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MK Scouser's rumours posts with other poster's replies to MK Scouser's rumours posts
25 Apr 2024 12:25:15
Ed002, do you think we might finally follow up interest in Teun Koopmeiners this summer? I believe we've been scouting him for a few seasons now and correct me if I'm wrong, but he's worked with Arne Slot previously at AZ.
When I look at our midfield options now we're missing one thing that Arsenal and City have, and that is a physically dominant but mobile player. They have Rice and Rodri who can both glide around the pitch and thrive in a physical battle. When we played Atalanta, Koopmeiners absolutely bullied us all over the park. He was quicker, stronger and more imposing than anything we have in midfield.
He'd be an excellent signing in my opinion, so just wondering if our interest has moved on or not.
{Ed002's Note - Teun Koopmeiners (DM/CM) Atalanta are reluctant to sell but his agent wants the player to be playing regularly in the Champions League with Newcastle, Juventus and Napoli having declared interest. Interest of Milan shifted to Tijjani Reijnders so they can be discounted. Approaches were been made to Arsenal, Manchester United, Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea although none have spoken with Atalanta and all have other targets for now but cannot be discounted with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United having sent scouts. And Arne Slot, if he becomes Liverpool coach, knows the player well. Brighton and Aston Villa interest has gone. Juventus has a creative solution and, like Napoli, will push for a summer move. Player has made it clear he wants a Juventus move. Marseille have walked away due to the quoted cost although a change of ownership could see a huge shift for them. Atalanta are seeking €60M if pressed to sell.}
1.) 25 Apr 2024 13:46:21
It is evident we need a midfield anchor/ defensive midfielder, that ain’t Koopmeiners.
2.) 25 Apr 2024 16:01:40
Cheers Ed002, detailed as always!
Viktor, do we need an anchor? Endo has been very good and Bajcetic deserves a chance in pre-season before we commit to spending big on a more long term DM. Rice doesn't play as an anchor for Arsenal, Jorginho does, but that doesn't stop Rice adding physicality to their team. We lack that physicality in our midfield. I personally wanted us to sign Rabiot or Milinkovic-Savic last summer because I thought it was obvious we lacked a player of that ilk in a more box to box role. Koopmeiners can bring that to a team, but if not for us we need someone else of a similar profile in my opinion. He just makes the most sense having worked with Slot before and already being of interest ot the current recruitment team.
Szoboszlai in midfield just hasn't worked so we probably need to push him further forward as an option in the front 3 where he plays for Hungary and where he played for Leipzig. That (and Thiago going) leaves a big hole in the midfield roster so we should sign a player who can offer us something we lack which, in my opinion, is an indomitable presence in the midfield.
3.) 25 Apr 2024 16:16:56
Endo is not the answer if we want to push for a league title.
He's good at what he does, break the game up and play a pass. Very safe. He reminds me of Lucus Leiva. Lovely lad, good player but not to the level to compete for the title.
We may have it at the club already with Bajectic or Trent but if not, we need someone at the level Fabinho was at in his peak.
4.) 25 Apr 2024 16:40:07
Guimares at Newcastle has a release clause. Edwards liked him previously.
{Ed002's Note - Edwards does not pick the players.}
5.) 25 Apr 2024 18:10:11
I don’t see Trent being a DM.
6.) 25 Apr 2024 19:00:14
We were never going to win the league without a proper no 6.
7.) 25 Apr 2024 19:01:41
Koopmeiners, Rabiot or Milinkovic-Savic - good grief.
8.) 25 Apr 2024 21:00:26
Well we are not losing the league because we lack another defensive midfielder. We are losing it because we had injuries on key players also our forwards losed form and had bad luck with their finishing.
9.) 25 Apr 2024 20:05:16
I’d have thought it was pretty clear that we needed a defensive midfielder from our extremely soft centre that teams can run through at will, MK. As has been demonstrated so well by United, Palace, Atalanta and Everton recently.
And yes he might be physical, but he has the pace and turning circle of the QE2, which doesn’t suggest a player made for the premier league. If we sign him we’d still have a gaping hole in the middle for teams to run at our defenders. The last few weeks have shown that there is a need for a top quality defensive midfielder.
You won’t find a title winning team that doesn’t have a very good or brilliant midfield anchor, until we bought Fabinho we won nothing, we were also rans.
As for Rabiot or Savic, jeez. That’s the bottom of the barrel right there.,
10.) 25 Apr 2024 20:33:50
I think szobo is better further forward, but where? Is he a long term right winger, I’m not so sure. For me it’s time to put Trent in midfield, especially with Bradley coming through - he deserves more minutes than just when Trent is rested/ injured. I don’t see Trent as the six though, I think he needs to be free. So I would say we for sure need a 6, Endo can adopt a Milner type role and rotation, but no top team operated without a natural holding player.
11.) 25 Apr 2024 22:15:32
I agree we are a soft touch. We definitely need to strengthen the midfield and my god the set pieces v Everton were disgraceful. It was like watching under 9,s v under 16’s. Cowardly.
12.) 26 Apr 2024 04:12:02
Many may disagree with me but I see Trent as more of a deep-lying playmaker. He needs someone more defensive minded next to him though. Someone like Endo or Bajcetic is ideal but Mac in a double pivot works as well. I can see him launching balls from deep, similar to what Xabi used to do for us.
18 Jul 2023 11:55:31
According to his agent, Liverpool have held talks this summer regarding the signing signing Pape Diop. 19 year old Senegalese CM/ DM who plays for Zulte Waregem in the Belgian 2nd division.
No idea who he is, how good he is, or how true this is. But it is what his agent has claimed so thought I'd share the rumour!
1.) 18 Jul 2023 12:00:26
I wonder if we have secretly entered a world of AI without anyone noticing, because some of these names are definitely football manager regens. I'm sure there are about 20 Pape Diops, Fofanas and Sergio Gomez's floating round.
2.) 18 Jul 2023 12:02:07
Don’t mind this sort of thing. It’s what Brighton do so well.
3.) 19 Jul 2023 08:20:52
I say the same thing all the time Thomas, you forgot the Mendy’s and Diallo’s!
Life feels more and more like a video game with each passing day.
04 Jul 2023 10:34:08
Latest rumours today are:
- Henderson is number one target for Al Ettifaq and manager Gerrard
- Thiago is a target for Fenerbache
- Thuram no longer wanted by Liverpool after the signing of Szoboszlai
- Lavia is Klopp's 1st choice for DM, but there is a lot of competition
- A €30m offer for Schuurs has been rejected by Torino (who want €40m)
1.) 04 Jul 2023 10:59:25
Also rumours re-emerging about Kone - originating from Ouest France (French publication/ website) saying that a deal is days away.
One open question is whether we should be concerned about Kone's injury history. According to Transfermarkt, he's had 9 separate injuries since the start of the 19/ 20 season. Most pretty small - 5 of them.
2.) 04 Jul 2023 11:55:10
Can't see Kone AND Lavia surely? Similar type players unless we are going to loose one of Fab and Hendo?
Also, sorry to see Thuram interest end if true, really liked him, but he also was out played and out-muscled vs Ukr at the U21.
3.) 04 Jul 2023 12:04:15
I reckon Pavia would be first choice just from PL experience alone. Schuurs would be interesting but if Matip is getting a new contract I reckon that might be the end of us looking for a new CB.
{Ed002's Note - Liverpool should look to a deal involving Lutsharel Geertruida in that case.}
4.) 04 Jul 2023 12:09:57
Kone does seem to have a poor injury record but lots of top teams apparently want him regardless. Not sure we should go for more injury prone midfielders though. A lot of journo's have predicted Lavia will sign for Liverpool and i can't imagine it would be him AND Kone. Makes zero sense.
The Thuram stuff originated from Ben Jacobs. No idea how reliable he is mate. Just passing on the latest rumours.
5.) 04 Jul 2023 12:24:24
Are we interested ed2, duidnt think we would be in for a rb?
Cheers.
{Ed002's Note - He is a very accomplished CB as well - and has partnered van Dijk. He would be an option to Pavard if TAA is to move to midfield (assuming there is space).}
6.) 04 Jul 2023 12:31:41
Ed2 not really familiar withcthis name.
Google mention him as a right back.
Can hebalso play CB?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Yes and he has played there with van Dijk and is of interest to RBL and Barcelona.}
7.) 04 Jul 2023 12:43:20
Ed has spoken. Someone get word to jorg.
{Ed002's Note - The club need to find somebody - Micky van de Ven will not be an option any longer (I would think).
8.) 04 Jul 2023 12:44:17
I still expect thuram to be here soon.
{Ed002's Note - Where are you then?}
9.) 04 Jul 2023 12:53:40
What is the hype with Lavia? He wouldn't be anymore a first team starter than Bajcetie and I don't think he's any better than him either. For the money being quoted it should be a pass.
10.) 04 Jul 2023 14:18:20
Here's an idea. Why don't we bail on both a DM and a CB and just gazump Citeh for Gvardiol? Crazy? It'd be like winning the Charity Shield.
11.) 04 Jul 2023 14:47:05
Van Der Ven is off to Spurs, by all account in the media.
12.) 04 Jul 2023 15:25:12
Thuram will come when we don't get lavia for me. Eds bolton pal.
13.) 04 Jul 2023 15:26:16
I agree polecat. Baj has all the attributes to be a excellent player.
14.) 04 Jul 2023 18:03:06
I'm unsure Bajcetic is physically developed enough to play the 6. I don't have those questions on Lavia, and I also think Lavia is the most talented player.
15.) 04 Jul 2023 18:07:17
I like Baj but I don’t think he’s a DM. Won’t have much of an aerial presence and will won’t compete when shoulder to shoulder with many players. Not saying I don’t rate him as I think he will be an excellent CM, but for that out and out DM position you want someone a bit more physical in my opinion. That’s where Lavia comes in for me.
16.) 05 Jul 2023 09:31:28
They're just stats, but I think given that there is a large probability that people here haven't watched Lavia regularly, then I think using stats on face value is a fair tool in this comparison.
Interestingly, and per game, Bacjetic contests double the amount of aerial duels, won double the amount of aerial duels (probably proportionate), won 20% more of his aerial duels, has more interceptions and duels contested.
anyways it's just numbers, but perhaps suggests that Bajcetic is hardly one o shy away from a challenge.
29 May 2023 09:49:30
Ed002, was wondering if you could spare the time for an update on centre backs we're interested in. Ndicka has agreed to go elsewhere, and Sporting probably won't sell us Inacio now.
I remember last time you did an overview those 2 seemed the most reasonable left sided CB's to attain. Has anything changed regards to Max Kilman? Think you mentioned his agent was hawking him around. There's also links to Micky van de Ven and Levi Colwill which make sense in terms of the profile we're looking at (young, left footed etc. )
{Ed002's Note - {Ed002's Note - Max Kilman (CB) Agent has told several clubs, including Manchester City, Leeds and Liverpool that he could be made available by Wolves - but I am sure they are not looking to sell.
Jurrien Timber (CB) Manchester United and Spurs remain keen - price will be significant if Ajax agree to sell and he will not be first choice for either club. As a wildcard option, Liverpool could look to him after losing out on their preferred choice, but he would likely not be a starter ahead of Konate and van Djik which may make it difficult.
Josko Gvardiol (CB) Out of reach now but talks with other sides continue.
Goncalo Inacio (CB) Watched by scouts from a number of PL sides, including Liverpool and Manchester United, with the latter declaring an interest. The other side to declare an interest is PSG. Real Madrid offer a wildcard option. Sporting would rather not sell and are looking to a new contract and an increased release clause. Sporting may not wish to do business with Liverpool.
Evan Ndicka (CB) Liverpool never made an offer. Will stay where he is or move to Roma.
Micky van de Ven (CB) Dortmund und and Arsenal have spoken with Wolfsburg and been told he will be agreeing a new contract. It is not on the TMS yet but I understand it has happened. Liverpool and Manchester City were at a game against Dortmund in November - I had assumed to watch JB but van der Ven scored that day. Team Mino have now agreed a new deal so a sale this summer seems unlikely.
Antonio Silva (CB) Benfica say that "many scouts" have been to watch the player - perhaps they are looking for someone to pay his €100M buy out clause - a move at that price seems unlikely but PSG are keen. Juventus and Napoli would want a reduction in the asking price to make any move viable. Looked at by Spurs and Manchester United. For Liverpool perhaps a Konate replacement rather than a Matip replacement - so unlikely.
Perr Schuurs (CB) Only signed from Ajax last summer and an enquiry from Spurs was met with a not for sale - but a €50m offer would make them listen. I doubt any club would value him at half that but Newcastle, Manchester United, and ten Hag knows him well, and Liverpool have sent scouts. A move seems unlikely this sumer.}
1.) 29 May 2023 10:26:48
Ed002 if we pay the release clause for Inacio will that make it ok for us to speak to the player and then sign him without sporting’s permission.
If so if reported fee £39m does not seem to bad in this day and age for his age.
{Ed002's Note - It is not the way to do business.}
2.) 29 May 2023 10:25:53
Great info ED002, I know midfield has to be the priority but central defense is not far behind. Hopefully the club can pick one of these up if they are an improvement on Matip.
3.) 29 May 2023 11:14:28
Come on Mike Gordon. Get that apology ready.
4.) 29 May 2023 12:32:19
Thanks for the info Ed002, top man ??.
19 May 2023 08:28:39
Some prestigious squad numbers going to be available next season. Particularly 7, 8, 9 and 10.
For fun only who do people predict will be wearing those numbers next season?
7, i think Diaz will get. He wore it at Porto and probably deserves it.
8, hopefully a new midfield signing. Possibly Mount? . Or perhaps Jones or Trent? It'd definitely be nice to see a scouser in the number 8 shirt again.
9, i think will go to Nunez as he wore it at Benfica. Maybe Gakpo but his preffered number is 11.
10, hopefully it'll be MacAllister as that's what he wears at Brighton and he's heavily linked.
1.) 19 May 2023 08:50:58
I think 10 probably goes to a new signing like McAllister yes. It was available at the start of the season and none of the current players took it. 7 and 9 would be great on Diaz and Nunez respectively.
2.) 19 May 2023 10:03:23
7 will be Rabiot
8 Ward Prowse
9 Nunez
10 Will be left open because we blew our biggest budget in years on numbers 7 and 8.
3.) 19 May 2023 10:07:29
7 for Diaz will be ideal. A proper winger!
I would wait to give Nunez the no.9. For me, he has to prove himself over a full season. Same for Jones and 8. Trent won't switch from 66, it's an iconic number now. If we sign Mcallister for big money, then he will most likely get 10. I feel if we sign Mount, he will take 8.
4.) 19 May 2023 10:39:29
If mount and MacAlister are the signings I think you're bang on MK mount as 8 MacAlister as 10 and Diaz to 7 and Nunez to 9.
Trent I think loves 66 and has marketed it a bit so doubt he'll change.
Jones to 8 would be a huge vow of confidence in him but could be possible more so if we don't get other signings done though I would imagine.
5.) 19 May 2023 11:33:13
I think a young (but expensive) Brummie will get no 8.
6.) 19 May 2023 12:02:03
As if giving Keita wasn’t desecration enough to Gerrard’s legacy, giving it to Mount would be just as bad.
7.) 19 May 2023 12:02:59
Judes number will be? .? Go on amuse me, number 8?
8.) 19 May 2023 19:03:18
I think nobody took the 10 shirt because it was Sadio’s, similarly I could see the 9 shirt taking a season off out of respect for Bobby. I might just be being an old romantic though.
9.) 19 May 2023 19:03:18
I think nobody took the 10 shirt because it was Sadio’s, similarly I could see the 9 shirt taking a season off out of respect for Bobby. I might just be being an old romantic though.
10.) 19 May 2023 19:39:15
Don’t care about the rest but give Darwin 9, I pre ordered the new shirt will Darwin 9 on it.
11.) 19 May 2023 22:20:36
What is it with the numbers thing? Each generation has favourite players. If they don’t do anything to stuff up their reputation, they become legends / the greatest player ever. In 50 years time, assuming the game still exists, there will be new legends and ‘greatest of all times’. 90% of our fans won’t even consider, as an example, what number Stevie G or God played in.
12.) 20 May 2023 06:09:22
I dunno WDW2, I still love the N64 more than the ps5.
MK Scouser's banter posts with other poster's replies to MK Scouser's banter posts
20 Apr 2024 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - MK Scouser has posted a new article entitled, Will Jurgen Klopp Leave Liverpool On A Whimper?
19 Apr 2024 12:52:03
MK Scouser has written an article entitled, Will Jurgen Klopp Leave Liverpool On A Whimper?
1.) 19 Apr 2024 13:33:13
Good piece, MK. Cheers.
2.) 19 Apr 2024 13:48:21
Nice one, MK.
Plenty of sliding door moments. Some down to circumstance, some choices or even non-action that has meant Klopp hasn't been able to accumulate the silverware that he perhaps deserved.
The ones that rankle with me are the lack of change to player and coaching staff since winning the league in 19/ 20. Just last season we started a line-up of 9 players that started the CL final in 18/ 19.
Going stale became an inevitability.
3.) 19 Apr 2024 13:59:19
Great piece mk.
4.) 19 Apr 2024 14:29:56
Well said MK. Echoes my exact sentiments. The past four seasons have been a massive under achievement, though including the horror of the C.V. in 2020/ 21, which may as well be wiped from the history books of the sport, feels a bit unfair.
Ultimately however, the history books will still say that after taking his team to the top, Klopp didn't know what to do with them in the seasons that followed. The 21/ 22 season was a blip even in isolation of itself. We chucked the league in the first half of the season with stupid lazy tactics and did astonishingly well in the second half to pull it back. The champions league run was surely the easiest run of fixtures any finalist has had in recent memory.
I will grieve the loss of Klopp the man, the figurehead, the father figure, but as a manager, he has completely lost his edge. I think even the most optimistic of 'top reds' are seeing that now. Didn't have a clue what to do in that second half last night and the players look lost. They lack belief, confidence and courage that has always flowed from the manager, but that has now gone.
If we are to put some results together, it will have to come from the likes of Trent dragging us through games, not from the manager. The players need to find a way of delivering for him, because he is clearly not going to be the source of inspiration or drive in this run in. He looks finished.
5.) 19 Apr 2024 14:45:33
I just don’t get how people can think he under achieved. The fact he got to push city to within a whisker over 3-4 years is unbelievable I think he over achieved. Tiny margins against the richest clubs in the world . If mo hadn’t of been taken out in the champions league final we would have probably won that game . He had us over achieving, beating Barcelona 4-0 in a semi final without the best player in Europe at the time ( Salah) proof again. And this season too, having to use kids at times along with new midfield and still be in whisker of winning the league after winning a cup and getting to two quarterfinals whilst working his notice and being knackered. Perspective.
6.) 19 Apr 2024 15:17:57
My issue is the move away from what he believed in. What made us fall in love with his football. Yes, he has made those changes based on the statistics saying it was the percentage call to win more games and deal with the low block we always struggled with. And there is definitely some truth to that - we have, generally, worn teams out.
I’ve always just felt that the team has never fully bought into it because Klopp truly doesn’t believe in it.
7.) 19 Apr 2024 15:44:24
In fairness to klopp he was competing against oil rich city and pep on a shoe string budget compared to theirs, city breaking all sorts of records in the process, i don't know how anyone could label his time here as a failure.
8.) 19 Apr 2024 16:09:31
Us pushing them forced them to break records.
9.) 19 Apr 2024 16:20:49
The issue of money is a convenient excuse. Klopp has done an amazing job, given the disparity in resources. Doesn't change the fact he still had an amazing group of players and should have won more.
Finances don't tell you how good you are. If that were the case, United would be better than us, as would Chelsea. You don't get to herald what amazing players the likes of Mac Allister, Robertson and Salah have been, and then when it suits you, say 'well they didn't cost a lot so they can't be expected to win anything'.
Irrespective of what the differences in spending are, the team you have is the team you have. We've had the best goalkeeper, right back, centre back, and right sided winger in the world over the past four years. That's almost half of any World XI anybody could put together over that time. To say we spent less than other teams so we should be content with not winning is an equivocation fallacy at its finest, unless you genuinely believe none of the players that we have are better than those at City?
You know who loves using that excuse? Tottenham supporters. Pochettino had the best team in England from 2015-2017. How many trophies did he win? 0. What do Spurs fans blame it on? Money. It doesn't change the fact that Pochettino had the best team and won nothing with it because he is a loser.
Klopp is not a loser. His attention to detail and strive for excellence in those first five years was exceptional. He was a force of nature. That journey and expenditure of energy would knacker anybody. Nobody can take that success away from him. yet we haven't been in anywhere near those levels in the past four seasons, in my opinion.
Disagree if you want but don't try and strawman anybody who wants to discuss the manager's legacy, as if anybody is denying his prior excellence. It's just silly.
10.) 19 Apr 2024 16:28:35
Your point mk about klopp being 1st manager in 35 years to leave club in better position than when he came in is excellent. I'm supporting lfc just shy of 40 years and your exactly right on that, i hadnt thought of it like that but it's 100% correct.
The football of late has been v disapointing, bad results can happen and teams go threw bad periods but performances have been so slow and sluggish, v frustating.
Also as much as people, myself included, critisise the tactics the players have fell apart,90% of our players are massively under performing, tactics r no tactics.
11.) 19 Apr 2024 16:32:18
I’ll be honest I’m the first to admit that watching our possession based football isn’t the same excitement wise as when we played heavy metal and to start with we would almost throw down the gauntlet to opposition and say however many you score we’ll score more
Then we strengthened the defence and keeper and opposition struggled to score whilst we didn’t.
If we look back though just over this season we’ve absolutely dominated every game (except City and Arsenal say) in regard to possession and chances created.
We’ve just not been that clinical. In football it doesn’t matter if you create 30 chances and don’t score and the opposition score 1 off a few chances.
Goals win games and all of our forwards have been far too guilty this season of missing opportunities they should score.
That also extends to the midfield and defenders. In every game we’ve played we had more than enough chances to win those games but unfortunately we don’t finish them.
If we scored those chances we’re still on for the quadruple we’re putting teams to the sword and the new possession style football is keeping us awake at night with joy and Linders is the tactical genius and heir to the throne still.
There’s a fine line between success and coming up short and too many times this season we’ve come up short. But also the majority we’ve come up trumps.
Now we have 6 games to win.
12.) 19 Apr 2024 17:07:37
Yeah I was reading that and thinking all the way through I’ll post: “Klopps real legacy will be that he’s built the club from a pretty low base to an elite club” and “he’s left the club in a much better state than what he inherited” but I think you covered it well.
Take away Man Cheaty though and his record would have looked much better, and it’s sad he’s not got anywhere near the trophies he probably deserves for the job he’s done but that’s football.
The clubs in a really good place and the future looks really promising, let’s hope whoever takes the job on kicks on and gets cleans up with the trophies.
Klopps going to be remembered fondly though by all liverpool fans.
13.) 19 Apr 2024 18:04:12
Love Klopp to bits, but agree with MK. Pep would win at least 3 PL titles with Alli (GOAT), VVD (GOAT) Fabinho (Almost GOAT), Robbo and Trent (Defo GOAT), Salah (GOAT), Bobby, Mane.
Doesn’t help when FSG gives you Kabab and Davies when all 4 of your defenders are out!
{Ed001's Note - FSG didn't do that.}
14.) 19 Apr 2024 18:28:17
Welcome back, Harry.
15.) 19 Apr 2024 18:50:13
I'm sorry but I don't agree with the majority of this article, it just damns Klopp with faint praise and is full of factual inaccuracies.
Remember where we were as a club before he came along, 1 trophy and 1 top 4 finish in 6 years. Since he came in 1 league title, 1 champions league, 5 other trophies and likely 7 top 4 finishes in 9 years. Add to that two second place finishes with 97 and 94 points against a team with 115 charges against them. All with a net spend of half of that spent by the teams he is competing against. No manager in the world could have done anymore over that time period unless you expect perfection.
Saying we have limped through this season is complete nonsense, we have 71 points after 32 games, we've lost 3 games, the joint least in the league, we won a trophy missing about 11 first team player. This season has been a minor miracle and to belittle it like that shows a sad sense of entitlement.
16.) 19 Apr 2024 19:19:10
I’m not sure it “damns Klopp” to say he’s our best manager for 35 years, but should’ve won more than 1 PL and 1 CL? Thought I was pretty balanced to be honest but it’s an opinion piece so you’re entitled to disagree Thunderbird. No “sad entitlement” here but think what you want, it’s a free country! I think someone else nailed it; we had Alisson, Robbo, Trent, Salah and Virgil who I think at times would’ve made most peoples best Prem XI and maybe best European XI. So we should’ve arguably won more irrespective of where we started, how much City spent and how much we didn’t spend. Overall I still say Klopp is a legend and ultimately the true measure of a good job is progressing the club forward which he’s done and then some.
Thanks for the excellent debate though everyone, thoroughly enjoyed reading the replies from you all. Too many to reply to you all individually but I thought everyone (agree or disagree) made fair points and knew not everyone would agree with everything. Like I said, Klopp’s laid the foundation and I think the next manager can build on it and maybe even take us even further on the road to glory. Just hope there is one last push to keep this season alive ??.
17.) 19 Apr 2024 19:54:33
Can Klopp be blamed for the sh#t show Karius displayed in the CL final? Can he be faulted for coming up against a team that I think every fan knows haven’t been playing by the rules? The sheer fact that he has ran them so close is a minor miracle in my opinion. Sure I would loved another PL title and the CL we should have won but I’m not dumb enough to understand the extenuating circumstances involved.
18.) 19 Apr 2024 19:57:27
@woolback. We had a brilliant first team and that’s it. City had 2 first teams that’s where the money shout comes from. Remember the season we had no center backs? Playing our first choice midfield there. I remember city buying defenders then went out and spent another 1-200 million on more to replace the whole back 4. Last night was the first time this season we have played our first choice back four together I’m sure the commentators said. Pep wouldn’t have won 3 leagues with vvd if it was the season he got injured and the season after getting back into it.
19.) 19 Apr 2024 20:05:00
No mention of the 7-0 and 5-0 against Utd! Klopp’s done more than just win trophies. The fist pumping at end of games, the connection with the city and fans, the emotional journeys (Barcelona, penalty shoot out finals) . He’s made our club the envy of most other clubs, even our rival fans like Klopp even if they hate our club. I get that you tried to balance the article but it does come across slightly entitled. We missed the quad by 10 minutes in the league and not being able to put our chances away against Madrid which was an amazing achievement and closest anyone’s come. City came up short this week against Madrid so it’s not exactly easy. This season, we’ve already won a cup after a massive rebuild in our midfield, we annihilated Utd at there place in the first half 15 attempts to their nothing. That’s 0 attempts from Utd at old Trafford. Is it Klopps fault Nunez and Salah have lost their scoring boots and Jota is injured? Klopp has got every drop of energy from those players, except for a couple of games here and there and unfortunately they have been most recently. 9th net spend in the league and up against oil billions. The last 30 years were pretty awful. Klopp has given us back our club and in my opinion over achieved in what he has done. Of course he’s not perfect and has made mistakes but tell me anyone who hasn’t. He’s also made the right decision to go and has always done his best for this club. A 100% Legend.
20.) 19 Apr 2024 20:55:46
Klopp turned us from a perennial joke “this is our year” to winning everything.
When was the last time you heard the sneer “this is our year” from rival fans? Not in the last 4 years I bet.
That’s the difference he made, he shut the rival fans up and made us champions again.
I’ll be forever thankful for that.
21.) 19 Apr 2024 21:15:12
Do you know what GOAT means, Beekeeper?
If Guardiola was Liverpool boss he wouldn't have to face City with Guardiola as boss, would he? Klopp did have to contend with Guardiola and the Sheikh's money.
If City didn't have Guardiola I reckon we would have won two more PL titles.
22.) 19 Apr 2024 22:53:53
I agree with Thunderbird here MK and I’m surprised you are normally much better than that.
To say we have limped through this season and to use the word ‘bottle it’ is grossly unfair and incorrect. This season has been miraculous given the injuries and the fact we’ve been playing with kids for half the season.
You said the season after we won the league we had a poor first half of the season and had to rely on Ali scoring to finish 4th. We were top on Christmas Day that season and only dropped down the league when Matip got injured in a 1-1 draw against West Brom leaving us with VVD, Gomez and Matip (our only senior centre backs) all out injured for the season. We had a really poor run as we were sacrificing the midfield to patch up the defence until we settled on playing Phillips and Williams and then won the last 11 games to finish 3rd. Not 4th.
Last season we were poor but yet again you fail to mention the circumstances. We replaced Mane with Diaz who then got injured for most of the season. Jota was injured for most of the season. Thiago was in and out, Hendo was in and out, VVD had a spell injured, as did Ali. We had to play Bajcetic and Elliott in midfield before they were ready because we had no one else available. We signed Nunez to replace Bobby who is a completely different type of player and was struggling with the tactics.
All in all, given where we started from Klopp has been absolutely immense and I for one was hoping he would stay with us for the next 10 years because he guarantees we will be competitive. I can’t think of another manager in the world that can do what he’s done.
If we don’t get this right we might find ourselves right back where we started and people like you will realise just how good Klopp was.
As football fans we have absolutely no right to demand trophies. The margins between winning and coming second can be so small and we are up against teams with much more resources than we have. It can just be a Rodri handball here and a Diaz goal-no goal there and that can be the difference.
All we can ask for is that our team is competing and in with a chance then sometimes the dice will roll in your favour and you’ll win but other times it won’t. To be critical of a manager for competing against the richest club the Premier League has ever seen who are facing 115 charges for cheating is just ludicrous.
I get that you are disappointed with the last couple of weeks but let’s not try to change history to suit your agenda. Klopp has been spectacular and will go down as not only one of our greatest managers but one of the greatest managers the premier league has ever seen. The only shame is that we couldn’t have him for longer.
23.) 19 Apr 2024 23:31:38
Agree with Pecker here.
We are playing bad at the moment but it's been a good season overall.
I definitely would have taken champions league qualification and carabou cup at the start of the season. Some really good moments too with last minute goals etc. It's all good. But I do hope with pick it up.
Those 90 minutes against Atalanta was the most boring football I ve ever watched under Klopp.
24.) 19 Apr 2024 23:35:41
Well said Becker. In my opinion Klopp has had one bad season, last season, every other season has been fantastic in it's own way. One bad season out of nine isn't bad especially for a club that doesn't have the financial resources to dominate. I hope I am saying the same thing about another manager in 9 years time but I doubt it.
25.) 19 Apr 2024 23:47:58
Beckers, what agenda is this exactly? The one where I said Klopp had 6 good years in 8 so far, 3 building us up, and 3 of which yielded success? Or the part where I said he’s the best manager we’ve had in 35 years? Or the part where he said he’s leaving our club in a solid position to go do something even more special?
Thanks for the patronising response about how much “better” you think I am but I’m honestly not interested in engaging any further in a football conversation with people who clearly just want to start an argument by completely focusing on the negatives and pretending like it wasn’t a net positive post about Klopp’s time here. It’s a waste of my energy, frankly.
26.) 19 Apr 2024 23:44:01
A good read that MK, nice one mate. Keep them coming.
27.) 20 Apr 2024 06:44:24
Rigsby, I think you’re right and if we look back at those 2 seasons we came 2nd by one point the margin for error was so fine because we definitely deserved to win the league with those points tallies.
Cheers Salah. I’m not going to stop posting over a few people looking for a fight mate. It’s just weird how desperate people are for confrontation that they’ll basically reimagine what I wrote to take out all the gushing over Klopp. Imagine comparing the guy to Bill Shankly and being told you are entitled ?
Davey Sulls, appreciate your capacity to disagree entirely without just being a troll. It’s a fair point. Cup and top 4 probably would’ve been seen as success pre-season. I think it’s more just how we’ve done it though. Going behind in 21/ 32 league games frankly, isn’t good enough. Going out the FA cup to United when we twice had the game in our hands with not much time left just seemed lazy as well. Finally the 2 Atalanta games were just the peak of our underperformance the last few weeks/ months and in the end we didn’t even really fight for it in that 2nd leg. I think we can all agree that Klopp deserves to go out on a high and I really do believe that if we win 6/ 6 this City team will blink. They’re not the same without Gundogan, and also with De Bruyne struggling to grab a game by the scruff like he used to. But a fair point well made. And as I said, if we do maintain the title challenge to the last day I think we have to consider this season a net success. Right now we just don’t look like doing that, but never say never.
28.) 20 Apr 2024 10:35:34
MKS, I agree with you overall except for the "bottling it" part cos really, with the level of injuries we have had (up to 13 senior players out" at some period in Feb), we have shown immense charactler and "bottle" to remain in the hunt for 4 trophies (never belived in th quad) up until a few weeks ago when things went south for multiple reasons. Remember the way we won the EFL Cup v Chelsea? If you ain't got bottle then, you can't win it the way Klopp, the players and the kiddies did, fact.
If someone had told me that we would be in the hunt for the title up until March/ April with Allison (let a lone the rest) out injured and Kelleher playing lights out to keep us there, we would have told the person to eat their veggies rather than smoke them. So the whole "bottling" it stuff is a bit over the top.
Now that being said, I see rival fans saying our season woulg go down in a whimper and I get the feeling for sure. However if these people thought we would achieve and win nothing this season, they cannot come back and say "Oh, you must be trash cos you didn't win it ALL". Sorry, that's not a thing.
Also, people need to stop conditioning their opinions (not you) babout our club, players and legendary manager based on what rival fans (who cannot hold a candle to us or Klopp trophies-wise) think. I've seen that a lot and it does my head in. Peace, my guy.
29.) 20 Apr 2024 10:52:17
Yeah that’s fair enough Oli. Can see why you and a few others have said “bottling it” is harsh. Just the way I personally see it having been top and in our hands with 8 games left and had we beat Palace at Anfield we’d be top and in our hands with 6 games to go. Whatever terminology people may opt for it is undeniably frustrating that we’ve hit such a bad patch of form at the worst time possible. I personally think they’ve lost focus and that has coincided with a lack of energy. To me that is bottling it but maybe that phrase is more negatively charged in some people’s minds. To me it just means throwing it away, which I think we have. Not really worth splitting hairs over our subjective understanding of what is bottling it and what isn’t though. You are right, pre season we’d all have taken being in this position after what happened last season. But once we got into such a strong position, I came to believe we could do more. It’s the hope that kills you!
30.) 20 Apr 2024 18:46:46
MKS, I fully agree with you and even with the "bottling" stuff, I can fully understand why you feel that way cos that is exactly what it looks like at first view and I fully understand why and how your frustration got you and many to that point. It is what it is.
At the end of the day like you and I agree on, we simply weren't ready to win the title going into the season. Now when the facts changed, we gave it a right go and in spite of the injuries and inconsistencies in our play, we held the fort and Klopp and the boys get credit for all they had done. I believed we could definitely do it cos it wasn't like City and Arsenal were battering teams for fun, were they?
What is actually frustrating to me was that the problems we all knew we had was NEVER addressed over the course of the season. Our inability to defend properly and spotting the oppo. a goals 21 out of 29 goals conceded will burn you at some point and the staff knew it yet kept acting as if it was NO big deal. Also Klopp knew that not addressing our flaws would cost us and he did nothing. That is the "killshot" for me and that will ALWAYS be his fault, simple as. Peace and Love.
31.) 20 Apr 2024 18:56:21
I agree, Scouse John.
How I see it is that since Klopp took over we have been the second best side in the PL. We all know who the best side is and they too have a brilliant manager but he has had more money to strengthen and refresh his squad.
Even since we won the League- a period that many see us as not kicking on- I still see us as the second best side in the PL.
Klopp turned us not only into challengers; he turned us into the best and most consistent challenger.
15 Apr 2024 09:50:22
I'm absolutely gutted right now. To think that our season could be over by the end of this week, when only 6 weeks ago we had a legitimate chance at finishing the season with 4 trophies, is just sickening.
Feels like the players and Klopp all took their eye off the ball after that one crazy game against United in the FA Cup before the international break. I think sadly that game may have been the catalyst. The emotional bubble we were floating on after Klopp said he's leaving seems to have well and truly burst and nobody looks like they have the foggiest idea how to stop the downward spiral.
Tactics have been questionable for at least a couple of years admittedly ever since Lijnders took on more responsibility and we started down the road of this inverted full back that we then never signed the right left centre back to execute properly. We've gone behind in 21 out of 32 games this season so Robertson can come out and moan at the forwards if he wants but the back 4 has been an absolute disgrace at times. We're the top scorers in Europe in all competitions but going behind early every bloody time allows the opposition to park the bus and then closes out the space for our attackers and piles pressure on them to score.
I'm really pleased we got to share that moment with Klopp and the u21 lads who won the Carabao Cup final at least, because on the balance of his whole tenure, Klopp deserved to go out with some silverware this season. It's just a crying shame that we've ran out of steam for all the bigger trophies. I'm praying to Fowler that somehow we can find another famous European comeback on Thursday as that would be another beautiful moment if we turned it around and went on to win the trophy. I've not given up on that happening as we've come back from worse. However I honestly don't expect City and Arsenal to drop the points we need to win the league from here so I'm not even going to dare to dream of that. Europa League is still in our hands even though we need a miracle. One last dance please lads!
1.) 15 Apr 2024 10:48:52
Arsenal will drop more points this season, as for City who knows what Chelsea turn up at the Etihad and Spurs maybe able to do us a favor.
Forest away may also trip City up, the rest Man City play I suspect are on the beach.
It ain't over till it's over.
2.) 15 Apr 2024 11:02:01
Maybe I'm just protecting myself from disappointment, King Carlos! Of course there is a chance, but how often have Pep's City bottled it from this position? Sadly the answer is currently "never".
3.) 15 Apr 2024 11:45:57
MKS, all our issues and inconsistencies that many of us recognised way earlier in the season that had not been fully addressed, came to the fore in the last 3 games. And having to tell the other team, "We'll spot you a goal early in the game and let's see how you handle it" for most of the season got to a head and there is only so many times you can go to the well to rescue games.
Hence as soon as your forwards hit a wall or managerial decisions are a bit iffy (which happens during a season), there is nowhere left to go. It's hard to take and the momentum has been stalled all over the pitch and in the coaching staff. As for the league, we are WELL on the outside looking in. Europa League? Do our best and if it's not enuff, pack it in and move on.
4.) 15 Apr 2024 11:48:33
I feel exactly the same MK and also tend to agree that it does seem to have imploded a bit since the FA Cup game against Utd.
The constant trying to recover from going a goal down couldn't keep happening and something needed to change from both the tactical and psychological side. It would be really nice to be 1-0 or 2-0 up for a change but it seems we're just far too slow starting games and constantly get punished and make life hard for ourselves.
Will keep fingers crossed that we somehow get some results in the final few weeks of the season but I've seen nothing over the last few games to convince me that that will happen!
Personally, I'm just looking forward to next season now to see what the new manager brings and we can start a fresh.
Lets be honest with ourselves. After last season and how far off we were, could we really see ourselves in this position with 6 games to go after completely changing how whole midfield? Probably not.
Let's see what happens and try and enjoy what we can of the remaining games that we have :-)
5.) 15 Apr 2024 13:18:57
The second half performance against Palace was very encouraging and with key people now back and finding rhythm, I for one am optimistic for a final push.
We are only two points off the top and tough games for everyone still to go. More points will be dropped by Arsenal and City.
The defeatism of some on here is frankly pathetic. Falling down is human. We judge on how people get up and bounce back. I trust Herr Klopp to find solutions, as he has before.
Let's get behind the lads and push on!
6.) 15 Apr 2024 14:50:49
Jaynwa, I think pathetic is a bit harsh, but I do get your point though! I still believe we can finish the season strong and maybe even win every game we have left. I just think City will do the same mate.
7.) 15 Apr 2024 15:47:45
Ernst Junger "I am an anarch - not because I despise authority but because I need it. Likewise I am not a non believer but a man that demands something worth believing in. " Jurgen showed us something to believe in and I did for 9 years with Mr Klopp, right now I just don't see us having a good finish to the season. Really, really hope I'm wrong but I don't see it on the pitch or on the bench. A lot of people wanted to blame the fans after the Atalanta defeat, well to everyone that was at Anfield on Sunday well done, you are the only ones that didn't down your tools.
8.) 15 Apr 2024 17:05:20
MKS, finishing the season strong is all we got right now. It is what it is.
09 Apr 2024 13:48:26
MK Scouser has written an article entitled, What if Amorim is The Next Liverpool Manager?
1.) 09 Apr 2024 14:32:33
Nice read that MK. I tend to agree with you and am also quietly confident of a successful transition. let's hope all of us fans (assuming we get him) give him all the support he deserves and we give him to to get his ideas across and keep us going in the right direction!
Fingers Crossed!
2.) 09 Apr 2024 14:55:09
Cheers for that MK, was a good and interesting read.
You said Elliot and Szob would both be well suited to his RW role but aren't them pair quite polar opposite players?
The other thing i thought was when Klopp arrived all the talk was of his 4231 formation which he never really played and i'd say about 98% of his games have been 433 so perhaps we might see similar from Amorim and he might not necessarily play his current Lisbon formation.
Only discussion points mate and look forward to if you reply.
3.) 09 Apr 2024 15:01:36
Lcb, dm specialist and a salah replacement if he goes, possibly a lwb, I think trent would be fine as a wing back, I think sob would be great in one of the no.10s and probably suit elliot better too, could see diaz being sold if the right offer came in only because he prefers to hug the touchline if carlsberg did transfer windows id buy grimaldo, wirtz, Andre and inacio but I can't see that happening unfortunately.
4.) 09 Apr 2024 15:46:54
Trent stayed wide for years until he was told not to. Think he'd Be perfect on the right of the 4.
5.) 09 Apr 2024 16:06:41
Good read MK. But I’ll be shocked if Edwards sells Salah to Saudi Arabia for just £70 million. The scale of how big he is to that side of the world cannot be underestimated, and I’m sure Edwards is fully aware of that. I expect something in the region of £150 million. We are not talking about the spending power of any owners in Europe and that includes PSG, City or Chelsea. £150 million to them is like a couple of British Sterling Pounds to us. Plus they will make that back and then some from shirt sales, merchandise and the eyes he will bring to their league.
I agree with you on Szobo. Yes he has been below his standards but he is suffering terribly from the 4-3-3 formation and tactics. He is doing way too much because the system means he has to. He is a 10/ inside forward, there is no debate on that . He performs best just behind the centre forward with license to express himself. We have seen this movie play out with Mac Allister when he was getting called out by a lot of our fans earlier this season. I and many others maintained the stance that he is class but but is being played as a DM, hence why he was struggling. Thing with Mac Allister is it was obvious to a lot of us that was the reason. It’s not being noticed as much with Szobo, and I’m unsure why.
It’s no coincidence he goes off to play for Hungary, in his favoured position mind and instantly turns into the main man, shooting from distance, scoring and assisting. Just how he has been throughout his career, whether that was at RB Leipzig or Salzburg. He also looks like he has lost his near enough all his confidence, and I’m certain it’s to do with the way he is being asked to play, and his general play her become way below his usual standards as a result. You only have to look at the fact he is hesitant to shoot, which is his main strength and looks a shell of his former self. But if Amorim comes, watch him explode in the same way Mac Allister did when played in his preferred position. You mentioned Trent and staying wide. I think he will thrive as a right sided full back in Amorims system. Amorim is tactical exceptional and if you watch them he deploys like a lopsided approached in different phases of play. Trent will have the license of pushing all the way forward when the lopsided approach is to the right, and we will see the assist numbers racking up again. When the lopsided approach favours the left side he can create from a deeper position, which we know he can do. Against inferior opponents the two full backs will push up forming a front 5 with the 3 forwards.
A left sided centre back is 100% required and even before talk of Amorim or Klopp announcing he was leaving. Inacio has been constantly linked with a move to us. Now it appears Amorim will be confirmed in the upcoming weeks as our new manager, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t bring Inacio with him. As for Diaz, I really like him as a player and don’t want him to leave. But I have previously mentioned the fact that there are too many things pointing to a summer exit. PSG links, persistent wide spread media talk of an exit, Ed2 mentioning an exit is possibility. And that inexplicable recent interview from his father (search on youtube) talking about son wanting to play for a top European side, more specifically a Spanish side.
No matter what, with Amorim as manager, Hughes as SD and Edwards sitting above everyone. I am really excited for the players that will come through the door in the summer. And even more excited for the style of play Amorim will bring with him. Safe to say, excited times ahead!
6.) 09 Apr 2024 16:08:37
Oh nice, I didn't realise it had been posted as an article! Cheers Eds.
2Shoes, I'm excited and confident. I think Klopp has built the club up like Shanks did and the next manager (most likely Amorim) has the foundations to be even more successful in terms of silverware, as Paisley was.
JK23, I think Elliott and Szoboszlai are quite different players but both would play the role well in a different way. Elliott is more creative and measured whilst Szoboszlai is more direct and aggressive, but they both do there best work in the same half spaces between the midfield and defence. Both not shy of a shot from the edge of the area either. As for Amorim maybe changing tactics, that's a fair point. I think he might be a philosophy type coach who sticks to his beliefs personally, but there is of course a chance he might adjust them for English football. I'm only speculating of course. No worries though mate, all fair discussion points to bring up!
Gmil, I do think Diaz could adapt to fit in somewhere. Or maybe Amorim would adapt the system for him? I'm just concerned about his dads comments. He is constantly talking about Real Madrid and Barcelona being their dream move. I think Diaz's people will be pushing for it behind the scenes and he'd certainly not look out of place at either club would he!
Jude, do you think Trent would go back to it now? Now he's had a taste of a central role I don't know if he'd happily play on the right. For example, Gerrard wouldn't! He called it the ghost shift in his book and I think Trent always had designs on being the heir to Stevie. Only time will tell but I make you right on one thing, the old Trent who used to make overlaps on the outside would be perfect for Amorim's system. I'm just not convinced that you can turn him back into that player. I think the transition to an inverted full back was as much down to Trent's natural desire and instinct to be in the midfield than Klopp's tactical decision, but I could be wrong there. I think Klopp embraced it for sure, but I just get the impression Trent would've pushed for it.
7.) 09 Apr 2024 16:33:44
I have heard that our new manager is bringing one of his centre backs with him . matip is gone and Konate while brilliant is very injury prone, Salah is off in the summer so he needs to be replaced, another top striker also , Jota is our best but miss nuhalf the season, , we all love Nunez bout he is hot and cold lack of composure.
8.) 09 Apr 2024 16:45:55
Gerrard hated it because he was one of the best central midfielders on the planet, Trent has done nothing to prove he is even an adequate one. What taste for the central role? been a spare man for little over half a season and having all the time in the world to play star quarterback? Said this a few times on here, i would love for people on here to be right and for Trent to excel in the middle if he ends up there but while that's not a given we KNOW 100% that Trent would absolutely fly on the right with less defensive responcibilities and free to become an assist king again.
9.) 09 Apr 2024 16:48:58
Cheers for the reply MK.
I'll be honest i know very little of Amorim but what i do know is Klopp is leaving one hell of a squad for whoever does come in.
Usually new managers are coming in because the previous one was sacked and things aren't going well. Well the new manager has the opposite here.
10.) 09 Apr 2024 18:25:39
Nice post that, Alonso. If we could get more for Salah, then Edwards is probably the right man for the job. He drives a hard bargain to his credit. Also totally agree on Szoboszlai. Said similar on the Discussion page earlier. He was always seen as a future star in the front 3 during his time in the Red Bull School of Football. No reason to think he can't still thrive there under the right manager.
Kop that, who would you personally choose as the striker, regardless of actual interest? Someone like Osihmen perhaps?
Jude, i think he's had a taste as the inverted right back for us but also Southgate has been playing him there for England. He might fancy himself as a midfielder long term and Bradley is arguably stronger defensively as a right back. I do take your point though, Trent is one of the best crossers of a ball in world football so it seems a waste to not have him wide.
JK23, the squad Klopp is leaving is so young and full of promise that i think the next manager if they are of sufficient quality and character, would find it harder to fail!
11.) 09 Apr 2024 18:54:59
My bad for the typos in my post above. Autocorrect and I have a love hate relationship, but it’s more hate of late ?
@MK. 100% mate. Once Szobo gets going and is in a system where he can thrive. That’s potentially 10-15 league goals.
12.) 09 Apr 2024 21:42:08
yes be interesting t see a new formation and where Trent and Szob fits in to get the best out of them . well put together MK,
a new manager always has the funds for a couple of players, my guess is a centre back and striker,
Baj is back so he can rotate with Endo,
its going to be exciting very much so .
13.) 09 Apr 2024 21:52:47
Mo will be in his last year, so I think the time to sell him for 100mil+ has passed.
14.) 09 Apr 2024 23:03:46
Mo is off to one of the Saudi teams and yes 100 mill plus will get him . Mo is already a Legend, one of our best ever players, broken records just for fun, sadly I think his legs have gone, and the time is right to cash in, and use the funds to bring in a much younger forward, who can play across the forward line .
some iffy news coming out that Diaz agent has spoken to PSG, could be just fake news, only his father has spoken about a transfer also .
15.) 10 Apr 2024 04:08:42
I don't think Salah will go for 100m + now. Saudi teams aren't as desperate to bring in big names and are planning on building from the ground up instead, in addition to that he's looking very spent at the most important part of the season and hasn't got long on his contract.
Also absolutely nobody else is interested. The 70m mk mentioned is probably the max we will get now.
16.) 10 Apr 2024 07:32:40
£70 million isn’t a bad return for a player we’ve got the best years out of, into his 30s and only cost £30 million donkeys years ago.
17.) 10 Apr 2024 23:04:53
We will surely get more than 70 million, for Mo, he is still getting his goal or assist in every game, plus if we can bag another Trophy, that will add on a few million.
01 Apr 2024 14:19:33
Title run in is going to be so exciting. The key games I can see twists in are the away fixtures against top 10 opposition. I think the home form of all 3 teams is strong enough to see off all comers, but on the road it's rearely easy in this league now.
Arsenal must play away to Brighton, United, Wolves and Spurs. City must play away to Brighton and Spurs. Liverpool must play away to United, West Ham and Villa. 9 huge games to watch there. City on paper with the easiest run in but they also have the most ground to make up. Arsenal with the toughest run in but they have nice cushion in the GD column. We sit top right now but United and Villa in particular are going to be games we have to perform at our best for.
Imagine if we have a 3 way race on the last day. I honestly don't think there has been an era with 3 teams this strong since the Premier League rebranding. All 3 contenders have a legitimate shot at 90+ points. They're that good that if all 3 won the last 9 games in a row people wouldn't even be surprised. In fact the league is so strong that an English team is the favourite for all 3 European competitions. I just hope we can hold on so Klopp goes out on a massive high!
1.) 01 Apr 2024 14:36:50
Are we not away to Everton as wel?.
2.) 01 Apr 2024 14:52:14
With all due respect MK, i hope by the last day we have it wrapped up and i can stop checking result like with feverish fervour!
3.) 01 Apr 2024 15:11:20
We need to learn from past experience stay humble and go about are buisness professionally. we are in squeaky bum time.
4.) 01 Apr 2024 16:34:00
I would say we potentially have trickier games left than the other two, especially as all our home form is so strong
I think:
We have 4 away games left
Arsenal have 3
City have 3
Arguably our away fixtures look tougher than the other 2, and we have 4 away games in the bounce including Atalanta in a short space of time
I can see it going to the last day.
5.) 01 Apr 2024 17:20:05
It's pretty simple - win all 9 remaining league games and we'll bag no20. No other mindset will do.
6.) 01 Apr 2024 17:20:06
Mk was it not a 3 way fight between Liverpool Everton and west ham in the 80s and King Kenny got the winner against Chelsea to win the league? Think that was the last time could be wrong though.
7.) 01 Apr 2024 18:01:01
I though previous to yesterday that only games city would possibly drop points in where arsenal + spurs, but watching them yesterday I thought they looked tired, bit flat and heavy legged. Wouldn't surprise me if they dropped points this week against villa r palace. We have some v tough away games in run in as well and think we drop points in some of them. Arsenal i think will draw a blank in a game that everybody expects them to win. All in all any of 3 could v easily win it, thpught city all along but not so sure now.
8.) 01 Apr 2024 18:18:47
MKS for me, all we did was "Win The MatchDay Week" this weekend and that much is clear. it does not mean anything more than that cos there are way too many games and a whole 27 points left to play for. That is a lot of points still on the table, man. Each team can drop point literally anywhere if you look at what teams have taken points from them.
Klopp has said it best. Nobody will be popping champagne bottles after this weekend and going into midweek or even next weekend. All we have to do is focus on the game at hand cos that is ALL we can control and Im sure Klopp and the boys have that mindset. Just my take.
9.) 01 Apr 2024 18:53:11
Haven’t they got forest and Luton too? Not easy games when they fighting to stay up. Think all 3 run ins have there pitfalls.
10.) 01 Apr 2024 19:17:04
We won’t beat Fulham away!
11.) 01 Apr 2024 19:25:06
Liverpool and Arsenal will probably drop a couple points, but I think city are on the decline and might just throw this one away.
Hell of a title race, shame we took 4 points from you both and and still sit 2nd!
12.) 01 Apr 2024 19:32:52
27 points to play for and 27 league games to decide the title.
Who’s going to hold their nerve and get over the line. Can’t wait for Sheff Utd on Thursday and we’re the last team to play on match day 30 so we’ll know exactly how the other 2 have done come kick off.
13.) 01 Apr 2024 23:11:09
we really need to stop conceding silly early goals, or its 2nd place maybe . think all 3 teams will drop points, so its going to be very interesting indeed, its very hard to choose a winner, maybe its who dropps the most points .
14.) 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00
I see all three teams dropping points. May the best team win it, I believe it'll be us and it'll come to the last game or two before it's decided. Exciting times ahead.
15.) 02 Apr 2024 04:02:41
Love the run in especially when your sitting at the top of the table ohhh yeahhh
I thought beating Brighton was my highlight of the week but it's Klopp and Sean Cox interaction together that wins it easy
Keep fighting Sean.
16.) 02 Apr 2024 10:39:10
You got that right, @Kop that. It's getting boring now and frankly, annoying.
17.) 02 Apr 2024 11:12:40
My feeling about City, and Inposte dishes a few weeks back, is that they’ll slide out of the race. Fine margins and everything but I just see them fading leaving it To us and Arsenal.
18.) 02 Apr 2024 15:34:30
Call me crazy but I'd love to win it on the last day. I crave an Aguerooooo moment of our own!
25 Apr 2024 16:01:40
Cheers Ed002, detailed as always!
Viktor, do we need an anchor? Endo has been very good and Bajcetic deserves a chance in pre-season before we commit to spending big on a more long term DM. Rice doesn't play as an anchor for Arsenal, Jorginho does, but that doesn't stop Rice adding physicality to their team. We lack that physicality in our midfield. I personally wanted us to sign Rabiot or Milinkovic-Savic last summer because I thought it was obvious we lacked a player of that ilk in a more box to box role. Koopmeiners can bring that to a team, but if not for us we need someone else of a similar profile in my opinion. He just makes the most sense having worked with Slot before and already being of interest ot the current recruitment team.
Szoboszlai in midfield just hasn't worked so we probably need to push him further forward as an option in the front 3 where he plays for Hungary and where he played for Leipzig. That (and Thiago going) leaves a big hole in the midfield roster so we should sign a player who can offer us something we lack which, in my opinion, is an indomitable presence in the midfield.
22 Apr 2024 13:25:19
For the record, Salah has a 24% conversion rate (19% without penalties) .
Jota has a 29% conversion rate, so yes a better finisher on paper and also in my subjective opinion from watching the two play.
Source: BBC Sport
Don't let the truth get in the way of a good old dressing down of a Liverpool legend though. "1 in 10" haha. It's fractionally off being 1 in 4.
Generally agree though, right time to sell Salah this summer. Just don't think we need to lie to justify it.
20 Apr 2024 07:21:16
I think Gakpo has a higher ceiling than Nunez. He’s technically and tactically superior. However Nunez has that maverick edge to him. The aggression and the blistering pace make him a bit of a nightmare. If we played him the ball earlier instead of dithering on it at the back, I think he’d be playing a lot better than he is right now.
I really like Gakpo though. In both legs against Atalanta he was the only one who was prepared to come and get the ball, take a hit from the opposition, and turn out of the pressure to drive in to space. Saw Jones do it once but Gakpo did it consistently across both games and you have to credit him for that. A player not at his best, trying to grab it by the scruff. He should’ve had an excellent assist as well if Salah had executed a basic lobbed finish over a keeper in no man’s land.
I don’t know yet if either player will be elite but with 15 and 18 goals respectively this season, it’s fair to say they’re already pretty effective for 24 year olds. It’ll be interesting to see how they continue to develop under a new manager with fresh ideas.
05 Apr 2024 14:31:57
Ed002, of all the players/ managers you've mentioned in recent days, Inacio and Neto coming in with Amorim would be nice!
05 Apr 2024 12:25:13
I'd highly doubt any strikers are of interest to us right now Ed002! It's far from a priority given we are the top scorers in Europe this season and the focus is more likely to be on a more suitable Salah replacement if he decides to go to Saudi.
{Ed002's Note - Out and out strikers, I agree. Liverpool have continued to scout versatile forwards. as you say, a CB and areplacement for Salah will be priorities.}
25 Apr 2024 12:10:26
DeanW, left back is definitely an issue long term as Robbo is clearly slowing down. Ed001 speaks highly of Owen Beck. I've not seen him play in a senior game before but he was great at youth level.
25 Apr 2024 11:45:33
Simple now for the rest of this season, play the players not afraid to run at people and make things happen. Gakpo left, Diaz right. Then have Gravenberch and Elliott in midfield as they will run at people too. Danns or Jota up top as they're not wasteful in front of goal.
In defence I honestly don't think it matters as long as Quansah plays because aside from him the rest of them are all shirking responsibility.
25 Apr 2024 11:41:42
Beekeeper is right in my opinion. Too many of our midfielders and forwards look scared to carry the ball so we're not committing any of the opposition players. If you don't run at teams and make them step out to meet you, all you end up doing is passing it around in front of a banked up defence and midfield. Macca and Endo don't have the pace, but Szoboszlai and Jones are just scared to take a hit in my opinion after their injuries. Diaz drops in and does it but he lacks end product. Elliott, Gakpo and Gravenberch made a huge difference against Fulham without even playing that well purely because they were willing to take the ball under pressure, then turn and run at people. Elliott running at Wan-Bissaka saved us in the United draw.
Unless you are extremely well drilled in passing patterns like City and Arsenal are, you can't pass your way through the midfield. You have to use the width, which we can't do with Trent tucked infield and Robertson not only unable to beat the first man with a cross, but twice last night dropping total air shots and missing the ball entirely.
No width and a badly implemented slow build up tactic is costing us. Eliott, Gakpo, Diaz and Gravenberch running at people is pretty much all we have right now which is extremely worrying. They should all be starting every game between now and the end of the season. And personally I'd be putting Danns up top with those 4 supplying him because Salah and Nunez have blown enough games for us this month.
25 Apr 2024 11:30:22
Salah, for me it is a loss of focus mate. Klopp and all his staff should never have decided they were leaving mid-season. Have you ever seen anybody working their notice period who doesn't take their foot off the gas or their eye off the ball? I haven't quite simply because it is human nature to look ahead.
I personally believe there is uncertainty through the whole team. We've got several players who don't know if they have a future at the club, players with contracts running down who don't know if they'll be offered renewals etc. Even the captain (Virgil) came out mid season and admitted he doesn't know if he'll stay after Klopp leaves. Salah's agent has clearly been in talks with Saudi for a long time now. You've got Lijnders writing books and hawking himself around for other jobs in Europe, you've got documentary crews all over the training ground, Klopp talking about what he'll do with his wife after he retires, Trent talking about Arsenal and Man City in interviews insteado f ocusing on himself etc.
When your key players and coaching staff aren't 100% focused there is bound to be a knock on effect on the pitch. Lot's of small ripples culminate to become a huge waves, especially at this level of the game where the margins are so fine. We looked better when the kids were playing because they don't think about all this stuff, they're just enthralled to be on the pitch playing for Liverpool and you get that boost from that youthful innocence. It's infectious so you only even need 1 or 2 kids on the pitch at a time running through brick walls, for it to rub off on everyone else. Last night a prime example was Elliott and Quansah coming on. Within minutes you saw Elliott driving at them with the ball trying to make things happen and Quansah snapping them in half in the tackle. Both of them clearly should've started going on form of the last few months.
Klopp's tactical set ups, team selections and substitutions have been nothing short of dreadful lately. It hit a new low last night when he put on Tsimikas and Gomez at a point we needed 3 goals in 15 minutes. Neither player has ever scored for us across 13 years at the club combined and yet we had Danns, Clark and Gravenberch sat on the bench who have 7 goals between them this season alone. Make it make sense.
Klopp's lost his energy by his own admission, Virgil/ Salah seem to have lost their focus going on interviews and body language, and everyone else looks rudderless due to a lack of leadership. In hindsight, maybe stripping the dressing room (Milner, Hendo, Fabinho and Firmino) of several influential characters in a mass culling was a mistake? Milner maybe should have been offered a 1 year deal to help keep a very young squad focused but hindsight's a wonderful thing and even he might have been powerless to stop this even with all his experience and character.
If anybody can watch us lose to the worst Everton team maybe in their history simply because they wanted it more, and come to any other conclusion than we bottled it, then they're lying to themselves to put it bluntly. It's totally unacceptable. In the last 9 games we've won just 4 of them. They were against Sheffield, Fulham and Brighton teams with nothing really left to play for (without looking convincing in any of those games either by the way) and then an Atlanta side who didn't have any interest in winning because all they had to do was protect a 3 goal lead. We've lost to United in the cup having led twice, drawn to them in the league thanks to a late penalty, lost to Palace at Anfield without laying a glove on them, been spanked by Atalanta at Anfield and now been bullied at Goodison in the worst derby performance of my living 30 years. It's a capitulation of epic proportions and I'm sure the usual super fans on here will be outraged at me for calling it as I see it, but Klopp and the lads have let us and themselves down in the last 5-6 weeks. It's been a total lack of passion, application, perspiration and inspiration.
I don't know If I will bother trying to analyse the performances for the rest of this season now because it's clear Klopp and the players aren't bothered so I'm not wasting my energy on it. So consider my rant to be over! I'd rather look to the future and what we can hopefully become under Arne Slot (? ) with a new ethos and a fresh injection of life. Thank you for your time Jurgen Klopp; best manager of my lifetime by a mile and you're leaving the club in a position of strength and in a better place than you found it (which is incredibly rare nowadays) . Time is quite rightly up, but it has been one hell of a ride.
{Ed025's Note - great honest post that MK, kudos mate..
22 Apr 2024 20:29:16
Imagine if we got Slot and Toney. That would be a match made in Vegas.