Liverpool Banter 3

05 Apr 2026 12:21:33
For discussion, who would people prefer to be our next manager next season?

Seems to be out of
Alonso.
Hoeness.
Ariola.

For me Hoeness.

Also, who would people prefer as captain next season? Tougher question for me as hard to decide with a lot of the old guard leaving.



Szoboszlai.
Robertson if there, but wouldn’t play as much.

Allison, never been a fan of a keeper being captain and has more injuries lately.

05 Apr 2026 12:46:07
Manager: Alonso (although his style won't be too dissimilar to Slots)
Captain: Ehhh VVD? Where's he going?

05 Apr 2026 12:53:46
Iraola.

05 Apr 2026 13:02:55
Alonso is the least experienced of the 3. I'll support him, but there's plenty better out there, I believe.

05 Apr 2026 13:37:29
Re Xabi - He is the only coach, bar Klopp with Dortmund, to break Bayern's dominance of the Bundesliga in the last 15 years, along with picking up multiple trophies.

He's worked under Rafa, Mourinho, Guardiola and Ancelotti.

Why are we saying he's inexperienced?

05 Apr 2026 13:38:06
Iraola for me. I think he's done wonders with Bournemouth after they sold half of their first team.
I'd stick with VVD until he leaves end of next season, and then I'd go for Dom.

05 Apr 2026 13:38:30
Slot doesn't have a style. So, I'm guessing Alonso doesn't either.

05 Apr 2026 13:40:01
I'm just done. I want the season to end.

In an ideal world, we sack Edwards, Hughes and Slot. Jurgen steps back in for another 15 years without Pep Lijnders, and we go back to Heavy metal Fist pumping all out War.

Second best scenario, they all leave, and we have an overhaul anyway.

And if not, then the FSG pitchforks will, and should, be back out.

It's got to the point now where nobody cares, and our best player this season is seemingly blaming the fans. They all can go for me. Every single one of them.

05 Apr 2026 14:04:20
Enrique.

05 Apr 2026 14:27:03
Alonso, hands down, his achievements are by far the most impressive. Hoeness is the clear 2nd choice. Iraola if needs be.

Dom for captain with the current squad, he's the only one out there playing like one, but I fear he doesn't have the fire we need.

A Souness/Keane type figure could take this team to the next level, trying to find one these days is no mean feat.

funky061, VVD clearly isn't up to the task.

Incredible Bulk, less than zero chance of getting Enrique mate.

05 Apr 2026 14:47:17
Manager = Iraola - the most similar to Klopp, in my opinion. His Bournemouth team press like Klopp's. They are one of the teams which do the most running in Europe since Klopp.

New player to be captain, someone with high standards in fitness and professionalism. If Newcastle are in the mood to sell, forget Gordon and go and get Bruno.

05 Apr 2026 15:01:58
In fantasy football world, what Liverpoolfc8 said,
Klopp for 15 years, with no Ljinders and all out heavy metal fist pumping war, couldn't have put it better myself.

05 Apr 2026 15:03:54
Alonso for me. Excelled at Bayer, held his head high at Madrid. Just feels like the right fit at Liverpool, and if his reputation for driving the RM players hard at training is correct, he could be the antidote to our current lethargy on the pitch.

05 Apr 2026 12:02:30
We all know the issues with the club and team. The topic has been done to death:

Slot. Hughes and Edwards. Lack of fitness. Players not being arsed, etc.

But one of my biggest concerns for next season is leadership within the squad.

Slot is currently my number one concern, but I believe he'll be gone next season. On the other hand, we have very few leaders and the players we're linked with aren't really that either.

In our current squad, I consider Robbo the best leader and captaincy option, but he's no longer a starter and there's every chance he goes at the end of the season.

VvD is not a leader and should not be our captain next season. He's like a teenager that throws his arms up and blames others for everything.

So who do you captain?

I know Szobo is the Hungary captain. Maybe he's the best option, but he's not quite the captain type in my opinion and I worry his head would get too big with the role.



Ali? Maybe. I'm not a big fan of goalkeeper captains but maybe. He seems like a fairly quiet guy though.

Beyond the captaincy, I'd love for us to get some more experienced players who are leaders even if they're not the captain. We often go young exciting prospects but I feel we're in desperate need for leaders!

I'd love someone like Anderson who, despite being young, has leadership qualities in my opinion, but he seems mostly linked with the Manchester clubs. Would also like a more experienced CB if Konate goes, not just another young guy.

Anyway, I think this is an important area I hope the new coach pays attention to. I pray we get CL so we can go for the top players next season!

05 Apr 2026 12:21:55
I share the exact same concerns. Dom is the obvious choice as he's the only one out there who's playing like a captain, but I do worry he's not aggressive enough, I don't see him lighting a fire under anyone out there at the moment, which is the kind of trait you want to see in a potential captain, whether he's wearing the armband or not.

He's the only real candidate right now, so I'm hoping he'll step up to the plate because Virg just isn't doing it, which is a shame, I really thought he'd do better in the role considering his experience.

05 Apr 2026 12:23:29
I'd get in a guy like Lacroix.

05 Apr 2026 12:32:01
There is nobody in the current starting XI with the cojones required to be captain. They all appear to be petulant pouting sulkers. Maybe Salah would have been a better choice than Virgil.

If it were solely based on passion and fight, then it is a 2-way shootout between Endo and Chiesa, as sadly Robbo appears to be off next season.



However, neither of these two are of the preferred age nor standard required.

05 Apr 2026 12:36:55
Ed1, do you see all three stooges being gone this summer? There were articles from both Joyce and Ornstein during the international break which insist that FSG is fully backing Slot, FSG sees him as the one to turn things around; Slot is their man, etc. Joyce also stated that Edwards might not renew his contract, and that Saudi clubs are interested in Hughes as DoF.

I consider Joyce to be quite reliable when it comes to Liverpool news, so it looks like Slot might stay while the other two could leave, which is worrying because I can't really think of any reasons to keep Slot for another season. Personally, I want all three to be gone this summer, but FSG might think that's too much change at once.

{Ed001's Note - I expect the crowd to turn, and all 3 to go because of it. I don't believe a word Joyce says. I would be stunned if Slot was in charge next season.}

05 Apr 2026 13:05:11
Joyce = firms man. He'll spout what he's told.

05 Apr 2026 13:38:28
Chewy, agree, mate. I think likely VvD or Dom get it next season. I'd rather Dom since VvD didn't clothe himself in glory.

SSSS, Lacroix is a really good shout. Has done very well in a struggling CP that lost Olise, Eze and Guehi in the last little while, plus extended periods of time with an injured Sarr and very out-of-form Mateta. Lacroix really stepped up in that squad after Guehi left and you can tell he's outspoken and a strong personality.



StEtienne, gotta feel for Endo. Was captain in his previous team, captain for Japan, too. Did a job for us under Klopp and always gave his best. Then Slot barely used him and he's now injured in a race to make the WC squad. Really sucks for the guy.

05 Apr 2026 13:38:57
If you don't sign players that like to tackle, you can't cry about not having leaders when the chips are down.

05 Apr 2026 13:41:46
We've seen our senior players over the years at times, Down Tools.

This is no different, and they all sacked the season off last year. There's only one fixture that matters, and it happens to be Next.

05 Apr 2026 14:52:12
Agree with StEtienne.

If there is a way we can get Bruno Guimares, he'd be my captain.

05 Apr 2026 16:57:45
FSG fully back Slot?

Really? Did they appoint him? Or did FSG appoint people to look after these footballing matters?

05 Apr 2026 17:19:50
JLC, although people are of course hired to deal with the formalities of appointments and whatnot, ultimately FSG have final say on such matters.

Edwards/Hughes are not acting as some ''commander-in-chief'' duo. They make recommendations to the board/owners. They don't call the shots on big decisions like this. They have freedom on day-to-day running matters but not major decisions like managerial appointments.

05 Apr 2026 11:57:18
Sad to watch the players capitulate when faced with adversity.

05 Apr 2026 12:12:52
Even sadder, knowing that it's because they're fed up playing for a fool who has no idea what he's doing, sadder again, knowing the board and the owners don't have the balls to make a call, the season could have been saved 4/5 months ago.

05 Apr 2026 12:47:04
It's the Slot way unfortunately.

05 Apr 2026 13:04:28
Agreed, you have to think why practically the whole team basically collapsed when they went a goal down. A season of horrible results, dire performances, has had its effect. Sad to see, but you have to ask if the same players would be significantly better under another coach? I believe you would see a definite improvement for sure.

05 Apr 2026 13:41:50
Not looking forward to PSG.

I think, even Rob Page from the Under 21s would've done a better job if given an interim role the last 2 months.

05 Apr 2026 11:29:14
Crucified on Saturday, risen on the Tuesday 🤔🤔 Happy Easter everyone.

05 Apr 2026 11:57:59
Delusional. PSG are going to batter us.

05 Apr 2026 12:07:25
Do you know, mate, I'd love it to happen, but I just can't see it.
Never been as downbeat going into a European Cup tie as this one.
Hope they can lift the performance, but we'll continue to be hindered by Slot until the end of the season.
Massive mistake not to let him go now.


There's still a possibility to qualify for next year's Champions League, but I fear we're going to end up 6th or 7th.
And when you consider how poorly the opposition for the 4/5th spot have been playing, we should have at least wrapped it up by now.

05 Apr 2026 12:08:27
Isn't the game on a Wed?

05 Apr 2026 12:25:53
The game is on Wednesday. I was there on Saturday. I think the crowd will boo if we get battered at Anfield on Tuesday week. It was definitely burbling under yesterday. And people left throughout the second half. We are allowed to vote with our feet, guys.

05 Apr 2026 12:48:55
FSG will act as soon as they lose some money.

05 Apr 2026 13:55:36
Does it matter when the game is if you don't watch games?

05 Apr 2026 14:59:37
Re:Kopcat007.

FSG have looked at the cheapest option. Out of competitions or sack Slot. Sacking Slot is the cheapest option. FSG will lose rather a lot of money if they are out of all competitions.

Therefore, I don't know why Slot has not gone already.

Rescuing the season should be a must for FSG. Yet, they have not done a thing? 🤔🤔🤔

I tell you what, FSG, it will cost yer!!

There are alternatives, short term, to save what is left of the season. FSG will be in trouble if they don't do anything. 100%.

05 Apr 2026 11:27:04
What to do?

Love the club and supported for nearly 40 years.

Can't stand our style of football under the current regime as it is not entertaining and even the players on the pitch seem bored of it.

Someone posted about getting a new hobby, maybe it's my time to!

05 Apr 2026 11:51:25
It's certainly the most boring football I've ever seen as a Liverpool fan.

I've seen worse teams, but never a more boring one, mate. I reckon it's the slowest too.

05 Apr 2026 12:07:22
This too shall pass, lads. We're in the storm at the moment, but hopefully the golden sky ain't too far away.

05 Apr 2026 12:40:05
Yesterday, I was in genuine shock and disbelief at how empty the stadium was. I actually muted the game for the last 10 minutes whilst looking at something on my phone, and just looking up every now and then to see was there any change as I waited for the post match. The idea of not watching games live anymore entered my mind for a split second, not that I ever would, I can't stand missing a game, but just the fact that it entered my mind at all goes to show you the effect Slotball is having.

Even in our darkest hours, I've never once thought like that. Through the 90's and 00's I relished being a bit of an underdog. It made the victories that much more sweet. No matter our form, no matter how lacklustre the squad was, no matter who we were up against, you always felt like we had enough drive, enough passion, that we could nearly will ourselves to victory. It feels like we've completely lost that.

Looking forward to a busy Summer. Here's to hoping FSG get the finger out.

05 Apr 2026 13:05:00
I'm not going out of my way to watch us these days, can't be bothered with it. Looking forward to next season as long as Slot is gone.

05 Apr 2026 13:29:51
Where's the entertainment gone.

05 Apr 2026 11:02:25
Slot leaves end of season. XA takes over if needed. Check your fridges.

05 Apr 2026 11:22:42
Checked mine, ham, cheese, couple of yogurts, no Alonso though.

05 Apr 2026 11:33:10
Brilliant, Mcgoveb. 👏 😂

05 Apr 2026 12:09:18
My fav. yoghurt is still going strong.

05 Apr 2026 11:14:25
{Ed's Note - LFC-S MANGO has posted a new article entitled, Slot Cannot Be the Only One Blamed

05 Apr 2026 11:44:10
Yet Slot is picking the exact same players every single game, so he seems to be quite happy with them giving the minimum.
Kerkez is the only regular that deserves a start.

05 Apr 2026 12:45:07
Mango you try playing for an incompetent fool who makes baffling decisions week in week out for 7 months and see what that does to your drive.

22 losses in the last 12 months, it's actually insane he's still in a job, I'm surprised the players aren't picketing up and down Anfield road.

05 Apr 2026 13:07:26
Managers/coaches have always paid the price when results have been bad, and for Liverpool standards ours have been pretty horrific.

05 Apr 2026 13:31:41
The players have to take some of the blame, but this all started towards the end of last season, when tactics were getting changed, so make up your own mind.

05 Apr 2026 13:31:03
Absolute nonsense. Stick to your day job. Slot is the problem.

05 Apr 2026 10:48:11
I think I need a new hobby.

Because these Liverpool games just ruin my weekends or weeks - I think the feeling of fans goes beyond wins or losses. It’s just I don’t think anyone can see the light or feels good about just the way they play.

I honestly don’t know what’s going on at LFC but “decisive actions” isn’t part of the way they work, it seems.

05 Apr 2026 11:21:05
Totally agree, mate. The watching of Liverpool is killing me. We've been spoilt with Klopp unfortunately.

05 Apr 2026 11:31:06
There is life after LFC. Go for walk, hug your kids, kick the dog.

05 Apr 2026 12:06:07
Please don't kick the dog.

05 Apr 2026 12:13:08
Kaiser, don't say that. You could get pelters by the "You must watching us regardless" brigade roaming this forum.

As if one's whole life should solely revolve around watching LFC games and nothing else. No hobbies. No leisure. Nothing.

05 Apr 2026 13:37:15
I won't be watching next year if Slot's still around. Not fussed about the rest of this season either.

05 Apr 2026 10:42:33
Morning Ed's and reds.
Ed001 have you got wish list for the successor to Richard Hughes? Who's out there that's attainable and be a good fit for us?

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure mate, sorry.}

05 Apr 2026 14:02:47
No problem ed001. Appreciate the reply

{Ed001's Note - thanks mate.}