Liverpool banter 3

22 Feb 2026 17:32:25
Best part of that game was just after half time when my stream froze for 5 mins.
Considering we won with one of the very last kicks of the game, that was absolutely dreadful to watch.
I almost switched off at 80 mins I was that bored.
I think the creativity has disappeared as well as the fitness now.

22 Feb 2026 17:37:23
Another great game of football. Not sure my heart can continue with such excitement. At this stage, I feel like I'm ripping the club, Sky and TNT off with what I pay to watch such spectacles.

22 Feb 2026 17:38:13
Yeah, agree, Mikey, it was an absolutely shocking performance. The first half was non-existent again. We were lucky to get anything, let alone 3 points.

22 Feb 2026 17:50:41
I might be wrong, JK, but I detect a whiff of sarcasm. Only a hint, mind. Forgive me if I'm wrong!

22 Feb 2026 17:53:20
We've been shocking to watch for the majority of games for a year now. Some may point to the changeover of players & the tragic Jota loss, but ignore our stuttering form for the last 3 months of last season. Fact is, the downturn started after Slot had time to install his philosophy into the players.

Yes, we've not been losing so much recently & not conceding as much, but dear me, fancy paying your hard earned money to watch that dross every game. It's a hard watch indeed.

22 Feb 2026 17:58:05
I turned it off at half time, then switched it back on for the last 10. I love watching football, but I could find better uses of my time than watching us right now. I only turned it back on out of FOMO.

22 Feb 2026 18:28:47
Bet you were one of those who turned off at half time in Istanbul.

22 Feb 2026 18:45:32
Wow, I recorded the game and went to watch my lad; his game kicked off at the same time. I heard a kid saying McAlister had scored, which made me hopeful. I have to confess, I watched parts of it through my fingers. I've never seen us give the ball away so many times. Not even under pressure.

VVD started it, Jones took it on, then they all joined in. My god, how Mo had the cheek to be playing the fool after he came off! There is no excuse for that performance. Yes, Slot is lost. But surely this squad should have some pride? Young Rio showed intent when he came on. I'm worried.

22 Feb 2026 19:16:28
After watching such a poor performance, there should now be no more talk of keeping the head coach and his staff for next season. That poor performance should highlight the failings of the manager and his coaching staff. They had all week to get ready for Forest, but it did not show. The team were under pressure for large amounts of time, and if Forest had a forward that could score goals we would have been well beaten. Fortunately, we scored in the last minute, but we have to take into consideration that Forest are in a relegation dogfight, so us scoring so late on does not cover our failings.

I really do not enjoy asking for people to lose their employment, but Liverpool Football Club are becoming a laughing stock and it needs addressing as soon as possible. If fans are happy with the way we are performing, then my apologies, but I do not think I am on my own with these views. YNWA.

22 Feb 2026 19:53:09
Albeydered, I hardly think we've become a laughing stock. Last 16 of the CL, 6th in the league, level on pts with 4th, and still in the FA Cup. I seriously don't think anyone's laughing at us. Though I'm not happy with the way we're performing, that's for sure.

22 Feb 2026 17:28:52
From marauders to meanderers paint drys quicker than we play. Wouldn't think we are the champions.

22 Feb 2026 15:07:07
Shocking first half, jones again taking too long on the ball many times hook him. The rest giving the ball away can't seem to pass to each other. Depressed.

22 Feb 2026 16:08:11
How we won that I will never know, but anyone sticking up for Slot now is ridiculous. He clearly does not want to be here, but just wants the pay off. With how we have been playing this season, he gives the players two days off just so he can piss off back home.

If anything, we should be taking advantage of a full week in between games to do some extra training to try and sort something out.

22 Feb 2026 16:21:45
How have Liverpool won that? Apt that the game was won by pretty much the worst player on the pitch (and that's saying something), nearly with his ass (but it turns out to be his elbow), and nearly in offside (but it turned out not to be). Guess beggars can't be choosers? Will take the 3 points, thank you very much.

22 Feb 2026 16:24:11
The result should not overlook that dismal performance. The players were stood still when they received the ball. No urgency, no pressing. Simple passes were going astray. This has been going on for a long, long time now. I'm at a loss as to why Arne Slot's bosses think this is acceptable.

22 Feb 2026 16:35:17
By far the luckiest team this weekend to get that win. We were dire, but right now, the three points are the only important thing. Did we expect more? A good performance? I did, and was stupid to expect it, but we got the win. The only thing for certain is my position hasn't changed and won't change. Slot out.

22 Feb 2026 16:39:28
This isn't me sticking up for Slot, but when you say, "we should be sorting something out," Grino, we had won the previous 2 games. Had we not, I'm sure no one would've had time off.

22 Feb 2026 16:45:25
Ekitike, Salah, Gakpo, Gravenberch, MacAlister, and Jones were all atrocious. They should all have a long hard look at themselves. Gravenberch couldn't trap a cement block.

22 Feb 2026 16:53:41
Agree with you there, Redmick.

22 Feb 2026 17:08:24
Rome, even when we win, the team is all over the place. We were not good against Sunderland, and getting the odd result when not playing badly is OK when you are normally playing well, but this form has been a year now. Managers moan because they don't get enough time to work with players, and our performances have been some of the worst in the league this season for the talent our manager has at his disposal. And he gets a full week to work with the players, and he pisses off back to Holland. And yes, you are sticking up for Slot like you seem to every day on here. First of all, it was admirable of you, but now, given where we are, you are coming off as an ostrich with his head in the ground.

He is clearly not committed; otherwise his family would have moved over with him. I can't think of another manager who signs a three-year contract at a club of Liverpool's size and whose family stayed in another country. He clearly just wants some payoff so he can go back to Holland and stay there. No way would a manager have a player who is not committed enough to move near the club, and the manager should be setting an example. Klopp left because he could not give 100% anymore. Now we have a manager who is not giving 100% out of choice.

22 Feb 2026 17:28:21
About 50% of our victories this season have felt like losses. That was another one today. It's a difficult watch. But 3 pts, we go again next week.

22 Feb 2026 17:32:45
We were muck, but I don't care. We won. We have deserved more in some games, and the luck hasn't been with us; today it was. Over the moon with that result. The team gets enough stick on here when we lose, be happy today, Redmen. Arne continues the turnaround.

22 Feb 2026 17:43:49
Good response, Grino. I wish I was sat having a pint with you, instead of tapping on my phone. As for the line "pissing off back to Holland", I can only assume that, when he signed his contract, the club were aware that his family wouldn't be moving and were happy with this.

He was flying back last season and it was never mentioned. I'm far from happy with our performances since we won the league, and Slot will ultimately be judged on where we finish and what we win come the end of May. If we aren't in the CL next season, he needs to go, and I'm sure he'll be gone.

22 Feb 2026 17:49:58
Yeah, it wasn't great, but give me another 11 not great wins, I'll take it. We've had games where we deserved more and lost, so take the win however it comes and move on to the next.

22 Feb 2026 17:50:11
I'm confused. Is this Slot's second turnaround of the season, or are we still on the first one?

22 Feb 2026 17:59:44
Well, it's 2 defeats in 20 after 9 defeats in 12, so I think that's worthy of being called a turnaround, Irish.

22 Feb 2026 18:02:01
Problem is another 11 not great wins will likely give us another 38 not great performances next season

22 Feb 2026 18:13:20
We've only lost 8 games in the League all season mate

22 Feb 2026 18:14:41
Reds, what are we doing in training, what is being coached?? Oh hang on, let's have 2 days off everyone. Unbelievable. I've been a red all my life. I've seen some bad performances. But with the players we have, defending champions, dross like that is churned out. Yes my family all jumped around when Macca scored, delighted we won but

22 Feb 2026 18:21:57
Unbeaten in 3 Irish.possibly the start of the 3rd turnaround

22 Feb 2026 18:26:10
What he hasn't turned around is my ability to stay awake during our matches. Was out cold once again. Couldn't care less about champions league football next season if this is Slot ball. And f no I don't want to be happy with the result.

Most of the players today was abysmal and the entirety of the first half performance was an embarrassment to the badge IMO. I do not recognize my club and that breaks my heart more than winning games brings me joy currently

22 Feb 2026 18:26:34
Rome i don't know how but i have stopped drinking and to had a pint in 6 weeks and with watching them it's hard let alone the main stress factor in my do deal with.
But am not sure if the club would have none how his family situation would have been but maybe that's one of the reasons he is going in the summer.


Don't know if you see the press conference the other day he did mention how last season come march he really need a break 7 months into a season that's not a good look and it's not something you would expect a manger to come out with that far into a job.

22 Feb 2026 19:30:37
Flo turnarounds are not just about wins; they also include performances, and even you have to agree, we have had very few good performances, so I do not class it as a turnaround.To be truthful, it really is lucky that the Premier League has been so poor, or we could have been in a bit of trouble.YNWA.

22 Feb 2026 20:43:19
Or maybe the Premier League isn't poor.

22 Feb 2026 21:34:49
Oh, here's Florian. The contrarian. If the sky was blue, they'd say it was red. We are crap to watch, and we are sixth in the league with a squad most would die for. Yes, I will blame Slot.

22 Feb 2026 22:12:32
Florian posts a lot, so I'm getting content, oodles of it, for free. It keeps the site ticking over. I have stuff to read. Perfect.

23 Feb 2026 06:49:51
I know we were crap, Frode, don't care. Robbed many a win under practically any manager in my lifetime. Ah yes, this magical squad, you're right, Frode, the options on the bench yesterday were absolutely frightening.

22 Feb 2026 12:56:02
Szoboszlai at right back with Gomez on the bench, this I don't understand this. two areas are weakened.

22 Feb 2026 13:28:22
Gomez only just back from injury. Probably not up to a full 90.

22 Feb 2026 13:50:07
I thought Jones might have started there. I think we get the win regardless. No excuses for this one, there has been plenty of time to prepare. Prediction 3-1 win.

22 Feb 2026 13:51:18
Jones played well at RB last week.

22 Feb 2026 13:56:55
Which two areas are weakened? Personally, I think Szoboszlai is a good choice at right back, where he has filled in with good effect.

22 Feb 2026 14:07:43
Gomez is a better defender. Szob is a better midfielder than Macca.

22 Feb 2026 14:18:48
Slot doesn't subscribe to the idea of playing the best players in their best positions.

22 Feb 2026 14:49:50
What's the excuse for this performance, apologists?

22 Feb 2026 14:53:00
Clearly the plan is to bore them to death and then sneak a goal when they fall asleep.

22 Feb 2026 16:08:05
Well. It seems to have worked, Something Red. Lol.

22 Feb 2026 16:18:38
That was so difficult to watch. How can that be handball? Macca's arm was by his side. Terrible decision, but at least it was put right with Macca scoring again. VAR is killing the game, it is useless and needs dropping. YNWA

22 Feb 2026 17:34:16
Excuses are for losers, James. Today, my friend, we are winners.

22 Feb 2026 17:40:30
It's the rules, Albey. If the ball goes in off your arm it's disallowed regardless of where your arm is. It was the correct decision. We got lucky today but we have been unlucky many times this season so we take it and move on. It was a painful watch though.

22 Feb 2026 23:04:05
Respectfully, @Varry, if your arm is well stuck to your body, then it is not handball, so that rule makes no sense at all. I'm sorry.

22 Feb 2026 12:54:40
Hi all
So I watched a few prem games yesterday and noticed something that got me thinking. In the Chelsea vs Burnley game (i think) there was a free kick into the penalty area, the back line were holding there line and a attacker was pushed off.

The attacker was pushed into an off side position by a defender And I thought I wonder if he had scored would the goal stand. Then the same thing happened in the city vs Newcastle game.

A Newcastle player was pushed into an off side position and this time he did score. The goal was ruled off side even though he was pushed into that position. It's a clear foul so why rule no goal or just give another free kick.

22 Feb 2026 13:32:43
The rules don't seem to count at set pieces, Longthing. I would guess the refs would say he was pushed before the ball was in play, so it's not a foul, but we all know it is.

22 Feb 2026 13:52:56
Pushing is not allowed before a free kick is taken according to IFAB Laws of the Game, which are enforced by PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited). While jostling for position is normal, any push that is deemed careless, reckless, or using excessive force is a foul. Key points regarding pushing before a free kick: Direct Free Kick Offence: Pushing an opponent is a specific offence under Law 12, punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick if it occurs while the ball is out of play (before the restart).

"Set-Piece Shenanigans": PGMOL has been urged to strictly penalize holding and pushing during set pieces to stop tactics designed to obstruct defenders or goalkeepers. Referee Discretion: While "mutual shoving" is sometimes tolerated to keep the game flowing, a one-sided push, particularly in the back, is a foul. Attacker-Defender Conflict: If an attacker pushes a defender to get to a ball during a free kick, it is a foul. Conversely, if a defender fouls an attacker in the box, it is a penalty. TheFA.com.

22 Feb 2026 17:43:34
Referee discretion being the pertinent phrase there, Ernest. For me, I think the refs don't give it because they think VAR will look at it, and then VAR will say it's the referee's call, so we end up with nothing happening.

22 Feb 2026 12:53:56
Liverpool team v Forest : Alisson; Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

22 Feb 2026 08:37:49
Win away to Forest later and we're back in the Champions League places. Up the Reds!

And yes Ed25, I'll be watching and cheering with you on Monday evening. So, up the Blues too!

{Ed025's Note - its your motives im questioning Pompey, are you wanting us to beat United because it will help Liverpools cause for a top 4 spot or are you wishing the blues well to enhance love and unity on Merseyside mate?.. :)

22 Feb 2026 09:05:05
Top 5 getting Champions League may benefit us, but it certainly feels cheap. Like when you are forced to let your little brother play.

22 Feb 2026 09:09:54
Both. ❤️

22 Feb 2026 09:15:39
Without trying to come across as negative, we'd need to win by a 5-goal deficit to leapfrog United and by 11 goals to leapfrog Chelsea. A win, though, does take us level on points with both, and puts pressure on United tomorrow.

22 Feb 2026 09:26:18
Only focussed on points today, JK. If it comes down to GD at the end of the season, then we get what we deserve. Scrappy win with the winner off Jo G's arse would do me today. But I'd obviously prefer a Wirtz master class, Dom 30 yarder and a Hugo hat-trick.

22 Feb 2026 09:37:16
Pompey, agree mate. 3 points is 3 points. I think they'll be up for this today after beating us earlier in the season, which could mean they don't park the bus. But after playing on Thursday, they should be tired, and we're now at peak fitness after 39 games and no pre season.

22 Feb 2026 09:43:08
JK23, ? peak fitness got me. I'm looking forward to today's game! No doubt I'll be annoyed by full time.

22 Feb 2026 10:29:01
I blame Slot for there being 5 qualification places this season.

22 Feb 2026 10:29:44
Ed25, I'll be cheering you on against Man United because Man United losing is always hilarious.

{Ed025's Note - fair point SR.. ?

22 Feb 2026 10:26:12
I'm sure ed25 it's love+ unity..!
Your home record ain't so good any more ed25, traditionally everton at goodison was a v difficult fixture for everybody. Do u think it's the new ground that as nice as it is just lacks a bit of goodison feel to it? Strangely enough your away form has improved a lot would I be right in saying?

{Ed025's Note - very much so digger. Our attack is poor and that’s why we are better on the counter mate which suits us away from home..

22 Feb 2026 10:53:45
I blame Slot for everyone being a year older than at this point last year. Unforgivable. What message does this send to my imaginary children, Torben and Piechnika?

22 Feb 2026 11:13:56
Ed025 did you go the Merseyside finals in the 80s? , I went in the Everton end with my blue mate for the milk cup final, n jumped and celebrated when we won n nobody said anything nasty to me, except a bit of Scouse humour.think that was the last time that would have been allowed, pity its toxic now, you wouldn't get me in the Everton end in a Derby for love nor money but i'd always want you to beat United

{Ed025's Note - i was at both of them Strom, i was in the Liverpool end and was jumping up and down when Lineker scored and there were a few remarks to me but nothing nasty, also in the pubs before and after the game and on the train i never seen any trouble at all and it was very good humoured mate...mind you if Liverpool had lost im not so sure it would have been so peaceful.. :)

22 Feb 2026 12:29:57
Yea I went to both, but in the Liverpool end for the 2nd one. As you say, we were all together, travelling down and in the pubs together, mingling quite peacefully. I even got into the chant of singing Merseyside with everyone; that was the first n last time doing that though. Bit cringe, but great times. Now not so much.

{Ed025's Note - yeah its all gone a bit toxic now Strom, i stopped going to derbies years ago mate after hearing some horrible chanting from both sets of supporters and vowed never to go to one again, i will stick to my memories of when things were better and people were nicer thanks..

22 Feb 2026 13:37:23
I went to the Charity Shield in 1986, and our coach broke down on the M1, so we never made it to the game. The coach was full of Everton and Liverpool fans, and we all listened to the game on the radio together.

It was a 1-1 draw, and we shared the trophy and had lots of laughs about our predicament. The atmosphere between the 2 clubs and fans was awesome back then. Not anymore.

21 Feb 2026 17:39:00
Take a bow James Milner.

21 Feb 2026 18:37:24
100% EM. Such humble words from him too. I'm sure he'll enjoy his family meal washed down with a few Ribenas.

22 Feb 2026 08:50:38
Just seen that he's played with or against 50% of all the players that have ever played in the Premier League era. Not sure how true that is, but it's quite a stat.

22 Feb 2026 10:54:42
Indeed, EM. What a man. What a career. A true role model for all, regardless of what walk of life they are in, imo.

21 Feb 2026 17:06:22
Fair play to Farke and Leeds. Always liked his style of play.2 defeats vs Arsenal and Newcastle (in the 100th minute) in 16 games taking points off us (twice), Chelsea (twice), utd, Villa, Brentford and Sunderland.7 points clear of the relegation zone now. Great turnaround from a manager on the verge of the sack.

21 Feb 2026 18:38:58
Looking back, we played Leeds right when their form seemed to turn around. Happy for them and for Farke. Likable guy.

21 Feb 2026 19:35:19
Had a feeling Villa would drop points. Leeds are decent, but never thought Chelsea would stumble! Massive game for us tomorrow now!

22 Feb 2026 10:57:01
Bristol, I was surprised that Villa even got a point because they were dreadful all game long. Leeds are very hard to break down and give Farke credit for making them very tough to beat.

That said, we should have beaten them in both games as we bottled a two-goal and a one-goal lead in the final 25 mins. At Anfield, we were dreadful and didn't lay a glove on them all game long, imo.

22 Feb 2026 11:53:27
Oli, I can see Villa being in real danger of dropping down in the CL qualification. It's a bit of stick or twist for them, as I think they're desperate for a trophy, & they've a great chance in the Europa League, & as good a chance as any in the FA Cup, but their form is dipping at a crucial time.

22 Feb 2026 12:23:26
Agreed, FM. Good season so far for Leeds. It'll be good to see them staying in the PL.

22 Feb 2026 13:08:54
I have to say I'd like to see Leeds relegated. I really disliked Revie and his team, back in the day.

21 Feb 2026 15:13:33
So I see its not only us who have a need to have certain meetings.

Imagine drawing a game, with potentially still being 2 points ahead if the team in 2nd win their game in hand, and then decide that an urgent team meeting is crucial to get the season back on track.

21 Feb 2026 15:36:51
I certainly rather be having an "urgent meeting" while still in 4 competitions than our position when our season was going to s***.

21 Feb 2026 18:42:05
Well, hopefully they'll need another one on Monday morning.

22 Feb 2026 01:54:43
We're still in 3 competitions. Does that not warrant a meeting?

22 Feb 2026 10:58:52
Looks like a meeting is already in session right now among LFC fans right here on this thread, if you ask me.

22 Feb 2026 13:15:43
If the players can't take it, they should leave, said the man who won the FA Cup six years ago and who has bottled it every season since, even though hundreds of millions £ have been spent on the squad.

Add 'fantastic motivational speaker' to his list of things that rattle his squad's confidence. It's around about now in the season when he reverts to trying not to lose games, rather than win them.

21 Feb 2026 09:21:46
ED001, if you're about, heard the youngster Joshua Abe has been stalling signing a contract/ scholarship, and Trent's brother is his agent but my question is about agents. Can clubs stop their players having certain agents or ban certain agents from operating at the club.

I still remember the Sterling fiasco and how bad that agent spoke with no integrity about our club, looks like this trents brother is doing us no favours aswel.

{Ed001's Note - clubs cannot force them to change agent, they can ask but it is up to the player to choose their personal representative. You don't want to go down that route, that was what Fergie used to do at Man Utd - but he would force youth players to use his son or brother's agency (I forget which he was now) as he was a part-owner. Those that didn't, such as Pogba, would not get a game under any circumstances. Which led to the ludicrous situation where Fergie put 3 defenders in midfield during an injury crisis, rather than give Pogba even a sniff and saw Pogba quit the club as soon as he could.

I look at it that you are probably better off just being rid of young players with reps that are not looking after them, as they are likely to be mercenaries with short careers ahead.}

21 Feb 2026 13:43:59
Cheers, Ed001. Yeah, forgot about Fergie doing all that. I agree with just letting the youngsters go if they're thinking about money, rather than being in the best place for themselves footballing-wise.

21 Feb 2026 16:36:27
Anybody know why clubs pay agents instead of the players themselves?

21 Feb 2026 17:17:55
Well, first of all, they do pay the players. Second of all, the agents are intermediaries in any negotiation, and are paid for their services, just like mortgage brokers or recruitment consultants.

21 Feb 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - PaghamWolf has posted a new article entitled, Wolves Player Ratings v Arsenal