Liverpool FC News/Gossip/Rumours Summer '15

corwill · 10-08-2015 02:40PM

rossc007 wrote: »

To say there is little or no difference between AM and DM is wildly inaccurate.

Which is why I said no such thing.

corwill · 10-08-2015 02:45PM

SlickRic wrote: »

The problem with not having a specialist DM, is what happens when a good team beats the press?

I'll tell you what happens, we get fúcked.

There's a reason Chelsea have Matic, Utd bought Schneiderlin, and Barcelona have Busquets.

All three of those players can and do regularly join in the attack, using their own judgement and reading of the game to decide when that's appropriate.

We shouldn't be getting so focused on labels, real life is a bit more nuanced than Championship Manager.

smileyj1987 · 10-08-2015 02:50PM

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Not a great performance yesterday but might look a very good 3 points at the end of the season especially once Stoke get the likes of Shawcross and Bojan back and Get Shaqiri in the the team. Will definitely take points of some of the big teams there this season.

I was just so damn happy for the three points yesterday , with the next 6 games that are coming up any points are massive ones if you ask me .

Knex* · 10-08-2015 03:17PM

Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick as a number of Liverpool first-team players clocked up minutes in a behind-closed-doors victory over Welsh outfit TNS at Melwood on Monday.

Those who had not featured from the start in the season opener against Stoke City were involved in the practice match today as they continue to build up fitness and sharpness.

The Reds line-up claimed a 5-1 win, with summer signing Firmino bagging a treble and Danny Ings – from the penalty spot – and Lazar Markovic also on target.

There were starts for Adam Bogdan, Emre Can, Lucas Leiva, Alberto Moreno, Divock Origi, Jordan Rossiter, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure at the training base too.

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/191079-firmino-hits-hat-trick-in-melwood-friendly

LuckyLloyd · 10-08-2015 03:18PM

SlickRic wrote: »

there's no point in going through all the specialist DMs we could buy. there are loads of them.

the simple fact is Rodgers doesn't really believe in specialist defensive midfielders, so he's not going to buy one. he wants all his midfielders to be able to do a bit of everything.

i'd say Lucas gives him a pain in his arse.

It also makes debate redundant. The manager is expressing a tactical preference if he lets Lucas go just as he has expressed a personal / tactical preference in ousting Balotelli. He is entitled to make these decisions but the fact that he's making them and discussion of same are so locked in a landscape where he is manager it's hard to step back and discuss it in an objective fashion.

Lucas is a solid, tactically disciplined anchorman at worst. At his best he was a physically imposing player who cleaned house infront of a backline. He's crucially different to everything else we have in the squad. If you sold him without replacing him with a similar player certain formations and approaches would become impossible.

He could be a key slab for a different manager with another outlook. I'd feel better about a squad with him in it, particularly were we to change manager mid season. But as I said up top, the manager is entitled to eschew any players / tactical options he likes and if we win by doing so then great. Letting Lucas go however to find that whatever combination of Milner / Henderson / Can / Allen we play is cut apart on the counter by better teams would be a nail in his Liverpool coffin.

smileyj1987 · 10-08-2015 03:21PM

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

It also makes debate redundant. The manager is expressing a tactical preference if he lets Lucas go just as he has expressed a personal / tactical preference in ousting Balotelli. He is entitled to make these decisions but the fact that he's making them and discussion of same are so locked in a landscape where he is manager it's hard to step back and discuss it in an objective fashion.

Lucas is a solid, tactically disciplined anchorman at worst. At his best he was a physically imposing player who cleaned house infront of a backline. He's crucially different to everything else we have in the squad. If you sold him without replacing him with a similar player certain formations and approaches would become impossible.

He could be a key slab for a different manager with another outlook. I'd feel better about a squad with him in it, particularly were we to change manager mid season.

That is pretty much a well thought out argument on why Lucas should be kept . I think he offers something that no one else in the squad can offer and with the way the last year has gone BR does need to have as many formations available to him as possible .
The new coaching staff should be pointing this out to him and saying we need to be able to change things up at any stage of the season.

Knex* · 10-08-2015 03:21PM

SlickRic wrote: »

The problem with not having a specialist DM, is what happens when a good team beats the press?

I'll tell you what happens, we get fúcked.

There's a reason Chelsea have Matic, Utd bought Schneiderlin, and Barcelona have Busquets.

Liverpool actually didn't allow Henderson and Milner to press up the field until Can came on yesterday, really.

They went out with the intention to nullify Stoke, and grow into the game, and that was with just Henderson and Milner. I imagine against better teams we'll do similar, only with the extra body in midfield.

The biggest issue with Lucas now, is that he can't stay fit for a run of games. He's no longer a reliable squad member, so even if he is different to the others, it makes little difference if he can't get match fit and stay match fit.

Selling him with no replacement would be daft though, for sure.

Mr.H · 10-08-2015 03:26PM

MonkeyTennis wrote: »

Im always lending 100k cars to my mates. Sure why wouldnt you.

Yea because your the same as Raheem................

It would be more like us lending a 400-500 quid car to a mate

martyos121 · 10-08-2015 03:28PM

Knex. wrote: »

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/191079-firmino-hits-hat-trick-in-melwood-friendly

Just threw the life savings on Firmino for Ballon D'Or, he can't be overlooked after that performance.

Mr.H · 10-08-2015 03:28PM

Knex. wrote: »

Liverpool actually didn't allow Henderson and Milner to press up the field until Can came on yesterday, really.

They went out with the intention to nullify Stoke, and grow into the game, and that was with just Henderson and Milner. I imagine against better teams we'll do similar, only with the extra body in midfield.

The biggest issue with Lucas now, is that he can't stay fit for a run of games. He's no longer a reliable squad member, so even if he is different to the others, it makes little difference if he can't get match fit and stay match fit.

Selling him with no replacement would be daft though, for sure.

I would love to bring in James McCarthy but it would never happen. I think Himself with Hendo and Milner would be great high energy that Rodgers would love.

Pepp1989 · 10-08-2015 03:37PM

Knex. wrote: »

Liverpool actually didn't allow Henderson and Milner to press up the field until Can came on yesterday, really.

They went out with the intention to nullify Stoke, and grow into the game, and that was with just Henderson and Milner. I imagine against better teams we'll do similar, only with the extra body in midfield.

The biggest issue with Lucas now, is that he can't stay fit for a run of games. He's no longer a reliable squad member, so even if he is different to the others, it makes little difference if he can't get match fit and stay match fit.

Selling him with no replacement would be daft though, for sure.

I thought Milner pressed from minute one.

Francie Barrett · 10-08-2015 03:45PM

Pepp1989 wrote: »

I thought Milner pressed from minute one.

Ditto.

Knex* · 10-08-2015 03:51PM

Pepp1989 wrote: »

I thought Milner pressed from minute one.

He did, but not very high up. On occasion when moves broke down in that first 20 minutes period, he attacked the ball to win it back, but overall, I though we kept two banks of four until Can came on, tbh, and didn't look to get caught out of position by pressing very high.

The high press only came in once we changed this around and then went looking to force the win.

I was pretty impressed with Milner yesterday. He's dogged when required, very vocal, and shows he has quality on the ball too.

rob316 · 10-08-2015 04:13PM

A lot of new players so the debate on what our first XI should be is probably a little premature.
We beat Stoke at their own game yesterday and it was refreshing to see. I would of ran with a point if it was offered before the game as its a real bogey ground for us.
It was awful to watch yesterday but watching Mignolet kick it long to Benteke numerous times was exactly what we have been missing under Rodgers - a dogged pragmatic approach. Stoke wanted us to play it on the ground but we didn't play into their hands, we frustrated them, carved out an opening and won. That is what the top teams do.

Jesus Wept · 10-08-2015 04:18PM

MonkeyTennis wrote: »

Raheem Sterlings crashed Mercedes was found in London. Two cannisters of laughing gas were also found. It is unclear at this stage if Mr Sterling was driving the car however Police are more concerned about the five children in the back seat.

Knex. wrote: »

I genuinely thought all of this was a joke, until I googled it.

What's he up to?

Laughing all the way to the bank.

Potential Underachiever · 10-08-2015 04:29PM

Je suis Mario wrote: »

Laughing all the way to the bank.

Excuse Moi Mon Ami, why did you call yourself Je Suis Mario? I don't see the french connection, did you not know the Italian for I am Mario?!

brevity · 10-08-2015 04:31PM

How do ye think Henderson is gonna get on with the captaincy?

Thought he was OK yesterday myself.

Wondering if it's coming a bit too soon for him although there aren't really many options.

Potential Underachiever · 10-08-2015 04:34PM

brevity wrote: »

How do ye think Henderson is gonna get on with the captaincy?

Thought he was OK yesterday myself.

Wondering if it's coming a bit too soon for him although there aren't really many options.

I can't say I paid much attention to his captain performance yesterday, It's not something I put too much stock into tbh, the whole team need to be captains really and take responsibility and rally around each other.

JohnDaniels · 10-08-2015 04:43PM

The dailymail headline for the Sterling story is amazing.

"Sterling's £125,000 Mercedes is found crashed with hippy crack canisters inside. . "

:pac:

corwill · 10-08-2015 04:46PM

JohnDaniels wrote: »

The dailymail headline for the Sterling story is amazing.

"Sterling's £125,000 Mercedes is found crashed with hippy crack canisters inside. . "

:pac:

The flute who first named it hippy crack will surely burn for eternity in hell.

Agent Coulson · 10-08-2015 04:48PM

At least Sterling didn't leave the car parked in a train station in Spain and then forgot he owned.

That's the life of rich footballers that don't give a fcuk for you.

citytillidie · 10-08-2015 04:49PM

MonkeyTennis wrote: »

Im always lending 100k cars to my mates. Sure why wouldnt you.

100K to him is like a tenner to us.

Francie Barrett · 10-08-2015 04:53PM

MonkeyTennis wrote: »

Raheem Sterlings crashed Mercedes was found in London. Two cannisters of laughing gas were also found. It is unclear at this stage if Mr Sterling was driving the car however Police are more concerned about the five children in the back seat.

I thought this was a joke as well! But no, all the major tabloids have gone with it. I am a huge, huge fan of the lad, but this is now the third or fourth time that he has been involved in some kind of "incident". I know he had problems when he first moved to us, but the club did seem to help him put that behind him. It's hardly a coincidence that this trouble has flared up again after Aidy Ward stepped in and forced a move to Man City. When you have someone like Ward, who is acting disgracefully and totally unprofessionally in his own job - what kind of influence is that going to have on a 20 year old kid brought up in poverty who has come good? Anyway, I hope Aidy continues his good work and helps guide Sterling's career into the ditch.

5starpool · 10-08-2015 05:03PM

Firmino got a hat trick in a behind closed doors friendly at Melwood earlier today.

http://www.thisisanfield.com/2015/08/roberto-firmino-hits-hat-trick-for-liverpool-in-melwood-friendly/

I'm guessing he'll be ready to start next Monday against Bournemouth. Hopefully we can build some more momentum with a win there.

googled eyes · 10-08-2015 05:42PM

brevity wrote:

How do ye think Henderson is gonna get on with the captaincy?

His game was a bit off until Can came on and freed him and Milner up but I think Hendo is a good captain. Gets involved with the ref when it's needed but doesn't make a show of himself

googled eyes · 10-08-2015 05:43PM

citytillidie wrote:

100K to him is like a tenner to us.

Dunno bout you but a tenner's not chump change in the googled eyes household

magma69 · 10-08-2015 05:47PM

Some thoughts on the weekend:

Back 5 were very solid. Don't think many people appreciate how good a save Mig made from that crossed free kick that was almost latched onto by a Stoke player.

Lovren looked a more confident player than what we've seen last season and Skrtel kept it organised.

Full backs were also very solid. Between pre-season and the Stoke match, Gomez's performances have been outstanding. To be so composed and confident at that level considering his age show he could be a really special player. I think I was most impressed with how he dealt with the physicality that Walters brought to him.

There will be few fixtures this season where Milner/Hendo midfield will work. Can/Lucas need to be starting in there to add balance to the team. Lucas will be an important player this season and it would be awfully stupid to get rid of him imo.

There's a lot of work ahead for our attacking players. We created very little yesterday. The kind of movement required to slice defences open just wasn't there. Lallana and Ibe offered next to no creativity and Benteke seemed to be on a different wavelength to Coutinho who had put through some nice flicks and through balls which he could have got to if he had read it that big quicker. Of course, this is natural for early games where new players are in the team, so hopefully a lot of work will be put into that gelling of our attacking players.

Origi impressed me pre-season, I wouldn't mind seeing him up front with Benteke at some point against Bournemouth next week.

All in all, satisfying weekend.

koppy · 10-08-2015 06:32PM

Agree with everything magma69 said.
A bit worried about the lack of movement and creativity. Ye havr to bear in mind though that Stoke are hard to beat at home and it was only first game. Taught we were a bit long bal too often.

K-9 · 10-08-2015 06:54PM

brevity wrote: »

Michael Cox on the match.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/09/liverpool-midfield-problem-james-milner-stoke-city

Discuses how Milner and Hendo didn't really work.

Mignolet and Skrtel definitely took a "if in doubt" approach yesterday which is perfectly understandable given everything.

Clyne won his few aerial duels which is interesting to see if that continues, its his weakest area stats wise.

I suppose the CM's we used yesterday give you a high energy midfield, Lucas might come into home games as a defensive screen where is calmness and reading of the game would be needed and let the others attack more.

Super Rushs table would come in very handy given the start of the season we have. Yesterday would be a good result, type of game that a top 4 team would regard as job done, the next 5 or 6 away ones, 5 points would be very, very good.

Make Anfield a fortress again and we'd be were we are supposed to be come November, also essential because we'll have our tough fixtures at home in the second half of the season.

K-9 · 10-08-2015 07:04PM

redzerdrog wrote: »

I really hope we see a return of the 4-4-2 diamond formation that saw us play our best football a couple of seasons ago.

I'd like to see the diamond myself and I do think we'll see it when Sturridge is back, the only thing is it leaves Firmino, Lalana and Markovic as squad options really, Coutinho is default there atm.

If it works though, it's needs be and we've a great bench to pick from.

Liverpool FC News/Gossip/Rumours Summer '15

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