Liverpool Banter

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07 May 2024 10:38:35
Question for Ed001 or other Slot watchers.

In the coaching that he has done to date, is he a coach who adapts his tactics based on the players he has or does he have a system that he tends to stick to?

I know he has played 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 but I'm wondering how adaptable he is? In my mind, the best coaches are the ones who adapt, either to the players they have or even mid-game based on the oppo and how the team is doing.

The Darwin conversations over the last few days/ weeks have made me muse on this point. Ron's post from a few weeks back, where he said we are not playing to Darwin's strengths, made me wonder on this.

For the last 6-7 years we had been set up to play with Mane and Salah being our primary goal threats from wide, with Firmino having almost a secondary role.

Mane's gone, Firmino's gone and there's every chance that Salah will be gone by the end of the window too.

I wonder if making Darwin the focal point of our attack, a la Kane for example, would a) be a better system for us (so if Darwin still can't perform, we will find another striker to be the focal point) and b) continue our evolution beyond probably our most potent front 3 for at least 30-40 years.

In my opinion, if Slot is adaptable, I can see Darwin being given one more season - he's in contract until 2026.

{Ed001's Note - I don't actually know, I have only seen a little of him. It is difficult to get Dutch footie here.}

07 May 2024 11:09:21
I don't think Nunez can do what Kane does. He's nowhere near good enough with his back to goal. Gakpo is better at it but he's no Harry Kane.
I'd keep Salah for at least another season and try to build a team round TAA not Darwin Nunez.

07 May 2024 11:57:46
Don’t watch Dutch footy but from research it appears Slot likes the cut backs, similar to how Pep had City scoring during the Sterling, Sane days. That might suit Nunez as he has less time to think, and once he is scoring his confidence will go up as a result and that’s when you see a different player.

Nunez is a tricky one. I think it would be a big risk to build a team around him. Im happy to keep him but also happy to sell to raise funds. But if pushed and it was down to me I would sell him, along with Diaz and Jota (injuries) . I would keep Salah, Gakpo and Danns.

Salah should be moved centrally and we should buy a pact right winger who can score to rotate with Elliott depending on the opposition. Szobo should play as a left inside forward or central attacking mid i. Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Gakpo is capable playing with his back to goal and as a central striker, but equally as good as a left inside forward with allows for flexibility and rotation. This also gives Danns time to be integrated into the first team for when Salah eventually goes in a year or two.

07 May 2024 11:59:44
What's up, @Zed. Hope you're doing well. Never seen Feyenoord play a minute of footie under Slot however, you are correct that he plays a 4-2-3-2 ( a variation of the Dutch version of their famed 4-3-3).

He likes to press high, play high intensity and uses his wingers very well. In fact, he loves wingers to death so Diaz and Gakpo would be excited about that. However, Slot is a Guardiola disciple hence, loves his team to have the ball a lot and loves inverting his FB's (Yay, really looking forward to that, lol) .

As for Darwin, Kane would not be the one to compare him to cos whatever we may think of Kane BUT as a footballer and a CF, he is absolutely immense. The guy can do everything even playing in the 10. Now even tho I think the abuse (football wise) that Darwin gets is a bit OTT and frankly, a bit tired cos the jokes are stale, I do believe we need to be playing to his strengths a bit more. Also, it is possible to build a team around him cos well, Benfica did it and and Bielsa with Uruguay is doing it now and he flourished/ flourishing in both situations cos both teams actually play/ played to his strengths.

Would I do that? No. He has to improve in several facets of his game to be that focal point, IMO.

{Ed002's Note - 4-2-3-2 it is then.}

07 May 2024 13:09:10
Ed002, I take it you didn't see Alisson's header against West Brom then? 😂.

07 May 2024 13:10:54
So Oli, is Alisson going to be playing in defence or up top?

07 May 2024 13:18:32
To be fair a 4-2-3-2 formation is going to solve a lot of our problems 😂😂.

07 May 2024 13:44:32
I love a 4-2-3-2, me.

In all seriousness, I have no idea about how Slot plays but rumours are he does still like to build from deep and use inverted fullbacks on occasion. That suggests it is not rock and roll Klopp 1.0 and more like Klopp 2.0.

Personally, I would keep Darwin and hope that Slot does a better job of coaching our forwards. With Darwin, it's not as if the games are passing him by or that he is ballooning attempts high and wide. His assist execution is pretty good too, in fact better than some of the others. Therefore, I would work on his finishing choices and composure. It should be a coaches dream to be able to work with these raw assets. He has all of the ingredients to be like his compatriot Cavani.

While I have no evidence of it, I am not convinced our current coaches are working with the forwards to improve their interplay or decision making. We were probably spoilt by the fact that Firmino was as cool AF.

07 May 2024 13:46:43
Damn fat-finger, lol.

07 May 2024 14:30:11
Slot already signing refs?

07 May 2024 15:25:14
“sell him (Nunez), along with Diaz and Jota (injuries) . I would keep Salah, Gakpo and Danns.

Alonso- interesting take!

Usually agree with you on most things but on this one I disagree.

Salah should go for me - looks like he’s just playing for himself, he’s lost a yard of pace, not playing well for most of the season (despite scoring goals) and probably still our most lucrative sale to rebuild the forward position.

Diaz - in my view he’s one i’d definitely keep! Always looking for the ball, always shows for it even in the big games and when the pressure is on, a true battler and hardworking player and one of the few players we have that can take on a defender. If we lose him I don’t think we have that ball carrier anymore.

Jota - seems to divide opinion but imo he’s our best finisher and always looks like he will score when he plays- an invaluable skill to have in games where you need a goal

Danns - too early to tell, still a child.

Gakpo - I can’t decide on. Blows very hot and cold. Maybe slot can get the best out of him. Has the ability to link the play which we miss otherwise.

07 May 2024 17:59:47
From general observations it seems Slot likes to use width and he likes to play quick one touch passing (a la Thiago) to break the lines.

We’re going to need very technical players - good for Bajcetic, Mac Allister and Elliott.

That’s all I could realistically put my finger on in terms of style.

The old 4-2-3-2 is a favourite for sure.

07 May 2024 18:16:34
Thanks for the replies.

I favour the 4-2-3-2 myself. Maybe Stephane Henchoz could come out of retirement as our rush goalie? I remember his handling in the box was impeccable at the 2001 FA Cup final!

06 May 2024 22:45:13
Darwin will come good and it would be a mistake to sell him.

At least give the new manager a chance to work with him to see if he can get a tune out of him. (Have to say tho, speaking Portuguese would have been one major benefit of hiring Amorim) .

YNWA Darwin. Hope you've left Insta and joined this site instead and are reading this lol.

06 May 2024 23:17:38
We. Would take a big loss to sell him now.

I'd far prefer to see if he could make it under the new coach. I thought he was improving a lot up until a few weeks ago. But he has gone back a bit to falling over and tripping himself up a bit trying to get past players.

There is massive raw potential but we do need to see him make some consistent steps now and next season.

I hope we don't sell.

07 May 2024 02:12:59
He’ll be judged by the new recruitment team and coaching staff so I’d be surprised if he’s sold and Ed002 hasn’t heard anything. If a big offer came in then every player has a price.

Will he “come good”? Fact is he’s 25 in 6 weeks or so. He’s had 2 full seasons.
We shouldn’t be talking about “raw potential” in a 25yr old outfield player.

Danns has raw potential, in fact I think he’s a better finisher, but he’s 18.

Nunez should be hitting his peak at 25.

07 May 2024 04:17:12
Does everybody hit their peak at 25 @Ron, or is that a bit of a generalisation?

{Ed001's Note - usually it is closer to 27-30 that is the peak.}

07 May 2024 06:44:10
If you are in charge Ed1, what will you do with Nunez? You did say change of strategy that suits his game will help. But is the amount of easy chances that he miss really worth sticking with him because in the long run that miss chances would cost us.

You could argue that our other forward also miss a lot of chances, but he is our main striker so you would expect him to score those easy chances. Maybe a personalise coaching could help him. Putting extra effort on finishing like one on one with keeper perhaps, when to place the shot or when to blast the ball.

{Ed001's Note - every main striker misses chances, easy ones too. If we are not going to play to his strengths, then yes we need to sell him. If we are going to actually help him out, then keep him.}

07 May 2024 07:18:37
You can’t sign a player at the age of 23 in the hope that they come good at 27 tho. If that was the case we would be better signing him at 26. He has cost a lot of money . Saying that, he still feels to me a player that could break all goal scoring records in a season if he got his act together but the next season he would be back to missing tap ins, he is that inconsistent.

07 May 2024 08:20:16
Even after the way he acted at the weekend? Reminds me of a fellow country man of his

Working class people paying thousands to see our team and he can't even be arsed to applaud the fans.

Good riddance, spoilt brat.

07 May 2024 08:36:25
Darwin speaks Spanish not Portuguese.

07 May 2024 08:42:53
I don't mind him missing chances if he regularly takes some, if that makes sense 😂.
I don't like this Captain Chaos thing. He causes less chaos when there isn't the room to run in behind teams and he isn't good with his back to goal. He's very quick and has some qualities but all this charging around is not for me and he's too easy to play against sometimes.
Keep it simple not chaotic. Stay onside, pass to a teammate in a better position and put the ball in the net.

07 May 2024 09:52:26
I find it amusing that grown adults feel so butthurt that they are reduced to hurling insults at one of their own players.
YNWA and all that.
Playground behaviour.
You find your real supporters in times of adversity.

07 May 2024 12:04:26
Darwin has more g/ a then Diaz even tho he missed a great chance most
games and is a few years younger still likely to get better so be mad to sell him imo.

07 May 2024 12:12:19
Spot on, Ed01. Darwin is the only striker I have ever known that is NOT allowed to do what other strikers do as in, miss chances. No grace given at all. Also, he is the only striker I have seen whose fans blame his misses for "costing us the the title" or all that rubbish. Never seen that levelled at Salah, Mane, Bobbie, Torres or whoever when they missed loads. And even when Darwin does well and the GK makes a great reaction save (like Vicario did at Anfield flying off his line and saving his shot with his belly), he still gets abuse. Frankly, Im over it.

As much as the kid needs to improve a lot esp. in front of goal in terms of his composure, calmness and recognising what type of finish to apply in certain situations rather than whacking it all the time, we need to help and coach him up and play to his strengths and like I have said before, we need to play more crosses in, something we were doing with Sadio and Bobbie BUT suddenly we no longer do this. Funny how Gakpo scored off Harvey's cross, right? Just my opinion.

07 May 2024 12:18:06
@Rigsby, I agree with you as well. The parts of his game you mentioned are the things he needs to improve on. He needs to be able to play with his back to goal a lot more consistently however, our current system does not allow for that either so what can he do? The whole running around and all that is what he is being asked to do hence, that's not on him now, is it?

Also, he is lethal in the air like Gakpo and Diaz are YET we don't even cross the ball consistently cos we are too busy inverting our best passer on the ball and stick the other best crosser in a back 3 hence he can't get forward. Hence, why people saying we don't play to his strengths have a point., as well even tho, it is clear he has to make some improvements and strides on his own. We have to help him get there as it is a two way street.

07 May 2024 13:24:07
Oli, it's not just our system that hinders Nunez. If teams sit in there is less space for him to run into.
You can't expect teams to play a high line so that he can get in behind them. He needs to be smarter with his runs and build up play when teams are on the edge of their penalty area.
Regarding crosses, he's often slow to react, imo. Two cut backs were rolled across the six yard box against Everton and he was second to both. He could have scored against City but he shot straight at Ortega because he didn't get enough on it.
And if you think Nunez and Gakpo are lethal in the air you've missed out on some great headers of the ball.

There's a lot to like about Darwin Nunez but he needs to improve in a lot of areas.

07 May 2024 13:43:19
I would sell Darwin if we got a good offer, but only a good offer wouldn't be giving him away cheaply. Unfortunately i don't think it going to work out for him at lfc, I thought it would as really liked what I seen of him at benfica and at certain times at lfc I thought he just about to explode but it ain't happened.
Ed1 has a point where the style of football now doesn't really suit him but imo even if it did his composure and play in penalty box is just allover the place, some things v good some things OK some things abysmal. I think his biggest problem is he lacks self confidence, the best strikers can miss a sitter but it doesn't bother them, get in next time and stick it away. salah done it for years missed loads of chances but always come back for more. rush only worried if he wasnt getting the chances. if nunez had a bit more aragance/ confidence about his game I think we be talking a real superstar but I don't he will ever have that.

07 May 2024 14:07:52
Rigsby, great that we can agree that the system does not suit him. Now, could it be that the system is also a problem when playing vs low-block teams? For the most part when we play these teams, we are inverting the fullback hence, clogging up the middle of the pitch which is where majority of the bodies are. In those situations, Vs a low block, you need movement from the forwards BUT also, the ball to be moved quicker. We don't do that so even when Darwin makes the right runs (one of his strengths is his movement, btw), we can't find him cos we're "overplaying" and "over-passing".

Now, you say his runs aren't smart enuff. I disagree here. His runs, movement and how to run into space are some of his strengths as that's why he is a chance-magnet. He just needs to time them a bit better by arcing his runs to avoid offside calls, IMO. The issue again, is that cos we play this slow wretched possession footie, we don't move the ball quick enuff cos we take way too many touches before passing it hence, he is offside by a tad when the ball gets to him. It's a two-prong prob, IMO.

Regarding your examples, sure he prolly should have gotten to one of them vs Everton BUT he can't be everywhere either. As for the City one, Ortega flew off his line and smothered the shot like Vicario did at Anfield so credit to the GK there BUT he made the right run, no? As for him being lethal in the air, just go watch the headed goals he scored at Benfica and even vs Utd in the 7-0 where he scored with the back of his head generating so much power. Or vs Forest and Burnley this season. The guy is lethal in the air, man.

07 May 2024 15:11:22
11 goals in 34 league games isn't a great return considering the chances we make. A goal every three games, is that really good enough? Nicolas Jackson has a better scoring record.

Let's not inflate his record up by including Europa league it's Micky mouse.

07 May 2024 17:09:05
Oli, one of Nunez's strengths is his movement but he needs to do it better? Come on! 😂

When we play teams that play a low block, they will sacrifice possession to prevent us winning the ball high up the field so we have to play possession football. We still need to move the ball quickly but we also need to be patient because there is less room to run into and fewer gaps to exploit. City manage to do it without Haaland charging around and frantically knocking the ball forwards.

07 May 2024 18:04:07
Is it the manner in which he misses?

It feels like it’s head down and foot through the ball and hope for the best.
Composed finishers pick their spot, sometimes they miss, sometimes it’s saved.
Darwin seems to just toe-end it as hard as he can.
He hits the keeper a lot, often the keeper doesn’t need to move.

07 May 2024 20:25:13
Spot on Ron. He makes the wrong decision too much. Shoots when taking it round the keeper is easier. Belts it when a side foot is better.

06 May 2024 21:42:37
Let's lighten the mood, shall we lads? Anyone want to know a good joke?

Here's one: Manchester United.

06 May 2024 22:08:35
Yet we couldn’t beat them in three matches!

06 May 2024 22:11:45
I love that manager of theirs 🤣.

06 May 2024 23:35:01
Lol what a result.

07 May 2024 02:01:05
We have to sign Olise if Salah leaves surely, wonder what price tag Palace would put on him?

07 May 2024 02:20:24
ManU ended our FA cup and our league title challenge so I’ll hold off the jokes for this season.

I think Palace have put a £60m price on Olise and Eze.
Ed002 has said we have no interest.
Smart money seems to suggest he’s off to ManU.

I think he’s a very good player but I do question his effort in some games. A bit of a Match of the Day Player. Might give you 15 minutes in a game but lacks energy for the most part. Also a bit injury prone.
At £60m I think there’s better options.

{Ed001's Note - he is very lazy off the ball and injury prone Olise.}

07 May 2024 04:24:46
Despite us not getting the results we wanted against them this season they are still very funny. I love that the manage an average game once every five or six games which gets their fans all excited only for them to fail miserably for the next three or four weeks. I really hope that Seven is still there next season.

07 May 2024 07:07:17
Olise tonight against Unsighted no one near him starts acting up with the ball for the cameras show pony let him go to them lot to replace Antony id rather have Bowen.

{Ed001's Note - he is very much a show pony Olise, I don't get the hype at all. I think it is because people only watch highlights. He is the new Pogba, a highlight reel hero.}

07 May 2024 07:36:39
I don't think they ended our title challenge. It was a big moment in our season but we dominated the game. We threw away three points because we murdered them apart from one short crazy spell brought on by our own mistake. It was more about us than it was United.
Their fans kept going last night even when they were 4-0 down. You've got to admire their support when they are watching that team with that manager.

07 May 2024 09:15:10
Unoted never ended our title challenge. we done that all by ourselves.

07 May 2024 12:01:55
The problem now is that Palace may have just sealed ETH's fate.

Id love him to stay for about 40 years at Utd. but i think he's a gonner now. Even if they win the facup.

07 May 2024 12:24:07
Spot on, Stromsgodset. The whole "Utd ended this or that" rhetoric is just weak soup-sandwich type of stuff. Even Everton are claiming that so which is it? Maybe both clubs along with Palace can draw straws to decide who ended our this or that, lol.

@Cardiff Red, that does NOT remove the fact that Utd are the butt of all the jokes this season. Oh and one more thing. We already have a new manager coming in while they don't even know whether to keep 7-Hag or hire the legendary Gareth Southgate. Yeah, that's the levels of comedy we are talking about. Kind of like trying to decide how you want to go out. Either with a shot or with rat poison. I'll have my popcorn ready when it is their time to choose.

07 May 2024 21:02:31
Olise isn’t going to join us anyway, he’s a dyed in the wool United supporter apparently and only wants United or Chelsea (as his younger brother is there apparently? ) which is fine. We don’t need injury prone United fans bed blocking in the treatment room.

06 May 2024 18:51:27
@West Derby Red - I actually manage a sales team so funny you should say that.

Top performers are top performers because they can maintain a consistent high level regardless of how they feel. It's their mentality that makes them elite.

07 May 2024 04:40:02
Wow, I didn’t see that reply coming.

I’ve worked in the IT industry for 40 years and have worked in Insurance, Banking, Aviation, Automotive industry, Technology and for Federal and State government departments in Europe, America and Australia and along the way I’ve managed teams ranging from 4 to 100+people - some of the teams being global and incorporating people with different cultural outlooks.

I think you are correct about top performers being top performers - really insightful stuff by the way - but the question is how do top performers become top performers (so that, err, they perform toply) and how do they maintain the focus to maintain the levels that they are capable of achieving? What are the motivations that enable them to reach their full potential? Are you saying that every top performer behaves in the same way and has the same psychological profile?

07 May 2024 07:24:37
I have worked in finance for about 20 years, and from my experience, there are a few different things that trigger the top performers.

1. Money
2. Work ethic
3. Self-esteem
4. Competitive and goal-oriented

Those who perform the best and have worked the longest are the ones who want to be absolutely the best. Money is definitely a motivator but not decisive.

07 May 2024 14:29:20
@COffan, I’d also add that natural talent or aptitude for a role also helps too.

06 May 2024 12:58:13
Abusing players / their families online has got to stop, and we as fans have to call out our friends if we see it, and educate our young family members.

The social media companies need to do more in my opinion though. With all the AI technology out there, surely they can develop a way to pre-check every tweet, comment, instant message or new post etc. At least make it harder for these trolls to send their abuse. It's far too easy. I could send a horrible message to every player in the Liverpool squad within 5 minutes and still have time to make a cup of tea.

The police and the CPS also need to start taking cyber crime more seriously. Just watched that Netflix show based on a true story (Baby Reindeer) and it's a great example of how quickly "harmless" messages online can escalate into serious physical threat.

06 May 2024 13:31:02
It just shows how many nutcases are out there and you are right, MK; it's too easy for them to seek attention. That's what it's all about. Them.
The Live Chat on here could be very unpleasant.

Ps. me and the Missus have been enjoying Baby Reindeer. A few twists to it, too. Very good viewing.

06 May 2024 13:42:17
I don't get with the argument "ah these lads are earning this much and much, they should get hold of it bla bla"

These lads are human beings. To the trolls, this is how you treat fellow human?

06 May 2024 14:00:04
Spot on, MKS. I fully agree with your stance.

HaizanMSS, I think people who say that are just jealous of these players and pro athletes in general making all this money, as if it was handed to them and they NEVER had to bust their arses working their butts off training, staying disciplined and sacrificing their bodies and other pleasures in life trying to fulfill their dreams, knowing full well that it may not even happen for them.

06 May 2024 14:10:15
Main media are reporting this. Usually we say main media are click bait so what makes them correct with this.

Do we honestly believe these footballers are sat there at night reading the thousands of messages they get daily from strangers.

If they are I might message Mo now and ask him if he fancies lending me a tenner until pay day.

06 May 2024 14:19:34
I've never partaken in the live chat so can't comment on that. I have no issue with people coming on here and passing judgement on a players ability, attitude, performances etc. That is not abuse and there has to be a degree of common sense about what is and isn't abuse or we will dilute the meaning of the word.

It's the people sending personal insults, hate crimes and threats that's got to stop.

06 May 2024 14:27:58
This is the story that comes out every time a player changes settings on their social media profile (s), and the majority of the time there is very little evidence to corroborate the threats or “abuse” allegedly received. Sending threats of a violence or racist nature is already illegal and authorities have the technology available to ensure the majority of those who do it can be caught.
If players want the benefits and reach that social media platforms bring (they would collapse overnight if the only things that could be said were positive), they have to accept that some people are vile, have poor self-control and little ability to consider the consequences of their actions, and that the Internet offers these morons carte blanche to say whatever they like when they wouldn’t dream of doing so otherwise. IGNORE THEM.

06 May 2024 14:29:33
It really is a disgusting arguement to think because someone is in a position of financial luxury that it is more acceptable to abuse them, their loved ones and family.

Does anyone seriously think Darwin is intentionally not trying to improve or become a better player? That he isn't trying to reach his own aspirations and goals? To make personal attacks on a guy because you are that much of an entitled fan you think he owes you something in return for your support, is a disgusting way to treat another human being.
Players aren't robots and shouldn't be treated to mental abuse because people believe being in a privileged position makes them immune to a barrage of abuse from supporters. The name speaks for itself. Support the players who wear the shirt of the club we support.

06 May 2024 14:33:06
Mk you would enjoy the live chat mate. Some great personalities in there.

06 May 2024 14:50:46
Some people are just heartless losers. We have to accept that. But we don’t have to accept that those heartless losers can just say what they want online with impunity.

06 May 2024 15:19:19
If people are abusing his wife or kids then those social media keyboard warriors have no place supporting our club. Problem is you are always going to have those that take it too far, whether that's on the live chat, main chat, in the stadiums or on social media. Stating one domain is worse than the other simply cannot be qualified. As the saying goes there are ****heads in every walks of life and especially in every football club.

Now, with Nunez deleting all Liverpool related posts from his Instagram. I am almost certain he has had his comments disabled for months now so it would be virtually impossible for anyone to comment on his posts. And his wife has always had her profile set to private so any scumbags thinking of leaving vile comments on her posts would find that an impossible task.

Its telling how he deleting all Liverpool content, which leads me to believe this could be directed at the club and unrelated to what is being reported. Maybe he has been told he is up for sale or maybe I am reaching and it is what it is, in that a number of scumbags have somehow managed to leave vile comments on his Instagram posts and abuse him and his family, which would be a shame as our club stands for much more than that.

06 May 2024 15:26:20
Yes, Faith. Losers cos they didn't have the guts to chase their dreams and fulfill them so they go around abusing players and pro athletes just cos these individuals never quit on their dreams and succeeded and are getting their fair rewards for it. Miss me with these absolute weaklings, man.

06 May 2024 16:29:56
Alonso not sure if you've seen the clip on social media, at full time he went straight down the tunnel no handshakes or clapping for the fans who have been chanting his name all season even though he hasn't really merited his fanfare. We can all say he tries hard but surely that's non negotiable? Problem is the lad isn't very bright. He's been here 2 years and hasn't got any better.

06 May 2024 16:31:40
Looks like he might be off in summer. He doesn’t deserve abuse, but let’s face it, he’s not been good enough of late.

06 May 2024 16:37:08
Why are the players even allowing comments to be posted on their social media. It always going to end with idiots going OTT.

06 May 2024 16:46:50
I hope we see more of Gakpo next season. He should have been given more starts.

06 May 2024 16:48:56
@Amorim. I did mate, which makes me think he was already annoyed about something else. Me theory could be completely off but I think he has been told he is up for sale because deleting all Liverpool content when (again could be wrong) your Instagram has had comments disabled for months doesn't tally with what is being reported. That being said, no one deserves online abuse, especially if it aimed at family. But something tells me there are other things going on.

06 May 2024 16:49:35
Can I also ask posters where are you getting sources he's been abused or threatened? Not one media outlet has reported such only trolls on twitter so why the he was abused narrative?

06 May 2024 17:06:21
He worked his socks off yesterday in his brief cameo. No doubt about his work rate.

I assumed he was annoyed about the 1-on-1 miss at the very end of the game.

06 May 2024 18:29:27
Adam, we said the same thing last season about Gakpo YET when he was struggling with goalscoring form this season, he was the one getting abuse from the fans to the point that some on here were saying Jayden Danns should start ahead of him cos he was killing it in you know, the U-21's. Gakpo then said, he did not care what fans who mock him think about him and these same fans clutched their pearls in fake outrage. Now Gakpo is back in form playing better and scoring goals, he is now back to being the one to watch for next season. Rinse, Repeat.

IMO those who constantly go at him, NEVER wanted him to begin with cos whe Darwin was scoring goalsand creating assists in his purple patch, they all went quiet. Now that he is struggling, they are back to their usual abusive selves. Diaz got it when he was struggiling as well but like Darwin as soon as he started scoring, they got of his back till the next time he starts struggling. See the pattern here?

At the end of the day, the modern day fans like these people lack the bottle they persevere with a player when they are having a rough time even if they don't rate them. The players are boss provided they are playing well with G/ A and all that mess. As soon as they start to struggle, they drop them like a hot potato and clamour for the next best thing they just saw on youtube.

06 May 2024 19:04:13
The thing about social media is it could be anyone behind that keyboard. So non-Liverpool fans can abuse players unrestricted.

It doesn’t make sense for players to be on SM. They should employ someone to manage it for them . It should be for increasing their profile and nothing else.

If the players want to be on SM for other reasons, it’s easy for them to do it anonymously.

06 May 2024 19:29:33
Social media has a few benefits but for me it’s far outweighed by the negatives. Bots, people from across the globe and locally can send a message within an instant. No filter, no remorse or consequence and it’s in the public domain.

Years back you needed to find the address, write a letter, then be bothered to post it. I’d gather more often then not somewhere along that trail they’d realise it wasn’t worth it!

This page has people vetting posts, some see it as a bad thing but more often then not it doesn’t get personal and it never should. Social media needs similar but it won’t be allowed as it’s seen as surpressing free speech.

Nunez plays for us and imo busts a gut when he does. He’s erratic with his finish but causes chaos when on it. I get why some get frustrated with him, but I think there is a very good player in there.

People can be constructive on their opinions but just throwing out abuse because someone’s had a bad game says more about them then Nunez.

06 May 2024 21:08:40
Whether Nunez has disabled comments doesn’t stop DMs.
Also, speculating either way with the apparent intention to make this more about Nunez than the potential of fan behaviour is dismissive

Those fans who abuse online and also the fans who just criticize players endlessly are like zombies moving from body to body. Just gnash away at the body they’re focused on and then move on when they’ve lost interest. As someone else said, Gakpo had his turn and now it’s Nunez.

That we talk about it as if it’s acceptable to receive threats and vile abuse at some point is a sad indictment of some fans today.

06 May 2024 21:38:23
Completely agree it needs to stop.

Rigsby, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if a couple from the live chat were part of the problem.

06 May 2024 22:08:40
Darwin Nunez has a work ethic I've not seen since Dirk Kuyt. The lad is always trying so hard.

Is he an elite finisher? No, has he been poor finishing lately? Yes, but he has actually contributed a lot this season despite that.

Let's also remember he's still young and has had a massive injury that hindered nearly a year of his development.

Hes the reason we've got many of our goals this season even if not scored or assisted them it's his unpredictability and workrate that has opened the door for others.

I don't think he's an 85m out and out striker, but in this market with some time and faith to regain his head he will bring enough to the overall game to be good value at that imo.

06 May 2024 23:35:38
Grow up you bunch of wallflowers, if I was earning 200k a week I'd take abuse all day long, this is what is wrong with society today, your in the spotlight get paid a fortune but can't take the stick.

06 May 2024 23:59:37
It's going on a lot mate and will never be stopped, not unless they pull the plug on social media platforms which in my opinion they should do but it'll never happen. Children are getting bullied on sites like insta and facebook. It's alarming.
Police are involved but there's only so much that can be done and to be completely honest it's been brushed under the carpet for far too long. It's one of them which has got worse over the years (since MSN chatroom days) and not enough effort was put in to tackle it, now there's just too much of it. Death threats, bullying, abuse etc, it's got to a rediculous point. Shut the lot of it down. Social media is poison, always was and always will be.

07 May 2024 03:06:12
Oli - with you 100%. Some fans here seem to think that these people accidentally became professional footballers. they talk about them as if they just fell off a production line and got lucky and just happened to choose to be a footballer.

I find it laughable that us average folk who haven't put in the effort or made the necessary sacrifices to get to the level of even a Jan Krompkamp can sit here and tell these guys what they should and shouldn't put up with.

I 1000% guarantee that if any of these tough talking folk were in the public spotlight in their own job they would be begging to be back to being a nobody.

07 May 2024 08:08:42
Jim, there's a difference between abuse and stick. And what is more wrong with society is people thinking it's ok to abuse someone all day long.

07 May 2024 08:45:34
What's this weird agenda against the live chat?

07 May 2024 13:36:23
I said the Live Chat could be very unpleasant because it could.
I've seen lots of hysterical unpleasant nonsense on there. I think the worst was when Madrid battered us at home. There are also a lot pleasant posters on there.
They might be all pleasant now that I'm no longer a member 😂 but there is no weird agenda.
Feelings run high because it is live and some contributors were unable to display their dissatisfaction responsibly.

06 May 2024 09:00:41
I do find football is nowhere near as entertaining or exciting as it used to be. I never thought I would say that being footy mad since a young lad. It’s a hard to watch and enjoy a game says something when the most boring team to watch Man City are the best around. Is it me getting grumpy in my old age or does anyone else feel the game they loved is gone?

06 May 2024 09:15:16
I’ll be honest I struggle to find time to watch Liverpool games let alone other teams.

Some posters seem to to watch Liverpool games more than once as well as every other game in every league in Europe.

Plus they seem to claim to watch other teams players closely as well which is mental if they are not in camera shot.

I’d imagine some wouldn’t pass a Jeremy Kyle lie detector test mind 😂.

06 May 2024 09:38:20
TBf I wouldn’t say it is only football - a lot of sports I used to like I’ve lost a lot of interest in, would say a bit of too technically played but also the judging / gov bodies etc are a huggge part of it for me.

Used to watch F1 but is rarely competitive and last time it was the gov body completely screwed LH (too the point think was even fired after) so stopped watching.

Similarly with boxing, countless amount of decisions by judges are baffling. Even if failed drugs test explain to me how one judge gave the Garcia fight a draw when one fighter was floored 3 times…. and that is even one of the less egregious decisions…. added to that unifications / the best fighting the best is a scarce rarity - just the best fighting someone not in top 5, so a wash. Only sport that has kept its entertainment is probably MMA - but oh well.

06 May 2024 09:57:03
I'm with you JK23, but maybe a lot of posters are younger than us! Go back 7 or 8 years before I had a missus, kids and bills I was watching some absolutely ridiculous games! On top of your normal big 5 European Leagues I even remember streaming games from the Dutch, Portuguese, Serbian, Belgian and Swiss leagues!

In fact at one point I watched so much of KRC Genk I convinced myself that Gambian CB, Omar Colley was an absolute must sign for us 🤣.

06 May 2024 10:22:56
I'm with you, JK. I only really watch us. I left the house at 10:00 yesterday morning and didn't get back till 10:00 last night. I've no desire to trawl through hours of footage of other teams and players. I'm not really interested in football, to be honest. I just love Liverpool Football Club and am extremely lucky to be be able to watch us live.

06 May 2024 11:20:15
Lads it’s called getting old! Comes for us all.

06 May 2024 11:25:50
It’s much more of a business these days and moves more in that direction every year.

The top businesses just want to monopolise the industry and drive all the revenue in their direction.

It would need a financial disaster or a radical fan driven revolution to change direction.

06 May 2024 11:54:48
MKS, I don't know how old you are BUT as a teenager and in my early 20's, I watched a ton of Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga cos well, I had a lot of time on my hands and staying home watching footie kept me in the house hence, not outside and well out of trouble. I even loved watching int'l games and friendlies cos back then, the players actually gave their all as well as Copa America, AFCON, WC and other int'l comps cos well, they were in the summer and when you're out of school, that's all we had/ were interested.

Right now and over the past several years with a fam and responsibility, I watch us play every game (as well as other teams depending on the game) and even watch our games back for fun or cos Im bored and nothing is on TV (don't care for Netflix and all the streaming services) while I watch the odd game from other leagues also, depending on the game. Always been a huge footie consumer for decades so I still watch as much footie as I can even tho, time and interest has indeed faded. Now, just watch highlights of these leagues and comps. for the most part.

06 May 2024 12:32:58
I'd find it much more interesting if they brought back 3 o'clock kick offs, only the clubs in Europe should play on a Sunday and sack off the 12 30 games and shoot whoever thought up Monday night football awful day to play football let alone watch.

06 May 2024 12:58:18
OliRed, to be honest all I really watch now is whatever is on Sky, BBC, ITV or TNT. I'll watch any football that's on TV but my dodgy stream days are behind me, as I find the buffering and grainy picture too annoying now I'm old and grumpy. I don't even stream the Liverpool 3pm's anymore. I love football but 'unfortunately' I'm engaged now so I have to show her some attention from time to time.

06 May 2024 13:08:01
Man City are not the most boring team to watch. They are a fantastic side with a lot of attacking players that score a lot of goals. If other teams can't get the ball off them or allow them to have the ball that's down to them and not a criticism of City.
We know it's hardly a level playing field, at the moment, but that doesn't mean City don't play lovely football.
I will say that I don't really enjoy watching City because they usually win. It's predictable but their kind of football isn't.

06 May 2024 14:03:03
MKS, glad you are engaged now and trust me as a married guy for a many years, you're going to have to prioritize, lol. Im okay with watching footie whenever I can and my wife and kids get my full attention till the evening when I watch the games I recorded on the box hence, I don't watch LFC games live at home hence, you'll never catch me on the Live Chat, for real.

Now unlike you, Im not that old hence, not grumpy yet BUT that time will come. Stay blessed, man.

06 May 2024 14:55:11
lol yup old age mate.
I’m in the southern hemisphere but watch most of our games live. But with 3 kids under 10, the 1am-5am wake-ups are less practical whilst also having to work. We have a really good streaming service here so for example yesterday I just had the game on-demand at 6am which would have been about 30mins after the game finished. Had it on whilst getting ready for work, kids ready etc.

06 May 2024 16:30:49
Who even watches football? I thought everyone judges players based off their FIFA and football manager ratings these days?

06 May 2024 18:32:30
Amorin, the old guys do, for sure. The young pups lack the patience and brain power to do do hence, the FIFA Manager and "Who Scored? " stats which is like preferring microwave cooking to actual cooking using fresh ingredients and a recipe and a stove. You people lack the patience for such things.

06 May 2024 21:41:56
Before I got married and had kids, I would watch whatever I could. In fact Id take a month off work just to watch the world cup. Nowadays if I watch one WC game then its a miracle. I subscribe to LFCTV so I can watch the games on reply at my convenience. Living in Oz, Im way past the days of getting up at 1am to watch a match knowing Im off to work in 4 hours.

06 May 2024 07:35:14
Much better yesterday. 3 key things for me that changed our fortunes.

1) Trent back playing as an actual right back and holding the width.

2) Going back to the midfield that saw us playing our best football this season (Endo, Macca and Elliott) . If only we'd done it sooner instead of persisting with Jones and Szoboszlai who've just looked miles off it since coming back from injury.

3) Gakpo and Diaz interchanging throughout the game, so Gakpo was on the ball more in his preferred wider role and as a result looked arguably the best player on the pitch (along with Elliott) .

Went a bit to pot after the substitutions disrupted our flow but we'd already done the damage so it ultimately didn't matter. It's almost certainly too little too late this season (barring a quite spectacular implosion from both Arsenal and City) but hopefully we can end on something of a high by carrying this performance into the final 2 games.

06 May 2024 08:02:17
Mk I might be wrong but quickly glancing back over the season line ups it appears that yesterday was the first league game that Mac, Endo and Elliot have started together in midfield this season.

06 May 2024 08:27:42
JK23, possibly as a 3 because I think Macca was injured for a bit around February time, but they are the form players who carried us through that period of mass injuries January-March in my opinion. They and possibly Clark to a lesser extent are our only midfielders who I believe can say they have performed to their best this season. I really don't think we look solid with Jones and Szoboszlai in there, with Macca in the 6. They go too high and wide, and Macca isn't suited to being a lone 6 as it is, never mind when he has 40 square yards to cover on his own in the middle. Endo makes such a difference and I can't believe we dropped him in so many important games.

06 May 2024 08:41:01
Double checked JK23, and you're not far wrong. They only actually started 1 game together I can see, which was the 5-1 win over Sparta Prague. However whilst skimming through, it seems to be quite noticeable how much better our results are when Macca/ Endo (this duo especially) or Macca/ Elliott or Elliott/ Endo have started together. Looks like the main reason they haven't played together often is due to rotation for Europa league games. Such a shame they've not played together more as a 3 because they dominated Spurs yesterday and that's 9 goals scored in the 2 games they've started together which say's it all really.

06 May 2024 08:42:29
Mk cheers for the reply mate. I didn’t actually look at that stat to call you out. I looked at it yesterday before the game when the team was announced because my first thought was I couldn’t remember this midfield playing together. So thought I’d throw my 2p in that’s all to add discussion.

On Endo I’m not sure which games you mean when you say he was dropped. Our season seemed to derail when we went out of the fa cup against Utd and then after that we drew with Utd, lost to palace, Atalanta and Everton and drew with West Ham.

Of those 6 games Endo started 5 of them. Only game he didn’t start was the derby.

In regards to Clark mate I’ve hardly seen him this season to really judge. Think he’s played 87 mins in the league and then 150 mins across the other comps.

On Elliot yesterday though I thought he was fantastic and so was Gakpo. But I’ve got to call a spade a spade and those two haven’t always been fantastic when played this season. But in both’s defence they’re probably the ones (and Gomez) who have been shifted around the most position wise and then seem to be the ones that get sacrificed out of the starting 11.

06 May 2024 09:10:22
Mk agree on the Endo and Mac call.

It’s been a bit of a nightmare getting them into the team together. Endo started very slowly and I’ll even admit after watching him live at home in the europa I wrote him off of which he’s undoubtedly proven me wrong. When Endo eventually got up to speed and came into the team it was Dece, her and Mac then picked up the injury that kept him out for a month.

When Mac returned Endo was at the Asian games for a month so it wasn’t until February that both started games together regularly which saw us go on a 7 game unbeaten run in the league.

Both haven’t been great mind in the poor run we then saw recently and I thought both were ok yesterday and not spectacular.

06 May 2024 09:18:18
Or did we play better yesterday as pressure off? Didn't get to see game myself due to family get together so can't comment on game but according to reports and what i read here we played much better.

06 May 2024 09:19:16
Playing it forward quicker helped a tonne.

Less playing around at the back. The defence and the midfield seemed eager to get the ball moving up the pitch. Big difference from last few games.

06 May 2024 09:20:30
JK23, no worries mate I worded it badly anyway. I meant they've been our best 3 midfielders rather than them as a unit and your point was correct so nothing to dispute! I hadn't even considered how many they'd actually started together, I just knew I'd found us better to watch in the periods those 3 were playing more minutes.

With Endo mate it's more taking him off early in games recently (although dropping him in the derby was madness) . The guy did 120 in a Cup final and didn't falter once so subbing him after 60/ 70 minutes most weeks of late is baffling for me. As you say, he did play in our last 6 games but his minutes were very fractured.

Against United he was hooked on 69 minutes and they took complete control of the game eventually going 2-1 up. Elliott came on and salvaged something by winning a penalty.

At Palace he was taken of at HT but to be honest everyone was poor that day. Not having his security in midfield in the 2nd half didn't help though as it clearly hampers Mac Allisters game when he doesn't have Endo giving him more freedom, and Macca is our key to unlocking low blocks.

Yesterday vs Spurs he was hooked on 65 minutes with us 4-0 up and we lost control again and conceded twice. Luckily the lead was unassailable!

Against West Ham he was hooked on 79 minutes with us in the lead and looking more likely to extend the lead than to lose it. Not long after he was subbed they scored to make it 2-2.

Our only comfortable win in the last 6 games where it didn't feel like we were having to do any desperate defending at any point was the 3-1 vs Fulham and it is not a surprise to me that Endo played 90 minutes in that game.

To compare, in our 7 league games between Endo coming back from the Asian Cup and our United collapse he started 5 of those games and played the full 90 minutes in all of his starts. We won 4 of them and drew 1 against Man City. In fact every defeat we've had in the league this season Endo has played 45 minutes or less! He's such a key player for us that I'd be sending him out onto the pitch in plaster if I had to! The guy is a machine. I still can't comprehend people wanting to replace him next season when he's arguably our player of the season.

06 May 2024 09:21:25
Jones and Szobo, before their injuries, were solid and I thought deserved their minutes. Jones looked very natural in midfield and for a period of time, I thought he was our best CM, especially since Macca was still finding his feet back then. I do agree that they have not been great since they came back from their respective injuries but then again, no one from the team did during that period.

06 May 2024 09:40:57
Dracred, Jones and Szobo started the season very well but I think Szobo got figured out and needs to adapt to cope with English football, and Jones fell apart again with injuries and just never found his form.

Both players haven't played well arguably this calendar year. I don't think they can complain if they don't start again this season. Even Gravenberch has done more in recent weeks and to be honest, I wrote him off before he even pulled on a red shirt, but whilst others have faded away this season, he's got better and better. So hold my hands up there, because he might turn into a decent player for us if that trajectory continues.

06 May 2024 09:43:29
Agree about Endo MK but just wish he had a bit more pace over the 1st 10 yards. If he had that he’d be the perfect platform for Mac and to protect the defence.

Since Endo found his feet he’s the perfect out ball from defence or keeper to break the press. Opposition close him down and he invariably plays it simple to a fullback or occasionally wriggles free, leaving Mac or the wingers available for the killer out ball. But if he had that burst of speed he’d be the perfect CDM for this team.

06 May 2024 09:44:59
Digger, I'd like to think the players won't give up on the league until it is mathematically impossible so if they were playing without pressure, that's damning of their mentality this season! You could be right though mate.

Davey, I really liked that about the performance. I think having Robbo and Trent back and coming back to being fully fit will help a lot. They both progress the ball very quickly either with Trent's passing range or Robbo's forward runs. Throw in that Elliott and Gakpo also likes to travel with the ball and are very direct and it all came together in that first hour of the game. Shame it fell apart towards the end but I think that epitomised our season really!

06 May 2024 10:04:05
Pompey Rouge, fair point on his lack of pace. Although Fabinho was never quick either. One benefit to his lack of pace is that he's unlikely to suffer from a major decline for a while yet because he doesn't rely on his legs, his game is mainly in his head. Same traits that allowed Milner to play for us until 36 years old.

I think Endo is ideal for us right now because he is not going to block the emergence of Bajcetic. Baj wasn't great yesterday when he came on but he has been out for a year in his defence. I'd probably wait until he has a proper pre-season under his belt before throwing him into a big game again though.

06 May 2024 10:38:05
Good points on Endo, MK. I have to agree that he has grown on me as the season has gone on and am glad that he has taken that DM spot for himself. I can see why a few would want an upgrade on him but unless that player is a prime Fabinho, I think we can wait for Baj to grow into that position.

One Szobo, I don't think teams have figured him out. I think he has sacrificed part of his game for the sake of the team. He does a lot more running around now off the ball than he did when he first came in. I think it is a tactical issue and he should go back to form if he is allowed to play naturally like he did when he first came in.

For Jones, his injury came at a bad time since he was a regular then and playing very well. Not sure if the injury is his fault though since I recall that it is an impact one. I think he still needs a run of games to build back his match fitness and he should be back to his best. I'm still reluctant to call it quits on him and to move him on.

06 May 2024 11:35:33
Unfortunately it’s the same every year with Jones he can’t put half a season together never mind a full one. I agree on Dom he really needs to knuckle down and try to regain his place next year. Endo has been a first class signing for the fee but he did have a major dip recently that led to Mac going back to no.6 and that was never the answer. I don’t think Endo will be first choice next year but he will still get plenty games.

I think Elliot hasn’t had the game time he deserved, why some players kept being chosen ahead of him I could never understand. He should be even better next year.

06 May 2024 12:03:19
MKS, Im with @Dracred on Szobo. It's not like he is playing the same positio, and doing the same things he was playing/ doing when he was killing it at the start and suddenly now, he is struggling cos teams are targeting him. It is the change in his functions on the pitch where he can no longer be as dynamic on the pitch like he was back then at the start (and at RBL, btw) that has set him back. All you have to do is watch him then, and watch him now and the diff. is clear, IMO. And with the wall the whole team has hit in terms of form, that has affected the confidence of everyone, him included. Just my take.

As for Quansah, the kid is talented, no question and can be really good esp. with the platform he set for himself this season. He just needs to be more aggressive in his interventions, stay focused and concentrate the whole time cos he can get sloppy and play a wrong ball to the oppo. via a blind pass. Something he did again vs WH last week and led to the corner that caused the goal. That will come with more experience, IMO.

06 May 2024 12:08:24
markp08, my hope is that Bajcetic is first choice next season after a barnstorming pre-season! Last summer we held off signing a RB because we knew how good Bradley was and I'm hopeful we do the same for Bajcetic. Endo might not be world class but he's not a weak link either so it's low risk but I'm sure Slot and Hughes will assess the squad in the summer and make their decisions. They might choose to go in a completely different direction.

06 May 2024 12:59:51
@mkscouser, I have always said gakpo should play out wide which is where he played for Ajax and for the Netherlands and in the games he has played out wide, he has been brilliant. Why klopp persisted with playing him central as a false nine is beyond me. Klopp is a legend but simple and obvious thinks that like make me thing that there’s perhaps more than just a bit of arrogance that made klopp keep trying to play him a position unfamiliar to him. In some ways, I am actually glad klopp is leaving. He is a legend but I think it had got to the point where his tactics had been sussed out, and teams knew how to play against us, I think deep down inside he knew this hence helping him make the decision to leave.