Liverpool banter 6

17 Apr 2026 16:11:21
Just wanted to say thanks to Ed's, Carra, Fields, Robbo and to everyone who shares what they hear with us on this great site. I live down in Norfolk and don't get to hear anything on the grapevine, so sharing what you hear is a great connection with the club and other reds for us to debate, argue about so it wouldn't be the same without you guys. Just wanted to ask a question of you. Having seen yesterday that Edwards and Hughes are staying for the summer transfer window, is this likely to be correct? Because I'm guessing they'll of already laid the groundwork in regards squad planning, transfer targets, contacted agents etc, all which happens months in advance of the window opening? The point that they're staying for the summer window, very much sounds like they'll be off come September and the club will go in a different direction? Or is someone like Julian Ward likely to step up again? With that lack of commitment from them after September, does it mean FSG are the ones making the call on a new manager? Or are Edwards and Hughes advising them regards head coach/manager? As I write this out it sounds very much like a club that doesn't know what it's doing and future planning is not really happening.

We need to find our identity and not just be a numbers club.

18 Apr 2026 07:44:06
Lovely post. I had the same thing, stuck in the rural wilds, far from Liverpool. The rumour gatherers are so important for the health of this site and have been for years and years.

17 Apr 2026 15:57:59
Following a couple of days of abject negativity, I decided to watch the highlights of the 1988 game versus Nottingham Forest, where we won 5-0.

Cannot believe how many saves Steve Sutton made that day and how unplayable Steve Nicol, Beardsley and Barnes were that day.

The whole team shone brightly and the fitness levels put our current players to shame, on a pitch that resembles a potato field compared to today's surface. Not to mention the ball was much heavier.

They would maul the current crop of players, who would buckle under the sheer physicality and tenacity of that side. McAllister would spend 85 minutes on the floor and the rest of the team (aside from the two Hungarians) would barely touch the ball.

Imagine Barnes versus current Virgil, backing off, backing off "oh you hit it into the top corner".

17 Apr 2026 16:38:14
In fairness, put the likes of McMahon and Whelan in front of Virg and he probably wouldn't have to be doing as much backing off.

17 Apr 2026 18:02:58
Correct and right Florian, there be no walking through that midfield. Wonderful side that, and, if memory serves me right, Forest were 2nd in table at the time, a v good side themselves.
Barnes was a joy to watch, just seemed to glide over the ground.

17 Apr 2026 18:17:23
Yeah, but Florian called Barnesy a chunker so Digger knows his place.

17 Apr 2026 19:01:56
Barnesy's probably a tie with Mo for my 2nd ever favourite LFC player behind Stevie.

17 Apr 2026 19:23:49
That was some night, Sea. I remember the highlight reel with the copper behind the goal showing off some skills too.

17 Apr 2026 19:24:21
I told my sons to watch highlights of Barnes a couple of weeks ago. They were in awe!
They couldn't believe how good he was and how many heavy tackles he rode and the amount of players that bounced off him.
They were also in absolute disbelief that on occasion he had yellow objects flying past him while he was gliding down the wing.


I had to explain to them that the treatment, physically and verbally, back then, was a whole other ball game.
They have since watched a lot more highlights of that team and couldn't believe how good they were.

17 Apr 2026 22:48:24
Barnes' debut season in 87 was probably the greatest debut season I have ever seen. I know Mo and Torres scored more, and both were electric, but JB just seemed to be at a different level to those all around him, and just seemed to have an aura that was hard to describe.

Any time he was on the ball, everyone just expected something to happen. He was phenomenal. Loved him. And, talking of front lines... that 87-88 team was as good as any, undoubtedly so.

18 Apr 2026 07:54:55
I only ever saw that with Barnes, Henry and R9 in the flesh. Never got to see Kenny at his peak or Maradona, and I didn't get the same impression from Messi and CR7 when I saw them.

17 Apr 2026 15:18:28
Why Liverpool fans think we have small squad?

Ali, Mama, Jaros
Bradley, Frimpomg, Kerkez, Robbo
VVD, Konate, Leoni, Gomez

Grav Endo Nyoni
Slobs Witrz
Macca Jones

Salah Chiesa
Gapko Rio
Hugo Isak

24 players in our squad

17 Apr 2026 15:35:58
If the manager completely freezes out a few of those players, then you get a much smaller squad than you just posted. It's simple arithmetic.

17 Apr 2026 16:03:15
We still pay them salaries and have them on our books. We have a big squad.
If manager does not pay them it does not affect squad size. We have a big squad and if Slot is manager next season, we may need to replace half of them, as few are leaving any ways: Salah and Robbo.

A few don't get chance, Chiesa and Robbo, and a few are not up to mark: Gapko, Macca, Konate.

Mama, VVD, Frimpong, Kerkez, Leoni, Jaquet, Bradley, Wirtz, Szobo, Nyoni, Hugo, Isak, Rio.
May be Bradley and Ali.

I see above being only certainty for next season.

17 Apr 2026 16:16:18
This is like the time James Pearce said we had 8 midfielders when 6 of them were either permanently injured, not even midfielders, or both.

17 Apr 2026 16:39:00
I don't think we lack numbers. It's quality for me.

17 Apr 2026 16:58:50
The formation and style we play, don't suit the squad. So every time we step on the pitch, someone is playing out of position and the bench looks bleak.

17 Apr 2026 18:08:35
Some are always injured n some Slot just won't play, no matter how bad it gets.

17 Apr 2026 19:25:15
If ever we needed evidence that football isn't played on paper, this is it.

17 Apr 2026 22:49:46
Totally agreed, FM.

17 Apr 2026 14:24:29
A lot of negativity on here for the past few days. I, like most others, feel that Slot's time has come to an end, and I genuinely hope Carra and the other ITKs are correct.

However, if indeed we were to stick with Slot, I would still be behind him. There's no point beginning a new season with negativity. And if we put in some good performances and results early on, who is to say we can't challenge for the titles.

I hope we have a window where we buy an explosive winger and a combative, passing profile for midfield. All the rest is manageable, in my opinion. We just need to play with intensity and determination. Slot is a nice guy and hopefully he can reflect over the summer and learn from the follies of this season.

17 Apr 2026 14:48:35
The lack of intensity will be the same, no tackling, not winning second balls, being extremely open, and the fitness will look the same and running stats.

Why anyone would get behind this guy is beyond me!

Do you guys really think new players is gonna change those that's above !! Nope!

17 Apr 2026 14:53:53
And if we put in some good performances and results early on, who is to say we can't challenge for the titles.

Agree, mate. If we win the first 5, who knows how the season will pan out.



On a serious note, though, agree. I’ll still be behind the club even if I’m not a big fan of Slot's football. It’s been an awful season as a spectator, but new season might bring different fortunes.

17 Apr 2026 15:03:14
Haha, JK23. I knew someone would mention this. That is why I added performances. While we won the first 5 this season, we were not great in any of those.

17 Apr 2026 14:58:22
I am glad we have so many rumours posters on here. It's a rumours site and it gives us something to discuss and debate. I personally believe David Ornstein that Slot will stay though. I'm not going to be rude and say the 'ITKs' are chancers or charlatans etc. I think they're posting what they've genuinely heard in most cases. I hope they continue to do so; it's literally a huge reason why I come here.

However, in the last few days we've been linked to Marcos Senesi, Yankuba Minteh and now Igor Paixao. All former players of Arne Slot at Feyenoord. Everyone with any history of accuracy in the media is saying Slot stays. Ed001 is saying the owners want him to stay and see it as a blip etc.

I really hope Carra, Robbo etc are correct, because I think Slot should've been sacked in November. But the usually more reliable sources in the media are sharing contradictory info. Maybe they have been briefed to lie to the fans, but I'm not sure why they'd all jeopardise their reputations as reliable journalists because the club told them to. That makes about as much sense as your accountant telling you that you don't need to pay your taxes. Reputation is not something you just burn because someone asks you nicely to do them a solid.

17 Apr 2026 15:12:06
Thekoparmy, only bantering mate.

I think we all pray and hope next season is going to be different. I'm not overly bothered if we lose games, but we try and play attacking, exciting football. It's the 'it doesn't look like we can be bothered' mentality that is winding me up the most.

17 Apr 2026 15:19:54
Yes, JK23, we just need aggression and desire. We are not a tough fan base, we just want to see that the players care as much as we do! Unfortunately, Klopp spoiled us big time over the years lmao.

17 Apr 2026 15:27:21
Everyone has to and should learn from this season's mistakes, JK, and that's across the board. For instance, nobody should be given any reason to moan on fitness, as that's been a big gripe this season.

If it hasn't been up to scratch this season, it has to be made sure them players are fit as fiddles next year, raring to go from the start come August.

17 Apr 2026 15:29:06
MK, don't forget to add what Ed001 ALSO said about Slot - Hughes et all WANT him to stay, but he WANTs to leave as he hasn't settled in the UK.

AFAIR Carra, Thefields et al haven't said that Slot is going to be sacked, just that he will leave at the end of the season, which would chime with Ed001 suggesting that he may resign.

Not everything is completely black & white.

17 Apr 2026 15:38:15
I agree, @Post. I don't see new players changing anything, should Slot be kept. I think it could make things worse, cos I think he would think he has been vindicated, should he be maintained. Hence, I do not think anything will change.

17 Apr 2026 16:03:15
Nonsense, I'll always support the club, by no means does that have to include getting behind a manager. He has not had my support for the best part of 6 months now, and that will not change just because charlatans like Edwards and Hughes think he is the right man for the job next season.

If he manages the impossible and turns it around, he'll regain my respect, but it will never change how I feel about the shockingly poor manner in which he's performed this season.

17 Apr 2026 16:09:18
If Slot stays, I'm still firmly Slot Out. Does it mean I don't support Liverpool? No. It does mean I don't think he's good enough for the job, and he has Brendan Rodgers vibes. If he's not sacked, we'll just see the same rubbish next season. There's no reason to think differently.

17 Apr 2026 16:19:01
I think making the lads train more than once a month and not experimenting with new formations in the biggest games might help somewhat. I guess the only way is up!

17 Apr 2026 13:39:38
For anyone interested, the Snooker World Championships is on BBC 2 on Sunday at 2pm. Those of you who enjoy watching fast-paced, high-intensity sport - I'd suggest this is more suitable than Slotball

17 Apr 2026 14:30:18
Love it, Chicken - also I actually do like the snooker.

17 Apr 2026 14:56:43
Ha!!! So Slot followed the Terry Griffiths approach to football tactics.

17 Apr 2026 16:10:23
I think Channel 5 have the rights to the All England paint trying contest, that's more exciting than watching a Slot team.

17 Apr 2026 16:36:51
Slot is the Peter Ebdon of football.

17 Apr 2026 13:20:30
Leoni and Bradley will be ready for pre-season, it seems. I'm hoping we've two young players who'll offer great options for the team and leave the injuries behind. I only caught up on Bradley's recovery.
With so much uncertainty at the back, they'll be like two new signings going into next season. I hope Bradley kicks on especially.

17 Apr 2026 14:03:47
So, that will be Bradley, Leoni and Jacquet coming back in time for pre season training. That is at least some positive news.

Not sure how ready they would be or how suited they would be to senior Premier League football. I had never even heard of Jacquet till we splashed 60 mill on him, and Leoni looked decent on his debut but that ACL injury is a major concern. Personally, going into a season with Van Dijk, Leoni, Jacquet and Gomez as our centre back options is a very real concern. Then again, Konate re-signing is equally a concern as he can not be relied upon to put in consistently good performances.



I really do fear for this upcoming transfer window, as I can see a lot of changes being made, and possibly an even thinner squad than we already have. For Slot to come out and say we need to sell to buy, despite us allowing Salah to leave on a free, is actually mind boggling. Then again, doesn't matter who we bring in, if Slot remains at the helm, the malaise and capitulation will continue. Difference is, Slot, Hughes and Edwards will be shot of all this end of next season, as their contracts expire, we, the fans, will have to endure whatever damage they have done.

17 Apr 2026 14:42:41
Mango, I have a sneaky suspicion Gomez or Konate might leave and Senesi may come in on a free transfer. If they both stay, though, then we essentially have senior 5 CB's as well as Wellity Lucky, Amara Nallo, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Noah Adekoya, who are all going to be reaching the stage of their development where they need senior football in the next 12-24 months.

We certainly don't need another young CB, put it that way. Someone like Senesi would be ideal; good ball playing CB who defends aggressively and on the front foot, unlike Gomez, Konate and Virgil, who are all far too comfortable backing off because they're so bad at timing their tackles.

17 Apr 2026 15:16:54
If anything, MKS, I think Konate is over eager at times. He just wants to be aggressive and hence constantly gets dragged out of position. Virgil, though, was never a tackler, and now, having lost a step of pace, he can't use his previously unmatched physical gifts to just outmuscle the attacker out of the way.

Though, I do think a lot of it is also down to how little protection we have in midfield.

No CBs will thrive in this system. Gravenberch goes wandering, and Macca can't run if his life depended on it. Szob, while a runner, doesn't dominate the midfield. We need a Fabinho type player alongside Gravenberch. But such players are rare. I think Joao Gomes would be a great signing just to bring some aggression and hard running.

17 Apr 2026 15:40:10
People are gonna really like Leoni. Still don't know how we managed to get him out of Italy ahead of the Milans and Juve etc.

17 Apr 2026 17:24:50
Flo, it was simple. We had the money. Inter for ex. (who wanted Leoni cos current Inter manager Christian Chivu was his manager at Parma last season) didn't have that type of dough hanging around. It was that simple.

17 Apr 2026 19:06:05
Surprised he himself went for the move, Oli. He could have refused it and Parma probably would have been forced to take less off an Italian giant.

17 Apr 2026 13:04:38
Gomez out injured. I'm glad I was sat down when I heard the news. You'd have knocked me down with a feather.

17 Apr 2026 13:25:30
I think that's what happened to Gomez. These feathers are not as light as you think.

17 Apr 2026 13:35:59
Thank God Frimpong is made of granite.

17 Apr 2026 14:13:43
Hah Rome, funny bugger.

17 Apr 2026 14:14:52
You're in right form today, Rome!!! 🥳💥🤣 Happy Fridayday!

17 Apr 2026 14:29:55
Happy Friday, Shankly, my mate. Some people may very well call me a sarky git. The truth often hurts!

17 Apr 2026 15:20:11
Rome, didn't Frimpong have a pretty good record at Leverkusen for injuries?

17 Apr 2026 16:16:09
He did, Keegans Purm. Whether his injuries with us are down to our fitness regime, I've no idea. I just know he can't be relied on to play a spell of games for us, up till now.

17 Apr 2026 12:42:01
My hopes for next seasons:

High level of fitness.

Fast tempo football.

No signings with bad injury records.

Use the squad. Take players off after 60-70mins to rest them.

Don’t defend single goal leads by getting behind the ball and inviting the opposition to attack.



The EPL needs a wake up call. The football played this season was abysmal. To maintain the level of broadcast rights it’s got to get more entertaining.

17 Apr 2026 13:35:54
The quality of the Premier League this season has been diabolical. The fact the best team had to park the bus to squeak past a Sporting side, City used to beat about 15-2 on aggregate, sums it up.

Also, the fact we could plausibly finish 3rd despite only winning once a month.

17 Apr 2026 14:16:24
@Navy, Think you missed the point, pal. I was referring to the questioning of those who make the effort to put out info they have.

Don't allow my posts in jest to worry you, buddy.

Much love - peace!

17 Apr 2026 14:18:55
Last season was awful too. Winning it didn't make it special in the slightest. We are firmly in the era of Arteta and Slot and their deeply uninspiring brand of football. But these things are cyclical. After the Klopp vs Pep years, which were genuinely exciting regardless of outcomes, there was always going to be a period of soulless, heartless football.

Apparently Slot is staying on next season, so we have a bit more of this to endure yet. Once the disillusionment fully sets in, anyone or anything with even a hint of progressive football will feel like a breath of fresh air again. Till then, I will try and find something else to do on weekends rather than being glued to the tele. There is some benefit to this after all.

17 Apr 2026 14:19:46
It is somewhat funny the stick we got last season for winning, and the standard of football this year is significantly worse, with zero consistent opposition to the gooners.

Add to that, they still might blow it.



Anyway, we have a preseason to reset, albeit a short one with the World Cup.

Looking forward to Leoni and Jacquet coming in, and hopefully Isak and Bradley can stay fit once back.

17 Apr 2026 15:48:38
The standard of entertainment in the league is well down. It's to be expected when there's an age in most matches taken to dry footballs for a long throw. What I will say is that the league is a lot more competitive than it was a few years ago.

The midtable teams are very strong. Not many away games in that league anymore that can be taken as a given you'll get 3 pts.

17 Apr 2026 16:12:05
High level of fitness.

Fast tempo football.

Are just two of the things you won't see if Arnold Slop is still in charge.

More home defeats and teams running through our midfield at will are just two of the things you will see, though.

17 Apr 2026 10:11:53
Ladies and Gents the constant requirement for the will he won't he stay whilst an important issue is driving people mad.

We do not want to drive away people like Carra from posting on this site when they take the time to offer their genuine insight into what is going on at the time of posting.

Football is a forever moving beast and crazy things happen all the time ask Peter Odemwingi (spelling? )

Any try chill, sit back ride out these final 6 games as crap as they will be and what will be will be.

Carra please do not let other drive you away info from you, thefields, robbo etc are all greatly appreciated.

The work the Eds do to maintain things is great and they are all good people - except that dirty ed25 guy don't trust him haha

Love always Eddie25 (except on sunday)

Tris hope all is well your part of the world!

17 Apr 2026 12:54:36
I've always been sceptical of Carra, but he has staked his entire reputation on this by being so insistent Slot leaves. If Slot stays this summer, we can disregard any other info he puts forward.

17 Apr 2026 12:59:31
@BeKind, I think that's a bit rich from you considering you've been doing a countdown of his remaining games in your posts for a while now... 8 games left, 7 games left, 6 games left...

17 Apr 2026 13:02:21
I actually enjoy reading the info that Carra and others put on here but to get offended because a stranger(s) who probably live thousands of miles away that you'll never likely meet disagrees with you is hardly worth worrying about.

Keep posting away, Carra mate, but if you feel you no longer wish to post then that's totally up to you.

17 Apr 2026 13:05:08
Great post, BeKind, I wish more people were like your name!
I've much appreciation for Carra, Ned etc with the info they bring. But things change, decisions can be reversed or postponed. Don't be bashing these who bring us their news - this is a rumours site after all!

17 Apr 2026 13:17:55
Livered, you're talking nonsense mate. Everything posted on here is heard through the grapevine, nobody has direct access to boardroom meetings. Even if you know somebody at the club, we're still getting 2nd hand information that's already been "interpreted" as opposed to directly shared. Even if you were best mates with Virgil, you wouldn't really know what's going on. This isn't Madrid. Players do not have direct access to execs like Edwards or Hughes.

There's a strict hierarchy, and outside of contract negotiations or major issues, that chain of command is not broken. So even the likes of our own captain does not know what's really going on behind closed doors. They can only make assumptions based on what they themselves hear through the grapevine or can interpret from day to day vibes or rumours.

17 Apr 2026 17:19:08
Exactly, @Willo. I don't know why Carra and the other so-called ITK's are being slandered all of a sudden. It seems that the same people saying, "This is a rumours site, so anything goes" now seem to be saying, "I don't fully believe what ITK X is posting." Seriously, who cares what posts you trust or don't trust on a rumours forum? I don't.



What these people post are just their two cents based on what they may have heard or gathered, and they darn well have a right to do that. They did not ask a soul on here to take their info as gospel truth, so if you don't trust the info, move on, wait and see what happens. Just my opinion.

17 Apr 2026 14:03:18
Carra, the field's, Ned and robbo are essential to the site, it's a rumour site ,
This happened before and macca stopped posting, so try and keep it civil and as ed25 said if you don't like it, scroll past