Liverpool FC Team Talk, Gossip, Rumours 2024/25

That sort of outlook is not really acceptable when it's kids you're dealing with though.

This story sounds particularly machiavellian (which makes me question the details a bit), but even with respect to more normal situations I'm sure lots of kids simply haven't gotten the support they need from a social point of view, even beyond the footballing aspect. It's a really vulnerable situation, for really vulnerable people, and clubs have a major duty of care to make them feel safe and comfortable regardless of how they see the kids talent.

The only good news about the Europa League is that the final is in Dublin

Losing Milner now is a bit of a shame IMO. We should be trying to keep him. That locker room presence is pretty invaluable.

He's a brilliant addition to have in the squad, but only I'm terms of limited playing time. The cup games and cameos like Forrest last weekend where he came on and settled down the midfield and basically won us the game.

It's when he has to start away to Chelsea on a Sunday and then start again midweek in Europe or a league game game again, where the midfield gets overrun. That's the issue and it's when people start to hate on Milner. In reality it's not his fault he has to start successive high energy games.

There's talk of Hendo moving into that 'Milner role' but the Milner at 33 was still starting regularly. As long as Hendo doesn't have to start 6 games in a row, he's fine. 1.5 games a week and he can still have the high energy.

Again, we just need more options in there who are available more often.

Brighton will probably give him a few games but they are gaining a coach too. Very smart.

Then on the other hand, if Liverpool are not offering him a contract, they surely have big plans for a midfield overhaul this summer.

Yep, agree with every word of that. The only issue is that I think his presence reduces the chance of us signing an extra player. No fault of his own at all, but inadvertently I think he does stand in someone's way

I think that Milner could be getting moved on to force the issue of addressing the midfield personnel this summer. There has been plenty of reports about Klopp wanting to retain him for another season, but given his age that's well beyond FSG's philosophy. If Milner is talking to Brighton then either the offer of an extension from Liverpool is not forthcoming or he's checking out his options before deciding.

Milner is a wise head and a steadying influence but at some point younger players will have to be given an opportunity. In the past few seasons that hasn't happened when Klopp has been able to fallback on the old reliable player that is James Milner.

Being linked with 20 year old midfield players doesn't fill me with confidence for next season, but I would take the 20 year old as an alternative option in the squad over a 38 year old veteran like Milner.

You know, if your theory is true, I would be very happy. Mike Gordon or the new sporting director, or FSG whoever essentially forcing Klopp's hand in the midfield reshuffle. Forcing him into rejuvenation by releasing Milner. As you said, we all know how happy Klopp is to keep Milner. I love Klopp to bits but I'm not a fan of him being the most vocal person when it comes to recruitment.

And to tie in with your other point, I would be happy if Milner stays on, but only if he stays on after those midfield signings are in. Bring in those lads in their 20s early and then decide if we can offer Milner enough game time after that. Not have Milner here early and then not taking a chance on (for example) Alex Scott for £5m because he won't get opportunities.

I'm fairly certain Klopp hasn't been sitting on a war chest of money and refusing to spent it because he loves Milner so much. As is normally the case, I'm sure there will be a budget and it will be up yo Klopp etc to determine how that budget is used. The question then becomes, what % of that budget is worth using on a 5th/6th choice midfielder to replace Milner?

I'd be fairly reluctant to let Milner go because of that.

You're right about the sick notes, Wijnaldum was a machine that way and still not replaced.

United have kept Jones around for 11 or 12 years now and he's permanently injured. I'd be surprised if he's managed 200 games for them in that time.

I dunno, I think otherwise.

I think that there has been a big shift in the recruitment of the 2016-2019 era to the 2020-2022 era.

2016-2019 the club took chances on players ready to make a big step up or about to explode. Robbo, Matip, Gini, Salah etc all raised eyebrows. They were ready to grow, while having time to acclimatize. Many doubted that they would be starters for the club at the time as they were deemed to be squad players or back ups given their low fees or who was already at the club. A lot of unproven players were signed.

2020-2022 are players that are coming in that had to be better than what was already in the squad. Thiago was signed as a starter. Jota was signed as he was the best 4th choice forward. Diaz was signed as he was a better option at LW than Mane, instantly, and this then moved Mane to CF and eventually out of the club. the signings of this era had to be better then what was already present.

Tchoumanei was targeted as he was going to be better option in midfield than Milner and maybe Hendo and Fabinho too. When he became unavailable later on, the club had a choice. They could sign one of the unproven players. But (according to some trusted people) the coaching staff chose to sign on Milner for another year rather than buy Enzo Fernandez direct from River Plate. There was another midfielder thought of at the same time. I think it was Bounanotte who is now at Brighton but my memory is a bit hazy this baby holiday Sunday! The scouts had recommended these players. Basically the decision came down to Milner or project player and Milner won.

Of course, there is a risk with project players but to be fair to the scouting team, they have been near faultless for the last 8 or 9 years so I would give them the benefit of doubt.

Lavia and Livramento are both on my wish list for players to sign if their club is relegated.

I'm in the same boat with Lavia. He has impressed me lately.

Nice shout on Livramento. He's largely been forgotten about this year because of his big injury. I see that there is noises coming out of the club that Klopp wants to see Conor Bradley have a big involvement in pre season, after he won player of the year at Bolton. Would we be too stocked at back up RB with Bradley, Ramsey & Livramento or would one of Bradley & Ramsey move on?

Luis Diaz starts today. Konate too

Elliott in for Hendo as well

Be interesting to see if we still persist with Trent playing central today with Elliott in for Hendo

What's up with Thiago?

Wow, that's what we've been missing all season. Score first and early.

Goallllll

We can go one better, let's get 5 in 20 minutes instead of 21!

Though realistically I'd settle for a stress free win.

Jaysus what a shame Southampton couldn't get a result earlier but this is lovely stuff

Spurs are a mess. Absolute shambles.

Not gonna lie, I was fairly deflated after the Newcastle comeback and Villa not getting a point, then add in having to listen to Tyler & Neville.

Whatever about the first goal and being 2-0 up so early, but seeing Diaz have that moment after scoring, after his horrible injury, has cheered me right up!

I know we say it every season, but I wish we could play Spurs every week. Peno!