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

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  • #1142
    audman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 817 ✭✭✭audman


    audman wrote: »
    Bold, I know, naughty perhaps, but I adventorously 'loaned' the bookie a rather cheeky €100 after the game today in quiet but confident hope of making all of it back with a monsterous profit when we win the league.

    PM me or thank this post for a share of the profits/a few pints on me come title-decider day.

    Ok guys, thought I'd be able to keep this offer going 'til the end of the season but due to 4 people thanking my post and 16 people PM'n me, letting the share go between more than 20 people just wouldn't be worth the bet in terms of the winnings each of us would receive. The way it is now, the select 20 will be guaranteed the price of a night out for all of us together come the day we win the league (if) Sorry if you've missed out but I'm closing this offer now, well done to the 20 ambitious boardsies who got in there first showing your faith in our team and I look forward to end of season celebrations and pints with all of you. That said, anyone outside the 20 is free to join just the costs won't be covered. Anyone inside the 20, don't feel the need to have to spend your winnings on drink or join us in celebration as it's your money, feel free to do with it as u wish :)

    Audman.


  • #1143
    Raif Severance
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,901 ✭✭✭Raif Severance


    Boom_Bap wrote: »
    Yep, I'm in total agreement on that, Papa will have til January now to get his fitness back up and to show that he's back to where he was pre injury.

    There are only 3 CBs that we've definitely Inquired, that's Papa, Zouma and Sakho.

    It's understandable why we haven't renewed our Interest on Papa, due to his Injuries. It's hard to part with the kind of money Schalke is asking, when there are still so many Question Marks on Papa.

    Zouma is a Great Prospect but is still too Raw. Played only 18 Matches as Saint-Étienne's 3rd-Choice CB. So in a sense, he's a bit like our very own Wisdom. Would it make sense to Buy another Prospect, when we already have one? And would anyone here be comfortable Starting him?

    So lastly, we've come to Sakho. Unlike the other 2 which are RCBs, Sakho is a LCB, that's Agger's Position. And AFAIK, he hasn't played as RCB. The only way I think we'll make this Deal is if it's Cheap, or if the ITK's Rumblings are True, and it's Loan with an Option to Buy.

    Now, if we did buy Sakho, where would you Play him? Would you put 2 Left-sided CBs as your Defensive Pairing in Agger and Sakho? Or would you Bench our VC, in Favor of a Sakho-Toure Partnership?


  • #1144
    5live
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,438 ✭✭✭5live


    slingerz wrote: »
    At least Kolo looks to attack the corners anyway another couple like him would help!!

    Will Liverpool ever hurry on and just sign Willian at this stage
    Just watched Motd last night and havent seen the full match yet but it stood out when he went for the ball. He wanted it more than any other player and generally got it too.

    If only that could be instilled in the rest of the defence. It will hopefully rub off on Wisdom though as with two ball-winning centre halves my bloodpressure would drop a few notches when defending set-pieces.

    But i will wait a few games before thinking our problems at CB are over for a while. We still need a good backup, preferrably young, who can fill in for a few games when injuries/fitness/form drops off.


  • #1145
    djPSB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭djPSB


    Charlie19 wrote: »
    Delighted with the result and happy enough with the team performance but there was still a few moments that frustrated the life out of me. Aspas was a bit hit and miss, Sturridge has the odd winge when decisions didn't go his way and Ray Stubbs is gradually becoming the worst pundit/presenter going.

    Couthinio, Toure, Lucas, Henderson were brilliant and Johnson probably had his best game I've seen for some time. Not forgetting Simon, that double save at the end should do him the world of good.

    Think the criticism Sterling got in here was very harsh, the lad is only 18 ffs and only had 20 minutes or so.


    Henderson for me is the main one that needs to be improved on.

    He just doesn't add enough in an attacking sense. Granted on another day, with a bit of luck he could have had a hat trick. There was one instance though, where he had to score and he just wasn't clinical enough. When he cut inside onto his left, had only Begovic to beat and he missed. It's crucial that we score them chances. His work rate throughout the game was top class but I'm not sure that alone can warrant a first team place.

    All the other attacking options look like they've goals in them. Sturridge, Aspas, Coutinho, and Suarez when he returns. Willian, whose signature seems imminent, will add a extra dimension. Sterling and Ibe are nice options late on in the game. Borini hasn't hit the ground running just yet.

    Realistically, for all our dominance yesterday, we could have lost that game. Stoke had 4 excellent chances, Huth's effort off the bar, the one Lucas cleared off the line, and the penalty. And Walters shot that Mignolet excellently saved.

    We simply have to increase our goals to shots ratio above yesterday's 4%.


  • #1146
    djPSB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭djPSB


    rarnes1 wrote: »
    If he's moved over to the middle full time him and Suarez could be devastating together

    Where do we think Suarez will be deployed.

    Wide left? Bearing in mind that we may be signing Willian.


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  • #1147
    Royal Legend
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,668 ✭✭✭Royal Legend


    Buy Willian and take Falcao on loan.

    The League is ours :)


  • #1148
    djPSB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭djPSB


    Dickerty wrote: »
    I worry about Coutinho staying as we'll, but if we can get back where we belong, top 4 or higher, then let's hope only a Barca or Real could attract him. But if he keeps if he keeps it up, Barca would actually be a good fit! :(

    As good as he is, it's hard to see him making the team ahead of Neymar, Messi or Iniesta.

    I envisage Citeh will make a move for him at some point.


  • #1149
    Luckycharms_74
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,740 ✭✭✭Luckycharms_74


    5live wrote: »
    Just watched Motd last night and havent seen the full match yet but it stood out when he went for the ball. He wanted it more than any other player and generally got it too.

    If only that could be instilled in the rest of the defence. It will hopefully rub off on Wisdom though as with two ball-winning centre halves my bloodpressure would drop a few notches when defending set-pieces.

    But i will wait a few games before thinking our problems at CB are over for a while. We still need a good backup, preferrably young, who can fill in for a few games when injuries/fitness/form drops off.

    Full match is here if you want to watch it :D

    http://www.footballorgin.com/2013/08/premier-league-2013-2014-liverpool-v_18.html

    Edit: it's a site to bookmark for all full match replays & highlights


  • #1150
    Raif Severance
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,901 ✭✭✭Raif Severance


    djPSB wrote: »
    Henderson for me is the main one that needs to be improved on.

    He just doesn't add enough in an attacking sense. Granted on another day, with a bit of luck he could have had a hat trick. There was one instance though, where he had to score and he just wasn't clinical enough. When he cut inside onto his left, had only Begovic to beat and he missed. It's crucial that we score them chances. His work rate throughout the game was top class but I'm sure that alone can warrant a first team place.

    All the other attacking options look like they've goals in them. Sturridge, Aspas, Coutinho, and Suarez when he returns. Willian, whose signature seems imminent, will add a extra dimension. Sterling and Ibe are nice options late on in the game. Borini hasn't hit the ground running just yet.

    Realistically, for all our dominance yesterday, we could have lost that game. Stoke had 3 excellent chances, Huth's effort off the bar, the one Lucas cleared off the line, and the penalty. And Walters shot that Mignolet excellently saved.

    We simply have to increase our goals to shots ratio above yesterday's 4%.
    It's one of the reasons why we went for HM, and is now going for Willian.

    To play CAM for this Team, you need to be able to Operate on the Wings. The reason for this, is that our Front 3 loves to Roam. And this is where Hendo fails.

    Most of the time when he finds himself in the Wings, he takes the Safe Option and just Passes it Backwards. The Downing Mindset. It makes our Attack very predictable.

    The Defenders will just ease off on Hendo, and help out on the Others, knowing he offers no threat on the Wings. The Defenders can't do that if they are up against HM or Willian.


  • #1151
    5live
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,438 ✭✭✭5live


    Raif Severance wrote: »
    There are only 3 CBs that we've definitely Inquired, that's Papa, Zouma and Sakho.

    It's understandable why we haven't renewed our Interest on Papa, due to his Injuries. It's hard to part with the kind of money Schalke is asking, when there are still so many Question Marks on Papa.

    Zouma is a Great Prospect but is still too Raw. Played only 18 Matches as Saint-Étienne's 3rd-Choice CB. So in a sense, he's a bit like our very own Wisdom. Would it make sense to Buy another Prospect, when we already have one? And would anyone here be comfortable Starting him?

    So lastly, we've come to Sakho. Unlike the other 2 which are RCBs, Sakho is a LCB, that's Agger's Position. And AFAIK, he hasn't played as RCB. The only way I think we'll make this Deal is if it's Cheap, or if the ITK's Rumblings are True, and it's Loan with an Option to Buy.

    Now, if we did buy Sakho, where would you Play him? Would you put 2 Left-sided CBs as your Defensive Pairing in Agger and Sakho? Or would you Bench our VC, in Favor of a Sakho-Toure Partnership?
    Not having a go at you here but what is the difficulty in playing 2 LCBs?

    Would there be as much difficulty in the concept if both players were RCBs, ie, if Agger and Sakho were both right footed?

    With only 10% of the population lefties(iirc) then there are relatively fewer good LCBs out there so the majority of pairings would be 2 RCBs so having a pair of defenders with the same strong side is relatively common but much less so for lefties.

    I cant ever remember having a conversation about CBs where there was a problem identified with one partner being right footed only that he wasnt good enough:confused:


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  • #1152
    5live
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,438 ✭✭✭5live


    Luckycharms_74 wrote: »
    Full match is here if you want to watch it :D

    http://www.footballorgin.com/2013/08/premier-league-2013-2014-liverpool-v_18.html

    Edit: it's a site to bookmark for all full match replays & highlights
    Thanks for that. All i need now is a half decent internet connection:mad:


  • #1153
    djPSB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭djPSB


    Luke Shaw for Southampton looks like he's going to turn out to be an excellent attacking left back.

    Would love to see him end up at Liverpool.


  • #1154
    Raif Severance
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,901 ✭✭✭Raif Severance


    5live wrote: »
    Not having a go at you here but what is the difficulty in playing 2 LCBs?

    Would there be as much difficulty in the concept if both players were RCBs, ie, if Agger and Sakho were both right footed?

    With only 10% of the population lefties(iirc) then there are relatively fewer good LCBs out there so the majority of pairings would be 2 RCBs so having a pair of defenders with the same strong side is relatively common but much less so for lefties.

    I cant ever remember having a conversation about CBs where there was a problem identified with one partner being right footed only that he wasnt good enough:confused:

    Like I've said, AFAIK Sakho hasn't played as RCB, and would you have Start him ahead of Toure?

    I haven't seen much of Sakho since I only watch PSG in CL Comps and he rarely Features there. But I've seen plenty of Toure for us.

    And so far, I've yet to see Toure make any Mistakes in every Game he has played for us. Granted most of them were against Meager Oppositions, but I'm comfortable in Starting him ahead of Sakho in the RCB slot.

    To me, Sakho and Toure Partnership would make more sense. Since I see Agger as the Weak Link in our Defense, but that's my opinion.


  • #1155
    klose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,209 ✭✭✭✭klose


    djPSB wrote: »
    Luke Shaw for Southampton looks like he's going to turn out to be an excellent attacking left back.

    Would love to see him end up at Liverpool.

    Yeah true that, signed a long contract recently though. Southampton have a good little academy it seems, walcott,chamberlain, bale and now him.


  • #1156
    jethro081
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 556 ✭✭✭jethro081


    5live wrote: »
    Not having a go at you here but what is the difficulty in playing 2 LCBs?

    Would there be as much difficulty in the concept if both players were RCBs, ie, if Agger and Sakho were both right footed?

    With only 10% of the population lefties(iirc) then there are relatively fewer good LCBs out there so the majority of pairings would be 2 RCBs so having a pair of defenders with the same strong side is relatively common but much less so for lefties.

    I cant ever remember having a conversation about CBs where there was a problem identified with one partner being right footed only that he wasnt good enough:confused:

    I read alan hansons book, and he devotes a piece of it to the above attitude, basically saying people invariably ignore the importance of a centre half's favourite side. Saying that it really makes a difference to the defender which side he is asked to play, and that it can, for a lot of players be as significant as the difference between a winger playing on the right, or the left.

    A good example of this would be skrtel, and how he suffered when asked to play the left sided cb role beside carra in the past. I don't think it's just a case of "you're a centre back, so the job's the same on the left as the right". Centre halves themselves seem to argue that it makes quite a bit of difference, so it makes sense that the club would be less interested in a left sided centre back, considering the fact that agger has that spot nailed down.


  • #1157
    djPSB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭djPSB


    One thing I like about Toure is his decision making.

    He knows when to play it out from the back, but he realises when it's not on and hoofs it out of danger. No nonsense.

    Skrtel got caught a few times last season playing it short when it should have been put into row z.


  • #1158
    5live
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,438 ✭✭✭5live


    Raif Severance wrote: »
    Like I've said, AFAIK Sakho hasn't played as RCB, and would you have Start him ahead of Toure?

    I haven't seen much of Sakho since I only watch PSG in CL Comps and he rarely Features there. But I've seen plenty of Toure for us.

    And so far, I've yet to see Toure make any Mistakes in every Game he has played for us. Granted most of them were against Meager Oppositions, but I'm comfortable in Starting him ahead of Sakho in the RCB slot.

    To me, Sakho and Toure Partnership would make more sense. Since I see Agger as the Weak Link in our Defense, but that's my opinion.
    I would have no problem with Toure/Sakho but i wouldnt object to an Agger/Sakho pairing either. Obviously one would have to adapt their game but in fairness they would have to adapt their game to a degree anyway when another CB is started instead of their regular partner.

    If they are good enough then they should be able to adapt their game. Very few partnerships are ideal combinations and sometimes 2 'weaker' options can be better than having 2 better individuals. Bruce and Pallister for united spring to mind there.


  • #1159
    5live
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,438 ✭✭✭5live


    jethro081 wrote: »
    I read alan hansons book, and he devotes a piece of it to the above attitude, basically saying people invariably ignore the importance of a centre half's favourite side. Saying that it really makes a difference to the defender which side he is asked to play, and that it can, for a lot of players be as significant as the difference between a winger playing on the right, or the left.

    A good example of this would be skrtel, and how he suffered when asked to play the left sided cb role beside carra in the past. I don't think it's just a case of "you're a centre back, so the job's the same on the left as the right". Centre halves themselves seem to argue that it makes quite a bit of difference, so it makes sense that the club would be less interested in a left sided centre back, considering the fact that agger has that spot nailed down.

    But even RCBs are dragged over to the left to defend and likewise LCBs to the right. That happens especially for corners.

    I agree though that it matters more for some CBs than others but back in the day when i was playing the manager used to switch us from left to right for FBs and CBs during training so it wasnt really a completely different position. The basics are the same just which foot to tackle with changes. Imo, anyway


  • #1160
    5starpool
    Subscribers Posts: 32,867 ✭✭✭✭5starpool


    I think this twitter thing is being used as blackmail. Our staff/players are all following him, and knowing how attached people are to their followers they are threatening to UNFOLLOW him if he doesn't sign. That should have him sufficiently over a barrel to convince him to sign for us. Well played everyone.


  • #1161
    whatawaster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,909 ✭✭✭✭whatawaster


    Just re-watched the game, and made a point to note Sterling's every contribution (18 minutes plus stoppage time)

    1. Wins the ball in a tussle with Stoke player but isn’t able to bring it under control and it’s lost
    2. Successful pass to Sturridge
    3. Tussle with Cameron at our own corner flag. Sterling knocks ball out for throw
    4. Makes a good run to meet a through ball but the ball is intercepted out to Sturridge
    5. Sterling receives the ball under pressure by the touchline level with our 18 yard box. He beats Pennant, rides challenge and carries over the halfway line and passes to Sturridge
    6. Runs with ball, but misplaces through-ball to Enrique
    7. Dinked through-ball sets Enrique up for a clear cross
    8. Runs on-to Gerrard through-ball out wide. Cuts inside and lays ball off in the box to Coutinho, ultimately resulting in a blocked shot.
    9. Gives away THAT free kick with a silly high foot
    10. Coutinho ‘s deflected shot edges wide. Sterling jumps in the air in frustration.

    He didn't set the game on fire, didn't create any clear chances and made one silly mistake. But imo anyone describing that cameo (from an 18 year old too) as awful is either blind or has a clear agenda.


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  • #1162
    El Inho
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,655 ✭✭✭El Inho


    djPSB wrote: »
    Henderson for me is the main one that needs to be improved on.

    He just doesn't add enough in an attacking sense. Granted on another day, with a bit of luck he could have had a hat trick. There was one instance though, where he had to score and he just wasn't clinical enough. When he cut inside onto his left, had only Begovic to beat and he missed. It's crucial that we score them chances. His work rate throughout the game was top class but I'm not sure that alone can warrant a first team place.

    All the other attacking options look like they've goals in them. Sturridge, Aspas, Coutinho, and Suarez when he returns. Willian, whose signature seems imminent, will add a extra dimension. Sterling and Ibe are nice options late on in the game. Borini hasn't hit the ground running just yet.

    Realistically, for all our dominance yesterday, we could have lost that game. Stoke had 4 excellent chances, Huth's effort off the bar, the one Lucas cleared off the line, and the penalty. And Walters shot that Mignolet excellently saved.

    We simply have to increase our goals to shots ratio above yesterday's 4%.

    I know I've been defending Hendo, and yesterday, not getting a goal really goes against him because he should have had at least one.

    But his workrate wasn't just 'heres your helmet Hendo, back on the bus good lad'.

    He was chasing down balls left right and centre and pressuring players trying to counter...I was actually quite impressed with him yesterday.


  • #1163
    mike65
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88,968 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    9. Gives away THAT free kick with a silly high foot

    Is why people got on his back, nothing else.


  • #1164
    osnola ibax
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,194 ✭✭✭osnola ibax


    kingshankly wrote: »
    It's amazing the way people find a way to bring rafa in to a conversation

    Actually, didnt Rafa sign Coutinho for Inter and thought that he would be the future of Inter Milan. Thats the point I was making, particularly as Rafa will have seen how good he has been for Liverpool. He wasnt really getting a game at Inter and they were happy to sell for what has been bargain of the century


  • #1165
    El Inho
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,655 ✭✭✭El Inho


    mike65 wrote: »
    Is why people got on his back, nothing else.

    At the time, I cut him some slack for that...yer mans head was lower than usual. Still high, but only slightly silly.


  • #1166
    Mr Alan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,372 ✭✭✭✭Mr Alan


    I really like Sterling?! :confused: Big fan of his, think he was poor yesterday when he came on. There is no agenda against him in any way shape or form.

    By the way, whoever said yesterday I was probably one of those slating Lucas when he came to the club....you have no idea how clueless you are.


  • #1167
    barone
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,224 ✭✭✭barone


    For all his supposed flaws hendo actually was only denied by two worldy saves..add that to his general improvement in 2nd half i thought he played very well.. out of position..


    Puts his head down and gives everything..it was him up running with danny near the end lookin for the pass on the break..


    Hes not brilliant or world class..but is a v good squad member.


  • #1168
    mike65
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88,968 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    Always worth a read, I'd say no ex-player has caused more grief in recent years.

    http://forzainterforums.com/showthread.php?5707-Philippe-Coutinho-Correia/page339


  • #1169
    Mr Alan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,372 ✭✭✭✭Mr Alan


    barone wrote: »
    For all his supposed flaws hendo actually was only denied by two worldy saves..add that to his general improvement in 2nd half i thought he played very well.. out of position..


    Puts his head down and gives everything..it was him up running with danny near the end lookin for the pass on the break..


    Hes not brilliant or world class..but is a v good squad member.

    Spot on. Very happy to have him at the club.


  • #1170
    Raif Severance
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,901 ✭✭✭Raif Severance


    osnola ibax wrote: »
    Actually, didnt Rafa sign Coutinho for Inter and thought that he would be the future of Inter Milan. Thats the point I was making, particularly as Rafa will have seen how good he has been for Liverpool. He wasnt really getting a game at Inter and they were happy to sell for what has been bargain of the century

    He wasn't the one who Signed him for Inter.

    He was the one who gave him Playing Time.


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  • #1171
    CastingCouch
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭CastingCouch


    osnola ibax wrote: »
    Actually, didnt Rafa sign Coutinho for Inter and thought that he would be the future of Inter Milan. Thats the point I was making, particularly as Rafa will have seen how good he has been for Liverpool. He wasnt really getting a game at Inter and they were happy to sell for what has been bargain of the century

    Hernandez ;)


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