Liverpool banter 7

10 Apr 2024 21:02:39
I predict the next manager will build a team around Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder. So signing a DM to compliment Macca and Trent will be a big priority signing this summer. As well as replacing Salah and maybe looking at Robinson of Fulham to challenge for a left back spot.

10 Apr 2024 21:19:41
So just bin off Endo.

10 Apr 2024 21:47:19
Dont think Amorim plays 3 in centre mid tho.

10 Apr 2024 22:15:56
Let’s hope the new manager isn’t Southgate as we know what he thinks of Trent. Hendo will be brought back In and the team will be built around Maguire.

With Southgate in charge the “I predict a riot”.

10 Apr 2024 23:19:50
Heard that the new manager wants LFC to bring in the DM from Porto, he is class, but do we need him .

10 Apr 2024 23:39:52
Baj is, back training.

11 Apr 2024 07:04:36
More "scout spout".

11 Apr 2024 08:40:37
Baj is far from breaking back into the first team he’s played barley a handful of games two whole seasons, at this stage he cannot be relied on.

11 Apr 2024 09:18:20
@ Jaydee, when Baj did play he was one of our better players. He made some of his teammates look like amateurs.

11 Apr 2024 09:22:58
The last thing we need is a new DM. That's Endos spot, he gets injured or is out, give it to Trent, rotate Baj in when fit, he deserves his chance.

11 Apr 2024 10:18:51
Jaydee, Baj has been out for this entire season so of course he has not played. When he was fit last season, he was playing in CM regularly. So, I don't think he is "far from breaking into the first team". In fact, I would say he is already a part of it as he is always included when Klopp provides updates on the availability of the first team as a whole.

11 Apr 2024 16:12:58
Trent isn't a defensive midfielder, in my opinion. Right wing back would suit him. Not sure where that leaves Bradley though.

11 Apr 2024 17:41:42
Baj is a class act, just needs to stay fit and he’s a regular, Trent needs to play somewhere his passing range and crossing is top notch and we’ve missed him big time, we romp United with him fit. If he’s to play in midfield taking Thiago spot…. we have an overspill of midfielders…. would we be open to selling 1 to create extra funds.

{Ed025's Note - but who gets dropped for Trent Magico?, Macca is a shoe in, Endo is the only fit DM....so are you saying Slob gets the chop mate?..

11 Apr 2024 17:44:32
Just what we need, another midfielder. We have Mac, Szob, Endo, Grav, Jones, Elliot, Bajectic, potentially Trent if the OG is correct (which I don't believe) and a new chap from Porto? All for two CM positions as Amorim only plays 2 CM's if he does come in.
As Jude says who's leaving?

11 Apr 2024 18:39:35
so many games over the season, people are only thinking of a first eleven, Baj is very young, in time I think that he will be an important player for us,
Ha Trent also Mizer .

11 Apr 2024 18:42:42
two players at least, we have so many injuries, we need good cover, I am thinking Goncalo Inacio at left centre back, plus Alan Varela at DM, plus a forward, one of Diaz or Salah could move in the summer .

10 Apr 2024 14:01:15
A gem of a beauty from Paul Ince. "Mohammed Salah is not a world-class player but yes, he is a world class goalscorer".

What does one expect from the forwards, in the first place, if it's not to score? Do I want tricks and dribbling and speed in the forwards? Yes, but only if it serves goalscoring. I'll still take the slow guy who can't dribble or do tricks, as long as he scores.

The nonsense some of these supposedly "learned guys" serve up, is beyond belief. And this guy really sounds like he is really up deep inside his own backside. 😤.

10 Apr 2024 14:11:43
Think Ince is just jumping on the Mo Salah bandwagon, yes Mo is slowing down but he is getting the goal or assist.

10 Apr 2024 14:58:33
I might get pelters for this or even worst case get called a coward again 😂.

But I kind of agree with Ince that Salah isn’t a world class player anymore but he does have attributes and moments that could be defined as world class and is still an excellent footballer.

For me the word world class gets thrown about far too much and the world class player and world class goal scorer is perfectly summed up with Haaland.

Personally I believe there’s only been a handful of world class all round players over time but lots of players who have attributes that are world class.

Longevity plays a huge part in it and Salah has 100% nailed this hence why I say he is no longer world class as it’s very easy to argue that he is no longer the same player in 23/ 24 that he was in 17/ 21 when he was world class.

It’s only my opinion mind and would love to hear others thoughts.

Great topic of discussion this Aray.

10 Apr 2024 15:04:18
Yes but why go into hyperbole and use extreme terms when all he is doing is showing his utterly confused brain and confusing the mind of readers? What he said does not sound the least bit rational if you know football, and he is supposed to know football too well. It's like saying Alisson is not a shot stopper but still a great goalkeeper.

10 Apr 2024 15:19:04
Jk23, I guess a lot of it rests on the definition of world-class, and I know that each one of us probably has his own. That's fine. So much of football and everything that goes with it, is subjective and open to debate.

Yes, Salah's powers are dimishing. But for me he is still up there. How many of us think that he can't produce the 20 goals per season this year? Or next year or the year after? And then, there you have it. We stumble back into the definition of "world -class" again.

What I didn't like about Ince's quote was the use of absolutes that seem contradictory to me, and then also being cute about it. From a guy like him, you would expect incisive meaninful stuff, not this drivel that has no meaning.

10 Apr 2024 15:29:48
Ince is a pillock.

10 Apr 2024 15:31:20
Salah might be having a dip in form at the moment (even though he is still scoring almost every match) but I think history with Salah tells us to avoid jumping to conclusions that this means he's in decline or no longer top level. In form Salah gets into most teams - including national sides - in the world. That, in my opinion, makes him world class.

I do think we have to acknowledge that the stunning solo goals, slalom dribbles into the box and brilliant curled finishes into the far corner appear to be mainly in the past now but Salah has adapted and evolved quite brilliantly such that the goals and assists continue. I think it's most notable how he has replaced those unstoppable dribbles from the left flank in towards goal with those brilliant balls in behind, especially that one he plays from quite deep with the outside of his boot.

His evolution reminds me a little bit of what Giggs did and is the reason why I think Salah would be good for us for at least another couple of years.

All of that said, his all round contribution in the last three matches hasn't been enough from a player of his seniority and ability at this stage of the season. I wouldn't object to resting him tomorrow evening and give Elliott a deserved start. Salah will be back though.

As for Ince; surely one of the thickest ex-players to be afforded air time on tv and radio.

10 Apr 2024 15:58:56
I listened to it on the radio live as he made the comments in a conversation with Andy Goldstein and honestly, Goldstein was just coaxing him into a soundbite that would make a good clickbait headline.

Having heard the comments in context, I don't see the need to have such a reactionary view on what Ince said. He followed this line up by saying Salah is therefore world class. The statement about him not being a world class footballer was purely with regard to his all around game. Something I regularly see and hear Liverpool fans saying online and down the pub. Ince did also go on to say he hopes Liverpool win the league so he wasn't trying to be anti-Liverpool. He just got led down a path where whatever he said was going to make a headline for Talksport that would generate a reaction. If he'd called him a complete forward with no weaknesses you'd have rival fans all over Ince instead.

Ince was actually very good on the show by the way and he's the first ex-United pundit I've heard who gave a balanced view on Mainoo, pointing out how he was a huge part of why Man United were so weak in midfield against us, despite his wonder goal. Most other people don't want to acknowledge that Mainoo is all over the place positionally, doesn't track runners and gives the ball away sloppily all over the pitch. Instead they focus purely on his neat footwork, 5 yard passes and the 2 wonder goals he's scored. It was refreshing to hear an ex-United pundit not going over the top with hyperbole about a kid who has thus far looked out of his depth in multiple games but has albeit showed in flashes that he could be special.

10 Apr 2024 16:12:00
Are you alright MKS? Having a bad day, is it?

It may seem "reactionary" to you, but it's my opinion. As always you have the choice of reading and responding or not reading and not responding. But spare me the judgemental stuff, alright?

I know you for well over a decade on these pages, we read each other's posts, but I don't ever recall reading such overbearing judgemental stuff from you. There are many others on here who thrive on stifling opinions and putting others down. I didn't expect it from you.

If you can't reciprocate the respect you are given, then better not to respond or interact. Have a nice day.

10 Apr 2024 16:16:42
I am donning my hard hat for this one. I wouldn't say Salah has ever been world class (based on what I determine to be world class) . Hear me out. In my opinion, world class means regularly being a step above the best players in the world (which he is) but also regularly delivering on the biggest stages in football and winning the big games with individual brilliance. Think Messi, the Ronaldos et al.
For me, Salah has never performed in those big, one off games, the finals either for club or country. In fact, I'd say his performances in finals is actually quite lacking and that, for me, is why he isn't world class.

10 Apr 2024 16:47:56
Ey up. Just to have my turn stirring up the pot. If you start your post with, “gem of a beauty, ” then criticise someone else’s wording without context, you’re liable to get a retort of some sort.

FWIW, I thought the same as MKS before I even read his post and without the context he provided.

Both statements can be true at the same time. I wouldn't call Jota world class by any stretch, but he time and time again proves himself to be a world class goal scorer. Plenty of defenders are world class tacklers, but are terrible at positioning. Great shot stoppers flapping at crosses etc.

To be world class you need more than one string to your bow - unless you’re Robin Hood.

That said, Salah would still be welcome in 99.9% of teams in the world. That makes him world class in my book.

10 Apr 2024 17:02:06
Aray 100% agree and football is subjective and some people will rate players that others don’t which is the beauty of the game.

In me saying I don’t believe Salah is still a world class player it doesn’t take away what I do actually think of him and I love watching him play for us week in week out.

If it was up to me he’d be signing a new contract and staying with us for a few more years. I know fans are concerned with his wages.

But I’ve very much come to terms with the fact that my tickets, Liverpool shirts, merchandise and sky tv bill etc will be exactly the same price next season whether he is here or not so why should I care what the club are going to pay him, or any other player at that.

10 Apr 2024 17:05:34
This the guy who couldn't watch a penalty shootout, let alone take one and he calls himself the guv’nor?
Mans a tool.

10 Apr 2024 17:22:57
Apparently Jota for two seasons used to play as if he had never seen a football before as he was SO poor on the ball.

Which makes you question is Jurgen Klopp world class because he played him over 80 times. In which he was that poor he managed to hit that round white thing in between the posts 34 times.

10 Apr 2024 17:27:58
Insisted on being called Guv’nor.
Still hate that he played for us.

10 Apr 2024 17:32:32
Agree to be fair, salah does little other than score goals and even that’s stoped.

{Ed025's Note - "does little more than score goals" Mr Bean?.....hardest job in football mate and will take some replacing imo..

10 Apr 2024 17:55:14
Apart from scoring, assisting and helping out defensively what has Salah ever done for us.

10 Apr 2024 18:20:05
I think the best way to look at it and I think most will agree I think salahs general all round play will be replaced very easily his goals won’t .

Goals win games

Therefore salah will be missed when he leaves not for helping out Bradley or hugging the touchline or cutting in on his left but putting the ball in the net which is the aim of the game .

True great and will be missed enormously when he leaves . But we will still carry on and score goals we always do.

10 Apr 2024 18:46:51
Paul Mince
Thick as.

10 Apr 2024 18:50:52
Only 3 players have more assist than Salah in the league yet he does little other than score goals? Absolute clown.

10 Apr 2024 18:55:40
He's right. He's not world class anymore. For a long time he was, but not anymore. Just my opinion though.

10 Apr 2024 19:21:39
I'd argue that Salah was only world class that one season. After that he's been decent to really good only.

10 Apr 2024 20:59:20
Paul Ince renowned football scout.

Except he’s wrong.

Salah is/ was absolutely world class.

I could write more but I can’t believe there’s any doubt.

10 Apr 2024 21:06:52
Paul is right. He was all around world class but not anymore, just goal scoring. It's why City are better without Haaland and Utd were better without Ronaldo etc.
Doesn't make him less a legend, it's just realistic. Gerrard died down, so did Torres, everyone does. I would just say many who used to criticise Jota for only 'scoring' (when he actually does far more and always has) seem to the same as those defending Salah. See what's in front of you. Salahs numbers are great because he world class ability to do something mad difficult that others couldn't in the moment, but then spend 95% of the game wasting chances, giving the ball away, having horrible touches etc. His time has come I'm afraid. Doesn't detract from what's he's done. Fact is as the eds say footballers are transient employees and they have shelf lives. Nothing personal.

10 Apr 2024 21:53:55
Love it, blokes feeling himself back in after nearly 3 months out and he hasn't got it anymore. Could still win the golden boot and score 30 plus goals from the wing while playing in the worlds best league but yeh. he's not a world class player! We've been here before with Salah after a couple of poor performances, i can see him going gial crazy in these last 12 games.

10 Apr 2024 22:31:04
@JK23 totally agree with your original post. Some words and phrases lose their original meaning over time and ‘legend’ and ‘world class’ are examples. There’s also the acronym ‘Goat’ which is used by adolescents who tend to pick a player that they have seen play (albeit on the telly) who might even genuinely be world class and call them the goat.

I think with Mo you could make a serious case that he was the best player in his position in the world for at least a couple of seasons but I’m not sure that makes him world class to be honest but it is fair to say that he had (still has? ) some skills that are probably at world class level.

I am not a fan of Ince but I understand what he is trying to say and I think he might be right.

10 Apr 2024 22:49:09
Jude, Mo Salah is still class but he won't win the Golden Boot or get 30 plus goals, , I hopethat he does but he seems to be near the end at the top of the best league in the world, its it's sad but it happens to every footballer.

11 Apr 2024 02:12:01
Salah is world class, it's kind of gobsmacking to read people thinking otherwise. Even now, which team wouldn't have him? he's still scoring goals and providing assists and is a game changer, big time! We will miss him when he's gone, that is for certain.

11 Apr 2024 07:30:57
I always defined 'world class' as - If there was a squad of players that were made up of the best players from around the world, would they be included? That's my definition anyway.

Salah gets into that squad, particularly based on how many goals he would score, hence in my opinion, world class.

11 Apr 2024 08:02:21
All players are replaceable, hard cold fact but it continuley happens, just differing styles but always a new hero found or that we already have, we did great without him and i think a spell on the side might benefit the team again, if we get big money IMO we have no choice but to sell, absolute legend on the top shelf but the club moves on, will always be this way.

11 Apr 2024 09:03:38
Ar Ay, sorry if I didn't make it clear enough mate but I was intending to criticise Goldstein/ Talksport, not you. My point was that the comments when in context don't deserve a reactionary response, but Talksport and other media outlets haven't publicised them in context. They've done it as clickbait and soundbites. They goaded him into making comments they could monetise. I was only really looking to add the context to the discussion before Ince got lynched for something he didn't actually say or at the very least intend to say as it's come across in the wider media.

If I hadn't been listening to the show when he made the comments I would've definitely had the same reaction as you based off of what has been reported out, because that is what they wanted. They're very good at it which is why they make so much money from football fans. They know how emotional we all are about our teams and favourite players.

Sorry if you felt judged though mate, wasn't my intention at all, hence why I never name dropped you and focused my original reply more on defending Ince and calling out Goldstein/ Talksport.

11 Apr 2024 13:07:02
Wouldnt be so sure Kop that. on 23 now and has another dozen games left, mo be breaking the 30 again i think.

11 Apr 2024 17:14:58
Paul Ince said what he said in order to drive interest and attention towards him the same way Danny Mills spouted nonsense about Klopp not being a top PL manager cos he only won one title. Clearly, it worked.

11 Apr 2024 17:22:10
That's not actually true though is it Salah. We have been fine without him over Afcon and the last few weeks. Whilst subjective our win percentage over the entire time Salah has been with the club is significantly higher when he hasn't been playing. Mental I know but that's fact. The team has performed markedly less effectively when Virgil has been out or injured in comparison hence why I keep saying he is our most important player and needs replacing as a priority far higher than Salah. Again there's lots of variables and I'm not saying I don't like him whatever, or even that I don't think he should be in the team. I'm just saying I genuinely think his time as an elite level player is coming to an end.

11 Apr 2024 18:19:51
Ah yes. Paul Ince.

Still not forgiven Roy Evans for wasting £4 million quid on him.

Ged soon got the measure of him and booted him out to Middlesbrough for a cut price £1 million, I think just to make a point that he was not a valued top player like Ince thought himself as.

Apparently, Ince was a bad influence on the squad getting the spice boys into trouble.

He still talks codswallop, guess he has to earn a living.

11 Apr 2024 19:18:16
Hey Jude, if Salah does get his 30 plus goals, I will come on here and say that you were right, I hope that he does too, but it will be a close one .

10 Apr 2024 11:09:06
When you re a little down after the weekend's result and you see Allison, Jota, Trent and Bajcetic returning to training.

Just the little boost I needed to put the fire back in the belly.

I ve felt I was being a little chicken as a fan the last few weeks going in scared into every game. What if we slip up.

Well screw that. Time to win this thing. And the Europa cup. We'll win it all.

Arsenal will draw one of their tough games.

But I do believe we will need to win all our remaining 7 games.

That point was so important to stay ahead of City who I think have a good chance of winning all their remaining games.

So simply put, I've cleaned the train, serviced it, filled my ticket gun thingy, filled the snacks bar, got a liquor licence for those that enjoy that sort of thing, and am going to pull into every darn station a Liverpool fan resides.

7 games to go till we win the league!

All Aboard!

PS. We all know how Klopps last game is going to go anyway.

Drury:
Clock goes into injury time here.
They needed to just win to get the league but it looks like they'll just manage the draw.
City heading for an unprecedented 4 in a row.

Gary Neville chimes in. City are a machine. Simply unstoppable. In another era this Liverpool team could have won more trop.

Drury:
JJJOOOOOEEEEEE GOOOOOMMEEEEEEZZZZZZZ!

10 Apr 2024 11:28:53
That was excellent Davey Sulls. I truly hope it happens this way. 💥💥💥.

10 Apr 2024 11:32:18
Oh hold on. Var is checking. Bit odd as it was a strike from 40 yards. Not clear what they are checking but will bring that to you as soon as we have it.

In the mean time Joe Gomez has been sent off. First yellow card for removing his shirt but this is now red as he has removed everything else and is running around the pitch celebrating bollock naked.

Still no idea what VAR are checking here. We hear VAR refs are in consultation with Arsenal and Man City chiefs to come up with ideas here.

Gomez showing some real pace here as he is getting chased around by security officials. He has actually just clocked the fastest speed in premier league history here. Will that count as game is still running?

VAR check ongoing.

Thankfully Gomez has gone down the tunnel now.

VAR check over. GOAL reluctantly stands.

Oh GOD, Joe Gomez has re-emerged from the tunnel, still bollock naked except for a party hat and two exploding bottles of champagne.

Why can't anybody catch him?

The pixelator is also doing a terrible job of keeping up with him.

We'd just like to apologize to families and kids at home.

Oh god, what's he doing now.

Good lord, commercial! Quick! Go to commercial!

10 Apr 2024 13:42:35
Lol love it mate how many you had? Haha we're going to do it, I'm thinking last day win will do it. I reckon it'll be out of us and city when looking at fixture lists. Bring it on! We've got this.

I was so bitter after the utd result but we have to keep believing because arsenal for sure will drop points. It's upto us to go out and win all of our games. I think we still have villa and spurs to play and even west ham? If I remember right but it makes no difference who we're playing, although they are tricky opponents, every team in the league are and we've done well so far so I'll go on that. We can win, we just have to turn up every game and personally I believe we will.

Either way though let's be honest, we've had a great season and whoever wins it deserves it. What a season, 3 teams battling it out at this stage? Fantastic, makes it exciting, it'll be even more exciting when we're lifting that trophy.

10 Apr 2024 14:06:22
Lol Davey, I can just imagine the scenes mate. Of Gomez hitting a screamer that is, not him bollock naked 😂.

10 Apr 2024 14:48:57
I’ll take a Gomez 90min in off the backside after a goal line scramble to win the title. Or a Nunez scuffed shot that hit the post and trickles in.

Let’s win all our remaining games and see what happens. I do think the match up against Spurs and Chelsea may have some surprises in store for Arsenal. They may end up just like we did against Utd - dominate the game but somehow can’t win it and the opposition is on 100% clinical rate that day; 2 shots, 2 on target and 2 goals while they did have 20 shots, 10 on target and only scored 2 somehow.

10 Apr 2024 16:49:08
Gomez is becoming a pest with this scoring lark, all of a sudden against United he was capable of scoring 20 yard volleys and outside the box screamers, fans need to chill about it, he is the last player we need to encourage to have a shot, leave it until we are 3/ 4 up.

10 Apr 2024 17:07:16
Will never look at Joe Gomez the same, thanks Davey😂👍.

10 Apr 2024 17:09:37
I merely see into the future FSGfleecingus. I do not have the power to control it. That would be ridiculous.

7 prem games to go until the Joe Gomez X rated show.

10 Apr 2024 18:09:42
Magic!

10 Apr 2024 18:12:18
I played that all out in my head 🤣 Cheers Davey. Good laugh!

10 Apr 2024 19:52:18
Yes @davey Sulls I’m buying a ticket for this train
Next stop station number 20 last stop anfield 🙏🏻🙌🏻💪🏻.

10 Apr 2024 21:06:50
I have reserved you a personal carriage DHFC as a gold class customer.

I have taken the liberty of ordering your usual. A fully stacked complimentary minibar, a jacuzzi and cinema screen is ready to go for the big games.

Your personal live entertainment will be Dua Lipa. She is only contracted to sing but she did mention she quite fancies you so I'll put the "do not disturb" sign up just in case.

11 Apr 2024 08:05:18
That wasn't a dig at you @Davey, that was a class read with the voices becoming live in my head while reading, it comes from the games, he has started to become a problem with this shooting bit, he hasn't scored for a reason, it's a bit like ordering Coutinho from Wish HA.

11 Apr 2024 11:57:02
Love it Davey, albeit I am hoping we cruise the final game 6-0 for the sake of my heart!

11 Apr 2024 17:15:55
Oh crap, Davey! You got me hooked again. Let’s go get it!

10 Apr 2024 09:08:50
Hello! I suppose many of you are watching the Champions League. Just wanted to say that most referees, even from significantly weaker leagues, seem to maintain a higher standard than English referees. Considering the Premier League is regarded as perhaps the best league, it's very strange that they don't bring in the best referees. What's stopping that? The use of VAR is miles behind how it operates in Germany and Italy. There's almost never talk about referee performance after matchens there but in the PL it's almost after every match. What has gone so wrong?

10 Apr 2024 09:21:29
Howard Webb.

10 Apr 2024 09:44:29
I mean I don’t watch other leagues closely as I’m sure many on here don’t. But I would find it very difficult to believe that there is little or no referee controversies each match week.

10 Apr 2024 10:53:06
I was flipping back and forth between the 2 UCL matches last night. And I didn't see the slightest thing that was controversial.

Is "incompetence" an English privilege restricted to the Premier League or something? I know it isn't in the strongest terms possible. But we keep seeing it in the EPL, week in and week out. That's why I tend towards thinking that there is something else going on.

10 Apr 2024 12:23:00
The saka decision was as per VAR rules in my opinion. Saka sticking his leg out gave the VAR enough doubt not to overturn it (look at the amount of debate, it shows it wasnt clear and obvious) and got to that decision quickly. That's the high bar that it should be but the Premier league run it terribly.

10 Apr 2024 12:42:37
WYred- are you thinking of that was the prem then the VAR would have intervened?

10 Apr 2024 13:01:27
What that was Wy was a great decision from the referee and the VAR were clued up enough to see that and leave it alone.

What we would’ve seen in the PL is a 4 minute VAR check whilst they tie themselves up in knots trying to find a rule that it relates to which allows them to give the decision in the way they want.

Saka obviously kicked the keeper to try to buy a penalty after overrunning the ball. Anyone who knows football could see that which means our VAR officials would’ve 100% given it the other way.

10 Apr 2024 13:20:44
Looked like a Saka dive to me, the moment it happened. And I didn't think twice about it.

10 Apr 2024 13:21:31
Faith, if that’s the prem I think they give it. However, whilst not a dive, it’s creating contact and a way of playing the rules. Kane was the master at it and I think some of ours have done it too. Some argue Elliott did on the weekend but his was more subtle.

If refs get stronger on it they’ll eventually stop and if I was Arteta I’d be livid that Saka hasn’t just continued his run, he’s tried to be too cute and it’s backfired.

10 Apr 2024 14:42:34
don't think Saka kicked t he goalie but what he did was a classic hharry claim sorry kane move as in leaving his leg behind the goalie leg, go down and scream loudly broken leg scream ., should have got a yellow card for that and his or protests.

10 Apr 2024 17:56:57
I thought Elliott dived on Sunday . Player slides in and Elliott initiates the contact with WB thigh.

10 Apr 2024 22:54:22
No dive from Elliot, also thought that he was our best player when he came on he was brilliant, did a lot more than most,

11 Apr 2024 17:28:06
The ref got it absolutely spot on. Saka like several of the Arsenal players dive a lot but the refs say or do nothing. Saka dived van WH at the Emirates and was not booked. Same for Havertz vs Brentford a couple of weeks ago. Now he cheats ti get a pen vs Bayern. Not surprised.

11 Apr 2024 17:38:14
Saka is a cheat like his team mates and his manager.
What about the arsenal center half handling the ball in penalty area after keeper had took free kick and the ref after the game said he should of given a penalty
So just as bad as other uk refs poor and people say city get the refs decisions i rather think arsenal get the decisions from ref but there again they are a club full of cheats.

10 Apr 2024 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Manchester United v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

10 Apr 2024 08:24:21
I do feel like when salah doesn’t perform we struggle to score. I’m not blaming him, he’s going to be inconsistent, coming back and with Ramadan. But nunez is the chaos and so is Diaz to a a degree, we need someone to be the calm. Jota perhaps would have been the difference.

10 Apr 2024 10:37:13
When u take a step back from it after a few days as a team we probably played v well, a lot of individuals where just ok but as a team i thought we played well. people can say utd crap and all the rest but they still 6th after 31 games played. we limited them to v little going forward and created chances at our ease. obviously final ball/ shot wasn't what it should be. The Previous 3 games, brighton+ sheff utd in league and utd in cup i didn't think we played well as a team, gave up too many chances especially in them games whereas Sunday really utd scored 2 screamers in fairness but other than that created v little, in cup game they had plenty of good chances. Some how we have to get konate starting at least 5 out of our last 7 games in league, handier said than done with his injury record but he is a v good player who we badly need playing.

10 Apr 2024 10:37:20
Nice one, Ed.

You're right in the wastefulness could end up being a bigger story at the end of the season than the refereeing debacles we have faced.

Even on the first day of the season we had numerous opportunities to be 3 or 4 up against Chelsea. We missed a sitter to put Brighton away to bed. The Luton away misses were shockers. The three games against United could each have been cricket scores. The City and Arsenal home games too. I'd say there's at least 10 points lost to poor finishing of big chances this season.

I also agree that this is not a new issue. The CL final vs Real Madrid still rankles as does that Leicester City away game that somehow we lost!

Why Klopp chose to play Ibou vs Sheff Utd and omit him from the United game is stll a mystery to me. Perhaps Klopp was punishing him for going off with France. Sounds a stretch though.

{Ed001's Note - let's hope the story is that we win the 2 trophies left to us despite the wasteful finishing!}

10 Apr 2024 10:51:05
Agree with you totally about the Konate issue ED001.

I could not understand why he started Quansah instead.

No doubt we should still have won that game though.

{Ed001's Note - we should still have been good enough, but this was defo a game for Konate. I said as much to Bazza before the game, I was really uneasy once I saw the team. I do like Quansah, I do feel he will grow into a player good enough, but right now he is not the man for the big games when there is Konate there.}

10 Apr 2024 10:59:30
At the end of the day, its results that matter the most. Yes I love a flowing, technical, positive style of football. We've played very well in 3 matches against ManU, with two draws and one defeat. I, and we, console ourselves with having "been the better team". But what's the point of all that if you don't win? I guess I'm still deflated after that last game.

10 Apr 2024 11:51:08
Generally speaking we play well. And teams that play well typically win things. I do t think I’ve seen a team not play well or be the better team for the majority of a season and consistently compete for titles / trophies.

It’s not meant to minimise a bad result because they can happen whether you play well or not. But you will hear managers often talk about performances more than the outcome because the performances are within their control.

10 Apr 2024 12:18:38
ED1 💯 agree that Konate should have played ( not because of Quansah mistake ) just that Konate is a better, more experienced player. but main issue as you rightly say is the amount of chances we regularly miss., game after game . I don't get how we miss that many considering the amount of chances we make . and then teams seem to have a couple of chances against us n bang its in the net .

{Ed001's Note - it is a worry and it does need resolving if we are ever to achieve our potential.}

10 Apr 2024 13:05:13
Was konate not injured?

10 Apr 2024 13:23:34
Konate was on the bench, for the game. That's why so many of us are wondering how and why the selection of Quansah over Konate was made.

10 Apr 2024 13:28:49
The one positive to draw from it is that it keeps Ten Hag in post and as long as he’s their manager they won’t win a title or be remotely close to it.

10 Apr 2024 15:12:47
The lack of finishing has cost us for years more trophies. It's been mentioned for years. In some of the biggest games the lack of finishing has cost us and it's something klopps never improved. This is why regardless it's for a refreshment of manager coming in to see if this is an area wr can improve on because it's as frustrating as a fire performance.

11 Apr 2024 02:31:49
Spot on as per usual Ed1 mate, thanks for writing it up, always enjoy these.

I too, like Quansah. But unfortunately from me there is a but, he's not ready for this level of football. yet. I do believe he will be an exceptional player but he's far off at the moment. A young mind, he needs to mature a little to learn more and probably needs a little guidance with it.

One of them for me, I think if Gomez and Elliot had of started the game it'd of been a different result but it's all ifs and buts, same could be said if Jones started.

Did my bloody head in that game, the worst of the season for me. Well, apart from the Spurs game which was just an absolute shambles.

Anyway, hope you're well Ed1 mate :)

{Ed001's Note - I just think he needed a bit of bringing back down to earth, as he is playing so well and getting such plaudits, sometimes you need to remind a youngster that actually you still have a long way to go. By showing him that there is a better player in the squad picking Konate over him would have done that. As Paisley used to do by dropping them after a run of games back down to the reserves. Now he has learnt the same lesson but in a much harsher way and one that has now doubt resulted in abuse off the morons in our fanbase. Oh well, can't change it now and I actually blame Bazza because he told me Quansah would be fine before the game when I expressed my doubts about the selection to him. So he is a Jonah and jinxed it.

Good thanks mate. I am just looking at it as a point gained because we could so easily have ended up with nothing. How about you, how are things?}

11 Apr 2024 09:17:05
Agreed Ed1 mate. It's due to the lack of maturity, they get ahead of themselves at that age, I also think it's why a lot of them fail at the top level, if they take their time and be patient with a clear mind, listen to the manager you can't go far wrong. Sometimes being harsh has to be the case with youngsters at this level by like you say not throwing them in at the deep end in games like that.

And I know what you mean mate, some comments I've heard from people are just silly considering he's only 20, or 21? He has plenty of time to learn. It'll be interesting how the new manager handles these kids because for me it's so important, we have a lot of talented young lads there but can't just throw them in like that, give them their chances but don't be daft about it, do it gradually.

I am very well thank you Ed1 mate, can't complain as much as I love to because I'm a miserable bugger ;) lol - What's the next article if you don't mind me asking mate?

Have a good day Ed1.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know what will be the next article, I am just working on a player profile at the moment, updating Isak.

To be honest I wasn't meaning throwing him into the deep end is the problem, I think that is the best way for them to learn. But when they have had a run, a lot of plaudits and praise, then you need to closely monitor their play to watch for a bit of arrogance or laxity slipping into their play. For me he is borderline on both anyway, the way he plays normally I mean, not a bad thing to be arrogant to a degree, but when it slips into this kind of slack play because they might be believing their hype, then it is a problem. So I would want to manage him more closely because of it, including always turning to Konate, when fit, for the bigger, tougher matches, just to remind him that he is not there yet. But even failing that, he was consistently giving the ball away by not looking before passing across the defence in the first half, so he really should have been dragged off and given a proper dressing down at half-time. I know that is not the done thing these days, but you can't just let someone constantly make the same mistake over and over. They have to take responsibility for their mistakes and stop making them. It was a mistake by the coaching staff as a whole to not deal with it. You don't mind them making mistakes, that's how they learn, but not the same damn one multiple times in the same match. That is not learning, that is lazy and arrogant play. You can't allow that if you want the kid to reach his potential.}

09 Apr 2024 20:03:35
Evening Fellas, been reading this forum for a while now, some great content and people in here, the Eds Knowledge is also very much appreciated.

Just a message to see all your thoughts on next season and what awaits the Football club, regarding players out/ players in and for now the most likely, new Manager, Ruben Amorim.

If Amorim is to be the new Manager he has big boots to fill but in my opinion he looks capable enough, and brave to take on such a job following from a huge figure that is Klopp, so he has my respect already.

Curious though as to what formation he will play, currently looks like a 3 4 3 at Sporting, and can that work at Liverpool with the current squad we have?

For me, " maybe I will get some stick " but if he is to use that formation that could mean that a few players are to be sold, for example would Diaz fit in? Robertson? Even Trent?,

Obviously they're great players and massive in their own right, but for me I don't see a left wingback in Robertson, that's more suited to Tsimikas in my opinion, also with Bradley playing the way he is ( special talent ) I'd say he's absolutely nailed on as a right wing back. Regarding Diaz I think he is just a natural winger and loves to hug the sideline too much and I think he would be out of place and wasted.

Interesting few months ahead, and personally I see this to be the end of Salah unfortunately, with the club looking likely they won't offer him a new deal, or maybe he wouldn't take one anyway, I personally see this season his last. My feelings is we will need a left sided Centre back l, and I do think Inscio will follow Amorim, with us being previously " linked " I see it happening. I think we possibly need a versatile forward and maybe a defensive midfielder. Endo is great and Bajcetic looks to be coming back so who knows, I suppose only the new manager knows and we will have to see.

Sorry for the long message, but thought I'd get your opinions on next season and introduce myself.

Cheers
Kevin.

09 Apr 2024 20:53:41
good post Kevin, it all depends on what formation the new manager uses , didn't klopp favour one set up but used 433 so it could be that he works around the the players he has.

09 Apr 2024 20:56:30
I like forward to a refresh to be honest. Especially his approach and the way he sets up his teams.

09 Apr 2024 21:23:12
If he goes with the 343 formation I think we need 2 x cbs in summer due to konate inability to stay fit and vvd age, can't expect him to continue to play game in game out at 33 and we will have champ league football next season so will need strong team out in that. After that i think it will depend on departures.

09 Apr 2024 21:50:47
I think with a 3-4-3 we could easily have Trent bring more advanced on the right and may even see Szob pushed forward as part of the front 3.

For me I would think in this formation the width would come from the 2 wide players of the 4 meaning all of the front 3 would require the technical ability to play within the width if the area and in tight spaces.

09 Apr 2024 21:54:41
No need to apologise for the length of the post Kevin. I personally enjoyed reading it. In regards to Klopp. I love the guy and thank him for everything he has done. And want him to get the best send off possible by winning the league and Europa. A true legend in every sense. But I’m with Mizer, in that I’m looking forward to the 3-4-3 formation and a move away from the 4-3-3. And just excited for a fresh approach.

I’ll be honest. I would be shocked if Inacio doesn’t follow Amorim to our club as we need a LCB anyways. And don’t be surprised if Amorim brings two centre backs with him in Inacio and Ousmane Diomande. Both are young with a high ceiling and importantly both are performing well and understand his system. I say two centre backs is a possibility because Konate struggles to stay fit all season. And we need to plan for VVD leaving either next summer (2025), or the summer after next (2026). Quansah is the perfect replacement for VVD as the central centre back in Amorim’s system. Inacio and Diomande can be our LCB and RCB respectively for the next 10 years.

Trent and Robbo would suit Amorim’s formation down to the ground (see thread further down) . Ait-Nouri might be brought in, which would see him and Robbo rotate. Trent can rotate with Bradley on the opposite flank. Amorim’s system sees two midfielders at the base of the team. One is a playmaker that can orchestrate from deep but often pushes forward in advance spaces further up the field. This position is tailor made for Mac Allister. When this happens the central centre back (VVD) pushes forward into that midfield space they vacate alongside the DM (Bajcetic or Endo) to form a two man midfield. Too many intricacies in Amorim’s system, which is why he is known as being exceptional tactically. I think Salah and Diaz are gone this summer and if that’s the case I would like and expect Amorim to bring a finisher with him, ideally Gyökeres. But I guess we will see how everything unfolds over the next few months.

09 Apr 2024 21:57:42
Genuine question bit did Pep play the same system at Bayern and Barcelona as he does now at City.

I’m quite excited to see what the new manager brings to the team next season as far as ideas, selection and formation to but I don’t think it will be a forgone conclusion that it will necessarily be the formation he used prior.

We have an extremely talented squad here who we know can play 433 or 4231 so would it be an unnecessary change that could hinder the squad or will it be a change that takes us to another level.

I suppose only time will tell.

09 Apr 2024 21:59:48
Very true Digger - Although I'd like to see Sepp back, him and Quansah could learn a trick or 2 from Virgil, I'd be happy with Virgil, Konate, Gomez, Quansah and Sepp, with the additional Left sided Cb, wether that will be Inacio remains to be seen.

09 Apr 2024 23:03:06
Maybe Amorim is playing 343 because of the players at his disposal at Sporting requiring him to do so to get the best out of the team.

Yes maybe it's his preference as well. But if he is a manager who knows only one formation, then I don't think such manager is good enough for big clubs.

What I'm saying is, seems he is the priority target now, so I think he's capable enough (in the club's eyes) to adapt.

09 Apr 2024 23:09:57
Btw, I don't know why I am having this impression that great managers don't bring in players they used to manage from the clubs they managed prior. I could be wrong on this though.

But often I noticed the managers people are hyping on, they usually brought in same players from their previous clubs, and usually these managers ended up aren't doing that well in their current clubs.

09 Apr 2024 23:38:49
Trying to second guess what a new manager might do is a bit odd - we haven’t appointed one yet and to be honest if you went back to last November very, very few people now offering their opinions on his skills and capabilities wouldn’t have been able to pick him out of a police line-up.

10 Apr 2024 00:24:02
West Derby. I say this respectfully because this has happened before with you and projecting your limited knowledge on European football onto others. Just because you don’t watch football outside of the Premier League doesn’t mean others don’t.

Now if you were to ask me about football in the Championship and below. Or even the French League, I personally wouldn’t have the foggiest. A number of posters in here would though. Same goes for any other leagues across Europe.

Also, last time I checked this was a football forum. And on football forums, people usually discuss who is widely reported as the new incoming manager. Not to mention their thoughts on the style of football they would bring, potential players coming in and potential players going out. I find it odd that you find that odd… 🤷‍♂️.

10 Apr 2024 01:46:06
Good post mate, keep them coming :) .

10 Apr 2024 03:34:47
@Alonso, sorry I seemed to have touched a nerve. I haven’t ever said that people don’t have a right to express their opinion, however non/ ill informed. As an aside, given everybody has the right to express their opinion surely that extends to me too?

Couple of questions - how do you know I don’t watch any football outside of the PL? It just so happens that on this particular point, your assumption upon which you based your opinion is factually incorrect.

Second question, how many Sporting games have you watched this year? And were they all on social media. I try not to read too much into a game if I’m watching it from 10,000 - 12,000 miles away as you don’t get the big picture (pun intended) .

Of course you can think and say what you like about Amorim, as you rightly say it’s a football forum and people can express their opinions. No problem with that at all, the problem for some comes when someone has a different opinion, apparently.

10 Apr 2024 06:51:26
Alonso
Maybe big Seb Coates will make a return.

10 Apr 2024 09:34:00
@Irish. Haha love it. He does score spectacular over head kicks though. Shame they are spaced out once every 8 years or so.

@West Derby. You would think you work for the tv licence company with the amount of times you question posters on what they watch. And the touched a nerve line is honestly played out mate. Anyways, loosen up and try not to get so uptight on posters “trying to second guess what a new manager might do”. Because you might see that a lot on a football forum 😂.

10 Apr 2024 10:24:47
Allison.

Konate. Vvd. Gomez

Taa. Macalister. Slob. Robertson.

Salah. Nunez. Diaz

Looks good to me 🤔.

10 Apr 2024 10:48:32
Great debate. Honestly, I have no idea about Amorim and his football philosophy. Also, no idea if he would want to implement a 343 here in the Premier League.

I would say that the squad we have is pretty versatile already and is playing a number of different systems in game.

I was a big fan of getting a left footed CB last summer but that was because I had foolishly lost a lot of confidence in Virgil after the horror season (for everyone) .

I do think we need a new CB but I'd be looking at Leny Yoro. In fact, if we could make only one signing this summer, Yoro would be it. He's the natural successor to Virgil in my opinion.

Sounds like PSG and Real are clear favourites for him though.

It might sound mad, and I think someone else mentioned it here. I could see Trent playing as a third CB - left or right. don't shoot me!

10 Apr 2024 10:51:50
Amorim could play using a 3421 (with the wing-backs providing the width) :

1st string:

Alisson
Konate VVD Inacio?
Bradley Macca Trent Robbo
Elliott Szoboszlai
Nunez

2nd string:

Kelleher
Gomez Quansah Chambers
Diaz Endo Grav Tsimikas
Jones Gakpo
Jota


Assuming we sell Salah. And will probably sign 1 or 2 more, which I haven't accounted for.

10 Apr 2024 12:58:09
Alison
Kounate vvd inacio
Trent macca bajetic robbo
Salah nunez wirtz

Or aside from my dreams 😂
Alisson
Kounate vvd gomez
Trent macca bajetic robbo
Salah nunez diaz
Either way look pretty good, hopefully can adapt quickly to the new manager, as much as I'll miss klopp, im still excited to see how it goes with amorim if he is to be the new manager.

10 Apr 2024 15:14:05
couple of very good teams there, great to see Baj Btrainin no sure on wirtz and Salah could be gone.

10 Apr 2024 16:19:38
Wirtz is a brilliant player kop that, we won't get him as he'd cost too much unfortunately.

10 Apr 2024 22:59:01
Wirtz is a brilliant player but yes he will cost too much plus I think that he will stay at his club another season for sure.

11 Apr 2024 00:15:43
@Alonso, genuine question, does Amorim have them set up as 3-4-3 because of the players he has in the squad or does he prefer that particular formation?

Given the squad at Liverpool do you think he will play 3-4-3 if he takes over and how do you think that will impact the squad’s perception of their worth to the club or do you think it might lead to an entirely new formation? I ask because I notice that you have been a staunch advocate for a good five or six weeks now.

11 Apr 2024 09:01:48
@West Derby. Good question mate. He does favour the 3-4-3 formation, and has been using it for a number of years now. Admittedly, I have only started watching games from the Portuguese league on a weekly basis since the start of this season. Specifically Benfica, Sporting and Porto. Same goes for the German league, which was helped by their games now being shown live on Sky. But what I do know is he has used it prior to this season with great success.

I have been adamant in that he will use it here, but we do have a talented squad so he could adapt. I could be wrong but if he does tweak his formation I don’t see the 4-3-3 formation being used. It’s a tough one, because he could go in a completely different direction with us due to a number of standout talented players in our squad.

Someone who I think could play a major role in the system he will use is Trent. He could easily go back to right wing back and then the 3-4-3 can be implemented, with a few additions. Or he might put him in midfield in the 3-4-3 formation. Or he might put him in midfield in a completely different formation. Mac Allister is probably the most suited to his current formation. So, he might build the team around him instead. If he is about to sign as reported, I’m sure he has the system in mind and what players he would like to bring in to implement it. Saying that, I would like to see Elliott play more games though as I really like the kid.

10 Apr 2024 22:44:46
Like JK says, did Pep play the same at Bayern as he has at City? No he has changed. I’d say Amorim will play horses for courses too as he’s a very bright talented manager, pragmatism is a good thing. Even Klopp changed his heavy metal football a bit to meet the demands of the league. If we’ve bagged Amorim then we’ve got the best we can get.

09 Apr 2024 16:52:56
Evening Reds,

Question for the Ed's.

When Klopp first joined, FSG were very intent on buying younger players for cheaper amounts and developing them with a long term view of a profitable model moving players on for much higher fees. In the later years this model stopped in favour of buying players for higher fees ready to integrate quicker in the search of success.

Do the Ed's think we will see them look to return in part to the former model of looking for younger players to develop, as opposed to paying out bigger fees for players to make immediate impacts with potentially no profitable future sale?

Thanks chaps.

{Ed001's Note - none of that is true. There was never any intent of selling on at a high price. That is just not true at all.}

09 Apr 2024 18:57:37
Fsg don’t get involved in transfers.

Well apart from when we bid 115 mill for Caciedo and then the people who said they don’t were praising them for bidding it.

09 Apr 2024 19:44:02
DK, that was never a thing and was already debunked years ago.

09 Apr 2024 20:07:10
I've never seen any evidence of that, and I can't think of a single player LFC signed young, developed, then sold for a huge fee. Apart from Coutinho and Sterling, but they both handed in requests to leave.

09 Apr 2024 20:52:50
yeah, FSG had a smart and pragmatic approach to building a team that got taken over by dumb people who turned it into something it wasn't.

10 Apr 2024 16:52:37
JK, there was never a serious offer for Caeicedo or thought that we would get him, it was a token gesture to please fans, hence only spending £45m after that.

10 Apr 2024 17:38:27
I think dirk is getting his wires crossed. There is a memory in my head of a statement ( don’t know if it was from club or anyone affiliated or just something from the media ) but it was along the lines of developing our own players and when time came to move them on they would still have a value in the market ( age and able to get a fee for them) . Maybe that’s where he getting mixed up?