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24 Feb 2026 19:50:49
Hi eds1
Have you much of Diomande mate. Would he be worth the gamble with him being expensive. I've never seen him play at so would be good to get your opinion.?
{Ed001's Note - I have only seen a little but it was outstanding.}
24 Feb 2026 17:55:40
Forgive me if this has already been asked ed001 but who would you like to see as the long term Salah replacement? I think we will see countless names mentioned over the next few months.
Despite the odd troll there are many of us who value your opinion 👍
I'd take a bargain Kudus in the unlikely event that Tottenham go down, Olise for me at least ticks all the boxes. Maybe someone else a bit more under the radar shifting the focus to Isak for the main goal threat?
{Ed001's Note - I like Estevao, but he is unlikely to be worth buying from Chelsea. Maybe Yan Diomande might be the best choice, he can play both wings.}
24 Feb 2026 19:09:32
More chance winning Spot The Ball then getting Estevao out of Chelsea I think Ed1. If we are sticking with wingers I'd like olise but he'd have to learn to work harder. If wingbacks maybe The new Jimenez at Bournemouth looks a hand full??
24 Feb 2026 20:29:43
Estevao's class. I was only saying to a workmate today that if I had my pick of wingers, I'd love to get him. Maybe Chelsea may need to sell players if they miss out on the Champions League. 🤞
24 Feb 2026 09:49:25
Morning Ed001,
As we draw closer to the end of the season, do you think Rio should start a few more games, all be it he is still young and needs to be managed?
Cheers
Drogie.
{Ed001's Note - not really, he has not done enough to deserve a start.}
24 Feb 2026 10:53:18
I kind of agree, but I feel like he should be used more than 15 minutes here and there. He was impactful against Forest. See how he is given 30.
24 Feb 2026 11:10:05
I'd love nothing more than Rio getting more game time if he's shown enough, but apart from a few good cameos, I've not seen anything to suggest he is ready. Yes, he loves a step over, but defenders know what he is going to do, so it's easy to defend.
It's the defensive work and hard graft that I need to see before I'd say he is ready. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Gakpo is playing great at the min. I just wouldn't start Rio before Gakpo. Some more mins each game would be good for the kid.
24 Feb 2026 11:09:37
Ridiculous he should be starting over Gakpo without a doubt. Maybe this is why you were never a manager hey Ed01 you seem as clueless as Slot lad.
24 Feb 2026 11:45:50
Hope I'm wrong, but I see a similar player to Doak, imo.
24 Feb 2026 12:21:32
I keep saying that Rio is not ready to start, but everyone seems to disagree. He has potential, but, for me, has a lot of development to be considered a Liverpool-calibre player. I know the only way to get that development is through game time, but the boy is still just a kid and needs time and should not be thrown in with all those unfair expectations.
He is clearly still growing, and that needs to be taken into consideration, too.
24 Feb 2026 12:22:05
He's already shown he's got far better end product than Doak, Fatwallet. He's a great prospect, but he's a kid. I just feel that the only reason people want Rio to start is born from annoyance at Gakpo starting, which emanates from the fact that he's Dutch and therefore perceived as Slot's love child, which in turn gives people another opportunity to criticise Slot for starting him.
It's pretty obvious, actually. Gakpo isn't playing well, but neither is anyone else, and throwing a 17-year-old kid to the Wolves is not the answer.
24 Feb 2026 12:23:32
I would start Rio over Salah or Gakpo currently.
24 Feb 2026 12:25:49
Could have done with Doak this season. I liked Doak. I think Rio might be a bit cooler, though, when he gets in good positions.
24 Feb 2026 11:56:21
Calling Ed01, clueless, Lucas R? .I await his right to reply.
{Ed001's Note - there is little point Rome, have you not read his posts? He is just a troll trying to provoke a reaction.}
24 Feb 2026 12:16:14
Ed01, has he really been given a fighting chance, tho? I don't think so.
24 Feb 2026 13:21:37
Personally, I'd like to see him get a start against West Ham. With Gakpo + Salah well out of form most of the time, I don't see it as a big gamble.
24 Feb 2026 13:21:56
Ed01, Ed025 and I questioned his support for Suarez's behaviour last week, saying he'd do the same.
{Ed001's Note - yeah, exactly, something not right with him.}
24 Feb 2026 13:21:30
Lucas stop being disrespectful you absolute spanner. If there is one thing for certain it's this - Ed1 knows more than you'll ever know about football so zip it you tool.
24 Feb 2026 13:26:57
Sad ed as the man he's taken his name from was an absolute gentleman. Not sure about on the field but off it Lucas Radebe was an excellent human being.
{Ed001's Note - fantastic player as well mate. I would have loved him for us.}
24 Feb 2026 13:43:35
Is there anyone on here that's been a PL manager? Seems like an idiotic statement to me. 🤷♂️
24 Feb 2026 13:41:57
I'm surprised Lucas hasn't been banned yet to be honest. Some of his posts the other day were clearly designed to stir up racism and hatred.
24 Feb 2026 14:20:17
Kid has bags of potential. He looks infinitely more dangerous than Gakpo every time he steps on the pitch. I look forward to seeing him develop next year. No idea why you'd think that he might get a few starts now.
The season is nearly over, we're still scrapping for 4th, and Slot's hardly going to start benching his golden boy at such a critical point in the season.
24 Feb 2026 14:20:32
On the subject of young Rio. He should be getting 10/15 min cameos most games, but I don't think he should be starting games. As poor as Gakpo is, he still got a decent scoring record, but when he plays as badly as Sunday, Rio should be on, but he still has a lot to learn.
24 Feb 2026 13:55:20
Ed001 I don't think Rio is ready yet too but can he be any worse than Gakpo at the minute.
I find Gakpo to be so predictable and he might get away with it if he moved a bit faster but he just seems to slow down every attack we have when he gets the ball.
I would have said put Wirtz there play Sobs in the number10 but feel he is needed more in the number 8 role.
Or maybe if Mac is going to be played he could move to the 10 role but seems a lot of messing around with players but someone needs to change after Sundays performance.
{Ed001's Note - and what makes you think that Ngumoha is any less predictable? Waving his foot over the ball and then running at them until he loses it is no better. They both need to be receiving the ball earlier so they can go at a defender 1 on 1, but we are not playing the ball forward quickly enough. Nothing would change if Rio was there, just people moaning that he is not good enough or too predictable.}
24 Feb 2026 14:14:02
May I request a player profile then ed? I was a bit young when he was playing but I think he's one of the few South Africans that did well in the Premier League.
He did a lot of work for hospice here in SA after his wife passed. Still see him on tv doing ads and the like, always has a huge smile on his face.
{Ed001's Note - yes mate, added to the list.}
24 Feb 2026 14:57:27
The Irish Rover, hey mate, I managed Liverpool in the PL for many a year. I won it so many times, and also won the CL a few times. Easy. Loved by all the fans and players. Great night's sleep, that I'll tell you.
24 Feb 2026 15:05:46
I don't think it matters who or who isn't playing. We play too slow, get it to the forwards quicker, not pitty patty across the back 4. Every time we have played quickly we have looked infinitely better.
24 Feb 2026 15:41:28
Rio excites fans. He should be getting more minutes.
24 Feb 2026 16:06:37
I actually managed Rushden & Diamonds in the Premier League back in 2006. My front three was Ronaldo, Messi, and Clayton. We must've averaged 5 goals a game on the highest difficulty setting as well. I just wish Clayton hadn't been a faceless regen.
24 Feb 2026 16:26:04
Radebe was an excellent cb. We don't seem to get many players in the Premier League from South Africa these days.
24 Feb 2026 16:49:33
Interesting one, Rio is. He has skill, but as pointed out by others, he is not ready. Yamal at Barca was deemed not ready, but injuries forced the hand and he had to play.
He is being developed through his playing time. Can we not do the same with Rio? More minutes will surely speed up his development, without the need to run him into the ground.
24 Feb 2026 16:56:20
I'd like us to try him starting against West Ham, though; we can't do any worse than Gakpo at present. Start him, and at least it's a learning experience for him.
24 Feb 2026 16:57:13
Hi, Rome. I must have missed that re: supporting Suarez. What was that about, mate?
24 Feb 2026 15:03:29
"Maybe this is why you were never a manager hey Ed01 you seem as clueless as Slot lad."
Wait, who is this guy?
24 Feb 2026 17:58:52
I would actually start Rio against West Ham because Salah and Gakpo are just not playing well enough right now to justify a start. It feels like being 2 men down most of the time. I'd like to see Ekitike up top, with Rio on the right wing and Wirtz on the left wing.
Then I'd play Mac Allister as the ten, with Gravenberch in midfield next to Szoboszlai. Gomez at right back, Kerkez at left back, and Konate and Virgil at centre back. Obviously, Calvin Ramsay in goal. 😉
24 Feb 2026 17:58:58
I may be in the minority here, but I'd prefer Gakpo rather than Rio. If the system was better, Gakpo would be better. I think Gakpo is a really good player. Currently a bit one-dimensional, agreed, but he's big, strong, quick, a great striker of the ball.
Rio isn't a Liverpool first-team player yet, if ever. Quick football would probably suit him better too, I would suspect. Again, just my opinion. I was looking forward to Ed01's reply though. From behind the couch!!. 😂😂
24 Feb 2026 18:16:12
Cantremember, basically, Lucas said he would have done exactly the same as Suarez did when on the pitch. Therefore condoning the biting of another player and racially abusing another.
24 Feb 2026 18:32:46
I don't think Gakpo or Salah are playing well enough to start. Rio is still too soon to start for me. I'd play Hugo, with Wirtz off him, and all four midfielders. We need to tighten up in the centre of the pitch, and the front 2 work really well together. Just my opinion.
24 Feb 2026 18:34:37
Thanks, Rome. Jesus, what a troll.
24 Feb 2026 06:55:06
Morning Eds,
Assuming Slot does move on in the summer what would your view be on Fabregas as an option.
Would surely have respect of the players, seems to get his sides playing attractive football whilst being tactically flexible.
Not saying Xabi wouldn't be a good option btw just an alternative to throw into the conversation.
{Ed001's Note - no thank you. Has had a huge budget and wants older players, because he doesn't want to have to coach them to play the way he wants them to. He has barely even begun his career and you want him at Liverpool? Not a person I would want anywhere near the club thanks.}
24 Feb 2026 09:10:11
Interestingly, we have spoken to him. Won't go anywhere. Ta.
24 Feb 2026 09:40:32
Absolutely not. He'd have the respect of the players for about 5 minutes, until they realize he won't be leading them to success any time soon. And, regardless, Fabregas was a very good player rather than a great one.
Playing attractive football is an overrated addition anyway - it doesn't matter a jot if the team doesn't win. The best teams are multi-faceted units that win games just because they win games, no matter the style.
24 Feb 2026 09:26:34
I think I remember you saying a while back, Ed01, you rated Sebastien Hoeness. Do you think he'd be a good fit? Apologies if I remember wrong.
{Ed001's Note - I actually really like what I have seen of Hoeness, but he has never had a proper tough spell to measure his ability against. He does look like he would be good, but it would be a risk.}
24 Feb 2026 09:49:14
Next season, the Liverpool manager will be Arne Slot or Xabi Alonso. I just hope we use the summer to get the players in to play either system, because right now, we don't suit either.
24 Feb 2026 10:01:25
I have no opinion of Fabregas as a manager because I've not watched Como play. But to say he was only good and wasn't a great player is crazy to me. He is probably the only player I've seen step into a Premier League midfield at 17 years old and immediately run the show. Literally no other midfield player in Premier League history has done that. He won multiple major titles with Arsenal, Spain, Chelsea and Barcelona. And, by the way, getting into those Barcelona and Spain teams of 2008-2014 as a midfielder took some bloody doing! I believe he is still 3rd in the all-time Premier League assists chart as well. That's absolutely staggering when you consider how much of his career was spent abroad compared to the likes of Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, etc. The only players ahead of him are Giggs and De Bruyne. Fabregas was an absolute genius of a player. He was a flawed genius, for sure. A bit like Pirlo or Scholes, he offered very little defensively, but he was, without a shadow of a doubt, not just a great, but a world-class midfielder and a creative genius.
People always sleep on his time at Barcelona for some reason and pretend he was not a key player. But his 3 seasons there were 1) 48 games, 15 goals, 20 assists. 2) 48 games, 14 goals, 13 assists. 3) 55 games, 14 goals, 17 assists. Those are absolutely insane numbers. Imagine playing in a team with Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets, but still managing to be the player pulling the strings offensively. 42 goals and 50 assists in 3 seasons. Then he came back to Chelsea and reinvented himself as a deep-lying playmaker alongside Kante and/or Matic. Honestly, you're either being weirdly bitter about a player who never played for a rival, or you're just too young to remember him. He was at the very top of the game from 2004-2018. From a young star boy at Arsenal, to a winning machine at Barcelona, to an experienced orchestrator at Chelsea. Most players dream of retiring with 4 league titles, a World Cup plus two Euros with their country, a Europa League, a Club World Cup and 7 various domestic cups. Revisionism at its finest and not a particularly good look on anyone, mate.
24 Feb 2026 10:14:56
Lowe, I don't think you've been following most of the narrative on here about our style, then. lol
24 Feb 2026 11:15:39
@rome, I thought I saw an article a few days ago about Hoeness and what a great fit he would be as he plays similar to early Klopp. (Not seen it, so I can't say I've seen his team set up.) I do believe the days of being rigid and this is how we play are going, if not gone already. An adaptable manager, not scared to change things and multi-formation tactics, is what's needed.
Which is why it is so frustrating watching what Slot has done this season. It was great last season watching us win games in different ways, having answers to what the opposition brings, unlike now where we can be beaten simply by working harder and having a low block! And him refusing to change.
24 Feb 2026 11:54:17
Thanks for that, MightyR3ds. All the best.
24 Feb 2026 12:18:22
Lowel, Playing style does matter, though esp. at a fundamental level.
24 Feb 2026 12:22:41
MKScouser, Fabregas was an excellent player in possession of the ball. He had superb vision, and if the final pass was there, he genuinely made it 49 times out of 50. That said, he was a very good player rather than a great, and I stick by that. To be even half as effective as he could be, he needed a powerful, mobile partner (or two), doing pretty much all the donkey work. I don't point to Fabregas' time at Arsenal - he was very young for most of it, though Arsenal were much more soluble after losing Vieira and Gilberto Silva.
At Barca, he was the fourth midfielder in a team that played with three. He was nowhere near the level of Xavi, let alone Iniesta. His stats might look impressive, but Barca were utterly crushing the opposition most weeks, and, notably, their last CL wins were the seasons both before he signed and after he was sold. At Chelsea, he had a very defined role that he was certainly good at, but needed one of the best box-to-box midfielders of the past 30 years behind him. A very good player, but far from the pantheon of all time greats.
24 Feb 2026 15:26:19
Lowe, with all due respect, you are objectively wrong about his time at Barcelona. In his 3 seasons there, he played 3327 minutes, 3251 minutes, and 3768 minutes. So it's not my opinion that he was a key player; he just factually was. By the way, I agree with you fully that he was the 4th best midfielder in their squad, but they found space for him to start by either moving Iniesta to LW/LM, or by playing a midfield diamond with Fabregas at the tip, almost like a false 9. Are you suggesting that Barcelona altered their system and moved a generational talent in Iniesta out of position to make room in the team for merely a "good" player? Fabregas made 110 appearances for Spain, by the way, in an era when his midfield competition included Xavi Hernandez, Andreas Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, and Juan Mata.
I mean, what more can you say? To make 100+ international appearances for any team is a remarkable achievement, but to do it for the greatest Spain team ever (and probably the best crop of international midfielders ever) is absolutely incredible. I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one, mate. Fabregas more than earned his stripes, and will rightly be remembered as one of the best midfield players ever in both La Liga and the Premier League, as well as for delivering at major international tournaments for Spain. The 5 players with triple figures for Premier League assists are Giggs (163), De Bruyne (118), Fabregas (111), Rooney (103), and Lampard (102). That's some company for a "good" player to be keeping, considering the rest of them all played in the Prem throughout their prime years.
24 Feb 2026 18:39:52
Agreed, MKS. He was fantastic.
24 Feb 2026 20:23:13
Only LFC players are world class. The rest of them are all crap.
23 Feb 2026 22:49:24
I know it's not Liverpool-related, but it still pertains to the PL. I just wanted to ask Ed001 if you've heard anything about PGMOL changing rules regarding corners, because if you watched the United and Everton game tonight, it wasn't football, whatever was going on at each set piece.
Surely the higher-ups are aware it's killing the spectacle of football, and it's gone too far now. Arteta has started a set-piece cult now, surely it's gone too far, Ed001?
{Ed001's Note - the laws are already in place to deal with it, there is no need to change anything other than to bring in competent officials.}
23 Feb 2026 23:26:12
It's absolutely insane. The amount of pushing, grabbing, blocking, wrestling, and nothing is given, yet Kolo Muani touched Gabriel's back and it's a foul. In tonight's game, Ndiaye touched Shaw with a hand, and Shaw just flopped to the floor and got a free kick.
Why do they give fouls for minimal contact like that, but at set pieces anything goes? Surely the head of the PGMOL needs to pull them all in and demand answers? I won't hold my breath.
23 Feb 2026 23:36:51
That wasn't football, it was more like rugby.
23 Feb 2026 23:22:10
Ed001, thank you for the reply, but surely if the laws are in place, then it allows for a grey area being exploited by teams? I think if they made it so before the kick is taken, the keeper has a certain area that can't be entered, perhaps? i'm not sure, but what I do know for sure is that the idea that the player is just standing his ground when, in fact, he's boxing the keeper in and stopping him from moving is not what the laws of football all them moons ago started off with.
{Ed001's Note - there is no grey area, what is going on is wrong, but the officials are weak and incompetent. It is the same with diving and time wasting, the laws and powers are there for officials to deal with them, but they are a bunch of weak cowards.}
24 Feb 2026 06:38:24
Just like the pundits Ed. Refs give it there's clear contact. They don't, it's a "coming together."
{Ed001's Note - pundits annoy me, talking about 'clever play' when someone cheats. They need to start calling it cheating if it is to be eradicated.}
24 Feb 2026 08:01:10
One rule change I hope they introduce in the near future is for throw-ins and set pieces. I'm sick to the back teeth of every dead-ball situation taking over a minute. Even throw-ins now, you have to wait whilst Aina, Kayode, etc., waltz the full width of the pitch from RB to launch a long throw into the box. I think the rules should be that if you take longer than 60 seconds from the point the ball goes dead, you are automatically booked for time wasting, and the set-play/throw-in is given to the opposition.
Free kicks and throw-ins flipped, and corners become goal kicks, or goal kicks become corners. The only exception should be if the ref blows his whistle to delay the restart for some reason. The alternative is they need to start stopping the clock and just change it to 60 minutes, because it's got to the point where they're now sapping about 45 minutes away with throw-ins, goal kicks, corners, and free kicks. The Premier League in general is bordering on unwatchable this season.
24 Feb 2026 09:45:50
I have thought for years and years that no attacking player should be inside the goalkeeper's six-yard box until the ball is kicked for the corner.
24 Feb 2026 10:06:13
I think "competent officials" is an oxymoron in 2026. Globally. Also, I love the time limit on deadball situations, but I would only allow 30 seconds. As for players rolling around on the floor, if they are not on their feet within 30 seconds, a stretcher comes on and they go off for treatment, minimum of 10 minutes.
Retrospective 10 match bans for play acting as well. Cheating is cheating.
24 Feb 2026 11:06:37
The referees need to be stronger rather that give a yellow for simulation make it a red instead that way players just may think twice before cheating.referees also need to stop this mobbing as players do that with the chance of influencing the referees decision I thought it was the capitan only allowed to speak with the ref others would be guilty of mobbing yet so far no action has being taken i'd love to hear Mr webbs spin on this.nail the 1st one to come near you and the rest will stop surely
24 Feb 2026 12:21:31
I agree with Ed. The refs are lazy as hell and are not interested in actually doing their jobs at a basic level anymore. All you have to do is look at the absolute howlers on show during the last FA Cup weekend.
Absolute shambles. It's like the refs rely so heavily on VAR that when it became time to actually ref the game, they looked clueless and their relentless incompetence was there for all to see.
24 Feb 2026 13:32:08
Edd 1 Mike Dean a few seasons back gave a penalty for grabbing and pulling in the penalty area at a corner. He had the balls to give the pen, then was lambasted from everywhere in football, so the referees can't win.
I am not a fan of Dean or any of the referees. I think this had to be pointed out over the debate on corners. YNWA
{Ed001's Note - which is why I said they need the pundits to back them and start talking about the cheating that is going on.}
24 Feb 2026 14:27:40
ED001 what do you think about following the rugby by yellow card, sin bin, then off for 3 silly fouls, like kicking the ball away, time wasting n feigning fouls etc.
The set pieces n corners do my head in, more or less wresting each other but even worse is 6ft odd men falling at the slightest touch, I think all this would stop if addressed properly and your right about pundits saying clever play, that's just cheating in my world
{Ed001's Note - I would be happy to try anything right now to fix this, but rule changes will not matter unless officials enforce them. They need to start booking players for diving or pretending to be injured.}
23 Feb 2026 20:55:54
If anyone wants a good laugh Brendan Rodger's is now sheikh Brendan.
24 Feb 2026 09:56:03
Pretty sure he's laughing all the way to the bank while I sit here complaining about the price of the weekly shop!
23 Feb 2026 16:44:26
Hi Eds, can I ask a stupid question, was Slot's plan, in buying two number 9's, for Ekitike and Isak to play up front together? I assumed it was and then Isak got injured. Or was the plan to play Isak up front with Ekitike and Mo behind, with Wirtz in-between? I never really understood what the plan was. Thanks.
{Ed001's Note - the plan was for Isak to be first choice and Ekitike as rotation cover or back up.}
23 Feb 2026 18:06:00
It's going to be a nice problem for the next manager. How to keep both of them happy. Ekitike is solidly first choice right now and won't want to lose his place, while Isak is a brilliant player when actually fit.
23 Feb 2026 18:13:40
I think this was the biggest problem, and why the season has failed massively. The formation and slow style just don't suit the squad anymore.
23 Feb 2026 18:19:15
The goal we scored at Tottenham when Isak was injured was interplay from Wirtz, Hugo and Isak. Like to see more of that when Isak comes back. Both Hugo and Isak can interchange and play off the left or play Wirtz behind the pair. Nice problem to have.
23 Feb 2026 18:25:35
Agreed, LFC8, we're not playing to Isak's strengths at all.
23 Feb 2026 18:28:52
Having two top class strikers is never a bad idea.
23 Feb 2026 18:32:02
When we get a good manager in charge, then hopefully they can deal with it.
23 Feb 2026 18:46:27
Don't see the issue with playing both of them, to be honest. It's made out to be some mystical phenomenon these days, playing two up top, but it really should be. There are plenty of ways you can play with two strikers, whilst packing the midfield to counter the typical 4231 these days.
23 Feb 2026 19:03:29
Shouldn't be, I mean.
23 Feb 2026 19:06:24
We need to get a manager who knows how to play Wirtz, Hugo and Isak, and find the answer to Gapko, Grav, Maca and a replacement for Salah, and we need him very quickly before we fall any further behind. YNWA.
23 Feb 2026 19:07:14
Isak is not top class, and is pretty poor in all aspects of his game apart from finishing. I doubt he will score over 50 goals for Liverpool before he is released on a free.
23 Feb 2026 19:24:05
I sense someone might have upvoted their own post. 🤣🤣
23 Feb 2026 20:05:39
Well, I think Isak is top class. Finishing is the most difficult thing to do in football.
23 Feb 2026 20:46:34
Competition for places and rotation is exactly what we want and need. I felt it worked a treat last season with Gakpo and Diaz on the left, both players benefited and so did the team. I felt almost 40 goals between them, I think.
When we signed Wirtz, the general consensus was Szobo would lose his place, but it's brought his game this season to another level. By far our best player. Isak and Ekitike should bring out the best in each other.
23 Feb 2026 20:59:50
Frimpong, Bradley, Endo, Jones, and Gomez have all pushed Szob on to be a better back up right back this season.
23 Feb 2026 21:08:33
Whatever the plan was, it was always starting behind the start line, as Isak was never fit enough and then broke his leg.
23 Feb 2026 22:01:24
@Lucas: Please. ✋
23 Feb 2026 22:37:55
Didn't Man United win the league with Rooney, Tevez, and Berbatov? They had Ronaldo as well, but I remember him playing more on the left. City used Marmoush / Haaland as two up top yesterday, and Real had Ronaldo / Benzema. Actually, I think Ekitike and Isak would work better than either would with Gakpo; they seem to be the least flexible, play-wise.
23 Feb 2026 23:44:38
Ekitike is slightly overrated. Big potential but lots to work on.
24 Feb 2026 07:25:38
I don't think Ekitike is overrated at all. He exceeded all the expectations I had when he first joined. There are still some areas that he needs to work on, particularly his heading, but I think he has been good for us so far.
24 Feb 2026 09:45:36
Maybe ask Crouchie or Shearer to give a bit of heading coaching to Eki.
24 Feb 2026 12:25:35
imo, Isak should never have seen the pitch that early to begin with, with no preseason. That would never have happened under Klopp or Rafa. He would have been put on a programme to get fit, and, esp. with Hugo starting well, we would not have needed to rush him.
Using actual games as preseason training to bed in Isak was a massive mistake. I know he got injured via a bad tackle, but, in terms of his fitness, that was a massive mistake by Slot, in addition to his other failures that have been well-documented.
24 Feb 2026 12:28:46
I suspect we may end up playing more of a 4-3-1-2 formation next season with Wirtz playing behind a front 2 of Isak and Ekitike.
It's obvious Salah is pretty much done and i don't see a natural replacement for the output we've seen in the last few years so it makes sense to play 2 strikers who cost us £200m at every possible opportunity!
23 Feb 2026 17:18:46
What's everyone's team for West Ham? Surely Gakpo will be dropped this weekend. Good time to give Ngomha a start as we are at home too. He can't do any worse than Gakpo this season. If needed bring Gakpo on in the second half but at least give the kid a chance.
Alison
Kerkez
Van Dijk.
Konate
Gomez
Szoboszlai
Gravenberch
Wirtz (if fit)
Nghouma
Ekitike
Salah.
23 Feb 2026 18:13:55
Gakpo won't be dropped.
23 Feb 2026 18:18:41
Rio is not ready to start in my eyes.
23 Feb 2026 18:24:15
If Gakpo is dropped, I would hazard Wirtz on the left, and MacAllister keeps his spot. But I don't think Gakpo will be dropped. I'd give Rio more mins, but not a starter. Might see some earlier subs with Wolves away midweek.
23 Feb 2026 18:27:12
I haven't met anyone today who would pick Salah for our next fixture. It's getting embarrassing for the guy now. You can't afford to carry passengers in the Premier League.
23 Feb 2026 18:32:49
Care to elaborate, Man of Todd, given Gakpo drops 3/10's week in week out. Rio can't be any worse.
23 Feb 2026 18:38:45
Mytton, Frimpong should be back this week, no doubt, on the bench. Who do we play instead of Salah? Chiesa? He was poor Saturday too, and has not done much in his recent cameos. Salah is still our best option if we utilize him away from the wing.
23 Feb 2026 19:05:08
Gomez and Wirtz in, if they are fit. Gravy and Szob in the middle. I'd genuinely drop Salah, play Gakpo on the right, and start Rio on the left.
23 Feb 2026 19:18:53
Didn't Rio go past the full back and create a chance for Mac's disallowed goal while playing in Mo's position?
23 Feb 2026 20:15:20
I'd drop both Salah and Gakpo personally, but I doubt he would drop both, so I went with Gakpo.
23 Feb 2026 20:43:19
Rio is just a kid and seems so raw. I don't think it is fair to start him in a struggling team. Personally, I would start Chiesa over Mo or Gakpo. I would move Szob into the centre with Grav., assigning Grav to dm duties only, keeping Wirtz in the middle. I would then ease Rio in through sub appearances.
23 Feb 2026 20:49:45
I'd go with Red Jones' team. Give Rio a start and see how he fares out. His confidence should be sky high after the weekend, and neither Gakpo r Salah playing well at min.
23 Feb 2026 21:19:16
Salah upfront with Ekitike, Wirtz behind. Rio left and Chiesa right. Stop mucking around and take it to teams.
23 Feb 2026 21:58:49
Bit harsh to criticise Chiesa's involvement purely because he hardly gets any.
23 Feb 2026 22:17:44
I agree Rio needs more opportunities. Whether that's starting or just being trusted earlier off the bench, tho? I think it's important to not get too carried away at a cameo appearance against tiring fullbacks. It is a great way to get him integrated into the team, but does that mean he is ready to start and do all the rest of the work?
24 Feb 2026 02:46:45
60 min on as a sub is good for Rio. He is a great prospect. Gakpo will start 100%, but I would like to see Salah dropped again. His form is dire. Won't happen, I suspect, but I guarantee he gets dragged off again around the 65-70 min mark (fasting for Ramadan).
24 Feb 2026 05:26:40
I read that Rio has had more minutes than any other 17 yr old (pretty sure they meant this season, not ever). He is getting enough action while bulking up and learning his trade. I'd like to see him get 20-30 mins rather than the end-of-match cameos, though. Salah needs to play.
He must be desperate to get a few goals now, and Chiesa hasn't looked like much of a replacement, and it is unlikely Frimpong does 90 min on the right wing. Everyone was singing Mo's praises after the Brighton game last week, and, although he was muck against Forest, so was most of the team.
24 Feb 2026 12:27:35
Endo3, there is nothing wrong with starting Rio for 60 mins, imo, ahead of either Gakpo or Salah.
24 Feb 2026 13:05:30
Chiesa looked as bad as Salah and Gakpo when he came on, though. So, if his general play is going to be as bad as Mo's, I think I'd rather go with the guy who has the track record of 30 goals a season from the wing.
23 Feb 2026 16:05:50
Fans Poll
I don't see many people still supportive of Slot on the stands but intrigued by the wider audiences view.
Stay or go?
If go then who would you have in place, does everyone lean to XA?
{Ed033's Note -
Slot Stay Or Go poll
23 Feb 2026 17:45:11
Slot to go. Best for both him and LFC Xabi, Enriquez, Iraola. Xabi first choice. Would take Pep if he feels up to it for 3 seasons, but he might want to retire or go to international management instead.
23 Feb 2026 17:57:20
Pep Ljinders lol. I know what you mean. Just messing. I also wouldn't mind Pep Guardiola, but doubt he would disrespect City by coming to join one of their main PL rivals.
23 Feb 2026 18:06:09
This is going to be a close one.
23 Feb 2026 18:34:10
Surely, the people who said stay clicked it by mistake or an admin error?
23 Feb 2026 19:16:58
Only opposition fans would want Slot to stay now, Frode. Xabi would have to be the obvious first choice. He seems the most likely in any case. I'm not sold on Enrique or Iraola, to be honest. The lad at Stuttgart seems to be doing well, and despite his critics I still think Naglesmann could bring a lot to the table.
Basically, though, I'd have anyone that gets this team fit, working and pressing hard, and being brave enough to make earlier subs to influence a game.
23 Feb 2026 19:21:02
Frode, they probably read it as stay for the week and prepare for the next game, or go to Holland and visit the family whilst the lads have a few days off.
23 Feb 2026 20:06:40
For me, it depends on the replacement.
23 Feb 2026 21:22:24
Adios. Either Alonso, Fabregas a wildcard, or Iriola.
24 Feb 2026 12:29:39
Not Iraola, I'm sorry. He ain't good enuff. Can't speak about Hoeness. For me, till someone else pops up, it's Alonso.
23 Feb 2026 10:41:28
I have been a long time reader from days before Macca's posts. However, I really never post, but no disrespect, it's a rumour page. So, with regards to Sami's posts all he has done is post a bit of information, if that's garbage? So be it. However, let's just see how it develops.
I understand it can be frustrating when people post and they're plainly trying to gain notoriety🤣 on this occasion let's just see how Sami post pans out.
If people trying to give valid info legit or crap, it wouldn't enable interaction between everyone. We all have the choice to believe info or not.
Cheers,
23 Feb 2026 16:59:44
Completely agree, mate. Problem is, nowadays we don't have Ed2 to call out the gobsh*tes like he used to. Since his passing, loads of people have tried to claim they're "in the know" or replicate what he did - it's impossible, but they still try. Most of the rumours I read on here, I treat like a newspaper - 99% nonsense, but somehow it's still entertaining.
Carra and Robbo, and possibly Thfields, are the only ones I really trust. Though, I suspect Thefields might just be feeding off other info. Could be wrong, but his input is still appreciated. Anyone else posting rumours? Good for them, but they should spice it up a little and make it more old school.
23 Feb 2026 17:41:19
There are, amongst others, a 'Liverpool Rumours' and a 'Liverpool Banter' page which are usually fun and entertaining. The pages may contain accurate information on the state of the club and the clubs transfer targets but there are no guarantees and it's a pity that some people set their expectations based on opinions that they read here, which they assume is some sort of source of truth.
I've said loads of times that each post should start with three words - 'In my opinion'.
Personally I disagree with a lot of the opinions that get posted these days but that's just my view and doesn't stop me from enjoying the forum or contributing my own opinions - at least it's rarely dull 👍
23 Feb 2026 22:21:06
eds - should we start a rumours page where we can share rumours about the rumours shared by the ITK
#facepalm
23 Feb 2026 09:36:38
If I was manager of that lot there'd have been a few choice words flying around that dressing room, and I'd be looking to dock pay for a few.
You want to play a man's game in the most competitive league in the world, you should be able to take the verbals. If not, find another club.
As for smiling after getting subbed - belittling the manager like laughing at him behind his back - utterly unacceptable and toxic behaviour. This from a man who plays like it's beneath him to get stuck in
Yeah, I'm done with Salah. But people say he gives us shape and width - NOT ENOUGH. And with that attitude I wouldn't want him anywhere near me.
He should have been sprinting off and giving encouragement to the 17yr old coming on to try and rescue our season, but no - it's all about him. Poor Mo.
23 Feb 2026 10:42:19
I have to agree on Salah. The guy is a legend of the club, and I had hoped that he would realise his powers are waning and would be a role model for the next generation, helping the transition from Klopp's great team to the next chapter. I'm sure that's what the club hoped for also, after giving him his 2-year bumper contract. Who better than Mo Salah for the likes of Rio, Ekitike, Wirtz to learn from? But instead of being a mentor, he's acting like a petulant child and actually causing issues because it has to be all about him.
It was once Mo, but Father Time waits for no man. You could still have an important role to play for the club moving forward, but you have to get your head out of your backside first.
23 Feb 2026 10:56:18
I didn't see Salah belittling Slot, I must have missed that, but yes, him smiling like he did wound me up as well. It was a very strange game all round for me, because we know they are going to push us hard, but they played on Thursday night, and to then batter us like they did just shows how poorly Slot had set us up.
And yes, I know losing Wirtz was last min, but we should have still had more fight in us.
23 Feb 2026 11:59:04
People still can't seem to read Mo Salah after all this time playing for us. For those that need reminding, Mo Salah smiles when he's frustrated at himself. Mostly notably, over the years, it was always when he missed a chance or got a pass wrong. He left the pitch frustrated with himself.
Btw, another thing we seem to forget every year. His levels always drop through the month of Ramadan. Him coming off at 60/70 mins makes a lot of sense. Mo was poor yesterday, as were at least 9 other teammates. Only Ibou and then Rio come out with any credit from that performance.
23 Feb 2026 12:05:43
Mad how Salah is getting stick from that game. Anyone could n should have been dragged off apart from the CBs n goalie. It was a terrible performance all round, but how can we pick one player when you've got a choice of 8 or 9 other players to moan at.
23 Feb 2026 12:34:40
I agree with what you say, Strom, pretty much everyone was lousy, and I include VVD in that. Regarding Salah and Ramadan, Ramadan started last Tuesday, not the 15th August. He's pretty much been lousy all season, as have Gakpo, Mac Allister and Konate until recently. Let's not start using Ramadan as an excuse for Salah's drop in form.
23 Feb 2026 12:41:24
I missed the first half entirely, so can't comment on his performance then. But I did notice that Salah was constantly double-tamed at the right flank when he had the ball. Neco would be there, but another CB or CM would rush over to close him down too. Salah has never liked the ball to be played at his feet, but, given his decreased acceleration over the past few years, it is no wonder he can't wriggle his way out of that situation any longer and constantly loses the ball when it gets to him.
Salah needs balls that he can run onto, but the slow passing game we have been playing doesn't allow for that.
{Ed025's Note -the only thing Salah needs Drac... is dropping mate..
23 Feb 2026 12:46:31
I'm not particularly having a go at Mo for that game; I'm referring to his general attitude all season. That being said, he is a senior player, and when the team is having a stinker, you need the senior players to pull you through. We can rely on Virgil, Ali and even Szob, but Salah has proven this season that he can't be relied upon when the going gets tough.
Instead of cajoling and encouraging his fellow teammates and supporting the manager in a tough season, he throws his toys out of the pram and causes a rift with the manager when things don't go his way. I would expect that from a young player who doesn't know any better, but Salah should be leading by example, and what kind of example is that setting?
23 Feb 2026 13:04:08
FlyPelicanFly, there was a time when Salah was being accused of not smiling enough. Oh, how times have changed.
{Ed025's Note - now hes laughing Oli...all the way to the bank.. :)
23 Feb 2026 13:44:51
Knew you'd chime in with something like that, Ed :) In all honesty, I think the whole team would benefit if we just move the ball quicker, Salah included. Anyway, hope Everton play well later today. We could all do with a United loss, but I think Everton can make the European places this year if they win.
{Ed025's Note - i think we need to learn to walk before we can run Drac, top 10 was always the aim for this season mate and we have a good chance of achieving that i feel, i fancy a draw tonight but you never know with us..
23 Feb 2026 15:37:47
Rome, I agree Salah has been half the player this season. But I still think the reason is the way Slot sets us up. This slow football doesn't suit him or us. He was unstoppable last year n for many years prior. If Klopp had us playing this way, Salah would have been sold years ago because it doesn't suit him.
If I was a manager n had a player who consistently got 25+ goals every single season, I'd make sure I played to his strengths. Now his confidence is shot n I don't think he will get it back, but some posters continually just pick Salah out. I can name at least 6 or 7 who are worse. Just my opinion.
23 Feb 2026 16:54:23
We will have to agree to disagree on Salah, Strom. I've argued this point with Ed01 as well. Slot is to blame for many things, but not the form of Salah. I've been saying for ages that Salah has gone, but I'm hoping that he proves me wrong.
That's my opinion, and I'm standing by it. Personally, I don't think Salah is the sort to be affected by confidence. I bracket him with Ronaldo and Messi in that regard. Like I say, I personally think Father Time has caught up with him.
23 Feb 2026 17:35:07
Rome, to a degree Father Time has caught up with him, but it was only 7 months ago he was on fire, playing in a system that has suited him for years, n Slot has changed it to this style which everyone is complaining about.
I do think he is thick skinned, but his confidence has gone. Plenty of times this season he could have shot, but he is holding back. Anyway, think we all agree this is his last season.
23 Feb 2026 17:45:18
The Salah Sideliners are out in force, you people are unreal. The chap smiled, he disagreed with the substitution, but he smiled about it; he didn't kick up a fuss. No matter what he does, you lot whinge about him. If he got pissed off and threw his hands in the air, you'd be whinging about him. If he showed no emotion whatsoever, you'd still be whinging about him. The chap is allowed to have an opinion. Also, when he's seen smiling on the bench, he's clearly reacting to something somebody said to him, he's looking directly to his left, and as whoever's talking off screen speaks, you can also see Gakpo turn to look at him too.
Not to mention, Mo literally always smiles and laughs when things aren't going his way, no matter the scenario. So clearly this isn't some new out-of-character behaviour directed at the manager, it's just how Mo reacts to negative situations. He's always done it. In all fairness to him, even if Salah only had one leg, he'd still be more dangerous than Chiesa, and don't bother telling me "He was subbed off for Rio" because Rio came on and played on the left, Chiesa came on and played on the right, I couldn't care less what numbers went up on the board.
23 Feb 2026 14:21:57
I disagree Ed. I think since the opportunity is there you should try and grab it. The league is extremely weak this season and I don't think there is a better time to get into Europe than now. Even getting into the Conference League would be a huge step forward imo, especially considering that you were battling against relegation not too long ago
{Ed025's Note - we have done ok Drac and it would be good to get in any European competition mate, im just unsure that we have the size and quality of squad to do do ourselves justice at the moment..
23 Feb 2026 15:44:21
Varry let's face it you've called Salah out all season yet he is still 3rd in the scoring n assists chart, he also missed 6 games fr the Afcon, so even when he way off his best he still gets decent numbers.
Not sure what you want Salah to be doing to show leadership when there is not much in the team or management, he's a model professional, as for Ed025 saying he is rubbish.he could only dream of anyone from Everton getting anywhere near Salah's output.they've got 2 donkeys up front n he got a cheek to call Salah
{Ed025's Note - the thing is Strom is that we admit when our forwards are crap mate, Mo has been a great player and you can look through those rose tinted glasses as much as you want but he has gone my friend, i say take the £6m or so from the Saudi,s and move on.. :)
23 Feb 2026 19:14:53
Three points on Salah: 1. On Sunday, hand on heart, did anyone think Mo would beat Nico? 2. Did anyone think Mo would score on Sunday? 3. Does anyone think Mo should have been taken off on Sunday?
{Ed025's Note - no...no... and yes but a lot earlier Albey..
23 Feb 2026 19:40:00
Albey, you could ask the same questions for Gakpo n Ekitike for Sunday's game. My point is Salah is being blamed for all our woes, when nearly three quarters of the team are worse, then we have the management. I've never been so bored watching Liverpool as I was on Sunday.
23 Feb 2026 22:23:05
Slow, fast, medium, rare, whatever. That isn't an excuse for passing, crossing and dribbling the ball straight into a defender.
23 Feb 2026 08:15:33
"I thought he did well, I'd still like to see more. When you have players like Cody (Gakpo) producing what he is every week, it's hard to replace him"
Slot on Rio
I had to Google to double check but is a real quote!
Lord give me strength 🤦♂️😅.
23 Feb 2026 08:25:36
Just about sums Slot up. Clueless.
23 Feb 2026 08:26:23
Rio produced more end product in 15 minutes than Gakpo did in 75 minutes. Chiesa was pretty shocking when he came on, but I bet he made a similar number of high intensity sprints in his 15 minutes to what Gakpo did in his 75, so at least he tried.
Gakpo was an absolute pony. Slot's got a blind spot to his performances and it is truly baffling. The only thing I can come up with to explain it is that they're really good friends outside of work.
23 Feb 2026 08:32:47
That isn't a real quote, thankfully. It's from a satire account on Instagram. Doesn't change the fact that it might as well be real, though, as Slot quite clearly believes it.
23 Feb 2026 08:40:05
Oh, it's even real? Apologies, everyone. I thought I did due diligence, but clearly not enough. Hard to know what is real these days. Again - my bad. 😊
23 Feb 2026 08:55:24
Ah, thanks, @DK. I could not believe the quote came out that way after the shambles we just watched from Gakpo and the whole team yesterday. Thankfully, you're here to clarify.
23 Feb 2026 09:02:53
Oli, even if the quote is fake, it doesn't change the fact that Slot left Gakpo on that pitch for 77 minutes. He should've been hooked at HT, or at the very least, 60 minutes.
We were sleepwalking into a draw or defeat before Rio and Chiesa came on and actually put in some effort. Rio was the one who suddenly had them panicking and dropping off, though.
23 Feb 2026 09:13:29
Agreed, MK. I like Slot as a bloke and I still do not fully want him out, but some of his selection decisions are completely baffling, especially the wing situation. Gakpo is repeatedly stinking the joint out, Chiesa is only ever given a chance at RW when he is much better on the left, Rio looks more threatening than everyone and gets the least minutes.
Strange, to say the least.
23 Feb 2026 09:16:51
I found it interesting that Rio was playing a lot on the right. I don't know if it was just where he found himself following set pieces, etc, or whether it was deliberate. Even though the quote is fake, it's clear that Slot thinks extremely highly of Gakpo, but it did make me wonder whether Slot would consider trying Rio on the right instead of Salah.
23 Feb 2026 09:21:31
Does Slot just see what he wants to see? Has Gakpo got dirt on him? It's beyond a joke now.
23 Feb 2026 09:52:50
Glad Slot did not mention how good Gravenberch was, along with Gakpo. Both were very poor. Slot must be seeing a different game than us fans. YNWA.
23 Feb 2026 09:54:35
I appreciate that every team has a whipping boy, but for a team that won the PL less than a year ago we seem to have elevated the whipping boy to an art form - Konate, Jones, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Isak, and, of course, the coach. The list seems to be growing by the day, and I'm struggling to differentiate between the People's Front of Liverpool (Slot out) and the Liverpool People's Front (Bin the players).
To place our current situation into context, we have just gone level with the fourth and fifth placed teams (CL qualification). We are in the last 16 of this year's CL, and we are progressing in the FA Cup. There's no disputing that we are not playing well, not least when measured against the massive expectation of the fans (on this forum at least), but we are, comparatively speaking, a lot better off than the overwhelming number of clubs in our league and the other major European leagues.
The journey's bumpy at the moment, but I think that the criticism is overstated and not all warranted. I've said a number of times that Slot should have gone, and I still hope he does, although it's not going to happen until the summer at the earliest, so I'm happy to hold onto the handlebars and see how the journey turns out. I have to say that I think we will win some silverware, although my optimism has no basis in logic. I suppose that's what fans do. 😉
23 Feb 2026 10:12:08
We need a proper DM, as they bullied us in the midfield.
23 Feb 2026 10:28:41
It does worry me how many of you get caught out with fake posts and false information.
23 Feb 2026 10:42:08
Oh MKS, don't get it twisted. I'm not disagreeing with you at all on Slot and his decisions yesterday, not in the slightest. That was an absolute ship show of a perf. from darn near the whole team. One of the worst displays I have seen in the last 4 years, and trust me, we have had some disgraceful stinkers even under Klopp, and this ranks near the top. The manager? Mate, if anyone thinks for a nano second that he deserves to keep his job, CL spot or not, they need to seek help, ASAP. Also, there is no point talking about Gakpo, as I think he is a victim of what the manager is asking from him, because he has NOT been this bad in the past 2 years, IMO.
Look, Slot has told us that Gakpo will play when fit, come hell, high water, a tsunami, earthquake, a heat wave and a snow storm, so again, what's the point slamming him? If he had not come on and taken the fight to them, we would have snoozed our way to a draw, or an off chance, or a loss. Get this guy out as soon as the season ends, period.
23 Feb 2026 10:52:22
For me, Dhfc, a 'proper DM' wouldn't make us any better. He'd just be running around, getting bypassed, and would be of little use to us, no matter how good he is. Out of possession, we are far too stretched; the gap from front to back is way too big for one person to patrol. Until we get a better team structure, we are actually better having press resistant, ball playing midfield players. The only way to defend the cavernous gaps we leave is to not give the ball away.
You saw yesterday how easy it is to get at us when Curtis kept giving the ball away. The gaps are so big that we lose the ball, and one pass puts them straight at our back 4 in tons of space. It's why other teams find it much easier than we do to keep the ball, and they always have an option. We are just so stretched we can't get pressure on the ball.
23 Feb 2026 11:51:10
Only just read it was fake news, but it's something you expect Slot to say about his golden child.
23 Feb 2026 13:05:22
Fatwallet, that's how people believed it. Can you blame them?
23 Feb 2026 15:23:58
Even if it isn't true, I still believe it lol.
23 Feb 2026 16:31:36
If Slot thinks Gakpo is playing well, it must mean he is playing the way he wants him to. He is slow and lethargic, with little to no attacking threat.
23 Feb 2026 17:57:28
Get him out. I've never in all my life heard so much nonsense from one manager. He makes Arteta look completely normal.
23 Feb 2026 22:26:55
Slot made the change and got the result. He included adjusting the set-up part way through the first half. So we got the desired outcome. I think it's really unfair to then say that he should have done that earlier, and use that as criticism.