Liverpool Banter 3

21 Sep 2026 22:43:42
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, My Thoughts on Liverpool's Start to the Season

22 Sep 2026 01:14:25
Getting the defence working was the priority for Iraola and he's done it brilliantly. The attack can wait. Look at Xabi Alonso, he appears to have done the opposite and Chelsea can't stop shipping goals. If you can keep a clean sheet you can win any game.

21 Sep 2026 18:10:41
Who agrees with the negative comments about Wirtz from Carra?
Seems to me that he makes a living out of slating us. He never stops.

Personally it's too early to judge him. I know he struggles at times but the whole team is currently adapting to this new high energy style after the crap Slot had them playing and I think he'll come good especially when Hugo Palindrome is back.

21 Sep 2026 18:36:09
I agreed with what Carragher said.

21 Sep 2026 18:41:47
I can't stand him, but the jury's out on Wirtz, he'll get the full season before I start passing judgement. I'll be more concerned with what he can do in the new year after everyone's had a little time to adopt Iraolas style, from what we saw at Bournemouth, we're still a long way off even being capable of implementing it effectively.

There's no doubt Wirtz is under a microscope thouh, with the cost and hype that surrounded him, he will have to start proving his worth at some stage. The best can go out there and do it (on a cold wet night in stoke) no matter who's around them, they can adapt and produce because they have confidence in their abilities and we're not seing that from Wirtz, he has a lot to do in order to prove it; if he doesn't produce the goods, the excuses will cease to wash.

21 Sep 2026 18:43:52
Me too Rome. simple fact is had he cost £35m then he would have been benched long ago. His confidence is shot to ribbons and to me he looks like a lad who just hasn't settled here in England at all. Even with his cheerleader pingpong he looks a little boy lost.

I take no pleasure in it, we all want LFC players to be brilliant but he's on borrowed time, I hope he finds a way as we look completely unbalanced with him starting and losing possession constantly 🤷‍♂️.

21 Sep 2026 18:45:27
I think what Carra said is harsh and I very much doubt Wirtz pays any attention to it and will be getting all his advice from Ai.

However I do disagree that it's too early to judge. He's been with the club now for 14 months and 8 of those months he played with Ekitike.

I'm still confident Wirtz will hit the heights. But I wouldn't bet a substantial amount of money on it.

21 Sep 2026 18:56:05
I'm desperate for him to come good, JK, but if I were a betting man, I'd wager he'll be gone next summer.

21 Sep 2026 18:58:36
He needs dropping for a bit. Can't pass. The ball is bouncing off him. He's ruining the team in all honesty

Pull him out of the fire, and use him as a sub for a bit.

21 Sep 2026 19:14:44
A solid CM to protect the defence, give some stability and let the midfield play and go forward with confidence is a must in January. That would help Wirtz play with more freedom.

21 Sep 2026 19:19:56
On Wirtz in happy to get my drum out and bang it again

He can't do what he's best at whilst we continue to pair two behind him that aren't defensively minded

I'm not 100% sure but didn't Xhaka and Andrich play centre mid and alllowed Wirtz to focus more on attacking contributions.

21 Sep 2026 19:24:42
Aye, don't mention Wirtz but it's ok to keep slagging off Slot.

21 Sep 2026 19:26:34
I hope you're right, HH, but to me it's excuse after excuse. Last season it was all down to Slot. To me, top players step up to the plate regardless of who's around them. Wirtz, up till now, hasn't come anywhere near to doing that. Personally, I'd bench him for City, but I doubt if that will happen.

21 Sep 2026 19:42:29
What about Szoboslai and how unsuited he is to playing in central midfield? He had given the ball away 81 times this season, can't tackle, can't track his man.

21 Sep 2026 19:20:25
I don't think any meaningful analysis of Iraola's team can be done until perhaps Easter time. The biggest issue with the club at the moment is the amount of bellyaching coming from Carragher, it's truly cringeworthy, I get it that he's doing if for self promotion and clicks, but he's moving further and further away from being a Liverpool supporter.

Fact is, the results really don't matter, the performances are going to be patchy, new players need to connect with their teammates and the fans need to learn what the bosses master plan is. All this takes a long time, much more than 7 games.

We need to chill out and enjoy the journey, remember Jurgen's first group of games were pretty mixed.

Fans need to be just that fans, if players are struggling, give them your support, that's what makes you fans. YNWA.

21 Sep 2026 20:00:26
White Duke, results do matter. If we don't get European football, next season, we are in a spot of bother.

Do you honestly think the biggest issue with the club is Carragher? Really? He's just an ex-player having his say. On this particular issue I happen to agree with him. Or, I like to think he agrees with me, except I don't have his platform.

Regards to giving support, I will continue to vent on here, like I've always done. Inside the ground every player gets my backing, intermingled with the odd moan and groan.

21 Sep 2026 19:57:06
I seems to me that Carragher is desperately trying to not be like Neville, who is generally totally delusional when it comes to Manchester United, but in doing so Carragher goes too far the other way and can be too reactionary and critical when it comes to Liverpool.

21 Sep 2026 20:02:00
I don't think I could ever agree with anything Carragher says. The guy is a crass, clueless, idiot. Why anyone would accept critique from such a person is beyond me.

Wirtz hasn't been what we wanted him to be so far but he is young and has time. I'm just hoping that whatever ridiculous criticisms Carragher wants to throw at him will only spur him on and he can one day ram them down his throat.

Carragher is literally everything that is wrong with the English football media. Sensationalist nonsense coming from a guy who doesn't have 2 brain cells to rub together.

21 Sep 2026 20:18:02
Im a big Wirtz cheerleader and have defended him so far. However he was really poor in the first half on Sunday. 'Ruining the team' is ridiculously harsh though. he's been better than some this season and was v good against Athletico. The pressure is really on him now and at the moment it looks like its crushing him rather than firing him up. I really hope he gets over this and starts showing what he's capable of because if he does he will make our attack frightening.

While I agree that playing in a team where if you lose the ball you instantly give a scoring chance to the opposition adds pressure and certainly isn't the best environment for a number 10 taking on a man or playing a tricky pass nor is having a lack of movement ahead of him that is not the reason that he couldn't control a rolled pass or find a team mate on sunday.

21 Sep 2026 22:13:01
He's at least putting in a lot of effort. So you can't drop him. If those around him put that much effort in then he would be racking up the assists.

21 Sep 2026 22:22:25
Rio, you're using Carragher to deflect away from how poor Wirtz has been. Like I've said, on this particular issue I agree with Carragher. I'm off to count my brain cells.

21 Sep 2026 22:32:09
Thin white, you told everyone to be fans and chill out and enjoy the journey then 22 minutes later you're giving it to Szob 🤣.

21 Sep 2026 22:39:50
I've no idea what he said because I don't listen to him.

21 Sep 2026 23:15:38
Firstly on Carra - do people really think he just says things for a reaction? I think there is an element to that, but generally a bit like with Roy, their personality are the type to have strong views and speak their mind. I've never got the sense from carra that what he's isn't something that he actually thinks.

On Wirtz - The bit I agree 100% is that what we are seeing is what Wirtz is. He is a nice player, lovely touches, clearly a world class talent. But the aspect of his personality and play style that he hasn't shown over 50+ games for the club is that real tenacity and street fighter mentality on the pitch. He plays like how he comes across in interviews and socials - timid, shy, polite, friendly.

So when Carra says that what we're seeing is what Wirtz is, I tend to agree with that.

In saying all that, it is true as well that all players (and humans) follow different development paths. So for Wirtz, if he doesn't find that inner Luis Suarez and add some bite to his game (pun fully intended), it may be that as his body strengthens and thickens into his mid-20s, that added natural physicality gives him confidence when he enters the pitch.

It might be that we see the best of Wirtz as he enters his mid-20s. Now for me, that would be ok, but I understand there is the pressure of expectations and patience is slim in football.

So that is a lot on Wirtz. How can we help him now?
We've taken some steps towards helping him by adding speed to the wings.

Triangle formation in midfield in theory should help him

Key to getting this right is how the 2 CMs play behind him and free him up to create.

Clearly the 2 CMs base is evolving and taking time to get better. But it will get better via time and recruitment

Wirtz needs to thicken up. I was a bit disappointed to see he came back looking as slender as he did last season. The boys needs thicker shoulders and it's fully doable without compromising his style of play. Hopefully the trainers are working on this with him.

Still hopeful for Wirtz because I can see his game IQ and creativity is of a high level. But the rest of his game (mentioned above) is compromising that. We are typically a very patient club and I hope we keep plugging away and look at the lifetime of his contract not just a season or two.

{Ed666's Note - Fabulous read that was mate. But I have to disagree I don’t think Wirtz needs to be a bully or a bruiser I just think the players around him need to make some runs and show movement. With regards to Carra I don’t think he says things for a reaction I think he believes what he says. I truly don’t believe Sky feeds him stuff to say.

22 Sep 2026 00:57:36
Carra has shown himself to be somewhat strongly opinionated on several points. I think he is naturally more critical of Liverpool because, like it or not, he knows the club and does want it to do well, and has a platform to vent, just like we do on here.
I don't hold him in high regard for working at Sky, but I also don't hate him like some do on here because I can't find anything to hate him for (save the spitting, embarrassing) that's objective.

He has his opinions and he's paid to talk about them. On this one particular topic, I agree with him, but I also would start Wirtz against City. If there is the player in their that we all hope their is, he's not going to show it unless he plays. If nothing changes by X-Mas though, yeah I'd drop him. Reminds me a lot of Ozil at Arsenal. Clearly talented, but perhaps not the best fit.

22 Sep 2026 01:25:16
Carra said Palmer reminded him of Gerrard and even called him the best player in the league during a season when Salah was putting up one of the best attacking seasons in Premier League history.

And yet, I don't remember him ever going after Palmer when Palmer was playing like trash. He does this all the time. Every season, he somehow manages to find a Liverpool player to throw under the bus and criticise nonstop. He did it with Salah, then Gakpo, and now he's found his next target.

And I can guarantee he'll do the same thing next season. Give him one Liverpool player to blame every season and he'll happily do the rest. The guy is a scam.

22 Sep 2026 05:40:02
The team being the 'finished item ' will never happen - any team you could care to mention can be improved. There seems to be four basic ways to improve a team:

1. Buy the best players you can to improve the quality of the squad
2. Hire a coach who can turn average players into good players and good players into the best in their positions in the game
3. Implement a style of play that works for the profile of the players at the clubs disposal
4 Apply one or more (ideally all 3) of the above.

So far I'd say there is clear evidence of the first two - albeit early days. The third one is also being worked on but is lagging behind a little and that is to be expected in light of the disarray we were in after the previous season and a half. What I will say is that AI's chosen style of play and personnel suggests he has faith in Wirtz. In my opinion I'm really pleased that he is doing so.

Wirtz has proved his class in Germany and for the national team. He hasn't shown what he can do for us but if you include Wirtz In steps 2 and 3 and give AI time to set up 4, there will be a lot of forum members who will be pleasantly surprised.

There are precedents - Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva as examples of players who weren't well received at the start of their Liverpool careers but they turned out to be ok. My money is on AI to turn us into PL and CL winners with Wirtz instrumental in the successes.

{Ed666's Note - I would just show Wirtz a reel of Carragher Lambasting him 20 mins bedore the city game..let him stew on that for a few moments and then let him cook. Redemption and revenge is part of the human psyche. I’m available for one to one psychiatry sessions if any one needs them please form a orderly line and I’ll get to you when I get to you 😀

22 Sep 2026 05:36:52
I swear all these people who say he's too nice and quiet and not physical enough never watched David Silva play. He too was small, weak, nice, polite and relied on guile and finesse istead of being a physical bully.

Same people would have been telling Barca to sell Messi at 20 because he's too short, too easy to bully and his hair was too long so he's clearly to feminine.

22 Sep 2026 10:38:24
From what little I've heard, my conclusion is that Carragher thinks Wirtz should be dropped and Neville called United "absolutely pathetic" on Sunday.
Neville was, and very often is, more scathing about United.

I don't mind either of them. They are doing a job and I do listen to them but it doesn't bother me if they say something that I disagree with.
I enjoy chatting about football so I don't tend to get angry even if they do.

22 Sep 2026 11:27:11
Nevada - I never said Barca should sell Messi at 20 because he was too short. So that blows your "same people" argument out of the water. D. Silva was small but he played tough, he was busy, crafty and careful with the ball. The only comparison I can afford Wirtz there is that he is also small.

Triple6 - I guess I wouldn't go so far as to say he needs to be a bully haha. In terms of his development and adjustment to the league, there needs to be a physical edge to his game. People don't need to be huge or bullies to do that, but if you don't have that kind of mentality then I think having your body up to the physical demands will help you mentally going into the battle.

I lived and was playing rugby in Hawai'i in 2008. One of the guys on my team was an absolute physical tank. 6"3, probably 120kg. He was using rugby and his training to prepare for the military. But, mentally he just have that kind of mindset to go out there and smash people. But being that size, helped him to feel confident on the pitch going into the contact. He also told me he was taking up wrestling just to help his confidence in the tackle.

I use that as another type of example of how I think about Wirtz. Personality-wise, playing style-wise, he hasn't shown that edge about him. But we know that he needs it to excel in the PL. So in terms of his body, what could help him is simply being stronger as it may give him the feeling of physical confidence when he is on the pitch. I think it would go along way to helping his adjustment to the league.

And yes, totally agree about the set-up around him. It can't be helpful having the other CMs also adjusting to their new system too.

21 Sep 2026 13:53:10
Hi Ed 01,
I've been reading, with interest, about Tony Bloom's
Starlizard/Jamestown Analytics and Matthew Behham's Smartodds and how these data algorithms have worked in predictive performance to optimise transfers (and even coaching recruitment, pre-match simulations and in-game predictions) - by treating player identification as a betting market Brighton and Brentford (and Hearts, Como, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Midtjyllan) seem to have weaponised data into a competitive advantage and its worked.
I'm guessing that the next decade will see much more of this - reconciling numbers with human variables such as the blending of psychological and cultural scouting (as data can't predict homesicknesses or things like this).

I do wonder what the game will lose, as some of the spectacle, some of the maverick players, seem to have already been lost with teams playing for free-kicks, throw ins and corners as open play is unpredictable, so the dead-ball becomes a space where a pre-programmed sequence can be executed but I fear this is a slippery slope towards turning a fluid passionate game into a drab American football style of rehearsed routines and advertising/hydration breaks. Just wondering what your thoughts are on where this technology and American influence is leading?

{Ed001's Note - I think you are spot on they will look to set pieces rather than open play, though they will also utilise the high press as a weapon. It does mean players playing a system, rather than any kind of individual flair, as that is difficult to measure through stats. It has been getting more and more robotic by the season, I just hope that someone will decide to go the opposite way and bring individual flair back as a counter to this.}

21 Sep 2026 17:45:10
Ahh! The demise of football as we know it, or want it? A full season of watching Arsenal (last year) type football.
90 minutes of possession based, with the centre backs spending most of the game knocking it either to the full backs, or keeper, passing accuracy will be through the roof!
90 minutes on insipid football in the hope something can be made of a corner or free kick.

21 Sep 2026 18:03:21
Excellent post mate, I was thinking about this the other day off the back of Tris and Seamus (spelling? ) discussing it in the podcast. Very interesting to think about, especially as there has been a very pronounced shift on set piece importance in the past few seasons.

Was this another example of forwarding thinking Klopp? I remember us being laughed at for hiring a throw in coach before winning the league in the 2019/20 season.

Whether or not it's good for the game is another question entirely. I do think in most cases like this were unlikely to see either extreme, but probably something in the middle that no one is entirely happy with.

21 Sep 2026 18:01:28
What's the article mate? Would be interested in reading that.

21 Sep 2026 18:28:23
Its not an article as such - was talking to a Brighton mate/fan after they beat Arsenal, about their player recruitment and he told me about Bloom's background as a trader, maths wiz and professional gambler/poker player, known as the Lizard and his Starlizard and its offshoot jamestown Analytics. I knew nothing about Bloom and he sounded interesting so I spent an evening trawling the internet.

Mate told me that when Potter and others left for Chelsea they thought Brighton would slide down the table but the opposite happened which for him is evidence the data is driving the club's success, as the data is a closely guarded secret, that didn't leave with Potter.

21 Sep 2026 22:28:38
There will never be a better Scout than the Human Eye.

It's most obvious why Brighton has improved, and Spurs are at the bottom of the Premier League? and some posters wanted him as our manager this year?

YNWA Andoni.

21 Sep 2026 23:18:53
I think it's also helpful that there is way more money in the Premier League than any other league in the world. Mid-lower table clubs in PL can comfortably outspend their equivalents from around the world and in many cases are able to outspend CL clubs from other leagues.

22 Sep 2026 05:42:49
Tô an extent barakdee you're right on some things.

My job for the last 9 years has been to take individual sessions with players in bundesliga, serie A and now Brazil's Premier League and correct their focus and mentality on key areas of their game which they're struggling with psychologically.

For example, if I'd worked for LFC i'd likely have been the guy working to correct Darwin's insane ability to fluff his lines the more time he's given to shoot. That's the type of thing I get hired to fix.

But for the last 5 years or so I have also been utilised many times by scouts, managers and sporting directors to identify if players are unlikely to settle, what things you can do to help them settle, and make transfers more of a sure thing.

UK Premier League is a little behind in this aspect and France and Germany are the leaders when it comes to utilisiing psychologists to help identify transfers which will stick.

{Ed666's Note - Im available for hire Nevada if you ever need a Number 2 😁….the way I would have made Darwin a goal scoring machine is telling him the opposing goalkeeper sent dikc pics to your Mrs…again im available for hire please form and orderly line I’ll get to you when I get to you..

22 Sep 2026 08:29:43
Reminds me of the time I used to tell girls I was a dolphin trainer.

21 Sep 2026 15:48:01
{Ed's Note - sgynwa has posted a new article entitled, My Assessment of Liverpool's Squad Right Now

21 Sep 2026 16:28:20
Nice write though I don't agree that Rio has the 'speed' he has quick feet but is pretty slow and no threat in behind. Like you I don't see a top class player there, he has potential but I think he needs to improve his defensive game and decision making. Too often he just needlessly turns into trouble.

21 Sep 2026 18:44:08
Only thing missing from your piece is Koumas, he'll get his fair share of minutes this season I feel.

21 Sep 2026 21:58:41
Todd, I think Rio has enough acceleration that if he knows how to run in behind well, is enough to cause problems. But he keeps coming to the ball only, and his overall acceleration and pace isn't quite enough to overcome a well positioned defender, hence, it has nullified his own attribute,

lofty, I realised that after I submitted the post! I really like his overall game - hard work, presses well, makes runs, can dribble, can pass. He isn't quite prolific yet at this level but not many people are at this age. I hope he can rise to the level required, in a way, he'd be our Julian Alvarez maybe?

21 Sep 2026 14:16:08
For a team that has 4 left wingers and 0 Right wingers, no proper right back and no number 6 we are doing ok. The recruitment has been poor and when you bring in a new manager with a particular style of play you have to review the players you want. I think AI is doing all he can under the circumstances and has probably over achieved. We have too many square pegs in round holes and that won't win us trophies.

Barcola was obviously brought into replace Gapko, yet Gapko was then kept and actually is doing an OK job on the right wing but it's unlikely he will be effective and make this position his own. I just hope when the new guys come in they work with AI to find players that work in his system and if we scrape into the top 4 this season I think we can say that's successful.

21 Sep 2026 15:18:33
I disagree. Iraola has a very good squad at his disposal, the left winger vs right winger debate is a total red herring. Any winger worth his salt can play on either wing. They are a winger because they are fast and skilful it really doesn't matter which wing they play from.

The jury is still out on Iraola I'd say he's about a 6 out of 10 so far. If the players can't work to your system then change the system not the players. It's down to him to coach the players and find a system that works.

That being said I do think that after the first 2 games he's worked on pushing the defence up and has got them defending more aggressively. Virgil isn't running away from the play anymore and the entire back four is getting tight and either nicking the ball or fouling rather than dropping off and allowing players to turn and run at them.

Thats a big change that needed to happen. It's meant that Macca looks much better as the defence is much closer to the midfield meaning he doesn't have to cover so much ground to get tackles in.

We even played the offside trap against Bournemouth which was impossible last season as Virgil was always 5 yards deeper than anyone else.

Where Iraola is failing is the top end of the pitch. He's not got them working as a unit and they all seem to be lacking confidence on the ball.

I'm hoping this is because he's working so hard on the off the ball stuff to give us a platform to work from. When we have the team structure right he'll hopefully start to work on patterns of play and connections with the ball because at the moment they seem like strangers at times.

21 Sep 2026 16:12:39
That's a good post, that, Rio.

21 Sep 2026 16:20:46
I wouldn't say Iraola is failing Riostepover the attack. I think you can't fix everything all in one go. We do seem to have a pretty solid back line now, so we have a strong foundation to build from.
I hope we can stay in the mix and hopefully add a cm in the winter to just help kick us on another level.

21 Sep 2026 17:02:04
Genuine question.

What wingers in world football are equally as good on either wing?

21 Sep 2026 17:59:52
Semenyo looks great on either side.

21 Sep 2026 18:12:03
Good shout, Taurus.

21 Sep 2026 18:19:22
Yeah Taurus that is a good shout. He's pretty well balanced both sides for appearances, goals and assists on both wings.

21 Sep 2026 18:25:58
I agree with rio as regards wingers, could never understand the noise that we have no right winger. A winger will have a preferred side, like any player has a preferred position, but most should be able to play either side to a high standard standard. Mane played right + left + up top, mcmanaman played right+left+ no.10.

As Taurus says semenyo plays either side comfortably. Could name several more.
Gakpo as proved Sunday with great dribble down the right for goal can play there, munoz, rio + barcola should all be able to play on right comfortably.

21 Sep 2026 18:40:45
So after one dribble Gakpo proved he is just as good right winger as he is a 104 goal and 69 assists in his career left winger.

However Mane is another great shout.

So with estimated 4 thousand professional clubs in world football and over the years let's say 40 thousand left & right wingers we've currently identified 2 worth their salt.

21 Sep 2026 19:31:31
Milner.
Forget one wing or the other, any position and you get a performance.
Honestly never been so underwhelmed by a signing to then being properly gutted when that signing left.

21 Sep 2026 21:16:15
Jacquet has helped the evolution with the defence. Compare Konate to Jacquet - like chalk and cheese.
Jacquet has the recovery pace and reads the game well, this means VVD is not having to cover all the time by dropping back.

21 Sep 2026 22:27:37
JK I'm not sure if believe what you are saying or are just being sarcastic.

The reason a winger will be more comfortable on one side is because they are always played there. For example, if a left footed winger plays for a manager who wants his wingers to cut in and score he will most likely play him from the right so he can cut in on his left foot and shoot. Therefore people will say he's a right winger because he always plays there.

Then the same player plays for a manager who wants him to hug the touchline and get crosses in for the main striker to score. He would then be more effective as a left winger so he can get to the byline and cross the ball without cutting back onto his left foot. The transition might be a bit difficult to start with as he's so used to cutting in onto his left but if he's always played there he will adapt pretty quickly.

The main things that make him a good winger are pace and trickery to beat the fullback. Whether he's cutting in and shooting or going on the outside and crossing depends on what the manager wants.

This will all be played out and improved in training. If his job is to cut in and shoot he'll be practicing his shooting, if the idea is to go on the outside and cross he'll practice his crossing.

21 Sep 2026 22:28:12
We have Gakpo and Vic who can play on the right comfortably for starters so the OP's argument that "we have no right wingers" is flawed analysis from the off.

And no @Rios, I do not think for a second that raola is failing at anything let alone the attack. That is a bonkers reading of things after just 7 games in all comps.

Now if it was a case where our strikers are getting all the chances and are just firing blanks then, that would be fair.

That is literally not the case and is still a work in progress attack wise (esp. in midfield) and so is the whole team in all phases.

22 Sep 2026 06:33:33
Rio no mate it was a genuine question hence why I started my comment by clarifying with 'Genuine question'

Despite you replying a lot you still didn't answer the actual question I asked so I'm not sure if you believe what you're saying.

21 Sep 2026 13:17:00
Just seen this on sky sports "Man United ran 110.2km on Sunday - the second-lowest total of the Premier League weekend, behind Liverpool's 108.4km figure at Bournemouth.".

21 Sep 2026 13:57:23
Irrelevant in my opinion, Iraola knew we couldn't just outrun Bournemouth; I don't believe that was ever part of the plan.

21 Sep 2026 14:29:31
And in doing so confirmed that simply running further than your opposition doesn't mean you will win a game.

21 Sep 2026 14:52:05
Agree with chewy, the players have lost a lot of condition and then gone in to a World Cup. They will be training hard but the condition will take a time to improve. Bournemouth are Iraola's old team, they will be well conditioned.

21 Sep 2026 15:02:35
Could we sign Josh Kerr? He did complain recently on lack of money in athletics, so we could use him just to do laps to get our numbers up, as this is key.

21 Sep 2026 15:05:09
So if we can run further than anyone in the league we are the best team in the league? Ever hear the phrase 'work smarter, not harder'?

21 Sep 2026 15:19:27
Let them run.

21 Sep 2026 16:14:28
Let them eat cake. (One for the French viewers)

{Ed666's Note - have you got a secret Marie Antoinette kink there Rome?

21 Sep 2026 16:21:30
Zed, might be difficult and costly to tempt him in his prime but I do believe one Mr. Farah is very much available since retiring a couple of years back, would be great to have another Mo about the place and would require only the smallest tweak to the Salah chant.

21 Sep 2026 16:51:37
I'm in therapy for it, Ed0666! I keep losing my head when I'm there, though!

Hope you're well, mate.

{Ed666's Note - I’m visualizing you in one of those dresses from the 1700’s..cold shower time for me! I’m well
mate I hope you are also

21 Sep 2026 18:01:13
When and why did stats become so important for some folk, especially the running and the possession?
Is it not more important to limit your aimless running and do it with purpose and reason?
Do something constructive when you have the ball, and limit the opposition when they have it? rather than the two CBs passing incessantly to each other to pad out the stats!

21 Sep 2026 18:08:45
That is as worthless statistic as I have ever heard without actual context.

21 Sep 2026 18:15:13
It would've been a stick to beat Slot with last season.

21 Sep 2026 21:17:24
We need to sign lads from the tarahumara tribe - born to run.

22 Sep 2026 12:27:45
Like Bruce Springsteen?

21 Sep 2026 12:23:05
We have to try reverting to klopp's style 4-3-3 and i know it will work for AI. This 4 2 3 1 or whatever variation we are playing isn't working (press wise) although results have been ok.

We have players for it.
Defence is already looking strong a 3 man midfield will provide much needed support in midfield and strengthen defence furthermore

And 3 up front - barcola isak gackpo.

Wirtz has to take the fall. He deserves it. I think the only reason AI isn't playing his preferred formation of 433 is to accommodate wirtz. 6 games now and he has 1 assist. We have to try and play what's best for team and not try to fit in wirtz and alter the system just for him.

Our dna is built for 4-3-3. It will also give more space to gackpo who is red hot form. He can do his favourite stuff cutting in and shooting. And also barcola can get more space.

21 Sep 2026 12:56:39
It took him 10 games to get his first league win at Bournemouth. I wonder where they (and AI himself) would be now if he had abandoned his principles so quickly?

Villa didn't even score a goal in their first 6 games last season and look where they ended up. We were shocking last season and proper change doesn't happen overnight. Stop whinging and get behind the team that is showing some clear improvements over last season.

21 Sep 2026 13:09:58
Since when is Iraola preferred formation is
4-3-3? Bornemouth under him always play with pivot 2 and a no 10.

21 Sep 2026 13:10:45
We have no no6 - so 433 goes out of the window immediately.

Secondly, the game has changed. The single no6 anchor is no longer sufficient without either a midfield partner as a two OR fullbacks that can tuck in.

We just don't have the personnel at the moment.

There are a few issues. 1) we bought Wirtz without thinking through the midfield composition of the squad, 2) we didn't replace Trent's ball progression and 3) we have not replaced Fabinho's bite.

I would like to see Dom play RW and Trey to get a run of games alongside Macca. That will look a lot more balanced I would expect Wirtz and Szobo to look better as a result.

{Ed666's Note - I agree Trey is the answer to help solve this puzzle but it’s a big ask of the kid

21 Sep 2026 13:25:45
Gakpo won't be cutting & shooting as much from the right.

21 Sep 2026 14:21:12
We don't religiously hold that structural shape and don't have players willing to put in the effort, lacking situational awareness and a sense of duty. Grav goes galavanting even though he can clearly see Dom in front of him and Dom gives 110% in the press but only jogs back despite goal threats being within arm's reach of him. I do agree we would be better off if we had a dedicated 6, but still, Dom would need to be more effective in his defensive duties even if that were the case.

As it stands our 4231 is like a 4033 when Grav and Dom are on the pitch so we're almost splitting hairs here. Responsibility has to be taken by these lads before we can progress; the formation is secondary to the real issues at hand.

21 Sep 2026 15:08:02
If we play Gakpo on the right and he follows his natural inclination, they are going to need to clear the first two or three rows of the stand.

{Ed666's Note - 🤣🤣🤣..to be fair he’s really sacrificing himself for the team which is credit worthy and beautiful to see. Good for him.

21 Sep 2026 18:12:25
@Last, we do not have the personel to play Klopp's 433.

Most importantly, Iraola does not play a 433, let alone Klopp's version of the 433.

We need to leave all this "But when Klopp was here." stuff alone and move on.

AI will not be switching his philosophy to Klopp's, Paisley's nor Shanks footballing ethos. Like ever.

So let it go.

21 Sep 2026 19:33:12
I'm sure Klopp managed a midfield three of MacAllister, Gravenberch and Szobozslai.
We still have all three of those midfielders.

22 Sep 2026 12:30:48
Agree @666. Gakpo is a lot more versatile than he gets credit for and he never hides. I thought his best spell for us was in Slots first season 2hen he played a few games at CF. He looked comfortable in the role and, imho, didn't play badly at all.

21 Sep 2026 09:52:36
Excellent win yesterday. I am beginning to have so much confidence in our defence.

On another note, Wirtz is getting so much stick for his performance yesterday and rightly so but I think he improved in the second half. Although, it sometimes feels like he is a boy playing with men.

Szoboszlai on the other hand seems to be getting a free pass because others have been very poor.

I don't see the hype and if our midfield was any decent, I doubt he would be starting. Was glad when the manager substituted him. Looks like he is allowing the hype get to his head.

By the way, he is nothing like Gerrard. Not with these performances.


To end on a positive note, so glad we kept Gakpo.

Macca has really improved. Hope he is not just playing for a new contract though.

Jacquet, boy is golden. Always looking for a forward pass. Hughes take your flowers on this one.

Finally, I have so much confidence in Iraola. He will be a success.

21 Sep 2026 11:09:26
It is the first time that we have kept 3 clean sheets in a row in the PL in 2 years. There is still a long way to go but we are moving in the right direction.

As our press, fitness and workrate continues to improve we will continue to get better. Until then people need to stop obsessing about individuals and just get behind the team.

21 Sep 2026 13:12:24
The players seem to be alive to second balls which is heartening. Araujo and Jacquet's enthusiasm for defending has been a godsend for the team.

Add Camara and Minteh to this team and we would be horrible to play against again.

{Ed666's Note - I would second that mate. Camara and Minteh in January and we are a different animal.

21 Sep 2026 14:06:25
We are 3 players away from being a real force, in my opinion.
Minteh, A CM and a left back.

{Ed666's Note - I think we could be a force with Minteh and Camara and play JG as an auxiliary LB

21 Sep 2026 18:13:32
Minteh isn't better than any of our wide players so do not see how we will be "set" with him. Just my take.

21 Sep 2026 19:06:37
I agree Oli, technically he doesn't impress me, but his work rate and determination is very much suited to the style Andoi will hopefully get us playing. I think people just want an actual RW to play on the right, so Minteh ticks a couple of boxes right now.

21 Sep 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - The_thin_white_duke has posted a new article entitled, Making Wirtz Work in Liverpool's Build-Up

21 Sep 2026 11:31:55
Hope we get camara in January and see if it helps him more, otherwise I feel he might have to be sold.

21 Sep 2026 12:05:12
Like all players Wirtz and the set up he plays in need to be compatible.

Behind him in Gravenberch and Szoboszlai you have two players that hold onto the ball too long and with a limited range of passing. One is a carrier the other a runner.

We have one midfielder that can play short, snappy passes in MacAllister but he's currently playing too far away from Wirtz.

Play Nyoni as the deeper of the two and see MacAllister combine with Wirtz in faster attacking play, hopefully with more movement from the forwards.

21 Sep 2026 12:13:23
Non excuse this. We didn't buy wirtz so we could buy another 10 players just to support him. he has the season to prove himself and if not he should be gone
He lacks basic football right now and it quite evident he is even more out of sync under iraola. i'd sell him to chelsea for a reunion with alonso and get those funds for olise.

We will only work in 433
A French attack of barcola ekitike olise next season by looks of it.

21 Sep 2026 13:17:08
Hughes and Edwards really did a number on the balance of the squad. Those big new Szobo and Gravy contracts and fullback profiles could go down as mistakes.

Unfortunately, it will be Wirtz that will get run out of the Premier League by Carra and his mob first.

Iraola is clearly seeing the issues. Araujo has become no1 choice at RB. And yesterday, Trey came on before Gravy did.