The Liverpool Thread

[Scouseinthehouse]

You'll need more than that. A LOT of money coming in this season, and none of the clubs are going to sit on it. I think we had this exact same conversation last season.

I wonder how big a player China will be the summer in terms of some of the names being linked to English clubs?

Be interesting to see how much of an effect that money has on things.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Pellegrini:
“I don’t know how Liverpool will react, whether it’s revenge, we’re sure it will be tough game,” says Pellegrini, who also backs former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling to rediscover his best form.
“I don’t know what will be the staring XI, but one player who I’m sure will start is Raheem Sterling. He’s a young man, young player, starting his career, and he knows how to deal with pressure.”

Completely bottled it Sunday so that's quite the claim.

But he ultimately has a winners medal and we don't so we'll lave that.

 

[xJamieWilliams]

The priority's for the money/ real quality signings should start with a 'keeper and dominant midfielder. Either BTB or DM dependent on where Grujic is slated to play. Maybe a LB dependent on whether he thinks Flanno is good enough to start. Everything else at FB is set with Clyne among the leagues best on the right, and Smith making the major leap to show he's first team squad ready. Centre half is interesting. You could argue for another top bracket one alongside Matip. (Who also gives depth in the DM role.). But then how will Lucas develop there? And let's not forget the immense promise of Joe Gomez. Can't see Lovren going anywhere and he's improved to at least be reliable depth. I'd off load Sakho if he has a decent Euro's whilst the price is still high. Don't get the cult status with him at all. And I've already discounted Skrtel and Toure being here for next year. A quality DM who is also rangy is sorely needed as mentioned. But you throw in, hypothetically, say Gotze as a name, along with Grujic and A N Other, and the two Brazilians quite possibly then step up to the ability we know they have with better quality around them. Could do with another out and out striker, but Sturridge, Ings and the developing Origi, who's come on leaps and bounds under Klopp from the player who never looked like he'd make a footballer under Rodgers is a good mix.

I love the fact we have two signed, Matip and Grujic, with the returning Markovic hopefully like a completely new £20 million signing to give added attacking options. That's three right there. Add a quality 'keeper, commanding central midfielder, and A N Other along the lines of a Gotze and that's improved the first XI immeasurably. Then we'll see on out goings what depth we need to add. A situation where the likes of Lallana and Milner are solid back-ups would be a major step forward in personnel.

I also like that Klopp's savvy and won't over pay just because. If the quality's there he would, but he's far more about the right players that fit rather than just a name.

I dont think Grujic is going to be a main starter next season, I would be surprised, so I think we need much more than what you've said. Keeper obviously one of them! In terms of a striker, this is the argument I've had with my mate for the season. While I like Origi and really like the look of Ings, we still need another quality striker up front, not too sure Gotze is the guy we need either. Great player, but another AM to a long list of them.

Benteke can hopefully go, I think thats nailed on after Sunday. But we need a possible 20 goal a season striker in too. (Who is not a target man)

I would definitely add another quality centre half on top of Matip, as bar Lucas all of ours are inconsistent, and us not knowing if Lucas will end up being a quality CB in the long run. I like Brad Smith too, but again think we need a proper left back and would be sad to say because I do like him, but get rid of Moreno, unless we are willing to develop him into a winger.

The only thing keeping me in a good mood about this squad this season is knowing we have a brilliant manager with a good backing team who will know eventually how to change it.

Without Klopp right now I would fear for our club more than I ever had.

"Gerrard - Alonso - Mascherano

Henderson - Can - Milner"

"That speaks volumes of where we have fell down to in the last 7 years.

 

[LFCMarshall]

You'll need more than that. A LOT of money coming in this season, and none of the clubs are going to sit on it. I think we had this exact same conversation last season.

I didn't mean for one second that's all we need, I just mentioned some of the names we've been linked with... There are bound to be other surprise signings we wont know anything about

The main point is just getting one or two quality individuals, rather than 6 or 7 players who are good squad players

A GK, fullback, central midfielder, winger and striker will probably be the first team improvements and then perhaps some squad members signed on top depending on the departures

 

[mersk]

Bad news for me, the Norwegian broadcaster of PL are increasing their prices further after this season. Kinda expected, but still... From August 1st they'll be demanding 449 NOK, roughly £40 per month.

And while they're at it, they're including Norwegian Tippeligaen into the price as if they're trying to convince us we're getting more value for money. But the truth is I couldn't give 2 ***** about Norwegian football. The level is just too low. And we don't even get the option to pay only for PL, it's all or nothing. **** them, so soo hard.

That means I'll end up with low quality **** streams. I'm a student ffs, I can't afford that kinda money for ~4 games a month. And there's not even a guarantee I get to see Liverpool, as they're only allowed to show one game on Saturdays 4pm (GMT+1). **** that. After this season, I'm gonna have to stick with stuttering streams with popups and all kinds of ****. Gee how I miss spending 30mins before each match looking for the best stream in an ocean of ****, I can't wait for that to become the norm again.

 

[LFCMarshall]

The priority's for the money/ real quality signings should start with a 'keeper and dominant midfielder. Either BTB or DM dependent on where Grujic is slated to play. Maybe a LB dependent on whether he thinks Flanno is good enough to start. Everything else at FB is set with Clyne among the leagues best on the right, and Smith making the major leap to show he's first team squad ready. Centre half is interesting. You could argue for another top bracket one alongside Matip. (Who also gives depth in the DM role.). But then how will Lucas develop there? And let's not forget the immense promise of Joe Gomez. Can't see Lovren going anywhere and he's improved to at least be reliable depth. I'd off load Sakho if he has a decent Euro's whilst the price is still high. Don't get the cult status with him at all. And I've already discounted Skrtel and Toure being here for next year. A quality DM who is also rangy is sorely needed as mentioned. But you throw in, hypothetically, say Gotze as a name, along with Grujic and A N Other, and the two Brazilians quite possibly then step up to the ability we know they have with better quality around them. Could do with another out and out striker, but Sturridge, Ings and the developing Origi, who's come on leaps and bounds under Klopp from the player who never looked like he'd make a footballer under Rodgers is a good mix.

I love the fact we have two signed, Matip and Grujic, with the returning Markovic hopefully like a completely new £20 million signing to give added attacking options. That's three right there. Add a quality 'keeper, commanding central midfielder, and A N Other along the lines of a Gotze and that's improved the first XI immeasurably. Then we'll see on out goings what depth we need to add. A situation where the likes of Lallana and Milner are solid back-ups would be a major step forward in personnel.

I also like that Klopp's savvy and won't over pay just because. If the quality's there he would, but he's far more about the right players that fit rather than just a name.

As you mentioned, Grujic, Matip and Markovic already signed up/returning so we are already in a better position.

We'll need more, but even if two quality first team signings were all that was made it would be progress (Ter Stegan and Xhaka even if unlikely)

CB, GK, CM improved with a winger returning and Origi, Sturridge, Ings all fit (hopefully!)

and that's at a minimum one would assume

 

[Mike.]

I didn't mean for one second that's all we need, I just mentioned some of the names we've been linked with... There are bound to be other surprise signings we wont know anything about

The main point is just getting one or two quality individuals, rather than 6 or 7 players who are good squad players

A GK, fullback, central midfielder, winger and striker will probably be the first team improvements and then perhaps some squad members signed on top depending on the departures

Yeah everyone you buy needs to be a clear cut about what you have. Hugely difficult to pull off, because everyone will want a piece of said targets

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

..... In terms of a striker, this is the argument I've had with my mate for the season. While I like Origi and really like the look of Ings, we still need another quality striker up front, not too sure Gotze is the guy we need either. Great player, but another AM to a long list of them.

Benteke can hopefully go, I think thats nailed on after Sunday. But we need a possible 20 goal a season striker in too. (Who is not a target man) .....

Hey, if we can add a quality striker who fits brilliant. But I also think with better players around them taking the emphasis off, you'll see the two Brazilians shining more and Firmino in particular adding a good percentage of goals. He's shown he's got top ability. Just needs the consistency that a second season and better teammates will hopefully bring. And although not his ideal position for me, he's looked at his best when he's been up top. Maybe Markovic adds to the goals output if he fits under Klopp like you think he would with his speed and work-rate? Ibe's another attacking option I'd expect to be much better than this year as he develops with better quality around him. All relative.

..... I like Brad Smith too, but again think we need a proper left back .....

You don't think either Smith or Flanno are 'proper' FB's? Not saying Smith should be a regular starter, but he's certainly showed enough for you to have no worries if he had to. And when Flanagan's returned to full health, he's as solid as anything back there. Yeah, he lack's the pace to get up and down. But with Clyne doing that more and more on the right and hardly ever getting caught out of position, with say a Markovic type with his speed ahead of him Jon can just do what he does best. Defend. That said, if we can improve on either with a new LB and they both stay as quality depth, then brilliant.

..... The only thing keeping me in a good mood about this squad this season is knowing we have a brilliant manager with a good backing team who will know eventually how to change it.

Without Klopp right now I would fear for our club more than I ever had.....

Absolutely. And I think that will be a big leveller when it comes to where players decide to go if they have a choice between ourselves and A N Other club. In the past, we've lost out straight financially. But Klopp's got a great reputation on the Continent as a manger players just love to play for. ****, Munich where in hard for Matip and he chose to leave the Bundesliga and guaranteed titles. I wonder how keen he'd of been to leave Germany to come here if Rodgers had still been in charge? (Rhetorical, as we know the probable answer.).

When was the last time we had anything like that to attract players? Rafa in terms of a reputation. But he was never the most player friendly of managers.

Be very interesting to see how FSG approach this summer too as I wouldn't trust them if they currently said it was daylight outside.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Yeah everyone you buy needs to be a clear cut about what you have. Hugely difficult to pull off, because everyone will want a piece of said targets

Yeah, that's been a constant going right back to Houllier and more so Benitez. Filling the squad out with similar quality players and not improving on the average quality to start with. Quantity over quality has been our MO for WAY too long.

Thankfully, as the winter window showed in action, we now have a manager who knows what he's doing and knows how to build a squad who won't just buy for the sake of buying if it's not either improving on what we have, or players that don't fit what he requires.

I'd of loved to of seen how much different our squad would now look if it had been Klopp at the helm the last three years deciding things and not Rodgers/ 'The Committee' with all the money they've blown between them.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

BTW JW, great to see you posting. Been TOO long.

Missed yer.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

..... That means I'll end up with low quality **** streams. I'm a student ffs, I can't afford that kinda money for ~4 games a month. And there's not even a guarantee I get to see Liverpool, as they're only allowed to show one game on Saturdays 4pm (GMT+1). **** that. After this season, I'm gonna have to stick with stuttering streams with popups and all kinds of ****. Gee how I miss spending 30mins before each match looking for the best stream in an ocean of ****, I can't wait for that to become the norm again.

Sorry to here about the increase man, but am I just exceptionally lucky to get great streams 9 times out of 10?

Of late I've fallen back to my goto freebie site FirstRow and outside of some RAI pick-up's for Milan games (which I only have on the background down to being limited in Italian lol), I've been getting perfect streams everything I've been watching. Shrugs.

 

[zzeezzy]

Yeah, that's been a constant going right back to Houllier and more so Benitez. Filling the squad out with similar quality players and not improving on the average quality to start with. Quantity over quality has been our MO for WAY too long.

Thankfully, as the winter window showed in action, we now have a manager who knows what he's doing and knows how to build a squad who won't just buy for the sake of buying if it's not either improving on what we have, or players that don't fit what he requires.

I'd of loved to of seen how much different our squad would now look if it had been Klopp at the helm the last three years deciding things and not Rodgers/ 'The Committee' with all the money they've blown between them.

I agree, the Mignolet 5 year contract was a great commitment to Liverpool's future. :$

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Is this *******, and his pay masters, for real? ..... Liverpool FC owners 'shaken' by accusations of greed over ticket prices - Liverpool Echo

****, only last week they tried it on again by initially pricing the Utd game at top whack, before a hasty climb down within a few hours after the fan backlash on social media and then both the SOS and United Supporters Trust jointly approaching the club to say 'WTF are you doing? AGAIN?' Not once, but TWICE in a matter of weeks you've been forced to backtrack on prices down to fan reaction over extortionate prices. . But you've been 'shaken' by accusations of greed huh like they aren't justified?

Here's a thought Ian ..... Start being smart, stop being such a bunch of underhand greedy bastards to start with and you wouldn't have to bow to any fan pressure.

 

[mersk]

Sorry to here about the increase man, but am I just exceptionally lucky to get great streams 9 times out of 10?

Of late I've fallen back to my goto freebie site FirstRow and outside of some RAI pick-up's for Milan games (which I only have on the background down to being limited in Italian lol), I've been getting perfect streams everything I've been watching. Shrugs.

I don't know, maybe there are better options out there now than when I used to stream a few years ago through myp2p.eu. I've just gotten so used to streaming in HD now that no matter how good a stream I find, it'll be a step down anyway.

But this insane money race has to end up with someone paying the bill. And that someone is us, regardless of if you're a season ticket holder or live on the other side of the world - in the end we're the ones paying for the ludicrous wages and transfers.

 

[zzeezzy]

I can't wait for the Europa tie, you got to admit it's going to be massive because it's virtually both sides biggest hope for Champions League football next season.

Ultimately as a United fan I'm confident though, because we have the advantage of playing at your place first and killing the tie off with a few away goals.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

I can't wait for the Europa tie, you got to admit it's going to be massive because it's virtually both sides biggest hope for Champions League football next season.

Ultimately as a United fan I'm confident though, because we have the advantage of playing at your place first and killing the tie off with a few away goals.

Whilst I'm reticent to ever predict a victory over Utd the insane amount of luck you always get against us, if those two games go as the league games, with Sturridge on the end of the amount of chances that were missed; I'd be quietly confident of progressing. Law of averages says Van Gaal's run has to end sometime.

The atmosphere Anfield next Thursday is going to be something else.

And yeah, the biggest games in European competition this year outside the European Cup final bar NONE!

 

[zzeezzy]

Whilst I'm reticent to ever predict a victory over Utd the insane amount of luck you always get against us, if those two games go as the league games, with Sturridge on the end of the amount of chances that were missed; I'd be quietly confident of progressing. Law of averages says Van Gaal's run has to end sometime.

The atmosphere Anfield next Thursday is going to be something else.

And yeah, the biggest games in European competition this year outside the European Cup final bar NONE!

No one can get past the man mountain with a beard, sounds like I'm talking about Hagrid but I'm actually on about De Gea.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

No one can get past the man mountain with a beard, sounds like I'm talking about Hagrid but I'm actually on about De Gea.

I would be happy your only serious threat Martial is out but listening to Sky the young kid is the new Messi/ Pele/ Cruyff rolled into one so you have got that .....

 

[zzeezzy]

I would be happy your only serious threat Martial is out but listening to Sky the young kid is the new Messi/ Pele/ Cruyff rolled into one so you have got that .....

The biggest fear I'd have if I were you right now is knowing that this United side with youth will bring the unpredictability to the table that you don't know how we will play. The energy is certainly back and there is a pace to our side now that we have lacked.

I don't listen to journalism on any young player as they over hype anyone who does well in a big league but Rashford deserves credit for 4 goals in 2 games. When you beat Arsenal with youngsters you know you've got a few good ones in the mix.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

The biggest fear I'd have if I were you right now is knowing that this United side with youth will bring the unpredictability to the table that you don't know how we will play. The energy is certainly back and there is a pace to our side now that we have lacked.

I don't listen to journalism on any young player as they over hype anyone who does well in a big league but Rashford deserves credit for 4 goals in 2 games. When you beat Arsenal with youngsters you know you've got a few good ones in the mix.

Not being an *** but outside of Rashford, Lindgaard and Varela, that wasn't exactly an inexperienced United team Sunday. Not taking anything away from the win, as poor as Arsenal were (****. You had Carrick out of position at centre half); but for all I keep reading about Utd's 'kids' beating title crashing Arsenal that's taking quite the liberty with the stating XI.