free loan on 100m+ is going to make a huge difference.

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{Ed002's Note - There is no point going in to the finances any further. The club is not worth what the owners have invested and they will look for sponsorships and partnerships.}

04 Mar 2014 14:12:43
Hi Eds. I've been searching Dani Parejo of Valencia today as I noticed you said we may well have interest in him. He looks a decent central midfielder with good control and passing ability. He looks more of a playmaker rather than attacking nature. Would he be seen as competition for a starting slot or a more of a squad player? Do u think he could be good enough for us?

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{Ed002's Note - They should all be squad players Dezmondo who can take their chance and fit in seamlessly when the opportunity arises. If you are looking for another AM player perhaps Suso would fit the bill?}

I do agree Ed. And we need a bigger squad if we do make the Champions League. Almost forgot about Suso tbh. I hope he and Borini come back as they both can offer us something imo.

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04 Mar 2014 11:50:56
hey eds
got a question wich of the defenders you think will leave in the summer as we will make the CL I don't think the club will sell Agger or that he will leave but what about Skrtl or Kelly? and what is your tought about Agger because clearly he loves this place.
thxx in advance

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{Ed002's Note - I would expect Toure, Sakho, Kelly and Flanagan to stay. Coates will certainly leave. Cisskho will go after his loan. Coady may well leave. I don't know about Robinson, Wisdom, Ilori, McLaughlin or Sama. One or perhaps two of Enrique, Johnson, Agger and Skrtel may well leave. Apologies if I missed any of them - the club is overloaded with defenders - I know there is also the kiddie from Australia whose name escapes me right now.}

04 Mar 2014 12:38:13
Left back Brad Smith Ed. Good player. I expect him to stay or get a good loan.

YNWAdam

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{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}

Thxx for the reply eds! Cheers

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04 Mar 2014 10:54:44
What are people's thoughts on a 3rd striking option for the summer?
With all due respect to Aspas, it looks likely he'll be shipped out this summer, and I couldn't tell you what will happen to Borini.

I personally I would use the funds from both the above players, add a few million and buy Lukaku.
I know Chelsea rate him at £20 millionor so, so he wouldn't come cheap, but I think he's a great player.
I think we have been really lucky this season with Sturridge and Suarez, both have stepped up when the other has been out, but I still don't feel it's enough.
For all the good Aspas has done us, we just have well started the season with 2 senior forwards and youth players.
(Please note, I'm not slagging him off or anything, I know he works his socks off and is trying his best, I'm just talking in contributions)

So yeah, for me Lukaku would offer us yet more pace and lots of Power, his technique is also pretty good although his does show his age at times.
He would fit the bill as a young player with potential to be great, played for basically 3 prem teams now, so is familiar and quite at home with the bully nature of the EPL, and is a proven goalscorer.

It would also P**s the bitters right off!

For the record I rate Borini too, I just don't think he'd want to stay as 4th choice.

In any case, we need at least 1 more striker for next season. To continue to rely on Suarez and Sturridge so absolutely would be a nightmare.

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The summer is too far away, plus we haven't qualified for the CL yet. Let's wait until we get there. In any case, it will be the winger/wide forward and left-back positions to be filled. I'm hoping for Pedro or Di Maria

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I agree but I think we will need 4 forwards plus 2 wingers. so we can change between 2 uptop / 3 uptop.

Sturridge
Suarez
Sterling
Make 3, but we need 3 more.

I think 2 of these 3 can be backups.
Borini
Assaidi/ Suso
So we need 1 more If we keep 2/3 of above 3 for next season.
Ibe will also be cover.

So Aspas sold 1 Stiker in
Borini Sold another in.

Aspas + Borini = 17-18M
Lukaku + Lambert : 27M

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I doubt highly we will get anywhere near 18 million for Aspas and Borini. I happen to like both of them anyway.

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04 Mar 2014 13:08:33
Do you seriously think Lukaku would suit our style? There is a reason Rodgers likes forwards like Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling, Aspas, Borini, Moses etc. They all play across the front 3 and interchange throughout the game making it impossible to mark them and making counter attacks fluent and unpredictable. Lukaku would make us predictable.

For all Lukaku's plaudits, he seems to pick up a lot of niggling injuries (burnout?) and he doesn't score that many goals. He is far more suited to a Jose Mourinho/David Moyes team. His link up play is average and he is just as awkward on the ball as Welbeck. The only difference is he's a stronger, better finisher than Welbeck. If you want a powerhouse who is good with his feet you need someone in the mould of Dzeko, Giroud or Benteke. I think Lukaku will be a great player one day for a physical team who play with 1 man up front. That team right now, is not Liverpool and Sturridge will not be relegated to the bench to Accomodate a worse player. We are far more likely to see a nippy, technically gifted forward who can play across the line. Someone in the mould of Sanchez. I honestly think Assaidi and Borini deserve a chance before we start spending millions of pounds on forwards.

Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling are the best front 3 in Europe so realistically we are looking for cover for Suarez and Sturridge (Suso and Borini for me) and then some competition for Sterling. I'd happily have that be Assaidi and Ibe, but if neither of them are going to be given a chance (yet in Ibe's case) then we need another versatile forward with pace to challenge Sterling for his position, and keep him focused on his football. Lukaku is not that man. Lukaku has not really scored that many more than Borini or Assaidi and he's been playing in a much better team than both of them. I think Aspas needs regular game time in the Premier league and he'll only get that on loan. Maybe Stoke to replace Assaidi or Swansea. Even Sunderland if they stay up as I don't see Borini being loaned out again next season. He's been Sunderlands best player by a country mile in terms of overall gameplay.

In short, no I don't want Lukaku. I think he's got like 10 goals in all competitions. that's only 3 more than Sterling, 4 more than Borini and 6 more than Assaidi. All 3 of them have been playing out wide and I'd hazard a guess Lukaku has had more game time as well. He's just not as good as everyone makes out. He is certainly not worth anything more than the £12m we paid for Sturridge. Let him rot on Chelsea's bench like the rest of the mercenaries who chose money over football.

YNWAdam

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04 Mar 2014 13:23:27
players like Lukaku / Adebayor, would never suit our style, we play with speedy interchanging system, Precise we never play with a striker, we have 3 front players, who would occuppy any of the front 3 places and anyone would score.

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Adam,
Lukaku is a very talented player who has proven his qualities over the last couple of seasons. There's no need for the "he's not Liverpool standard therefore he is garbage" attitude, and You of all people should be able to understand that at only 20 years old he has a lot of time to improve.

Also he is obviously not happy sitting on the bench and is willing to go out on loan to get games and experience, which is the correct attitude. Right?

Not having a go and I do agree that he wouldn't suit our style, however he is a top talent and has the potential to become world class player for a top club.

Red Rum

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Are you for real?
Lukaku is a proven 1 in 2 man. he did it for West Brom last year, who were much worse than Everton, and has done it for Everton this year. Assaidi and Borini haven't scored that much. I get that he wouldn't fit our play, but to suggest his ratio and scoring ability is on par with those 2 is ludicrous, the facts speak for themselves.

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Sterling, Suarez and Sturridge? Best top 3 in Europe! Amazing that mate. Simply Amazing. Gimme Bale, Ronaldo and Isco anyday.
Delude much?

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I don't see lambert or lukaku wanting to sit on the bench, we don't need another striker who will want to play every game, we need a striker who will seize an opportunity when presented. Sombody we already have from the youth team maybe?

And with Suso, Assidi and Borini to return I can't see any need for any attacking options, Ibe is sat around waiting for a game at the moment too.

We have 2 CDMs in Gerrard and Lucas so I think defence is our biggest worry, Johnson needs replacing and so does Enrique. We will probably loose 1 or both of Skrtel and Agger so a decent CB would be needed.

Generally I don't see the need to buy many new players for once. As Brenden has repeatedly said, we need sombody who will improve the first team, but where?

Who would be worth pushing out for sombody else?

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04 Mar 2014 15:19:14
You do realise Moyes doesn't still manage Everton right?
He has been the focal point of everything they do this season, and they are far from a long ball team anymore.
Simple fact is, Everton have been right up there with us all season for the most part, and they only went off the boil after he got injured.
I watched them play Spurs and Chelsea and they would have won both games without a doubt if he'd played.

Not to mention the guy gives us nightmares Everytime we play against him.

He's been excellent for Everton this season, and there are few better strikers than him in the league at the minute. Even less that are good enough to improve us, and could potentially be available, and who we had a realistic enough chance of signing!

I get what your saying and why, he doesn't look much like a Rodgers type of player, but I think if he can fit into Martinez starting line up, he could do the same for us,

Personally I rate him higher than Benteke, but my mate is a blue so I've had a lot of time to watch him this season.

I don't think we'll sign him, there's been no interest and I agree he doesn't fit the mould per say, but at 20 he has all the tools, and would offer us something else.

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04 Mar 2014 15:36:35
Plus, the fee we paid Chelsea for Sturridge s irrelevant. We can hardly judge other transfer on his price tag. He was a steal!

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04 Mar 2014 17:37:09
Red Rum, in my defence that's basically what I said. I said he'd be a great player one day but not for us right now under Rodgers. I think his ability is over played though.

Bobatron I never said their goal scoring records were on par. But they are not much worse despite less game time/a more creative position. Lukaku has 10 goals playing as the main striker. Sterling has 7 as a wide forward. You cannot underestimate how much compatability plays a part. I'm simply saying these plays Don't score much less goals as the facts show, and they are more suited to our play.

Molly, that was not opinion. That was based on goals scored. They are the most prolific in Europe as of Saturday afternoon. Whether or not that's changed I don't know but when you consider the games Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling have missed individually, its impressive they are even up there.

Your reply is the most well constructed argument Dave. Thanks for taking the time. I don't doubt his ability to finish off great attacks, but Everton play a far more rigid style to us. Both Suarez and Sturridge drop deep, drift wide and switch with other attackers. I just don't think we'd get that from Lukaku. I can see him just standing in the box waiting for it. He is good at holding up the ball purely because of his strength, but I don't see him getting involved with build up play like SASAS. I know Sturridges fee is not relevant to Lukaku's. I was simply making the point that there is value for money even in the current inflated market. Lukaku (for us) does not represent that.

Just to clarify to everyone, I don't think he's bad. He has a great career ahead of him if like Sturridge he can kick the niggles out. But he needs to be playing In a rigid formation with at least 3 creative players behind him willing to run beyond him. I just can't see Rodgers reverting back to his Danny Graham days after seeing how successful a fluent front 3 can be.

YNWAdam

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04 Mar 2014 17:59:47
lukaku would be a certain strength especially giving us a plan B in a attacking style as showing strength and power upfront, having suarez, sturridge and lukaku with sterling and another winger would mean very strong squad that could possibly win champions league and the league the same year.

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{Ed001's Note - Lukaku has attitude issues, as well as a lack of real quality. What is it with people wanting big lumps with no touch to play for us, when we are playing so well with quality?}

04 Mar 2014 18:12:45
Fair kop, I think the only thing I would argue is I feel he'd have the ability to adapt, I think he has far more athleticism than say your Lambert or Crouchs of the world, so while his hold up play is good, he doesn't rely on it as much as those players.

I don't want to get into a 'plan b' too much, but wouldn't it make sense to have options on the bench that are different to those on the field?
By that I mean that we won't be able to find anybody who comes close to Suarez or Sturridge, in terms of what they are able to do, so I'd like us to have an option up front that keeps oppositions guessing. Bringing on another '9 and a half' would make our play more predictable, you could argue.

In short, options. If we are struggling, do you take off a nippy striker (Sturridge) for another nippy shoulder of the last man striker?

If we are losing 1-0 and we need to change things up, I would like us to really be able to mix it up, short, long through the middle,

Plus (and this was key to my original post, even if I failed to mention it) I want a striker I know has the ability to perform, should we get struck with massive injuries.

If that responsibility had fallen to Borini last season, or Aspas this season, we would have been toast. It's only the outstanding form of SAS and the fact we've always had 1 on the field.

With the goals we are currently conceding, we can't afford to let the goals we score dry up, and that's still just 1 injury and 1 suspension (and let's face it, our beloved strikers can easily share that burden between them) away.

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{Ed001's Note - but, if we want to go long, we can hit balls over the top to Sturridge, who has the pace to get onto them. So why do we need some lump up front to have that option? I just don't understand the need for a plan B, Liverpool never needed a plan B under Paisley as such. All he did was reorganise his existing players to suit the situation at hand. Rodgers is currently doing the same thing, with his switches in formation to suit different opponents. So we clearly have plenty of flexibility without some full-of-attitude, over rated lump who is flavour of the month. Especially as it seems all people want is him to sit on the bench, when he is not going to do that, as he seems to think he is some kind of superstar. How do you know that Borini and Aspas couldn't have scored goals, if they had been given a run anyway? Pure guesswork that, Borini never played up front for us enough to show whether or not he could make it and Aspas has not had enough games to make that kind of judgement on. We have a very flexible team already, what we don't need is a Lukaku causing issues because he is not first choice.}

04 Mar 2014 18:42:37
I suppose I'm assuming they wouldn't have scored many given the lack of playing time for both, if the manager thought they'd score i'd assume they'd have played a bit more.
I'm obviously not in the loop as much as you Ed so I don't know about any attitude issues, though I don't doubt your correct mate.
I do feel your being a little harsh on the technical aspects of his game, which I feel have improved since I first saw him. Far from a finished product but still leaving a lot to be in some departments!
Each to their own :)

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04 Mar 2014 19:14:35
Can I ask to the above all, why would Chelsea sell him?.
Was he bought to replace Drogba and called as Drogba 2?
ED01/02, Is he out of favor at Chelsea?

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{Ed001's Note - off the field issues.}

04 Mar 2014 19:40:34
I really do think we need a striker that is strong, good in the air and can hold on to the ball besides having good technical abilities. I think there are times this season where the fluidity of our attack is not there and our attacks does not seem to click. The draws against West Brom and Aston Villa can he taken as example.

A player like Burak Yilmaz could just do the job.

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Lacazette would be ideal, he is Sturridge and Suarez in one minus Sturridge's raw pace.

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If "Plan B" would be lumping a ball up to a Lukaku-type player, I hope we get a "Plan C" ready to go as well.

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05 Mar 2014 08:08:31
Hyach

Are you talking about the same guy who has almost 2, 66 successful dribbles per game?

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05 Mar 2014 06:37:50
I like the guy. He has played well this season for Everton.
Three things though.
1. Ed02 on the Chelsea site has repeatedly said there is some problem with the guy. And Although he won't say what the problem is I would be wary about it.

2. I don't think Chelsea will sell to us. I think Maureen sees us a big rival this season so to strengthen us in this way I just don't see he will do it.

3. I see Aspas being moved on BUT I also see Borini being brought back to LFC for next season.

I think our defense will be overhauled next season. This to me this is the priority. And a LM.
If Gerrard continues playing DM the way he has I don't see an immediate need for cover as Lucas is due back soon and Allan can play that area to.
Other area's I think will depend on other's leaving.
Although our constant links to GK seems to suggest we either don't think Mingolet is quite good enough or maybe just want to push him and give him some competition for his place.
The summer is going to be massive as the team spirit at the moment is second to none and BR will be looking as much to a players attitude as he willbe doing as to there playing skills.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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{Ed002's Note - Chelsea have no problems selling to any club or loaning out players. Sturridge and Moses to Liverpool. Mata to Manchester United etc..}

Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling
Konoplyanka, Borini, Aspas

Seems straightforward to me. We have the best attack in the league already. Borini has done well on loan, Aspas will be better with a year under his belt. If the club decide to let him leave then he'll be replaced. Firmino possibly?

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YnwAdam since moving to the prem, Borini has scored 4 in 34, assaidi 3 in 20 Lukaku 27 in 55.There isn't even a comparison here! ''NOT MUCH WORSE '' you might wan't to go and elarn about ratios and learn to count above 10

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04 Mar 2014 10:50:55
Report on ssn today regarding revenue and reduced debt, looks like we're well on the right side of the FFP rules, happy days! Big summer spend in the offing once we qualify for the Champions League

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{Ed001's Note - you might want to rein in your expectations, revenue has increased, debt has decreased, but the club still made a major loss of nearly £50m.}

"Over the past four or five years, revenue has been consistently increasing from around £170million in 2009 to over £200m today, and external debt has decreased significantly to less than £50m.

Am I reading this wrong Ed001, a 50m loss would surely lead to an increase in external debt?

thanks for your time

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{Ed001's Note - we took out a significant internal loan from another member of the FSG group. So internal debt increased massively. The advantage being that internal debt is interest free, so you just pay back the amount you borrow, but it does still have to be repaid.}

Surely those figures are still very positive though ed? Obviously 50m is not good but were constantly improving which is only because of the last owners. Fingers crossed champions league next year it was also decrease massively. This was always going to take time.

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{Ed002's Note - How can the club losing £1M a week be positive? It has been exactly the case since the owners arrived. Money has been spent on players with the promise of CL football. Would it not have been better to have saved £22M spent on Aspas, Ilori and Alberto, played some of the youngsters on the few occasions they have played and only to have made a £8M loss which would have been inside the internal target? You tell me.}

Eds if you borrow the money, it's capitalised.and on the statement of financial position, at 0% interest the club isn't losing money on the income statement surely. Which is where the FFP is the main worry.

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{Ed002's Note - You are missing the point - Liverpool is spending far, far more money than it earns - that is what FFPR is concerned about.}

It's all a very interesting spin on the topic from FSG. I have to say I quite like the owners and they've been fine ones, but have to call a spade a spade here and say the claim we've reduced debt is largely BS. It's true that bank loans have decreased from 69.8M to 48.1M (good), but the amount owed UKSV increased from 22.2M to 68.9M from 2012 to 2013 which represents an overall increase in debt to Liverpool FC. Mind I'll take a no-interest loan over a bank loan any day of the week, but it is still debt the club owes.

I also don't see how we're anywhere near meeting the qualifications for FFP. We're talking a combined loss of near enough 100M the last two years compared to the UEFA allowed 45M Euros, or roughly 60M off from meeting the UEFA expectations. Granted there are a number of exceptions for things like youth development, one year's wages for pre-June 2010 players wages, and costs associated with the Stanley Park stadium and/or Anfield expansion, but I really can't see that being in the 60M range over the two year period. What UEFA will do about it should be interesting, although I expect little given the number of clubs other than us who are also looking likely to fail their test (City and PSG I would think at the least).

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{Ed002's Note - Keep in mind the FFP figures are not those you have seen today. It is better than you think in terms of FFP but still miles of being compliant.}

Ed is there actually a real chance of LFC being banned from playing in europe next season as a reult of the FFP? Thanks

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{Ed002's Note - Not next season.}

05 Mar 2014 06:38:11
Ed02 thanks for a great job and just a quick note about the losses/debts FFP if I may. The financials relate to the period from 1 June 2012 to 31 May 2013 ie period where be bought Borini, Sturridge and Couthinho and sold/cancelled the contracts of Adam/Kuyt/Maxi/Cole/Aqualani and Bellamy. We loaned out Andy Carrol on partial wages and loaned in Nuri Sahin for a fortune. So I think this period is a 'clear out' period for the club in terms of expensive players and contracts. The acquisition of Aspas/Sakho/Mignolet/Illori etc came after this financial period ie after 1 June 2013 and followed from the sales of Carroll/Downing. So whilst the club will probably continue to make a loss going forward I suspect the rate of loss has reduced below £1m in the current financial year and we are slowly being engineered to be more FFP compliant. We shall see, but just thought I would point it out! cheers again for your tireless efforts

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{Ed002's Note - All of that was business as usual or was it yet another year of transition? Look at the previous years.}

05 Mar 2014 06:39:35
Agreed Ed02 that the UEFA version would look different from these (by the way- would that be a released document at some point or a private one?) but it's certainly difficult to see how the losses could be completely exempted under what I know of FFP exceptions policies. That said, what do you think the sanctions will be, if any? I've read in other locations that UEFA is unlikely to push for anything other than the 'lighter' version at the moment, which would include things like withholding revenues from winnings, not allowing new player registrations in UEFA competitions, or in some restricting the number of players allowed to participate but I'm not sure I even see them doing any of these if I'm being honest which pretty means FFP is a step further towards irrelevancy in a way?

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{Ed002's Note - There is no doubt that Liverpool has failed to meet the FFPR in all three data collection years - I have explained the situation repeatedly and have no intention of dragging this out further.}

05 Mar 2014 12:27:58
Ed02 isn't the point though that there were 3 ectraordinary items int he accounts? The written off value of the stadium, the payoffs, of both hodgeson and Kenny? These were all massive expenses too, and not part of our regular trading.

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{Ed002's Note - That was the previous year.}

I thought they were part of the total loss of the 90 million over the 2 previous years? If not then I hold my hands up to a brain fart and leave you in peace :)

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{Ed002's Note - Firstly the £90M figure is incomplete as the previous year was only 10 months long. Hodgson left in January 2011 which was dealt with in the 2010/2011 books. And the Hodgson and Dalglish figures were low compared to compared to other pay offs (El Zhar and particularly Degen). The infrastructure cost related to the stadium is a non-excluded item as there was no resultant improvement to the infrastructure. This year will see an improvement and the expectation is that the club will meet last year's financial target this year - and would have done considerably better save for what I see as poor spending on players in the summer.}

That's fine ed's I don't think I was trying to say the stadium wasn't part of trading.Just an extraordinary item. That wouldn't be expected in future reports. It was a pretty large figure to lose and thus bumps up Liverpools losses a lot.

All good though ed's 002

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{Ed002's Note - But it was not in this year just reported.}

04 Mar 2014 10:46:44
Just out of curiosity who would you say is the best ever Liverpool strike force?

1) Sturridge & Suarez

2) Torres & Gerrard

3) Owen & Fowler

4) Dalglish & Rush

5) other (please state)

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No 4, without doubt!

Or Dundee and Camara

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Suarez and Sturridge I think. But I used to love Fowler and Collymore

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I only managed to see 1 and 2 enough. didn't get to see much of 3 (plus I was very young back then). i'd take 1. torres and gerrard was good, but I feel suarez and sturridge offers more.

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04 Mar 2014 11:06:26
1 dalglish&rush
2 toshack&keagan
3 hunt&st john
4 sturridge&suarez
5 fowler & collymore

Thats my top 5 at the moment the only reason sturridge and suarez r only 4th like fowler and collymore in 97 its just 1 season of being a fantastic double act and they have not won anything yet but if they stay togeather for 3-5 seasons and lead us to the premiership et al they will jump up that list.

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04 Mar 2014 11:11:02
Not going to comment on what I didn't witness so Suarez/Sturrigde slightly edges Fowler/Owen for me.

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All honesty mate if your wanting strike partners shouldn't that be Owen/Heskey Fowler/Collymore? But to answer your question I think its got to be Dalglish & Rush

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Owen and Fowler hardly ever played as a pair, but still say Dalglish and Rush, but Suarez and Sturridge are catching them up.

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04 Mar 2014 18:07:25
1) King Kenny and Ian Rush
2) Sturridge and Suarez
3) Collymore and Folwer
4) Owen and Heskey
5) Torres and Gerrard

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Keegan & Toshack, with Heighway on the wing, is what got me loving the Reds. As that has endured for 40 years now, it must have been a half-decent double act!

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Surely Barnes, Beardsley and Aldridge must be up there, defo gave me the best orgasms

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Bit harsh not including sterling as we have a front 3 rather than 2 at the moment footballs changed so much formation its hard to try and compare

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Dalglish and Rush by a long way although Sturridge and Suarez have all the potential in the world if they last a few seasons

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04 Mar 2014 09:55:53
hey edd is this political spin that Liverpools debt has come down? not sure what to make of it one paper says debt at £50 mill another says debt come down, so in laymen s terms are we getting our house in order with the ffp?

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool made a loss of just under £50M - it is a loss of £1M per week (which it has been the same since the owners arrived).

Forget the debt Frankie as it will mislead people - and it is an ugly subject anyway as whilst the debt to the bank has been reduced by about £20M, the debt owed to the owners has increased very considerably (£47M). Liverpool remain miles away from meeting the FFPR and missed internal financial targets for this year by some length.}

We should be very thankful that Henry never cashed in during the summer, Mile Ashley style.

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Cheers edd .

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A top 4 finish coupled with CL revenues will make things look healthier. Additionally big-earners like Reina, Skrtel & Enrique and fringe players like Assaidi & Coates will move on as will the loan players. There's about 20-25m on sales there with Ilori, Suso & Borini to return. We don't need to spend 40-50m net this summer. A LB, AM/LW and a talented youngster will suffice. We have a vibrant young squad so there's no need for another overhaul.

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04 Mar 2014 09:53:16
With all the talk about LFC being interested in every LB on the continent, I don't see why the club doesn't just go all out to buy Luke Shaw, the lad is only 18 but plays like a veteran, he has proved himself in the EPL this season and looks to be the number 1 England left back for the next 15 years. Yes he may cost us 30m but if that mean we have him for 15 years that means he's cost us 2m a year! and if he "does a Bale" and turns into a winger/forward we can always sell him to Real for 100m. I'd rather spend 30m on him that 20m on some unproven 27 year old foreigner that we only have for 4 years. Makes sense both financially and football wise.

Your thoughts eds/fellow reds?

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool will not be spending £30M on Shaw in the summer.}

I know Ed2002, but I was speaking hypotheticly (spelling) Our spending limitations aside do you not think it would make sense though?

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{Ed002's Note - You want the fantasy football pages if you are simply ignoring the money situation.}

04 Mar 2014 09:46:41
banter please eds
long time reader first time poster!
Regarding those dreaming about the title (me being one!). In my honest opinion, I think we will fall just short of the league. Winning it would mean both City and Chelsea dropping 4 points. I can see one dropping that many, but unfortunately not both! but hey who says we can't dream?! funny things have happened in this great game! I think its massively important for Rodgers to keep the lads in check, keep their heads down and keep them focused on winning the next game and then who knows!

On the flip side, what a season so far. If anyone would have told me at the beginning of the season we would be 4 points off the top come march I probably would have laughed, not many would have expected this so well done lads! Also, when was the last time a big super Sunday game actually meant something to us in march? Shows how far the team have come!

cheets

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04 Mar 2014 10:17:51
I can see both dropping 4 points, But we would still need to win all the remaining matches.
City are yet to play all the top teams home/ away.
Chelsea are actually placed better, still to play Liverpool, spurs and arsenal.

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We won't win it simply because of our defence and squad depth, as I stated at the start of the season, the chance to win it was there if we invested in the team i.e. quality to go straight into the first team, sadly we didn't but Rodgers has worked a miracle to get us to this point and I take my hat off to him, my expectations with regards to progress were finishing 5th and a good cup run so fingers crossed we will exceed the finishing position which makes up for the lack of a cup run.

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{Ed001's Note - and who was going to invest the money? The club is still making losses.}

I don't want to get my hopes up at this point, but I do feel the race will go down to the end and last game. City and Chelsea could definitely drop points to us at home, so the gap can be made up.

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Agreed, both will drop four points at some point. Will we win all of our next ten games? I think it unlikely, despite how confident I am in the team at the moment.

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Ed001, so all of the bids for Costa Willian Mkhitaryan etc etc were just blags by the owners to plicate the fans? Thanks for confirming that for me.

These owners are vey very lucky that Suarez stayed because the teams position would look very different and there way of running the club would come under intense scrutiny.

Go on say it, they were going to use the Suarez money to buy these players zzzzzzzzzzzz, don't use ffp to excuse these owners, the money is there, but they don't want to spend it.

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{Ed002's Note - Ed001 did not say that, you are attempting yet again to mislead people. I explained exactly the situation with those players over the summer when the club were indeed expecting Suarez to be sold as you well know.

There is not "money there" as to put it in very simple terms the club continues to haemorrhage money at the rate of £1M per week since the owners arrived. How much money does Liverpool have in the bank to go out and buy players? Practically nothing - the club survives on loans from the owners and debt with the bank and that needs to change.

Do you realise if the club was sold today the owners would not get back their investment?}

I think if chelsea get through the next 3 games without dropping points, then they will be hard to catch ( spurs home, villa away, arsenal home )

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I'd be seriously interested in how you figure the 'money is there' Waro. Let's look at reality:

+ £206.1M Income
- £23.7M Cost of sales
- £165.7M Administrative expenses
- £1.9M Exceptional costs
- £47.5M Amortization of player registrations
- £12.6M Loss on player sales
- £4.4M Interest paid
--------
- 49.7M loss

Where in the above specifically do you see available money? The owners are doing all they can to increase revenue through commercial contracts, we can't change the cost of sales, administrative expenses are mostly salary, social security, and pensions for players and staff, exceptional costs are one time charges for layoffs and the like, amortization of player registrations is for past acquisitions and can't be changed, loss on player sales is because sale price of the players sold was less than the amortized value of said player, and interest paid goes to a bank. So, and be specific here, where exactly would this hypothetical money come from?

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Just wondering where the konopylanka money came from not been smart just wondering

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{Ed001's Note - it would have been in the form of credit, possibly an increase to the internal loan, more likely a bank loan. That is why the club were so keen to adhere to a specific budget, they simply can't afford to go splashing huge sums.}

In a season where we are seeing Player of the Year (Suarez) & Coach of the Year (Rodgers) performances against all previous expectations, we have "fans" who come on here and do nothing but try to settle personal vendettas, grudges and just spew useless venom for no productive reason. Who can guarantee that the likes of Mikhitariyan & Salah & others would have assured winning the League? Look at ManCity! At least twice the depth of LFC in both quality and quantity, and still it's not a given that they'll win it all this year. It's clear that discussion or banter is not the objective. Just unpleasant reading worthy of infants. ra1969

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04 Mar 2014 08:03:01
gG. M. Pals, eds, hope you are all doing great. Been a while since I posted. There's been something I'v observed through our wonderful season so far. Firsly, we are one of the few teams who have not got any red card and amongst the teams with a good disciplinary record. Our position in the fair play league is not bad at all. Secondly, we haven't played any goalless draw this season, which goes to suggest that we score at will. If this continues, we will have a chance to win the league (just dreaming haha!). Finally, we red fans here must applaud Simonpw for the brilliant job he does on this page regarding our youth football. Someone like me, who stays far away from the team always benefits from the updates he gives us on this forum. I for one truely appreciate the work you are doing here very much Simon, keep it up! Rant over guys Cheers! A Ghanaian fan

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04 Mar 2014 05:12:39
Hi all, been reading the site for the last couple of years very addictive and thanks to the Ed's for the great job. Anyway I've recently moved to China for work and thought I'd register so I can post. So with my first post I'd like to say Happy Birthday King Kenny.
Hope the boys keep the unbelievable run of form going and you never know.

JFT96
YNWA

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04 Mar 2014 02:20:30
Just watched the Gerrard Suarez post match interview and I am going to say it we will win the league. I know take it one game at a time but just looking at Gerrard's face when he was asked if he thinks this could be the year he wins you could just see the seriousness and determination that he honestly believes it could happen. The way the team is playing going forward and knowing that when teams come to Anfield we have a chance of knocking in 3-5 against anyone I really don't see any reason why we won't win. Man City (with the two in hand) and Chelsea the two teams really in front of us have all the pressure not only are they favorites but they both have to come to us and beat us. I just have a strong feeling that when things go bad in games like against the Swans we have the will to keep fighting and find a way to score. Sorry for the rant but heck that is what this page is for.

YNWA

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04 Mar 2014 08:10:28
If Chelsea drops points against Spurs, then we really have to go all out at OT to win,
If Chelsea win this weekend, that would probably put is safe in Top 4, As spurs simply cannot loose against Arsenal and Chelsea.

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That's a very bold statement indeed.

Yes I think we can get something out of the City and Chelsea home games but we cannot forget the away games. With visits to Palace and West Ham, not going to be as easy as you think.

Hope I'm wrong.

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04 Mar 2014 13:59:24
Westham would be tough. As they would defend whole 87 mts and then an unnecessary freekick at the edge of the area. nolan to whip in and someone to head in.

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I think SG realises this is his best ever opportunity to win it, given the lack of other distractions to the team with regards to playing. A week between each match more or less. no excuses there!

If the focus and belief is right and we can keep Luis' teeth behind his lips, we stand as good a chance as any!

I know we're a threat because my Chelski fan bro-in law doesn't stop sending put down texts ref LFC. He never used to bother!

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04 Mar 2014 02:18:48
Hey there Eds and Reds. Just a quick question. How would fans feel if the Epl changed to a playoff style format? With the top four teams enterted into semi-finals. (1st playing 4th and 2nd playing 3rd) The winners of both playing for the title and the losers playing in a 3rd place match (thus deciding the champions league spots.) The layout would be identical to that of the English Premiership and Pro 12 in Rugby Union. While I see the unfairness in the possibility of the team who's performed the best throughout the season lose the title, this way would generate increased revenue for the clubs and excitement among fans.

I'm just asking for opinions so please don't bite my head off haha

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{Ed002's Note - How much extra revenue do you think that would bring in then? It is not going to happen, there would be zero support for it.}

I'm not saying it would happen, or that I want it to. I'm just asking for fans feelings towards it

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{Ed001's Note - as a fan, I would be against it, they just negate the point in having a league system in the first place.}

A fair point. Do any of you follow rugby Ed's? and if so do you know why they made this transition there?

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{Ed001's Note - I don't follow it, nor do I know why, sorry. I do know a few people that follow it and hate the play off system though. I remember one fan saying he didn't really feel like they had won anything other than a cup really. He was still calling the team that finished first in the league champions.}

Weird one for me. As an American, I've always grown up with some sort of playoff system and at first the 'table determines the winner' thing really confused me a bit. The pros for some sort of playoff would be increased revenue (Super EPL Bowl) and the potential for a team outside the 'big clubs' to win the title. The downside would be breaking with a whole lot of tradition and further commercialization of the game.

Personally, I'd be all for it as it just might help to even the league out a bit (always seemed somewhat ironic to me that us American capitalists have much more socialist professional sports leagues than England) and frankly I love playoffs for their unpredictability. Watching a team walk off with the title with several games to play always strikes me as making many of the remaining games a bit pointless.

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They have a similar system in Australia for the Aussie Rules game. Problem is a team can win every game of the season except the last one and end up with nothing. Imagine the Arsenal Invincibles a few years ago not getting any kind of trophies because they lost the final game. Makes no sense to me.

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I agree with ED001 - it negates the
whole purpose of the league system,
exactly as it does in Super League.
though in League we really DO need
the extra revenue

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The Australian game is completely different. I have followed it for many years. Not all their teams play each other twice . There are 18 teams that play 23 times in the ''league'' rather than 34. So it's not exactly a league itself.

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Interesting to hear all your opinions, thank for responding guys

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It IS a league, Bobatron. The hugest points winner after all initial games are played wins the minor crown but that has no glory or accomplishment. The top eight of that league then play off for the grand final which is the only prize any team wants to win. It is a league battle to get into the top eight. The eighth best performing team can then go on and win the title. It doesn't reflect the true hierarchy of performance throughout the year.

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If you want to compare it to anything. Compare it to the NFL which isn't really a league either. It's based about wins vs losses and not playing every team. But winning the fixtures you have. To get into playoffs.

It's widely know that once a team guarantees playoffs in AFL they step off the gas, you wouldn't see that happen in a proper league. where every win is important.

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Blocked it's not a league as we know it. in the Barclays each team plays each other hom and away, that's it. 38 games.
In the AFL they play 6 teams twice, the others once, that's why it's not a direct league comparison. That's also a good reason why they have had playoffs. I know exactly how the game works, I;ve played it for the past 6 years int he UK and I've watched it since I was an 11 year old kid some 16 years ago.
I have zero Idea what you're getting at, I was CORRECTLY saying that you can not directly compare the AFL to superleague or to the Barclays premier!

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04 Mar 2014 01:12:04
Hi Eds, I was just wondering if you could help me get tickets to a home game?

I'm moving to America for university in the summer and have never attended a Liverpool home game before, and would just love to feel and experience the atmosphere.

I'm not too sure on how much I will be needed to pay, but whatever you can muster together can be a great help!

Thanks a lot!

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{Ed002's Note - I can't help as I don't normally have tickets to any games I attend, but no doubt others can give advice.}

Given our current position and the amount of home games left this season I think it will be difficult now. Someone on here with a season ticket who can't attend might be able to help you. I tend to go to away games these days as tickets are a bit easier to get your hands on.

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05 Mar 2014 06:36:48
i thought you couldn't get away with hopping over the barriers or going through two at time at Stamford Bridge nowadays Ed02?

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04 Mar 2014 00:15:29
Hi Eds. Great site, thanks for all your efforts. Been reading this site for a number of years so thought it's about time I register. But my Old name I used to post under is gone :-P

Anyway, was speaking with a well known Spanish Football pundit about possible Liverpool targets. He told me he has recommended Sancidinho from Benfica to Brendan Rodgers. He has also spoken to Gus Poyet about him too though.

Justice for the 96

YNWA

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04 Mar 2014 00:14:48
14 consecutive wins is the current record, we have 4 so far with 10 games left. which would leave us potentially with 89 points, 6 short of the all time best of 95 points in the top flight, if we take it one game at a time, anything is possible

regardless of where we finish, 1st or 6th, I am proud of how well we have done this season so far, we have played phenomenal at times, beautiful attacking football with some tremendous results against Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal.

if we achieve top 4, I know our sqaud is a little thin, but I rather we get 2-3 big signing (players within the 15-30M) category then 5-6 squad players to bolster our ranks.

a CM and a LB would do, as I think Suso could make a god understudy for countinho

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