Liverpool Banter 3

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.

09 Aug 2026 20:23:07
Been on this site for years. Don't post much, just read the rumours etc. appreciate the Ed's for running this etc.

There is some gremlins now trying to ruin this site and we are losing some top contributors. Carra, Macca in the past.

Please don't turn this into a twitter type nobhead zone as I've always enjoyed the opinions of most people on this site.

09 Aug 2026 20:32:51
I've been thinking the same...

Just gotta scroll past, I guess...

09 Aug 2026 20:50:35
Macca posted the other day, mate.

09 Aug 2026 21:04:14
Sigglebean. Didn't see it mate, but glad he did.

09 Aug 2026 20:41:40
What posts are ruining the site?

A few threads down you're asking about the Uruguayan and what's going on with Barcola?

That seems to be the common theme the last few days.

09 Aug 2026 21:30:34
Had to check this wasn't Grizz's alter account. But that was Spion Kop 1. Probably different.

To be honest, the site always has flare-ups. Usually when there's polar opposite view points and a somewhat 50-50 split. It can get heated. Some people get called 4 year olds when clearly they are at least 10 years old on a maturity scale. The water always passes under the bridge until the next dust up.

And there's always those who seek to get a rise wherever they can. There have been accounts for years doing that.

The site does seem busier now.

Lot more accounts, I think, which is great.

As for the ITKs, we await for a king to emerge. Some have had good info to date but perhaps not a consistent superstar yet. But they've been fun to listen to and I'm confident will grow a very solid reputation eventually and he will be "the guy". Give it time.

But I still have this site as my first go to always and I always enjoy reading the posts from the many great posters we have here and even the far out there takes I enjoy. Always interested to hear the different opinions out there.

09 Aug 2026 21:38:11
It was quite a moment when Macca posted Spion Kop. I think you can search his name and have a read through his responses and I'd imagine it will give you some faith back in the website.

09 Aug 2026 21:40:02
Very good post, Davey.

09 Aug 2026 21:47:56
Kinda with you, Davey, but I do think, in general, it is getting more annoying. I think the confirmation of our coterie of decent ITKs will help - Macca, Carra, Robbo, Ned and TheFields atm.

I posted above in reply to Metro that we always do get kids posting in the holidays, but the proliferation of supposed ITKs on Twitter and the like has made it worse.



Let's see what the future holds, as I definitely can't do without coming to this site several times a day, especially during the transfer windows!

Albeit I may visit less frequently after performances in the early part of the season as Iraola imposes his style and fitness.

09 Aug 2026 21:57:52
Don't go anywhere, Zed. You are one of my genuine faves to read here and I may need you here in the early part of the season more than ever as a voice of reason and for the banter.

09 Aug 2026 20:19:39
If Arsenal are entering the Barcola interactions then we are miles apart from getting him. It’s far from done!

09 Aug 2026 20:07:53
Reading some of the posts you really can’t blame Carra for being done.

09 Aug 2026 21:14:08
Carra said he was taking a break for personal reasons.

09 Aug 2026 21:32:41
Think the site is great and anyone posting any information is greatly appreciated.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions but don't make it personal. None of us really know what is going on and has been proven, things can change in an instant.
Keep posting everyone and Ed's keep doing the great job you do.

09 Aug 2026 19:01:23
SSN website says Arsenal could be looking move on Zumbimendi for circa £70m, now Guimeres has arrived, would he still be someone who could improve the midfield?

09 Aug 2026 19:18:20
If he isn't good enough for Arsenal, then I would think he isn't good enough for us. I think he is a good ball player but poor of the ball.

09 Aug 2026 19:22:58
No thanks. He was meant to come to us, left us hanging with no back up plan, before deciding to stay in Spain. Then Arsenal came in for him. He can stay there now and play a few minutes a game. He had his chance to be our mainstay for years.

09 Aug 2026 19:24:30
Nah. Not good enough.

09 Aug 2026 19:32:14
There was a time I really wanted him, but I think the Premier has been a bit too physical for him.

I do think he would fit our future style better than Arsenal, as he reads the game well behind a press, but not what I would go for now. We need a greater physical presence there now if we add a midfielder, imo.

09 Aug 2026 19:39:12
Nope, that ship has sailed.

09 Aug 2026 19:44:36
There aren't enough beautiful hills near Anfield for him, so he'll struggle.

09 Aug 2026 19:50:22
Ship sailed and sunk!

09 Aug 2026 20:17:14
Doesn't play for Liverpool, must be crap.

09 Aug 2026 20:36:12
It's not that, JK, Zubimendi is a decent player, but if you're going to spend £75m on a midfielder, you'd hope he would improve the team.

In my opinion, Zubimendi doesn't. He's a 6, and he's not as good as Grav in that position, so would be a waste of money.

Just play Grav on his best position and save yourself £75m. It's quite straightforward.

09 Aug 2026 20:51:12
Beckers, thanks for again educating me. Every day's a school day, and you, my friend, are a fountain of knowledge.

If only you hadn't given up two season tickets, we could have gotten to a game together. 🤥 🤥

09 Aug 2026 21:44:22
Nah, they can keep him. We will not be signing Arsenal's dross.

That's what they do with Chelsea's dross like Madueke, Kepa, David Luiz, Willian and I can keep going.

09 Aug 2026 23:36:32
The delusion on Gravenberch as a number 6 is off the scale. He's had maybe three or four good months in that position at best. He lacks the defensive nous, the natural discipline, doesn't track runners and pulls out of tackles, and he also lacks the passing and ability to control the game. We're weak in midfield and particularly at number 6.

10 Aug 2026 04:09:42
He spent an entire season as number 6 and was one of our best players there, Viktor. That's his best position and he should stay there. He needs someone next to him to play the "destroyer" role, however. But he's one of the best at receiving the ball from our defenders with his back towards goal and beating the press with a half turn.

10 Aug 2026 08:38:37
It's the only position I've ever looked at him and seen a top class player in anyway.

09 Aug 2026 18:54:43
I actually think the main problem is lack of fitness. Yes, we need 2 or 3 more bodies, defo. Few guys who are not good enough need to be sold too. But we started the 2nd half tired, and that was with all the first teamers still on. They literally couldn’t push the pace any more, they were out on their feet.

We need to remember just how under-coached these players were last season. Any bit of physicality was coached out of them. It will take a few months to get that intensity, fitness and tenacity up to where it needs to be and where AI wants it.

Bear in mind, in a couple of weeks, we could have Araujo, Gomez, Jacquet, Jones and Macca on that bench. (Leoni soon too). A few of them may leave and a few will come in to replace them, hopefully, but you get my point. Some may say that’s underwhelming but with 1 or 2 additions, and more fitness in the team, come the end of the month I think the squad will take shape nicely and the bench will have decent options.

09 Aug 2026 19:20:30
Great point.

09 Aug 2026 19:36:10
It's also possible that they are being worked incredibly hard in training, that they have little in the tank for these games. I doubt the run up is anything like what it will be like for a prem game. At least that's what I'm hoping.



Few players' first game out there today.

I'm sure it's not going to be plain sailing from the off in the Premier League, but I'm convinced we will click into Iraola's style soon enough and we'll be a tough nut when we do.

09 Aug 2026 19:40:41
Totally agree, the first 11 seem just about ok, but need more depth and I think it will be fine by the time the window closes. Hopefully, Barcola in this week to bed in and a couple of others to enhance the playing squad. AI will have a pretty good idea of what he needs/wants.

09 Aug 2026 19:41:37
Also, I imagine training sessions have been hard to get fit for the season, without proper rest.

They're all professional athletes, I'd expect the fitness to be there sooner rather than later.

09 Aug 2026 20:04:03
Apart from last season.

10 Aug 2026 01:35:43
2nd half was dross. Had pace and excitement on both wings but our midfield and defense was in shambles.

But we now have the assets to push opposition line deeper before they start camping on their side of the pitch. In which we will have to fine tune our bait and press, combinations, and lock picking skills.

Waiting impatiently for Barcola, but Koumas deserves a shout in the match day squad, as a starter on the right or replacing Isak. Wouldn't mind for Gakpo to stay and play a Nistlerooy style of striker, both are Dutch and he should be able to.



Pivots, we have Szobo, Grava, Nyoni and Macca. McConnell & Bajcetic to standby.

Still think we should offload:
Jones, Elliott, Endo, Tsimi and Chiesa.

Bring in Barcola, Mbaye and probably wait for the right DM profile to be available. VVD can play DM for all I care, seems he does have the quality to do so; composed, ball retention & mastery, height, leadership and distribution. Especially since he's lost his speed. A Rodri type controller. Can drop between our CBs (Jacquet/Leoni & Araujo) to form a back 3 when in possession.

09 Aug 2026 18:44:38
Having watched the full game today. The first 30 minutes were really positive, we had energy were pressing well as a team and created plenty of opportunities. If we had been more ruthless we could have been at least 4-0 up. Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo, Koumas and Szobo played some lovely stuff and pressed well.

Gravenberch was excellent in all aspects for the majority of the first half. Ndukwe was outstanding, looks a great prospect for us and honestly could do a job now if it weren't for the work permit issues. What I would say as well is for all the stick Gakpo gets, his work rate off the ball was there today he won possession high up a few times and did a lot more than just try to cut in and shoot like he was doing last season.

After the first 30 minutes we tired and Monaco grew into the game but never looked threatening really until Van Dijk gave away the penalty with a lazy challenge that didn't need to be made. Very similar to the pen he gave away against Brentford away last season.

But overall if the half time score had been 4-1 Monaco couldn't have complained.

The second half was the total opposite we never really got going and can't remember their keeper making many saves if any. Endo did his best and made some good challenges but was poor on the Monaco second goal. If I'm honest Ndukwe looked a lot stronger at the back for us. A lot of the players that came on second half didn't look anywhere near the quality from the first half. Nyoni when he came on started well and was definitely one of the better players for us in the second half. He was winning challenges, looked physically strong. His passing wasn't as good today as the previous games.

If I am honest Monaco's subs overall looked of better quality than the majority of ours. Marma made a couple of good saves, especially the first save he made before their second goal. However he looks far from comfortable with the ball this feet and that looks to be a big issue for him.

Can't read too much into pre season games as I remember Klopps first proper pre season we lamped Barcelona with Grujic looking really good and we know it didn't work out for him.

Overall it is more positive as the pressing and intensity is coming back and the football is better to watch. Given time I definitely feel Iraola can get more out of these players. Of the under 21 players Nyoni and Koumas look more than capable of having game time during the season and forming part of the first team squad.

Based off pre season and the minutes given today you would have to assume Chiesa and Elliott don't look likely to be on Iraola's plans.

09 Aug 2026 20:45:50
Agree, Llanelli.

09 Aug 2026 21:47:39
Thanks for the report, Llaneli. Didn't see the game. Just the highlights, so again, thanks for providing the perspective behind the highlights.

09 Aug 2026 18:17:55
Some of the fringe players did themselves no favours today. Wasn’t impressed with Dani Pacheco or Nabil El Zhar. Ngog made some decent runs off the ball but was terrible as soon as he got it as per usual. Can’t believe Milan Jovanovic is still here, looking thin up top. Get him sold and get Carlton Cole in before the end of the window.

09 Aug 2026 18:39:40
Chicken, we will be fine once we sign Konoplyanka mate.

09 Aug 2026 18:46:58
I thought Le Tallec had a good game.

09 Aug 2026 18:49:19
Joe Cole looked hungry to prove something, though, better be careful 1st game of season.

09 Aug 2026 19:06:09
Those step overs from Assaidi were mesmerising.

09 Aug 2026 19:07:16
Not sure Konoplyanka is what we need. Wouldn't mind that Alex Texiera though.

09 Aug 2026 19:10:36
Lambert looked slow, but he can finish. Not sure if he fits this system though.

09 Aug 2026 19:32:12
Been saying it for 15 years. Gaston Ramirez.

09 Aug 2026 19:38:48
I think Danny Wilson is the solution to our CB issues. He's got a really bright future.

09 Aug 2026 19:55:07
How did super fans know about such players before streaming?

Must have read up about them in The Beano.

09 Aug 2026 20:34:37
How have we sat there and watched Juan Mata go to Chelsea, then spent the same money on Stewart Downing. Get rid of Commoli for goodness sake.

09 Aug 2026 21:48:59
Chicken, don't tell me we're gonna have to go back in for The Welsh Xavi. Surely not.

09 Aug 2026 22:14:01
Think we're gonna have to, Oli, the gaffer doesn't seem to fancy Luis Alberto for some reason.

09 Aug 2026 17:53:21
Didn't catch the game but the result again will teach Iraola a lot more about his squad. Spearing mentioned pre-game about Koumas and his two loan spells helping him. To get in that first line-up, he must of impressed the boss. Same with Ndukwe, such a shame about his work permit.

09 Aug 2026 18:19:32
Yeah no review from me this time. I'm several drinks into a post-Sunday league session so alas, I did not watch.

Peace out. ✌️

09 Aug 2026 19:04:33
It was a Leeds repeat. First half was strong, less the penalty given away by VVD. Second half, we ran out of energy, and the subs broke up the game. Midfield still looks nonexistent defensively against a transition counter. Desperately need a first choice sitting DM, in my opinion.

All that said, it's pre-season, and AI said himself afterwards that the team clearly isn't fit enough, or to be more polite, AI said we don't have the energy for 90 mins yet, and he's right. Might be a tough start to the season!

09 Aug 2026 19:55:38
Not all super heroes wear capes, MK.