The Liverpool Thread

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Waking up and remembering you’re the best team in the Country is the perfect way to start a Sunday. 😀

Yesterday's admin-

Title Countdown:
5 wins down/ 24 to go.
15 points down/ 77 to go.

Current PL unbeaten run:
P 2 W 2 F 5 A 1 CS: 1
2 Straight Wins.

Current unbeaten away PL run:
P 5 W 3 D 2 F 12 A 6 CS: 2
3 Straight Wins.

Funny game football. Bar ‘one of them’ against Forest that happens to every team, every season, your 2024/2025 gang of Reds have been perfect. 7 wins from 8 games. Sat top of the league. Joint 3rd most goals scored. Fewest conceded. Best GD. The terror of Old Trafford passed with ease in one of the most humiliating displays we’ve ever handed out to Utd. Massive Euro away won. Through the LC. All from a side transitioning to a slightly different style of play. Under a completely new regime for the first time in 10 seasons. You’d think you’d be ecstatic as a supporter of a club like that aye ? ….. And yet, early second half, a good friend who’s as long in the tooth doing this week in, week out all over the planet as I, noted that ‘Yanno’ there are times right now I could just get off. The Reds are still boss in moments. But this slow paced, side-to-side possession going nowhere stuff ….. It’s like being back under Rafa and Houllier. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But it’s taking some getting used to again after Jurgen.’

And that right there is the crux of where he was coming from. Jurgen’s tenure spoiled us rotten with its thrill a minute, adrenaline pumped excitement.

Now, and this is no slight on Arne as, if anything, it’s the highest of coaching praise that he can turn around the style of our play to a far more measured, patient game SO quickly from what was drummed into them over the past 8 and a half years, we’ve returned to what 99% of football is. Where run-of-the-mill games at tough away grounds like Molineux have to be ground out. When you aren’t always on it, but you take what the opposition gives you and you just do that little bit better to gain all the points. I’ve been exceptionally fortunate to see my team lift 5 league titles in person. (****** COVID depriving me of a 6th the last time! 😡 Still, tragedies aside, my biggest regret in football but I digress …..). And for the majority of them, we had games like yesterday. Dire watches where we just did enough to find a way to win. That's football over 38 games the vast majority of the time. That's what separates the great sides from the merely good ones. That’s what wins you titles.

Carl wasn’t narking about yesterday’s watch. He wasn’t P at how ragged L’pool where at times against a Wolves side that weren’t much better. He was just noting the difference between passionate German madness that had your heart racing. And cerebral Dutch calm that pleases you in a different way. Both top class coaches in their own right. Both very similar. But different. He was made up with the win at the end and bouncing out of the ground letting everyone know where we sit in the table and how boss we are. It’s just going to take some time readjusting and re-educating ourselves returning to ‘normal’ football after being SO spoiled under Klopp.

Can I just note how utterly P poor Anthony Taylor was again yesterday. It’s not even a Manchester thing with him. He’s just a rank bad official. The cheating/ play acting from the Wolves # 5 in particular was a disgrace. The irony of Wolves singing ‘Premier League, Corrupt as F!’ was highly amusing when he finally, and rightfully, punished them. But man alive that man can ruin a game of football without even trying. Of all the current officiating ineptness, he’s on a level all of his own.

On a personnel note, shout out to Wolves, like Ipswich and Milan, for a proper paper ticket. That's fast becoming a long lost thing the more technology improves and everything goes on your ‘phone. And to the sensible security of the Hogs Head boozer we always go, which has madly gone to ‘home fans only’ the past few years, for quickly ascertaining we just wanted a good few afternoon bevvies and would be no hassle to anyone. ‘Just keep a low profile boys’ is advice not needed in there. But an easy access was very appreciated . Why can't other places be as sensible?

Molineux is rarely straightforward. Not least when you aren’t fully at it. But L’pool yet again stood up to the battle, dug in, and found a way. Managing the game out really well after stopping the Wolves momentum instantly following the farcical equaliser. Another tricky test passed and crossed off for Slot as he learns about the intensity of this relentless league that's like no other in World football.

Winning ugly in context when the game gives you that. It’s what title winning sides do.

*Sings …..

Lib’pool, Top the League. Lib’pool, Lib’pool TOP the league!’

UTR
!
 
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Im running out of superlatives for Gravenberch honestly. Has a player made such vast improvements this quickly in a Liverpool shirt IMO I cant think of any other player maybe Scouse you can as you've been watching us play since 1910 lool.
 
As much as yet another absolutely atrocious refereeing display tried to spoil it, that was a very enjoyable, and very fruitful, first Anfield evening out with Slot under the European lights.

Yesterdays admin-

Current total game unbeaten run:
P 5 W 5 F 15 A 3 CS: 2
5 Straight Wins/ 1 Straight CS.

Current unbeaten home total games run:
P 3 W 3 F 10 A 1 CS: 2
3 Straight Wins/ 1 Straight CS.

Our perfect start to the new unknown CL league phase continues. One of only 7 sides out of 36 with an unblemished 2 wins out of 2. From not knowing the minimum points total to finish in the top 8 going in, we now know 18 points will be enough. 4 wins from 6. Go win in Leipzig next time out and we have one foot in the knock-outs.

As CL group ….. sorry, league games go, that was a really enjoyable watch between two really good football teams. L’pool were better than Bologna overall and deserved the win. Without being anything like there best, our superior talent level ultimately told. But Bologna, and their wonderful support who it’s been an absolute pleasure hosting in the City the past few days, and who added a super backdrop to the game with their vivid support, were a credit to themselves. And they arguably deserved more for their efforts than the final score line. In a game where both goalkeepers were the standouts with both having excellent games. The goalies aside, Ryan Gravenberch again excels. Long term readers will know I’ve been championing him from the get-go as the best signing of the lot from last summers superb midfield rebuild. And I’ve heavily pushed the Dutch line coming through the Jong Oranje ranks of the Clarence Seedorf comparison. But honestly, having watched his majestic displays this year where he’s been the best outfield player on the park in every game he’s played, I’ll go one further. I’ve not seen any player doing what he’s doing in the PL since Patrik Vieira. Honestly, his current level is THAT good. The way he’s playing SO front foot, taking the ball on the turn and surging through the midfield to contribute massively to the teams offensive play, after being tactically savvy enough to be in the right position to anticipate where ball and opponent will be, and either physically win it, or gracefully swoop in and nick it, before surging forward, is that reminiscent of the Frenchman it’s untrue. For all the angst over a 6 signing this summer, who knew we secretly had a Vieira reincarnate already at the club? 🤷🏼‍♂️

I don’t know what more you can say about Mo that hasn’t been said already? Another game. Another sumptuous goal and assist bringing up 6 goals/ 5 assists through 9 games this season. The numbers continue to be phenomenal. But I’m at the stage where I don’t want him to pass the ball again as he’s regularly SO lackadaisical with the football in open play. The last two games he’s been woeful. Yet he scores the winner in both. I love him to death but man does he frustrate the living P out of you watching at times. I know this for sure. I’m real glad I aren’t in Richard Hughes shoes as this is the trickiest of all deals to do. On the one hand, his production is still unparalleled. On the other, since he’s lost that yard of pace to breeze past players one-on-one like he regularly used to, his sloppy all round play is becoming more and more glaring. It’s a really tricky balancing act for Hughes and the club to weigh up when it comes to a longer contract at 32 on the money he commands with age no longer on his side. Anyone that thinks its straight forward and we should just give him what the wants is looking at it purely through a fans eyes and not a sporting directors. I love Mo to bits and already class him as being, at the very least, properly in the conversation for both L’pool and the PL’s greatest ever player. And in an ideal World, I’d have him see out his career here. But life isn’t ideal. And this is far from an open and shut deal to get done. Trent and big Virg are much easier locks. I don’t envy Hughes having to weigh everything up and navigate what to do with Mo at all.

My only real negative from last night is we’re now back to using the CL excuse to charge a quid more for a prohie. And making it A4 size so it doesn’t fit in yer pocket! 😡

And it continues to be a complete mystery to me why UEFA refuse to allow the clock on the scoreboard to run past 90 mins like in PL games. I mean why would the support who’ve actually paid to be in the ground need to know how much injury time is left ….. ? Just who exactly do they think this benefits? Outside of UEFA being UEFA and doing everything in their power to make life as awkward as possible. Rats. 🤬

Up the European Perfection Reds!
 
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Another boss, if very tiring, day out with the best team in the land. Sending you bouncing into the International break.

Yesterdays admin-

Title Countdown:
6 wins down/ 23 to go.
18 points down/ 74 to go.

Current PL unbeaten run:
P 3 W 3 F 6 A 1 CS: 2
3 Straight Win/ 1 Straight CS.

Current unbeaten away PL run:
P 6 W 4 D 2 F 13 A 6 CS: 3
4 Straight Wins/ 1 Straight CS.

For the second week in a row, Liverpool again showed City and Arsenal that we are TOTALLY in business for this league. Without, just yet, being the absolute business. For the second week in a row, they went away to a really tricky away ground, where nothing is rarely straightforward, and came away with all the points. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to go. (Side-note: I wish they’d F off out the league along with the blue S. Now Luton are back where they belong, the single worst PL ground bar none. As S as always for getting in. Can barely move under it. With the added ‘bonus’ yesterday of the far left corner completely out of those around us sightline. And the sun on the scoreboard not making seeing what was going on down there much better.). Selhurst Park, just after a big European game, when Palace haven’t played for a week, on a Sat’day dinner, against a Crystal Palace side FAR better than their current league position, desperate for points, is in no way, shape or form an easy place to go. But they find a way, for the second straight week, to come through with all the points. Winning games like this on the regular is what wins you league titles. It’s what ultimately cost us last year. Not winning enough times against the bottom 10.

L’pool were outstanding for an hour and should be comfortably out of sight. But 1-0, at a rabid, desperate away ground, is never quite comfortable. And they were always going to come and test that to the limit. Which they did the last 20 or so when Glasner changed the shape with great substitutions and really went for it. But L’pool stood firm and as much as the threat of an equaliser is always omnipresent in your mind, they also keep you relatively calm as they manage the end of the game superbly to see out another excellent three points. The dominance of the first 60 deserved the win. The defensive solidity in keeping yet another clean sheet and managing the game out deserved it. Yeah, a few nervy moments endured late and by Christ they could have made it smoother by being more clinical earlier. Which will give Slot and his team something to keep working on as this side still has levels to go. But they didn’t panic. Didn’t buckle. And sent out another screaming message that this season, once again, the football league title is as much their business as anyone else’s. 6 wins out of 7, from a tough start of some very tricky, hard away games, and leading the way into the October International break, along with mirroring that up by being perfect in Europe, and through the LC, is glaring testament that EVERYTHING this season is very much our business. Winning 5 straight games away from home, never an easy nor common thing, is also testament to that. And the boss part is there’s still FAR more to come before this group of Reds are the absolute business.

Few player shoot outs-

big Virg was imperious. Setting the tempo and casually controlling the game for the first hour. Then the main man in the way of everything Palace threw at us the last half hour. He was the very definition of the absolute business as he quietly continues going around being one of, if not the, best player of the season across the entire PL thus far.

I oft criticise Tsimikas, but he was superb in spelling AndyRobo. Both ends of the park. As was Cody ahead of him in stretching Palace continually with his brilliant wing play.

And Curtis, after some sound cameos recently seeing games out, came in and had a really good game controlling things and keeping everything simple. It’s a testament to how good he is that he and Ryan looked like Ryan and Ally Mac have all season. It continues to be utterly mad how many watching on the small screen, just like the likes of Gini and Ronnie Whelan before him, STILL fail to understand just what he brings to the table and how integral a component he is for every other part of the team to function. Press resistant. Works his behind off. Rarely gives it away. Keeps everything nicely ticking over. The unglamorous graft that allows everything else to tick over and be the business that this team is as a collective. Wonderful footballer.

The only downside yesterday was Ally pulling his hammy. But, fortunately, we are blessed with the best #2 in the game to hold down the fort until he's back.

And a shout out to ourselves. I thought the vocal was superb the full 90 as belief is growing and growing once more that we are winning this thing. Although whoever had the mad idea that getting on a train at just after 6 in the AM, to get one home just after 8 PM, wants a severe slap!

I’m getting too old for this S! 🤦‍♂️🥱

But the Reds are fast becoming the absolute business again so what yer gonna’ do?

Up the best in class Reds!
 
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Had a watch of Ljinders side recently and he is proving why he is better as a development coach than a tactician and head coach. Felt like deja vu watching the worst of Liverpool especially with the big spaces that the cb and dm have to defend against.

I know you loved him Scouse but to me when we know Klopp loves to empower his assistants but the more we played Ljinders ball the worse the team got. He failed at NEC and it looks like he will get bombed out of Salzburg. Things got stale at Liverpool mostly down to Ljinders getting to much influence on the side.
 

Superb news. That will only strengthen our already boss relationship with the Red Bull group.

Proper made up for him. Football with that man back in it is a FAR better sport than without him.

He’d take Germany all the way too. Love he’s kept that option open. Absolute scenes on SM the summer he was boss of Germany, with all the German shirts in L’pool. 🤣🤣🤣
 

Superb news. That will only strengthen our already boss relationship with the Red Bull group.

Proper made up for him. Football with that man back in it is a FAR better sport than without him.

He’d take Germany all the way too. Love he’s kept that option open. Absolute scenes on SM the summer he was boss of Germany, with all the German shirts in L’pool. 🤣🤣🤣
Really? Redbull is everything wrong with football and is far out of character with what Klopp represents. Sometimes we can take our rose-tinted glasses off and realise that. Also fully confirms that he is basically retired from Club football IMO.
 
What has Richard Hughes wver sone for us? 🙄

Excellent news to log back onto.


It's not entirely his fault but it should've been the main focus the moment he got here which is sorting out the big three contracts which have not been done yet. Until that is done, none of the rest matters, especially Trent, as his leaving would be catastrophic. The fact it has gotten this far without being sorted is amateurish from the club.
 
It's not entirely his fault but it should've been the main focus the moment he got here which is sorting out the big three contracts which have not been done yet. Until that is done, none of the rest matters, especially Trent, as his leaving would be catastrophic. The fact it has gotten this far without being sorted is amateurish from the club.

Blame Jurgen.
 
Really? Redbull is everything wrong with football and is far out of character with what Klopp represents. Sometimes we can take our rose-tinted glasses off and realise that. Also fully confirms that he is basically retired from Club football IMO.

As much as I don’t particularly like multi-club ownership, I like the Red Bull model and what they’ve built. One of the most respected and successful ownership groups in football aren’t they? Shrugs.

It will be interesting getting views from Leipzig in a few weeks.
 
Sarcasm? im a bit slow this evening :ROFLMAO:

Albeit inadvertently, I would say Jurgen is in large part to blame for at least Mo and big Virg not being done last year. You’d normally talk with 2 years to go. And that would have been happening in all likelihood. Then the manager announces he’s stepping down the end of the season, with nobody knowing who’ll be in charge next year, and all talks naturally stop. Then when you do replace him, it’s a tournament summer. Big contract negotiations take time.

Trent should never have got to last year though. He should have been extended with 3 to go. That one isn’t too clever.

I think its really naive to think Hughes isn’t working on all the extensions. Just a matter of time.
 

Yeah, naturally. Germans hate Leipzig for being corporate owned and going against fan model.

They are a different and admirable breed. Paying £13.47 for a CL game is unheard of in a few weeks in Leipzig. Yet German fans pay not too much more than that for Bundesliga games. The whole ethos over there is for the supporters. And RBL go against that.

But I think the new club in Leipzig aside, everything the Red Bull group have done has been doing it the right, self-sustaining way With the emphasis on youth development.
 
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