Liverpool banter 9

13 Jul 2026 18:57:15
If Elliot gets a shot again in the squad, what position would most like to see him play?
I'd personally like to see him on the right where Salah played.

13 Jul 2026 19:10:15
I'm not sure he's got the pace to play wide in an Iraola team, but I think he could do a job in midfield. Turn him into a bit of a Scott-type player, as he's pretty tenacious and can carry the ball well.

Mind you, given our current lack of RWs, that's probably where he'll get preseason minutes.

13 Jul 2026 19:20:18
Back up to Wirtz. He's literally perfect for it.

{Ed025's Note - nice lad and all that LFC8 but you have give upon him now mate, and the way Wirtz is playing he would be back up to Carlton Palmer if he was still playing and needs to pull his bloody socks up..

13 Jul 2026 19:27:10
There's not a fixed role for him, because he's not good enough.

{Ed025's Note - spot on Rome..

13 Jul 2026 19:31:08
Competing for the No.10 if we're playing one. From what I saw of the other options there last season he'd be in with a shout. If Harvey was given 90 mins week in week out he'd have produced similar numbers at least.

13 Jul 2026 19:35:20
Good squad option is Elliot, play him where Wirtz is sometimes, lad is a decent player who can chip in with goals.

13 Jul 2026 20:18:39
I agree with Ron.
Not quick enough? He's as quick as Rayan.

13 Jul 2026 20:05:56
All a matter of standards Ed025, he'd walk into your team!

{Ed025's Note - he would not get a game for Southport im afraid Avit, he seems a very likeable young man...its just that hes awful at football mate..

13 Jul 2026 21:06:51
The internet seems to suggest Elliot averages speeds between 30-32 km/h and Rayan 35 km/h.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him as an understudy to Wirtz in a 10 and get game time on the right wing.

Don't see him starting many PL or CL games though.

{Ed025's Note - you never know JK, if 12 of the first team come down with Galloping Payaka he could make the bench mate.. :)

13 Jul 2026 21:14:53
😂 I dunno, 25. I agree he's slower than a pensioners porno, but as a squad player, I think he's okay.

I wouldn't particularly be bothered to sell him, mind, that goes for the whole squad if I'm being honest, as long as we get in replacements and don't screw over the new manager before he's had a chance to do something.

{Ed025's Note - i expect Andoni will want to have a look at him to see what he offers LFC8..

13 Jul 2026 22:02:02
Left back, on the bench.

13 Jul 2026 22:07:02
If Iraola doesn't pick him then that'll have been Klopp, Slot and Iraola who don't fancy him. At that point, can we all accept he isn't good enough?

13 Jul 2026 22:53:28
And Emery.

14 Jul 2026 00:06:06
Does analysis need to be so black and white?

It always seems to be that a player is s*** or he's a worldie.

Title chsaing squads need players like Harvey who can contribute all throughout the season, be it as a starter or off the bench, play multiple positions.

14 Jul 2026 05:24:20
He is a young man who clocked more than decent minutes for a Klopp team & has changed games in the past for us. In his first few starts for us before that horrific leg injury against Leeds, he was electric.

But what does Klopp know! Give up on him! The guy was screwed last year by idiots from both sides after having a great U21 WC. But yeah, he is no good. We do have the best supporters in the world.

14 Jul 2026 06:07:06
Elliott's Achilles is his lack of pace... For me, he is an RW alternative and backup no. 10.

14 Jul 2026 07:08:53
Sanjit, I consider myself to be a good supporter. I just don't think Elliott has a future with us, because he simply isn't good enough. Hope he proves me wrong, but doubt that he will.

14 Jul 2026 07:50:38
He showed that he could be good enough before the leg break, Rome. It's been a bit of a perfect storm of bad circumstances for him since then. If he could get back to similar form as before the leg break, he can be a decent player for us. I see no problem in giving him a chance. He's still only 23.

{Ed078's Note - agreed

14 Jul 2026 08:04:36
I'd have him and Rio fight it out for both left wing and right wing, nowt wrong with a bit of competition, and with Munoz in support and possibly Dominic doing a job up top where he's played most of his career, Wirtz is ideal for the false 9, so in my opinion, back up up top is key, we are short in the legs department, and FFS buy a CDM, stop trying to squeeze a pineapple into a sock, and decent option for a starting CB, I like Zabarny, get those positions sorted and we are mustard.

14 Jul 2026 08:40:39
We do have the best supporters in the world???

No, we don't. We have a fan base that claim to be. What makes Liverpool fans better than any others?

Answers on a postcard, please!

14 Jul 2026 09:39:17
Singing YNWA at half time when 3 nil down in a Champions League final. Giving full support to the players when 3 nil down to Barca. Those 2 examples spring to mind. The support at these moments is not because fans expect a comeback, it is to show that we are together with them no matter the result.

Real supporters of this club will give 100% support to anyone wearing the shirt if the player shows effort, commitment, and passion. Some online supporters will always have a tendency to be disconnected because it's easy to slag someone off online.

14 Jul 2026 09:49:18
Rio on LW and Elliott on LW? Challenge for the EPL and UCL?? You're having a laugh!! Neither are good enough for either position.

14 Jul 2026 09:54:09
Do other clubs' fans not sing when they are losing, then?

Pretty sure I've heard many an away fan giving it big beans at Anfield even when their team is losing.

I'll make sure I continue to look down my nose at them.

14 Jul 2026 11:24:48
When at games I 100% give support to whoever wears the shirt, even Nunez! However, when I come on here, I will liberally slag players off and express my opinion.

The booing of Trent underlined that Liverpool supporters are no better than any other set of supporters.

13 Jul 2026 17:25:53
Hi guys/Ed's

What's everyone's opinion on Gazza? Mexico 86 was my first World Cup but I was 6 so can only remember certain bits. Italia 90 I was glued to the screen and remember it vividly. Now I'm not a massive England fan so I maybe wrong but i always found him a bit over rated and certainly don't think the impact he had during that tournament is anywhere near what Bellingham is producing this tournament

{Ed025's Note - oh how we could do with him now Baz, if he had a brain he could have been one of the greats mate, he had skill in abundance and could unlock a defence with ease, a precocious talent but did have his demons but nobody could dispute his talent..

13 Jul 2026 17:44:15
Talented but ineffective.

13 Jul 2026 17:54:11
Shame he never really won anything significant.

13 Jul 2026 17:59:41
He certainly wasn't overrated, he was immensely talented but a flawed human being. Such a shame.

13 Jul 2026 18:05:03
Best English player ever for me.

13 Jul 2026 18:10:37
Gazza seemed to me to be the embodiment of undiagnosed and untreated severe ADHD. Hyperactive and extremely impulsive. He could glide past people for fun with a little shimmy and one twos. Genius moments and brainless moments (the tackle he made that seriously injured him) that probably both came from an impulsive mind.

Up all hours and self medicating. You wonder what could have been if he'd had the right support and treatment early in his career. Would it have focused his genius into something consistent and Ballon d'Or worthy or stifled it?

13 Jul 2026 18:21:04
He was a great player - he was even a handful for Vinny Jones!

13 Jul 2026 18:21:08
He was an exceptional talent for 2-3 years, and really was superb at Italia 90. A dynamo of running, dribbling, and seeing the pass that no one else would have considered.

Sadly, after a great season for Spurs 90-91, he behaved like a maniac in the FA Cup final. Totally over revved, and did his ACL in a tackle that should have seen him sent off.

He spent a year out of the game, and was never really the same again. At Lazio, he struggled for game time (in those days there was quite a cool rule that clubs could only have 3 overseas players in a starting line-up), and ended up at Rangers.



Had one very fine moment vs Scotland at Euro 96, and then trashed his hotel room when he was cut from Glen Hoddle's World Cup squad in 1998.

Ultimately, he was wrecked by injury and media adulation. And of course booze and the ensuing domestic violence.

It's all so sad as he really came across as exuberant and sweet-natured, but, as Bobby Robson said, was as daft as a brush.

13 Jul 2026 18:25:36
You weren't being signed to play in the Serie back in the day if you sucked. Gazza was that dude, end of.

13 Jul 2026 18:27:36
I also think his management team and hangers on could've done a lot more for him. It was about 10 years ago, if that, he was sat alone in a pub by mine. I don't know why he was in Liverpool, but people were plying him with shot after shot. It really was sad.

13 Jul 2026 18:28:24
Ps, he was seen as the kind of player England rarely has - a propulsive creative number 10, like Roberto Baggio at the time.

But from '96 onwards, I think England would have done better with McManaman in that role.

He was astounding for us (apart from his final season), a wonderful dribbler and passer. But often had the Darwins when through on goal.

I know he is not popular with fans as he did a Bosman, but he was an exceptional player.

13 Jul 2026 18:41:43
I agree with Red.
Today, he would be helped through after early diagnosis of a clear need.

As it was, he was left to self medicate and turn to alcohol with the obvious results.

13 Jul 2026 18:55:11
Gazza was special.

13 Jul 2026 18:55:13
His goal and 'dentists chair' celebration at Euro 96 is one of my most vivid football memories.

13 Jul 2026 18:02:40
Ed 025, you know how it works and how it is. Genius always has a flaw. Sometimes small and sometimes fatal. And it seems that in the end, the flaw sometimes end up defining the person.

{Ed025's Note - it certainly defined Gazza ArAy, he was a player who got bums off seats and those types of players are very few and far between these days mate..

13 Jul 2026 19:13:55
One of the best players to ever grace Scottish football, seeing him and Laudrup together calls back to days that will never be seen up here again, quality wise.

It's a shame his life ended up going off the rails. Money can't take away your demons, and often makes them worse.

13 Jul 2026 19:21:29
MonsterSouness - Ryan Giggs has the most assists in PL history with 162.

McManaman was ahead of him when he left.

13 Jul 2026 19:38:26
We say players are generational talent, Gazza definitely was. He had everything, but he needed a strong manager like Whiskey Nose Fergie. He was a lads lad, but someone should have got a hold of him before he went into self destruction mode. An absolutely fantastic player.

13 Jul 2026 19:17:19
Ed025 I was born in 1975 82 my first World Cup zico and co.
How I think of Gazza is there was England before Gazza then England with Gazza then England after Gazza. I think John Barnes was a better player but Gazza made England tick and nobody made them play better in my life time.

If the likes of him and Barnes were around now we would walk this World Cup and do it in style.
The worst thing that Gazza did was sign for Spurs they just let him run wild.
If I am not mistaken he had his heart set of joining Liverpool and following Beardsley but not sure Kenny wanted his madness.

{Ed025's Note - thats what we are lacking certainly Grino, Gazza and Barnes walk into this England side mate but it seems most football these days is about possession and playing the ball backwards, its so boring to watch and is a symptom of why Arsenal won the league imo, no Arsenal players should be picked on Wednesday because they are burnt out or in Madueke,s case never picked again because he is absolutely crapper than crap..

13 Jul 2026 20:08:04
Not sure his life was ever on the rails, Rugby. He had quite a reputation in Liverpool.

13 Jul 2026 20:21:00
Saw the Gazza documentary recently. Think his biggest mistake was moving to Spurs instead of Utd. Did it to get his parents a house and car, and his sister a sunbed. The innocence of it all! Much as I can't stand him, Fergie might have worked with him as he did with Cantona and been a better minder for him than El Tel.

Gazza was different gravy - but had and has his demons, sadly.

13 Jul 2026 20:21:53
England's most talented player by an absolute mile.
He was unstoppable on his day.

13 Jul 2026 20:36:56
Just after reading his most recent book, he said when he was leaving Newcastle, he really wanted to join LFC as they were the best team about then. He spoke to Kenny, so we were obviously interested, but the club said they hadn't the money at the time, it was a record transfer fee £2.2m.

13 Jul 2026 20:42:12
John Barnes is my all time hero. I still love him now. However, he rarely performed in an England shirt, for whatever reason.

13 Jul 2026 21:11:10
Gazza is my favourite England player. He was exciting and so skillful on a level not seen since. Now we produce athletes who can carry a ball and play inside themselves. Gazza was the exact opposite of what we see today, unfortunately.

13 Jul 2026 21:13:48
Gazza was an absolute legend to me. His ability was off the scale & unfortunately, his demons were as well. Absolutely love Gazza, was so entertaining to watch!

13 Jul 2026 21:17:08
Rome, Barnes was treated disgracefully by England fans. After his worldie goal in Brazil, fans fell into the racist trope of saying he was lazy.

He scored one of the best free kicks I have ever seen vs Holland.

It was a bit embarrassing for the Wembley crowd who had booed his every touch.

He would have achieved more for England if the fans had just ignored his skin colour.

14 Jul 2026 11:55:31
He had loads of ability, but he didn't look after himself physically, so he didn't fulfill his potential.
His physical issues were down to his complex mental issues.
He had a good career, but it could have been a lot better.

Seeing him now, and knowing more about his problems, he deserves some credit that he did what he did and for so long.
I reckon it's because his love of football is as strong as it is. Or was.

14 Jul 2026 16:40:23
Spot on, Monstersouness. Barnes was levels, man. The guy was begging to play for England and gave his all whenever he got the shirt, and many England fans treated him disgracefully.

13 Jul 2026 15:42:56
To clarify FlyPelicanFly, I'm not comparing him exactly to him as in Balotelli being quite a difficult player to manage and having some high profile off the field issues.
That was showing itself before we signed him. The signs were there; he was trouble.
With Diomande the signs are there also, but from a different angle; his entourage sound like real trouble the way are handling him.


His off the field stuff, tho not to the level of Balotelli, is a little concerning; out partying with players and rappers, that could become a problem.
Diomande doesn't seem to be a problem in the pitch.
So as I said, I'm seeing warning signs.

13 Jul 2026 14:49:58
Just read AI's first presser - he said squad depth is key and the club are working on it. I also loved that he said about creating a treat that the fans can relate too. Good first impression!

13 Jul 2026 14:58:15
Plus he's going to give Elliott a chance.

Great news.

13 Jul 2026 15:10:14
Great presser, he really sounds like he gets what being Liverpool manager is about.

13 Jul 2026 15:21:01
It was the bit about building a connection with the fans and the city that made me smile.

13 Jul 2026 16:19:45
Comes across as a genuinely good guy alright. Let's hope the pressure of managing a top club doesn't tear him down. Saying all the right things anyway. Very excited to see how we get on.

I loved the year by year piece when asked about his 2 year contract as well...

doesn't want to be kept for the sake of it, wants to earn his place.

I wonder how long before he pays a visit to Bobby and Jurgens' dentist too with a nice new bumper contract. 😂

13 Jul 2026 16:59:35
It was a good watch, a key factor I noticed was just how very humble the guy is, comes across like the kind of bloke who really has his priorities in check. First in, last out, puts in twice the effort kind of vibes.

13 Jul 2026 18:15:37
Also love the fact he says the manager's job is earned through results and mutual satisfaction, not guaranteed by a long contract. Respect...

13 Jul 2026 12:45:57
Iraola says he is not going to "live in a bubble" of just the training ground, stadium and home. He wants to get into the city, experience it, "take some pictures" etc. Says it is "part of the magic of being a Liverpool manager".

That's a good start I would say. Get to know the city, fans and the culture of the city is big part of being a Liverpool manager.

13 Jul 2026 14:42:46
A good sign indeed.

13 Jul 2026 14:56:45
Absolutely it is. Watched his press conference and have to say it filled me with confidence that we've got the right man for the job! Just love the way he's always got a smile on his face, you can tell he loves what he does and he seems to understand already what the club and city is all about! Roll on August.

13 Jul 2026 15:00:19
It always sounds really bad saying this because, obviously, I get football is for everyone and you don't have to be from that area to support a team and all things like this, but having said that, Liverpool Football Club and Liverpool in general, you have to integrate, you have to find out what we're about, you have to become localised, it's what makes the club and the city special.

I know we get a bad rep all over the world (unfounded b******* a lot of the time) but people who genuinely know what Scousers and being in Liverpool is all about will get it.



The place and the club are truly unique and if you truly buy in to it all, there is no better place to become a true true hero, we will love you, protect you, feed you, house you whatever it takes to make you feel special and welcome.

We are people of the people and if you become one of us, nothing can stop you!

I don't mean any offence to our non Scouse fan base either by the way, I wish you could all come and find out what I'm on about!!!

13 Jul 2026 15:15:59
Maybe it's the cynic in me, but the proof will be in the pudding.

Araola will be well aware of the reasons Slot wasn't liked. Non integration into the city, slow, boring football, not using the academy etc. etc.

So, what is the best way to ingratiate yourself to the fanbase in your first presser? Just tell them you're going to do all the things that Slot didn't do and was disliked for.

Easy.

He now has to follow up on those promises which is a lot different than just paying us lip service.

13 Jul 2026 15:25:01
Spelling his name correctly would be a step in the right direction, Rio.

13 Jul 2026 16:14:24
Araola is another word for the outer nipple, Rio, steady on, lad.

13 Jul 2026 16:18:19
Nearly made a bit of a tit of yourself there, Rio
(Areola)

I'll get my coat...

13 Jul 2026 16:37:03
The man knows of what he speaks and clearly has learned from others' mistakes. Good call, Doni.

13 Jul 2026 16:56:03
Great to hear that, same approach as Jurgen getting involved in the city and with the fans.

13 Jul 2026 17:01:15
A lot more promising than living in Manchester's Terminal 2.

13 Jul 2026 17:14:54
What he's said today about getting to know the city isn't just talk; it's him being truthful.
Sky did an interview with Iraola either last season or the season before, where they were driving around Bournemouth with him.

He was speaking about the places they would go as a family for days out and things. Even staying in England rather than going back to Spain for holidays. Worth a look if it's about anywhere YouTube or Sky, maybe.

13 Jul 2026 17:51:52
So, first presser for AI, and I have to say that was underwhelming..... He looked nervous and out of his depth straight out of the gate.

I can’t believe the media team didn’t tell him to dress smarter and have a sodding shave for his first presser to the world's media.

Anyway, the Slot haters have got what they wished for, so we’ll reap what we sowed.

An ex AEK Larnaca manager with the Cypriot Super Cup under his belt.



A much vaunted coaching and fitness staff with years of Championship and League 1 experience, used to playing 40 games a year with a worse injury record and set piece record than Liverpool in the last couple of years.

But at least we’ll play fast, attacking, edge of the seat football with the pressing machine Harvey Elliott leading the way!

13 Jul 2026 18:10:37
Aren't you a cheerful sole, Casey.

13 Jul 2026 18:28:39
Oh Casey, you need help mate.

13 Jul 2026 18:27:42
That's one way to tell everyone you're plain ignorant without actually saying it Casey

13 Jul 2026 19:15:08
Casey is either Slot or Edwards, can't decide which one.

13 Jul 2026 19:42:13
Is Casey fishing or just taking the piss.

13 Jul 2026 20:03:03
Both I think.

12 Jul 2026 17:49:29
I’m absolutely convinced Andoni Iraola is going to make a massive impact in his very first season with us. 🔴

Some might say it’s too early to judge, but I’m just that confident. When it came down to him or Hoeness, I’d have been happy with either — I knew both would do a great job. But I’ve got a feeling Andoni is going to surprise so many people.

If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on him to win the league! It’ll be between us and Arsenal, mark my words.



Think about it: if we had this squad when Klopp first walked through the door, we’d have won even more trophies. Jurgen laid the perfect foundations. Slot had everything right there on a plate, but decided to change things too much. 🙄

Now we’ve got Andoni — he’s going to pick up exactly where Jurgen left off, get us playing that Liverpool way again, and put us right back where we belong: on top! 🏆

12 Jul 2026 20:49:24
Slot's name keeps on being brought up....
Iraola has a lot of work to do, not least with what is going on in the suites above him.
It'd be cool if Iraola had a Klopp effect across the club. Not sure any of us have any insight to know or feel this, beyond what Bournemouth have produced on the pitch, but it would be cool.

12 Jul 2026 21:00:29
Slot was our (last) manager less than two months ago. Of course his name keeps coming up. 🤷‍♂️

12 Jul 2026 21:01:53
I think we need to be a little bit patient with the changes that Iraola will hopefully bring.
It's going to take time to get us up to a level of physical competitiveness for a start.
We're starting from a pretty low bar of fitness, players arriving back later than normal from a World Cup (I know a lot are out of the tournament but they were then on holidays).


Just don't expect immediate miracles.
Look for the subtle improvements initially.
Anything else, will be a bonus.

12 Jul 2026 21:24:32
I absolutely endorse your optimism, would be astounded if LFC were to have two bad seasons on the trot.

Starting fixtures are favourable for Andoni to continue his present 16 matches in the PL unbeaten (8W, 8D), a draw is always better than a defeat at the end of any game.

I note Bellingham has scored 6 World Cup goals from 6 apps so far, Wirtz has to step up to the plate and match those figures in the PL, his honeymoon is well and truly over, it's now the time to deliver. Full stop. Isak also similarly has to match Haaland's past PL figures, and with Hugo to return circa in the new year, what a boost that gives LFC if we are there or thereabouts for the PL run in.



As Sir Bob always said "ye need the bounce of the ball/Lady Luck to go your way is a massive help" (Injuries, suspensions, loss of form, VAR, referees' decisions noted as well).

Well LFC certainly surprised everyone last season, let's surprise everyone this season for all the right reasons though, playing good football is the foundation of it all! The only way LFC has ever known how to have success, in the past and in the future!

YNWA 97 and 20

(and 21 on the honours board this season hopefully?)

12 Jul 2026 20:40:54
Did this go through chat GPT? It has the same language, use of emojis and use of —

12 Jul 2026 21:56:01
I'll have what you are smoking, Kloppo05.

12 Jul 2026 23:22:06
Kloppo, delusional, we don't even have our starting 11 yet... but fairplay for being optimistic.

12 Jul 2026 23:56:37
Iraola will be like a breath of fresh air after last season's performances. Can't think of many fans who was looking forward to the season with the old manager in charge. He will be given time n the crowd will have the patience for him to get on with his job.

I for one im really looking forward to see how we so, but some players need to step up, but sure they will.

13 Jul 2026 00:15:37
I'm with the OP and 007. I'm excited and am predicting a good season. The competition isn't that strong, we have a good team and we will add to it before the season starts.
I've already got a bet on with a colleague.

We will finish top 2. Much as I hate to say it, I think Arsenal's settled defence will see them defend their title. Again that's more to do with the standard of competition more than anything else.

13 Jul 2026 00:44:22
I think we need to see what the squad will be before we can sensibly set our expectations.

13 Jul 2026 08:15:50
I'm usually always positive but since the appointment of Iraola it's more hope than expectation.

My heart hopes he's Klopp 2.0 but my head tells me Rodgers mark 2.

13 Jul 2026 08:21:21
It's amazing the sheer number of people who have a serious problem with some optimism. 🤔

13 Jul 2026 08:34:58
I couldn't agree more, Kloppo. 👏👍

13 Jul 2026 09:26:48
I'm positive for the season ahead, but it's more for the football we will hopefully play over the chances of success.

I think it's pretty evident that the football will be more entertaining than under the man we're not allowed to mention on here, but for Iraola to come in and immediately compete for trophies will be a huge ask.



On paper we have replaced a title winning manager who finished 5th with a manager who finished 6th.

Yes, he will have a far better squad, but it's also a big step up for him.

Top 4 this season playing his way will set up the challenge for PL & CL come the 27/28 season.

13 Jul 2026 11:06:59
One thing that goes in his favour is just how competitive the league is these days. When Klopp took over, he was up against prime City who were getting nearly 100pts each season.

Those days are gone, so Iraola can afford a settling in period and still catch up if his methods gain traction in the second half of the season.



City and Chelsea are in a similar position to us, trying to bed in a new manager, so they will be inconsistent. Arsenal will hopefully be hampered by the new set piece laws, so will have to come up with other ways to score goals.

It's all there for Iraola if he can get some consistency.

13 Jul 2026 13:04:32
I liked his presser this morning. Talking about playing the type of football that the fans can be proud of and talking about the importance of connecting with the fans and the city. Those things alone would be a massive improvement on last season.

13 Jul 2026 13:52:48
Agreed, Shipley. Personally, I'm finally looking forward to watching us play rather than dreading it last season.
It is an entertainment business after all, so what is the point of watching paint dry a couple of times a week?
Hopefully success will come, but the news conference gave me lots of hope.

13 Jul 2026 14:14:47
Already watched more U21 training than Slot did in 2 years, so that alone is a big positive!

13 Jul 2026 14:17:35
A was on yesterday when I spoke about VAR and most people were saying it was correct in the Norway game, but that's only when it went in favour of England. Let's be fair, it's the same during the season, no one is saying about the ball hitting the cable, should have gone back to the keeper. Also, Norway could/should have had a penalty.

Then there's the referee that didn't yellow a player from Paraguay. He's the same ref who denied Scotland, 1 possibly 2 pens, against Morocco, and failed to send off one of their players. Sour grapes maybe, but it's being implemented by idiots. Time to get rid of Howard Webb. Better off with ? Opinions please. 🙏

13 Jul 2026 16:39:58
I'm with you, Cantremember. I love Doni and he comes across as genuine, competitive and ambitious, and I'm here for all of that.

However, let's just be a bit patient and let the man cook.

There is indeed a lot of work to do, and some of that includes the removal of the wretched instincts instilled into these players throughout last season already, so let's just proceed with cautious optimism.

12 Jul 2026 17:06:34
Ferran Torres apparently available for 35 million. Can play out wide.

12 Jul 2026 17:33:59
16 goals in La Liga is pretty decent, in fairness, and at 26 he's a good age. I'd heard PSG were looking at him. I can't see why we'd not take a look and try and beat them to the jump, as we can almost guarantee him a starting spot.

12 Jul 2026 17:45:04
If PSG go for him, does that mean their interest in Diomande has ended?

12 Jul 2026 17:46:35
I'd snap him up. There's no way this current squad can play the Iraola Way. 😂

Our players are that slow, you could tie all their football boots whilst they run.

12 Jul 2026 17:53:11
If we can get him, we should in my opinion. He gives us options all over, and for starters would be our starting RW. At 35m, it's an absolute no brainer. He is a proper steal at that price.

12 Jul 2026 18:09:31
Right footed RW and right footed LW. 🤔 He isn't a bad player by any stretch, but shouldn't we be trying to get someone who is predominantly left footed?

12 Jul 2026 18:26:01
PSG only hold interest in Ferran Torres as a Barcola replacement should the latter force a move away from the club, which is deemed highly unlikely.

12 Jul 2026 18:58:44
And why would FT come back to England when he was signed by City 6 years ago, and within 18 months they had to sell him cos he did not settle in, you know, England. Honest question.

12 Jul 2026 19:08:42
OliRed, he was a youngster then, who knows, he might settle a bit more now he's older, he's considering PSG so you never know.

12 Jul 2026 19:09:50
Why do anything ever? Something might go wrong!

12 Jul 2026 19:18:16
Good player that can play all across the front, but does he offer what we need? I think, for the wing, we are looking for either direct, fast players or those that can beat a man for Iraola's faster transition style.

12 Jul 2026 17:17:43
Where have read this, Yorkie? Esp the price

12 Jul 2026 20:00:19
I would say he's more two-footed than most Rover.
£35m seems ridiculously cheap, we should be putting a bid in at that price.

12 Jul 2026 20:20:24
£35m for a versatile Spanish international who's 26 and scored double figures two seasons running feels like it's worth a punt.

12 Jul 2026 20:35:34
Lol, anyone else remember when left footed players played on the left and right footed players played on the right?
It doesn't make that much of a difference, dude. Klopp played with a right footed inside forward and traditional right winger at Dortmund (Reus and Blaszczykowski) to very good effect. You just adjust the team set up to suit.

12 Jul 2026 20:48:02
Zeddicus. Quite a few online posts. He's only got a year left on his deal, probably why the price is quite low, plus Barca have agreed to sign Adeyemi from Dortmund alongside Gordon, so may reduce his playing time.

12 Jul 2026 23:22:49
Certainly wouldn't be first choice, but I wouldn't say no.

13 Jul 2026 08:26:50
Salah didn't settle his first time in the EPL either, for whatever reasons. I'm not comparing the two, but comparing their situations. You never know what the outcome will be. Depends a lot on the player himself.



And Torres is not a bad option to have. Enough skill and experience in the EPL, been with 2 winning teams and will cost a hell of a lot less than unproven 19 year olds.

13 Jul 2026 10:20:45
But it's Ferran Torres, guys, he is so, so average. He doesn't improve our starting 11 at all, he won't come to sit on the bench, it's a complete non starter.

13 Jul 2026 16:41:58
ArAy1969, you're right. Both situations are very different. Salah never got a look-in at Chelsea. Torres did not settle to the lifestyle in England. It is the City fans who said this, btw.

14 Jul 2026 08:11:27
OliRed, A young Mohamed Salah didn't become an instant success in his first spell in PL - at Chelsea. We all know the rest of the story...

12 Jul 2026 15:29:48
So, on England.
Do we agree or disagree that Beckham was world class?
His crossing was mostly excellent. His passing was very good overall. Beck's is spoken about as a passing god in England, even by great ex players.

PR hype.
Great on the dead ball. Gerrard, for example, was a better passer. Every range in his locker.
Beckham was never world class imo. A very limited player.

12 Jul 2026 16:27:47
Beckham was a very good player, but nowhere near world class for me.

World class business brain though!

12 Jul 2026 16:30:36
David Beckham didn't even class himself as 'world class' so the question is a bit strange.

12 Jul 2026 16:28:43
I think you're deluded if you think Beckham was a very limited player mate.

12 Jul 2026 16:52:18
The man who played in prime Man Utd, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and also played for a decent PSG side was extremely limited for sure.

He was class, end of.

12 Jul 2026 16:53:23
I don't think he was world class, I think he was just a level below, but there is nothing wrong with that, it still puts him in the top 5-10% of players to have ever played professionally.

12 Jul 2026 17:04:22
Business brain? When he was chosen by the media and given brands, deals and products. Not rocket science to say yes and then have a team to do stuff.

12 Jul 2026 17:09:58
An excellent player, but I wouldn't say world class.

12 Jul 2026 17:19:27
PostKlopp - Totally agree with the above, mate, but Beckham drives that brand and always has done - he's the one with the nouse and unlimited energy and eye for opportunities that still keeps pushing "brand Beckham" forward.
Anyone who thinks the guy hasn't got a world clad business brain are the same ones who think he couldn't play.

12 Jul 2026 17:35:50
Very good player but not world class. One of those lads who worked his arse off and made the best of what he had.

12 Jul 2026 17:46:00
Beckham crossed the ball in early because he didn't have any pace to beat a full back.
Great crosser and passer of a ball, defo top player but not top class.
Simioni will tell you that.

12 Jul 2026 17:48:16
Excellent player. A dead ball specialist and one of the best crossers of the ball in his generation. I wouldn't call him world class, but his grit and determination was always undervalued.

12 Jul 2026 17:48:42
Nah. Worked very hard and a wand of a right foot. But he was never the best player in any team he played in.

12 Jul 2026 18:25:28
Very good player Beckham but not world class. Think his public profile put him up there, bit like Pogba in that sense.

12 Jul 2026 18:37:48
My mate was a Man Utd season ticket holder and didn't rate Beckham, used to say he would try the Hollywood passes and only complete 1 in 6 which you would see on Match of the Day.

Just hype and a shirt seller for me.

12 Jul 2026 18:42:51
Similar to Trent in many ways.
Average to above average in many respects, but world class passing and dead ball ability.
Like others have said, it's the hard work and practising that dead ball ability that got him to the highs he got to.

It made up for some of his lack of talent or athleticism in other areas.
World class? Not sure, but I can't remember many other players back then, you could play on the right of a 442 who would do a better job there.

12 Jul 2026 19:05:13
Mikey, Beckham is not similar to Trent in any way. Nor does he possess the type of raw, unadulterated talent, technical and sheer ability with the ball at his feet.

Trent was a physical beast of an athlete who played game after game after game for years and was almost never injured until his final two years of his time here.



And Beckham may not have considered himself world class or people didn't really think he was. That does not apply to Trent in any way, imo. Trent was in his pomp, certified world class as a RB and as a footballer, overall. The things that kid was doing with a football from age 18 to 21 was unreal, man.

12 Jul 2026 19:15:10
It depends on your definition of world class. Some people say you need to be in the best XI in the world. Others just say that they are one of the top 20-30 players. Some think you need to be at Messi/Ronaldo/Ronaldinho levels.

My personal view is that he made the best of his talent, had the best right foot in the world, created countless opportunities, won most things at club level, was wanted by the biggest teams in Europe and worked his backside off for club and country.

That puts him in the world class category in my view, but he was never going to be Messi/Ronaldo/Ronaldinho.

12 Jul 2026 19:18:51
I'll go with George Best's appraisal of Beckham - he can't head it and he can't play with his left foot. He was not world class.

12 Jul 2026 20:06:33
Oli,
Do you actually read half the nonsense you come up with? "Trent was a physical beast of an athlete." 🤦‍♂️

12 Jul 2026 20:33:43
Think if he was playing now, he would be world class, but for his time, it was a tough class of legends, so I don't think so. For me, it's about if they would get into a world XI.

12 Jul 2026 21:25:47
Very very good player, but just shy of world class, I would say.

Best free kick taker of his generation (alongside Roberto Carlos).

Couldn't pass and overtake players like a traditional right sided player/wingers, but his crosses were sublime. Also very good on corners too.

Won everything at Club level with the biggest clubs.

12 Jul 2026 23:24:19
Beckham was similar to Trent. A great specialist, but his game was lacking everywhere else.

13 Jul 2026 03:33:22
Agree, @Chewy, both of them have one special talent, but there are so many other parts of the game that they were average / below average.

13 Jul 2026 08:30:23
Beckham? Skilled, no doubt about it. But definitely not world-class. More of a marketing machine and fashion wannabe. With all the professionals around him and his wife, he couldn't help being successful in business.

13 Jul 2026 09:09:50
He lives not far from me, bump into him at the local coffee place every now and then. Forgetting football, I was never his biggest fan as he came across as very focussed on pushing his brand.

However, he is actually really nice in person and always makes time to have a chat. He seems genuinely down to earth.

Victoria, on the other hand, is a bit different, shall we say!

12 Jul 2026 14:55:56
Any chance of a poll Ed33 for if England will win the World Cup?

{Ed033's Note -


World Cup poll

12 Jul 2026 16:21:31
I hope not, I'm France ally the way monsieur and I will land £1640 if it happens. 🇫🇷

12 Jul 2026 17:21:20
Wow! Given we are in the semis (one of 4 teams), the fact that the poll suggests less than 25% think we can win is interesting!

12 Jul 2026 17:32:47
And, for me, there lies the problem, Zeddicus.
'Turn doubters into believers' anyone?

12 Jul 2026 19:38:29
I don't think they will win it, but I sure hope they do.

12 Jul 2026 19:46:53
Cheers Ed

13 Jul 2026 02:57:10
Excepting France, I have a hard time saying any of these remaining teams deserve to win: England and Argentina in particular have looked terrible against poor opponents, but England are the worst of the remaining 4 for sure. Shocking they're still in it.

{Ed078's Note - did you watch the Argentina game?

13 Jul 2026 13:16:23
I voted no but only because of the semantics.

Do I think England Can win the World Cup - yes.
Do I think England Will win the World Cup - no.

I personally think that France and Spain are both a level above both us and Argentina so I expect the winner to come from that semi final but in a 90 minute one-off game a lot can happen and there is absolutely a chance that England could do it.