Liverpool Banter 4

31 Mar 2026 13:45:06
Bookmark this Ed033: there is no way we are winning the Champions League. This is not a fat wallet situation. You are a clown if you think we have a chance to win the Champions League. NOT HAPPENING!

{Ed033's Note - Why would anyone want to bookmark a 99.9% certainty?

31 Mar 2026 14:40:30
Stranger Things has happened.

31 Mar 2026 15:05:26
Going to be considerably more difficult if recent reports from Paul Joyce are true that Allison is a major doubt for upcoming fixtures, including the trip to Paris.
As we all remember, it was Alli's heroics there last time that stopped us getting battered in one of his most amazing performances for the club.

{Ed025's Note - one of the greatest keeping performances i have ever seen McGoveb, without Ali you were getting beat 10-0 mate..

31 Mar 2026 15:05:41
I sense a ploy here ....

Fatwallet was wrong in the end. I think DS wants the same outcome.

31 Mar 2026 15:25:33
It's 100 percent not happening Ed 033. This is not some reverse jinx scenario where the last time we bookmarked something it was willed into existence.

It is absolutely. NEVER HAPPENING. You heard it here first!!?? and I'm not afraid of bookmarking saying I was the first to say it. No sir!

31 Mar 2026 17:34:15
Even I wouldn't have said bookmark this, Davey.

31 Mar 2026 18:53:36
I'd be surprised if you were the first to say that, Davey.

31 Mar 2026 19:37:13
It's not really a bold statement tho. Every year, we are not likely to win the Champions League, even at our peak.

31 Mar 2026 19:58:53
Liverpool are beating PSG, we will win 2-1 in their gaff and 3-2 at home.

31 Mar 2026 21:31:05
Davey, did you consult with our resident @Fatwallet before your prediction?

01 Apr 2026 06:41:45
How do I change my user name to JLClown?

31 Mar 2026 12:01:18
I know players are heavily media trained and very careful with what they say but Konate doesn't sound like a man on his way out of the club.



“We bring new players, we will adapt, we will try to understand each other and at a point, with time, we will win a trophy.”

“We will have success and when we win the Premier League or Champions League, people will forget every bad season we had because now we won the league last season.”

“This is just part of the success and we have to be relaxed because we have amazing fans, we have to stay together, and the success will come for sure.”

31 Mar 2026 12:48:41
The man wants his extension since Real dropped interest.

31 Mar 2026 13:15:20
Fingers crossed he leaves. A shocking season from the entire team, but Konate and Macca are the first two I'd be happy to see out the door. I'd be quite surprised if there is still an offer on the table for him.

31 Mar 2026 13:23:12
I hope he stays. We have enough to do this summer between buying two new wingers, at least one midfielder, and at least one fullback. Having to buy another central defender is the last thing we need. Konate signing a new contract and being third choice next season is ideal, in my opinion.

31 Mar 2026 13:28:00
There will be plenty who will take Konate on a free, trust me.
MacAllister, I would fully expect to at least £70m for him.
Jones, another £40m.
Elliott £30m.
Robbo will also go on a free to Celtic or another.

31 Mar 2026 13:45:57
100%, Salah. Those two, in particular, would be my second and third choices to leave, right after Slot himself. Konate is just a poor player, and MacAllister isn't good enough at this level though he does have abilities that could be useful in other leagues.

31 Mar 2026 14:10:33
Football is a crazy sport.

Mac and Konate are deemed (with strong arguments) not good enough, but have been linked to (arguably) the biggest club in the world in Real.

And then there's Darwin, who fans miss and want back, who LFC couldn't get rid of to any European club at 40% off and can't even get into a Saudi league squad.

31 Mar 2026 14:11:49
There might be plenty of suitors who would take Konate on a free, but not necessarily want to pay his wages. Then you are left with very few. I think he stays.

31 Mar 2026 14:33:28
Like you say, JK, absobloodylutely crazy. For what it's worth, I'd rather keep Mac Allister than have Nunez back.

31 Mar 2026 15:09:09
The least signings we have to do the better, but I agree Konate and Macca have been atrocious. Can't see anyone paying 70m for Macca after this season. With Konate it all depends which Ibou you're getting. Up to this season it'd be keep him, but I don't know on this season's form.

31 Mar 2026 15:31:09
It's a funny old world, JK.

31 Mar 2026 16:19:30
Macca is a very good player when played in the correct position, but that isn't down to him.

31 Mar 2026 16:51:00
I think Macca may end up at Madrid, and one of their midfielders coming the other way. There'll be a clearout there if they end up trophyless for a 2nd year running, and if we think we're getting the better of the deal, we'll go for it.

31 Mar 2026 16:52:44
I'd swap Darwin back for Macallister. In a heartbeat. Don't know what you all think Macca brings to the team. I know what Darwin brought.

31 Mar 2026 17:03:31
John, you've gone a day early with your April Fools, mate.

31 Mar 2026 17:22:19
Wasn't a book of the offside rules anyway, John.

01 Apr 2026 06:43:45
WTF... Couldn't care what he says, or how many times he's going to kiss the badge now, the lad has had the full season to up his game, he's been horrendous for 90% of the season... and, based on those performances, he doesn't get a new deal.

01 Apr 2026 07:17:55
Konate has tried to do the Trent situation, hoping Real come in for him, re buffed how many contract offers last summer.... Now willing to stay and probably get a new signing on fee and bumper wage increase. He should be shown the door, bang average at best these days and getting worse each season.

Let him leave, please, God. We have the new guys from last summer who are showing more enthusiasm for the club and fans than the old guard... Must keep building and getting rid of the dead wood.

01 Apr 2026 13:02:45
I'd let Konate go too. Not necessarily because of his ability, although I do think he's extremely inconsistent, but because he rejected multiple contract offers in hope of getting a deal with Real.

If RM no longer want him, and he suddenly wants to stay and demand exorbitant wages, I'd get rid of as he didn't show loyalty when it mattered.

30 Mar 2026 17:28:11
Has anybody seen The Breakdown's video posted a few days ago on Liverpool or even Carragher's analysis a couple of weeks ago?

It's painfully bad tbh, worse than I thought. I know by the sounds of it, Slot is going in the Summer, but it's a disgrace he's still in the job. PSG are going to murder us. 21 points behind Arsenal, 10 games lost in the league. He needs to go now.

30 Mar 2026 19:23:27
What's the point of him going now? Personally, I don't think PSG will "murder" us.

30 Mar 2026 19:25:13
I think we will beat PSG, and then, when we finally start believing, he will throw out a complete s*** show against a Bayern or Madrid.

30 Mar 2026 20:01:38
Looking forward to May more than a kid does X-Mas to be honest.

30 Mar 2026 20:04:16
Me too, Westwood. May 30th, Budapest.

30 Mar 2026 20:11:46
Be just like LFC to finish a season like this one with No.7.

30 Mar 2026 20:28:44
I agree with Rome. What is the point?

It's far too late. He should've been sacked 5 months ago. We might aswel just die on our swords and see what happens.

No interim manager is gonna come in now and make any difference at all.

30 Mar 2026 21:11:14
LFC8 - The point is we're poor. And it's clear from the few times we've had a good performance this season (RM, Galatasaray, I think there might've been one in the league), and immediately followed it up with a bad one that Slot either doesn't learn from good performances or has conditioned the team to the point where they either physically or mentally can't string two good performances together.



Therefore, the question is whether keeping him is as much of a gamble with both our top 5 status and the CL this year as getting a caretaker.

Based on what I've seen, I'd be surprised if we finished in the top 5 whilst keeping Slot, and even more surprised if we progress past PSG with him. I'll be *happy*, but I'm not expecting it.

30 Mar 2026 23:13:15
Sometimes you can feel the momentum leading up to old Big Ears. In 2005 we were underdogs in every game, but we got stronger n stronger as the comp went on, but I definitely don't feel anything like that this year. ppl who think we can beat PSG esp over 2 legs are in dreamland.

31 Mar 2026 00:41:45
I have a crazy idea. With only a few games left, why don't we support the manager and team until the end of the season? It looks nailed on that Slot will be gone in the summer and we are still in with a chance in the cups. What's the point in posting endless 'Slot Out' posts when he is obviously going anyway?

31 Mar 2026 06:06:03
Ahhh 2005, to go back in time to that year. The team was absolute dross, and yet there was something so special about it at the same time, a complete band of misfits. Probably the most special Champions League win in the club's history imo. Had no right to be there. 😅

31 Mar 2026 06:06:16
Rome, the point is it gives us a better chance of top 6 if Slot goes.
His part time work ethic is just dragging us down, and if we miss out on Champions League football, that's longer lasting than just one season.

31 Mar 2026 08:11:16
On the whole, "murder" thing maybe worth noting Chelsea got beat 8-2 across both legs and have a better defensive record in the league than we do.

This Liverpool have a decent defensive performance in them (Arsenal at home) and they have a dire one in them (PSV at home).

If we defend like we did against Brighton, we will get battered.

31 Mar 2026 08:26:22
2005 was an amazing fluke, by far one of the worst teams in the competition and a game of days, one of the most amazing games that's ever been played.

31 Mar 2026 08:34:49
Your last 2 paragraphs sum things up, Wassa. I'm not saying we will go through against PSG, chances are we won't. I just don't think we will get hammered. I certainly hope we still have a chance going into the 2nd leg as I've got a ticket.

31 Mar 2026 08:52:16
"What's the point of him going now?"

We're playing appallingly.
We're still in the FA Cup.
We're still in the CL.
And top five ain't locked off.

He's scraped to this point and a new manager bounce could change that because as much as Florian will tell you we ain't winning number 7.



As for 2005 being a fluke, yeah there were far better teams but we actually played well. We played well in the two legs against Chelsea and we destroyed a decent Juventus side. Put it that way that side played better than Slot's crap this season and Slot has a much better squad.

31 Mar 2026 09:20:57
Wow, calling 2005 a fluke is wild and highly disrespectful. You don't fluke your way to a win from 3-0 down, or through the 12 previous games. Rafa was a good tactician, and we had some great performances in that run, not to mention winning what was arguably the greatest final in the history of the competition.

The squad was lacklustre on paper, but they were a more than capable team. They finished 3rd in the league the following season and got to the CL final again the season after that. That's some fluke, 3 seasons worth at least.

31 Mar 2026 09:30:58
Liverpool are 10/1 to win the CL. For people that don't bet that means if you put £20 on Liverpool to win the CL at 10/1 you will lose £20.

All joking aside, that's pretty high odds and definitely worth a few quid. I'd imagine with how confident some are we'll win it. I bet they've really lumped on.

31 Mar 2026 09:51:40
Defying the odds in a one-off game is one thing. To defy the odds from the QF stage, when the players have consistently shown they are blowing out of their backsides by 70 mins, is another. You're better off buying a EuroMillions ticket.

31 Mar 2026 10:05:19
2005 Raffa must be given a large amount of credit for us winning the Champions League, to beat the teams we did, and most had won their leagues, outstanding by Raffa. YNWA.

31 Mar 2026 11:50:04
@Fatwallet, you can't fluke a CL victory. Sorry, that's not a thing esp. going against one of the greatest AC Milan teams of all time and full of All-Timers. I love your posts but I'm not having this one esp. coming back from a 3 goal deficit again that collection of legends and Ballon D'Or winners. And btw, the team we had may not have been flashy but were very experienced in winning trophies both in England and in Europe (some won the Cup treble a few years before) and had a manager who also knew how to win domestically and in Europe.

We won that CL final cos we had nothing to lose in the second half and believed that we could get something. We played hard, rode our luck (I grant you that) and remained focused, things that crushed Milan's spirit, as Genaro Gatuso would later admit in his interview years after.



As for Slot, I agree with LFC08 and I admit to being a broken record. What's the point, really? The time to rescue the season and sack this manager was right there and his bros. protected him. Sacking him now would do nothing cos we are already in a downward spiral, imo.

As for the PSG game, you can always win a game or a tie in Europe against the odds but right now with the shambles that we are now? I don't see it. I'll believe it when I see it but I'm not putting my mental/emotional health on the line getting all my hopes up with no evidence in sight to support doing that.

31 Mar 2026 12:20:14
Never once stated we'd win the Champions League. I just don't sit around moaning, proclaiming we can't win it.

31 Mar 2026 12:26:31
Albert, I could disagree anymore with you on Rafa needs credit. He caused most of the first half issues by playing Kewell and dropping Hamann. Same in 2007, not playing Crouch was a massive misjudgment by Rafa.


Crouch had been great that season, in the Champions League teams really struggled with him. I thought Rafa cost us the league too, with his negativity against weak teams at home.

31 Mar 2026 12:36:22
Guys, if we can't hope as a football fan, then what else can we do. I think Slot's time with us has come to an end, but in no way do I go into an important game expecting/wishing for defeat. Yes, hope often ends in disappointment.
I hoped against hope that City will drop points after the Gerrard slip against Chelsea. And they almost did. Until Vito Mannone spilled that shot in the 89th minute.
I hoped against hope that City will drop points in the final game against Brighton in 2018/19. And for a good five minutes when they conceded first I was in dreamland.

Alas, not to be.
I hoped against hope for us to actually make the scoreline reflective of the actual performance in the CL final in 2022. But again, it was not to be.

But the few times it does happen, those are the strongest, happiest memories I have of watching us.
The Coutinho screamer after Kompany's sliced clearance in 2014.
The Lovren goal against Dortmund.
Corner taken quickly against Barca.

So, I for one will keep on hoping and believing.

31 Mar 2026 13:00:00
Whereas I don't think it's a fluke winning a Champions League. People forget it took a Gerrard 25-yard hit in the 86th minute to qualify from a poor group.

Against Juve, I am pretty sure Delp Pierro was on side for his disallowed goal, which would have seen us out the cup.

We had a ghost goal vs Chelsea. But, tbf, it would have been a red for Cech, but Chelsea would have had to play more attacking.



AC Milan should have been out of sight in that final.

Rafa was going for completely different tactics in the 2nd half until Finnan said he was injured. It's also well noted Rafa had 12 men on his tactics board at half time.

I guess you don't fluke your way to a Champions League, but we definitely had some luck along the way.

31 Mar 2026 13:11:53
I have an idea, Darwin, you can support the team and still acknowledge and discuss that there are serious shortcomings with the manager that, based on experience to date this season, are unlikely to change.



I can't get to matches so my vocal support is irrelevant and I'm 99% sure that the players aren't scrolling through here going "Oh no, Something Red doesn't rate Slot. I guess I won't bother today."

31 Mar 2026 14:03:04
Good post, Koparmy.

31 Mar 2026 15:01:56
The 2005 CL run itself was as good as the final. I remember going to a sports bar in Fuengirola to watch the Olympiaos match, only ones in there. 15mins in the owner turns up, a Manc, and turned all the channels over, so we left and the only place nearby was a Spanish restaurant that was showing it on a small TV in the corner, and when the famous 'what a hit son' happened our table blew up.

The rest of the restaurant didn't have a clue what was going on. Magic times.

31 Mar 2026 21:35:16
@SR, For some, things are only analysed in binary terms. Sad.

01 Apr 2026 07:42:11
No-one thought we'd win number 6 having been trounced 3-0 by a Messi inspired Barcelona in the semis. In the return leg, we had Big Div up front and Shaqiri in for Salah.

Strange things happen in this tournament, and you don't have to win both legs.

30 Mar 2026 16:27:24
All these players pulling out of internationals for "medical reasons", bet most of them are starting 1st game back! Don't care if it's a friendly or not but for me representing your country is the pinnacle so I don't understand why so many pull out! Anyone says to me, you can't play for England because we've got so and so next week will in no uncertain terms get told to gtk!

30 Mar 2026 19:20:09
Hope 115 win the league ahead of Arsenal then get stripped of every title.

30 Mar 2026 20:55:43
Yeah, I said the same thing a couple days back, RebeLFC... and some posters had a go at me for it, not that I care much to be honest.

I remember a few years back, the whole club vs country was a big thing, and it's suddenly gone very quiet of late.



Also, not sure if it's just an English thing, but I don't see many other teams having so many regulars pull out as much as England do... but maybe that's just a perception I have.

31 Mar 2026 00:46:03
It's a friendly, not the World Cup. Wouldn't be happy if Virgil and Wirtz got seriously injured in an international practice match when we are still in two cups. I don't blame Arsenal in the slightest. It's a terrible time of the season to get players to play extra games.

31 Mar 2026 04:25:18
I'd be happy if all our players pulled out of internationals permanently. I hate international footie. It's the most boring football you can watch except for what slot has us playing this year.

{Ed025's Note - im with you Snuggle..

31 Mar 2026 09:33:48
One less international break next season, but the Sep/Oct one will be 3 weeks long with 4 internationals played.

Just what fans need a few months after a 6 week World Cup.

31 Mar 2026 10:08:36
Arsenal have pulled their players because of the FA Cup and league and Champions League all next week. Would not expect anything else from that slimeball Arteta.

31 Mar 2026 10:31:43
I would be more than happy if we did the same in their position, Albeydered.

31 Mar 2026 11:11:59
International football is a money laundering farce run by a gang of criminals in suits. Utter corruption in broad daylight.

Stopped watching it long ago.

{Ed025's Note - its hard to argue with that StEA..

31 Mar 2026 11:52:13
I agree, StEtienne. I grew up loving int'l footie (and still do depending on the games). But you are right. It has now become some cash cow for the orgs. to fleece the masses of their hard earned earnings. Pathetic.

30 Mar 2026 15:35:49
People talk about selling players and buying replacements of supposed better quality, but the issue is 2fold. As I see it, yes, we need better quality but we also need squad depth. You can't keep asking quality players to play 60 matches a year and not get injured or burnt out.

What we need to do over a number of windows is build up the squad numbers with players who can still fulfill a role but are maybe not first choice. We can't afford to sell any of the first team really, but if we do need to sell it should be a minimum number.

30 Mar 2026 16:01:53
I think we just need better balance in the squad. Better management and fitness.

30 Mar 2026 16:23:51
"Put your money on the pitch" as Alex Ferguson used to say. Improve the starting eleven and then add depth.

I find the conversation of squad depth a redundant point with Slot anyway. The man doesn't use squad depth.

He has his favourites and isolates others.

He should also be integrating more youth players to add depth like Klopp did. Then you sell them and start the process again.

30 Mar 2026 16:58:26
The squad depth in a lot of positions is just not good enough for a team whose fans demand trophies. The first 11 would give anyone a game on their day. A lot of the players that would come in for them are just not good enough. There are players at LFC that would be nowhere near the squads of Arsenal, City etc, unfortunately.

30 Mar 2026 17:54:02
@Alwaysred, the way you get the depth you want is to sign players who can legitimately start for you, hence direct competition for starting positions. It keeps everyone honest and the whole "he's a starter/he's only a backup" crap, (like Slot stupidly did with Gakpo and Chiesa for ex.), is not a thing as every player is a legit starter.



Just look at how Cody and Diaz were at their best (for the most part) last season when they were going at each other for that wide left spot. That's all you need to see and that's the way it needs to be is good squad depth is what you and I want, which we do. Just my opinion.

30 Mar 2026 19:28:26
Take VVD for example. He plays every single game, which takes its toll, and he has made a couple of mistakes, which costs us a couple of goals.
But had we got the centre back that we all wanted, then VVD could have been rotated and rested, and stayed sharper.


Our subs bench is a joke, so it's the same subs on every game.
No wonder we are not Top Four.
So hoping our new manager next season will get the players that
will take us to another level, back where we belong.

30 Mar 2026 19:32:28
But the problem with that argument is you cannot sign a top player and say to him you're going to have to fight for your place, as they will look for another team that guarantees first team games. Kelleher is an example of that, he would be still on the bench at Liverpool, but now playing every game for Brentford.

The owners are not going to pay 60m for a guy to sit on the bench, and that's why you need squad rotation continually to keep the majority happy.
The whole model is buy back up cheap, develop, then either sell at a profit or try and keep them as long as possible.

30 Mar 2026 20:20:32
Yeh, but goalies in general, and even more so Kelleher with Alisson here, are a bit different to outfield players. There's only really 3 or 4 players you would look at as untouchable in our squad. Top players shouldn't be afraid of competition.

In a perfect world, none of your core players would be leaving, and you would be adding three or four top players to that, but quite a few will be moving on this summer. Another very busy, messy window.

30 Mar 2026 22:33:33
Is Gakpo a legit starter? I think he thrived with the competition with Diaz and that elevated his game.

I don't think you can have two legit starters for every position. And I really think that is ok. It's then down to the coach and how they drive competition within the squad.

31 Mar 2026 09:52:42
Gakpo is reportedly the 4th highest earner in the squad and has started 80% of the games this season.

On that basis, I'd agree he's not seen as a legit starter by the club.

31 Mar 2026 12:00:09
Alwaysred, I see your point. My argument is about drop off in quality between two players in the same position. If the drop off from one is not too far from the other, then you can make it work.

The Kelleher/Ali argument doesn't work here, cos he is exceptionally inferior to Ali. However, Kelleher showed that he could hold his own to an extent when we needed him, and overall, he did okay.

Sometimes, that's all you need.

Cody and Diaz are the ex. in this context, too. They don't even have to both be top players. They can be very good players you can interchange with to a certain level where the drop off is not that crazy.

Like @Faith said as well, it is all about creating an environment that drives competition, which leads to improved standards.

30 Mar 2026 14:19:17
The KNVB have approached Arne Slot to succeed Ronald Koeman after the 2026 World Cup.

Ronald Koeman's contract expires after the World Cup, and he communicated his desire to step away from football to spend time with his family, rather than seek another extension.

Slot will leave Liverpool in the summer, even if they win the Champions League. CEO of Football Michael Edwards and Sporting Director Richard Hughes have been aware of Slot's desire to leave the club due to his own circumstances with his family. Slot is not prepared to spend a third year away from his wife and children, and he sees the Netherlands National Team as the perfect scenario.

Liverpool decided long ago that Arne Slot would see out the season. Edwards and Hughes spoke to Steven Gerrard regarding an interim role, but the situation regarding his tax and earnings from his time in Saudi Arabia has meant they were unable to exercise this option. His assistant Michael Beale is also in a similar situation, and after exploring whether there were any way around his tax situation, they decided it wasn't worth the hassle. Liverpool did plan to have Gerrard, Beale and Heitinger in February, but pulled the plug on it due to the tax situation.

Ajax have also approached Arne Slot to become their permanent manager next season, but the approach from the KNVB has turned his head. Ajax will likely turn their attention towards their former coach Erik Ten Hag if they are unable to persuade Slot to remain in club football. However, they understand the allure of managing the national side along with a lot more free time to spend the family will prove difficult to beat.

No idea on the next manager of Liverpool FC. The key to take away is this:

Arne Slot will leave Liverpool FC this summer, even if the club wins the UEFA Champions League.

30 Mar 2026 17:54:17
They can have him.

30 Mar 2026 18:22:13
The Kop needs to sing Slot for Holland.

30 Mar 2026 18:36:01
I'm so tired of this family excuse. We have set that family up for life. Plenty of people work away from home who aren't paid six figures a week like Slot.

How about the family get up off their backsides and get on a private jet with that money we are paying for a two hour journey from the Netherlands to Manchester to go and see Dad at the weekend? Heaven forbid it impacts their social lives.

I feel sorry for the Filipino domestic helpers in Dubai who work away from home to literally put food on the table for their families. I don't feel sorry for the Slots. The issue isn't that Slot is working away from home. The issue is how Slot and his family have handled it.

30 Mar 2026 19:47:15
I couldn't give a flying fish about him flying back and forth to the Netherlands. No one mentioned it last season. It's suddenly become an issue since we've been crap. He will ultimately get the sack because of performances on the pitch, not because he tots up air miles.

30 Mar 2026 20:25:29
Like the running stats that we came 16th in last year. There is no issue as far as the rest of the Slots are concerned. They obviously just have no interest in, and refuse to move to England. This has been the case since he got the job, and the club still decided to hire him.

For me, if anyone's to blame in this, it's whoever employed Slot. He was always going to be going home to see his family regularly.

30 Mar 2026 23:17:04
Did we know last year that he was always going home or is just this year that he's done it? Either way, you get paid millions to coach a top team, the least you can do is put in extra work when we are shite to try n sort it out, not pop home on EasyJet when ya feel like it.

31 Mar 2026 12:05:23
@Rome.

He didn't do it last year..

There were a couple of interviews with him saying that he spent much of his time at the training offices as there was no point in going home ... he mentioned seeing family in international breaks ...



I don't know if that changed the 2nd half of the season tbf .. wouldn't surprise me if it did around the Jan or Feb time .. pretty much the start of the decline ...

31 Mar 2026 21:37:34
You are correct, MightyR3ds. Slot did say that when he spoke to Gary Lineker in a BBC interview. He said he used to go home to an empty house and that it was not an ideal scenario for him at the time.

30 Mar 2026 13:39:28
Arsenal have 11 players withdraw from international duty. What is that all about, another Arteta dark arts move to keep his players fresh?

30 Mar 2026 14:03:29
Sounds like common sense.

Why risk playing in international friendlies when you're going for a league title.

At least LFC players might get a bit of match fitness on international duty.

30 Mar 2026 14:07:15
Ha, I expected more, but people are taking notes on the Gunners and their dark arts.

30 Mar 2026 14:11:01
They can't screw this up now. He will use all means possible.

30 Mar 2026 14:11:48
I agree with JK23 as well. The international friendlies are absolutely pointless and it makes no sense to be playing them at the business end of the season. If we were in Arsenal's position, I would have expected our players to drop out as well.

30 Mar 2026 14:18:50
Dracred, but they have to be injured etc to drop out, always thought they just can't say they're not playing for their country.

30 Mar 2026 14:54:18
Clubs have done this for many years.
They're not the first, and definitely will not be the last.
From removing them in the last five minutes of the last game, to just saying things don't feel right.
The list goes on to gain any advantage possible.
Why the surprise?

30 Mar 2026 16:24:07
You represent your country when called up, whatever the game, JK23. Other teams, i.e. LFC, Man City, were not allowed to pull players unless they were injured. Plus, if it is right that Man City will be getting a 60 point deduction, then Arsenal can put out the reserves until the end of the season, as the title would be theirs.

30 Mar 2026 16:57:40
You represent your country when called up, whatever the game.

Tell that to the players, Albey, mate.

This has gone on for years.

30 Mar 2026 17:08:37
I believe players can refuse to be called up for the national team, Strom. I recall Matip, Grav and Chiesa have turned down the call up for international duty while they were with us, so it is not without precedence. Don't think they were injured when they did that as well. Granted, it wasn't without consequences since both Matip and Grab were effectively frozen out of the national team for a while, but it is possible.



Besides, this is literally a pointless friendly that they are playing now. It's just being played for the sake of being there and to line the pockets of FIFA.

30 Mar 2026 17:55:11
Arteta's mentor Pep has been doing that at City for years.

{Ed025's Note - all the top teams do it Oli, maybe Liverpool will in the future mate.. :)

30 Mar 2026 18:16:27
Ryan Giggs was nearly always injured when it came to Wales call ups. It maybe had something to do with him wanting to spend some "quality time" with his sister-in-law.

{Ed025's Note - love it Rome..

30 Mar 2026 19:51:57
His brother's wife or his wife's sister? Asking for a friend.

30 Mar 2026 19:58:28
Roy Keane refused to play friendlies for the Republic of Ireland, and ended up being assistant manager! Dunno what message that sends to the players he was over when he was assistant.

30 Mar 2026 20:18:20
His brother's wife, delvecs. Lovely human being is our Ryan. May explain why he's never seen on TV and nobody will touch him with a barge pole. Long may that continue.

30 Mar 2026 21:05:13
Maybe the fans should stop going to these "pointless" games in protest of the top players pulling out because of "injury"?

We complain, and yet the stadiums are still full, for the bigger teams in any case.



Not much difference in this behavior to PSG postponing their matches that fall in between CL games...

Those in power will not change a damn thing until it affects their pockets.

31 Mar 2026 10:12:49
JLC, eleven Arsenal players pulled out of their international games, buddy !!!

{Ed025's Note - i dont blame them Albey, when you are competing for major honours the last thing you want is your players getting injured in a pointless meaningless friendly mate..

30 Mar 2026 08:01:02
Hey ed001 what do you make of carra top 10 list for Liverpool players. Am I going mad or was that a decent list. The outrage it caused is unbelievable. I think it was a decent list. I would have mo in top5 but there not much in it not at all.

{Ed001's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about sorry.}

30 Mar 2026 09:38:51
Carra made a top 10 players in LFC history.

10. Ian Callaghan

9. Kevin Keegan

8. Virgil Van Dijk

7. Alan Hansen

6. Mohamed Salah

5. Ian Rush

4. John Barnes

3. Graeme Souness

2. Kenny Dalglish

1. Steven Gerrard.

{Ed001's Note - he put his best mate top, is that the controversy? Because it is clear that Gerrard is nowhere near Dalglish and seems a bit harsh to leave Keegan down in 9th. I can understand no Liddell, as so few people are left who saw him play. It doesn't really seem all that controversial though.}

30 Mar 2026 10:05:36
Nothing wrong with the list. I'd just swap 1 and 2 round personally.

30 Mar 2026 10:06:36
So difficult to rank these players.

All I will say is Dalglish is number 1.

The rest are debatable.

30 Mar 2026 10:11:07
King Kenny or day long no debate.

30 Mar 2026 10:13:26
Might have throw Phil Neal in there somehow.

30 Mar 2026 10:33:43
So difficult to choose a top ten?

It's a good list but if you put Emlyn in there or Tommy Smith & Roger Hunt, I don't suppose there would be many complaints.

30 Mar 2026 10:39:09
Nowhere near is a throw away comment. Gerrard will forever be known as a legend of the game. That earns respect. Gerrard imo is Liverpool's greatest ever player. I'd accept King Kenny as no 1, but to say nowhere near, that's simply not true. Gerrard was a wonderful footballer.

{Ed001's Note - he was, but Kenny was a lot better than anyone else that has ever played for us.}

30 Mar 2026 10:39:34
I'm no fan of Carragher but it's his top ten. Do I agree with it, no, but it's his opinion and he's welcome to it.

30 Mar 2026 10:49:08
Think everyone would agree with at least 8 on this list, maybe the placing gets moved around a bit, but if Callaghan is on there, then Hunt, Liddell have a good shout as well, then we have Lawrenson, Neal, Clemence etc, but very very hard to pick an all-time top 10.

30 Mar 2026 11:09:50
Just for fun I asked AI to rank the top ten.

1. Kenny Dalglish
- Peer recognition: Multiple PFA awards, Ballon d'Or runner-up.
- Trophies: 3 European Cups, 6 League titles.
- Why #1: Elite individually and central to Liverpool's most dominant era.

---

2. Steven Gerrard
- Peer recognition: PFA Players' Player of the Year (2006), Ballon d'Or 3rd place.
- Trophies: Champions League, FA Cups, UEFA Cup.
- Why: One of the most respected players ever by fellow pros.

---

3. Mohamed Salah
- Peer recognition: 2x PFA Players' Player of the Year.
- Trophies: Premier League, Champions League, multiple domestic cups.
- Why: Modern-era dominance + consistent elite-level recognition.

---

4. Ian Rush
- Peer recognition: PFA awards.
- Trophies: 2 European Cups, 5 League titles.
- Why: Liverpool's all-time top scorer + huge trophy haul.

---

5. John Barnes
- Peer recognition: 2x PFA Players' Player of the Year.
- Trophies: 2 League titles, FA Cups.
- Why: One of the most skillful and respected players of his era.



---

6. Virgil van Dijk
- Peer recognition: PFA Players' Player of the Year (2019).
- Trophies: Champions League, Premier League.
- Why: One of the highest-rated defenders ever by fellow players.

---

7. Graeme Souness
- Peer recognition: Highly rated by peers, multiple team-of-the-year inclusions.
- Trophies: 3 European Cups, 5 League titles.
- Why: Dominant midfield general in a golden era.

---

8. Kevin Keegan
- Peer recognition: Ballon d'Or winner (twice, though after leaving Liverpool).
- Trophies: 3 League titles, European Cup.
- Why: Elite individual recognition + major success with Liverpool.

---

9. Alisson Becker
- Peer recognition: Best FIFA Goalkeeper, Yashin Trophy.
- Trophies: Champions League, Premier League.
- Why: Widely regarded by peers as the world's best at his peak.

---

10. Luis Suarez
- Peer recognition: PFA Players' Player of the Year (2014).
- Trophies: Limited at Liverpool.
- Why: Exceptional individual peak, even with fewer trophies.

30 Mar 2026 11:11:27
No Fowler either.

30 Mar 2026 11:16:47
No I ed001 the outcry is because he has salah on 6th and that created a storm on some social media so much so it resulted in salah posting a pic of his accolades.

Yes kenny is no1, like automatic no1, on any Liverpool legend list. Its not just the achievements (which alone warrant his place). Its how much he did for the club and city after the tragedy. None of the others can be considered an off pitch legend which cements king as the no1 forever.

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure any of the rest are worth arguing about, it is really down to personal opinion. I wouldn't really bother arguing about him deciding to go with Stevie, as Carra was a boyhood toffee, so won't really have grown up with the love of the King that a red will have.}

30 Mar 2026 12:07:45
"He put his best mate top, is that the controversy?"

Not really.

30 Mar 2026 13:46:39
Oh that's a pretty valid point, if he grew up as a toffee he probs hated Kenny. 😁

{Ed025's Note - dont tar every Evertonian with the same brush Cafu, i thought Kenny was one of the best players i have ever seen mate..

30 Mar 2026 14:02:37
@Grumpy, you putting Virgil on your list but not Hansen. Hansen should be spoken about in the same breath as Maldini, that's how good he was.

30 Mar 2026 14:36:40
I have no problem with Callaghan being on the list if you are giving "longevity" more weight than the other factors like football skills, leadership, dedication to the club and winning titles.

I'd agree with Salah at #3 or #4.

Curious that no goalkeepers are in the top 10. Clemence and Alisson were/are crucial players of their time, in the team.

30 Mar 2026 14:13:36
You're a different case Ed025. We have always known that you're a closet red ;)

{Ed025's Note - im just a football fan Drac, i will tell you if a player is good or bad mate and it matters not a jot if they are red or blue, but i must tell you that closet has an unbreakable lock on it.. :)

30 Mar 2026 14:56:27
The thing is those of us who have been around long enough could probably make 10 lists, if not more, we have been so lucky to have loads of great players over the years.

30 Mar 2026 17:40:33
When I saw Carras clip online the only issue was that he put Salah high on Premier League greats, but lower in Liverpool greats. I might be wrong, but I think he put Kenny above Gerrard. It's all about opinion. Personally, I think Clemence was our greatest goalkeeper, but I'm sure people will disagree.

30 Mar 2026 17:58:08
@Silent knight, re: Clemens, I was telling my son that, as much as I think Ali is the greatest GK I have ever seen (hence, the best at LFC), I also told him that, as I did not see Clemence play, there are those like you who could argue that he was better than Ali.



And, frankly, they would have more than an argument for this take cos, well, they saw both of them play.

30 Mar 2026 18:31:51
Everybody's list will be different, it's subjective, I am sure Slot will have Gakpo in his top ten.

30 Mar 2026 19:10:23
I think Carra chats wham most of the time and he's clearly got agendas. But I agree with his top three and Gerrard as number one. The most complete player for me and we have been in the bottom half of the table at times if it wasn't for him.

30 Mar 2026 22:40:09
@johnzandt, I asked AI the question, it's not my top ten. Hansen would be in my top 5 easily. Made defending look like a walk in the park. That man was pure class and read the game better than anyone I have ever watched.

30 Mar 2026 23:03:50
Everyone's list will be different, it's Carra's opinion, and he's entitled to express it.

31 Mar 2026 06:12:11
No Bobby dazzler. 😲

30 Mar 2026 23:22:00
I believe Ed025 is purple, more on the blueish side but purple nonetheless. He definitely wants Everton to win the derby, but if Liverpool wins the PL or CL, he'll be as happy as anyone if for no other reason Merseyside wins. He's a throwback without question and more need to be that way. Too much tribalism these days.

{Ed025's Note - i will be celebrating if Liverpool win the CL or even the FA cup Stone as always have done, i dont know if that makes me a Merseyside super fan or a bit of a plonky though mate.. :)

31 Mar 2026 10:40:27
No controversy in my book. Gerrard is my top as well. Might have been different had I seen Dalglish play, but I didn't, but still recognise him as a legend of the game. The problem is we were so bad for so long most LFC fans today won't have watched 7 out of those 10 play, myself included.

30 Mar 2026 07:40:02
Gordon on the left.
Diomande on the right.
Gertruida to cover RB and CB.
Sadiki in midfield to replace MacAllister.
Gravenberch to drop deeper as he did last season.
Isak to have an injury free season.
Ed001 is that a title challenging team in your opinion if added to the existing squad?
I know you won't be interested in the costs below but they are my take on what it would cost to attain those players?

Rough guide prices below:

Gordon £70m
Sadiki £60m
Diomande £70m
Gertruida £20m

Total £220m

Sell:

Gakpo £50m
MacAllister £75m
Jones £40m
Elliott £25m

Total £190m.

{Ed001's Note - I am not convinced Gordon is anywhere near the level of a title chasing team. I don't understand why everyone is so desperate to sell Gakpo either, he is a victim of the set up as much as anyone.}

30 Mar 2026 09:27:06
Totally agree with Ed001. Slot can't get a performance out of most players and Gakpo is so badly affected by Slots poor decisions. Think new manager and let them have the input on who comes and goes so we get the players that are needed for whoever the next manager is

30 Mar 2026 09:41:02
Gakpo, I find it too predictable. He isn't utilising overlaps made by Kerkez, but, tbf, Kerkez doesn't help himself with 90% of crosses hitting the first man.

Gakpo, like Jones, takes too many touches, especially since we all know he's cutting in.

Just give it back to Wirtz and let him do his magic instead of faking left, cutting in right after 2 touch and shooting against the cb's legs.

{Ed001's Note - I agree, he is not perfect, but a top coach should be able to fix his issues. He has regressed badly under Slot.}

30 Mar 2026 09:59:54
I personally don't want Gordon in this team, nowhere near the level required if we want to class ourselves as one of the top teams in Europe. And he would cost us a lot of money trying to buy from Newcastle, really don't see him as a player who delivers consistently.

30 Mar 2026 10:09:24
It's a great point by Ed001.

Apparently only Dom, Jones and Gakpo are responsible for their own performances, the rest of the team is hampered by Slot's tactics.

We need to be a bit more consistent than that.

{Ed001's Note - it does feel that way Ron.}

30 Mar 2026 11:27:32
Just playing devil's advocate.

Wirtz gets a free pass on struggling this year because of tactics and the rest of the team underperforming. But, Gakpo, who had a quality year last year and has been generally good since joining, gets hung, drawn and quartered?

I'm not bashing Wirtz btw, I love him as a player.

There's just a double standard.

30 Mar 2026 11:45:41
Gordon with Gakpo could be a top rotational partnership for a title chasing team, much like how Diaz and Gakpo were.

30 Mar 2026 11:56:07
Those in their first season get a pass from me, especially new league, new country, new culture. So Wirtz gets a pass.
Isak - injured.
Kerkez - less of a pass.

Just goes to show how good Hugo has been even though he has had his dips in form.
He's been our best signing this season. Great potential for the future.

30 Mar 2026 12:22:49
Indeed, Coulred. I mentioned it on here a while ago. Everyone gives Gakpo all types of stick and sometimes, it is warranted. However, no one can tell me he has become this terrible overnight.

In the last 2 years under Klopp, and you guessed it, Slot, Gakpo has performed very well. Diaz was his comp. last season and we all know how it brought the best out of both players. Gakpo is not as bad as he looks now cos we have seen him perform better in the past.

He may not be the most technically gifted dribbler. Even Salah isn't that, but the things he is good at are his technical ability on the move, a powerful, relentless runner, and is effective scoring and assisting, even tho he can always improve.

Those are his strengths. Diaz was his comp. and we all know how it brought the best out of both players.

On the contrary, this season, Slot told everyone Gakpo has no comp. at all. The manager did that, something which has caused him to play every game, and it's like he is running in quicksand and doesn't seem to know what to do, as you can see he is often caught in two minds, hence, decision-making is erratic. The guy has regressed under this manager this season and that much is clear, compared to the last couple of years, imo.

All the above (as well as everything else going on with the rest of the team collectively) is all on the manager, imo.

30 Mar 2026 12:37:32
If you are in a maze, you don't keep walking into the same dead end. Gakpo does every game, you can read Gakpo like a book: cut in on his right, curl the ball towards the goal, and the same end product. One might go in now and again.

30 Mar 2026 12:48:50
I am happy to give him 1 more season, but still feel if certain players become available, we use him as a way of financing. I agree, judging this year is harsh, but I think you can still take thing upon yourself to improve your own decision making.

30 Mar 2026 13:52:38
Gakpo is a good player to finish a move. He is a bad player to be involved in the middle. His tendency is to slow play down and give the other team options.

He should basically be glued to the post on his side of the pitch.

It's where he is most effective. He's this era's Dirk Kuyt. Great work rate, good tracking back, but don't give him creative duties because that's not his forte.

30 Mar 2026 14:39:57
No problem with rotating Gakpo with someone new. Problem with Gordon being that someone.

30 Mar 2026 15:15:31
Agreed, I don't think Gordon is the answer, ArAy.

30 Mar 2026 17:50:22
@albeydered, I get that, however, Gakpo knew what he was doing and didn't have these issues last season esp. since he knew Diaz was his comp. So he had to really raise his game, which he did. Also, Gakpo showed he could go inside, outside, bully fullback esp. in the air, and had a left foot that could actually cross the ball.



This season, he can't even do any of those things right cos the manager is always on the team's back to keep possession and is not allowing Gakpo to express himself like last season, something the whole team is suffering from btw. Again, all of that is on the manager.

30 Mar 2026 17:58:38
Neither do I, ArAy.

30 Mar 2026 18:40:45
If Anthony Gordon is the answer, what is the question!! Not even close to being good enough. Worse than Macca for diving, and surely much better options out there.