Liverpool Banter Archive January 09 2016

 

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09 Jan 2016 22:40:36
I watched the match yesterday and recently watched some of the individual highlights from the game and Brannagan was awesome yesterday. Played as well as a first team player and would probably be more affective than Allen tbh. I'm not going to start judging after one game but I hope certain youngsters get more opportunities in Europe and even epl with all these injuries. Namely ojo, Brannagan, texiera. Think the others did well but these where standouts for me.

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09 Jan 2016 23:18:54
Completely agree. Brannagan was class.


09 Jan 2016 23:20:58
Totally agree . I said earlier Branaghan was the best player on the pitch ( for lfc ) after that Tex, Smith, Ojo then Stewart in that order . Ojo would have been higher if he had longer game time . Like I said before Kent is quality but was a bit selfish .
Cheers
Jamesee.


09 Jan 2016 23:40:25
Ojo came on when everyone had tired legs, but to me, in his short time on the pitch he had the best game of them all.


10 Jan 2016 01:38:52
personally I think Brad Smith is ready to step up to the EPL, and Connor Randall not far behind him

He's got the build on him first and foremost which I'm sure a lot of managers look at first, especially in a defensive role

His play is 100% positive, defend first, look for space and attack it aggressively

Positionaly aware for a young lad too who will only get better with first team experience

If we're short with injuries now, I'd play him with Moreno left mid. Morenos crossing can be poor at times, but with some dedicated technical training at Melwood, even the law of averages suggest he will put 2 or 3 good balls in the box per game for our only current fit striker Benteke

The lad Kent looks handy too, a left footer playing on the right cutting in is a left backs, left CB nightmare as it drags the back four out of there trained position, I know he's still a kid but looks promising for the future, and full of confidence too, not scared to have a dig either

I also like the look of Ojo, his pace is frightening but also looks technically good too, young, fearless, confident

And to be fair the pitch was awful, not a excuse but more of a highlight of what the young lads could do on a decent pitch in the EPL

Great game to watch, and a great insight to hopefully tomorrow's starting 11.


09 Jan 2016 19:52:46
Eds is there any truth in the rumours we are looking into taking Sidney Sam on loan? I understand most of these rumours are just conjecture but he looked like he was becoming a real talent but appears to of hit a bit of a dead end this season and I feel Klopp could be the man to kick start the young lad again.

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{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine.}

09 Jan 2016 20:39:11
He's 27, had a terrible season last year, don't think he's played this year, and was suspended by his club. Surely Kent and Ojo (regardless of whether they make it with us long term) are better bets?


09 Jan 2016 18:56:13
Is Rossiter injured at present, I thought he would be in squad for last nights game

I hope they sort his contract out

Thought Stewart was great last night, along with Smith also like the look of Kent had a lot of energy.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - injured.}

09 Jan 2016 18:33:50
Ed001 can I ask please how come Liverpool didn't take back Owen when he left RM?

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{Ed001's Note - because we didn't want him. He begged to return but he was not welcome back at the club.}

09 Jan 2016 20:27:37
Did he dirty his bib or was he just not part of the plans?


09 Jan 2016 23:13:03
Dirty bib.


10 Jan 2016 01:44:02
He needs to wind his neck in on BT Sport, he is forever blowing smoke yo his own arse, and puts himself on a legends pedestal

I actually watch the Liverpool games on BT Sport with the mute button on, preferring to listen to my missus moan at me rather than listen to his dull monotone voice, it's like somebody pouring acid in my earholes.


09 Jan 2016 20:55:21
Only going on what was said all them years ago, his agent and himself met at Rafa's house. Rick Parry and his agent discussed contractual disputes while Rafa and Micheal discussed tactics on a white board in Rafa's in front room? If memory serves me right it was only Newcastle bidding higher than us that made him and his representatives speak with them and a a deal agreed. Did we not have the buy back clause in the original transfer Ed?


{Ed001's Note - not true at all. His agent and him went round to beg for a contract and Rafa made it clear he would not take him back. He tried again after Newcastle bid, telling us he would accept less but was told he was not wanted back. Rafa felt that the way he forced his way out of the club initially meant his attitude was wrong. You have to remember at the time he left Rafa had made it plain we were really in trouble for strikers and needed him to hang on a year but he refused point blank to even discuss staying as he wanted out of the club. Owen makes all sorts of claims about things, but Liverpool were never going to take him back, ever. He left as a rat, with a lot of bad feeling over the way he would force youngsters to play high stakes card games or he would ensure they had no career etc, lots of them lost money they couldn't afford. He was a nasty, selfish prick, who was always talking about his love for Everton while at the club, then expected us to welcome him back with open arms when he stabbed us in the back. It was never going to happen.}

10 Jan 2016 01:26:32
What did he do mate?


{Ed001's Note - forced his way out when Rafa had asked him to stay. Among a lot of other things.}

10 Jan 2016 02:18:31
Rafa asked Gerrard and Carragher who they think LFC should sign that summer and they both said Owen. So Rafa went on and bought Torres. It is in Gerrard's autobiography.


{Ed001's Note - Gerrard put a lot of crap in his autobiography to be fair, by the sounds of it. Though this was true of sorts, he did ignore them as he was never going to bring back the rat.}

09 Jan 2016 17:18:31
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Micah Richards In Confrontation With Villa Fans And More News Of The Day

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09 Jan 2016 16:47:08
Hi ed1 who out of the youngsters really impressed tou last night and who do you think have a future under klopp (youngster wise) for me they all showed some real detwrmination and grit and played with more passion than most of the seniors have since he arrived. Only real disappontment was sinclair he took his goal well but not really anything else smith looks amazing same with texeria i hope they get kept in the team for future games!

Believable4 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - Stewart impressed me most, because I expected nothing from him, but he did well. It is impossible to tell who will have a future from that match though, the conditions were too difficult to know.}

09 Jan 2016 16:59:27
I agree with the poster, and ed, as I said yesterday. Stewart really was an unsung hero with eyes on tex ilori and Sinclair. Stewart had quick feet, move the ball forward but also drove with it. Not bad in the air either. I'd like to see him more.


{Ed001's Note - I love Teixeira as a player, so it was going to be impossible for him to live up to what I was hoping for on that pitch. Maybe in the replay he can really step up.}

09 Jan 2016 17:07:14
To be fair Ed, Teixeira should've had a brilliant assist. Sadly, Benteke couldn't beat a league 2 keeper from 4 yards.


09 Jan 2016 17:11:08
Lets hope so i think it was a great performance sorry forgot about stewart to he was immense. I really hope we start utilizing these players more they fully deserved their shot even though it was down to injuries. I think klopp gives them the belief to play even if they went behind and it was great to see him leave lucas (who i love) and lallana on the bench and replace the youngsters with more youngsters, klopp is a real manager and real leader of men well done to the youngsters and klopp let's hope the replay is as good with a lfc win at home.


09 Jan 2016 17:23:22
I think tex is close to falling into the path of Pacheco and Suso. However I believe he has more ability than both. The key is actually him getting game time to develope, with a stronger overall 11 around him. Will klopp do that? Only time will tell mate.
We have hampered many youngsters in the past, hopefully not him as well, as the ability is there for all to see.


09 Jan 2016 17:32:31
He has great skill but is he a first team player? No I don't think so.
And to all you fans who bleated on about llori did you watch him? Give me any of our centre half's any day. His reading an positioning during the game was shocking.


09 Jan 2016 18:06:22
You have to remember that a lot of these players on met each other last week.

That said, I expected more from iLori - one minute he was good the next abysmal.

Stewart impressed and worked hard. Ojo looked good. Texiera is very good especially in tight situations - a very tricky player. Bogdan has a lot of learning to do. Sinclair I wasn't convinced by. Smith and Kent had good games and Chirvilla played well in parts. Maguire, Randall and Brannagan put a decent shift in.

I expected a lot more from Benteke and Enrique - especially on-field leadership wise.

(Texiera would make an excellent player playing just behind a main striker in a 4-4-1-1 type formation I think or out on a forward flank in a 4-3-3)


09 Jan 2016 18:17:16
To be fair to ilori he did well on a cabbage patch pitch and hasn't played any top level football since last year. So in context he did well. I liked Stewart as he tackled and kept it simple also didn't get bullied off the ball. Can be a useful option.


09 Jan 2016 19:17:27
Hard to make much judgement of Ilori I thought as for large parts of the game he was near enough playing CB by himself. Clearly not ready for an overly physical striker, but I do think it would be good to see him again with a proper partner.


09 Jan 2016 19:30:53
Thought Ilori was poor myself. Missed his aerial duels completely, didn't show anything like the ability he showed on the ball for Portugal U21's, should've been red carded for pushing Nichols over when he was the last man and got the wrong side.

Was arguably the worst player on the pitch in my opinion. I was bitterly disappointed.


09 Jan 2016 19:43:26
I don't think you can judge considering pitch, the FA cup underdog playing with nothing to lose, team literally full of youngsters not being used to playing together however it's interesting to hear all the contrasting views on here after we all watched the same game. I was impressed with Ojo when he come on, I just thought his attitude and workrate was let's just say different to Sinclair.


09 Jan 2016 20:19:58
Klopp will definitely use Teixeira in the first team next season.
He has class on the ball, he is creative but he is also a tenacious tackler and gets back to win the ball.

He's going to be a great little player.


09 Jan 2016 20:44:21
Ilori's performance wasn't the greatest, but for his first competitive action this year, on a pudding pitch that he'll never have played on anything like before, and with Jose Enrique as his defensive partner, i don't think he did too badly.

Would like to see him in the replay, and some more minutes in the next month. but not against Arsenal.


09 Jan 2016 21:33:42
For what it's worth it was Stewart that caught my eye as well. Texeira for me was a bit hot and cold, looks absolutely fantastic at times but it doesn't always come off. ojo deserves a mention as well along with both the fullbacks.


09 Jan 2016 23:43:56
No excuses for Llori.

Enrique hasn't played much, has many more grey hairs and was still fitter.

Don't give me that match practice nonsense.


10 Jan 2016 00:08:52
Exactly Davey. And the mud didn't exactly cause him to completely musjudge the flight of the ball on multiple occassions and jump about 3 yards away from where it landed. Nor did it make him commit a red card offence that would've drawn the appropriate punishment had it been a premier league game.


No excuses for him. As you say, Enrique looked fitter and I swear I saw his man boobs bouncing at one stage.


10 Jan 2016 00:40:41
Enrique has been playing regularly for the u21s the last few months (2-4) ilori on the other hand hasn't played a single game since the u21 championships. And has spent time inbetween that unlike Enrique. Can someone help me or does daveybootle always post nonsense the name rings a bell.


10 Jan 2016 01:30:03
you thought that was a red card offense? wow. The exeter player kicked him as the jostled for the ball, not even close to a red card, he didn't even get booked.

Ilori played well and look composed for the main part considering he hasn't played football for about 6 months. He played the way klopp has clearly asked the team to play, covered well when Randall went on his jollies and lost the ball up the field and brought it out of defense.

I sometimes wonder what games people watch.

Remember when Rio Ferdinand came back after 8 months out (no injury) and was dead on his feet after 60 minutes and actually went to the sidelines to eat a power bar after his ban from a drugs test. This was a top athelete at Man united, able to train, with a great team round him, in his prime, clearly showing a lack of fitness in his first game back, and he wasn't even injured prior to it.


10 Jan 2016 01:49:48
Ilori was carrying JE the whole game so don't know why you guys are slating him after having been injured and not played consistently since last year?


09 Jan 2016 16:38:07
To ed1, even though he is at a different club now. between Carroll and Benteke who is better? i could remembered Carroll holding the ball on the channels and delivering nice balls accross pernalty yard any time he showed some movement unlike Benteke who doesn't know what to do whenever he gets to that positions with the ball, also he had a powerful left foot when he was to score with his leg. and his apparent weapon on headers was much effective.

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{Ed001's Note - Benteke is technically better, but Carroll makes more effort. Both are injury prone, but Carroll is a drunken bum who will end up destroying his own career, as Bilic has been trying to tell him of late. I am actually not sure which is better. Benteke should be many times better though, and that tells its own story that it is even a question.}

09 Jan 2016 18:31:22
Is Carroll that much of a drinker etc? Never realised tbh.


{Ed001's Note - really? Even though we bought him injured after he had fallen off a bar stool while paralytic?}

09 Jan 2016 18:38:14
I meant now? I thought he had sorted his house out but clearly not!?


{Ed001's Note - not according to Bilic who publicly warned him to stay fit.}

10 Jan 2016 00:44:22
I hate this 'kind' of player upfront. We've seen it work with the likes of Drogba at other clubs but give me a fast intelligent number 9 at Liverpool anyday!


10 Jan 2016 01:54:53
Drogba wasn't supposed to make it as a footballer as no academy would take him until he passed a trial at Le Mans. The guy fought and worked hard to get to where he got to as a footballer. If Benteke have a tenth of DD's drive and desire to be great, he would be a beast but he doesn't hence, he won't be.


09 Jan 2016 16:33:31
Hey eds, what's the latest on rossiter contract situation?

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{Ed002's Note - There is nothing new.}

09 Jan 2016 16:11:43
I just thought I'd mentioned that up until the injuries. I've been enjoying the freedom our central defenders have been having since Klopp came in, and expecially Lovren since Skrtel left.
Lovren looks a completely different player under Klopp and next to Skho. He's been willing to step out early and cut out long balls to the centre forwards, challenging in the air, and getting tight to players to intercept the pass, I didn't realise how hamstrung he was by the tactics or his partner till recently.

I've been 1 of his biggest critics but he's slowly turning my view round, I hope it continues. we are beginning to see what we paid for in him, though I'd sitill like him to be better at set pieces.

Also I love seeing that we no longer wait for the deep midfielder to come and pick up the ball after the centre back pairing have performed several passes to on another across 20 yards. They're active and running into the space that a higher midfield line is creating and picking some good passes, Lovren once again seems to be relishing this role as well as Sakho, we aren't just booting it long to Benteke any more, we're pegging teams further back and getting more bodies around to ball so players aren't isolated, I just hope we don't lose confidence with 1 misplaced pass.

Those saying Klopp hasn't changed much at the club need to keep an eye out for this, it's such an improvement on what we saw for 3 years previously.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

09 Jan 2016 16:22:17
Boba, it is the disingenuous fans who are saying that who for some reason, can't see the changes he's made. Apart from the Lovren bit, we are one foot away from a a Wembley final, topped, EL group, beat City, Chelsea, and Southampton handily on their own patch, beat Stoke without breaking a sweat and some of our kids are showing they have a future here. Granted, we've had some poor games but can anyone say Klopp's arrival has changed nothing? I don't think so. With the way we were playing under BR, all the above developments would never have happened so to those saying we haven't improved at all should jog on, really.


09 Jan 2016 16:56:14
Red this game of ours is all about results. So I think the ones saying we haven't improved under Klopp have a point because results certainly haven't improved. let's hope for better results in the second half of the season.


09 Jan 2016 17:05:10
But the results have improved.


09 Jan 2016 17:19:42
Except you can't say that. You cannot say at all that Rodgers would or would not have got the same results that klopp has. What you can say is that we still have most of the same weaknesses and there have been some improvements too. Those weaknesses have cost us points. The improvements have helped us gain points.
So, would we have got the same results? That's speculation and can only be as such. What would do know is that we have a sense of direction now that wasn't there previously and when we do get it right, we are playing some good football. There's the improvement.


10 Jan 2016 02:15:22
Your post makes no sense, 64. Slowdog explains my point, exactly. Our weaknesses remain for sure and those are still costing us games BUT to deny that we have made no improvements at all with all the positive results I mentioned in my post is just moral dishonesty at its finest. And no, we would never have gotten the same results playing with the flair we did in those games because Can would still be struggling at CB, Allen would still be a starter, Lucas would've been gone this month and we'd still be playing the rubbish possession footie that was getting us nowhere fast and Sahko would've been gone the day after New Year's Day. I can keep going mate because there's a lot where that came from. All his happening with a team he had no input in its assemblage and won't till the summer, that's a an improvement already. The points of improvement are numerous but I'll leave it at that.


09 Jan 2016 16:00:40
As things stand right now - i think it is likely we will alow Benteke, Allen, Toure, Balotelli and Enrique to go in the summer. But for me there is a lot of players in danger - many of them not for lack of trying though.

- Lallana is really strugling to have an impact
- Milner have been nowhere good enough and is getting payed way to much
- Clyne have been a dissapointment for me, ads nothing when going forward and dosn't look solid when defending
- Moreno is hit and miss
- Skrtel is still making to many bad decisions
- Lovren is definately improving, but is he the long term solution on the right next to Sakho?
- Sturridge is class but rarely available
- Markovic i can't judge - but do he even want to stay?
- Mignolet looks better than under BR but i can't see him drastically improve his obvious weaknesses
- Ilori and Teixeira may only have the rest of the season to prove their worth

I properbly left somebody out and some may feel i included someone unfairly. But anyway, my point is that very few players can feel safe.

I certainly don't want to many changes this summer but i do see quite a few go regardless.

You see people like Götze, Aubameyang, Subotic etc mentioned in the press - but for me they aren't typical Klopp signings and with quite a few possible outgoings i find myself wondering who could replace those who end up leaving.

This is totally hypothetical - but what players out there do you guys think would be an improvement on those who may leave? Who is exiting you?

I am thinking of talents like Kagawa, Lewandowski, Piszczek, Subotic etc. before they went to dortmund. Players who isn't amongst the most recognized names. Players who are talented, may be affordable and realistically may want to join.

Thanks.

Believable1 Unbelievable5

09 Jan 2016 16:04:48
Well, Lavije, if many of them players leave, don't expect us to even challenge for the top four for a decade.

You should know that Brendan made a big mistake by bringing in too many players.

It's a slow process in which as a club, we should learn from our mistakes.

For the sake of our squad, regardless of talent, half of that list at least will be here next season.


09 Jan 2016 16:23:46
You will have a very hard time moving Benteke on in the summer, mate.


09 Jan 2016 16:28:58
Exactly Davey - either i should re-write it or you should re-read it. As i said, i do not want big changes. I never said they would all leave, i said some may leave.

I should ad that if anybody leave i hope we will look from within first before recruiting anybody. We have good young players!

As a football fan i am curious wich players are out there who could possibly improve our squad - but isn't already very expensive and very well-known.


09 Jan 2016 19:21:42
redohio - Looks like i haven't worded this post well enough, since both repliers have clearly misunderstood my intention :-D Maybe it comes with me not being a native speaker? What i tried and possibly failed to say is that i am sure the club are willing to let Benteke go. I am well aware it won't necessarily happen. I do hope he change that between now and the summer - but somehow i doubt it.

We are so many people following this forum, from all over the world, watching lots and lots of football between us - most likely from lots of different leagues. So i am curious if anybody have seen someone stick out, some under the radar talent who you (or i atleast) could/ would class as a "typical klopp buy".

I am not saying that we should then go out and replace the whole squad and i am not even that interested in the possibility of us bringing those players in. I am just curious and want to broaden my horizon and learn a bit about some new and not-so-well-known players with real talent. I am sure they are out there - but haven't had the time to follow anything other than liverpool for the last few seasons.


10 Jan 2016 00:47:16
Breaks my heart. Nah it doesn't you can sell them for me.


09 Jan 2016 14:30:44
ed01 who would u prefer in the team benteke or baloteli? is klopp looking to bring him back from loan or has he burnt all bridges I for one hoped he would succed with us but that didn't with Rodgers could it with kloop.

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{Ed001's Note - Benteke without doubt, Balotelli is not an option and the club do not want him back.}

09 Jan 2016 16:06:30
Can't believe that people are even suggesting balotelli.


09 Jan 2016 16:04:05
001,if no 1 comes in for Balotelli in the summer window, would the club look to cut their losses and come to an agreement to end his contract?


{Ed001's Note - if no sale or loan was possible, I think we would have to.}

09 Jan 2016 16:26:23
Call Benteke what you want but mentioning Balotelli in the same breathe as Benteke is an insult to the boy.


09 Jan 2016 14:25:44
Hey Ed. What do you make of sinclairs performance? I'd rather see him on the pitchthan Benteke. But then again, he's off in the summer unless things change. Would it be too risky to give him time at this point?

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{Ed001's Note - he is a good finisher, with excellent composure, but his attitude on the pitch did not impress me last night. He did not do enough to deserve another chance, for me. There were other performances that showed desire and heart, they would be ahead of him.}

09 Jan 2016 15:09:43
Agree, apart from a sharply taken (but rather fortunate) goal he didn't show a huge amount, most notably when he was played in down the right wing and meandered until the defence caught up with him.

We have Sturridge, Benteke, Ings, Origi and Firmino that can all play ahead of him, so I say if we need anything at all upfront it should be replacing Benteke with a top striker that suits our game.


09 Jan 2016 16:07:04
He looked overweight and unfit to me.

Get rid.


09 Jan 2016 16:27:25
Same with me Eds. He is cool in the box under pressure as his finish suggests but apart from that, did absolutely nothing the whole game.


09 Jan 2016 16:39:01
I think the likes of Ojo (whose build reminds me a bit of John Barnes - let's hope his play does ;o) ) ; Smith, Kent, Tex, Stewart all gave there all (not saying others didn't just these appeared to but also done something with the ball) and deserve a chance above Sinclair!


09 Jan 2016 18:21:50
At the end of the day Sinclair is an old fashioned poacher. The fact he got on to the loose ball and the finish was so good implies to me he's worth a chance.


09 Jan 2016 19:48:30
Being a striker, isn't finishing in the box the main thing? I wasn't impressed by his overall performance last night either but if he got a run in the game and scored regularly would we care about the rest of his game play? I think Coutinho can be a very lazy player sometimes, expecting the ball to come to him instead of going looking for the ball etc plus his shooting can be erratic as well as some of his decision making but we forgive him because of his vital goals and the rest of his game play is exceptional, he is our trickery.


09 Jan 2016 14:33:01
Good news guys, Mama has signed a contract extension taking his contract up to 2020.

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09 Jan 2016 16:28:30
Sahko? Didn't he already sign a new deal before BR got the chop?


09 Jan 2016 14:17:10
Kent's touch 👏👏👏.

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09 Jan 2016 14:14:12
I think what last night showed us, is how completely inept the club have been in utilizing the academy over recent years, Especially Rodgers. Wasting money hand over fist on bang average players stifling the progress of these young players. Well done Mr Klopp, I know your hand was forced to some extent and if we had lost last night there would be nothing but praise for the u21s who played.

Believable8 Unbelievable1

09 Jan 2016 15:11:20
I think it showed that Benteke was no better than the kids therefore he can be dropped.


09 Jan 2016 15:18:31
My hope after last night is that Kloppo basically puts the majority of those lads on an early pre-season. Most of them won't be getting regular games, so put them through the intense fitness program he's putting the first team squad through.
Get these lads fit and strong, ready to implement the 'gegenpress' tactic. They should be flying by April and ready to boost the first team squad for the final few games.

Ojo, Kent, Ilori and Smith will be like 4 new signings allowing Kloppo to get rid of the fringe players in the first team squad.


09 Jan 2016 16:19:22
We've done some post season matches in recent years in Ireland and I think scandinavia. I wouldn't mind seeing some of them play in 3 matches after the season has ended it will allow klopp to maybe judge what players need loans, which can act as cover for 1st team and who maybe need to be allowed to leave in the summer.


09 Jan 2016 16:35:08
I love where your head is at, Ron. As for BR and the academy, the guy was clueless on that front. He was even arsed enuff to go watch them play. He just loaned them out so he wouldn't have to deal with them. No wonder Klopp is recalling them to train with the first team after watching them play because he probably can't believe some of them aren't in the first team already. S, it's is a good example and now look at him. Klopp will take care of the kids, don't worry.


09 Jan 2016 14:06:10
Good afternoon ed002

Has there been any additional player interest in anyone since your big update in december please?

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{Ed002's Note - Read the posts.}

09 Jan 2016 14:04:51
Great learning experience for the young lads. Thought they put in a good performamce considering the occassion and the pitch. I hope Klopp plays the same team at anfield although i would like to see ojo start. I thought brannagan stood out wih his composure, movement and ability on the ball. He was also the one player trying to keep it simple. Texiera has loads of ability but needs to learn keep things simple and effective as he overcomplicates at times. Overall though, good effort and learning experience. Well done lads!

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09 Jan 2016 13:57:57
Edd001 I can't remember who it was but someone drove in an excellent cross into the box and all it needed was benteke was run in and tap it in but he stood back instead of making the run then sulked. Extremely frustrating to watch.

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{Ed001's Note - that happened a couple of times, the only one he got on the end of was right at him, as he made no attempt to get into a good area. It is frustrating as the lad has plenty of talent.}

09 Jan 2016 16:21:25
Big al was it Rnadall int he 1st half? I don't think it would have been kent who loved coming inside too much and shooting. It could have been ojo in the second half he did very well on the wing.


09 Jan 2016 16:36:46
It was either Kent or Brannagan. That is the problem with Benteke.


09 Jan 2016 22:23:40
Brannagan played a lovely pass to Randall, randall put in a half decent ball but benteke was behind every single Exeter defender jogging. He is not a 'dangerman' or a 'fox in the box' which is exactly what we need. I would have loved a striker like Hernandez, he's like a much better version of Shane long. Would do well in our system as well I think. That ship has long sailed though.


09 Jan 2016 12:44:18
I think the lads did well yesterday, but how many of that side will be apart of our squad in 18mths time? Ojo and possibly Smith are the only 2 that I think will still be with us come September 2017.

Believable3 Unbelievable5

09 Jan 2016 12:55:23
Add tex to that and i think your right mate.


09 Jan 2016 13:23:48
Brannagan and Kent as well.


09 Jan 2016 13:27:39
That's five already and don't forget Canos as well. Six is a decent number, don't your think?


09 Jan 2016 13:58:00
I don't think Brannagan is getting enough credit. It was his full debut, his first ever senior game (he's never been on loan), he was playing in a position that isn't his preferred role (he's usually an attacking midfielder) etc.

He showed great composure and technique, excellent passing range and vision, some crunching tackles, covered well for the full backs, got up and down for 90 minutes, won most of his headers despite his height.

I honestly thought he was the best player on the pitch by far. It is no suprise he is making the bench every week under Klopp if he is playing like that during training.


{Ed001's Note - didn't he play in the Europa League?}

09 Jan 2016 14:07:22
Is this judged off one game? Because one game, on a bad pitch when they are also playing with only one natural CB who hasn't played any games is definitely not a good representation of who will be playing for us in 18 months. I think if they read this site seeing there names slaughtered is more of a reason for them not playing for us in 18 months time.

I know there is people that watch them quite regularly and fair play if that's your opinion which is baded over a period of time. But people basing it off one game need to actually need to stop making such rash judgements. They played there best which is more then some of our senior players can say.

But as people have said it was great to see them play and I look forward to the anfield game.


09 Jan 2016 14:09:12
I would be happy if 2 made it. Tex and Ojo. I certainly don't think 6 at all, especially if you really mean pushing for a start in the first team? I don't think that's realistic.


09 Jan 2016 14:09:33
Yeah he's had a few minutes in the Europa Ed but this was his first start in senior football in his life. Thought he stepped up wonderfully.


{Ed001's Note - he started in the League Cup it was, I just checked. I knew last night was not his debut.}

09 Jan 2016 14:12:10
I can't remember if he started a game earlier in the season in the league cup, but either way he was the least experienced player on the pitch with regards to senior football.


09 Jan 2016 14:16:08
Ahh fair enough Ed. I did think that just after I posted it but couldn't remember if I was confusing him with Rossiter.


{Ed001's Note - no worries mate, I had to check myself as I wasn't fully sure. I see so much football these days it is beginning to blur into one big long match in my head!}

09 Jan 2016 12:32:51
I was so proud of the lads last night and of klopp, the lads for being thrown together and being generally comfortable in their game and getting a result twice coming from behind. And klopp for having the mutts nuts to pick that team and squad and stick with it even when it wasn't going as "Liverpool v Exeter" should in fact it was Liverpool u21s v Exeter away from home on an awful pitch and in a pressurised game and environment. Unfortunately the worst players on the pitch for us were the 3 senior players. Last night was fantastic it was a great game of football played in the right spirit. Fa cup at its best. If McLaughlin was playing rb last night we'd have won the game in the first half (I think he's still on loan with ward or perhaps injured unfortunately though)

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09 Jan 2016 12:52:08
Great post mate!


09 Jan 2016 13:35:06
Good post. I expected nothing from JE. Bogdan? Mingo can rest easily because he will be first choice without breaking a sweat. Benteke? Not enuff but I thought Ilori was solid till he got injured. Klopp showed courage and belief in the players and deserve credit for showing guts to comeback twice in a game they were promised to lose. Exeter played vs our academy kids and still couldn't beat us. What does that say about them? bThe media are so disappointed that our kids survived that they're bashing Klopp anyway because they can't help themselves.


09 Jan 2016 12:07:55
Hi eds, reds,
I don't have LFC tv anymore but used to before you had to pay, I used to watch the U21s quite a bit but since you have to pay for it I don't anymore . So my question is about Ojo, I thought he looked really good last night and wondered what his most natural position is and is left his preferred foot?
If he is a winger, do you now see him getting on the bench?
Cheers
Jamesy.

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{Ed001's Note - he is left footed but can play on either wing or behind a striker. He was recalled to play, so I do expect him to become an option to come on against tired legs.}

09 Jan 2016 13:38:25
Three goals and four assists in 19 games for Wolves is not a bad return for a teenager, IMO. I hope he gets a chance going forward because per the Ed's, he's well thought of.


09 Jan 2016 14:01:17
It's actually 3 goals and 5 assists. Also, don't be mislead by appearances. He was usually a sub. He played about 800 minutes of fotball which works out at less than 9 full 90 minutes. So he averages a goal or an assist every 100 minutes. He has one hell of a future.


09 Jan 2016 14:21:08
Spot on, EMS. He's the one I think has a really good future with us.


09 Jan 2016 12:05:44
Good afternoon Eds,

Do you think any of the team last night will feature against Arsenal or United?

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{Ed001's Note - some will have to.}

09 Jan 2016 12:34:59
My thoughts too Ed,

Two very difficult games coming up will show if those selected can step up to the plate!


09 Jan 2016 13:06:20
Players that should be available, mignolet Clyne toure Lucas Moreno, can Milner Allen, lallana firmino benteke.
If that was all we had, I'd be tempted to play Moreno left wing, smith left back and drop benteke, with firmino up front.


09 Jan 2016 13:39:54
Spot on Fencey, I would play Moreno as a winger but that group seems solid enuff to give the Arse a good game.


09 Jan 2016 11:51:24
Just a quick one on last nights game. I thought the youngsters dug in well and fought hard for the draw. I would put money on the same group of lads beating Exeter on the far better surface at Anfield. I really liked the look of teixeira. The boy has some silky touches and looks as if he has something about him. I'm not one for bashing players but he would start everyday of the week ahead of Lallana who has offered next to nothing since he signed. Also on Benteke, I watched him closely last night a number of times he took up good positions and looked for the ball early but we kept trying to play intricate passes on a shocking park. Given the right service he will score goals although I do agree he does need to up his workrate.

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09 Jan 2016 12:36:05
I'm on a similar page. I don't believe he's not ar*ed, I think he's frustrated. last night he kept pointing out where he wanted the ball and it never came.

Maybe playing to suit him is the wrong idea but it seems such a waste of time to put him on the pitch and not play to his strengths.


09 Jan 2016 13:46:18
I watched him as well, boys and atimes, he showed some good touches looked for the ball more however, not consistent enuff. Also, there were a few times when we had balls were indeed, crossed well enuff into the six yard box. Benteke was still at the back post instead of making darting runs into the six yard box. That is the problem. He doesn't make enuff runs and counter runs to lose his markers and get on the end of crosses. He was doing that at Villa but suddenly, he doesn't do that anymore. What's up with that?


09 Jan 2016 11:49:08
I'd love to see now texeria and smith really push for first team places now. Llori didn't do much wrong, Kent and brannaghan were impressive. I really like sinclair too. Real shame about the contract issue. I could name a few more but right now texeria and smith seem the their ready now.

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09 Jan 2016 13:48:50
Spot on, Big Al. Tex and Smith are first team ready especially Smith. Ilori was solid and did his job well without any issues. Sinclair bar the goal, didn't do much. Stewart wasn't bad either and Ojo was an impact sub. Very good omen for the future, these.


09 Jan 2016 13:55:45
I like ojo a lot too red ohio
He has frightening pace, leftie and is good technially. Delighted klopp gave these players gametime.


09 Jan 2016 14:31:27
I'd add ojo to the list as well.

The trouble is the amount of highly paid players ahead of them.

We all know klopp is finding out who he wants to keep and who he wants to sell. I believe this is probably why he's not trying any of the kids, hopefully next season we will see more of them.

Sell Moreno if he wants to go and let Enrique retire, use Gomez and smith in that position.

Sell lallana and use teixera more next season.

Ojo can add the pace out wide which we are already missing.


09 Jan 2016 11:00:01
I was really disappointed with Benteke yesterday. I was really hoping he would give their defenders a tough time and show them what's it's like to mark a PL attacker but he didn't really impose himself.

He seems to be really struggling for confidence or maybe feels he did the wrong move but if he could just keep the ball and hold up the play to bring players into the attack he will increase his contribution to the team greatly for me.

Tough period for him.

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{Ed001's Note - confidence? It is not confidence he lacks, it is workrate. He is stood watching, which is far more worrying than a lack of confidence, as the one cross he actually bothered to get in the box for he got to and should have scored with. There is no sign of a lack of confidence, he is trying flicks, which are a sign that he is confident.}

09 Jan 2016 11:28:51
Totally agree ed, I don't think I've seen him sprint for a ball yet, he does a lot Of pointing to were he wants it, but doesn't even bother to move there, sick of seeing him walking round the pitch, it's not confidence, it's atitude, the very least you expect is a shift out of him, we can all handle passes going astray now an again or Shia going wide, but workrate is there bare minimum requirement to any pro footballer, especially if there playing for our team, like ir loath milner, he couldn't hi a barn door with a banjo at times, but he runs his socks off puts a shift in and never bottles a tackle, Technically he's proabaly not the best but you can never fault his atitude, he could do with avin word with benteke over his.


09 Jan 2016 12:03:55
I think if someone bid £20m for him Kloppo would sell.
What last night demonstrated is we have SO many young players out on loan its obscene.
We really need to clear the decks and get rid of some of the first team squad passengers. These young players need to be in the first team squad, some of them in the first team.
Ojo, Kent, Canos have all got the ability to make it as attacking midfielders/ forwards
Teixeira should be in the first team let alone the squad
Ilori should be backup to the first choice central defenders.
Smith is ready for the first team.
Then we have Lloyd Jones still on loan, Gomez injured, Rossiter injured.

Kloppo has done absolutely the right thing in recalling these loan players. They need to be utilised and they need to be given their chance.


09 Jan 2016 12:50:49
My dad whos old school said the same about benteke last night ed. He said "why is he trying to flick the ball everywere when he should be in the box".


{Ed001's Note - if he was busting a gut to get in the box, then it would not be such an issue that he is not working to help the team press. Sadly he is mostly stood on the edge of the box when crosses do go in.}

09 Jan 2016 13:08:15
I don't know about the flicks showing confidence, a real confident striker would just take the ball and shoot. Totally agree though, the amount of times he just ambles into the box and waits for the perfect cross rather than attempting to lose his man.


09 Jan 2016 14:02:26
Spot on, Ron. I fully agree with everything thing in your post. As for Benteke, I have watched every goal he scored for Villa especially in his first two seasons and I don't know who the Benteke we have here is because the one at Villa, was doing everything he's not doing here. He made runs into, the box, attacked headers, could take the ball from the half way line and run all the way and score, could take free kicks, score penalties, the whole nine yards. Watch on YouTube if you wanna verify this. Why is he not doing that here? Are Villa players better than ours? No! Doesn't matter if we cross the ball well or how many times we do that, if the striker can't/ won't make the runs or make the moves necessary to get to these crosses, he won't score that is the bottom line. It's not a confidence issue, it's an attitude and desire issue which was my biggest fear of signing him because vs Arsenal in the Cup final, he was a ghost and did absolutely nothing all game. Ed is right. He just seems to not be bothered and if a good bid ever came like Ron said, Klopp will get shot of him.


09 Jan 2016 14:38:04
I've seen a lot of Benteke for Villa. From my perspective he was always a player who would step it up for 3-4 games and then go missing for 10.
He's not changed that much, capable of so much more but just doesn't turn up often enough.
Not the kind of player Kloppo will indulge for long.


09 Jan 2016 16:40:48
You're prolly right, Ron.


09 Jan 2016 11:10:33
I thought Ojo and Ilori looked good yesterday. Surely we got to give Ilori a run in the first team. The lad is more comfortable on the ball than John Stones. I really want to see more of him. Boy has bags of potential. Ed do you what our plans are for him?

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09 Jan 2016 11:13:58
I think Ilori has potential, but take man your red-tinted glasses off, John Stones is one of the best young defenders in Europe and is way better on the ball.


09 Jan 2016 11:18:44
I thought he played well but concerning that he went off shattered. And before you jump on my back Enrique managed 90mins. I know llori hasn't played at all and would of been interesting to see what he was like on a proper pitch future looks good.


09 Jan 2016 11:22:58
Some of the criticism is unfair on this site considering his playing time this season. The fact is he looks brilliant on the ball and he is lightning quick. He is also terribly unfit and I don't know realistically how quickly he could become match fit. He is young enough to take some intensive training and recover so I guess time will tell if and when he would last 90 minutes. |I would love to know what Klopp thinks of him.


09 Jan 2016 11:30:17
I thought Ilori was very dicey in the air if i'm honest. He did look quite composed with the ball at his feet. Again it was an awful pitch. Really hard to suggest either way how he could do. How fit was he? Not very, considering he had his socks around his ankles like a 70s footballer after 65mins. John Stones, i really don't know what the big fuss is about. I thought Agger had more composure with the ball at his feet. I certainly can't see Stones being one of the best in Europe. Maybe i'm missing something tho.


{Ed001's Note - Stones is excellent on the ball but defensively his positioning is awful. If he wasn't quick he would be hopeless defensively as he is always having to recover. It might just be that he needs time to learn that aspect, as he played a lot as a full back he could just be struggling to adjust.}

09 Jan 2016 14:05:16
Only Everton fans think he's one of the best young defenders in Europe because he isn't.


{Ed001's Note - a lot of fans think he is because the English media are building him up.}

09 Jan 2016 10:41:33
I thought ojo changed the dynamic when he came on. He offered some much needed composure and looked a cut above the others. Bright future for him. considering all the factors surrounding the game and then having to play against the fantastic atmosphere Exeter created plus a terrible pitch and all of exeters players being well up for it I was immensely proud ynwa!

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09 Jan 2016 10:03:13
As I don't live in Liverpool I must admit I don't know as much as I would like to know regarding the youngsters at the club (if you can call 20 year olds youngsters ) . After reading a lot of posts on here I was really looking forward to watching them last night. Was I expecting too much, because I was disappointed with some I saw. The same old story as the first 11, they just can't get a decent cross in, with the exception of Smith. I thought Kent showed plenty of pace, but was much too selfish around the box ( not the only one. But as I said was I expecting too much or have they been built up to be better than they are.

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09 Jan 2016 10:39:23
Did you see the pitch they played on?
Pressure of TV cameras. All neutrals hoping for a shock. Exeter right up for it.

You can't appraise them based purely on this game.
I thought they did well and will have gained a lot from that game.


09 Jan 2016 10:44:03
You're possibly expecting too much 64, it was boys against men. I was pretty happy with the performance (except for Bogdan)


09 Jan 2016 14:10:34
You were defo expecting too much from a team of academy kids who only trained once yesterday morning before the game. The media and the non LFC fans and haters had their knives sharpened and ready to rip us and especially Klopp, to bits and expected a right hiding but alas for the haters, it didn't happen and they all now have eggs on their faces. Pathetic, really. Exeter played vs an academy 11 and still could beat us. What does that say about them? Our boys were solid and showed great desire and fight not to get beat. If only Benteke showed the same desire, he might be on a goal tear right now.


09 Jan 2016 00:43:46
So kicker have decided too link us with sidney sam. Any truth eds. don't believe it myself.

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{Ed002's Note - The club cannot be that stupid. Well I hope not.}

09 Jan 2016 10:18:23
Surely we aren't stupid enough to buy Pato edd?
Fresh rumours these past few hours, surely not another Injury prone striker.


{Ed002's Note - I have explained my view on another post.}

09 Jan 2016 10:58:43
Liverpool have been making mistakes in the transfer market for years, why would we change now?


09 Jan 2016 13:45:28
Isn't he suspended?


08 Jan 2016 23:26:40
Good evening Ed002

Did you enjoy the game mate?

Come on then I'm putting it out there, do YOU think we will agree a deal to get Subotic done in the next few days?

Just your opinion mate. Please.

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{Ed002's Note - I saw little bits of the game only. Subotic is available and if Liverpool has the money they can buy him - if Liverpool are trying to get hm on loan then it may be difficult.}

09 Jan 2016 09:36:57
I have it on good authority that the Chuckle brothers have made an offer for Bogdan. They think he has natural talent and can slot straight in to their starting line up.

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09 Jan 2016 09:30:06
For a player who hasn't played a competitive game in a long while I was impressed with Ilori performance he always seems so calm I do trust him on the ball, Brad smith also seems to be getting better and better.

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09 Jan 2016 09:46:50
I think we're being a bit easy on him because his name's Ilori. He was average at best first half with just as many mistakes as good plays and, unless he's been struggling with injuries I don't know about, the fact that he could barely move in the second half was terrible.

It's the next month or so we may need him and I can't see him being ready for the league in that time.


{Ed001's Note - he has been injured. He did look shaky in the air, other than that he didn't do too badly, considering he was carrying Enrique, who looked like an 85 year old asthmatic running in treacle at times.}

09 Jan 2016 10:41:37
With Bogdan in the nets Franco Baresi would have looked shakey. He did well.


09 Jan 2016 10:42:25
I'll concede the fitness then ed. Hopefully klopp will get him up to speed and then we can see if he's got it.


09 Jan 2016 11:07:33
Illori tbf i thought did okay, we bascially had the academy out with boggers and Big Ben. As ed01 stated carrying Enrique.

The Kid's been injured and not even played properly. Then he's thrown straight into a cup game against Exeter who were well up for it and played well.

We could have been better in defence but tbf i think we did okay. and Illori did alright to! you cannot judge a player off one performance especially in his position with lack of game time and injuries! He's not had a look in.


09 Jan 2016 13:27:12
There was nothing worrying, shakiness is fine, but he didn't pull out of tackles, get bullied or shy away from it when it went wrong. Imagine going on loan to the worst team in he premier league and not even getting one minute.


09 Jan 2016 14:15:10
I don't know what people were expecting from a kid who hasn't played since God knows when, been injured, low on confidence and to crown it all, had to carry someone like JE? With all those odds stacked against Ilori, he was solid.


09 Jan 2016 14:41:14
What I liked most I think is when a cross did come in and he was first to it he cleared the ball. He didn't knock it to a striker, he didn't try and control it, he didn't leave it for others, he cleared the ball away from danger.
I think Kloppo will have noticed that and will like it.


09 Jan 2016 09:16:59
BBC reporter at the end of Post-Match interview : Thanks for Talking with us.

Klopp : ahhh yeah I have to.

😂😂 Never a dull interview.

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09 Jan 2016 14:15:44
Priceless! He is just precious.


09 Jan 2016 08:50:56
Hi all,
It's really good to see the lads getting some good reports from last nights game . I thought they did really well . Like someone said previously the team had been put together in a matter of days and drew which means we are still in the cup . If we went onto win it those lads did a what they needed to do .
I would like to see them playing at Anfield as I honestly think they could produce some great, exciting football . I thought Branaghan was the best player on the pitch but Tex, Ojo, smith, Chirivella and although I thought he looked shaky to start with thought Stewart got better as the game went on . I do think Kent is quality but he was too selfish at times and could have made better decisions . Ilori did well but you could see how tired he was early second half . Only disappointment was Bogdan really . No keeper should be getting beat like he did last night . In the whole good game . Well done lads .
Cheers
Jamesy.

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09 Jan 2016 11:12:45
I thought the team did well apart from boggers off the corner.

Every Keeper has nightmares like that but should have done better.

We bascially had the academy out against a decent exeter side who were well up for the game!

Thought Sinclair did well for the goal. Ojo was probably my favourite player of the night his positioning on the wing just added a extra dimension which is lacking in the first team also! Hope we keep the lad and give him a chance when ready!

I rate tex highly.

Smith is class. His delivery is always good and got us the second goal!

I like Kent but agree with Jamesee, sometimes possibly the wrong decision but he's young can't knock him for giving it ago whatever!

WP boys!


09 Jan 2016 14:18:43
You wouldn't know our boys played decent if you read the Daily Fail where Martin Samuel sounded like a right bitter who had clearly thought we would get a hiding and was clearly disappointed that that didn't happen. His match report was something a manc or a bitter blue could have written.


09 Jan 2016 08:48:04
Got nothing better to do so I will moan again
This site is about point of few some like it some don't that's y football is special
I will get to my point those who played last nite some fans weren't impressed well I remember a certain player Dave beckham had trails for Tottenham they classed him as shall we say not good enough son ha bad mistake and if the Eds could think of any other player that clubs have let go then those players turned in to top players tar lar.

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{Ed001's Note - Ian Wright, Jamie Vardy there are millions of them.}

09 Jan 2016 09:28:19
Aubameyang Was deemed not good enough for Milan, the rest is history.


09 Jan 2016 09:33:01
David Platt was at Man U. They let him go, ended up at Crewe. Peter Beardsley as well (i think)?


{Ed001's Note - yeah Peebo is a good shout, there are so many of these, almost any player who started out in the lower leagues has done so because they were turned down by the bigger teams at the time. So you could list thousands easily.}

09 Jan 2016 10:56:16
Ian Woan was let go at youth level by United then Man City. Went from non league Runcorn to 10 yrs at Forest.


09 Jan 2016 08:09:23
it was a good match, I think we could have won it easily if not for Bogdan's error.

I think Klopp should let this team train together till the replay. In fact, let these kids have a run in the FA cup as long as possible.

Honestly, I am not worried about FA cup. We are already in EL, Europa and Carling Cup and have too many injuries.

Klopp made a good decision. At least now senior players are rested for the crucial matches with Arsenal and United.

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09 Jan 2016 07:55:09
Just thought the lads done ok today, never let the club down ok it was Exeter no disrespect but how many times has the first team underestimated the opposition
And these young men not kids played well
Just can't work some lfc fans out sometimes they want youth to be given a chance then start saying he's not good enough get rid are use who said it for real some of them played well some prob never but they worked battled and got a good result
And if it was I would give them the all time buzz play the same team again Iam convinced they won't let us down
They need back up not the crap some on here r talking.

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09 Jan 2016 09:39:21
It was a good result in my opinion. We were behind twice on an awful pitch and their heads didn't drop. An awful pitch and a team thrown together in 5 minutes. i'm more than happy to see what the boys can do at Anfield, better pitch and the fans behind them. They deserve their chance again to try and win it and get us thru to the next round.


{Ed001's Note - I am with you Irish. Good to see Klopp have the balls to make the decision, not just to play them, as there was little option really, but then when things were not quite going to plan, he stuck with them. Even when making substitutions he showed faith in their ability to get a result. They will benefit greatly from that, they will get a confidence boost by not making way for the regulars on the bench. Knowing that Klopp looked at them and believed in them enough to make the choice to stick with them when there were options on the bench. That is the moment when young players grow in belief.}

09 Jan 2016 10:11:18
I was most impressed he subbed in the younger players to be honest. I thought it was a great thing to do.


09 Jan 2016 11:17:23
The commentator was moaning about Lallana not being player and said if he was AL he would have been furious.

I'm thinking yeah tbh maybe he could have been left at home rested but if Klopp brought him obviously he had a use for him.

and tbh we were doing fine in the centre, we needed some width, i don't want AL coming on for width, we know he dilly dallies sometimes.

Im glad he brought Ojo on and gave him some time!

If we needed creativity down the centre and lacking quality then fine bring him on but i thought the young lads were doing fine in centre i thought!


09 Jan 2016 01:23:56
Ed001 can we get your thoughts on the game tonight? And your response to the criticism Klopp is receiving for his team selection?

I actually enjoyed the match, and I was happy with the line-up although I felt Klopp was left with little other choice anyway. Thought Benteke was probably a bad choice to start and the lad didn't do himself any favours but I think enough of the other guys have had their say in him.

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{Ed001's Note - I thought it was good, really enjoyable match, which was win win for both team. The kids showed good heart to come back twice, worked hard on a terrible pitch (in the main anyway) and looked better than the senior players in the side.

As for the line up, not sure what else he could do.}

09 Jan 2016 05:25:36
Stayed up late to watch this game and not for a minute felt bored, the Kids really played well, although they need to step up the 2 leg to be played later. Benteke was anonymous for 45 mins, Randall, Enrique, Chrivella looked weaker links, Ojo was really good. Brad Smith look better every game, Kent is good but was too selfish at times.
If these players play regular games together in Academy or anywhere they are surely a B team for Liverpool.


09 Jan 2016 07:28:14
The pitch was woeful! I couldn't help thinking how good players from the 70s,80s etc would look today on a good pitch.


09 Jan 2016 09:32:19
Spot on ed and we got to see what some of the younglins are made of. Tex showed some great flashes, smith will be a good pro, ojo will be excellent with more experience. But we also saw how poor the senior players on the field were, but more pluses than negatives for me and klopp absolutely played the right team. Its also good for the club that we have a manager with the stones to put some faith in the younglins and it will give them hope that they will get chances under him.

If he had a fully fit squad (13 players injured to remind some people) then i could understand the disrespect jibes and with two crucial matches coming up he played it well and we got away with it.


09 Jan 2016 09:35:42
It was good from the young lads considering they haven't played together this season, some playing their first games of the season.


08 Jan 2016 23:19:22
Question for the Eds, Not Liverpool related but years ago I remember a few times big Niall Quinn going in goals for city during a game. Are there any top players these days who has had experience playing goalkeeper and could play in that position without the rest of his team mates bricking it. I know reina could play outfield and was it the goalkeeper from Mexico who designed his wild looking jersey? Campo? He was a striker at one stage. Has anyone ever went from outfield player to goalkeeper and been decent? Bit of a random one I know. Sorry.

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{Ed001's Note - Phil Jagielka. Sheffield United used to name a bench with no keeper on it as Jagielka was the back up.}

09 Jan 2016 05:41:08
If I remember correctly didn't Steve Staunton go into nets and save a penalty?
I also read some were that alonso was decent between the sticks.


09 Jan 2016 08:12:24
Thanks ed.


09 Jan 2016 08:59:03
Think I remember reading Wayne Rooney was half decent in goal as well, used to train there a bit incase he was ever needed. Not sure he ever was though.


09 Jan 2016 09:44:33
James Collins (West Ham) used to play in goal and outfield when he was a teenager. The boy could have made it to a very good level as a goal keeper. Natural sportsman.


09 Jan 2016 10:46:35
Enrique played in goal for us once. Couple of injuries to our usual keepers I think.


09 Jan 2016 10:46:58
There's a lad in the lower leagues, think he used to be a sub keeper for Cardiff. He wasn't that good and when they were short of strikers he had a go. Now he's a striker full time.


09 Jan 2016 00:04:20
Like DBoI, actually really enjoyed the game for the most part (excluding the 2nd half 20 minutes of Exeter domination) . It's always a pleasure to see the youngsters getting a run out even if some didn't cover themselves in glory.

I've seen people slating Klopp for his 'arrogant' team selection but in my opinion the youth players need an opportunity to prove themselves in the first team, especially against league 2 opposition. Players like Sinclair, even if he is eventually let go can at least now see that they aren't a million miles away from getting games, which was clearly evident under Rodgers.

I personally thought Teixera was class for the majority of the game, even when he was clearly knackered at the end he was still finding the energy to sweep the ball past players effortlessly and IMO definitely needs a run in the first team. I also thought Ojo looked a real threat and seems to have bulked up a fair bit too and can hopefully push for more appearances. Brannagan had a quiet first half hour but you could see his class start to come through and hopefully with a bit more confidence and game time can be a real talent. I'd like to see Ilori with a bit more match fitness under his belt as a better means of judging him but i thought he did decent. Credit to Smith too who put in a real shift and took his goal well, Kent and Sinclair did decent but both struggled to get involved in the 2nd half.

I thought Randall and Enrique were a bit off the pace and contrary to the consensus, despite not doing too much wrong, i felt Stewart offered very little. The less said about Bogdan the better, if there are any keepers and or CB's available on a free this Jan i think we could do with a real look.

All in all not too bothered about the draw, Exeter are an honest club and the replay means the world to them. Hopefully another run out for some of the youngsters too.

Believable8 Unbelievable0

09 Jan 2016 01:21:06
Our boys showed some heart, grit and fight while at the same time, playing some good football a times. Smith, Stewart, Ojo, Ilori and Brannagan were really good. Texeira? The boy is just class.

Did anyone catch his back flick that took out two players in one go before he was fouled? I saw that and I said, "Wow"! . Those calling Klopp arrogant are just haters who are pissed off because their predictions of our boys getting beat didn't happen. They need to get over themselves because we don't care what they think. JK did what was best for our club and IMO, he's been vindicated.


09 Jan 2016 02:41:25
klopp seems to like to pick players who have trained together and his selection to me seems like he knew most of the players have played together in the u21/ u20/ u18s.

it does seem like that when they play too, the simple one twos, taking out two opponent in one go. something i think even our first team can learn from.


09 Jan 2016 08:52:40
Yep hard to judge Ilori in those circumstances ie not fit, CB partner, pitch etc. Also I wonder how much time he has had with his team mates to bond and how much that will help.
Would say the one player for me that should make it on the bench is Ojo. Physically ready looks a real powerhouse and pace to burn. The odd cameo against tired legs could be good.
Kent looks a handful too but perhaps tried a little too hard at times. Reminded me of Coutinho in that respect and must be hard to get that balance when trying to impress. I liked he was fearless though and was happy to have a go.
Fair play to all including Klopp for having the balls to put that side out. Now they should all get another chance to impress and the Exeter come to Anfield.

Hopefully players like Ilori will get more acquainted with team mates in meantime. Ed for players on loan like Ilori am I right in this respect or do they regularly come and visit LFC to keep in touch? It seems to me it would be like playing with a bunch of strangers for him last night?


{Ed001's Note - it depends on the player, some loanees get to come back and train once a week, other don't get the opportunity. As far as I am aware, Ilori has not trained with the team before his return from Villa.}

09 Jan 2016 09:39:39
I thought he did well.


08 Jan 2016 23:50:55
I think some people need to put tonight into perspective for two main reasons;

(1) - we had a very young team (I read somewhere second youngest average ever LFC team to start? ) that has literally been thrown together In the last few days.

(2) - it was a truly awful pitch to try and play football on.

and I hate the oh it's only Exeter nonsense. Exeter are still a professional football league club. They played some very nice stuff at times and had done their homework well.

Frankly that young team was there for the giant killing tonight and by hook or by crook they pulled themselves out a hole and got a draw. Of course we don't need another game but all things considered a good experience for those lads.

I personally would given most those players another chance at Anfield to show what they are made of.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Jan 2016 01:26:44
Spot on, Wassa! Exeter were the favorites today and even they couldn't beat an academy team who had never played together. They bottled it and our kids didn't. By the way, those who said our academy players weren't good enuff hence, BR wasn't playing them should go watch the game again. Smith, Ojo, Stewart, Texeira and dare I say, Ilori looked pretty solid out there.


09 Jan 2016 09:43:30
They were not favourites at all.


09 Jan 2016 11:24:24
Yeah i know, Exeter might be a lower league team but still professionals and we all know that there are a lot of quality players in the lower leagues.

Jamie Vardy came up from non league.

I know against bigger clubs there might be favourites but tbh you have to respect the smaller clubs they have good players and are always up for it as for them its like their cup final.

I thought exeter played well and fair play to them. Will be exciting to watch the Anfield replay!


08 Jan 2016 23:41:34
Klopp got it spot on with selection this evening in my opinion.
We have played so many games this season with a small squad causing injuries.
If we had played senior players tonight on a dreadful looking pitch the likelihood would be further injuries.
By playing the youngsters we have given the senior players more recovery time before 2 big league games, we are still in the competition and I expect a young team to finish the job off on a decent playing surface at anfield. Can you imagine the uproar if he had brought lallana or Lucas on during the last half hour and either of them had suffered muscle injuries.
With regards to the players today, really hard to judge on a poor surface so it's hard to judge the flair players like tex, however I will say he hasn't impressed me as much as I'd hoped when he's played for the senior team so far, maybe a bit unfair when he's had a static forward line to create for.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Jan 2016 01:48:48
I would have preferred to see more of ojo than Kent but other than that liked the team selection. The most I can take from that performance is that bogdan stays well clear of the first team.


 
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