Liverpool banter 3

10 Apr 2026 14:20:26
Be an interesting summer. You buy two top wingers, where does Wirtz fit in? Isak or Etitike start as our central striker.
In midfield we need two top midfielders to go straight in. A proper 6 and Maccalisters replacement.


The back line needs multiple player's including a goalkeeper. How can soo much have been spent last summer and we still need several player's if we are to compete.

10 Apr 2026 14:53:59
How does Xabi play? Can't see him being enamoured with Isak or Eki's workrate either.

10 Apr 2026 15:26:57
It doesn't work. This is the main failure of the season above all.

We've assembled a squad that can play 2 formations at best. 4/3/3 isn't one of them.

Factor in how amazingly Slow and Unfit we are, how we've changed the Style to a walking pace, and refused to add anyone in January.

Just a total recipe for disaster, designed to Fail from the beginning.

10 Apr 2026 15:48:55
I don't think Ekitike is an out and out number 9.

Last season he was meant to have been very good as a support/second striker to Marmoush and apparently can play on the left.

10 Apr 2026 16:11:13
The squad is there to allow for rotation and making tactical tweaks. Then the manager can worry about how people fit into certain tactical approaches for different games. The key is to have enough variety in your squad that the manager has something to work with. It's not for us fans to worry about how he keeps everyone happy. I'm hoping we have something along the lines of the below.



Forwards: (7)
Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz, Diomande, Minteh, Rio*, Morrison*

Midfielders: (7)
Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, M.Fernandes, Jones*, Stephenson*, Nyoni*, Endo

Defenders: (9)
Frimpong*, Bradley*, Virgil, Konate, Jacquet, Leoni, Gomez*, Kerkez, Tsimikas

Keepers: (4)
Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman*, Pecsi

* = HG.

10 Apr 2026 16:14:06
Personally, I'm not sure where Ekitike features, as a regular starter, moving forward. I'm struggling to see where he, Isak and Wirtz feature in a starting XI.

10 Apr 2026 16:38:42
We've zero depth! Counting the likes of Gomez as depth is a joke!

10 Apr 2026 16:59:37
MK, if that's the squad we go into the next season with, gawd help us.

10 Apr 2026 19:12:54
I think the question you ask just goes to show the complete lack of cohesion between Edwards and Slot when it comes to the vision for the team. Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz all look like great signings on paper, but for a team that's used 4-3-3 so successfully for the last 8/9 years, they're really not the ideal signings. We're kind of in no man's land right now in terms of what's the most effective formation to deploy. Obviously, a 4-4-2 diamond or similar would be best for including Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz in their optimum positions, but nobody can deny that our loss of pace and creativity on the wings has massively affected us, and I think a lot of fans would agree that we need to fill those holes immediately. It's all going to depend on the new manager's assessment of the current situation, and how he thinks is best to move forward.

I just pray that Edwards isn't going to be in charge of transfers this Summer.

If we bring in 2 wingers and go with a 4-3-3, play Wirtz in the middle instead of Macallister, give him the freedom of a more advanced playmaker role, a sort of hybrid-CAM but with more responsibility of tracking back, Dom will have to play more of a holding role, but he won't be completely restricted and Grav (or whoever) will have to be a strictly holding DM.

Wingers will need to have intense work rate tracking back, acting as wide midfielders in the defensive phase. To start, I would hold back on having the wingers press the back line to recover the ball, revert to a 4-1-4-1 when not in possession so as to condense the middle of the park and prevent teams from just walking through our midfield as they have been.

Forget this nonsense of having 70% possession and doing nothing with it. If the opposing defenders have the ball, let them have it, they pose no threat. Force the opposition to choose between playing through an overly stacked midfield or go over the top, massively limit their ability to play through the middle, force mistakes, full-on heavy metal football on the counter-attack, lightning fast transitions, a direct high pace assault, reward players for taking chances.

10 Apr 2026 19:16:47
Mid to Lower table squad that.

10 Apr 2026 20:07:14
Alison

?? Jacquet. Vvd. Kerkez

Grav. Slob

?? Wirtz. Ekitike

Izak.

11 Apr 2026 03:37:51
We need to build a squad - picking a starting 11 can wait until we have a coach who wants to play football first and foremost.

Then, we need additions over the next couple of years that enable us to challenge for the PL, CL, and domestic cups, and allow for the youngsters to be fully integrated into the squad / starting 11.

10 Apr 2026 14:01:48.
So realistically we need four signings like a must next season - RW LW RB and LB. We need these because players are leaving/have left this season (Salah Taa Robbo Lucho)

Then we also need to replace VVD Alisson and Macca (as they probably will leave next season or next to next season)

Then we have players on fringes like Endo and Chiesa that need replacing either from academy or otherwise

So 10 players realistically need replacing.

10 Apr 2026 15:45:05
You are correct in my opinion, Cafu.

10 Apr 2026 17:58:02
We had these same conversations before the 24/25 season. And only added Chiesa. And only won the league.

10 Apr 2026 19:26:54
Sure, we'll only add one again so Delvecs, and see if we win it again. I bet we don't.

10 Apr 2026 21:05:49
Things obviously seem dire now, but I'm not sure our squad is in that bad of shape. I fully believe that Slot has just misused them so much, even the fans can't figure out how they could be best used. This is also why I hate letting Salah (and even Robertson a little bit) after this season, because I think the poor performance from all players is down to Slot not having a clue.

One example is the wing where we have both Chiesa and Rio playing all season, but Slot persisted with a 433, using low work rate Gakpo and Salah instead. Salah could easily have been used in a 4212 next to Ekitike, which would play to both their strengths, but he never did.

I agree that if our team is a 433 then Ekitike and Isak can not both play in it, and I still don't rate Isak for any formation in our team because he just doesn't have the work rate that should define our team.

Ekitike works hard, but obviously doesn't offer much defensively and needs to work on his fitness because he's gassed after 60-70min. He could easily be used in a modified 433 if we used actual wingers, with Wirtz behind him and a double DM pivot (which we'd need at least one DM to play long Grav).

I think this squad have a lot of options (which is why it's unforgivable that Slot has been so clueless with it). I'm not saying we don't need players either, but depending on the formation we want to use, we don't need that many. It's just that before we sign players, we need someone competent who actually has an idea of how to match our players strengths to formations/tactics.

11 Apr 2026 07:58:15
Good post, Snuggle. Only thing I'd disagree with, mate, is Ekitike works hard. For me, he seems like a player who comes alive in possession, but isn't really bothered when out of it.

10 Apr 2026 13:40:37
I know the general theme on this forum is that slot will leave end of season and Alonso will come in. But are we in serious issue of if we lose out on Champions League, Alonso might second guess given reduction in available funds, not playing Champions League a City also interested?

10 Apr 2026 15:37:21
This is not 2015, where Liverpool were significantly behind even their domestic rivals in recent success and wealth, and in need of a legendary figure like Klopp to come in and remind everyone what Liverpool are. We now generate revenue that rivals everyone except Real Madrid and have a squad incomparable to what we had before Klopp.

Any manager would love to work with us, and it has taken one of the worst seasons of management in recent history to make us almost forget that.

10 Apr 2026 13:37:01
I wonder if the max exodus of the "older" core players has something to do with the new manager coming in, or with Slot staying and he wants the "factions" gone so he has more control?

10 Apr 2026 12:53:32
Like Arne Slot, both Edwards and Hughes will enter the final year of their contracts this summer and face question marks over their immediate future.

Amid interest from the Saudi Pro League and growing scrutiny over their work at Liverpool, there is a strong chance the pair could depart at the end of the season.

According to the Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace, neither Edwards or Hughes had plans to stay in their roles for the long term either way.



In a report on Thursday, Wallace claimed that Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football and Liverpool’s sporting director were considered to have signed “fixed-term deals” and “planned to stay for three years and no longer.”

10 Apr 2026 10:16:26
I see Robbo has announced he will be leaving the club.
Have to say he's been one of my favourite players over the Klopp era, gave us so much.
Will miss him for sure, I just hope he considers maybe a coaching future for himself, at Liverpool if possible.
Great guy to have around the club I believe.

10 Apr 2026 10:34:31
Interesting to see where he goes.

I know there's been mention of Celtic in the past, but I definitely think he'd get into a lot of Premier League sides still.

10 Apr 2026 10:48:23
Will be hugely missed from fans and team mates alike, can't believe that, along with the dross we've served up this season, there's a very strong possibility we won't have a Scot in the squad next season.

As for the links to Celtic, I just don't see it happening this summer. He'd have to take an insane pay-cut, and signing him would mean Celtic have both senior Scotland LB's in their team.

They could always shift Tierney to CB, but seems a more sentimental move than a practical one to me.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him follow the growing list of Scottish players in Serie A for a couple of years, and then maybe finish his career at Celtic.

Wherever he goes, he's guaranteed to get a huge cheer at Anfield if he ever plays there again.

10 Apr 2026 10:58:33
Andy Robbo. Liverpool Legend. Simple as that.

{Ed025's Note - absolutely LFC8..

10 Apr 2026 12:02:47
Watched a montage of clips last night of him and some of his best bits in Jurgen's great side when we won the CL & title! Never ever gave anything less than 100% every time he pulled on the shirt.

Even now, when he knows his legs can't quite do it, he's still giving everything!

10 Apr 2026 12:31:09
Two league titles, a European Cup winner, he's right up there with Alan Kennedy as one of the best left backs we've ever had.

10 Apr 2026 12:35:11
Robertson was at his peak, underrated within world football. Robbo was genuinely the best LB in world football for 2-3 years. What he gave to the team and his overall contribution, he was the best in world football at his peak.
I'm not a fan of Neville, but Neville was probably the only non Liverpool link that gave Robertson his flowers a few years ago and that wasn't even at Robbo's peak.
"Andy Robertson is the best full back in the league by a mile." And it was true. Trent got more plaudits because Trent was better offensively, but Robertson's overall game as a full back, he was better.


Robertson was a magnificent player and servant to this club. He probably should have left too in the summer because he's not the same player at all, but what a player. What a great personality to have around the club. He's one that many fans will truly miss and appreciate for a long time.
There's times a certain player comes about that you just love at your club and Robertson was mine. Will absolutely miss the lad.

10 Apr 2026 13:47:36
Andy Robbo is exactly the type of players we should be aiming for now, honest, humble, hard working, fantastic attitude n he could play against the best n usually came out on top. When I see these players head down, pulling out of tackles, not running back, sulking while get paid millions of pounds n moaning that the fans are moaning.

10 Apr 2026 08:44:10
Sky Sports news alert. Slot press conference. Is that normal?

10 Apr 2026 09:59:16
Yes, we have a game tomorrow...

10 Apr 2026 10:00:40
Him saying he feels the fans' support. Delusional must be normal.

10 Apr 2026 10:04:06
Slot is deluded. He cannot believe he still thinks all the fans support him, his tactics and his players. We fans support the club, and all we ask for is fight and some effort on the pitch, with a plan from those off it. None of which is currently happening.

10 Apr 2026 10:12:57
He must read this site and see how much Chewy loves him.

What he needs to understand is we will support the team before and during games because we want them to do well, always. But that does not mean that anyone is supporting him. He's cocked it right up this season and is very lucky to still have a job.

10 Apr 2026 10:37:17
Beckers, you've been defending Slot all season, saying the players didn't have a pre season and it was only a blip.

Change of tune with the charge of username.

10 Apr 2026 11:02:52
I haven't, JK, I've been saying he needs to go since the PSV game. What I have been saying is that the witch hunt, with everyone criticising everything he says and does, is unnecessary and most of it has been unfair.



I do still think that what happened in the summer is a big reason for what we are seeing, among many other reasons, but I also think Slot has proven that he can't turn it around or maybe he simply doesn't want to be there anymore.

10 Apr 2026 11:36:28
Beckers, you do realise you can search on here all your comments as Beckers Peckers, Robbos lost legs, Sean Dundee & Varry Benison from just this season alone.

On a serious note, though, it's good to see you back, as I do enjoy reading your comments whether I agree with them or not.

10 Apr 2026 12:31:54
Ha, I never realised all of those names were the same poster. ?

10 Apr 2026 13:50:10
Why do posters change names? I know you could forget your password, but surely not that many times.

10 Apr 2026 13:10:24
Do it JK. Search my comments you will see I've been saying he should go for a while.

Thanks mate, let's see how long I last this time before Ed1 takes exception to something I say and bans me again. I don't understand why I keep getting banned to be honest I just don't always follow the status quo and that's a crime on here apparently.

{Ed001's Note - you get banned for being an abusive tit and usually it is not me who bans you but this time it is for you being an absolute prick with desiccated coconut for brains. You are the one who can't handle other people's opinions which is why you constantly get banned, grow up.}

10 Apr 2026 13:14:18
I don't understand why you keep changing your username, BP. What's the point? stop being a tart and stick to your guns with the same account.

10 Apr 2026 14:50:05
Beckers, no thanks mate, reading them once was more than enough. ?

Looking forward to some debates with you and hopefully a future pint also. ?

10 Apr 2026 15:49:57
So that's the Varry Benision I was always arguing with!!!! I wondering where he/she had shagged off to! You were a real Slot In Man VB don't try deny it now! I wouldn't have replied to you as often if not!!

10 Apr 2026 08:26:48
There's been some links this morning to Bazoumana Toure (20 years old) of Hoffenheim. I must say, if we had him on the LW with Yan Diomande (19 years old) on the RW, Isak would have a field day next season. They are exactly the types of wingers who will compliment him. That level of direct blistering speed and risk taking would just be devastating. I'd be very happy with Toure and/or Diomande. If we were also to add Mateus Fernandes (21 years old) to our midfield for the bite/mobility we're lacking, on top of the signing of Jacquet (20 years old), which is already completed.

Well, that really is future proofing your team given we have already invested in Wirtz (22), Kerkez (22), Ekitike (23), Leoni (19), Pecsi (21) etc.

Looks like we'll be losing Salah, Robertson, Mac Allister and Gakpo in the summer. With the rumoured targets though, it does seem like we are making correctional decisions to add some fresh energy to the team. Exactly what Xabi Alonso will need to implement his high press tactics (be that in a 3-4-3 or a 4-3-3).

I've high hopes for life after Slot. 8 more games.

10 Apr 2026 10:01:57
11 games, MK. 11...Wibble.

10 Apr 2026 10:04:22
We are assembling a squad with great potential. It needs a few special personalities to bring it together, though. I still don't see any leaders on the pitch to complement whoever is in the dugout. The great teams always have at least two vocal leaders on the pitch.

10 Apr 2026 10:13:32
Lots of kids, MK. Need some know how in this team.

Having said that, the wings are fine for kids. We need that know how in the middle.

10 Apr 2026 10:19:10
MK, Don't get your hopes up on Isak yet.

No sureshot success formula with Alonso either.

Looks like a long road ahead for us...

10 Apr 2026 10:36:16
Never seen him play. Shoot, never even heard of him.

10 Apr 2026 10:46:50
We need a moaner like milly or a hendo moaning with his steel to put you in your place. Some posters in this team Ala spice boys

10 Apr 2026 08:06:12
I would worry about the serious lack of leadership and personality within in the squad next season.
We struggled massively with the loss of Hendo and Milner for setting standards, now with Mo and Robbo going I don’t see any leaders in that team whatsoever.

10 Apr 2026 09:58:18
I think the real leader was Klopp.

Hendo was a great captain, but it was his decision to leave the club and go to Saudi to apparently grow the game whilst he was still captain.

{Ed025's Note - lets not kid ourselves JK...he went for the money mate..

10 Apr 2026 10:12:26
Yes, sir! Why didn't he go to Australia or Japan to grow the game.

10 Apr 2026 11:19:35
Grow the game. Ha!! Unless that's Jordan's pet name for his bank account mate.

10 Apr 2026 11:54:06
Pretty sure Hendo went to Saudi to promote his side business selling rainbow laces. He's still unsure why it didn't take off.

10 Apr 2026 10:58:11
I think JK's tongue was firmly in his cheek when he said that Ed025. We all know he went there for the money

{Ed025's Note - i was just making sure Drac.. :)

10 Apr 2026 15:09:52
If I was Hendo, I would have gone for the money. Nice end of career Brucie bonus for him. At least he never went during his peak years, like some have.