Liverpool Banter 2

09 Aug 2026 21:49:08
Hello ed25 how are u keeping? Judging by some of your comments on here u don't seem overly optimistic of upcoming season.defensive minded managers like can get bit of bounce at start but it generally fizzles out i find.Have they bought any players?

{Ed025's Note - hi Digger, we have brought in a couple of decent signings in Hackney and Norgaard but we are not addressing the Elephant in the room mate, we have needed a right back for 4 years and a forward to replace the chuckle brothers but we are dithering, there is a possibility we may be doing a swap deal with Palace with us getting Brennan Johnson for Dwight McNeil, this has been described as " swapping a turd for a bucket of s***" and i cant argue with that, im not that bothered about winning things at this stage but i do want us to play decent football..but while Moyes is in charge i very much doubt that...bloody hell i sound like a Liverpool supporter.. :)

10 Aug 2026 08:35:35
Tell you what, Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson is an incredible swap deal though. Johnson is far from world class himself, but if he plays regularly he'll get you goals. Might even be worth sticking him up front, surely better than Beto and Barry.

{Ed025's Note - i would sooner have Boris Johnson than Brennan TCS..

10 Aug 2026 09:06:26
Norgaard is a good signing Ed.

{Ed025's Note - yeah happy with him MLG especially at the price mate..

10 Aug 2026 09:33:17
Feels like Everton had reason to be optimistic 6 years ago under Carlo Ancelotti. You were signing some good players back then, too, and were not far off European spots. What needs to change for you to get back to challenging for those spots?

{Ed025's Note - more money invested in the squad and get rid of the manager Taurus...easy mate..

10 Aug 2026 09:35:44
It's ok, Dad, I gotcha. ❤️

{Ed025's Note - thanks Barry.. :)

10 Aug 2026 09:39:48
It just goes to show us fans don't care about shiny new stadiums. We'd rather play in Stanley Park if it means winning.

The happiness and optimism around the new stadium lasted all of about 2 months.

{Ed025's Note - both stadiums are great RSO, but in the end we want to be competitive and entertained mate...is that too much to ask?..

10 Aug 2026 09:52:25
Hackney is a tidy player, he'll do well.

{Ed025's Note - im hopeful on him Ron but the step up from the Championship is huge mate, but i look forward to seeing how he does..

10 Aug 2026 09:54:54
That turd comment cracked me up.

10 Aug 2026 09:41:15
Which manager would you take Ed? Throw the money at someone like Nagelsman if you can convince him to come? Or someone up and coming like McKenna?

{Ed025's Note - myself Eddie Howe would do me Taurus..

10 Aug 2026 10:50:39
would Howe go Ed025 with how much he's been held back by the Transfers at Newcastle it felt like he couldn't make that next step due to losing all his players? I know he and his brother didn't help with it but wouldn't he just get the same thing at Everton?

{Ed025's Note - im going by how well he done when he first moved to Newcastle Kloppers, i like his style of play and him being an Evertonian helps, hes a realistic option and could he do any worse than Moyes?..i doubt it mate..

10 Aug 2026 11:08:30
"Ed025's Note - i would sooner have Boris Johnson than Brennan TCS."

I guess they're both Right Wingers, Billy.

{Ed025's Note - love it Zed..

10 Aug 2026 07:52:11
A few observations from yesterday’s friendly. I previously called for Gakpo to be replaced but after his World Cup performances and yesterday’s showing I think he should now stay. I think he might benefit from Ireola’s high press tactics and will provide cover as a centre forward if needed. He also had to deal with a tragic personal issue towards the end of last season. I fall on my sword on this one!
First the negatives - Mamardashvili inspires no confidence especially with his footwork. Elliot looks overweight and a shadow of his former self. Never been a fan of Chisea and don’t think he’s good enough as a back up striker for us. It hurts me to say it but Endo may have left his better days behind him though he is coming back from injury.

Jones did not play and neither should he. His head’s been turned and if he can’t commit to the club bye bye.
Positives - Ndukwe looks as the real deal, the club should bend over backwards to sort out a work permit for the lad. Nyoni and Koumas for me have shown enough to be included in the senior squad. I think Wirtz & Isak may be a big threat to opposition defences next season. Then apart from Slobs everyone else in the senior squad need to improve their fitness levels before what I perceive as a tough season ahead for the club.
I think we need three more signings before the season starts, a right back, defensive midfielder and a right winger (which Barcola isn’t).

10 Aug 2026 08:53:35
I think we need to keep Gakpo as we simply don't have adequate Isak cover.

10 Aug 2026 09:05:50
It's only pre season, so it's way too early to call, but Araola looks like a tradesman that currently doesn't have the correct tools to do his job.

Similar thing happened when Klopp came in, and it cost a substantial amount of money and time for him to get the tools (squad) he needed.



So far Araola has been backed with one permanent signing and a loan to transfer this squad. He's going to need far more substantial backing than that for this to work, otherwise it could be the right man at the wrong time.

10 Aug 2026 09:27:11
Been a summer of standing still so far imo. The man needs some better players or we will struggle to finish top 5. But I do think they will indeed get him some better players before Sept 1st.

10 Aug 2026 09:45:21
Fully agree, MoT.

10 Aug 2026 09:58:44
Definitely keep Gakpo (even if we get Barcola). The squad needs depth in all positions.

I honestly think we will improve drastically with a DM, or a deep-lying mid that can pass and snuff out danger with his positional awareness. That will take the pressure off the backline as it looks like we are set to commit a lot of players forward during attacks.



If we get the players Iraola wants, I can see us hitting our stride in cup competitions (inc CL) late on in the season, once everyone has absorbed the new playing philosophy and is fitter. I think something similar happened with PSG and Enrique.

10 Aug 2026 10:07:17
I don't want Jones to commit. I want a better player in his place. What's with this attitude that this squad is so great or established? Players like have had their chance. It's time to improve.

10 Aug 2026 09:45:20
But, JK, last season's squad was good enough. We would've walked the league if it wasn't for that pesky bald fraud. Everyone on here was saying so.

10 Aug 2026 10:11:53
Think that Gakpo will be left (unless sold) and Barcola on the right, backed up by Munoz and Rio.

10 Aug 2026 10:36:16
Rome, I'll be honest. Slot's set up last year was awful, but the players also downed tools and there is never ever any excuse for that.

Slot has gone now, so either the players will fall on their swords or they need to step up.

10 Aug 2026 10:47:43
We cannot sell Gakpo if we are not gonna bring in a backup cf to shoulder the load with Isak. That simply cannot happen.

@Man of Todd is absolutely right.

10 Aug 2026 11:05:56
Of the team that finished the game, only Kerkez will be a regular starter. Iraola has used the second halves of each friendly to give opportunities to the squad to stake a claim. Absolutely no game management involved, and the results tell us nothing about how the season will pan out.

The main priority now is getting (and keeping) Isak fit and firing, and he's looking sharper already. Great turn and finish in a tight space yesterday. Similar could be said for Wirtz, both going to be vital to any success this year.

Been impressed with Nyoni, he's improved his physicality massively (obviously as he reaches adulthood) and is a very tidy player with a decent passing range.

Could replace Jones for me.

I thought Endo did OK considering he's returning from a lengthy injury and being played at CB. Rio and Munoz are the only others I expect to get many minutes from the team that finished the game.

Been disappointed with Harvey and Fede, neither seem to be seizing the opportunity to impress the new manager.

Squad still needs some work, but I'm optimistic about the season ahead. No point otherwise.

Taking my 9 year old for his first Anfield experience against Como on Sunday. :)

10 Aug 2026 11:30:12
Agree, JK. I said all season that some (most) of the players had to take responsibility as well. The football was awful, which was down to Slot, but it wasn't just him.

As things stand, the squad we've got will struggle to get top 6. It's a massive few weeks for Richard Hughes.

10 Aug 2026 07:46:05
Not ITK at all, but wondered if Marc Casado was an option for us? He is also with Jorge Mendes now and with us already doing business with Barca and him being a DM etc.

Welcome thoughts from people who are ITK, haven't seen him enough to comment on whether he would be a good fit.

10 Aug 2026 07:53:54
I had seen that link, but could be off to Utd.

10 Aug 2026 01:10:02
Ali-Mama
Bradley-Frimpong
Araujo-Jaquet
Virg-Leoni
Kerkez-Tsimikas
Dom-Jones
Gravenberch-Endo
Wirtz-Macca
Munoz-Chiesa
Isak-Ekitike
Gakpo-Ngumoha

Woodman
Ramsay
Tor Ndaiye
Ndukwe
Chambers
McConnell
Nyoni
Elliot
Morrison
Wright
Koumas

Current fully fit squad depth imo.
Seems the following are looking closely to the exit door:-
Elliot
Jones

Possibly moved on if valuation met and replaced:-
Gakpo
Macca

Chambers and Ndukwe look likely to be loaned with the latter having to due to work permit issues.

10 Aug 2026 06:59:30
Shame about Ndukwe's work permit, he's been immense during the preseason matches.

10 Aug 2026 07:01:48
I think Nyoni and Koumas could be decent squad options this season.

10 Aug 2026 07:05:53
Out of your first 22, I think that Jones, Frimpong, Chiesa, Endo and Tsimikas need to be moved on and better replacements sought after.

In your next group, McConnell, Ramsey, Elliott and Koumas need to find new clubs.

And from the injured brigade, Gomez and Bajectic also need to find new clubs.

I think that's it. 🤣

10 Aug 2026 07:52:27
Unfortunately McConnell looks nowhere near the required level. Should be sold or loaned to a Championship club.

10 Aug 2026 07:56:21
Irish Rover,
Endo, Elliot, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Ramsay, Gomez are all out of contract next summer. Koumas has looked lively, so for me a squad option to replace Chiesa.

10 Aug 2026 08:57:21
That's a lot of players who'd be leaving at the end of their contracts, Keegans. A lot has been said about Hughes and Edwards' inability to bring in the players we need, but they have been equally poor at shifting out players who we don't as well.

10 Aug 2026 09:38:51
Drac, don't forget to include Virg and Alisson for out of contract next summer.

10 Aug 2026 10:14:31
I think Federico and Elliott should stay. They have potential not tapped into before. Endo, Jones have to be sold, but I totally disagree with the Frimpong statement. He has been pretty good for us and has the speed we have, if injury free could have a great season.

09 Aug 2026 23:35:23
A few questions regarding Ndukwe:

1. Is the decision about the work permit subject to appeal? If so, is the club looking to appeal and/or is the appeal worth it based on likelihood of success?

2. Have any destinations been identified as loan possibilities?

Thanks to those that have some insight!

10 Aug 2026 07:16:03
He's looked like a bright spark in the pre-season games, although that's not always the best indicator. Amazed that some kind of appeal process isn't in place for this kind of thing, but he may get more games elsewhere if we've definitely signed Araujo, so it could be a good thing in the long term.

10 Aug 2026 07:58:53
Not sure on clubs, but read online he has to go to tier 1-3 in Bundesliga, Ligue 1 or La Liga. Perhaps a lower-league Bundesliga club where he can start most games, a bit like Van Den Berg did.

10 Aug 2026 08:30:06
No real point in appealing if it's not going to be successful. I think there's a points based system, so the chances of winning an appeal are pretty well known. He definitely needs games. Bundesliga may suit him being Austrian. However, I prefer a better challenge like La Liga.

10 Aug 2026 09:41:11
I don't fully understand the points system (nor have brain space to delve more deeply!), but the way I understand it is that clubs have up to 4 ESC (Elite Significant Contribution) visas to use for players who don't otherwise qualify for a WP.

I believe how many ESC visas a club gets is based loosely on how many English Qualifying Player Minutes they have in the previous season, basically it rewards clubs who give more minutes to English players by offering more ESC slots.

We only have 1 ESC slot, and that has already been given to Ndiaye.



I read an article (albeit clickbait, but back up with some Googling) that Ndiaye got his ESC in Jan 26, so it should be available after 12m to transfer to Ndukwe, with Ndiaye possibly qualifying for a WP at that stage. Or Ndukwe may get enough minutes in another top 5 league in Europe to qualify for a WP himself in Jan.

So we may get him back in our squad in Jan 27, but we definitely won't have him at all available until Jan at the earliest.

09 Aug 2026 22:04:51
Well lads,
Keep the bright side out!
Great to have the Reds back at Anfield.
Iraola will transform this team - the energy is there few more players to play his style of football over the pitch & we will be right there! Just hope we get the bit of luck from here out with less injuries!
Ndukwe is a player - great spot by the scouting team.


Nyoni & Koumas - hope both stay as they have real quality.
Thanks again to the Ed's, the posters that make this site & esp those that share their insider knowledge; Macca, Carra, Robbo, VG, Thefields, Ned etc always appreciated!
YNWA

09 Aug 2026 23:43:47
We are definitely winning the league. Dark horses.

10 Aug 2026 03:16:08
Agreed on that, especially who we bring in to help.

10 Aug 2026 06:47:05
Not a chance we're winning the league. I like Iraola, but those buffoons in charge have shafted him.

10 Aug 2026 06:55:10
Refreshing to read.

10 Aug 2026 06:57:58
Window's not closed yet, Frode.

10 Aug 2026 07:04:19
I think it will be a good transition season for us, not one of those where there's lots of doom and gloom.

Then the following season, challenge for the title.

Looking forward to it!

10 Aug 2026 08:20:41
At the moment I'd jump at Champs Lge places, but hopefully they get him a few signings in before windows end, and we can have a crack at going for the title.

10 Aug 2026 09:16:54
Frode you are such a caricature of the modern day football fan.

Complain about everything and everyone, tell the world how rubbish we are, celebrate for a day when we win something and then go back to complaining.

I really don't know why you bother. Surely you can find something that actually makes you smile? Life's too short man.

09 Aug 2026 21:53:22
Good post Davey. Yes my account is years old.

Jk23. Just my opinion. Don’t see what I posted has anything to do with what I said in this post. Peace.

10 Aug 2026 07:11:31
Spion ??

09 Aug 2026 21:18:56
I used to really like this site, before taking an extended break for reasons to become clear.

Fellow LFC fans, Decent Eds, Some humour, some expectation and some opportunity to talk the good game

Now it's just got hyper critical and, let's be truthful, the hyper criticism is from folk, like me, that can't do a better job than our club management but, unlike me, many think they actually can, know more, and make absolutely foolish comments that I don't want to read!

It's gotten unbearable. I don't blame the Eds still, even though they release the trash, it basically means they have more posts of a seriously cr$p perspective than ones that have some worth in their read.

Before I take yet another break I wanted to have my rant. I hope many of the trash comments come from folk I am not going to see at the stadium of, still, my dreams.

YNWA

09 Aug 2026 21:40:21
I've been in sites for years as well, Metro, and while there seems to be an increase in accounts I'm not sure it's all that different in terms of posts.

I'm not exactly sure what's rubbed you the wrong way here, but there's always been overreaction posts to preseason friendlies and the like.

Maybe more now due to increased posters, but nothing too different from before in my mind.

Not sure why people want some sort of censorship to only have the same opinion posted all the time. That would be a barrel of laughs. Agreeing all the time.

09 Aug 2026 21:40:57
Metro, I'm with you. I've enjoyed this site, and most of the various posters since the joys (and agonies) of the 2013-14 season.

Not sure which posters are still here from then? I think there have been a few 'reincarnations' along the way (pretty sure Ron Keague is Ken Aguero and his famous pants!).

It's been getting gradually worse, with big steps (backwards) taken every school holidays. I won't stay away, as I do enjoy a lot of the banter, especially with the more established posters.



But the crap that comes with the kids acting like oracles regurgitating the rubbish from social media (without attribution) is very, very wearing.

The explosion of social in the last few years, and the access that so many kids have to it nowadays, means it's, unfortunately, only going to get worse.

Hey ho, we soldier on.

09 Aug 2026 21:48:36
I'm still here, Zed...

Don't really post so much now, mate.

Drogie.

09 Aug 2026 21:49:45
Davey, the main bit that 'grinds my gears' is unattributed supposed insight into transfers.

I know it shouldn't, but it just pees me off!

09 Aug 2026 21:54:25
Stadium of dreams sounds very Old Traffordish, Metro. Just saying.

09 Aug 2026 22:02:40
You're thinking of Theatre of Screams, Rome.

09 Aug 2026 22:08:18
That's the one, Zedd!

09 Aug 2026 22:08:54
I get that, Zed. There's definitely a lot of potential bluffers out there, but if we don't let them do their stuff, the real thing might be afraid to post. Gotta let it run its course, I say.

To be honest, unless Hughes is making decisions on the absolute fly (possible in my book 😊), the leaks are well and truly locked down.

I haven't got the foggiest who we are in for outside of Barcola. Nobody pegged Munoz or Araujo in advance. Well, at least not more than a day in advance.

09 Aug 2026 22:11:28
Still here and reading through it all, it's all much the same tbh. If you take things that seriously, then it's prob wise to throw your Spectrum ZX in the bin along with your dial up modem. Let's just enjoy the ride; life would be boring if we were all the same. If you don't like something, just scroll past it, simples.

09 Aug 2026 22:14:39
Zeddicus, just stick to believing a couple with proven track records, take all else with a pinch of salt, a la a rumours site.

09 Aug 2026 22:19:29
You're a good man, Zedd, and you know I love you.

09 Aug 2026 22:19:44
On here since bout 2010. There's always been over the top posts, the main difference I'd notice now is everyone's a coach. 😂 Too many u'9's coaches with their I-pads on the sidelines on a Saturday morning in their local park thinking they're the next Pep. 😂 Craic is great the odd time though.

09 Aug 2026 22:22:05
It was never rainbows and sunshine, it's always been the same, we're just older.

09 Aug 2026 22:35:37
I'm just here to find Harry nowadays, to be honest. It's my personal find Waldo. I don't have influence on the transfers, so I don't really care. But I do love the live chat, I'm not registered, because I don't want to participate, but it's the only way I can follow the games here from Brazil, since I don't have money to get a subscription to whomever shows them here.

09 Aug 2026 22:50:35
Good plan, Baker! How many Harry alts (since the original Harry Sousser) can you name?!

Distant Red, yeah, I do, but it's just annoying to have to scroll through so much dross! When I joined the site, I was bright eyed and bushy tailed, now I'm a grumpy old man!

LFC8, yeah, I do remember the wild west before you had to register your username to post!

09 Aug 2026 23:06:04
Zed, I gave up counting after he got out of his Game of Thrones phase, to be honest. I used to love Johnson6 posts. I don't remember if it was written like that. I hope he's well.

09 Aug 2026 21:56:33
I have been using this site for 15 years it does seem to be getting worse but I think there are definitely some trolls I try my best to skip past certain accounts and I love the info and opinions of the Ed's, quite a few of our posters and the ITKs are invaluable which is what keeps me coming back

09 Aug 2026 23:15:07
Still here and ain't going away again.

09 Aug 2026 23:28:19
Mr's Bond says I'm not Goldfinger but more "Cold Finger", especially during the winter periods?

My posts may be waffle, but my films like Liverpool Football Club are second to none.

I made you all wet, but my Martini is dry?

10 Aug 2026 00:25:28
Zed, I'm a grumpy old man too 😊 And I remember what it was like back in the good old days on here, but trolls come and go along, but not long till the schools are back, so it may relent and we can be a little less grumpy. Hopefully, the footie will cheer everyone up. That's my hope anyway.

10 Aug 2026 00:30:17
Well said Frazer.

Probably best just to steer clear during the summer months, MetroRed, mate, there's always an influx of Twitter tw**s during the transfer window.

10 Aug 2026 02:11:04
I still remember the Ozone & Waro vs all other posters war of the words. Those two were always up for a fight.

10 Aug 2026 05:32:16
I've been on this site since the Suarez and Andy Carroll January transfer window (or there abouts). I do think it's been getting worse on here, but I think that's just a reflection of how people support football clubs there days. Everyone wants their club to win every game of every season 5-0, and if any player happens to have a poor game they are "crap" and should be sold!

I think the peak days of supporting were when there was less information available on potential transfer targets.

I still remember getting so excited over us signing Luis Alberto because MK Scouser wrote a lovely little piece about how he was perfect for the way Rogers wanted to play. I hadn't ever heard of Lius Alberto but it was fun to think for a brief moment that he could be the man to bring us to the promised land. Bring back those wishful thinking days!

Red Sandman.

09 Aug 2026 23:58:47
Also, who is the longest registered active poster (posted in last 3 months) user of the site outside of Eds.

Ie. Who is the biggest legend here we should all bow down to?

10 Aug 2026 04:24:49
Personally, the only problem I've ever had with this site is my own inability to remember my passwords.

Anyone that posts an opinion should surely expect that there will be different views.

Anyone that posts a bit of info they have gathered should surely expect that there may be a few questions if it doesn't come to fruition. Especially if it's presented in a way that seems if it's a certainty.

Most of us welcome any rumour. It gives us all something to chew on. And most of us don't go looking for blood it it doesn't come to be.

I'm not sure where all the taking a break posts are coming from. Why would you post that your taking a break? What do people expect from the eds? It's a rumours and discussion site. Apart from obvious trolls and idiotic attacks what do people expect the eds to do?

I enjoy reading the opinions on this site. Do I agree with some. No. But even the ones i don't agree with can get me thinking if perhaps my own opinion may be wrong. The best example being opinions on potential signings. Sometimes it forces me to accept maybe I haven't seen enough of the player as some have.

I enjoy peoples opinions on tactics and style of play. It's a good thing to have your own view challenged.

If a post doesn't offer you anything just scroll on.
If you read this site multiple times on a daily basis it's a good thing that there is plenty to read in my view.

There is no way any site can be curated to be to everyone's taste. Roll with the punches.

We don't see the posts that don't get through and what the admins have to wade through. But in turn we have to accept the fairness in which they let posts through.

With things outside of football for example, sometimes it's a good thing for a negative or inappropiate view to make it to the page so that it can be discussed. Even on these topics I find it interesting to read what people post on the subject in reply.

This site is a community. It endures all. Those who are new, those who are old. Those who leave, those who return. It's heart will always be those who remain and it will always be so for as long as the eds keep the machine on.

10 Aug 2026 06:35:33
Honestly, don't even remember how long I've been here - back in the days where Harry was Harry Scousser, MK was known as Adam lol.

Some posters we never see any more either - Waro, Ozone, Kid Millions and Macca had his own tab.

Still love the craic, with the increase in social media, some responses are definitely strong, shall we say, and often too much criticism thrown at what is just an opinion that someone has shared.



If we all had the same opinions, life and football would be boring as hell lol.

10 Aug 2026 07:16:12
Personally, I think too many take it all too seriously. 🤷‍♂️ Log on, post, have a look, scroll past if you have to.
Currently, I'm sitting in my van waiting for my son to finish his breakfast 🙄, ready for another day's work. 💪
Like I said, it's not that serious, it's football, nothing else.

10 Aug 2026 08:10:54
Back in 1988, we had what feels like a strangely banal end to one of the most successful seasons in our history.

I use that to measure this need for constant validation and consistency in winning.

Some pompous ani are on here though.

10 Aug 2026 08:13:00
In this day and age it's easy to get offended if you're looking to be offended.

10 Aug 2026 08:23:21
With you, Irish and JK.

10 Aug 2026 05:50:24
I've been here in different guises (forgotten passwords etc) for bloody years! It has gotten a lot worse tbh and I mostly read only these days but still the best site for Liverpool chat. Ed25 makes it more bearable

{Ed025's Note - cheers mate..

09 Aug 2026 09:55:55
This thread has names bringing back good memories. You're all a good bunch to be fair. To me you guys are like the originals. Ed001 probably sees us as the tweeners of the site though as opposed to originals.

Trying to remember when I started on the site. Ed033 could probably tell me. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say 2012. Am I close Ed033? Also when did the site start. Am I anywhere close to consider myself an original site user?

{Ed033's Note - This site started in July 2010, but we didn't start using usernames until April 2013, so you may have been on before that. But you are an original site user.

09 Aug 2026 20:39:23
Genuine question before the fonts of all knowledge pile in, but how much of Slot's persona & footballing philosophy is still engrained in a lot of these players?
I’m not overly bothered with the pre season results but more want to see a more dynamic style and that will to win and never say die attitude back in the players' mentality, something that was missing all of last season and the laziness that crept into the club in the run in on our prem winning season which was definitely an attitude encouraged by Slot.
I’ve always hated the term “mentality monsters” as that should be something all the really top sides have in abundance but it was definitely lost last season and if Iraola can start getting that back into the players mindset then I’ll be encouraged.


Also IMO the effect of Slot wanting a small squad to chose & pick from is having a detrimental effect. Squad players not exposed to the rigours and demands of first team football are now nowhere near the quality we need and it's probably going to need this and perhaps another couple of windows for Iraola to get this team ticking?
Big plus for me today was the class finish by Isak. If he’s managed correctly and gets the service he’ll get a hatful this season.

09 Aug 2026 21:35:08
How much of Slot's persona & footballing philosophy is still engrained in a lot of these players?

Persona - 87 percent.
Footballing philosophy - 77 percent.
Lassitude - 98 percent.
Travel bug - 56.7 percent.

HTH.

09 Aug 2026 21:44:11
For me, it's not so much the mentality, it's more the physicality.

A lot of folks were away on international duty until very recently, so the fitness level will take time to achieve.

I said before the WC that I'm quite glad that we have a 'relatively' easy first few games (I mean, they're not easy, but they could be a lot worse), as I don't think we're going to see the all energy game for 100 mins that we would love to see until at least late Sept/Oct.



No doubt the boards will be toxic until then, but I'm sure things will start looking a lot prettier by Christmas.

Let's hope we are still in touch with the top.

09 Aug 2026 22:08:39
Fully agree, Zed. It's preseason with a new manager and new philosophy, even though the majority of the first 11 will be those who thrived in the same system under Klopp.

That being said, Iraola is not Klopp 2.0 system-wise, so we are gonna have to be patient with him and the team early on in the season.

The players are at varying levels of fitness, individually and collectively, due to the summer int'l commitments.

This was already baked in, so not sure why people are surprised that we are struggling in the second half of games. Based on the summer we just had, this was supposed to happen.

09 Aug 2026 22:16:41
The players are not up to speed yet, they're going to be working hard for the next 2 weeks. The fitness is lacking. It will get there.

Essentially, the first 30 mins is how the team want to play. Once you get physically fatigued, the mistakes kick in.
I'm not concerned, this is a difficult way to play and it requires hard work in training.

09 Aug 2026 22:16:42
Well said, Oli. Better to find out who is good enough for his system, who needs working on etc, and what positions need filled or improved upon. Although he could always look on here for some expert management tips. :-)

09 Aug 2026 22:27:00
What bothered me about the game today is we got ourselves into a comfortable winning position and 2 defensive errors let them back into the game.

That changes momentum and drains energy. It's exactly what we were doing last season and it's happened twice in preseason already.

It's only preseason, so it's hardly a disaster, but we need to get back to being able to close teams out of games when we are in front.

It felt like, all last season, no lead was enough because we always had a brain fart in us that would change the momentum and allow teams back in.

So far, nothing has changed.

09 Aug 2026 23:01:53
For that first half, it was like the good old Klopp days. We had press, pace and intensity - a million miles from the slow, boring and predictable Slot-ball served up last season.
The many substitutions in the second half predictably spoiled the rest of the game, but the manager needs to assess as many players as he can.

10 Aug 2026 00:19:50
It's going to take a little bit for the general mindset of the squad to change and for AI to implement his style.
Keep the faith though. This isn't disaster recovery like when Klopp joined. We have a very good side and a couple of signings (DM and RW IMO) from being a top drawer one. It'll come good.

10 Aug 2026 09:21:24
There are 3 big problems that are a hangover from the previous regime and they will take a bit of time to fix:

1. When we get into a decent position, the players get complacent. They take their foot off the gas and start to get lazy, making mistakes, making poor decisions, and ultimately letting the opponents back into the game.

2. We still cannot defend set pieces. I think a large part of the problem potentially stems from the previous point, and our players are just not being alert and ready when the game restarts.



3. Our fitness levels are embarrassing. The players couldn't play 90 mins of walking football last season. Now, with Iraola's philosophy, they are completely gassed by half time.

I fully expect all 3 to be sorted, but it won't happen overnight.

10 Aug 2026 10:19:52
Riosstepover, you said it yourself. This is preseason. These things are happening, and if you play well in the first 45-60 mins and start making 5 changes per clip, what do you expect? Free flowing football, dogged defending with chance and goals galore? Come on, man.

The cracks in the game are gonna show, esp. with guys trying to get back to fitness, esp. after a gruelling summer, coming back from injury or even coming back from a season where some player got no playing time, for the most part.



The good thing is that we know where the issues are and where we need to improve in terms of signings. Again, these are the issues preseason is supposed to reveal so you can fix them and do better. Not to keep some lead in a bid to win some crap preseason game, so people can feel good about themselves. Cheers, man.