Liverpool Banter Archive August 05 2014

05 Aug 2014 21:56:53
True
Fans need to realise yee you.improve other positions but goals win games. i'm confident we will bring in a striker mate but there's very little available of that quailty. If Sanchez had chosen us its a different story but for now bony looks the most realistic. Very good striker, but remy would have been a great stop gap option until next yeat

06 Aug 2014 00:16:55
A stop gap? For what? We have lots of money and are in the champions league.

05 Aug 2014 23:57:39
It hurt me to say this, and yes Sanchez chose us over you, but if Bony is the best Liverpool fans are expecting something is seriously wrong. Liverpool are a huge club with Champions League football, surely Bang average Bony isn't all you're going for (to replace Suarez)?

Little gunner, there is.little.available

Little gunner, Sanchez only chose arsenal over LFC as his wife wanted to live in london, even though we were prepared to offer more than what arsenal were.
And just to point, whilst Sanchez has done ok at barca, and had a good World Cup, he doesn't have epl experience which is totally different kettle of fish to what he is used to.
Bony does have epl experience and has done very well. Liverpool do have money but aren't going to spend it just because they feel they have to buy a so-called marquee signing. mesut ozil, £42m. really? I'd chose Coutinho or Henderson over him all day long. And remember, we make players great, we don't need to buy players.

Carlitoc, what makes you think we have bags of money? Are you aware how much money LFC have spent over the past 5 years alone? Not to mention the Anfield expansion.
Littlegunner, whilst I would love to sign a "top drawer" striker, who is there that would come and we could afford? Benzema, Cavani, Falcao. none would come even if we could afford them.

Bang average soon to become bang tidy bony!

06 Aug 2014 07:59:05
I think people need to realise that for a lot of players, excluding the Lamberts and Gerrards of this world, Liverpool is just one choice when it comes to clubs to choose.

Much as it pains me to say it, until we have firmly established ourselves back in the top 4 on a regular basis (which I definitely believe we will do and that we won't drop out again) then we may struggle to compete in the transfer market against sides who have a history of consistent CL participation.

Some players will still come, and I am in no way saying that the players we have bought so far aren't the absolute right players for our club, but some won't. That's life.

06 Aug 2014 08:00:19
Oh, but that said, I strongly disagree with LG's comments. Bony is not bang average at all! Marshy, you're on the money there mate. Bony will become immense with us.

Did bony not outscore giroud last year can't remember stats off top of my head I think bony got 3 to 4 more and giroud had world class players arround him a luxury bony did not have good players world class no

05 Aug 2014 21:52:27
I'd like to wish reina and suarez the VERY best in their new careers, some magic memories.

No bitterness from the best fans in the world, things change and they are on different paths now, but the best of fortune and health genuinely guys

Next seasons almost here and I'm all ready for some new anfield hero's

It's awesome to be a red, better to be a red in the champs league ;-)

I hope he doesn't get a game again

I agree, no bad blood from me. Two excellent servants for Liverpool.

I am happy to wish Suarez luck, but Reina does not deserve anything after the way he has treated the club.

He could and should have been still playing for us he was a great keeper but how he's treated the club over wanting to go to Barca he's lost my respect.

Wow, Reina didn't become a spiteful little rubbish like Suarez did and you're slating Reina? So he made a few comments in the media, compared to Suarez he's an angel!

06 Aug 2014 07:07:26
Whatever the end to either career I'm happy not to deny that I've never made a poor decision, thought the grass was greener or been led into a course of action. Yep I could stamp my feet, maybe hold my breath but that'd only make me blue in the face, and I ain't, I'm red and not bitter!

06 Aug 2014 08:06:22
hsf, I think the reason for the different treatment is that, despite all of his off field issues, comments to the press, "shenanigans" (!) etc, Suarez never ever gave less than 100% for us on the pitch. Reina has struggled, especially in the last 2 years before Migs arrived. Whether that was a natural slump, or him 'protesting', I don't know, but his performances have dropped in the latter part of his time with us, whereas Suarez's never did.

05 Aug 2014 21:35:09
that was quick! reina confirmed move to bayern munic barring medical and paperwork

05 Aug 2014 21:20:05
If these £16m + Suso rumours are correct then I for one would wish Suso the best of luck and hope he becomes the fantastic player he was expected to be. Of course i'm disappointed he might leave just to push through a deal but if we are honest, he won't be getting much game time this season and is made perfectly for La Liga. Therefore putting Liverpool aside for a few seconds, it might be best if he goes to Seville in the Europa League and becomes a star there and then maybe (as he loves Liverpool) he will return to Anfield one day.

In a Liverpool point of view, if Texeira becomes the player we expect him to be, then we may not need both of them anyway and Texeira has similar or better potential so it would be good giving him those irregular opportunaties and hope he grows from that experience.

In Brendan we trust!

05 Aug 2014 21:56:07
Top and sensible post. He wasn't in BR's plans and a move for him is the best option for his career.
I really feel for Kelly. He is the next one on the door step.

05 Aug 2014 22:04:53
suso should stay

silly to pay 40 mil for lallana and markovic if we are just going to throw him away. he'll be better than them both within a year

I'm sorry but what is everyone going on when they say Texeira has better potential than Suso? Texeira has played 15 minutes for the first team.

Frankly Mr Shankly, are you for real?
This Suso love in is a joke. Any young number 10 who shows any potential is lauded as the second coming by some Liverpool fans.

There's a reason why we want rid, a reason why we can't give him away, and a reason why Almeira rarely got ninety minutes out of him.

we're struggling to get a couple of million for this future genius. You must have an insight that every major European scout lacks.

I hope you come on here in a couple of years and retract that statement when Suso has found his level in some European backwater.

06 Aug 2014 04:30:21
As good as Suso is and as massive a potential he has, I don't see him fitting in to BR is plan, unless he improves he's movements of the ball and somehow starts to run faster, and I don't see him doing that, and he is not assisted by his proportionally smaller lower body.

At Liverpool, he is an impact player at best. Ideally he needs to be in a team that's built around him, and Italy or Spain might be his cup of tea.

And as much as I like him to stay, he just doesn't fit the style of play, and wherever he ends up he will be a very good player, and will be enviously missed.

05 Aug 2014 21:08:31
Quick question for the eds or anyone that might know, do you have any idea why every man and his dog seem to know our transfer targets this window? I thought the club were working hard to stop things getting out but a lot of targets reported have been fairly accurate. Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - Clubs struggle to keep things quiet when selling clubs need to attract interest from as many sides as possible to keep prices keen; scouts have a good relationship with folks from the press; agents are somewhere near a hotel bar; super agents crave company etc..}

05 Aug 2014 21:00:13
I watched the first half last night but missed the second due to being up early but just watched it now. I have a sickening feeling in the bottom of my stomach, I hate to say it I know Liverpool was missing a few first teamer's but united played better than what we did there passing was more dynamic n had more ideas going forward.

Glen johnson needs doing away with he has constantly been a weak link in our defence for. . well since we signed him can't do the basic desciplines in defending n he crap going forward n half arsed in tracking back spoilt childish s.o.b.

Martin kelly I rated him when he first came on the scene under daglish but since his injury he has'nt been the same but could he ever recover mentally?!?! I don't know.

No doubt we will miss suarez this season BUT PURELY BASED ON PRE-SEASON!?! I havnt seen anything that makes me think we could be challenging for the title back end of this season.

Are you sure you watched the first half then? We were much the better team until the United 1st goal.

Kelly has got better in each game he's played in pre-season.

Harsh, very harsh on Glen but I will not argue that he should not be starting 11 when it counts. I think it would be better all round if he moved on now.

Have you not seen Sterling play recently? I am more excited about watching him this season than I was about Suarez in the last one. We have Lallana to come in, Markovic and Ibe is looking great too.

Very poor post my friend!

05 Aug 2014 23:22:59
I like the optimism amigo and yes I watched the first half we was the better team in the first 15 mins then it was even stevens after that.

And how can you say i'm harsh on johnson he is an absolute shambles can't defend to save his life and looks disinterested so based on that I would move him on.

And like I said my opinion is "purely based on pre-season" so chill the FSG out lol

Juventus lost to a amateur side with a good few first teamers out doesn't change the fact that they're odds on for serie A.

I know you say you're just going on pre season but then that's completely pointless. if I remember right two years ago borini scored a good few in pre season and then none in the league. last season I don't think we played a full strength team once but still won our first 5 games so basing anything off preseason is moot basically.

05 Aug 2014 20:37:52
Moreno looking to be our left back. Anyone see him play? Is he potential or already decent player? I have been hoping we sign him but probably due to hype as I have never watched him play!

05 Aug 2014 20:47:53
I have seen him play and also in the Europa league. He has enormous pace to burn, He is trickery and would beat a man with ease. As Ed's said His pace would help him to track back. He isn't a finished article like Cole, But the best option available and would be here for at least 2-3 years.
I have no clue on the fee, But then If you look at Shaw, Chambers, Filippe Luiz transfer fee It looks a reasonable deal.

Already a sick player. insane technical ability with ball at his feet and has decent strength and speed! Will be a very good signing

I watched him in the u19 championships last summer I think maybe the one before. he was in the same side as suso, delfoue, jese etc & he did really well I remember them mentioning he's a winger that was moved to lb for the tournament due to the qualitys of delfou who was their star player

05 Aug 2014 20:26:44
We need a striker. like Benzema or Higuain or dzeko's calibre. . I would personally like to see Bayer Leverkusen's Stefan Keisling be bought. .excellent player . .lots of potential. natural goal scorers. .tell me what ya think lads!

05 Aug 2014 20:34:01
He is a good player, But isn't he close to 30?
We should look into Son Heung-min. Cracking player and an investment for the next 3-4 years.

''Lot's of potential.''

He's 30, soon to be 31 in January in late January. I think he's realized his potential by now, surely?!

05 Aug 2014 20:17:03
If what Is being reported is true, who would take Moreno at the expense of Suso? I wouldn't Suso has bags of talent, Moreno would probably wait for Madrid Real to come calling and how about I Lori at lb . He has pace, and potential. Why not?

It all depends if Suso has a place in Rodgers plans. Obviously, if not then let him go and proves us right or wrong.

I myself would certainly keep him and let him try and impose himself into games at sometime in the second half, see how he does, if he has enough influence and a positive bearing on the team then we go from there. That being typed, I don't think Rodgers seems him as a long term fit.

It's a damn shame, he oozes technical ability, seems very confident and assured and has had a positive pre-season when he's played, I know he lacks a bit of pace but he makes up for it with in other areas. But we know by now much of what is seen is in someway hoping to attract buyers for some of our lesser players who aren't in the managers plans.

I hope he stays and imposes himself into Rodgers thinking but painfully it doesn't seem likely. If he goes, then jolly good luck to the lad and I hope he really does turn out to be the player many of us feel he can be.

All true what you say, to me it seems he has that spanish flair that made Silva, (Liverpool) Torres and (Chelsea) Mata flourish in the premier league. Also with Markovic Lallana Ibe etc, I doubt he could even find a spot on the bench!

05 Aug 2014 19:00:11
form the game this morning I see the reason we got beat is because we try and pass the ball into the net we didn't shoot enough from out side the box, couthino shoots and was unlucky, then Manchester United started shooting and scored 2 from out side the box, even ibe ran across the box without shooting, its a pity we missed out on the $ 1 million bonus after watching the game we STILL need quality in the left back, goalkeeper and striker positions,

I agree to a point but we play classy exiting football not kick it when we can lol!
Also am I the only person who thinks migs is decent? yes there's areas he could improve but I still like and trust the guy in goal

Lets be honest. $1 million is nothing in today's world.

I wouldn't say no to it Piledriver mate ;0)
Could buy a good few sherberts with that sort of cash!

Mickey B - In response to your reply on my post, were you completely misunderstood everything I said. of course I wanted us to win, but we didn't and it effects nothing. in pre season I'd rather see a good performance than to play awful and grind a result. Results are more important when we get to meaningful games but in pre season I want to see good play. When it gets to the league games I'd rather see a result everyday .Please refrain from complete and utter drivel about something I clearly didn't say.

Aggers mohawk,

even in this post you spout nonsense, you say pre season friendlies mean nothing but then say you want to see us play well and a good performance, if its only a pre season friendly then the performance should mean nothing as should the result, so make your mind up you did not know about the $1 million prize, plus do me a favour and yourself one don't come across like a troll, its my opinion and I am entitled to have one, you don't have to agree with it but don't call me name or call what I say is drivel . I don't call anyone on here, I respect other peoples opinions, some thing you need to learn

I can't explain it any more clearly than I already have. I'll just agree to disagree. You certainly need to respect people's opinions as well.

05 Aug 2014 18:54:06
We've accepted an offer from Bayern for Reina apparently. .no idea of the fee. Shame in a way, Ming the Merciless could use some competition. When he's near the ball, I'm starting to feel like I do when Johnson is on the ball (sorry, I meant passing it to the opposition. )

£2.5 million has been reported.

That crossbar challenge video worked a treat then!
Good work to the LFC pr dept

05 Aug 2014 18:52:17
Pepe to Munich

05 Aug 2014 18:43:40
Liverpool have accepted a 1.6m bid from Bayern for Reina.

05 Aug 2014 18:23:21
Eds, are Liverpool interested in Icardi of Inter, thanks.

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

05 Aug 2014 18:19:37
according to BBC, Marca are reporting the 16m bid for moreno includes a season long loan of suso.

Real shame for me if so, the lad has clearly stated he wants to fight for his place in the line up this season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he loses patience. Also if he has to be loaned anywhere this season I would much prefer he got premier league experience.

Sigh.

05 Aug 2014 17:04:02
Among the new signings listed below, who do you think will make the most impact/impression in the coming season (2014-15)?

1. Lambert
2. Emre Can
3. Lallana
4. Markovic
5. Lovren
6. Manquillio
7. Alberto Moreno
8. New Striker

My answer:

Emre Can.

Lallana no question, can definitely 2nd, seems to have slotted straight in. Lambert will com good around February, marcovic will take a while longer and not play week in week out . And now for Saturdays lottery results

Lallana.

Lovren the vocal point we've been missing at the back for sure I think!

05 Aug 2014 18:59:38
Can, simply because he's the one they won't see coming. Lallana and Lovren are well known, Moreno is plugging a gap, you're always worried about expensive wingers etc. Can is a wildcard

Lovern I think.

Lovren for me, all day long.

I agree with emre can mate, he's a beast! Him and Henderson doing the buckets of work with their athleticism frees up our attacking players completely, Allen is deadly when he's around the box at turning passing and making runs IMO, coutinho the same, lallana the same and the rest. can and hendo will allow this team to flow like clockwork, I think we really do have the potential to be sublime next season lads.

05 Aug 2014 15:48:24
Does anybody else think that mingolet could buck his ldeas up a bit he certainly could have done better with rooneys goal

05 Aug 2014 18:18:27
I think he is a decent stopper, but his distribution is terrible. Essentially every time he goes long the ball either goes out of bounds or is directly back to opposing team. If only he had Reina's skills with his feet

05 Aug 2014 18:19:52
You are a fool. This is completely embarrassing

I did cringe and let off an almighty moan, how does a keeper get beat on the back post from there!? In fairness, the shot just went under the defenders leg and Mignolet was unsighted but still. Urggh, from there and by him.

I don't know where the Mignolet we bought went, for the first 6 games last season he looked solid, some posters on here were extremely happy, myself included and then he just seemed to start flapping and being beat far too easily which hurts because anyone who saw his Sunderland days knows he is better than that and that's what's annoying the most, for me at least.

I hope he sorts it out, I was quite happy with his signing last season as mentioned his performances for Sunderland did catch the eye, making many important saves and flash moment decisions in the box. He also commanded his back line at Sunderland far more than he does at Liverpool, he used to get a bit maniacal and crossed eyed shouty.

Although, I have always thought Asmir Begovic is the best keeper in the League for some time now, (i honestly can't believe how Stoke still have him, he's outstanding in the sticks.) But i'm coming to the conclusion that if we signed him then he'd turn into a turkey made of jelly and all. LoL (i signed him for my Championship Manager team, yeah i'm hardcore I play the 2001 patched version, living the dream. :)

Mignolet, was a great second option instead of Begovic, I thought but he really needs to find some steely consistency I feel, i'm not slagging the lad off, i'm one of his cheer leaders but i'm not going to be happy if he has a second season similar to his first season, I would like to see him steadily improve, if not vastly.

I'm just wondering where his resolve is? It's the toughest position on the pitch at times, certainly the loneliest and when it's going wrong it can be ghastly, i'm sure. The psychology of being a Liverpool goal keeper is maybe worth a doctrine thesis and best seller. I say sing his name louder, cheer his saves and praise his hard work in training, no one wants to get it right more than he does.

Mignolet did not cover himself in.glory for the first goal.

Who is the goalkeeper coach? Whoever he is he needs to up his game and get Mignolet playing like he did when he first come to us

05 Aug 2014 20:40:15
The OP is quiet weird, But Mignolet need some serious kicking at his back. His Distribution is terrible. He is brilliant Shot stopper and good at one on one situation.

I'm getting very tired of his kicks towards the half way line that 9/10 go for a throw in. What's that all about?

05 Aug 2014 17:07:39
Eds fellow reds, a couple of points . Firstly after last night it proves we need another top striker, no Danny s and we are struggling for goals . My second point is a lot of people posting that we must finish in top4 again this season . IMO BR has to be in the title race on last day and maybe a trophie at least a final .you don't spend £100 million plus and end up worse than last season .if he does I don't fancy his chances with fsg

05 Aug 2014 16:07:14
Before people read the first (now second) sentence I'm not saying we should get or will get this guy but.

Jermaine Defoe for me I've always admired him and thought he was very underrated. in and around the box his finishing is as good as Henry's.

I would much prefer lacazette or more so bony and I usually don't like stop gaps but as far as they go with the chances we create a player like him would deliver.

This was mainly off the back of a player happy for a bit part role with cl experience. he probably would take the chance to sit on the bench and be an impact sub and he has cl experience all be it only a season or two.

Just food for thought, I originally thought about David villa on a 6 month loan deal but would assume his wages would be fairly hefty and city basically own him so it would be a no go I guess.

Just trying to think a little outside the box here and get some opinions going on who people would like as a short term solution if a bony or lacazette is unattainable this window

Agree with this - he's the player who can nick you that goal towards the end of a game,

I just said on the other banter site to Reet about Theo Walcott - New signings coming way open the door for him and think he could fit in well but injuries may be a problem

Lacazette or Bony for me too mate. Both prefer playing as a second striker in slightly more free roles so they would link up well with Sturridge whilst also being capable of playing up top alone.

I like Huntelaar as a substitute and purely back up option, but i'm terms of squad versatility, I think Bony and Lacazette offer more flexibility.

Bony is the safer buy and probably the better player right now despite Lacazette having a lot of potential. People have the wrong idea of Bony. They think he is a big lump to hoof it too like Carroll or Lukaku. He is far superior to them technically though. He drops deeper to pick the ball up and drives at people. He then either hits a long drive at goal, tries a one two interchange to carve his way into the box or plays it out wide and arrives into the box late for a cut back. He rarely ever scores headers from open play and is only 5ft11 so looping it up field for him to try and win from a standing header is pointless. He is only good at set pieces because he is powerful, has great movement and because he can get a run on taller players to beat them in the air.

Don't judge a player you've never watched carefully would be my advice to some on here.

Nearly word for word on a review I gave of bony here ems. obviously then I completely agree with you but as I said in the possibility that we can't get either of these I was thinking of any other options as I just don't rate huntelaar and just don't think he would fit in at all as he is not a different option he is only an option that works if the whole team plays slightly differently which would make no sense imo

EMS
Wheres.Lambert in those plans of yours? Oh dear

I agree with East Midlands Scouser. Bony is a great forward and his off the ball playing is not always appreciated. I would be delighted if LFC signs him up.
I am also hoping for Konoplyanka. With Suso heading out on loan, we will need more cover for CL, League, Cups etc.

Another sensible post from EMS. Bony could be class

Lambert will be a squad player. Why does that suprise you?

05 Aug 2014 23:17:16
I watched Swansea a lot last season and disagree with some of what EMS says.

Bony can play as a second striker and did so in the Dutch league, but he's not as effective there.

Whilst the second half of the season he impressed, he's not especially quick, often lazy and his movement off the ball is nothing special.

I think he'd be a decent addition, nothing more and I'm not sure he'd compliment the strikers we have or offer anything above what Lambert does.

WILFRED!

Fair enough Raoul. I can't really fault your opinion when you've explained your reasoning and been balanced. I can genuinely say for once, that is a fair counter argument and I'm happy to agree to disagree.

06 Aug 2014 09:53:01
If you are interested in just a poacher, why not Huntelaar as Ed002 suggests?

I wouldn't think Huntelaar will join btw.

05 Aug 2014 15:36:21
everybody is crying out for big names
here are some players who in my opinion fit the criterion





(23) Jan Venegoor of Hesselink -- (yep the entire thing is his name)
(20) Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
(20) Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
(19) Morten Gamst-Pedersen
(19) Shaun Wright-Phillips
(19) Matthew Etherington
(19) Nathaniel Wedderburn

05 Aug 2014 16:16:55
Add the Greek Defender. he has the longest name

05 Aug 2014 16:18:59
Not to mention Charlton athletics Reza Ghoochannejhad

05 Aug 2014 16:29:42
I believe that Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite would stump your list, Reet.

And he was mooted to be coming to us a few years back.

And he's still only 32 and was once regarded as the best player on the planet. Maybe one to consider, or am I talking a load of Kak(a)?

Yevhen Konoplyanka?
Alberto Moreno Perez?
Javier Manquillo Gaitan?
Wilfried Guemiand Bony?

Nah they don't cut it I'm afraid.

Marquinio bigmoneyo III (21)

This guy is the only one who will cut it

(24) Reza Ghoochannejhad Nournia - plays for Charlton

or.

(24) Edson Arentes Do Nascimento - better known as Pele

or even better .

(48) Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira

05 Aug 2014 16:45:57
Reet, add to that Jakub Blaszczykowski, Reza Ghoochannejhad and my personal favourite (24) Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Then we will have a whole new team of big name players.

05 Aug 2014 16:53:37
Sorry to point it out but your first one Reet is only (22). Doh!!

Ems

If I started using the entire names then all brazilians would top the list

Really glad to get some positivity going on this site
after all the doom and gloom about the strikers today

05 Aug 2014 19:02:26
I think we should stick with our plan of growing smaller named strikers. If we can convince Jo to become Joseph, that's him 3 times bigger overnight!

We already have one of the biggest names on our roster!

Jesús Joaquín Fernández Sáez de la Torre a.k.a Suso

Game. Set. Match.

05 Aug 2014 14:40:24
Been reading a lot of posts today and seen quite a few people saying how much we need a striker etc,

I think sometimes guys we get swallowed and become the manager ourselves, We sold Suarez for 75million and have bought Origi & Lambert - Lambert was always coming in to back up for Luis and DS so just Origi whos been loaned back out - We all seen the game on tv last night and saw we needed one and no doubt so did BR - He also knows DS is quite injury prone so let's relax a bit as they are probably in talks with someone and none of us know yet - He know he's got a massive hole to fill and there is no striker out there to do it so he's been wise and fill around and spend the remaining on a decent striker - We found Suarez remember - Our scouts nobody else so we will find the next best thing - let's not panic there's plenty of time

In BR we trust

Good post that cb
Not visiting the banter page these days?

Agree there is time, I posted earlier about who people may like to see ( within reason) there's a bit of nervousness because there doesn't seem to be many options Available. Yes we got origi- for next year, lambert - as an impact player. In the same time we sold suarez. Loaned out aspas( I actually think he may have done okay with a run of games) sturridge is injured, borini is injured and likely to be sold. That does not bode well going into the season. We've improved the squad everywhere aside from the position our biggest asset was. I'm still hopeful for bony but outside him I can't see a vast amount of options. Guess is still fresh looking at the bench watching the. Game and thinking of the days Torres was there ( though the club and squad is in a vastly improved place right now) I'm sure Rodgers will come up with the goods as I've loved the rest of the business we have done.

Borini is still at the club.

Also remember we were in for Sanchez so Br isn't afraid of a big name signing and no doubt he's looking at one but one has the right qualities and not just a big pricetag

I haven't flicked through the past few days will be back over soon enough butty,

Swishcleaner everybody is worried buddy as we done well last year and enjoyed it and we don't want to fail but look at your comment made you've said it yourself we have strengthened everywhere but here - We have 3 weeks now to go out negotiate and get the right player - So if we can tie up the full backs this week it leaves us with 3 weeks to just look at the striker situation which no doubt we will do - I agree with what BR has done - It was more important adding more depth to the squad before replacing Luis as with all the games we are playing next season we would've had tired legs throughout and failed in all comps - Plus if your going for a marquee signing then they take time because of negotiations with it being more money so get the squad thicker first and then replace - Perfect work again by BR

05 Aug 2014 14:22:37
Pre season is for fitness. However there is.no question we need a top striker in. Ems can.sing up Lamberts arse until his.voice.goes but we will be signing a striker thãt will make a difference this season. Goals win games not chances. We won't br relying on just sturridge as our main man.

Couldnt agree with you more mate. EMS loves the arse off Lambert but he won't be the one. We need a top striker that fits in with our style of play, and I am sure we will get one

05 Aug 2014 14:20:01
There's been a lot of people slating Johnson for his performances for most of last season and so far in pre-season.

Just interested in peoples thoughts as to why he appears to have dropped a level or two.

Is he carrying a long-term injury?

Has he not recovered properly from his last injury?

Has the change in tactics/formation not suited him? ie, exposed his limited tactical awareness/ability?

Has he over-performed previously so we expect too much now?

Is it down to mental issues (contract situation, personal life etc)?

It wasn't that long ago that you would hear things like he should be being played on the wing as he is great going forward or he should play LB as he seems to concentrate more.

Now it's a case of drop him or get rid of him.

Like I say, just interested in opinions.

05 Aug 2014 15:16:13
Johnson isn't carrying any injury. He is carrying a unique syndrom. Laziness syndrom. that's it.

05 Aug 2014 15:17:46
I honestly don't know for sure, but my view has always been that he is prone to lapses in concentration when it comes to defending. I believe these lapses have got more prevalent in the last few years maybe through aging, injuries, or both.

I have felt for a number of years now that he would've been a very good right winger or wing back in either a 442 or 352 structure, but would need 3-4 good defenders behind him.

Right now, we have much better options in advanced positions like Sterling, Markovic, Ibe and Lallana. So I think the best thing for both parties is to move on.

Some of the ire against him seems to stem from his salary (c£100k+ according to some people) and I can understand that. However, he has been an England international for close to 10 years now, and if the guy's agents were able to negotiate that salary for him, then fair play to them!

I would suspect that, whatever we get from, say, QPR for him, his salary could probably pay for both Manquilla and Moreno, so that would be best for us and him.

05 Aug 2014 15:24:25
I think it is largely down to attitude and sadly laziness.

He has all the ability in the world but doesn't use it

Seems about 2 years ago he lost form- maybe it did co- incide with injuries. He does still have the odd good game but it's just so worrying how many bad games he has now. What's weird is BR wanted to play possession football but GJ loses the ball so often I'm surprised he's perservered with him- I guess that's why we've signed the new guy. Shame as for a couple of years I thought he was one of our best players- just seems to want to play more for himself rather than the team these days.

05 Aug 2014 16:42:13
I think Johnson was bought at a time when we were rock solid defensively under Rafa, and needed offensive right back. He was never a top defender and now, sadly, he has lost a touch of pace, makes poor decisions and seems to have lost his desire. Two years of mediocrity internationally and in PL makes me conclude he simply will not recover the form that brought him to Liverpool

His attitude isn't right, he isn't focused enough, he isn't committed enough and, whilst he collects his fat pay cheque, he has no impetus to change or correct his current attitude. It's a shame as he has the tools to be quality but, as BR constantly says, the right mentality is very important. Sadly Johnson's mentality is all wrong.

05 Aug 2014 13:47:46
Sterling, Ibe and Markovic can all play up front and have the workrate* to play up there for us. As the season wears on and people need rotating/get injured, they are all perfectly viable options to go up front - either as a focal point to break past defensive lines or as partners to Lambert or Borini to help create spaces and chances. Having Sterling up front, supported by Markovic, Coutinho and Lallana with Hendo and Gerrard/Can bossing the midfield, could be absolutely deadly




*or at least Sterling and Ibe do, can't say for certain about Markovic cause I don't know enough about him.

Sterling, ibe.markovic are at their best with space in front of them.
we need to buy a striker up top in the box, sturridge not enough.

05 Aug 2014 19:03:35
How would you know that vlr? You've never seen any of them trying to burst off the shoulder of the last defender, race for a cross etc

05 Aug 2014 13:24:14
People need to get a grip of themselves, obviously I'd of liked to beat united but we didn't. Personally I look out for individual performances, as some players who have played this tour won't be playing next season such as Coates, Jack Robinson, Conor Coady.

I thought we played the better football, just they took a couple of there chances and we didn't. The pressing was very good from the likes of Coutinho, Hendo, Allen and I thought they made Herrera look really poor in the game, he resorted to poor tackles throughout the whole game as he couldn't get a kick.

Despite losing I am much happier than I would have been if we won 3-1 with the quality of United's performance. Pre season is all about performance & fitness . The only united player I was even remotely impressed with was the youngster Blackett who I admit I know little about. But he's hardly a first team player! I understand if some of them are buzzing because of the torrid time they have had though :)

I agree that game was not that important, but outside the first 25 minutes, it was United's game. Much better passing and use of wings. They also took the ball from Johnson at least 6 times. They pressed well and in general looked sharper IMO. Clearly Sterling was top player on either side. Our defence was disorganized and Skrtel constantly out of position, and Johnson horrendous.

My only conclusion from game is that Lambert would not be able to 'lead the line' if Sturbridge were injured, and our defence needs overhaul (which is already in the works). Lovren/Agger would be
My preference with j. Flanagan at rb and Moreno LB (fingers crossed).

Might not be Balotelli, but BR knows he needs someone else, someone better than Borini. My money is on Bony

That little person was doing my head in and absolutely loved when stevie came in and showed him how we tackle in England - Love how Stevie literally sticks up for everyone in a Liverpool shirt and protects our young tricky youngsters - Proper Captain

Totally agree mate, no need to over react over a one meaningless friendly defeat.
Yes it would have been nice to beat United but it is still about fitness at this stage.
I actually thought we looked quite strong. Comfortable in possesion, intelligent pressing and dangerous when attacking.

No one seems to really mention that we were also missing Sturridge, Markovic, Lallana, Agger, Borini and Flannagan.

05 Aug 2014 15:04:33
Coop

I agree with your views on the game. that's pretty much honest. If we would have won the game, The scene here would have been different.

Neverthless, We need two full backs and that's the bottom line from yetserday's defeat

Lambert need time. He is also 32 not the age to lead the line of a club competing titles and CL places.
He would come handy from the bench and would be a valuable adition in cup games.

You don't see Ashley young having a blinder, unless the opiistion has the worst full backs in the league.

I didn't think united looked particularly sharp at all, First half I thought our passing was much crisper and our pressing worked very well. Start of the 2nd we had a couple of good chances, didn't take them. And then made chances and played a pretty inexperienced forward line. United came into the game a little more then and scored a good goal through rooney and a fortunate goal.

Throughout the pre season games I have not been concerned about the defence as Sakho has only played a couple of games, Lovren is yet to play and a LB is clearly being looked at. Also Flanno been missing. The defence will be much stronger in my opinion. So I agree with you there.

And Bony would be my preference to. He's a very good player, give us something different also. I think with Moreno and Bony we're all set.

Cialbray - I think he was trying to make a good impression as in, look at me, I'll get stuck in when it comes to the big fixtures. All he done was commit daft fouls and I was not impressed by him in the slightest. Not saying he's not a good player, I'll have to see him more. He's certainly not a great midfielder, which I've seen a lot of united fans claim.

Completely agree Jay. We have plenty of players coming back, and there will be a couple more additions no doubt. Coutinho and Sterling look very sharp, and Allen, Hendo and Gerrard worked tirelessly as ever. A lot of positives I feel.

I think it was a close game, thought we were the better side but United got a bit of luck (Sterlings shot deflected just wide - Mata's deflected and went in), small but important margins. Think United also exploited the fact that it was a friendly by continually fouling us - Herrera must have committed 20+ fouls in that game - something they simply could not get away with in a competitive fixture. It was disappointing to lose, especially disappointing to have the same old problems (full backs, goalkeeper distribution, positional sense of centre-backs) but there was also a lot of positives, hopefully we can build on them and eradicate the negatives.

So aggers mohawk what your saying is you don't mind us getting beat as long as we play good, ok let's see where we finish with your thinking, I would rather us win even when we play bad, that's a sign of a good team or am I missing something, I don't undertand some fans on here that are ok with getting beat, we all would have been happy to win against the mancs this morning no matter how we played, except for you, its ok being positive and supporting a team but to do it blindly is wrong, we sold a 30 goal a season player and have not replaced him, I've read on here that there is not many out there available, but I go with the saying every player has there price, there's 1 or 2 players that could have replaced the 30 goal player but many on here would moan about the price, but 2 quality strikers would have got us more than 30 goals next season, BR bought lambert and with DS being injury prone we really did need 2 quality strikers, then we could have added the depth to the squad instead of the saga with moreno we could have been concentrating on the strikers, some one mentioned defoe he would have got us more goals than lambert, I have given my views and a lot called me names, they could have just disagreed with me, when we lost keegan we got daglish, we lost suarez and we got lambert, anyone notice the difference, plus I can see mingolet having the same season as last season, he couldn't help mattas goal but rooney and lindegaard's goals were savable I don't understand why we have not gone in for ocha of mexico, he is a free agent, maybe then with another goalie mingolet may get better knowing he could lose his place

05 Aug 2014 12:51:26
So with World Cup fever over is there anyone really looking at the USA fullback Yedlin, thought he showed lots of promise, blistering pace and ran as much as Hendo does for us, surely would be worth a look, thoughts Reds?

I thought Roma took him? Or has it fallen apart?

05 Aug 2014 14:09:44
And be the 6th choice RB for us?

05 Aug 2014 14:30:46
Another RB? We just bought one for next 2 year loan spell.

At this rate we will need a separate team for our rb

05 Aug 2014 12:30:45
I personally feel Reina should be the no. 1 keeper. With a more solid defence his ball distribution would be key and his saving will have so much less pressure. Just my opinion though I have always been a fan of him.

He's not the same keeper he once was mate. That's why we want rid and why nobody wants to buy him.

Reina doesn't want to play for us mate, what this fascination with reina on this site, the guys just asked for us to pay out his contract so he can leave on a free, he would also prefer to screw Liverpool over and sit in our reserves for a whole season then lower his wages just a little bit to get a move away.
He's a money grabber and has no loyalty. Forget about reina.

05 Aug 2014 11:29:26
Bony ain't coming or kono
And secondly Rodgers will not get a striker in. And the first Thing he will say is oh we wanted the right fit bla bla so by January Liverpool would have flopped because as usual and as what they have done in previous seasons. Not addressing the simple problem at that time.

This time is using all summer to buy a good striker . Why is is it so difficult

We all know Sturridge can't even handle 90 mins or even 4 games in a row without pulling something

U have seen how lambert as the only option changes the dynamics and slows the pace down
So he's better when we need a goal and to join Sturridge

So what other option have we got.

Nothing .

It's a big club but it's embarrassing that simple things cannot be done

I'm sure most fans would straight away find a striker early in the window

Why do you say 'we' when you're a Man U fan? Slipped up there lobster. Keep fishing!

05 Aug 2014 13:22:09
We had one who failed in the Medaicals Certainly not our Fault. No club has signed 7 players in 30 days. that's a player in every 4 days.
A striker would come.

Funny, he managed 11 games in a row almost playing 90 minutes, he came off in the 88th vs palace.

Oh dear oh dear oh dear what a post!

That's probable the most optimistic post of the summer!

Yawn. We have borini & we've tried to buy remy so back to the utd page with your ignorance please

05 Aug 2014 13:48:55
I'll be doing a quick copy and paste on this post to refer back to in a few months time, as I'm sure will many others.

I think the difference now is we have money and we have CL football, before it wasn't as MAJOR as now because we had Suarez as the only striker, and he's never injured.

Rodgers knows we can't just rely on Sturridge, you are right he is injury prone, but apart from aguero he's the best striker in the league.

The club know they have to get it right, look at Ozil 40m? More like 5m now.
The fans would love to see us sign benzema or falcao for 40/50m but its just not going to happen.
There just weighing up the options to make sure they don't waste there money.

Rodgers has said recently its "Crucial" we sign a striker when asked in a press con. Just be patient.

Imo we only had mig, Sakho, gerrard, hendo, coutinho, sterling as first 11 players last night and we still made utds first team look average, lovren, Moreno, flano, lallana, markovic, Sturridge and a new striker would all start usually.
We have a very good team.

support your team

05 Aug 2014 14:36:28
The only embarrassing thing here is your post. The club have done very well in the transfer market so far.

You are a United Fan, why is that hard for you to understand?

You should be celebrating your last game on foreign soil for the next 12 months. :D Not worried over Liverpool's preseason tour in America.

05 Aug 2014 11:12:47
Stayed up last night to watch the game and this is what stood out for me:

- Sakho made a few mistakes at the beginning but improved throughout the game. He was exhausted in the second half, he needs more game time to get back to full fitness. For that reason I would prefer Skrtel - Lovren partnership for the time being depending on the fitness of the latter.

- Glen Jonson. Look, I am an optimistic person and never take a whack at our players but my patience with him is running out. The worst bit to me (apart from his play) was when he was seen swearing at his teammates at one point during the match. Yeah, I know it is common on the pitch but this was just not ordinary. I have seen something in his eyes and body language that told me he knew he is on the borrowed time. Some might argue that he reacted that way because he cares but I say that he knows he will be blamed every time the ball is near him and this is what affects his performance I believe (domino effect).
I remember one of the Eds once mentioned that the clause regarding his game time, whatever the form, has been removed from his contract. I hope and I pray this is the case. I want him either sold or relegated to the bench.

- Mignolet. I thought that against AC Milan his distribution was not bad but last night he was back to his usual self. His kicks tends to go askew, more towards the left hand side in this game and he over hits them in most cases . If he was order to aim them at our wingers then that is ok, he just needs to practice on his accuracy then. If not then why he can't hit them straight?

- Kelly. Solid, unspectacular. I liked the moment when he dribbled and shot (wide). His body swerve to go past a player was delicious to watch. I asked myself, was it really Kelly? I think he will not make the cut though unless he is given more time and wants to stay and fight for his place.

- Lambert. He reminds me of the Crouch times. Remember how long it took him to score his first goal? I hope the history will not repeat itself with Ricky. He tries so hard but when the emotion takes over the instinct diminishes. I hope Ricky will sort himself out quickly and score his first goal and the the monkey off his back. We need another striker though, no question about that.

I loved our pressing! And passing. To me we were purposeful in our game and outplayed them in most parts of the game. We lost but better now then in the league! The only part I did not like was in the first 15 minutes or so when we were leaving huge gaps between our midfield and defense but we learned to deal with that later in the game.

I have got the feeling that it will take some time for the players to bed in and cope with the Suarez loss therefore I am not expecting any titles just yet. To me we will see the real Liverpool once Johnson leaves, Steve retires and the exiting talents we have mature after years of playing together. For now I want to see the passion, togetherness, purpose and improvement in our players and I am sure it will take us to glory one day. I have the feeling that when (not if) we crawl back to our perch, it will be damn hard for any one to knock us off it.

Great post for those that missed the game.

I've only seen a sort of 35 minute clip of extended highlights. For me Skrtel looked shocking, he has done everytime I see him, he just doesn't get across quick enough to cover full back who are outnumbered and just doesn't see the danger quick enough.I feel terrible for Martin Kelly, it was 2 on 1 several times. I'm pretty sure skrtel was picking his nose and watching.

Good post Red, while I agree on most of what you say, glen johson is gettting worse by the game, why is he being played at all, we are conceding silly goals still, thought Kelly was really good and judging from his last two games is getting back to speed fast .
united s first goal should have been avoided, we should have got a second goal, more so if we had a decent striker up front, after getting a lotta extra money in the kittty, we must buy proven goal-scorer,
so, we still have a lot of work to do defence wise, attack wise too, just hope we make a good start to the season, after staying up late to watch the match live, I turned off the telly feeling a bit down, just hope new signings settle in well, and that we sort out both full back positions, and a striker, maybe Bony, because Sturridge will miss plenty of games, and we get off to a flyer .

05 Aug 2014 15:03:15
It was so funny at one point last night watching Mignolet wave everyone forward but they all knew if they went forward he wouldn't be able to find them. He did look more confident with the ball at his feet though, so hopefully that is an indicator that he will be able to improve on his other weaknesses. In my opinion once he improves on these faults he can be one of the world's best keepers as his shot stopping is already world class.

05 Aug 2014 16:29:01
Excellent post mate. Totally agree with you

05 Aug 2014 10:57:00
Brendan Rodgers is waiting on news over Javier Manquillo but has also confirmed he wants up to four new signings before the end of the window.

ssn

So judging by that i'm guessing those 4 players will be

Javier Manquillo - RB
Alberto Moreno - LB
Wilfried Bony - ST
Anyone's Guess

Add Konoplyanka and that's full house.

05 Aug 2014 11:49:49
I expect these three to come in, which would sum up our business.

Konoplyanka?

05 Aug 2014 12:50:46
ISCO.

Eds said konoplyanka could be back on

Id just imagine them 3

05 Aug 2014 13:24:01
It would be either Kono or Bony, And with Lambert looking like taking some time to settle in. Bony edges over Kono. Both would be brilliant signings.

BK keeper for when Pepe moves on

05 Aug 2014 10:23:47
Morning all,

So we knew that after that match, with a win everyone would have been talking about how we have the Psychological advantage over them when we next play them and if we lost, how it was only a friendly and that the result doesn't mean anything. My view? Unless that was our full starting 11 and their full starting 11 and the subs were made as and when they would be in a premier league match then take it for what it is, an extra game to work on fitness and different formations and giving certain players a chance to prove their future with us.

I have read many posts about how awful Lambert is and how he is not the answer and why did we sign him etc etc. Shock horror, a new signing that is desperate to score for his boyhood club has yet to find the net in his first couple of games (not full games might I add). Lambert was brought in to give us extra options, he was not brought in to be the direct replacement for Suarez, we will not bring in a like for like replacement for Suarez because they don't exist. He is finding his feet playing with different players around him, players who are still learning his style of play, his movement, with him still adapting to our style of play. Yes Southampton played similar but not exactly the same. Lambert hasn't scored the number of premier league goals he has by accident. He will be a good signing giving a different dimension when we need it, he just needs to remove some of the pressure he has put on himself, what he doesn't need is added pressure from fans in games that mean nothing but finding his form and fitness for the start of the season. Alternatively, we can sell him and buy Voronin, I seem to remember he could score in pre season games if that's what we're looking for (please note the sarcasm for those who tend to miss it on a regular basis).

I am happy with the squad we have. Any additions will, like all players receive my full support whilst they wear the liver bird on their chest.

A point i'd like to make also is that a lot of our players from last season have also had to alter their games to a degree, simply because of how much went through Suarez or because Suarez wanted evrything to go through him. These games are experimental, the results, whilst frustrating at times, on the whole, mean nothing.

We pride ourselves on being excellent fans and supporting through good times and bad, although over the last few years we seem to use those words but not actually back it up. These are exciting times and we are at the beginning of a new generation of Liverpool FC, let's just enjoy the ride and not try to derail it before it's even began. We could realistically put out a team to compete with most teams in the Premiership, with an average age of 22. That is crazy, and if we can keep the majority of those together for a few years then they will only get stronger year by year.

Keep making us believe reds.

YNWA
JFT96
WelshScouse

05 Aug 2014 10:57:42
People have to understand. Lambert was signed before Suarez left and He was bought to cover for Suarez and Sturridge. Expecting 15 goals from him, you will have to play atleast 25 games. I don't see him playing 25 gmaes next season.

05 Aug 2014 10:59:06
Great post and totally agree WelshScouse. We are finally building something great I feel. Cannot wait for next season.

05 Aug 2014 11:12:10
One of the best posts I think I've ever seen on here. Bravo

05 Aug 2014 10:18:04
I am not convinced LFC will sign Bony as he will surely expect regular first team football. Unless BR is considering a change to our system, which seems unlikely.

05 Aug 2014 10:32:58
We were pretty much successful in playing two up top last season in a diamond formation with Sterling at the tip.
Sturridge could play off Bony as Suarez played last season. Sturridge is versatile enought of play in that role.

Sturridge started 30 games last year and appeared in 3 as a sub. He also seemed to fade in the last 15 mins of quite a few games. We should be playing at least 50 games this year and should be changing the system between 2 up top like last year and 1 up top. That is plenty of game time for 3 strikers, injuries, suspensions and fatigue will all come to us too. I don't think we can afford to go into the system without another striker.

05 Aug 2014 10:06:00
Mignolet was poor again.His distribution is woeful.He inspires no confidence in his back line.BR speak to Reina and bring him back into the fold.With his awareness and confidence we could have a solid defence

We should ask Reina to get on to Doc and to go back in time to 3-4 years ago when he was good?

05 Aug 2014 15:23:01
Couldn't we just get Doc to go back in time and grab Clemence from the late 70s? Maybe Fowler c90s and a few others along the way?

If they could all still be happy with their wages (even inflation adjusted) then we would be able to walk and smash through FFP, without having to sell another player!

I think we're on to something Zeddicus, I'll get some quotes for a reliable carrier pigeon so we can get word to Rodgers! I'll seal the note with candlewax, silly even saying that it's so obvious!

05 Aug 2014 18:16:25
We must be careful tho, Sean, we don't want Rodgers to be heading back to 1885 to pick up players. I think they would be ridiculed too much for their shorts and their handlebar moustaches.

05 Aug 2014 09:34:13
eds reds watched highlights of last night, terrible defending-again- what do you thonk br is going to do re who plays and what formation? we won't have suarezs goals to make up for these mistakes this season, it needs sorting.

05 Aug 2014 10:10:48
Bring in 2 Excellent full backs and cut the opposition width. No Crosses into the box. No cutting inside. No byline. That will push the oposition to play thorugh the middle where we are pretty solid.
When a Team plays 5-3-2, Its obious they would attack from flanks.

05 Aug 2014 09:14:57
Something I noticed last night but do you think that coutinho is faster this season? In the last couple games especially last night he had a quick burst of pace and was gaining ground on whoever he was up against. I don't know wether it was just better reactions or maybe a little more power in the running but he definitely seems a little faster to me.

Might have done some special exposive training deadlifts etc.

05 Aug 2014 09:59:09
He looked real good yesterday and he is a proper No.10. Playing him in the flanks is still a gamble.

05 Aug 2014 10:16:18
Bob

Deadlifts works on your lower back. you don't become faster with deadlift alone.

Either way bobatron it's another positive because a lot last season he'd flick the ball by a player and not have the strength/5 yards of acceleration to get away so adding that would be a huge bonus

Ignoring Booms idiocy and lack of knowledge on sports science.

it doesn't take much specified training to alter how your muscles work and change their memory.

If he has done the explosive training it will certainly benefit him as I thought his lack of pace seriously hindered him (mainly playing on the wing last year) It might allow him to glide past players in the centre now.

Boom has clearly never done deadlifts properly before. Its a compound exercise it works a huge amount of the main muscle groups especially when you go heavy and explosive.

05 Aug 2014 13:30:52
I agree on Deadlift being a compoud exercixe, But it primarly hits your lower back and harmstring.

04 Aug 2014 22:29:36
Hi eds, I know you don't like to answer things such as how likely etc. so I won't ask, what I will ask is who would you like to Liverpool to sign as a viable and attainable striking option?

{Ed002's Note - It needs to be someone who would be willing to play from the bench - and Huntelaar would be willing to do that and he would bring very valuable CL experience.}

I would still love di natale

05 Aug 2014 10:25:11
I'm going to stick with Ed001 on this and say Huntelaar is not what we need.

He retired at end of season.

05 Aug 2014 10:51:26
I thought we looked at Huntelaar and decided lambert was the better option?

Huntelaar is good striker but he's not really a rodgers signing he's not particularly quick or versatile

He made a u turn on that decision. It's just a wish I always had. I longed for him to wear read for so long.

05 Aug 2014 11:29:42
Ed002. How about playing two up top in a diamond formation, Which was a high success last season with Lallana and Hendo just above Gerrard / Can?

{Ed002's Note - Markovic and Sterling out then?}

05 Aug 2014 11:30:00
do you know if we are still looking at Huntelaar Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware.}

Thanks eds

05 Aug 2014 08:32:17
Hi ed 1. Its quite obvious now that Rickey Lambert is not the answer to our number 9 situation, he's a decent player but not a goal scorer. Do you have any news or developments in us signing another cent forward? Cheers mate.

You honestly thought that at 32, Rickie Lambert was ''the answer'' BR had in mind for the forward role?

Who agreed with this? How many chances did he get? Stop acting like a 6 year old.

05 Aug 2014 08:48:41
Give the lad time. He's played how many games & you've written him off already? 👎

I know rickie hasn't scored yet but I don't think you can say he's not a goal scorer he had over 100 for southampton alone so he definitely knows where the goal is I do agree we need another striker but its a bit much to suggest rickie lambert doesn't score goals I think he would benefit with playing with sturridge and when lallana is also in the team but its on pre season I think he's trying too hard but will be fine once he breaks his duck

05 Aug 2014 09:14:14
Lambert needs time to settle in and is a decent cover. We would need a top class Striker for the upcmong season.

05 Aug 2014 09:14:35
We haven't even played one competitive game and you are doubting Lambert. Get behind the lad and support him he will come good. One against Southampton is far more important.

Read my post again all you have replied I said Lambert is a decent player but he is no goal scorer as proven in the chances he has missed this tour. Its not only me saying this read Trevor Francis colum on sky he's saying the same. We need another striker full stop an i'm sure BR realises this aswell.

Wow you're rehashing what a pundit for sky has said? In that case it must be true!

People like trever Francis and Tony Gale etc never get anything wrong and are never biased?

Look at Tony Gale before the world cup. he said that the only guaranteed Liverpool starter in each game was Glen Johnson and maybe Stevie g but he wasn't sure he then went on to put cleverly ahead of Hendo Townsend ahead of sterling wellbeck ahead of lalanna and Barkley and Rooney ahead of sturridge.

As I said these guys are prophets of the Lord and everything they say is 100% fact and ingenious

05 Aug 2014 08:29:01
What happened to Glen Johnson?

He lost form about 2 years ago and has never got it back.

05 Aug 2014 09:36:11
He lost his head a couple of seasons ago. If a certain rubbishmonger site are to be believed QPR want to give us 6 million pounds for him. That would be dreamy, please GOD make it happen, he's such a liability.

He found god.

05 Aug 2014 07:24:58
Liverpool were by far the better team. But for two minutes and the second a lucky deflection, Liverpool deserved the lead. So certainly not outclassed.

The passing was excellent by Liverpool and poor in large chunks by united.

Were Liverpool really fall down is attacking quality. Take Suarez and Sturridge out and there is not a figurehead. Lambert looked like a bit of a plodder. After he went off we didn't have a recognised striker. I think this may be the problem with 4-3-3.

United only looked better when they ran at us due to the quality of Rooney, Hernandez and mata. Those two minutes won the game and hugely flattered them.

Hopefully the Liverpool hierarchy will realise that we need a top draw striker at the club.

Coutinho, Henderson and sterling all look like they could make a step up this season. Sakho looked solid for the most part. Add to that Lovren( for skirtel), llama( for Allen), Moreno( for Kelly), Sturridge( for lambert) and you will have a better team. Markovic and Can have both looked promising in the small bits I have seen them play.

It really is that top draw striker that we need. Any team would miss the loss of the want away Suarez and the injury prone Sturrudge.This is not Liverpool's or Rodgers fault. However Liverpool need to be proactive in remedying the problem. Time to hit those rumour sites with fingers crossed!

One thing I really noticed in the second half is that Kelly went missing and the right back area was not well defended. Made me think can it be two professional international standard RBs get it wrong or us it our system which makes them look bad?

Looking forward to Flanno coming back and seeing this Manquilo.

Utd relied on pumping the ball up the pitch. Their fans must be ecstatic how they played. I thought they were poor.

05 Aug 2014 09:51:24
What I seen last night the full backs were poor although I think Kelly could be a very good cb and probably just getting his fitness levels up, Johnson is a worry if he stays it will be as a squad player I hope that lad Moreno is a better player I don't know much about him, on a positive note Henderson, countinho, sterling really impressed me but the need for sturridge r a player of his level was of utter importance so a top striker and left back and imo we can really have a go at staying in the top 3, I'm not writing Lambert of just I think he will be great player to throw on from the bench 20 mins to go if we're chasing a winner.squad players r needed just look at teams that won league's they had good reliable players that don't yap just do the job asked of them.

05 Aug 2014 09:57:03
I haven't watched the game yet although recorded it. SO was wondering whether Peterson had a decent run out? Looked good in earlier games but would be useful to judge him against premiership (albeit a weakened squad) opposition.

05 Aug 2014 10:13:28
Good game, another day it could have been 3-1 to Liverpool. Not sure what game you were watching Irish Rover but there certainly wasn't much if any long ball football played by either team. Personally as United fan I wasn't 'ecstatic' with our short passing game, much happier with the previous game against Madrid in which we were excellent.

Good game, handshakes etc.

That Ander Herrera is going to need to tighten up his tackling or I can see him getting sent off a fair few times next season.

By the end it was about six or seven times, mostly on Sterling and Coutinho (Phil had a small war of words at one point). I know it was a friendly, it was ridiculous.

05 Aug 2014 11:04:25
Maybe I'm wrong but we're utd far closer to their starting 11 than us. thought both teams played well in patches a draw would have been fair but we just weren't clinical enough in front of goal they were definitely their for the taking if we had have been able to press them all game like we did for first 40 mins we would have won easily imo they will struggle with high pressing teams like us, spurs, Chelsea this season.

05 Aug 2014 03:39:27
Well that's United's silverware for the season done, hope they enjoyed it.

That game could have been well and truely won in the first half. Should have had the other pen, Lambert miss etc. Could easily have been 4 nill or more

Lambert needs a goal to get him going but it will come. We are going to need someone else up there too.

Kelly played well so I hope GJ is now backup for either LB or RB. Flanno, kelly and Moreno ahead of him (I hope)

Allen will be fine for many games but I do often find myself wondering half way though the second half of games - did I miss a substitution at some point after kick off. Perhaps the commentators just don't mention him.

Other than that, I think we looked good until the Rooney goal and then we stopped pressing and the subs started. Shame about the result but lots of good stuff to take away.

05 Aug 2014 09:18:47
We cannot have 4 back up for every position. If Johnson is staying for another season, Then Kelly is off. We are close to bring a RB and with Flanno availabale, I don't see a place for Kelly at RB.

No don't worry according to many on here Allen is just the invisible unsung hero.

Think in the league Lambert will come good, maybe Borini will stay and get a chance? He has proven he can score in the prem

05 Aug 2014 10:02:46
Harry, shocked to find myself agreeing with you! Boom!

I would like to see GJ move on to pastures new if there's any way that could be engineered, most likely QPR to hook up with your namesake.

I agree with other posters that Kelly hasn't got the fitness to be a LT RB solution - by that I mean his tendency to injuries. I would much rather either see him moved on for his career, or to stay as cover for RB & CB. Flanno should be given a run in his preferred position so hopefully Moreno comes in.

05 Aug 2014 10:27:38
EmreCan

Lambert is a useful adition and would be ahppy to come off the bench. He would be handy in the upcoming season without a doubt.
But He is 32 and would come good like Allen (24) is rubbish.

05 Aug 2014 10:50:46
Zeddicious

Completly agree. Kelly was one of the best academy prospect when we introduced him to the first eleven. I remember his debute against Man UTD. But He has fallen down since, largely due to his injuries.
He isn't in BR plans. He is also 24 and being just a back up isn't good for his career.

05 Aug 2014 03:13:08
Today is the first time I've posted in a long time but have been reading others posts daily. From what I have read most people believe we're doomed without Suarez. Obviously any team in the world would miss a player of his caliber but he wasn't the sole reason we performed so well last season. The team understanding Brendon's philosophy was the main factor and one of the reasons Luis looked so good IMO. My point is yes we will miss his individual moments of brilliance but in certain games he had a tendency to look for free kicks by going down too easy. Referees were on to him and refused to give him free kicks which led to us loosing possession and being on the back foot. Of course he won us games but he was also responsible for us struggling in games as well. Will we struggle without him? Only time will tell. Let's all back the team and enjoy the ride. YNWA

We clearly do need a proven goal scorer to cover and sometimes partner Sturridge.

05 Aug 2014 03:09:13
Pains me to say this but we will struggle to do better than last season.
We are meant to build upon last season but as is the case with us its always 1 STEP FORWARD AND 2 STEPS BACK. The signing of rickie lambert makes me think that it's another andy caroll situation meaning a guy who cannot be his best due to the manner in which we play. I hope lambert is a plan b. Also sakho doesn't seem reliable tbh. I see top 4 as the best we can do.
I HATED WRITING THIS BUT JUST BEING A REALIST

Really? Cause we lost a preseason game to Utd? If we won last night would you be posting we're win the league?

I don't think so mate I ain't a fickle fan and I have seen it all before I mean I will be surprised if we make top 4 tbh

I would be happy with top 4 again. It would be a more stable platform to build from.

05 Aug 2014 02:59:07
For what it was worth, a good showing from the players today. Most of the second half was played without a striker, but United did well to exploit our weak full backs. At least we have another game under our belt before the Southampton game.

05 Aug 2014 02:53:48
Pissed off that I stayed up til 3 to watch this rubbish

Living in Australia, I get up sometimes twice a week to watch Liverpool play. Win or lose Ill keep doing it.

05 Aug 2014 02:53:17
VERY PAINFUL! Lambert was awful, may as well not been there, better buy a centre forward and quickly, we didn't look like a balanced team second half, it can only get better can't it? it better had, hate losing to the scum!

05 Aug 2014 02:16:58
Glen Johnson is looking good tonight. Refreshing to see a little of the old him. Great performance so far, love gerrards commitment to slamming the mancs. Solid display from everyone so far. I hope lambert scores.

And as I'm typing this Rooney scores. .

05 Aug 2014 13:02:31
are you sure you weren't typing throughout the whole game, johnson was his usual casual self. its so frustrating how casual he is when in possession, he always loses it, just doesn't look like he cares at all

05 Aug 2014 01:34:04
I know is only a friendly, but Johnson has given ball away every time! So frustrating! Weak link in our otherwise excellent squad.

Coop

05 Aug 2014 00:46:10
Anyone know what's happened to Flanagan in pre season? Did he not travel to the USA?

05 Aug 2014 00:46:10
Anyone know what's happened to Flanagan in pre season? Did he not travel to the USA?

05 Aug 2014 08:06:26
He is injured.

I heard ''injured all pre-season'', according to the redmentv.

04 Aug 2014 22:05:39
Hi eds
Just been in Nando's in town & seen Aguero, Cavani, Adam Johnson & Kaka all in LFC training gear taking selfies. I was impressed with the way Kaka tackled the extra hot piri piri sauce. Johnson told me that 2 XXL shirts had been drafted into melwood for the imminent arrival of Jan Molby & Robbie Fowler on long term deals, all six will be paraded tomorrow by Ian Ayre, he's played a blinder there! ;-)

Joking aside though Eds away from all the silly rumours out of the signings we've brought in who are you most looking forward to seeing & who in your opinion will make the biggest impact in the team. Obviously it's early days but just from your knowledge of the players.

Personally I'm looking forward to seeing Lovren & Can, I think we'll still be threat post Suarez attack wise we'e strengthened that area & still actively looking for another attacking player to add to an already exciting forward line but I'm really looking forward to seeing if Lovren can strike up a solid partnership with Sakho & I thing Can can be the surprise of them all, from the little I've seen he looks solid defensively, strong, calm on the ball good passer, great energy & add the new full backs if all goes well it's exciting times

Love to hear your thought

04 Aug 2014 22:17:17
Lads, I'm going on holiday to Valencia on Wednesday so don't worry if we haven't had any news on Moreno by then, when I'm touring the stadium I'll pull some strings and see if I can work some magic by signing Aly Cissokho on a permanent transfer!

05 Aug 2014 02:10:08
f you still there beween16-23rd take a short trip up the coast to Benicassim. Top festival on, few of my best summers been spent there.
Full week of all night beach party. Google Rototom Sunsplash.

05 Aug 2014 08:50:40
Thanks for the info chief, unfortunately I'll be home by then.

04 Aug 2014 22:25:25
Would love to see Pepe given some game time tonight. Maybe the club is scared he will have a blinder and the fans will want him back.

If it weren't for his wages i'm sure he would still have a future with us.

Red Rum

We all forget what a great servant he's been to the club. If he's smart he'll drop his wage demands to secure a move. Would love t see him stay but BR clearly doesn't fancy him.

05 Aug 2014 01:53:30
wow. Just wow.

05 Aug 2014 02:04:34
I love this notion of the club not wanting to play a player in case he performs well lol. sorry man but that is idiotic.