Liverpool Banter Archive April 08 2017

08 Apr 2017 20:45:01
Really hope we find some kind of rhythm for the rest of the season. We don't need to be at our best, just a bit of belief between the players and the fans. Here's to The rollercoaster ride that is being a Liverpool fan.
Up The Reds. X.

09 Apr 2017 14:42:18
I thought we were lucky enough today.
It's ok playing 3 centre backs but Lovren and Klaven really don't look at all confident or assured.
Credit where it's due to Migs. He kept us in it.

08 Apr 2017 19:05:30
Crazy game today. First if all I'll get my grievances out of the way. I seriously think when stoke seen out team they would have been lifted immensely now I'm not saying he has to play coutinho and firmino every game but with the injuries we have and studge severely lacking match practice I was worried. I think the team contributed to the first half as we looked like a team that hasn't trained with 3 at the back and stoke having a huge lift seeing out team sheet.
Second half was completely different tho. Arguably we conceded the best chances against us from second half but mignolet produced when we needed him too. I think it really important that we keep couts and Bobby not only that add quality players that if they do become tired and injured then the replacements can do nearly as good a job. That will be some task for klopp to get right. As all lfc fans hope let's get this 13th spot sorted and plan for a proper challenge next season.

08 Apr 2017 17:57:14
Match review Ed01?

{Ed001's Note - trying to do it now mate.}

08 Apr 2017 19:24:48
Match review ed?

{Ed001's Note - still working on it, there was a lot of editing to do across the sites, so I have only been able to do it in fits and starts. Should be done in ten minutes or so.}

08 Apr 2017 18:35:15
Just as I was getting used to the idea of Emre Can not realizing his potential at Liverpool he's pulling out some stellar performances of late. Is this turnaround due to Klopps coaching or Can pulling his finger out? Obviously Migs, Bobby and Couts played a humungous part in our renaissance second half but Can was the catalyst and was doing the work of two men (Gino's and his own) . I have to say I was his biggest fan when he signed and then became his most ardent critic as I felt he wasn't robust enough for our system but he's proving me wrong and long may it continue. Also props and kudos to Danny boy because I though that his movement was superb today and let's hope he kicks on from here. I don't think he'll be with us next season but while he's still around let's give him our love as he's never moaned and always acted with dignity and class.
How we won that game is a mystery to me especially as we had the referee with a stoke kit on and for that matter Klavan, Lovren and Clyne also playing for the opposition. We really need a new defense! Two confident central defenders a right back who can cross and a left back who isn't an auxiliary left back. It sounds drastic and impractical but IF we get into the Champions League next season teams will have a field day with our defence and expose us repeatedly. I would keep Matip and ship the rest. In my opinion City will get third and we're fighting for 4th place with Arsenal and the Mancs which will go to the wire. Personally I think we'll finish fifth because I think we don't have the capacity to compensate for our heinous injury list but I hope I'm wrong and besides Arsenal always finish with a flourish. By the way Ed's 001 are you ready for me baby? Not long now you luck lucky boy!

{Ed001's Note - now I am scared! Can you say stalker?}

08 Apr 2017 18:43:10
You'd be privileged if I stalked you mate.

{Ed001's Note - scared maybe, but it is no privilege.}

08 Apr 2017 18:46:40
I think you find by our comeback that top four is ours mate.

08 Apr 2017 22:16:08
He is about to sign a new contract . Perhaps that's the reason!

09 Apr 2017 03:32:41
Wondering if his name is Brenda sexwife rather than Brenda's ex wife?

08 Apr 2017 17:24:27
Haven’t written on here before but thought I’d have a go since I read this site loads.

Good 3 points today even if the performance was average at best. First half: was nice to see TAA and Woodburn start and they didn’t do too badly. IMO it was down our left where clyne, klavan and milner were that most of the problems were defensively. Going forward, Woodburn and Origi weren’t getting any quality passes up to them. The few times they did get it into feet, they looked like they could easily stretch Stoke, but when they did they were too isolated (eg. Woodburn’s run after nicking the ball off Allen) . Second half: was much better with Couts and firmino just adding a bit of class and movement up top. Firmino’s runs for both goals were so clever and completely disorganised Stoke’s defence. We seemed to have much better options on the ball and always seemed to have a spare man in the centre. It helps ofc that Stoke didn’t play very well all game either.

Mignolet: made a couple of top saves so he’s got to get a bit of praise but some of the punching from crosses was quite poor. The save from Berahino though looked first class although the striker has to score really.

TAA: defensively solid after a slightly shaky first 10 mins or so. Put in a couple of nice crosses and going forward looks a step up from clyne for sure. IMO shouldn’t have been subbed at half time because he coped pretty well with arnautovic (probably stoke’s best attacker) .

Lovren: should he have been tracking walters for the goal? Can’t work out if I like him or not because although he’s rash and doesn’t always look the best positionally, he’s a good physical presence. Not his best day, but not the worst.

Matip: the best cb we have. A calming player to have but again not his best day. Stoke never properly tested us all game though so hard to properly judge.

Klavan: maybe lucky to not be sent off, even though the 2nd yellow for blocking shaqiri would’ve been harsh. For the goal, not sure what he was doing with that lunging challenge and positionally looked wrong all game. On the ball, his passing wasn’t great either. Was hoping at the beginning of the season that Klopp might’ve got a bargain but seems not – managed to struggle against a poor Stoke side.

Clyne: so lazy for the goal, just not tracking shaqiri’s run off him. Looked hesitant going forward in the 2nd half when we dominated but better at rb than lb.

Can: improved as the game went on. In the second half made some driving runs through midfield and was more accurate with his passing. I like him when he moves it on quickly but can hold onto the ball too long.

Milner: looked out of place in midfield. Doesn’t really have the quality on the ball and wasn’t properly helping out clyne in the first half either.

Wijnaldum: tried to make forward runs to stretch Stoke, but the whole team was poor 1st half. He looks better when we play on the front foot because he’s good technically. Almos gifted another goal to the opposition this week.

Woodburn: was stronger physically than I expected and had a few neat touches. The service up to him and origin was poor so struggled to properly get into the game, but certainly wasn’t one of the worst players first half.

Origi: looked isolated first half. He tried to make runs beyond stoke but the passes up to him were too straight and overhit. Got more involved second half but not his best day.

Couts: completely changed the game second half. Stoke never really got near to him and he started pulling the strings and dictating the game. Clinical finish as well.

Firmino: what a hit! The runs he makes off the ball are so good and some of his touches are sublime. So intelligent at creating space for teammates and draws defenders away from central areas.

Sturridge: not on for too long so difficult to judge but showed a few nice touches.

08 Apr 2017 18:32:27
Brilliant analysis, Reds. Bravo!

08 Apr 2017 18:37:40
I thought Mignolet was excellent and he played a key role in us getting 3 points today. I thought TAA struggled badly with Arnautovic and frankly it wasn't the best decision to play him with that system in place. Klavan was terrible, and the more I see him, the more he struggles. Lovren as poor as well just lunging in and losing his man on a number of occasions. We certainly need a CB to partner Matip next season, especially if we get CL.

Klopp got it tactically wrong in the first half, but changed it, bought on the players that affect the game, and we won.

08 Apr 2017 19:11:03
AG, you are not looking at things in a broader fashion. Couts and Firmino could not start as they had only 45 mins in them due to tiredness and illness. What would have been the use playing them for the first half and having to sub them off for TAA and Woodburn? None at all. So he put a team out to contain Stoke, stay in the game THEN, bring them on plus Studge with fresh legs and full of life and running, to go and win it. It is a gamble BUT one managers do all the time. The lineup was forced due to these issues, I reckon BUT thank God it worked out.

08 Apr 2017 19:32:06
It was Sturridge run that gave Couts the space for the first goal. He is truly coming into his grip.

08 Apr 2017 19:33:23
To be fair to Mignolet, he couldn't do anything about their goal, he did everything that was asked if him otherwise and produced two fabulous saves that played a big part of winning us the game.

08 Apr 2017 17:06:54
Man of the match is Mignolet. Match winning saves.

Can was absolutely world class second half.

Firmino is the glue that sticks. He is our most important player.

Coutinho, we must do everything possible to keep him.

First half was a disaster but Klopp proved that he is not a one trick pony.

All you whiners, start getting behind the team instead of making arses out of yourselves.

08 Apr 2017 17:25:03
Would it be fair to say that firmino is our most important pkayer but we'd rather keep coutinho over firmino?

08 Apr 2017 17:42:30
No, you have difficulty of reading what I posted.

08 Apr 2017 18:36:58
Faith, why do we have to choose who we keep when we can actually keep BOTH of them? Why choose when you can have it all? Firmino and Couts are ours and with CL footie next season, they are going nowhere.

08 Apr 2017 19:29:12
He is a limited manager hence reverted immediately to our strength from a failed experiment in the first half. Proved it today his team cannot defend no matter how many CB's are on the pitch. He need to stop acting like an all rounder. His team is set up to attack. So stop messing around trying to defend when you don't have personal or ability to do it.

08 Apr 2017 19:34:10
Mignolet had a great game. Kept us in it with those saves and played a big part in us winning, did everything else asked of him competently and to be fair couldn't do anything about their goal.

08 Apr 2017 19:35:49
Can't Firmino be our most important and the club want to keep Coutinho like Faithinworks? I think that's what Max is trying to say one is important AND we need to keep Coutinho.

08 Apr 2017 20:31:29
And Conte (who can't beat Klopp) is not? The 3-4-3 is ALL he knows. He tried the 4-3-3 formation earlier in the season and got thumped by Arsenal and guess who? Klopp's LFC. He then reverted to the 3-4-3. Is he a limited manager too or do those rules no longer apply to Conte and applies only to Klopp? Your eagerness to slate Klopp at every turn is clouding your ability to be fair and rational.

Klopp at least tried something different. And he didn't revert back to the 4-3-3. He still played the 3-4-3 and just moved players around. I thought you already saw that, Harry.

08 Apr 2017 16:58:10
The Liverpool Live Chat page is pitiful to watch.

08 Apr 2017 18:38:01
They are probably still moaning even tho, we got the 3 points.

08 Apr 2017 16:56:53
Klopp has no clue? I believe his vitriol fans have been shut up today.

Plastic fans we have.

08 Apr 2017 16:59:25
The live chat was nothing short of disgusting today. People were even bashing the eds for God knows what reason. Fickle to say the least. I know some of them were wind up trolls but some of them call themselves Liverpool fans.

08 Apr 2017 17:01:06
Tbf think he made a mistake with the starting XI, only got to catch the first half commentary and from that gathered our attack was absolutely useless the first half. Then when he brought on couts and firmino our attack completely shifted. don't get me wrong made up as didn't expect 3 points but we got away with that one a bit, having to have couts and firmino start a goal down doesn't help!

08 Apr 2017 17:11:27
Klopp did well with the substitution but take the rose tinted glasses off. That first half was shocking but kudos to Klopp for changing it. Although he was going to bring on Coutinho ad Firmino at some point.

08 Apr 2017 17:26:55
I haven't bothered with the live thread for months. Those things are hopeless becauseut just engages (enrages) the amygdala and there is no chance for reason on there.

08 Apr 2017 18:07:46
Bringing on Firmino and Coutinho makes him a genius and papers over the flaws in his management does it? Give me a break. My 3 year old nephew would of made them subs.

08 Apr 2017 18:30:57
Stand United mate all that matters is the result and that he did rectify his mistake. I am sure that moving forward he won't be taking a gamble, almost blew up in his face today.

08 Apr 2017 18:40:59
A united fan questioning OUR flawed manager! What next? Yikes.

08 Apr 2017 18:50:03
I have to agree with the others, hindsight is an incredible thing isn't it. He made an error in judgement just like against Bournemouth and today we managed to get the points. I agree that there was some that questioned klopps position and that's stupid but some fans make it out as if he can't be criticised at all, as if we're all supposed to be yes men. As long as it's constructive and has a point then why can't fans have different opinions. We do it with every manager, why should it be different with Klopp just because some people like him more than just because he's our manager. You're just as bad as the people that come out and say Klopp out every time something goes wrong.

As for the people saying fans wanted Klopp to take risks and that's what he did etc, people wanted Klopp to take risks when players where missing, when certain players where playing badly, not at the expense of our most important players. People wanted TAA given a go because clyne was playing badly, people wanted Stewart or grujic to be given a go because can was playing badly, people wanted ojo to have a go because he was our only other genuine winger when mane was at afcon etc. This was in January, when we couldn't buy a win and things needed to change, not now when we have to do everything to win to scrape top 4 and play our best players consistently. There's a time and a place for risks or changes and today away at stoke was evidently not the time or the place. As soon as those important players got subbed on (which is what all the so called whiners wanted in the first place) what happened? We might have had a much easier afternoon had we started them and brought them off. Either way 3 points is the most important thing hook or by crook but stop acting as if Klopp can do no wrong.

{Ed001's Note - erm Coutinho was not fit to start. He was barely fit for 45 min as he showed when his legs went as he was running at their defence with options either side of him.}

08 Apr 2017 19:02:00
The Utd fan should focus on his own team and perpetually-moaning manager before talking about others. Now, I will take a stab at Klopp 's thinking before the game.

He knew Firmino (fatigue) and Couts (illness) could only play 45 mins while Studge could only play 25 mins due to his return from injury. Therefore, there is NO point starting them as they can't play the whole 90. What does he do? He puts out a team to contain Stoke for the first half, stay in the game (a draw or win or loosing by one goal) and then put the boys on to go and win the game. Managers do that all the time cos if they could play the whole 90, it would be a sackable offence not to start them.

It's a gamble but more than understandable. Thank heavens, it worked out unlike vs B'mouth when his tactics got messed up by Klavan's mistake leading to the draw.

08 Apr 2017 19:26:09
Kman, no one said he can do no wrong as he has admitted that he's not a genius and that he too, makes mistakes. Also, Klopp did NOTHING wrong so stop with your constant hindsight and blame games. Couts was so ill he didn't rain before the game. The word is that he arrived at the team's hotel this morning hence he barely had 45 mins in him as Ed has confirmed. Firmino is tired and needed a blow so Klopp gave him 45 mins as well and Studge only had 25 mins in him due to return from injury. Therefore, what would you have done? Play both Brazilians in the first half, they get nackered ion the second half, get subbed off for Woodburn and TAA and we don't win? If your answer is yes then there's a reason Klopp is the manager and you are not, thank heavens. If Klopp had done what you propose and then we wilt and concede and don't win, you'll prolly be here with hindsight saying Klopp should have not started them and bla, bla, bla. The guy can't seem to catch a break with you, can he?

Klopp put a team out to contain Stoke, stay in the game in the first 45 which we did and then bring on the boys, all fresh to go win the game which we did. This is a gamble real managers (not FIFA not hindsight geniuses) do all the time as they are forced to through injuries and fitness issues, something even a blind man can see we have. His decision was right and we finished the game stronger. If you think there was NO thinking behind the lineup decisions wehe made then, you are gravely mistaken.

08 Apr 2017 19:29:27
I know things aren't perfect and I'm sure Klopp knows he's made mistakes and I'm sure Klopp knows that too but we're third with 6 games to play. We've already bettered last year's points total I believe.

08 Apr 2017 21:35:05
There's a difference between questioning team selection and saying things like "Klopp has no clue". "Klopp is average at best". "Klopp has deceived us all" "I'd go and beg ed002 to be our manager" etc etc.
The time to question selection is at the end of the game, not at half time. The ridiculous sniping at Klopp at half time was embarrassing. We have so many fans who think they know better than Klopp. My answer to them - put up or shut up. If you're that good, prove it and become a manager of a top 3 premier league team.
Questioning decisions and selection is fine, calling him clueless and all the other nonsense is not acceptable.

09 Apr 2017 19:06:56
Spot on, Ron. But they won't shut up tho. They'll be back running their traps even if we win the next game.

08 Apr 2017 14:04:50
Oh dear not liking that team sturridge should be playing firmino should be playing coutinho should be playing. I hope I'm wrong.

08 Apr 2017 14:32:55
Imagine if rodgers had picked that team. Strong bench though.

08 Apr 2017 14:33:32
Gotta admit leaving out Firmino's a real head-scratcher, he shouldn't have any fitness problems and he's the last person I'd rotate.

Let's see what happens though.

08 Apr 2017 14:35:01
go apply for the manager job.

08 Apr 2017 14:47:37
We're going to get battered. Not 6-1 like Bodgers mind you. But it's still going to be bad.

08 Apr 2017 15:51:25
Coutinho has been unwell all week and joined the team at their hotel this morning.

Firminho and Lucas feeling jaded.

Injuries have destimated our attack.

08 Apr 2017 17:06:13
I agree Dennis, a 2-1 win was bad.

08 Apr 2017 17:39:40
Get in! Klopp knows best.

08 Apr 2017 19:03:31
Awful rally, Something red. Klopp Out!

08 Apr 2017 10:50:31
Hi Ed's

hope you are well!

Quick question what are your thoughts on Ojo and Wilson how come we have not seen more of them on the bench atleast i know last year Ojo gave us a different dimension, especially with all the issues with illness and injury!

{Ed001's Note - Ojo had a bad injury and has only just got back to full fitness, but not to full form. Wilson is just being mostly left to progress with 90 minutes in the U23s rather than a few minutes as a sub.}

08 Apr 2017 11:06:03
Ed001, who do you think Klopp will go with to fill in for Mane. TAA or Woodburn, maybe move up Wijnaldum into attack and stick Grujic in midfield? There is also a possibility that Sturridge could feature but doubt he is anywhere near full fitness.

{Ed001's Note - Origi surely?}

08 Apr 2017 11:16:39
Sorry, should have added if Coutinho did not start.

{Ed001's Note - ah ok, in that case I think it will be TAA, though I would like to see what Grujic does, he would require too much in the way of change.}

08 Apr 2017 11:26:18
If it were up to me I would start with Grujic in midfield and move Wijnaldum up in attack. Obviously Wijnaldum not going to run rampant like Mane but being involved in the box more often could see him getting a few more goals. There is no doubt he can finish.

08 Apr 2017 12:19:53
just how bad was Ojo's injury i know it was back related but have they had to be very careful of it?

{Ed001's Note - yes it could have been a career ender if not careful as backs are difficult.}

08 Apr 2017 13:28:21
Stewart to play as the stopper with Wijnaldum and Can either side of him playing proper B2B Midfielders. Origi and Firmino either side of Sturridge.

08 Apr 2017 07:25:21
So with Coutinho a doubt (hopefully he gets over his illness) wonder who out of TAA, Woodburn or Grujic will get the call?

08 Apr 2017 10:48:54
TAA would make sense, with a slight tweak in formation.

08 Apr 2017 12:47:43
Clyne start selling means TAA on the bench. Grujic is a midfielder and Couts is a different player to him. Not happening. I would love Wilson get a chance ( Genhine winger on the right )

What will happen is Sturridge comes in alongside Origi with Origi playing on the left and Firmino on the right.

08 Apr 2017 12:48:29
None of above. klopp hasn't balls to play kids in crucial bpl matches.

08 Apr 2017 12:520:40
I'd expect Studge if he's fit enough to start, if not TAA will come into midfield.

08 Apr 2017 14:40:35
No balls to play kids must of read your comment haha.

07 Apr 2017 22:06:53
Question for ed001. With Michael Beale now at Sao Paulo, I would just like to ask your opinion on him as a coach and what you made of his time with us?

Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - he is an excellent coach, he did very well with us and our youngsters were improving under his coaching. I really hope he does well there, it was a brave move to take that job.}

08 Apr 2017 10:49:22
It is a brave move and I hope it works out for him! a lot of respect for what he did for our youngsters! What do you think of his replacement?

{Ed001's Note - honest answer is that I can't for the life of me remember who replaced him! I know I should but it has escaped me completely.}

08 Apr 2017 12:21:11
mike garrity i believe?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know him personally, but he is very highly rated from his time with the younger age groups.}

08 Apr 2017 12:25:00
Much appreciated ed, I noticed the obvious talent coming through, but it's good to hear that Beale was a big part of that. Hopefully he succeeds over there and we continue to produce talent.

{Ed001's Note - Beale was a good choice for us to be honest.}

08 Apr 2017 12:30:51
Would just like to add. I was reading something that Michael Beale said the other day. He said during his time in Brazil, he has noticed a big difference in the desire of young Brazilian players, there willingness to succeed. He pretty much said that you can see how much they need to be a footballer in their eyes, whereas British players just want to be a footballer. It goes along with what you were saying the other day ed001.

{Ed001's Note - it is interesting that someone with personal experience of both situations has said it. I just wonder what can be done to create the desire. It can be done, just like at Harry Kane.}

08 Apr 2017 17:16:37
speaking of beale being an excellent youth coach!

I know there are quite a few famous academies in europe that produce talent! who would you say are some of the most respectable coaches in and around the youth environment?

{Ed001's Note - impossible to say, because as soon as they prove to be good they get promoted to work with the first team.}