Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2013/14

Dickerty · 13-01-2014 11:33am

Interesting how Rodgers is today talking him up as a holding midfielder, says he fits the profile. It would certain extend his playing career, less likely to get injured with less galloping forward, but I wonder if we are then looking for a more attacking CM in this window and Lucas on the bench? Let's face it, when we have been under the kosh in away games, Lucas hasn't exactly stemmed the flow of goals. I remember Masc doing that, he was a one man barrier through the middle of the pitch. Lucas is not.

So if we sign another CM with some attacking ability, Gerrard can be receiving the ball from the CBs and distributing it (which we know he is great at), and in defense he has the tacking ability (couldn't give away more fouls or get more bookings that Lucas) and ability to cover the ground to snuff out danger.

We have always been so reliant on him in attack, we now have a number of players who can share that load...

flanzer · 13-01-2014 11:37am

Twas some spectacle yesterday. When Sturridge came on, I felt we were going to score every time we went forward. When Stoke attacked I also thought they were going to score.

Rodgers has us playing like Barcelona - fooking awesome up front and cat malogen at the back, with a philosophy of scoring more than the opposition. Great to watch, disastrous for the heart

Knex* · 13-01-2014 11:42am

Looking at the way Rodgers freaked out at Henderson and co at times in the midfield yesterday, I honestly think he'd put a Scholes type player in there before a proper defensive midfielder.

Think he'll be happy enough with Henderson, Allen and then Gerrard as the deepest player. I just hope he goes out and gets a player that can start in that group of three and add a lot more to the team.

Getting the feeling that he may not, however.

Matuidi, M'Vila, Fernando, Matic...Plenty more around too that I can't think of off the top of my head right now. Most of those mentioned would lean towards a more defensive role, however,

rob316 · 13-01-2014 11:42am

shamrock55 wrote: »

Who the fcuck says he is not good enough for midfield, he had a great game yesterday did he not, he said post match that he has been asked to play a new deeper role and that it will take a few games to get into it
not directed at you rob but im getting **** sick of folk writing off stevie its a joke at this stage

I know, I not writing him off either. But I do recognise he is struggling with the pace of our game. I hope he will get used to that role and make it his own, with his age it should definitely suit him better. His passing needs to be better though, its great when the Hollywood balls come off but there a time to keep it simple also.

Anyway enough about that, hopefully another 5/6 nil home drubbing for Villa next Saturday. Sturridge and Suarez starting will be epic.

djPSB · 13-01-2014 11:45am

Milkers wrote: »

High quality fullbacks who actually give a **** needed ASAP

Cissoko is probably playing better than Johnson at the moment.

Super-Rush · 13-01-2014 11:46am

shamrock55 wrote: »

Who the fcuck says he is not good enough for midfield, he had a great game yesterday did he not, he said post match that he has been asked to play a new deeper role and that it will take a few games to get into it
not directed at you rob but im getting **** sick of folk writing off stevie its a joke at this stage

Which bit impressed you most, when he let Charlie Adam run past him for his goal or when he gave the ball away for Walters goal?

Maybe it was the countless passes he gave away.

messinkiapina · 13-01-2014 11:55am

K-9 wrote: »

Anyway, anybody prefer GED and Rafa style playing to the current set up?

Not me. I started supporting Liverpool in the Roy Evans days because they were more exciting to watch than everybody else, even if they didn't win much! I was never entirely happy with Houllier or Rafa.

I'm liking Rodgers so far, we play awesome football at times, other times not, but still manage to get the goals. If we can upgrade the midfield and full backs we could be playing with the swagger of 1995 again, and maybe winning trophies at the same time, that would be amazing!

wicorthered · 13-01-2014 11:58am

djPSB wrote: »

Cissoko is probably playing better than Johnson at the moment.

Colin Pascoe is playing better than Johnson at the minute. Need 2 new full backs in the summer!!

Morzadec · 13-01-2014 12:01pm

Vicxas wrote: »

I noticed a lot that he'd get the ball, touch it then wait for someone to come take it off him.

There was some serious miscommunication yesterday.

As much as we can debate if the personnel is good enough, this was the number one problem yesterday, and arguably led to 2 goals against us.

We had never played that personnel in those roles before, and it showed.

Personally I can't understand it - Lucas is a very specialised (or you could say limited) midfielder. He plays the DM role very well, but imo is mediocre at best as a CM.

Wait until Allen is back before trying Gerrard in a deep-lying role

Raif Severance · 13-01-2014 12:05pm

Morzadec wrote: »

As much as we can debate if the personnel is good enough, this was the number one problem yesterday, and arguably led to 2 goals against us.

We had never played that personnel in those roles before, and it showed.

Personally I can't understand it - Lucas is a very specialised (or you could say limited) midfielder. He plays the DM role very well, but imo is mediocre at best as a CM.

Wait until Allen is back before trying Gerrard in a deep-lying role

Aren't you forgetting something?

Demosthenese · 13-01-2014 12:06pm

shamrock55 wrote: »

Who the fcuck says he is not good enough for midfield, he had a great game yesterday did he not, he said post match that he has been asked to play a new deeper role and that it will take a few games to get into it
not directed at you rob but im getting **** sick of folk writing off stevie its a joke at this stage

Did he not! you kidding ... he had a nightmare yesterday.

Look, he is good enough for our midfield and i'll excuse his performance yesterday cos he is Stevie G no other reason - if it were Henderson that made those mistakes for goals there'd be people calling for his head. He is only back from injury so we'l let it slide and cos we won. BUT - he was really poor yesterday, as was Lucas who was annonomous. As a pairing they do not seem to compliment eachother and we desperately need new blood to go in there beside Stevie. Charlie Adam had the beating of our midfield yesterday and that is not impressive at all.

The few games he was out injured we seen a midfield that had far more energy and drive then with him here, sorry but that is pretty much a given. He has imo been playing this more withdrawn role all season i dunno why he came out and said it yesterday - Gerard of 5 years ago was a world class marauding attacking midfielder that was second to none on that role. 5 years ago! I do not say world class lightly. These days he still is an important player in our team but i am sure Rodgers is concerned how yesterday aside we do generally seem to tire in the last 30 mins. I'd like to see Henderson and Allen beside him for a game or two rather than Lucas who is struggling.

Agueroooo · 13-01-2014 12:07pm

Whats this about some new commercial deals signed today?

Anyone got any info?

Sounds promising.

googled eyes · 13-01-2014 12:08pm

Seems to be tv rights in 9? new countries

gafferino · 13-01-2014 12:09pm

At least they know they cant defend!

He went hard on us and told us the right thing, because he knew that we were going to score more goals but we had to defend better - which we did in the second half," the Ivorian told Liverpoolfc.com.

"When you play against a Stoke team, they have Peter Crouch, who is very tall, and they put the ball high and he goes for it.

"In the second half, we did better with that. We know our strikers can score goals at any time and that's great for us.

"It was important to win this game because it's always difficult to come to Stoke; that was their second loss at home. For us, it was vital we got the three points here. Now we are back in the top four and we are really happy with that."

He said: "It wasn't easy, especially at Stoke. I'm very happy that we won but there were a few mistakes there - we are going to work on that and get better."

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/153080-the-boss-had-to-be-hard-at-half-time

Nerdlingr · 13-01-2014 12:09pm

who's he gonna drop for the villa game? coutinho? I suspect they're gonna do their park the bus routine and try and hit us on the break...not an ideal game for sterling who thrives on the space in behind. Tough call to make.

Milkers · 13-01-2014 12:10pm

djPSB wrote: »

Cissoko is probably playing better than Johnson at the moment.

Yes I agree and he's still nowhere near good enough imo.

gafferino · 13-01-2014 12:10pm

Nerdlingr wrote: »

who's he gonna drop for the villa game? coutinho? I suspect they're gonna do their park the bus routine and try and hit us on the break...not an ideal game for sterling who thrives on the space in behind. Tough call to make.

I wonder if Sturridge will start from the bench again? Maybe give him 60 mins. Need him raring to go for the derby.

Courtesy Flush · 13-01-2014 12:15pm

Not sure if Gerrard is suited to be a DM. He does struggle with tackling which is important in that position. Yesterday he didnt look comfortable there.

billy2012 · 13-01-2014 12:17pm

Courtesy Flush wrote: »

Not sure if Gerrard is suited to be a DM. He does struggle with tackling which is important in that position. Yesterday he didnt look comfortable there.

Think he suited quiet well, his tackling is grand,

mike65 · 13-01-2014 12:20pm

Dropping Gerrard back just smacks of keeping an old trooper and club captain happy. There is not a shred of football logic underpinning it.

The U21s play Blackburn Rovers at 2 pm

djPSB · 13-01-2014 12:23pm

mike65 wrote: »

Dropping Gerrard back just smacks of keeping an old trooper and club captain happy. There is not a shred of football logic underpinning it.

The U21s play Blackburn Rovers at 2 pm

Jaysus you'd swere he was the world's worst the way some are going on.

Bobeagleburger · 13-01-2014 12:28pm

mike65 wrote: »

Dropping Gerrard back just smacks of keeping an old trooper and club captain happy. There is not a shred of football logic underpinning it.

The U21s play Blackburn Rovers at 2 pm

You're basically saying Rodgers isn't in control then if you believe that.

Either that or he doesn't know what's he's doing?

Super-Rush · 13-01-2014 12:29pm

djPSB wrote: »

Jaysus you'd swere he was the world's worst the way some are going on.

Nobody is suggesting that but he is having a negative impact on the team.

He slows the game down to a standstill at times. Just look at the Spurs game where we were in there faces for 90 mins. I guarantee we wouldn't have played with the same pace or intensity if Gerrard was playing.

Its going the same way as Carragher before he retired when he dragged the back 4 to the edge of the box time after time.

Super-Rush · 13-01-2014 12:30pm

rarnes1 wrote: »

You're basically saying Rodgers isn't in control then if you believe that.

Either that or he doesn't know what's he's doing?

I honestly think he is afraid of the backlash from the fans if he drops Gerrard. Rafa was the only manager with the balls to drop big players when he needed to.

whatawaster · 13-01-2014 12:33pm

Super-Rush wrote: »

I honestly think he is afraid of the backlash from the fans if he drops Gerrard. Rafa was the only manager with the balls to drop big players when he needed to.

When did Rafa ever drop a big player? Substituting Gerrard/Torres are the only times I can think of that come close.

Rafa never had much competition for the big players places. There was nobody to come in for Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard or Torres.

Bobeagleburger · 13-01-2014 12:33pm

Super-Rush wrote: »

I honestly think he is afraid of the backlash from the fans if he drops Gerrard. Rafa was the only manager with the balls to drop big players when he needed to.

If that's the case he shouldn't be a Liverpool manager tbh. Or a manager at all.

Bobeagleburger · 13-01-2014 12:35pm

gafferino wrote: »

I wonder if Sturridge will start from the bench again? Maybe give him 60 mins. Need him raring to go for the derby.

That could well happen.

djPSB · 13-01-2014 12:38pm

Super-Rush wrote: »

Nobody is suggesting that but he is having a negative impact on the team.

He slows the game down to a standstill at times. Just look at the Spurs game where we were in there faces for 90 mins. I guarantee we wouldn't have played with the same pace or intensity if Gerrard was playing.

Its going the same way as Carragher before he retired when he dragged the back 4 to the edge of the box time after time.

Okay the Spurs game is just one game. I agree maybe he shouldn't start games like that.

But we have two home games coming up in the league in which Gerrard, as one of the most creative midfielders in the PL, will be crucial.

He shouldn't start every game, but there are some games where he will be needed.

Also thought he was quite good defensively yesterday, broke up alot of Stoke attacks. He was brutal on the ball though.

Either way, we need another midfielder.

mike65 · 13-01-2014 12:38pm

djPSB wrote: »

Jaysus you'd swere he was the world's worst the way some are going on.

Don't exaggerate! He is not and will never be a good libero/regista (delete as applicable), I've been watching Gerrard for his whole career and feel its just not going to work. His whole instinct runs counter to a role that requires patience and a cool head at all times.

Chucky the tree · 13-01-2014 12:39pm

Without Allen back or buying a new mid we are stuck with Gerrard. It's obvious Rodgers won't drop Gerrard and it shows by forcing him into the DM position( either that or Rodgers is clueless). If you look at the traits you want from a DM and then compare them to Gerrard best skills then it's not a great fit. We've got better options to play DM but for some reason Rodgers wants Gerrard there.

Cartman78 · 13-01-2014 12:39pm

Nerdlingr wrote: »

who's he gonna drop for the villa game? coutinho? I suspect they're gonna do their park the bus routine and try and hit us on the break...not an ideal game for sterling who thrives on the space in behind. Tough call to make.

Villa are poor but are probably slightly more threatening away from home.

It should be a comfortable home win if we score early

Super-Rush · 13-01-2014 12:40pm

whatawaster wrote: »

When did Rafa ever drop a big player? Substituting Gerrard/Torres are the only times I can think of that come close.

Rafa never had much competition for the big players places. There was nobody to come in for Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard or Torres.

Subbed and dropped can be the same thing at times. The derby where he subbed Gerrard springs to mind.

rarnes1 wrote: »

If that's the case he shouldn't be a Liverpool manager tbh. Or a manager at all.

It happens though. I bet Kenny wouldn't drop him either.

djPSB · 13-01-2014 12:41pm

Super-Rush wrote: »

I honestly think he is afraid of the backlash from the fans if he drops Gerrard. Rafa was the only manager with the balls to drop big players when he needed to.

How can he drop when he there's currently nobody better to take his place?

Super-Rush · 13-01-2014 12:42pm

Watched MOTD last night and they showed some clips of Stoke attacks being broken up and it was Lucas in every clip getting stuck in.

Thanx 4 The Fish · 13-01-2014 12:42pm

How many managers got the sack after dropping Alan Shearer? More than 1 wasn't it? Sure Sir Bob lost his job just after dropping him for a start. Some managers will not drop a player for self preservation reasons.

gafferino · 13-01-2014 12:43pm

Courtesy Flush wrote: »

Not sure if Gerrard is suited to be a DM. He does struggle with tackling which is important in that position. Yesterday he didnt look comfortable there.

Gerrard made 4 tackles yesterday and won 4 tackles. (This is of course doesnt count the tackles he didnt make!). Made 8 clearances.

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/153104-stats-show-stevie-s-influence

djPSB · 13-01-2014 12:44pm

mike65 wrote: »

Don't exaggerate! He is not and will never be a good libero/regista (delete as applicable), I've been watching Gerrard for his whole career and feel its just not going to work. His whole instinct runs counter to a role that requires patience and a cool head at all times.

A cool head and patience like Mascherano

Super-Rush · 13-01-2014 12:45pm

djPSB wrote: »

How can he drop when he there's currently nobody better to take his place?

Lucas

Henderson

Sterling

Coutinho

Sturridge

Suarez

Thats how i'd set the team up against Villa.

djPSB · 13-01-2014 12:48pm

Super-Rush wrote: »

Watched MOTD last night and they showed some clips of Stoke attacks being broken up and it was Lucas in every clip getting stuck in.

Lucas made 3 tackles according to the stats and was successful with one.

5live · 13-01-2014 12:49pm

Super-Rush wrote: »

Watched MOTD last night and they showed some clips of Stoke attacks being broken up and it was Lucas in every clip getting stuck in.

Ah now that didnt happen...

(well it did but..)
because facts are like statistics on here, just some thing to laugh at because it doesnt suit the agenda.

LiamoSail · 13-01-2014 12:51pm

Thanx 4 The Fish wrote: »

How many managers got the sack after dropping Alan Shearer? More than 1 wasn't it? Sure Sir Bob lost his job just after dropping him for a start. Some managers will not drop a player for self preservation reasons.

Didn't Gullit drop Shearer, it may have been for the Tyne/Weir derby, shortly before getting sacked?

Anyway, I doubt Gerrard has the same influence with the owners that Shearer had. Having a leader in the dressing room on side would be more likely IMO

mike65 · 13-01-2014 12:53pm

djPSB wrote: »

A cool head and patience like Mascherano

Yeah well while Maschs fight was useful, it was at time utterly destructive for Liverpool - the red mist did descend more than once. Anyway he was a destroyer, the role Gerrard is adopting is quite different - but I think you know that!

As for managers protecting their back - Shearer got dropped by Robson and Gullit and both got binned shortly after. Not saying Rodgers is fearful of that happening - Liverpool are doing too well for that but he could be a nuisance if dropped - it really should have been made clear that his current contract was his last with no extension. That would have focused everyone's mind on a replacement this summer and Gerrards playing role being reduced over the next year.

Bobeagleburger · 13-01-2014 12:57pm

Chucky the tree wrote: »

Without Allen back or buying a new mid we are stuck with Gerrard. It's obvious Rodgers won't drop Gerrard and it shows by forcing him into the DM position( either that or Rodgers is clueless). If you look at the traits you want from a DM and then compare them to Gerrard best skills then it's not a great fit. We've got better options to play DM but for some reason Rodgers wants Gerrard there.

Even with Allen back Gerrard won't be dropped. Not a chance.

Vicxas · 13-01-2014 12:59pm

mike65 wrote: »

Yeah well while Maschs fight was useful, it was at time utterly destructive for Liverpool - the red mist did descend more than once. Anyway he was a destroyer, the role Gerrard is adopting is quite different - but I think you know that!

As for managers protecting their back - Shearer got dropped by Robson and Gullit and both got binned shortly after. Not saying Rodgers is fearful of that happening - Liverpool are doing too well for that but he could be a nuisance if dropped - it really should have been made clear that his current contract was his last with no extension. That would have focused everyone's mind on a replacement this summer and Gerrards playing role being reduced over the next year.

Even Carragher was saying that Stevie could be pushed back into a CB role in the next 12-18 months.

So they must have a replacement in mind if they're starting to phase Gerrard out.

Chucky the tree · 13-01-2014 1:00pm

rarnes1 wrote: »

Even with Allen back Gerrard won't be dropped. Not a chance.

I know, he should be though.

Bobeagleburger · 13-01-2014 1:01pm

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I know, he should be though.

I'd have Lucas ahead of him for a rest personally.

Thanx 4 The Fish · 13-01-2014 1:05pm

rarnes1 wrote: »

I'd have Lucas ahead of him for a rest personally.

A rest? Has he not just come back from a rest?

Bobeagleburger · 13-01-2014 1:06pm

Thanx 4 The Fish wrote: »

A rest? AHs nhe not just come back from a rest?

Lucas?

MR NINE · 13-01-2014 1:06pm

rob316 wrote: »

Ok Im gunna put it out there. Gerrard as a centre back. If he is not good enough for midfield he has to play somewhere, as he will not be dropped, its pointless even debating it.

I want to see Gerrard on the pitch as much as possible still, he's Liverpool through and through. But he has to be contributing sufficiently.

Vicxas wrote: »

Even Carragher was saying that Stevie could be pushed back into a CB role in the next 12-18 months.

So they must have a replacement in mind if they're starting to phase Gerrard out.

Gerrard as a centre back??? Thatd be a bizarre move for many reasons, and I cant see any reason itd work

Vicxas · 13-01-2014 1:08pm

MR NINE wrote: »

Gerrard as a centre back??? Thatd be a bizarre move for many reasons, and I cant see any reason itd work

I find it odd too, as he doesnt really have the physical presence to be a CB, but this was spouted out by Carragher after the Stoke match, so he seems to think it could work.

Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2013/14

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