Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 11/12 (End of March 2012 onwards)

mada999

you know, this season has been a real killer... I really thought we had a chance of getting into the top four at the start of the season. It seams now that no team is afraid of playing us anymore and it seems that some of the players do not have the desire and hunger to get the job done. The signings made turned out to be poor enough.

I really hope we keep the spine of the team and scout out some decent players. We aren't gonna sign superstars so we need to buy smart. I think as usual we need to sign pacy players on the wings, a central midfielder and a good striker.

We have some players who I'm convinced will come good.. these are Henderson, Shelvey and Carroll. Downing hasn't got the heart or confidence to do it, Kuyt and bellers are getting too old and maxi is gone.

My position on Kenny is that he should stay for next season as there is not too much managerial talent available out there at the moment. I will say this, I think Kenny has been embarrassing sometimes in interviews this season and he needs to cop on. We need no distractions next season and make some shrewd signings to get us back on track.

Let's face it at the moment our aim should be to get back into the top six but we all need a dose of reality - between not improving the stadium and not attracting the top European talent we are slipping more and more each season and it sucks.

mike65

Mr Alan wrote: »

The people not calling for the head of Dalgilsh did they watch Liverpool for the last 5 months or so of the season?!

and so on.

Grayditch

Talk of Martinez and Lambert.

My god.

Grayditch

On a brighter note, it was United's draw at Anfield that messed them up, I feel...

willowthewisp

Is that press conference still on tomorrow?

spockety

I think anyone embarrassed by Kennys interviews really needs to ask themselves why it matters a toss.

Mr Alan

mike65 wrote: »

and so on.

I know you don't seem to realise it Mike, but you're actually proving the point I'm making.

Answer me this; should Martinez have been sacked for the opening 7 months of the season when Wigan were underperforming hugely & were the worst team in the league by some considerable distance?

amiable

I spotted Houllier on the pitch at the Etihad while the city players celebrated after the game.

K-9

Mr Alan wrote: »

Yea. Wigan are in the PL nearly 10 years at this stage.

What. Remember net spend? Well Martinez has dealt with that and kept them in the PL, their bread and butter. 7 wins in 9 when it really mattered?


People write off the likes of Rodgers and point to Coyle, one season wonders, but then scoff at Martinez, not a one season wonder. Got to love a football fans logic.

I don't think Martinez is the right option yet but he has achieved his targets under immense pressure. Keeping Wigan up is the minimum target, for Liverpool it is a top 4 challenge, Roy and Kenny failed in that. Rafa managed it even in last season.

daithijjj

Chucky the tree wrote: »

Nope. Like I said earlier, I can judge Kenny on more than the league table.





Maybe they won't have to because Pardew won't be foolish enough to try and play his best team in all 3 competitions while having a very limited squad.

So Kenny played Henderson on the right because every else said he played there for Sunderland? Lol, he should be sacked tomorrow if that's his line of thinking.

Of course we will be happy, just when we have a decent manager in charge. I didn't want Rafa sacked when he finished 7th.

Maybe we should get Rafa back, nothing quite like the sight of Pennant in the shirt.

Kess73

amiable wrote: »

I spotted Houllier on the pitch at the Etihad while the city players celebrated after the game.

Was it Ged or just some guy who looked like him?

Vanolder

I think ( more hope) that Henderson, Shelvey and Carroll are gonna be like New signings next season. They've had their year bedding in as such, with Carroll finally exercising his demons and Henderson the awe of a big money move.

There is no doubting how poor we have been at times, yet we battered many teams but for poor finishing and the woodwork letting us down.

Lucas back, and in form, and if these lads step up to the mantle like I think they are going to I think we won't be far off 4th next season and indeed, if a winger and stiker can be added I think we'll be there.

That's why I think Kenny deserves another year. I've been as frustrated and distraught with the season as anyone, and could do the easy thing and call for a change but I think Kenny deserves to see out what he started but the players have to stand up for him next year.

Mr Alan

K-9 wrote: »

What. Remember net spend? Well Martinez has dealt with that and kept them in the PL, their bread and butter. 7 wins in 9 when it really mattered?


People write off the likes of Rodgers and point to Coyle, one season wonders, but then scoff at Martinez, not a one season wonder. Got to love a football fans logic.

I don't think Martinez is the right option yet but he has achieved his targets under immense pressure. Keeping Wigan up is the minimum target, for Liverpool it is a top 4 challenge, Roy and Kenny failed in that. Rafa managed it even in last season.

I'm not writing Martinez off, as I said, I think he's a good manager & seems like a decent bloke. However all I'm saying is if we're changing manager, it should only be for a genuine top class proven replacement. Not taking a punt on someone like Martinez who'll be chased out of the club by his first Christmas if we had a poor start.

amiable

Kess73 wrote: »

amiable wrote: »

I spotted Houllier on the pitch at the Etihad while the city players celebrated after the game.

Was it Ged or just some guy who looked like him?

99% certain it was Ged. Have MOTD recorded on Sky Plus. I'll double check

G.K.

People shouldn't be talking about Lambert in the same breath as some of the others. He's a manager clearly destined for big things, shown by his tactical nous and excellent scouting.

whatawaster

Mr Alan wrote: »

I know you don't seem to realise it Mike, but you're actually proving the point I'm making.

Answer me this; should Martinez have been sacked for the opening 7 months of the season when Wigan were underperforming hugely & were the worst team in the league by some considerable distance?

Except I think they might have the worst squad in the league

For them to be underperforming hugely they would have to have been maybe the 13th/14th best team on paper.

Otherwise they were performing as expected or slightly below expectations.

Very few teams are consistent from start to finish. You could say the better teams might start slowly and peak when it matters. United have certainly been specialists at that. Rafa's Liverpool tended to be a little like that.

Being bottom halfway through the season is not the same thing as being 2nd/3rd, of course it's not. But the expectation and resources at Wigan are lightyears away from Liverpool or United

amiable

It was definitely Ged On the pitch at the Etihad. He was standing behind Yaya Toure as he was being interviewed

Mr Alan

I don't think Wigan have the worst squad in the league at all. Certainly not the worst starting 11. Paul Jewell kept em up & got em into a cup final & Europe iirc. We could probably attract him if we tried.

I agree with GK, I think Lambert would be a better 'punt', but I don't think we should be taking punts on a young inexperienced managers who won't be granted time or patience.

Jayob10

whatawaster wrote: »

Except I think they might have the worst squad in the league

For them to be underperforming hugely they would have to have been maybe the 13th/14th best team on paper.

Otherwise they were performing as expected or slightly below expectations.

Very few teams are consistent from start to finish. You could say the better teams might start slowly and peak when it matters. United have certainly been specialists at that. Rafa's Liverpool tended to be a little like that.

Being bottom halfway through the season is not the same thing as being 2nd/3rd, of course it's not. But the expectation and resources at Wigan are lightyears away from Liverpool or United

Re: Martinez

As I said before, if you finish well, a sh*te start is all forgotten.

If you finish poorly, a great start is forgotten.

And both may end up on similar points.

Martinez is flavour of the month right now.

whatawaster

Mr Alan wrote: »

I don't think Wigan have the worst squad in the league at all. Certainly not the worst starting 11. Paul Jewell kept em up & got em into a cup final & Europe iirc. We could probably attract him if we tried.

I agree with GK, I think Lambert would be a better 'punt', but I don't think we should be taking punts on a young inexperienced managers who won't be granted time or patience.

Jewel had money to spend though. As did Bruce.

By the time Martinez came in, IIRC, they had lost Baines, Palacios, Cattermole, Heskey, Valencia. And they investment has dried up since then

Jayob10

Mr Alan wrote: »

I don't think Wigan have the worst squad in the league at all. Certainly not the worst starting 11. Paul Jewell kept em up & got em into a cup final & Europe iirc. We could probably attract him if we tried.

I agree with GK, I think Lambert would be a better 'punt', but I don't think we should be taking punts on a young inexperienced managers who won't be granted time or patience.

Martinez, Rodgers or Lambert are all shots in the dark, genuine gambles whatever way you look at it.

If Martinez was to take Wigan into the top 10 at least next season then, maybe he is one to look at.

If Lambert can repeat this seasons heroics next season then he may be one to look at.

Its the same as signing players, no more one season wonders.

Taking someone on after they have overachieved is not the way to go.

whatawaster

Jayob10 wrote: »

Re: Martinez

As I said before, if you finish well, a sh*te start is all forgotten.

If you finish poorly, a great start is forgotten.

And both may end up on similar points.

Martinez is flavour of the month right now.

Martinez has been flavour of the month at the end of the last three seasons.

Mr Alan

Just to clarify are you saying you'd like to move Kenny on & bring Martinez in?

whatawaster wrote: »

Martinez has been flavour of the month at the end of the last three seasons.

By saying this you're admitting that he is unable to get his squad playing to their full potential for the first 7 months of each season. Why is that being overlooked?

Jayob10

Mr Alan wrote: »

Just to clarify ate you saying you'd like to move Kenny on & bring Martinez in?

Read my previous post

K-9

G.K. wrote: »

People shouldn't be talking about Lambert in the same breath as some of the others. He's a manager clearly destined for big things, shown by his tactical nous and excellent scouting.

I'd rate Rodgers higher than Lambert tbh. Rodgers has done an exceptionable job in seeing a project through, with little funds, totally different from Lambert and managers who've done what he done before.

Tbh, it'll take a couple of seasons to see which opinion is right as that is all it is based on atm, opinions. I think Swansea are better placed.

whatawaster

Mr Alan wrote: »

Just to clarify ate you saying you'd like to move Kenny on & bring Martinez in?

My preferences would be Pellegrini, Klopp or Deschamps. Emery would have been another, but that ship has sailed. Blanc is another interesting one.

I would not be unhappy with Martinez, though as I said earlier, I have my doubts about him.

My feeling is that I don't want Dalglish spending our money this summer. I hope I'm wrong and if he's kept on, which I think he will be, that he turns things around.

K-9

Mr Alan wrote: »

I don't think Wigan have the worst squad in the league at all. Certainly not the worst starting 11. Paul Jewell kept em up & got em into a cup final & Europe iirc. We could probably attract him if we tried.

I agree with GK, I think Lambert would be a better 'punt', but I don't think we should be taking punts on a young inexperienced managers who won't be granted time or patience.

Net spend Mr. Alan, net spend or does that only matter with Rafa?

firemansam4

Well I'm glad this is the end of a very disappointing league season!
Not sure where I stand on Kenny now, have been very reluctant to join in with the Kenny out brigade, but think there is going to have to have to be some serious improvement shown next year!
Although like many posters have said already there is no point replacing Kenny if there is no decent managers out there to replace him with.

At least watching the Man utd players starting to celebrate winning the league and then the pure disappointment on there faces cheered me up a bit

whatawaster

Mr Alan wrote: »

By saying this you're admitting that he is unable to get his squad playing to their full potential for the first 7 months of each season. Why is that being overlooked?

It's not being overlooked. It's the major source of my doubts about him. But you can't deny his teams have bottle.

But he has met his goals every season with Wigan. I was certain they'd be relegated this year without N'Zogbia.

kingshankly

Mr Alan wrote: »

I'm not writing Martinez off, as I said, I think he's a good manager & seems like a decent bloke. However all I'm saying is if we're changing manager, it should only be for a genuine top class proven replacement. Not taking a punt on someone like Martinez who'll be chased out of the club by his first Christmas if we had a poor start.

Top class manager why would they be attracted to Liverpool
Yes we're a massive club with a massive fan base but were a mid table premiership side that are a million miles from champions league football.
I for one would be greatfull to Martinez if he took the job as he will other choices

Mr Alan

K-9 wrote: »

Net spend Mr. Alan, net spend or does that only matter with Rafa?

Down boy!

Im not sure what you're hounding me about?! I think Martinez is a good manager & has done a good job at Wigan!

Doing well keeping a smaller club with little funds in the PL should not mean you're ready & able for the Liverpool job though!

Jayob10

Mr Alan wrote: »

Just to clarify are you saying you'd like to move Kenny on & bring Martinez in?



By saying this you're admitting that he is unable to get his squad playing to their full potential for the first 7 months of each season. Why is that being overlooked?

I am pointing out that fact, to show why he is flavour of the month.

He has caught the eye because of a strong finish and folk are quick to forget the poor start. When looking at Martinez as a candidate to manage Liverpool, people need to look at the bigger picture and judge him on the entire season, not just the last 9-10 games.

Its all about perspective, if Wigan had spent half the season in the top ten and slide down the table and narrowly avoided relegation on the same points total there would not be as much fanfare about Martinez. As I said, he is flavour of the month.

Definately a stylish manager in terms of how he likes the game to be played, but the jury is out as to whether he can get some substance into a top side.

There are many more aspects to being a great manager than advocating and playing good football.

amiable

K-9 wrote: »

G.K. wrote: »

People shouldn't be talking about Lambert in the same breath as some of the others. He's a manager clearly destined for big things, shown by his tactical nous and excellent scouting.

I'd rate Rodgers higher than Lambert tbh. Rodgers has done an exceptionable job in seeing a project through, with little funds, totally different from Lambert and managers who've done what he done before.

Tbh, it'll take a couple of seasons to see which opinion is right as that is all it is based on atm, opinions. I think Swansea are better placed.

Rodgers has a big blip on his CV from Reading.
I think Lambert got sacked by Wycombe too.

PhlegmyMoses

Not a Liverpool fan but Mr Alan is right. Martinez would be a disastrous appointment for Liverpool now. A bad start and he'd be slaughtered. You need someone who the fans will be patient with and willing to give time to.

The likes of Rodgers and Lambert should not even be considered. Wait until they have a few more PL seasons under their belt before they move upwards.

Jayob10

amiable wrote: »

Rodgers has a big blip on his CV from Reading.
I think Lambert got sacked by Wycombe too.

The one plus for Martinez is that i'd imagine he will be very compatible working with a big name DOF. I'd imagine he can play the yes man and won't toss his toys out of the pram if a signing is made without his consent.

His job would be to coach and get the best out of what he is being given to him. May also attract a top name DOF aswell, in the knowledge they will be able to exercise power as to what players are signed etc...

Big name manager + big name DOF = potential for problems.

mada999

spockety wrote: »

I think anyone embarrassed by Kennys interviews really needs to ask themselves why it matters a toss.

it matters a toss because he's representing the club

CSF

mada999 wrote: »

it matters a toss because he's representing the club

Seriously, that 'we didn't deserve to lose today' is getting a bit old at this stage.

G.K.

K-9 wrote: »

I'd rate Rodgers higher than Lambert tbh. Rodgers has done an exceptionable job in seeing a project through, with little funds, totally different from Lambert and managers who've done what he done before.

Tbh, it'll take a couple of seasons to see which opinion is right as that is all it is based on atm, opinions. I think Swansea are better placed.

Lambert's seen more of a project through than Lambert has, considering he got them sucessive promotions.

Also what do you mean by the part I emboldened?

amiable wrote: »

Rodgers has a big blip on his CV from Reading.
I think Lambert got sacked by Wycombe too.

He resigned, I should know as I'm a Wycombe native and resident.

Mr Alan

By the way, Gareth "not good enough to play for Liverpool" Barry won the league today.

Night lads. What a poxy season.

Francie Barrett

Vanolder wrote: »

I think ( more hope) that Henderson, Shelvey and Carroll are gonna be like New signings next season. They've had their year bedding in as such, with Carroll finally exercising his demons and Henderson the awe of a big money move.

There is no doubting how poor we have been at times, yet we battered many teams but for poor finishing and the woodwork letting us down.

Lucas back, and in form, and if these lads step up to the mantle like I think they are going to I think we won't be far off 4th next season and indeed, if a winger and stiker can be added I think we'll be there.

That's why I think Kenny deserves another year. I've been as frustrated and distraught with the season as anyone, and could do the easy thing and call for a change but I think Kenny deserves to see out what he started but the players have to stand up for him next year.

You are bang on the money. Yes, the team has underperformed, but the glimpses of form we have shown lately make it pretty clear that we are starting to click and that we are going in the right direction. From what I can see, we are really only 1 key player away from making a title challenge.

GK - Reina - easily one of the best in the league.
LB - Enrique - his form has dipped, but he has shown enough to demonstrate he is one of the best in the league at left back.
CB - Agger/Skrtel - when Agger is fit and has games, he is one of the best in the league. Skrtel has the odd error, but he has been immense this season. Both top 4 players easily.
RB - Johnson - top 4 definitely and certainly very close to the level of Sagna, who is the best in the league.
CM - Lucas - best defensive midfielder in the league, bloody key player.
CM - Gerrard - any team in the league would have him, world class.
CM - Henderson/Shelvey - between these two lads for the position. Henderson has been improving gradually and showing real class while Shelvey seems to have more explosiveness. One of these will definitely become a key player.
LW - Suarez - if not for suspension and our poor form, Suarez would have over 20 goals, vital player.
FF - Carroll - really started to link up well with Suarez in a Drogba battering ram role. I feel he will really deliver next season.
RW - Downing(?) - Bellamy and Maxi are too old, Downing has disappointed that is why there are question marks around him. If we could get the likes of a Jesus Navas or a Kagawa, we would really complete the team.

Really, either Downing steps it up, or we bring in a proven winger like Navas or Kagawa. The only other position that needs strengthening is central midfield. Gerrard and Lucas pick themselves, so surely one from Shelvey/Henderson/Adam/Spearing/Aquilani can play their way into the team?

Francie Barrett

Mr Alan wrote: »

By the way, Gareth "not good enough to play for Liverpool" Barry won the league today.

Night lads. What a poxy season.

Lots of mediocre players have won the league. City would still have probably won the league without Barry, which is more than can be said for Aguero, Silva, Yaya Toure, Kompany, Hart, etc!

kingshankly

Kenny is on the defensive the whole time he has changed big time since he got the job has got very bitter
I remember him as manager and player and was very coy and quiet in interviews always came across as embarrassed nearly but with a strange sense of humour.
Even when he was director of football when Rafa was in charge he was quite pleasant when interviewed .
But the pressure has got to him big time every week it's worse he's getting more bitter and more defensive with petty sarcastic answers pisses me off to be honest(although a lot of interviewers deserve it)

firemansam4

Just a small point but Martinez's remarkable turnaround of Wigan's fortunes in keeping Wigan up this year kinda remind me of hodgson's job of keeping Fulhum up a few years back!!

Hmmm.....

Washington Irving

The only man I would rather see than Kenny as manager next season is Rafa. Martinez or Lambert nowhere near, maybe if Martinez can go a full season doing as well as he has in the last few weeks he could have a chance. I certainly don't want a managerial change unless those in charge are 110% sure they have the right man lest we be compared to Abramovich and his henchmen in London

Francie Barrett

El Spearo wrote: »

i get the feeling we wont be waiting very long to see transfers start.

I can't see there being too much activity, as I just said, we are 90% there.

Goalkeepers is fine.

Centre back is fine.

Right back is fine.

Aurelio is obviously gone. That means Enrique will need a backup option as Robinson probably isn't quite ready.

Central midfield we can probably lose a player. I guess Aquilani will move on as Spearing, Adam and Shelvey become the backups to Gerrard, Lucas and Henderson.

Wingers will see some change. Maxi looks set to go, even though he is a goal machine Kuyt might feel it's time to leave while Cole might be moved on. Bellamy will be rotated. Suarez will probably continue in a freeish role. Downing I assume will be given one more chance. Sterling will definitely get more game time. One quality acquisition here could change the team completely in my opinion.

Strikers we probably need a back up to Carroll/Suarez. Pacheco/Eccleston haven't shown a lot

Francie Barrett

Saul-Goode9 wrote: »

The only man I would rather see than Kenny as manager next season is Rafa.

Yea, Rafa is the only manager we have a chance at getting who I would have confidence in. He definitely won't be back. I say we stick with Kenny and end speculation as it's so destructive to this team.

K-9

Mr Alan wrote: »

Down boy!

Im not sure what you're hounding me about?! I think Martinez is a good manager & has done a good job at Wigan!

Doing well keeping a smaller club with little funds in the PL should not mean you're ready & able for the Liverpool job though!

Nope.but it means more than Rodgers or Lambert. Martinez has done a remarkable job, I don't think it's Liverpool standard yet but any manager who isn't challenging for the title come Xmas will face huge criticism. Kenny got it at Xmas.

Jayob10 wrote: »

I am pointing out that fact, to show why he is flavour of the month.

He has caught the eye because of a strong finish and folk are quick to forget the poor start. When looking at Martinez as a candidate to manage Liverpool, people need to look at the bigger picture and judge him on the entire season, not just the last 9-10 games.

Its all about perspective, if Wigan had spent half the season in the top ten and slide down the table and narrowly avoided relegation on the same points total there would not be as much fanfare about Martinez. As I said, he is flavour of the month.

Definately a stylish manager in terms of how he likes the game to be played, but the jury is out as to whether he can get some substance into a top side.

There are many more aspects to being a great manager than advocating and playing good football.

Martinez was always going to struggle, that he got them from sure fire relegation to safety on the last day is astonishing, 7 wins out of 9 is Di Matteo form!

Some will get the point I'm getting at, some wont. Some just don't get context and everything is black & white and has easy answers

MickySticks

SlickRic

Francie Barrett wrote: »

GK - Reina - easily one of the best in the league.
LB - Enrique - his form has dipped, but he has shown enough to demonstrate he is one of the best in the league at left back.
CB - Agger/Skrtel - when Agger is fit and has games, he is one of the best in the league. Skrtel has the odd error, but he has been immense this season. Both top 4 players easily.
RB - Johnson - top 4 definitely and certainly very close to the level of Sagna, who is the best in the league.
CM - Lucas - best defensive midfielder in the league, bloody key player.
CM - Gerrard - any team in the league would have him, world class.
CM - Henderson/Shelvey - between these two lads for the position. Henderson has been improving gradually and showing real class while Shelvey seems to have more explosiveness. One of these will definitely become a key player.
LW - Suarez - if not for suspension and our poor form, Suarez would have over 20 goals, vital player.
FF - Carroll - really started to link up well with Suarez in a Drogba battering ram role. I feel he will really deliver next season.
RW - Downing(?) - Bellamy and Maxi are too old, Downing has disappointed that is why there are question marks around him. If we could get the likes of a Jesus Navas or a Kagawa, we would really complete the team.

epic.

it's a wonder we were 37 points off the winners of the League.

Gerrard is severely on the wane, and we actually play better without him now, by and large.

Reina hasn't been the best in the league for at least 2 years.

Skrtel has been great this year, but generally just when Agger is in the team. he tends to get headless when he's not.

Enrique is fine, but offers nothing in the attacking 3rd, which a LB at the top level needs to do.

Johnson is nowhere near the consistency of Sagna, though i do like him and think he gets far too much flak off some.

Henderson and Shelvey both have potential, but they're nowhere near the level we need to compete yet - neither of them.

Carroll still needs consistency, and goals, to be considered good enough as part of a starting XI for a top 4 team.

---

bottom line, there's a lot of work to be done. we're not near where we need to be, and today's performance was a bit of a reminder.

8th is nowhere near good enough for Liverpool Football Club, and the players and staff should be embarrassed.

i don't trust Kenny with a lot of money, but i also don't want Rodgers or Martinez yet.

Lambert I'd consider as i do think there's something special about him. but if we're to remove Kenny, ideally, it would be a top class replacement, and proven at some sort of bigg-ish club.

we're not getting Klopp.

so Blanc, Deschamps or Pellegrini would do me.

or obviously Rafa.

it's such an important summer ahead, and i'm glad i'm not making the decision because I don't have a fúcking clue what to do

5starpool

Francie Barrett wrote: »

You are bang on the money. Yes, the team has underperformed, but the glimpses of form we have shown lately make it pretty clear that we are starting to click and that we are going in the right direction. From what I can see, we are really only 1 key player away from making a title challenge.

GK - Reina - easily one of the best in the league.
LB - Enrique - his form has dipped, but he has shown enough to demonstrate he is one of the best in the league at left back.
CB - Agger/Skrtel - when Agger is fit and has games, he is one of the best in the league. Skrtel has the odd error, but he has been immense this season. Both top 4 players easily.
RB - Johnson - top 4 definitely and certainly very close to the level of Sagna, who is the best in the league.
CM - Lucas - best defensive midfielder in the league, bloody key player.
CM - Gerrard - any team in the league would have him, world class.
CM - Henderson/Shelvey - between these two lads for the position. Henderson has been improving gradually and showing real class while Shelvey seems to have more explosiveness. One of these will definitely become a key player.
LW - Suarez - if not for suspension and our poor form, Suarez would have over 20 goals, vital player.
FF - Carroll - really started to link up well with Suarez in a Drogba battering ram role. I feel he will really deliver next season.
RW - Downing(?) - Bellamy and Maxi are too old, Downing has disappointed that is why there are question marks around him. If we could get the likes of a Jesus Navas or a Kagawa, we would really complete the team.

Really, either Downing steps it up, or we bring in a proven winger like Navas or Kagawa. The only other position that needs strengthening is central midfield. Gerrard and Lucas pick themselves, so surely one from Shelvey/Henderson/Adam/Spearing/Aquilani can play their way into the team?

You are perhaps the most optimistic person on here I think, the epitome of the 'next year' spirit we all parody at times but yearn so badly for.