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28 Aug 2024 21:41:37
I really, really hope that Barca's move for Bajcetic doesn't come to fruition. Barca's handling of some of their youth players has resulted in numerous injuries, overplaying them until their bodies couldn't handle the strain or intensity. It is not mere luck that has resulted in Barca's youth picking up multiple ACL injuries. For me, it is negligence.
Trusting them with a player that has so much potential, that has to be carefully managed, will only result in one thing, further injuries. We can not allow that to happen.
I, unlike most on here, am actually supportive of the idea of Bajcetic getting a loan move. He needs to play a more consistent string of matches, rather than be used as a sporadic player. He has missed out on 18 months of football, the best chance of him refinding that is opportunity. He won't find that at Liverpool, right now.
Also, any loan move, whether Barcelona or other, must not contain a buy clause of any kind. Baj has shown that there is a real player there, he just needs an opportunity to refind that form that made him a viable option when he first emerged.
Also, looks like Tyler Morton stays, as we rejected Leverkusen's bid. I suspect he will be the option at 6 now, as opposed to going for another player. Not sure how I feel about that, I'm a big fan of the kid, but even I think this is too much of a step up. He will also go from playing week in and week out, to a break glass option in midfield. Not many players can adapt to that shift.
He might be needed, though. Jones has shown throughout his senior career that he is not always available. Macca, reliable but will need rest periods. Grav, been brilliant but had injury concerns last season too. Endo, a player that does not seem to suit Slot's system but a genuine fighter, nonetheless. Szobo is needed higher up the pitch, pressing the back line, but he is an option too. Elliott at 6, doesn't feel right, as he is a player that likes to take risks, utilizing his creativity, can't really do that when in front of the back line.
The attempt to sign Zubimendi hints that Slot wasn't too happy with his midfield options, and felt the need to get someone more viable to his philosophy and system. Unfortunately, that player preferred to stay, which shows great loyalty, so I can't really hate the guy.
It will be interesting to see what happens to our midfield when 1/ 2 players are missing. Suspect Nyoni will be on the bench, as for who would play instead of Macca and Grav. The idea of a Jones and Endo combination does not fill me with any sort of confidence. Either way, hopefully I am wrong.
Great start to the season so far, in terms of results and performance on the pitch. I only hope are lack of action on the incoming front doesn't derail us further down the line. For me, contracts needed to be sorted, a 6 bought, and a centre back too. All in this transfer window, too. That has not been done, and that is a huge concern.
1.) 28 Aug 2024 2https://liverpool-rumours.co.uk/members/getprevpips.php?p=2a02:c7c:5a46:2c00:35eb:6e2c:1f41:e4df2:37:16
I agree with you on the bajectic loan front. Missed so many games out. I'd prefer he doesn't go to Barcelona however I'm unsure on the move to Austria too. Ideally a more competitive league.
I'd love to see Nyoni given chances in the last 15-20 mins of games and also include him in the cup games. Looks like there's a really good player in him.
I trust the process. YNWA!
2.) 28 Aug 2024 22:53:37
Great post Mango. I’m not sure that going for Zubamendi means that Slot doesn’t trust his midfield options though.
If we jumped straight onto buying another player in that position I’d agree (we might still do) .
However, it may just have been that the club saw a player who they thought could improve the squad for the right sought of money and went for it.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that Slot’s unhappy with his options in midfield. I’ve no idea to be honest, different way of looking at it though.
3.) 28 Aug 2024 23:06:38
Endo bossed CFC and City's MF last season. Jones was the best player on the pitch for a fair few games the season before last, and also for a few last season.
Elliott has been brilliant at times also.
If a suitable improvement is not available, why buy someone?
How many here wanted Dacoure last season?
Would Caicedo and his dodgy entourage of agents have been money well spent?
What about the angolan DM we all craved 2 seasons ago? Florentino was it?
Only fools rush in.
4.) 28 Aug 2024 23:07:18
Bajcetic is going to Salzburg.
5.) 29 Aug 2024 00:45:12
I think the main thing for Baj now is to just get some minutes under his belt, regardless of the level. Salzburg would be a decent choice since there'll be less pressure on him and he can focus more on getting fit especially as he's been out for over a year. There have been some questions raised over his professionalism though so hopefully this loan spell would do him good in that regard as well.
6.) 29 Aug 2024 04:32:13
How would he get in Barca's team and not ours? I don't see him playing that many games over there so might as well keep him here or send him to a lower ranked team in the PL imo.
7.) 29 Aug 2024 08:17:03
Agreed with Mango, I honestly don't think we absolutely have to buy a CM. We have great options already, worst case scenario is playing Nyoni more than we originally planned and is that really a bad thing?
8.) 29 Aug 2024 08:26:41
Vango makes some good points. The missing thread with us under the later years of Jurgen was lack of consistency, some players out of position, starting games poorly etc. That was partly due to lack of quality and control in midfield. Our best team under Jurgen had absolute clarity of purpose in each position, we killed teams with the intensity and physicality from midfield and the front three. With two fullbacks delivering absolute quality. We won’t get the same under Slot, he’s more measured but we need that continuity and consistency in style and approach which would be helped by having a more settled centre of midfield.
9.) 29 Aug 2024 09:11:56
Gravenberch was in big demand, prior to his move to Bayern, and rated as one of the stand out young MF's in world football.
How about he gets a good run to see what he's made of, backed up by Endo, until the next top pick is available?
Jones needs to step up and be consistent when the opportunity presents itself, as does Elliott.
People keep going on about Varela, but I thought Slot didn't play with a traditional CDM?
How many available, high level players are there with the profile of Zubimendi?
Assessing and coaching is what Slot has said he will do, and rightly so-lets give that a chance.
Not signing a CB could prove more of an issue than a CM, in my opinion. Ibou is injury prone, and Jarell is learning his trade. This is not the league to be outbullied in. Gomez is a great all rounder, but also has an injury or two in him.
10.) 29 Aug 2024 09:30:12
I agree LFC-S MANGO. Bajketic needs consistent game time rather than 5 or 10 minutes here and there. I would prefer that he went on loan to Germany, Spain or in England but if he goes to Austria then I'm sure that he would do really well and come back full of confidence. Gravenberch has impressed as a 6 in a double pivot and if he can stay fit and improve his defensive qualities a bit then he could be superb. I actually think that in Slot's system, Szoboszlai would be fantastic as a 6 as he would work really well with MacAllister and TAA (down the right), he is strong, fast, good as closing down, excellent passer, has a good shot and is aggressive in the air. He also protects the ball well. A midfield of MacAllister and Szoboszlai as the double pivots with freedom to attack and Elliott in the number 10 would cause havoc. Endo was superb as a holding, defensive number 6 in Klopps team last year, where he played way above what was expected but the area that I think he struggled is his first touch and decisiveness when being closed down and under pressure, close to the goal and that is exactly what a number 6 in Slot's team needs to excel at. Others may disagree but it's just my thoughts. ?.
11.) 29 Aug 2024 10:21:39
Stefan will be going on loan for a season to Salzburg. Everything else is noise.
26 Aug 2024 18:38:31
Liverpool have made a move for Chiesa, likely as back up to Salah. In terms of back up, can not think of many better, but I highly doubt he would be keen on being back up, plus has had a lot of injuries these past few years and is a high wage earner.
If we can get this done, would not turn my nose at it, but feels like a stop gap rather than a succession plan. Will be interesting to see if this works. We have needed a suitable cover for Salah for quite some time, and it looks like we finally have intent to do so.
1.) 26 Aug 2024 19:39:23
Not massively keen and have loads of misgivings, but at the apparent price (£12m? ), it’s hard to argue that it’s not worth a punt given his age as squad depth.
2.) 26 Aug 2024 19:39:57
We had 6 forwards when we won the title. Less European games and only 3 subs. If Chiesa can do a Minamino Origi Shaqiri role it’s worth it. We could manage Salah’s minutes better too. The worry with Chiesa specifically are the wages and injury history. But an experienced versatile forward would certainly add to the team.
3.) 26 Aug 2024 19:48:24
Back up? Replacement for Thiago in the treatment room.
4.) 26 Aug 2024 19:48:56
Be an exciting addition if we could get him. I think he’s more left sided or central so would think he’d push Gakpo down the pecking order unless Diaz has got a move away agreed.
5.) 26 Aug 2024 19:52:24
Not unhappy. He's a tidy little player.
But he's not a center back and imo that's the position we need most.
6.) 26 Aug 2024 20:10:13
One of the most injury prone players out there. Not for ME solely on that basis.
7.) 26 Aug 2024 20:20:54
The best ability is availability.
It’s a “no” from me, I’m out.
8.) 26 Aug 2024 20:25:38
Everyone on about his injuries! He played 37 times last season and outwith his ACL there's nothing major. Definitely being exaggerated and at the price rumoured he'd be a bargain!
9.) 26 Aug 2024 20:34:26
Davey, how is Chiesa injury-prone?
10.) 26 Aug 2024 20:44:47
Strange signing if it’s pulled off, but like most wouldn’t be against it. It surely means a forward is exiting in the next 12 months. I still think a DM and a CB are the priorities however.
11.) 26 Aug 2024 20:45:23
How is the most injury prone player? He did his bloody cruciate doing that doesn’t mean injury prone it’s just unlucky.
23/ 24 season missed 11 games
22/ 23 season missed 17 games ( 6 of those where fitness due to coming back from the horrible injury)
21/ 22 season missed 45 games due to the horrendous injury
Before the 21/ 22 season it was a average of 6/ 7 games a season. don’t get me wrong I don’t think we really need him but I wouldn’t class him as injury prone really he’s had 1 terrible injury the rest are just usual stuff for players. if the price is correct around 15-20 million might worth a chance to give Salah a break.
12.) 26 Aug 2024 20:38:05
I want a new player. But not that new player. A different new player. One we are not interested in, so I can say how crap Hughes is. FSG out. Only 3rd? Slot out.
13.) 26 Aug 2024 21:33:47
It’s okay Tristan let it out.
11 Aug 2024 19:09:34
I adore Endo, and I have admitted many a time that I had to eat humble pie because of his performances last season, but Slot's way of playing just does not suit him, at all.
Whenever he receives the ball, it is almost like he is not ready or doesn't expect it, and is then fighting to get the ball under his control because his directional touch tends to move towards the least optimal position. He doesn't use his body to protect and instead stretches and loses possession. It happened a number of times throughout these pre season games, he looks really uncomfortable receiving possession while under pressure and with his back turned to play.
That is a major concern because Slot's central midfield are expected to play through the press with intricate and intelligent plays. Endo is more of a safety blanket, to nullify dangers and play the simple pass. Still a quality player, but ill-suited to what Slot is looking for.
Jones, honestly does my head in, because there is a real player there, but he kills so many plays with the amount of touches he takes. The amount of times a simple pass, breaking the lines, could have set us up for an attack, but it never materializes because Jones holds on to the ball way too long. The best players vary there play, in terms of speed (Macca is brilliant at this) but Jones hasn't developed this skill at all. Not to mention the injury concerns that have plagued his time at Liverpool.
Nunez, just looked disinterested. Doak's decision making was very poor again, but at least the lad was getting himself about, working his socks off. Nunez just ambled around, looking at the clouds and wondering what shapes they made. Gakpo, lacks the speed and dynamism needed for an offensive Liverpool player, and has a tendency to go onto his right foot, making him quite predictable.
Elliott, the battle between him and Szobo for the advanced midfield role will be a close fought one. Both offer something different, and they will be a significant part of any success we get next season. Enjoy both and will not be upset if either feature.
Konate, looked a lot more assured on the ball and killed a lot of the oppositions attacks with his pace and power. If he can stay fit, and excellent option, but the question is can he, he has yet to show it.
The 1st match, clearly featured the majority of our first 11. The second, our rotational options. And, the result/ performance really highlighted that. A lot of decisions for Slot to make, but I honestly trust him more than I expected to, when Klopp left. He seems very tactically astute, which is what these players need now more than ever, if they are to develop further.
Exciting times. This should make for a great season, fingers crossed that is the case.
1.) 11 Aug 2024 19:46:41
Nunez Days are numbered, and the jury is well and truly out on others you've mentioned.
Joyce now intimating that Zubi looks less likely.
2.) 11 Aug 2024 20:09:49
Did Nunez and Gakpo even play today?
3.) 11 Aug 2024 20:11:34
Endo is like a fish out of water and I think a lot in that second match are fighting for their futures at the club,
Nunez again absolutely woeful Gakpo in acres of
space but he keeps running, constantly wasting possession just terrible all round again and I don’t see how he fits into this style of play based on composure and calmness when he has none but the Nunez gang will back him no matter what when if you take the red tinted glasses off he’s our worst signing of the Klopp era along with keita and we’re stuck with him as he’s that good nobody not even the Saudis are remotely interested.
Salah and Jota on the other hand were outstanding today and I think this system is built for a striker like Jota, Diaz was good but needs to release the ball quicker like Salah has been but it’s early days so if he stays I’m sure he will adapt.
Gakpo again was poor so he’s playing for his future and I also think tsimikas will start the season as first choice as it appears Klopp favours technicality over physicality so will be an interesting battle between him and Robbo.
Wouldn’t surprise me if we name the 11 from the Sevilla game against Ipswich as every player to a man played very well, much unlike the second game against weaker opposition we need to start asking serious questions about the likes of nunez Gakpo Konate and jones as I don’t see slot taking prisoners.
4.) 11 Aug 2024 21:49:48
Bloody hell, it was Gakpo and Nunez first pre season game and because they didn’t set the world alight they are being written off.
5.) 11 Aug 2024 22:29:46
Spose if you’d of swapped teams of Diaz and jota for gakpo and Nunez the conversation may be different. The 2nd game was like a reserve match with no fans.
6.) 11 Aug 2024 22:31:12
Is right thunderbird. Some absolute melts on here lad.
7.) 11 Aug 2024 22:04:50
Exactly Thunderbird. First preseason game in a behind closed doors friendly. The whole game was basically a training session and I’d guess the starting line ups were more to do with fitness than who will be first choice.
Nunez and Gakpo have shown they can play. It’s funny how Nunez banged them in for Benfica and he bangs them in for Uruguay but in a Liverpool shirt he looks nervous.
Maybe something to do with the knuckle draggers who just can’t give the lad a break. If we sell Nunez I guarantee you we will regret it.
How you could possibly compare him to Keita is just lunacy. Some people honestly have no idea.
8.) 11 Aug 2024 22:55:22
What on earth did I just read?
The season hasn't even started yet and you're writing off half the squad.
I think Gakpo and Nunez will be very good under Slot.
I think Endo should probably be sold to free up game time for Bajcetic for example. Thought Gravenberch has a good game in the #6.
Jones is perfect for this possession style of football, I hope he flourishes under Slot.
9.) 12 Aug 2024 00:30:06
I like nunez, and hope to see better numbers this season. He’s energetic, a fighter but needs to increase his output or it will be his last season with us.
10.) 12 Aug 2024 02:40:05
It was a pre-season friendly who’d have thought it would cause such angst. Back on earth it was great to see Robbo get a run out.
11.) 12 Aug 2024 02:59:17
You know the season didn't even start. give them time to adapt new way of play/ tactics.
12.) 12 Aug 2024 05:53:04
My money is on Salah, Jota and Nunez bagging at least 20 goals each this season (all comps)
Gakpo and Diaz at least 15 each.
13.) 12 Aug 2024 07:48:47
I had to ask my 14 year old son what a melt and knuckle dragger was ?.
God bless the internet in 2024?.
14.) 12 Aug 2024 08:04:25
The turnover of players is going to be swifter from now on, by the sounds of things. This is not a bad thing. Slot has 2/ 3 years to be successful and to implement his style, and if players/ styles don't fit, why wait?
Jones is a good example, he was our best player for a spell in both of the previous two seasons, but has an issue taking too many touches/ holding the ball for too long, which works against Slot's system.
Darwin scores against smaller sides but tends to miss in the big games, has an anger issue and is yet to learn the language.
How long do you give a player in this day and age, where success/ results are paramount.
I for one am greatful that our club is run the wat it is, compared to some of the other big clubs, and stand by the MO.
15.) 12 Aug 2024 08:32:16
The chance to play "armchair critic" by far outweighs any pleasure gained from watching the game. Some cracking goals and a good workout in that first game, but you wouldn't know it reading some of the stuff on here. Not a mention.
A good chunk of the posters on here seem to derive no pleasure from the actual kicking of a football at all, only the opportunity to vent after the game seems to appeal to them.
Very strange, but ultimately harmless.
16.) 12 Aug 2024 08:39:19
Just a thought here guys, I know it sounds mad but maybe, just maybe, our new head coach is planning to actually coach some of our players to suit his style of play!?
17.) 12 Aug 2024 09:25:12
Don't be so ridiculous Skezza11! The only and i mean only way to manage is to come in and purchase players already suitable!
Have you never played Champ Manager? It is where most people's experience of managing clearly comes from.
18.) 12 Aug 2024 09:35:59
You could see a huge difference between those players that have been back for weeks versus the players who were last to join back up. You could see that Nunez and Gakpo have not had the time necessary to adjust to Slots style and tactics but they have probably only had a couple of sessions with him so it is hardly surprising.
There was a huge drop off from the first game to the second but I think that a huge part of that was not having a crowd so I think that we should jut see the second game as what it really was which was purely an opportunity to give everybody a decent run out to get some minutes into their legs.
The huge positive for me was Diaz. He hasn't had a lot of time since returning and I think a lot of people thought that he would be gone by now but he had a great game. Slots style might really suit his natural game and he looked really up for it.
The first game was arranged as a final 'test'. We played good team (historically at least), in front of an expectant crowd with what is likely to be the starting lineup against Ipswich. We even deliberately kicked off at 12:30 to prepare for next weeks early kickoff and we passed with flying colours. The second match was not much more than a televised training session.
Some players might need a little time to adjust. Given that we are all 'supporters' how about we actually support our players and give them a chance rather than writing them off after being back playing for just 60 minutes.
19.) 12 Aug 2024 09:49:21
Ridiculous Skezza and quite frankly impossible. It says on FIFA what the players’ positions and attributes are and that is set in stone.
20.) 12 Aug 2024 13:51:31
3 good wins in preseason - it’s only pre-season
1 apparently bad outing in pre-season - SELL SELL SELL.
21.) 12 Aug 2024 16:35:07
Support your team, back the players, true reds know this. I maybe old school but that’s the basis of a supporter . Y. N. W. A.
22.) 12 Aug 2024 17:17:14
4 good wins weren’t it?
11 Aug 2024 10:47:12
So, looks like we are also prepared to sell Ben Doak, in addition to Carvalho and Clark.
Liverpool are open to a loan with an option to buy, or a permanent transfer.
Really, really strange decision. I do actually get the selling angle, I genuinely do. But, surely you would loan these players out first in order to increase interest in the player? That way you drive the price up through competition.
But, no. Instead, we are just selling before many clubs have seen these players playing in more competitive matches, leagues, etc. And, for a lower amount that I personally believe they are worth.
Do we have so little money for transfers that we have to sell promising youngsters to fund the Zubimendi transfer? Because it feels like it.
I am honestly puzzled by our business so far.
1.) 11 Aug 2024 11:16:27
Where was Carvalho last season? And Morton and Williams and Phillips and van de Berg and Beck and Chambers and Ramsey and Koumetio. .
2.) 11 Aug 2024 11:18:46
Perhaps these players want to move Mango. They have all been around the first team for a while and don’t stand much chance of playing.
We get criticised for holding on to players and ‘stifling their careers’ and we get criticised for selling players to let them get on with their careers.
It’s just football, players are transient and want to play most of the time.
3.) 11 Aug 2024 11:28:20
LFC Mango maybe the club feel their value is high now, look at Jordan Ibe and Ben woodburn for example . Ibe we sold probably surprisingly after being involved with the first team and for what £15mil or so. what's he worth now? Woodburn was massively promising, had we sold early might have got good money for but ended up struggling on multiple loans and leaving for free if memory serves me correctly.
I'm not saying Clarke and Doak aren't good players but the club obviously feels we have better options in our youth team and both are wanted. If they do take off and progress beyond expectations we'll likely have a sell on fee like Solanke but at the end of the day selling youth team players is what funds the academy progress. Like then or not Chelsea are a classic example of how to get value out of their academy.
I'm the same as anyone love nothing more than seeing some young lad come through the academy but in the current world it's a very small percentage that breaks into top class bracket. Look at the abuse Jones gets from some "fans" for not being good enough. and he's probably lightyears ahead of the likes of Clarke and some of the lads in the youth team.
Brewster's another perfect example, 20mil and what's he worth now, I remember me included not being sure it was the right sale but got to trust that those at the club have the clubs best interests at heart.
Here's hoping anyway ? YNWA!
4.) 11 Aug 2024 11:34:14
Happy to sell doak, imo wouldn’t have made it just fast and not much end product.
5.) 11 Aug 2024 12:04:56
The hype around Ben Doak is crazy. I've never really seen anything from him to suggest he can be more than an Aaron Lennon-type player. Bobby Clark looks too lightweight to be a Premier League midfielder. There's only so many youngsters you can give opportunities to if you want them to get adequate minutes and you want to compete for trophies. Best to focus on a small handful who fit our style of play.
Maybe they will come good like Solanke but it took Solanke 5 years to come good after leaving us. We couldn't afford to persist with him so he was never going to become a £65m player under us. Maybe the club feel the same about Doak and Clark.
6.) 11 Aug 2024 12:49:43
If the manager doesn’t want them. Sell them. They ain’t going to play if he doesn’t want to work with them
My only worry is it looks like Hughes is struggling get any transfers In ? we can’t get a single deal done. Season kicks off in 6 days. Bournemouth to Liverpool looking like too big a jump.
7.) 11 Aug 2024 13:33:21
Stupidity to sell Doak, really is. i really hope we don't HAVE to sell these kids to fund transfers because if we do that's not good enough.
8.) 11 Aug 2024 14:31:06
Doak isn't good enough yet, we need more composed, technical players who are not just speed merchants, they need to be able to pass and move intelligently and not just give and go style. Klopp is gone, we will see far better football under Slot if all works out for him compared to Jurgens relentless running at oppositions. Its my opinion and i hope you can see whare im coming from. Cheers.
9.) 11 Aug 2024 14:33:34
I didn’t realize the transfer deadline was the first game of the season ?♂️.
10.) 11 Aug 2024 14:03:02
Are you really so black and white in everything?
Multiple things can be true at the same time as well as happen on different timelines.
11.) 11 Aug 2024 14:05:16
Watching the friendly, and Nyoni with a lovely finish. He's looked v lively in pre season in fairness probably playing a factor in Clark as well as he's younger and probably higher potential.
Diogo cracking finish and Diaz with 2.1 cracker too . if Diaz could add more goals to his game he'd be top top quality for me. I know the father talk is annoying but can never be accused of not putting in 100% in matches in fairness to Lucho!
12.) 11 Aug 2024 14:42:36
Babbity it remains to be seen if Solanke has come good. Yes he scored 19 goals in the PL last season but he’s only actually scored 29 PL goals in over 120 PL games. That points to a one season wonder to me and if you watched him last season he wasn’t even that great. Lump of wood springs to mind.
I certainly wouldn’t want Solanke leading our line.
13.) 11 Aug 2024 15:17:38
The academy is going to be more like a factory now by the looks of things.
As long as there are buy back and sell on clauses, the risk is quite low whilst the gains are quite high.
Real and co have been working this way for years.
14.) 11 Aug 2024 15:18:55
Neither would I Beckers which is another aspect as to why we would have sold him. But the fact of the matter is a team has paid a £65m fee for him which we would have loved to be on the receiving end of. He's come good.
15.) 11 Aug 2024 15:18:57
Maybe I’m being unfair but Hughes has the whiff of someone like a Woodward at Utd.
16.) 11 Aug 2024 15:28:07
This place is weird lads.
We are selling players to gain money. It is one of the functions of the academy. City do it as well you know?
Doak is a bit Adama Traore. Carvalho has gone for really good money and wouldn’t have played much.
Gordon is loaned. Clark may go as well as Morton. Players who’d be sat on the bench or loaned.
Academies ideally create first teamers or player we can sell for good money.
That’s their function. They’re doing it.
17.) 11 Aug 2024 15:42:48
Hughes doesn't have the clout Woodward had. Ridiculous comment.
18.) 11 Aug 2024 15:57:06
That’s unfair Hessle, Hughes hasn’t spunked £75m on Maguire. And he doesn’t look like the Brain out of Pinky and The Brain either.
19.) 11 Aug 2024 16:26:26
Maybe if these players go on loan they might not be a good as you think they are and there will be no interest in the future?
{Ed002's Note - Game time and experience should really help.}
20.) 11 Aug 2024 17:02:20
Neither Morton nor SVDB playing in the second match.
21.) 11 Aug 2024 17:15:54
Suggests they may be on their way too Vango, can’t help thinking it may be a mistake in VDB’s case. But it is what it is.
22.) 11 Aug 2024 18:21:26
Of course these are to fund transfers… that’s what capitalist businesses do.
23.) 11 Aug 2024 18:26:27
No end product at 18 come off it. Gordon needed 50 games to get a goal and now we need him for 80m.
24.) 11 Aug 2024 14:05:16
Watching the friendly, and Nyoni with a lovely finish. He's looked v lively in pre season in fairness probably playing a factor in Clark as well as he's younger and probably higher potential.
Diogo cracking finish and Diaz with 2.1 cracker too . if Diaz could add more goals to his game he'd be top top quality for me. I know the father talk is annoying but can never be accused of not putting in 100% in matches in fairness to Lucho!
25.) 11 Aug 2024 14:42:36
Babbity it remains to be seen if Solanke has come good. Yes he scored 19 goals in the PL last season but he’s only actually scored 29 PL goals in over 120 PL games. That points to a one season wonder to me and if you watched him last season he wasn’t even that great. Lump of wood springs to mind.
I certainly wouldn’t want Solanke leading our line.
26.) 11 Aug 2024 20:44:05
Really Babbity? Spurs are paying £65m for him. Bearing in mind they paid £60m for Richarlison and £65m for Ndombele that is no barometer of ‘coming good’.
Plus if Solanke had stayed with us he’d now be on loan at a championship club and worth about £15m at best. He was never, ever going to be good enough for us and he still isn’t. He had a decent goal scoring season last season but he’s a bang average player.
Lower PL/ Championship is his level.
Fair play to him though he’s made a lot of money from a mediocre amount of talent.
27.) 11 Aug 2024 22:17:34
And just like that we’ve turned into a Semi-Chelsea…. selling academy prospects BUT not signing nobody …especially when we have the dire need for a No.6 and LB! FSG hunting the mighty profit and be content with top 4????.
28.) 12 Aug 2024 05:07:11
Not signing nobody - never a truer sentence @Schultzy.
29.) 12 Aug 2024 09:14:57
stick to twitter, Schultzy. in the words of Roy Keane, you sound like a big baby.
30.) 12 Aug 2024 12:51:09
Which one of the three is a player from Liverpools academy?
What does being from an academy even mean? Is some kid a formed player at 15, 16 which is the usual age when big clubs start bidding for youngsters? Rare ones are, most are not. Can't really compare 16 year old Fabregas with Clark when he came in. Can compare Fabregas and Elliot - Cesc was better.
Doak was bought when he was 16 but had already played for Celtics first team.
Clark didn't play for Newcastle but still bought when he was about to knock on first teams door.
Carvalho was 19 and was one of best players in Fulham Championship wining team.
Elliot was also bought when he was 16 and already playing for Fulham. If it weren't for that season ending injury against Leeds he would probably be even better now.
Refusing to "become like Chelsea" means passing up insane amounts of money that fringe players bring in. Ibe, Solake, Stewart, Kent, Awoniyi, Grujic, Ward, Wisdom, Ejaria, Wilson, Williams - they brought in over 100 million pounds in last 7-8 years.
10 Aug 2024 18:22:58
Rumour now going around that Liverpool have agreed to the sale of Bobby Clark to RB Salzburg. No idea what the fee is, but another case of clearing the decks of an area we are already strong in.
The centre midfield position is packed, and Clark didn't look like he would get many opportunities, especially with Bajcetic and Nyoni being seen as the younger projects for the position.
Kaide Gordon has also gone out on loan to Swansea, along with Koumas to Stoke City, after having agreed a new long term deal. Protecting his valuation, or potentially with a mind to promote him to the first team, should the loan go well.
A lot going on now. Looks like this will be the season for a deep clear out of our fringe players, VDB and Morton are the next expected to leave on permanents.
Mixed feelings, as I always have a soft spot for youth players breaking through, but, at the same time, have to be realistic.
Hopefully get some incoming players soon, and first team ready at that.
1.) 10 Aug 2024 18:42:52
Clarke played and scored for the first team, he looks capable of breaking through as a rotation player. Why not loan and see what a season at a decent club, with plenty of first team action does for him. It makes ni business sense to sell now, when he could easily be worth double, or better, be in the first team squad after a season on loan.
Couid it be that we are signing more than 1 MF?
Id be getting rid of Grav before Clarke.
2.) 10 Aug 2024 18:44:44
To be the best you have to be ruthless . I’d be the worst person for the job as I’d find it hard to move people on becoming attached to certain players but if they’re not gunna play or be part of the plans they need to go . Get as much as possible and re invest in the areas that need it . That was klopps biggest downfall iIMO because he was a father figure to so many and so loyal we kept some of the players that should have been moved on.
3.) 10 Aug 2024 18:57:07
We can’t keep adding players without moving some players on.
Clark seems like a good lad as does Fabio but most of the fans want us to sign new players. In order to do that, some of the fringe players have to leave.
I like the club bringing through youth players and Klopp was great at blooding youngsters but equally we have to be realistic and honest and most will not make it at Liverpool but will go on to have (hopefully) great careers in football elsewhere.
4.) 10 Aug 2024 18:57:34
Yet we still have a lot of youth around the first team even with the players leaving. If we have a bad season under slot ( it’s plausible) last thing you want is the kids getting dragged into it and blowing the confidence. Get slots settled then tinker with youth integration.
5.) 10 Aug 2024 19:00:39
Be interesting to see what fee will be for Clark,6m was there 1st offer rejected. Can't see sense in us selling for around that unless we have buy back clause. If club don't think he will make it with us, surly a loan for a year with championship club would increase his value as he looked a good player in what games he played with with 1st team. i've no doubt he would do well at top championship team and could get fee similar to carvalho.
6.) 10 Aug 2024 19:06:22
Agree with you Dhfc, look at how City are like a revolving door of selling players, it has to be a mix of getting players into the first team and selling on those who may not make it.
7.) 10 Aug 2024 19:38:18
Curtis jones and endo next.
8.) 10 Aug 2024 19:59:16
Id hate to sell Clark unless we have a buy back clause, personally feel like a loan is best. The fact Pep Lijdners is the one buying him who knows him so well tells you how good he actually is.
Do we really need that £10m that desperately? Definitely not.
9.) 10 Aug 2024 20:17:31
Clark was never going to be good enough if we’re honest. Yes he looked neat and tidy but he has no outstanding attributes that would have helped him push ahead of players in the first team, genuinely I think most of our fans still rate him off the back of one pass he made against AC Milan in the post World Cup friendly tbh! And there are younger players like Nyoni who already look better than him who should be given the minutes in the squad he would have gotten.
£10m ish + a good sell on clause and that’s a good deal I think.
10.) 10 Aug 2024 20:18:13
If Alexis has a clause and desire to goto RM next season, he will need replacing. id rather that was from within. look at what 1 season of regulsar football brought forth in Bradley.
Clarke has shown more than K gordon to date.
11.) 10 Aug 2024 20:22:39
Gomez next, if Carlos leaves Villa. We are going to need a few british players by the looks of things.
Arnes barber-I think Jones will go if he doesn't get regular game time this season.
Slot seems to be changing plenty of things, quite quickly. That is brave, and risky considering who he's following.
12.) 10 Aug 2024 20:32:38
@skezza I get what you’re saying but just because Pep is buying him doesn’t “tell you how good he is” IMO.
Gerrard bought Ryan Kent to Rangers. Rodgers bought Joe Allen to Liverpool. Ten Haag has bought half of Ajax to man united.
I think Managers/ coaches sometimes look to former players as they think they can play their tactics, know them personally and have a relationship. I don’t think it’s reflection on that player being really good necessarily.
Also the calibre of players RBS are after in the Austrian league is very different to the calibre of players Liverpool need.
13.) 10 Aug 2024 21:25:44
Getting news from newsnow aggregator and Dave OCKOP is as reliable as teamtalk phonelines were.
14.) 10 Aug 2024 21:59:40
The sell to buy model is in full swing now.
15.) 10 Aug 2024 23:46:54
"Clarke was never going to be good enough, Doak no end product"delighted to take the few mill, realise what the club you love is, thisway of bringing thru top kids was our best chance longterm. seriously, doak, Nyoni, Nallo coming through is a HUGE part of competing underthese ownwers. andbefore im anti-fsg imnot, impro-LFC. if we're having to selloffthe like sof Clark its worrying.
16.) 11 Aug 2024 00:46:42
I’m not sure I get the love for Clark. Looks solid and should have a future in game. But was one paced and didn’t strike me as a brilliant reader of game so was going to struggle playing for a top 6 side. Better to sell him so he can actually play.
17.) 11 Aug 2024 01:36:24
Frode - well we have to sell players eventually. Dumb clubs are the ones who splash 10s of millions on transfer fees and salaries for players who turn out to be rubbish and then you can’t sell.
18.) 11 Aug 2024 02:31:06
Im curious frode - how would you like the club to operate? Considering it's against the rules for fsg to inject cash for transfers? Maybe you'd prefer them to take out some bank loans to fund transfers?
19.) 11 Aug 2024 06:03:50
Cant believe we would entertain 6 million for a prospect like Clark Loan him for a season and see what he can do. 20 million for carvalho is decnt business. He wants to play number10 and isn't going to. He has attitude issues. Decent money to use towards a signing that can improve the first team and a nice sell on clause should he be as good as he thinks he is.
20.) 11 Aug 2024 07:11:05
Kostas next.
21.) 11 Aug 2024 07:14:56
I'm confused.
Every club need to move players out to get players in. Economically speaking, piling up assets is not a good business practice.
So, fans want the club to buy new players. Fans want the club to spend big. Fans want the club to buy good players, or great players. And then fans want the club to stick with the youngsters. This part I'm confused.
22.) 11 Aug 2024 07:20:07
Some good arguments here, for both sides. that's what makes this forum worth visiting.
Slot seems to be doing the opposite to Jurgen, although perhaps its the transfer team as much as him.
23.) 11 Aug 2024 09:36:23
Vango - what do you mean by opposite to Jurgen? He's only been here a minute.
24.) 11 Aug 2024 10:45:34
Not holding on, ready to clear players without sentimentality, although as i said, perhaps its really just the club adapting to how they want to do business now Jurgen has left.
LFC-S MANGO's banter posts with other poster's replies to LFC-S MANGO's banter posts
05 Dec 2024 12:09:28
Apparently, since joining Liverpool, Jota has played 104 games and missed 78.
I mean what a life, play a little bit of footie in your spare time, get injured, then back home to play computer games at your leisure. I kinda respect the hustle.
1.) 05 Dec 2024 13:15:24
I find it mad that people come with this sort of comment and attitude that a player can control how often he is injured and, even worse, some sort of suggestion that he would actually be happy about it. "what a life" you say? You really think a professional footballer playing at the top level for maybe 10 years max would get some sort of satisfaction from getting paid to not play football?
I get that you're (hopefully) partially joking and probably partially venting a bit of frustration but you only have to watch Jota for 5 minutes to know that he is a committed and passionate professional. The thought that his injury record would cause him anything other than extreme frustration and upset is ridiculous.
Now, maybe he is more injury prone but that's completely different and not his fault (assuming he trains well, looks after himself properly and has good nutrition, lifestyle, etc) .
By the way, Alisson has missed 54 (and counting) matches in the last five years. I would say a keeper missing 54 matches in 5 years is a bigger problem than an outfield player missing 78 (neither is great obviously) . Do you think he's sitting at home with his PlayStation and a big smile on his face as well, counting all the money he's getting paid for not playing? Or extremely frustrated and desperate to get back?
2.) 05 Dec 2024 13:44:52
Agree with a lot of things there, RR regarding Alisson esp. With Jota, it is his muscle injuries that give me concern cos that ain't going to get better the older he gets. Same can apply to Ali, too.
3.) 05 Dec 2024 13:56:57
He doesn't play footie in his spare time though.
And does anyone really know how much time he spends playing computer games? ?
I'm sure the last injury he got was nothing to do with him playing these games.
4.) 05 Dec 2024 14:15:09
I think there certainly will be a correlation between Jota's lifestyle and the amount of injuries he picks up if what is being said about him staying up too late playing video games is true. Being well rested absolutely contributes to your physical wellbeing so in that regard he could control the amount of injuries he sustains. Compare that to Salah who is the complete opposite when it comes to nutrition and wellbeing. Barely ever injured.
5.) 05 Dec 2024 20:48:55
I mean it's not like they get injured, then sit on their ar*e like you lot for months, then suddenly come back to premier league football and running 9-10kms out of the blue.
29 Oct 2024 14:56:59
So, Jota and Elliott confirmed to be out until after the international break in late November.
I understand that someone fell on Jota, and that injured him, but this is becoming a joke now. This isn't the first time someone has landed on him and kept him out for a period of time. I don't know how much longer we can contend with Jota as our striker. His availability is poor, and, despite his obvious talents, there is no point keeping a player that is rarely available.
Hopefully Nunez can make the position his own now, in Jota's absence. When it comes to pressing, covering passing avenues, etc, Nunez is brilliant and works hard. However, offensively he still needs work, especially on his finishing. Hopefully, with a sustained period of game time, he will get the necessary experience to strengthen these parts of his game.
Having said that, though, I do feel we need a proper, number one choice Striker. Rather than a rotational option, which Jota and Nunez are pretty much viewed as. Neither have really made the position there's, due to time and availability, rather than ability.
Gyokeres would be the dream, but I doubt we would have the funds to cover that, plus the number of positions we failed to strengthen at the start of this season. Not to mention the players that may be departing next season that will need to be replaced, with little in the way of a transfer fees coming into the club for those players. Zero, in fact.
Big job for Hughes and, unlike Slot who has impressed me more and more, Hughes has done little to suggest he is capable. Chiesa was one of the few positives of this window, and that is quickly turning into a mistake with the numerous injuries he has already picked up. Fingers crossed this all gets done, and our squad is able to go again, with little in the way of setbacks.
1.) 29 Oct 2024 15:35:58
@Mango respectfully, Where did Chiesa pick up all this "numerous" injuries you are talking about, pls?
As for the strikers, the real problem here is that we are not able to offer them consistent service and Slot has already addressed this after the Bologna game. Darwin in the last 2 PL games has only received one piece of service which was the assist to Salah. That is NOT good enuff even if Gyokeres was signed. I propose you worry about that immediate issue than signing some other "Top" striker cos frankly, there's not that many around anymore.
This is where we have to work on and progress, IMO cos regardless of who you get (Gyokeres included) if you cannot offer the right service to them then, nothing consistent will happen in terms production. Just my opinion.
2.) 29 Oct 2024 16:17:13
Slot said this concerning Chiesa, which to me sounds like he is picking up small injuries during training, which is far from ideal.
“That’s always difficult to say because he goes a bit up and down: sometimes he’s there with us, training for a few days, and then he goes out with injury again.
And I completely agree with you about the service, that is the first port of call to ensure there is opportunity for the striker to finish. However, I still don't trust Nunez offensively. All his positives are when it comes to tracking back, work rate, heart and passion. I have seen little offensive improvement since joining. He continues to stray offside and looks uncomfortable when one on one with the keeper. Jota, injury prone and becomes far too detached from games for my liking.
When we do create these chances, I want a striker that is cold and clinical. Nunez and Jota are not that for me. Decent rotational options for different phases of a game, but lack the killer instinct I feel we need to progress as a team. I also believe we have the creative individuals in the squad to create something out of very little, Trent as a main example. Szobo, he lacks the necessary technical and creative elements, I would personally prefer Macca in that role, as he has a keen eye for a line breaking pass. Jones, has impressed me in the 6, as has Grav more so. Elliott has the ability to create also. I believe we have the players to create already in the team, I'm just not sure I trust our striker to provide the necessary finish, for one reason and another.
3.) 29 Oct 2024 16:20:42
“I understand that someone fell on Jota, and that injured him, but this is becoming a joke now“
Is it really a joke? He got fouled and had a lump of a centre half land on him. It’s not surprising he got injured from that.
It’s not like it was a muscle strain or something? It’s not his fault that somebody landed on him mate
Think you’re being very harsh on jota.
4.) 29 Oct 2024 16:47:46
I was really hoping to see Danns push on this season. He returned to running at the beginning of October after his pre-season back injury.
Hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later, as we could do with his 3 goals in 7 game return.
5.) 29 Oct 2024 17:07:33
Hopefully slot reads the banter page and sells Jota in January.
Likelihood is though he doesn’t and Jota returns to the match day squad for the season after the international break.
6.) 29 Oct 2024 17:08:10
Fair on Chiesa however, you have to understand that the huy has not hasd a ^reseason as he was frozen out at Juve cos Motta wanted him gone ASAP so with that b eing know, he is not just lacking match fitness, he is lacking footie fitness in general so relax and don't judge him too early.
As for your trust or not in Darwin, if he is not getting the correct service consistently then, your trust will never confirmed nor debunked so until that improves, let's wait and see what happens before we judge the guy.
I also fully disagree with the fact that you have "seen little improvement" since he joined. To say he has not improved a lot is just not true at all. The goals and assists numbers alone has gone up from the first to the second season alone. Seriously if you have not seen all the great strides he has made since he joined esp right now doing the things many of his detractors never thought he could do (and even rival fan are bigging him up for) then, I cannot help you.
As for Jota like @Navy said, are you criticizing him for being injured cos someone fell on him? If that is what you are doing and calling it a joke then, your lack of perspective, patience and grace is deafening and at this point, Im done. Peace!
7.) 29 Oct 2024 17:40:27
@Oli, the problem with our two choices for the starting CF position is that neither of them are reliable and neither of them really fit into the system they way that Slot wants us to play. As I’ve been saying since the last transfer window our priority, certainly in midfield / attacking terms should be a CF, and should ideally do the job for us that Bobby did - hold the ball and bring the other forwards into play and also lead in terms of pressing from the front, and, of course have an instinct for scoring.
8.) 29 Oct 2024 19:40:17
I’ve seen him loads live Mango and Gyokeres is and always has been never good enough for title chasing teams. I’d take Nunez over him any day of the week - not even close.
9.) 29 Oct 2024 20:13:33
I see that Cannonier played half a game recently - hopefully his injury woes are over.
10.) 29 Oct 2024 20:28:55
WDW, that is not the conversation we were having to begin with. Now to address your actual points you are making, I have not seen anywhere Slot saying or the Ed's saying neither Jota nor Darwin fit in the way he (Slot) wants to play. In fact, we don't need to guess how Slot used his CF cos we can go to Feyenoord to check out Santiago Jimenez who Slot signed from Mexican football and study the way Slot used him to great effect and his goals helped Slot win trophies in Holland.
Now if you have seen Jimenez play consistently under Slot then pls, enlighten me on how he played and how he fit into Slot's system. Now if you haven't and don't know how Jimenez did then, how do you know Darwin (more similar to Jimenez) or Jota don't fit in Slot's system?
And I'll repeat. Regardless of who you get even Haaland, if we don't do a better job of providing good and consistent service to "insert your preferred CF here", it's NOT going to matter. Said CF will struggle and both Jota and Darwin currently are. Get that part fixed and then, we will know a lot more, IMO.
11.) 29 Oct 2024 20:53:19
I have not seen anywhere Slot saying or the Ed's saying neither Jota nor Darwin fit in the way he (Slot) wants to play
What bearing would it actually have if the Ed’s were saying it.
12.) 29 Oct 2024 21:08:55
Oli, how would the Eds know how Jota or Nunez would fit into the way Slot wants to play?
How much influence does what Slot did at Feyenoord have on what he will do at Liverpool? He might do things differently or want to do things differently because they are different clubs.
And Nunez is in his third season with the club. Are you saying it's because of the service that he's only scored 21 League goals? If it is would you change the team to accommodate Nunez? He wasn't starting regularly at the end of last season and he hasn't been starting this season so Klopp and Slot didn't think so.
13.) 29 Oct 2024 22:12:36
Nunez is far from perfect but he clearly is willing to learn - his link up play alone has improved tremendously. he is even passing to someone other than Salah now ;-)
14.) 29 Oct 2024 22:44:07
More Darwin bashing I see.
15.) 30 Oct 2024 00:07:30
?? @Oli, sometimes conversations develop though.
That said, it wasn’t an attack on you in any way, shape or form. It was me expressing an opinion. Sometimes opinions differ.
However to address one or two of your comments: how likely do you think it is for Slot to say our two primary CFs aren’t fit for the job? From the point of view of the Eds, they too are entitled to their opinion but that doesn’t always make them right.
I’ve seen Jimenez on the box a couple of times but didn’t really take much notice of him (or anybody else in particular) and certainly not in comparison with the quantum idea of how Slot would set up future teams with the players available.
The last point I’d make is, how come Salah keeps scoring? How is it the passes to him seem to reach their destination?
16.) 30 Oct 2024 07:47:39
If it's Nunez bashing, then is the lack of service to him the rest of the team bashing?
I was going to make that point about Salah, WDW, if only to see how many of his goals were penalties ?.
It's not Nunez bashing to talk about how many goals he has scored and the fact that Klopp and Slot didn't always pick him, is it?
17.) 30 Oct 2024 10:02:28
"neither of them really fit into the system they way that Slot wants us to play"
I can't remember seeing more varied tactics under a manager in such a short space of time. Slot looks for the opposition weaknesses and sets the team up to play in a way to try and exploit them. He wants Liverpool to be able to play every way possible.
And as for Darwin showing no improvement - even the commentators were praising him for his improvement this season. His defending and pressing is second to none for a striker and his link up with Mo is great. His numbers are never going to be like Haaland but that's because he doesn't get the service and he works hard for the team rather than just hanging out around the goal. Haaland is ideal for city but if you put him in our team his numbers wouldn't be nearly as good and we would all be moaning about his lack of effort.
18.) 30 Oct 2024 10:07:49
I would add a Diaz to Salah in terms of passes to him resulting in goals.
I love the tacit double standards . If I criticise X for poor play I’m expressing my opinion. If somebody else criticises X, who I think is a good player, then it unfair / unjustified of the player.
19.) 30 Oct 2024 13:59:58
WDW, I did not see it as an at.
20.) 30 Oct 2024 14:00:21
I like Nunez and it doesn’t bother me if he starts or Jota.
But Darwin gets given far too many excuses. How can someone who missed the most big chances last season be in the same sentence as he doesn’t get service.
His pressing and effort is good but is it 2nd to no one. On Sunday he won 5 of his 15 duals.
99% of the time commentators don’t have a clue what they are talking about but now we are using them as character references for Darwin improving.
I really hope him and Jota score a hatful of goals this season but if it’s believed that it’s the rest of our team that needs to improve over the strikers then it’s clear unconscious bias.
21.) 30 Oct 2024 14:09:02
Sorry, I'll try again.
WDW, I did not see it as an attack on me so all good there. I was just trying to clarify or make a distinction btw what was said earlier and what you were saying afterwards. Like I said, all good.
Now regarding Jimenez, I have never seen him play so was asking legitimately if you have so you can enlighten me on how Slot uses his CF's. Regarding the Ed's, I asked that cos there was an occasion where Ed01 had hinted that we may be looking at replacements for Jota and Darwin but it may just have been his opinion so I get that now.
As for your last statement, you can clearly see in games that once we are on the move, our attack almost always goes on the right side where Salah is and we almost look for him at every term which is normal. Even the equalizer vs Arsenal, the pass was for Salah (who would have been offside), not Darwin who was onside. And comparing Salah to Jota and Darwin of finishing is just lame, man. Therefore, we may need to variate the way we attack esp. in transition and get others involved rather than ultra focusing on Salah and get them involved, IMO
At the end of the day, the problem remains that we are not getting the correct service to Jota and Darwin. That much is a fact and we have to do better there. Slot has alluded to it so it's not like I made it up.
22.) 30 Oct 2024 16:04:57
I reckon we, like most teams, have more than one problem.
I know it's easy to focus on one thing- especially if you don't like to scapegoat- and last season it was Pep Lijnders and his tactics.
Funnily enough Jota has been scapegoated but now it's of a lack of service to a position where Jota plays.
23.) 30 Oct 2024 18:10:05
Are you suggesting double standards @Rigsby? How could you entertain such an idea ?.
24.) 31 Oct 2024 08:25:56
Missed big chances is a misleading stat on its own. You know who was second in that list? Haaland.
Anyone want to argue haaland is a bad player because of all the missed big chances (he's up there again this year too)
25.) 31 Oct 2024 09:01:07
Nevada the argument was that Nunez doesn't get any service.
The fact that he's missing big chances proves that wrong.
No one ever said he was a bad player for missing big chances.
26.) 02 Nov 2024 04:20:38
Can I say that I don’t think Haaland is a good football player? He’s a world class goal hanger - a bit like an XL version of Harry Kane.
26 Oct 2024 16:31:44
Well lads, I hate to say it, but I think Trent might very well be gone at the end of the season.
Trent did an interview with Sky Sports and openly admitted that he would care more about winning a Balon D'or than being captain of Liverpool Football Club. His reasoning being, he has been captain already. The interview is quite damning of our chances to retain him.
When I saw the headlines, I thought little of it, simply more pointless speculation, etc. But, when you watch it, you realise this might be his first hints at leaving. He actively tries to move past any mention of Liverpool, when it is brought up by the interviewer, and talks about his aspirations instead. This sounds to me like a man with eyes elsewhere.
If he does leave, I do not think it is on him. He has abided by his contract, and served his time ably. This is on the club not sorting out a contract and waiting till he had less than a year left. The fact we might be letting one of the best right backs around, leave on a free, is mind-boggling.
Hope I am wrong, but that interview came across as writing on the wall, and hinting at what is to come. A real shame.
1.) 26 Oct 2024 16:46:25
Can't remember the last RB to win a Ballon D'Or. maybe Madrid will play him as a CM, and he'll become Stevie G over night!
2.) 26 Oct 2024 17:31:46
Madrid aren’t going to want him to play midfield.
3.) 26 Oct 2024 17:46:02
It’s about aspiration @Fisk - it’s about the desire to be best you can and to take any and all opportunities to make yourself better. In this case it’s about a massive talent trying to be the best he can possibly be. It’s not about winning trophies and awards per se, but if he can be the best that he has the potential to be then an effect will be to win awards and trophies.
4.) 26 Oct 2024 17:54:21
Good luck to him. It's a game of football lad. Never forget that. a lot more going on in the world, negatively and positively to ever give the time to care about where a football player ends up. Extremely poor financially but personally? These lads kick a football, a lot better than us but they kick a football.
5.) 26 Oct 2024 18:13:27
All our players should want to be the best player in the world. It’s normal.
6.) 26 Oct 2024 18:21:51
If the club hasn't or isn't going to offer him a contract then it doesn't want him anyway.
I doubt this is the case though.
7.) 26 Oct 2024 19:30:55
If he leaves i don't buy this its not on Trent attitude. Sure the club should have offered him a contract earlier maybe but he still has 8 months left and has been offered a contract. if it really"means more"and its your dream to captain the club then sign on, don't use when you were made an offer as an excuse to head of to your mate Jude. i would never leave liverpool to join Madrid, Barca r any other club because im a liverpool fan, just like trent. For what its worth i still think he signs but if he does go he'll go into the Owen and McManaman bracket for me, both were castigated for leaving the club and us getting pittance for them and Trent will be doing the same thing.
8.) 26 Oct 2024 19:55:59
It’s great to see Trent have the ambition for the balon D’dor but unfortunately he’s up against it.
The award usually goes to mavericks, goal scorers or players with the biggest fan base at the time.
De Bruyne is a fine example of winning things with assists and world class passes and not coming even close to the award.
Tent will win trophy after trophy at Real but I’d be confident enough to bet that one of them won’t by the Balon D’or.
9.) 26 Oct 2024 20:15:12
As biased as it sounds, he's more likely to win a ballon d'or at Liverpool than he is at real Madrid.
Hear me out!
It's widely accepted that the ballon d'or winner is usually a player from a champions League winning team, or a world cup/ euros winner, or someone who stands out head and shoulders above everyone else in the world. If he wins the champions league with Madrid, so do Bellingham, mbappe, vini jr, and possibly haaland in a season or 2. There's no way he outperforms any of those teammates unless England also win the world cup, but then Bellingham will probably be in a better position.
At Liverpool, he's the best Englishman in the team, he's setting records for assists, he's team captain, so if the stars align, Liverpool win a league and champs league double and England put on a good show at the world cup, he's got a chance.
Obviously, I'm not saying those things will happen, but that's his only shot in my book, because there's no way in the world he's winning it over other teammates at Madrid.
10.) 26 Oct 2024 20:41:21
It’s a team game, if he doesn’t want to stay then it’s no big deal. He’s impacting games less and less these days.
Hope he stays, think he will, but if he leaves then “good luck Trent”. ?.
11.) 26 Oct 2024 21:48:10
Totally agree JK23, that was my point about him being a RB, Madrid will not sign him to play CM so i don't think he'll ever win it with the likes of Mbappe and Yamal around. At least with us he has a chance to transition into midfield eventually and then he might actually have a chance depending on how we're doing.
12.) 26 Oct 2024 22:16:13
Thankfully he plays right back for Liverpool FC and we're about to play Arsenal.
13.) 26 Oct 2024 23:24:19
He might need to flutter his eyelashes at Barcelona instead of Madrid if he wants to win things.
14.) 27 Oct 2024 07:06:53
He’s an employee at the end of the day and as ed002 correctly says, most players are simply transient.
15.) 27 Oct 2024 07:17:31
Honestly, I think it’s completely on Trent if he leaves. For me it’s the reason why there have been no negotiations, the club already know it would be futile. It makes sense to me.
16.) 27 Oct 2024 09:53:50
I agree with IR that it’s the players decision if he goes.
Apparently he’s staying though.
17.) 27 Oct 2024 10:24:07
Respectfully, who said there are no negotiations going one, exactly? Cos I've never heard that from anywhere else.
18.) 27 Oct 2024 10:45:09
Id be surprised if Barcelona were not in for him also, and I think he'd have a better chance with them for some reason.
19.) 27 Oct 2024 10:56:12
Just to back you up Oli, Trent specifically said the negotiations won’t be happening in public, it will all be done in private.
So no-one actually knows apart from the club and the agents.
20.) 27 Oct 2024 10:58:30
I can’t blame him for wanting to leave, we’ve toed the line in regards to ambition and given Klopp’s tenure we should have invested more when we were on top to reaffirm those positions. He’s guaranteed silverware at Real, so whilst I’d be disappointed if he were to leave I wouldn’t blame him.
21.) 27 Oct 2024 12:06:13
Not guaranteed much this season Frode.
22.) 27 Oct 2024 12:26:16
All this talk about the 3 players contracts is very tiresome, it really is a distraction as the players/ club keep being asked about it, rather than focusing on playing. The club really have taken their eye off the ball, not nailing down the contracts last summer, or bringing in replacements if they weren’t going to renew them.
On TAA, I’m a big fan of what he brings to the team, when he focuses on what good he brings to the team. Over the last few years, he/ Klopp has been culpable for the mistakes which led to losing matches against better teams who can expose his positional/ defensive weaknesses. He must surely know that the protection he gets at Liverpool for his mistakes will be in short supply with Madrid fans and the media, you can see already that Bellingham is beginning to take flak there, even though he was superb last season. If there is one consultation, it will be that if we play Madrid next year, Diaz will shred him.
23.) 27 Oct 2024 13:20:09
The negotiations and real decisions will be done in private and the mudslinging by fans will be done in public.
The club, The Three Stooges, TAA and Real Madrid have all been blamed for a decision that hasn't been made yet!
Or has it. ?.
24.) 27 Oct 2024 14:26:20
I could be wrong, but I think all 3 players have said that the club had not approached them last summer about contract renewals. That is a decision they made Rigsby, and something which is certainly comment worthy.
25.) 27 Oct 2024 19:19:21
The decisions were not made last summer, D-day. They are out of contract next summer.
What did TAA say exactly, btw?
The contract situations are worthy of comment but I'm talking about the OTT stuff. The contracts and transfer window were as disastrous and shambolic. People were talking of sacking Hughes months ago. Trent and Real Madrid have received stick because of it.
We all want certainty but it doesn't work like that.
26.) 27 Oct 2024 20:29:32
Trent has said no such thing, he insists it will be done in private.
27.) 27 Oct 2024 21:38:42
Trent is great on the ball and can play a killer pass once or twice a game but I do wonder if the all round team would improve if we did get a replacement? I do sometimes think Trent gets a free pass because he can ping a ball like he did today against Arsenal for our goal but prior to that pass he was shocking, positionally all over the place, very poor passing, can’t remember him winning a challenge and to be honest I got a real bad attitude off him in last few games.
Not trying to send him out the door to Madrid but I don’t think it’s an absolute disaster if he leaves and probably the easiest out of the 3 contract expirations to replace and possibly strengthen on.
28.) 27 Oct 2024 21:43:08
May not be future tense @Ron.
04 Oct 2024 19:12:18
So, it seems like Stefan Bajcetic was fined £500 by RB Salzburg for being late to a training session, and several of his teammates are unhappy with his selection on the grounds of 'sporting reasons. '
I'm going to ignore the latter part because it just sounds like childish griping from entitled players, but the late to training does have me concerned. This is not the first time this has happened to Bajcetic. At Liverpool, teammates have mentioned Baj being late to training and tactical analysis meetings, Gakpo and Robertson most recently.
If he is continuing this behaviour at his loan club, then I have to admit I am concerned about Baj's temperament. The penny should have dropped by now, yet Baj still doesn't appear to show signs of change. Small things like this can affect their development, no matter their technical ability. I mean just look at Ravel Morrison. The world was at his feet, and he scuppered it due to his awful attitude, temperament, etc.
Hopefully Baj fixes this soon because he is quite some player when up to speed.
1.) 05 Oct 2024 01:14:03
He WAS quite some player. The season before last. For less than a season.
One swallow does not make a summer. He needs to knuckle down and recalibrate, otherwise he will be just another promising young player who failed to live up to the hype.
2.) 05 Oct 2024 01:22:56
I think we need to forget about him personally. A great talent but will ruin it all, his attitude isn't right. If anything he should be turning up early, he's not taking it as serious as he should be doing and if I were the manager he wouldn't be in my team. I would love for him to change it all and sort it out but I have my doubts. Bloody idiot if you ask me, risking it all - a great career (what could be) for what? being a lazy sod? nah I don't want him at Liverpool sadly.
Lol funny thing here is, I'm often very wrong - you watch him come back next year and smash it with us.
Not going to happen. These lads need more discipline - guaranteed he was in stitches to his mates about a £500 fine, it's nothing. Too much money and no passion.
3.) 05 Oct 2024 03:29:14
I think we need to forget about him personally. A great talent but will ruin it all,
How easily did you say that @Salah. We wrote off an entire last season in the back of “Bajectic is our next Alonso and we need not buy a top DM”.
4.) 05 Oct 2024 04:33:07
I saw somewhere that Millie used to stay out on the field after training when he was with us as he wanted to improve his skills with his weaker left foot and he was in his mid-30’s. The examples are there if the youngsters want to see.
I have to say that’s me with my ‘do what I say, not what I do’ head on, as I probably wasn’t overly keen on pushing myself to be better when I was a teenager.
5.) 05 Oct 2024 09:46:19
I love your honesty WDW, I was probably the same, or worse. I was terribly lethargic during my late teens.
I hope I wouldn’t have messed up a promising football career but that was never going to happen, not with these knees!
05 Sep 2024 14:50:39
Sounds like Harvey Elliott has left the U21 training camp with an injury, not sure how severe but this is always a fear when it comes to international breaks, having a player get injured without having any control of it.
Question 1, why in is Elliott even considered for the U21's? Surely, as a Prem ready player, he should be exempt, even if he is of age. How will the experience benefit him exactly? Other than to help England win a meaningless trophy.
2, what do the England coaches do in training? The amount of injuries we sustain from the English coaches is far beyond that of other nations. Gomez, Trent, Jones, Elliott have all picked up injuries during training, and at times significant ones. Are they playing dodgeball with basketballs or what?
Madness.
1.) 05 Sep 2024 15:08:36
Stupid pointless international breaks, they do my head in for this exact reason. We're on tenderhooks every single time hoping for the lads to come back uninjured.
Was looking forward to seeing more from Elliot as well, hopefully it's not too serious and it's a quick recovery.
2.) 05 Sep 2024 17:48:56
My mind always takes me back to the Mourinho Ferguson technique of pretending players were injured before internationals.
Useless internationals would come around and suddenly half the squad was injured for a week and just make the team sheet the week later in the league.
They did it constantly.
3.) 05 Sep 2024 21:53:55
It could just be that he picked up a knock while training - which happens when they're training back at AXA - and then it was deemed better that he leave the 21s camp and recover at home.
I'm ambivalent about internationals cos my country sucks at football lol but kinds of things I'm a bit meh - players get injured all the time. Quansah and Curtis both got injured before our last match. last I checked he wasn't on international duty when that happened.
4.) 05 Sep 2024 22:23:00
My preference has always been to scrape more rather than have more international games
Aside from WC and the continental / regional competitions, all others should go - nations league in particular, what value, footballing wise, does it being?
And with that, only international breaks for qualifiers during the season
I’m certain the players, football and everything will be better with fewer games, especially international friendlies or forgettable competitions but yea, it doesn’t make money, so I guess this May go on….
5.) 06 Sep 2024 03:28:32
Sadly, it’s not about football @Sgynwa. It’s about money. If they were interested in football they wouldn’t have elite footballers playing 60
+ club games, internationals and pre-season intercontinental friendly matches.
6.) 06 Sep 2024 07:09:09
He can turn it down if he likes. The boy wants to play football.
07 Nov 2024 00:58:14
Tchou is a capable player, no doubt, but he has been picking up an awful lot of injuries these last few years. Plus, he hasn't played much first team football at Real, due mostly to the performances of Kroos, Modric, Camavinga and Valverde, during his time at Real, coupled with his injury issues.
I would prefer a more consistently available option, but with Tchou's ability. That is a hard ask, of course, but I would look elsewhere. Or, maybe I am fearing another Chiesa case, where we sign him and barely see him again due to what we all knew and feared. Injuries.
19 Sep 2024 17:27:08
FSG hire the people in positions to negotiate contracts, so yes, they are involved in the process. They can delegate, no issues there. But, there has to be a principle of trust. When you hire someone to do a job, and they do not do it, that reflects on the individual and employer. So I do hold FSG accountable for this mess.
{Ed001's Note - I give up, this is moronic. Klopp was more at fault than FSG but you are not blaming him?}
19 Sep 2024 13:34:21
It is genuinely shocking, and has me concerned about what FSG's plan is here.
You wouldn't allow your best player, or players in this case, have 2 years left on their contract, without first addressing it. Now, we are but a few months away from all 3 being out of contract, and nothing has been done about it. Contracts take time too, it is not a simple sign on the day it is offered, there are negotiations, etc. Plus, if we do not get this sorted by January, then other European teams can discuss pre-contracts with these 3, I believe, and hand Trent a contract that blows ours out of the water.
Even an FSG defender has to admit, this has been handled poorly. I just hope it doesn't end up costing us dearly. Negligence of the highest order.
{Ed001's Note - FSG do not handle contracts. Embarrassing this is.}
03 Sep 2024 14:46:55
Eh, no offense, but Matip has let us down plenty of times. The injuries he picked up, at the least opportune moments, were beyond a joke. Still remains a Liverpool legend, and probably our best free signing of all time (Along with Milner) but let's not pretend he was infallible.
12 Aug 2024 21:47:20
As painful as it is to say, I think we need to go into this season with the players already at our disposal. Bringing anyone in now would only result in a panic but that we would need to be rid of the following year. We need to go with what we have in the DM position, attempt to strengthen in centre back and potentially RW, as cover for Salah.
This is far from ideal, and I am honestly furious, but a Rabiot, Berge, etc, would just be a stop gap, which, ironically, Endo was supposed to be. No point adding depth to the 6 position if the quality is not at the sufficient level.
Once again, not ideal as we really needed a capable 6, but we have left ourselves in this position. Really bad start from Hughes.
02 Dec 2024 12:12:16
I would honestly consider another centre back as well, because we only have Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez and Quansah. Konate always picks up an injury at the worse time, and that leaves us with 3. In order to compete on all fronts we need to be able to rotate more, and 3 players doesn't leave us much room for that, risking further injuries. I would say dip into the loan market, if none of our targets are available, but we have not had much success there.
29 Oct 2024 17:58:09
If I remember correctly, wasn't Amorim supposed to be Liverpool's first choice to replace Klopp, by the new hierarchy/ decision makers. But Amorim was asking for too much control, etc, and we instead turned to Slot?
I believe many were saying Amorim embarrassed himself with his demands and that Liverpool and Chelsea turned away from him as a result.
Might just be me making stuff up, but I swear I remember hearing that.
29 Oct 2024 16:17:13
Slot said this concerning Chiesa, which to me sounds like he is picking up small injuries during training, which is far from ideal.
“That’s always difficult to say because he goes a bit up and down: sometimes he’s there with us, training for a few days, and then he goes out with injury again.
And I completely agree with you about the service, that is the first port of call to ensure there is opportunity for the striker to finish. However, I still don't trust Nunez offensively. All his positives are when it comes to tracking back, work rate, heart and passion. I have seen little offensive improvement since joining. He continues to stray offside and looks uncomfortable when one on one with the keeper. Jota, injury prone and becomes far too detached from games for my liking.
When we do create these chances, I want a striker that is cold and clinical. Nunez and Jota are not that for me. Decent rotational options for different phases of a game, but lack the killer instinct I feel we need to progress as a team. I also believe we have the creative individuals in the squad to create something out of very little, Trent as a main example. Szobo, he lacks the necessary technical and creative elements, I would personally prefer Macca in that role, as he has a keen eye for a line breaking pass. Jones, has impressed me in the 6, as has Grav more so. Elliott has the ability to create also. I believe we have the players to create already in the team, I'm just not sure I trust our striker to provide the necessary finish, for one reason and another.
23 Sep 2024 18:54:09
Damn, that's actually good.
18 Sep 2024 01:42:06
I honestly understand players complaining about the number of matches they are being forced to play. Players will be expected to play upwards of 70 matches a season. Especially now, with the newly revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup starting on the 14th of June to the 13th of July. A brand new tournament designed for one main purpose, financial gain for a major federation at the expense of player welfare.
This is compounded with the frequent international breaks in the middle of club football, adding so many inconsequential matches that few actually care about. I mean, what is the point of the Nations League? I doubt any player or fan has gone to sleep at night dreaming about winning the prestigious, career defining., . Nations League?
I suspect UEFA and FIFA will be relieved to see a section of fans ignoring the players concerns, putting it down to a soft attitude, 'back in my day' mentality, I've seen a few spouting. Ignoring the fact that, the ones who benefit the most from these additional matches are UEFA and FIFA officials, no doubt reaping the benefit of more matches. Yet, I never see that mentioned.
The negativity always seem to be on the players, that they should consider it an honor to be a footballer, that they are lucky, ignoring the years of dedication, hard work and perseverance it takes to reach this level. Yet, high ranking officials get a free pass because they lack the profile, can remain anonymous and do zero work for far greater financial reward.
Just my two thoughts, saw quite a few remarks on Twitter, and it was honestly doing my head in.