Liverpool FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2015 Mod Note in OP 9/4

Agent Coulson

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Are people asleep at the wheel today?

Apparently the club is in profit for the 2013-2014 season - http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/02/liverpool-first-profit-seven-years

Posted it Friday

Agent Coulson wrote: »

Liverpool cleared of Financial Fair Play breach

Liverpool will announce a first profit in seven years when their accounts are released on Monday to show the turnaround under new owners, Fenway Sports Group, following their buy-out of George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

“During this review period, the club was going through a transitional period having just emerged from a difficult financial and operational position under previous ownership,” said Ayre.

“Since FSG took over in October 2010, we have stabilised the Club and made good overall progress by taking a measured approach to our financial position as we worked towards FFP compliance.

“We have always been supportive of the principles of FFP and welcome today’s announcement."

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/560925/Liverpool-Financial-Fair-Play-Hull-City

klose

Sinclair just scored a worldy for the u21s v chelsea, 2-0 up. Wow.

Demosthenese

magma69 wrote: »

I'm very confident in the crucial home game against United. If we do the business there, we really should get 4th. Robbed of a result in Old Trafford. Form is with us. I'm uncharacteristically unfazed by playing United tbh. I think they're a lot more worried about us than we are about them.

United have been actually better against the bigger teams this season than against the rest - they'll give us a game but as you say, i am seriously not worried about them - i feel they do worry about us - if we avoid defeat on that day (and this should be the minimum we expect) then i'd still fancy us to finish ahead of them.

It's one of those things in football where my head says we are the form team, playing well, with purpose and a sense of unity - they are playing restricted passionless football that is being stifled by a man that is selling magic beans to the masses.

Agent Coulson

Spurs, Arsenal, Utd, Southampton & Liverpool are all fighting it out for two places I wouldn't get carried away with it's just Utd and us fighting for fourth.

Five teams fighting for two places finishing 5th ahead of Utd in 6th isn't anything to brag about if Spurs & Arsenal finsh 3rd & 4th.

Demosthenese

Agent Coulson wrote: »

Spurs, Arsenal, Utd, Southampton & Liverpool are all fighting it out for two places I wouldn't get carried away with it's just Utd and us fighting for fourth.

Five teams fighting for two places finishing 5th ahead of Utd in 6th isn't anything to brag about if Spurs & Arsenal finsh 3rd & 4th.

Southampton cannot score goals and are done for the season. Spurs don't have it in them to finish ahead of us now. Arsenal are the usual suspects for the CL spots, they can be hot and cold but they'll be thereabouts and are proven in the run in. 2 Horse race with us and United.

We have form on our side ... and optimism

Augmerson

klose wrote: »

Sinclair just scored a worldy for the u21s v chelsea, 2-0 up. Wow.

What's a worldy mang?

DVDM93

Will we finish fourth? I don't know.

Will United finish fourth? I don't know.

What I do know is that Boards will crash the day it's decided, it will be complete and utter chaos.

Agent Coulson

Here's a few different scenarios.

Win the FA Cup against Utd and finish 5th behind them in 4th.

Lose the FA Cup final but finish 4th ahead of them in 5th.

The perfect result win the FA cup and finish 4th ahead of them.

DVDM93

DVDM93 wrote: »

Will we finish fourth? I don't know.

Will United finish fourth? I don't know.

What I do know is that Boards will crash the day it's decided, it will be complete and utter chaos.

Neither might.

That'd probably bring chaos too though!

Agent Coulson

Agent Coulson wrote: »

Here's a few different scenarios.

Win the FA Cup against Utd and finish 5th behind them in 4th.

Lose the FA Cup final but finish 4th ahead of them in 5th.

The perfect result win the FA cup and finish 4th ahead of them.

Lose the FA cup but finish 5th?

It's probably the most likely if a bookie was pricing it up

DVDM93

rarnes1 wrote: »

Neither might.

That'd probably bring chaos too though!

More like this I reckon :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIIuR-HjFho

Agent Coulson

rarnes1 wrote: »

Lose the FA cup but finish 5th?

It's probably the most likely if a bookie was pricing it up

I really didn't want to face/post the worst case scenario.

DVDM93

Ganymede Glow wrote: »

Where's the €900,000 money John?

It was just resting in his account.

Agent Coulson

Ganymede Glow wrote: »

Where's the €900,000 money John?

Probably just about covers Glen Johnsons wages till the end of the season.

Kerrigooney

Agent Coulson wrote: »

Probably just about covers Glen Johnsons wages till the end of the season.

Sheepy99

klose wrote: »

Sinclair just scored a worldy for the u21s v chelsea, 2-0 up. Wow.

That's a horrible term to use, and the goal was very good, but outrageous? No.

How are Liverpool only 5th in that league? have they had injuries, or a poor start?

rob316

Speaking of Johnson contract talk is gone quiet. Have the club finally seen sense and not bothered?

rob316

rob316 wrote: »

Speaking of Johnson contract talk is gone quiet. Have the club finally seen sense and not bothered?

It's not Johnson quiet contract talks I'm concerned with!

klose

Sheepy99 wrote: »

That's a horrible term to use, and the goal was very good, but outrageous? No.

How are Liverpool only 5th in that league? have they had injuries, or a poor start?

Horrible term? :pac:


They've played 3 games less than leaders man united which is why they are behind.

As said there's an awful lot of work to be done, to be fair to the team/squad & Rodgers though 4th and perhaps 3rd is now a realistic aim in the eyes of everyone with 11 games left.

The team are performing and answering doubts
- the initial good spell was knocked as they were only playing lowly teams
- they went out and beat West Ham, Spurs, Man City & Southampton while drawing with Everton away, 13 points from 15.
- done without Gerrard (the 5 games mentioned above) who was seen as many to be yet again crucial this season.
- done with little goal input from Sturridge

They've put themselves in the ring and gone toe to toe with quality opposition and come out on top repeatedly. Needs to continue and the lower positioned teams along with Utd & Arsenal need to be dealt with and of course a point or 3 in the Chelsea game would be welcome.

Let's be real here, there will be dropped points over the next 11 games, the team/squad are now in a position where that is tolerable to an extent, an extent hard to quantify without a crystal ball.

I see no one celebrating, I see people enjoying the good run, there were plenty p1ssing and moaning during what I refer to as the blip, now isn't the time for it imo.

Kirby

I think the recent events might put some perspective into peoples opinions on certain players.

Are Lucas and Gerrard good players? Yes.
Is it nice if they are available? Sure.
Are they crucial to the team playing well or winning matches? Absolutely not.

Some fans get carried away with how "vital" certain members of the squad are.

Kirby

Kirby wrote: »

......

Some fans get carried away with how "vital" certain members of the squad are.

Indeed, I said it yesterday, Lucas is relatively easily replacable if a replacement is sought.

Gerrard is class no doubt, was superb at times last year, last year's team isn't this year's team though (formation wise).

Class is permanent form is temporary, decline due to age is another kettle of fish.

brevity

Who would we replace Lucas with?

djPSB

brevity wrote: »

Who would we replace Lucas with?

Jay Spearing.

Pyjamarama

brevity wrote: »

Who would we replace Lucas with?

Marco Reus.

Agent Coulson

brevity wrote: »

Who would we replace Lucas with?

Any old player will do as it seems from the post above he is easily replacable.

brevity

brevity wrote: »

Who would we replace Lucas with?

I wouldn't have a clue personally. I wouldn't be able to nominate replacements for any of the Liverpool squad and I'm the first to admit it.

That accepted Joe Allen has done a more than acceptable job of deputising for Lucas recently, I do recall many reckoning we'd be in trouble with Allen in a midfield two against Man City.

If people reckon a better midfielder than Joe Allen (better as in more defensive minded, more capable a tackler and more physically capable of dominating the space ahead of the 3 CBs) can't be found and purchased relatively easily by Liverpool FC I'd be genuinely flabbergasted.

Now, I'm not convinced LFC will replace Lucas like for like.

Agent Coulson

Agent Coulson wrote: »

Any old player will do as it seems from the post above he is easily replacable.

If the worst came to the worst I'm confident Rodgers would get the best out of them.
you saw the word relatively I presume? Or are you being obtuse for the craic?

DVDM93

Pyjamarama wrote: »

Marco Reus.

No he had to replace Johnson at right back.

Pyjamarama

DVDM93 wrote: »

No he had to replace Johnson at right back.

He's so versatile he could do both surely... At the same time. Which means we could play an extra striker, preferably heskey.

DVDM93

The small details of this win make it all the more impressive. Like not getting back in to Liverpool until 4:30am Friday morning, probably not getting to bed 'til 6am. Game Sunday morning at 12 well my body clock would be shattered! They weren't coming back from bringing the kids to Disneyland either it was a 120 minute away game in Turkey against a decent side in an hostile atmosphere in which they got knocked out in penalties. Go on the lads proud so I am.

K-9

There's a good base of players, assembled at a big enough cost. Goalkeeper, CM upgrade and CF and we'd be in a great position squad wise.

Sheepy99

If the current run continues in a similar enough way until the end of the season, then i'd say a realistic title attempt could be on next year, given that only 2, 3 players tops might be brought in, meaning there shouldn't be too much disruption, and the league won't be lost in the first 2 months.

Jesus Wept

rob316 wrote: »

Speaking of Johnson contract talk is gone quiet. Have the club finally seen sense and not bothered?

Some sort of performance type deal:

Let's say between 1-11

If he is performing well, getting an eight, he gets 80k a week, if he is doing a spinal tap(in) and like, going up to eleven, he gets his £110k a week.

If he keeps doing 2's and 3's, well that's only 20k or 30k per week and perhaps there is some sort scheme down the social to help lads like him going through tough times financially.

mosstin

pmy.murphy wrote: »

Leon Britton

Definite no for me. I'm sick of Brittish players.

Talisman

Another positive - As it stands Liverpool lead the mini league of teams at the top of the table.

P F A GD Pts
Liverpool 9 16 14 2 16
Man City 9 16 10 6 15
Chelsea 8 14 10 4 13
Man Utd 7 8 5 3 11
Tottenham 9 12 18 -6 11
Arsenal 9 10 13 -3 9
Southampton 9 6 12 -6 7

Talisman

brevity wrote: »

Who would we replace Lucas with?

Prior to him renewing his contract with Aston Villa, it looked like the club were lining up a move for Fabian Delph.

sweetie

Talisman wrote:

P F A GD Pts Liverpool 9 16 14 2 16 Man City 9 16 10 6 15 Chelsea 8 14 10 4 13 Man Utd 7 8 5 3 11 Tottenham 9 12 18 -6 11 Arsenal 9 10 13 -3 9 Southampton 9 6 12 -6 7

wow that's impressive. we need another 6/9 to make sure of 4th I'd imagine

Jesus Wept

were gunna win the mini league, were gunna win the mini league
and nowwwww you're gunna believe us

~Rebel~

brevity wrote: »

Who would we replace Lucas with?

Would ideally keep him as backup, and try to move heaven and earth to get Sami Khedira to join as first choice.

punk_one82

~Rebel~ wrote: »

Would ideally keep him as backup, and try to move heaven and earth to get Sami Khedira to join as first choice.

Khedira would be a fantastic signing. You have to laugh at the people on here who wouldn't take him on a free transfer :rolleyes:

Pyjamarama

punk_one82 wrote: »

Khedira would be a fantastic signing. You have to laugh at the people on here who wouldn't take him on a free transfer :rolleyes:

I think people just feel his lack of mobility wouldn't really suit our high pressing system. Nobody is debating his ability as a footballer. But not all good footballers will be successful in every system, see mata for proof of that. Superb player but needs to be in s certain style of play, I don't think he'd do very well here either.

Luckycharms_74

Just got a phone call from my mate. He tells me he can't go to the Palace game. I say OK
He proceeds to tell me he has just gotten tickets for the Utd game and can I go. I said are u fcuking joking me of course

Kop 105
Row 2
Seats 99/100

I can't fcuking wait, roll on 22nd March biattchess :P

PhiloCypher

Luckycharms_74 wrote: »

Just got a phone call from my mate. He tells me he can't go to the Palace game. I say OK
He proceeds to tell me he has just gotten tickets for the Utd game and can I go. I said are u fcuking joking me of course

Kop 105
Row 2
Seats 99/100

I can't fcuking wait, roll on 22nd March biattchess :P

Lucky by name ....

brevity

Just on the Lucas thing, it would only be relatively easy to replace him if we buy a better or more experienced player than him. This however is not in line with our transfer policy, thus making it more difficult.

Also, Lucas has had a very large part in bringing stability to our defence and midfield, the idea that we could slot someone it and keep everything moving smoothly is shaky at best.

Khedira and Lucas as backup would be ideal. If Lucas wants to go, then Khedira and that next Busquets (name escapes me) would be a good option.

Replacing him with a Leon Britton or Delph would be a mistake to say the least.

citytillidie

Luckycharms_74 wrote: »

Just got a phone call from my mate. He tells me he can't go to the Palace game. I say OK
He proceeds to tell me he has just gotten tickets for the Utd game and can I go. I said are u fcuking joking me of course

Kop 105
Row 2
Seats 99/100

I can't fcuking wait, roll on 22nd March biattchess :P

Right down behind the net, watch for miss placed shots

Pyjamarama

I honestly think Sami would be a flop here. He just doesn't have the engine that I think we'll be looking for in that position. Also not sure he fits the policy (flawed policy perhaps) as opposed to a guy like kondogbia would. Perhaps he'll be aiming higher but of we get top 4 he'd surely be someone we could be looking at. Was superb when he was at sevilla and while he hasn't reached the heights at Monaco that I thought he would he's still been good and has still displayed moments of the huge potential he possesses.

slingerz

Illaremendai(sp?) from Madrid is supposed to be a target. A holding CM apparently? relatively young too costing around £17M. all paper talk of course

whatawaster

Allen has done just as well as Lucas since he has come back in. Not saying he is a better DM or a long-term solution to our problems there, but his performances (before Sunday) were underrated by most.

Since the Man United game (which was a bit of a watermark in our season):

Lucas has started 12 games. We won 7, Drew 4, Lost 1. We conceded 9 goals or 0.75 per game.

Allen has started 5 games. We won 4, Lost 1. Conceded 3 goals, or 0.6 per game.

Allen has shown himself to be a viable alternative to Lucas. He has also played without the settled back 3 that we had for the last couple of months, as Sakho has been out and Can shifted around a bit.

We need an upgrade on both probably.

Bandana boy

Kirby wrote: »

I think the recent events might put some perspective into peoples opinions on certain players.

Are Lucas and Gerrard good players? Yes.
Is it nice if they are available? Sure.
Are they crucial to the team playing well or winning matches? Absolutely not.

.

If you do not think Lucas has been crucial to our uptick in form ,then I do not know what games you have been watching.

Allen ,good game against City aside, is nowhere near as effective a player.

And for those who think we should just replace him in the summer ,we have tried for 5 years to replace/upgrade him without success and you could state that UTD and Arsenal have been trying to do the same in that period without success.

Recent events changing people’s perspectives should include more than 1 game !