Jurgen Klopp Sack Watch

Klopp's a fantastic manager, it was only a matter of time before he returned Liverpool to the top few sides in the country. He just seems to have done it much quicker than I anticipated. Liverpool were sublime today, no matter how poor Watford were you can't deny that. All their attacking players are a goal threat. I still imagine their defence will prove to be their undoing, Milner at LB is not a long-term solution no matter how good he is playing right now. This title race is going to be fantastic at any rate.
 
End of the day, if you want to win the league it's all about achieving more points than anyone else over the course of the season. Leicester won it last season with 81 points & we failed to win it in 2014 with 84 points. Shit happens. & all this crap about Gerrard's slip costing us the title. What about the amount of goals we scored from his set-pieces that year ? Don't they count ? Or are people just being selective because it suits their argument ? I feel far more happier winning matches 4-2 & 6-1 than 1-0 & 2-1. Seem to remember United winning quite a few titles that way. What I don't remember though is Liverpool supporters saying their defence will cost them. Imagine saying such a thing on here back then. We'd have been laughed off the site. Funny how things change eh ?

We won plenty of titles on the back of a solid back 4. In several seasons our attack would go out of form and our defense would bail us out with a string of 1-0 victories. I don't agree with posters categorically ruling you lot out due to leaky defense but it could come into picture at some point. Also, last title challenge did pretty much was end by that Gerrard slip, that's not to say he did not contribute to your good play that year but it can't undo that singular mistake.
 
Watched the whole Liverpool game today as could not access internet for a United steam.

Liverpool were sensational, could easily have scored 9 or 10 and played most of the 2nd half in auto pilot. Reminded me of SAFs teams from 1999-2001 and in 2007/8 when we literally toyed with weak times and showed no mercy.

Most important thing to note was the speed with which they controlled the ball and passed plus the consistently fast press and counter attack. This will always be intimidating against a team with lesser ball skills. They also oozed confidence, and when players like Emre Can looks like a world beater, you know a squad is fully confident in their roles and responsibilities.

Was very enjoyable to watch.
 
This is beautiful watching Liverpool fans getting excited again. I'm genuinely not worried about them at all. The goal they conceded today says more than the 6 they scored.

Weren't they 5-0 when they conceded? Atleast they bagged another 90+ which says a lot unlike Utd who gave up after bagging 3 in the first half.
I'm worried, I have to admit to the point that I was actually a little disapointed Man City conceded as I knew Liverpool were going to be top. Sure like many have said its only 11 games in however the issues isn't really about whether Liverpool can handle the marathon, its the state of the others.

Man City and Chelsea are a mixed bag, not convinced they can remain consistant and then we come to Arsenal.
You would think this could finally be there year but we say that every year and they bottle it however this time they have better players covering positions when they suffer the inevitable injuries. Champions league football is also going to be a major hindrence for all of them. Out of all them I really hope Arsene finally walks away with the title.
 
I actually think that they will win the league this year, even though they don't have the best squad and best starting eleven 11 in the Premier League, they have been blowing away teams and honestly every time I see them playing I just know they are going to put at least 3 past a team.

I can picture Chelsea, City and Arsenal throwing way stupid points but seems more difficult with Liverpool....
 
I actually think that they will win the league this year, even though they don't have the best squad and best starting eleven 11 in the Premier League, they have been blowing away teams and honestly every time I see them playing I just know they are going to put at least 3 past a team.

I can picture Chelsea, City and Arsenal throwing way stupid points but seems more difficult with Liverpool....

Its allot like the MUFC 2006/07 squad, they did not have a strong squad but a team that played exciting football with a manager that understands what he knows what he's doing with his tactics, and a manager they respect. I can see them winning it, which will be dreading he does remind me of fergie in how he gets the best out of the squad which frustrates me why we never snapped him up
 
11 games in and they have already won the league. We should rest now and maybe let the transfer window open.
Seriously speaking, they have been the best team for 11 games, that is what the table shows right now. NOT 38 games. You need atleast 86 points to win the league and we still have 81 points to play for. Mathematically even sunderland are in the title race. Not that i suggest they will win it. I think we need to judge teams after 19 games atleast, best we judge them on 1st feburary.
This international break comes at a wrong time for Liverpool, they have great momentum, now they need to pray no one gets injured. I think they have done very well and also have had luck on their side and you need that to win the league but the league is too young yet. So many variables will have an effect yet namely injuries, december fixture congestion, AFCON etc. They all have to be taken into account.

Sorry mate, no.
Opposition fans are saying we're going to win the league, We arnt. Pool fans have a phobia of saying it.

We look good now but that's just about it. Was at the game today and all I can say is I enjoyed the game, that to watch such a attacking display live was a joy. What I will admit is we can get a top four spot and that for me coupled with this joyous mesmerising football will do me just fine.

As regards injuries, we'll we can say that about any club losing players. Costa or Hazard, Sanchez and ozil and so on. You need luck in any season. Bare in mind that we have had injuries and we've coped very well with them.

Just wish firminio would cool his teeth down a little. Made me miss the third goal...fecking blinding light! :)
 
L.U.C.K.Y. !

Come back when you get 20 Leagues.
 
I'm not sure where this 'backups/squad isn't great comes from TBH. Witness out LC win over Spurs with 11 changes from the previous PL game.

Mignolet (decent PL keeper, he had actually played quite well in the PL games he started this season and was not to blame for a single goal), Klavan (CB), Lucas (CB - has played consistently well when called upon to play CB), Wijnaldum (MF), Grujic (MF), Stewart (MF), Ejaria (MF, young but a great prospect and not out of is depth), Origi (F) & Sturridge (F), our weaknesses are the FB slots with Randall & Moreno but Alexander-Arnold has done really well when called upon (RB) and Gomez (LB & CB) could be getting games by the New Year if required (building up fitness now). I'm not at all worried about the 'depth' of our squad. I also wouldn't be surprised to see one or to players come in in January (winger and CB - Sakho more than likely to depart).

As far as fatigue is concerned LFC will play 5-10 games less this season (and that's inc. FAC & LC runs to the semis, if it happens) than any PL team in Europe - so who's going to tire ?
That is not good back up. And its a long season with high intensity training and matches. Just because ye arent in Europe doesn't mean ye wont run out of gas by March with the pressing Liverpool play with. Ye may not but ye very easily could as well.
 
That is not good back up. And its a long season with high intensity training and matches. Just because ye arent in Europe doesn't mean ye wont run out of gas by March with the pressing Liverpool play with. Ye may not but ye very easily could as well.
Yes it is very good backup - as with most United supporters you totally under-rate Liverpool players simply because they are at Liverpool (as in all the pre-season threads on here where we'd be lucky to make Top 6 and likely finish 7th or 8th).

As for the distance run - do you have a problem comprehending ? City, Arsenal, United and Spurs players are all likely to run further so if Liverpool players start to tire what will happen to those players. It's a rhetorical question since the answer is obvious but you just don't want to (or are unable of) comprehend(ing).
 
Sturridge has looked off the pace, Wijnaldum doesn't play in that front three position usually and Origi hasn't scored many goals for a striker.
Behave. Sturridge is far and away the best forward sitting on the bench in the league.

In the summer , the argument on Wijnaldum was that he is too attacking to cut it in midfield. Now that he silenced his doubters, it's the other way round. Funny that.

Origi might not be as prolific as he should be, but as 5th/6th choice in the front three, he's a handful to deal with.
 
when players like Emre Can looks like a world beater, you know a squad is fully confident in their roles and responsibilities.
I know this opinion is held only by Germans and Liverpool fans , but Can is an exceptional talent.

He's young for a midfielder with still a lot to learn, which means he makes mistakes he shouldn't and his bottom level can be a bit shocking. His top level is peachy though and it is no surprise that when he plays well, he plays very well.
 
He instilled a siege mentality and you can see it now the way they play. He needed time but Liverpool play good football and get results. Hope that changes again
 
I actually think that they will win the league this year, even though they don't have the best squad and best starting eleven 11 in the Premier League, they have been blowing away teams and honestly every time I see them playing I just know they are going to put at least 3 past a team.

I can picture Chelsea, City and Arsenal throwing way stupid points but seems more difficult with Liverpool....
We did lose 2-0 to Burnley. Definitely capable of dropping stupid points.

We also drew 0-0 with a particular team that played quite defensively. :p
 
We won plenty of titles on the back of a solid back 4. In several seasons our attack would go out of form and our defense would bail us out with a string of 1-0 victories. I don't agree with posters categorically ruling you lot out due to leaky defense but it could come into picture at some point. Also, last title challenge did pretty much was end by that Gerrard slip, that's not to say he did not contribute to your good play that year but it can't undo that singular mistake.

I'm not disputing that fact. But United, under Ferguson, won most of their league titles by playing bold, fearless, attacking football. I remember the 1999/2000 season when you romped home with 91 points, scoring just under a 100 goals & conceding 45. Bet you never expressed any concerns over your defence back then. Funny how we're now playing bold, fearless, attacking football, & United fans are saying our back 4 will probably cost us a shot at the title. It might yet come to pass that we can't sustain the type of football we're currently playing. But it doesn't take away the fact that you achieved 91 points, & we achieved 84 points, by scoring, & conceding, lots of goals.
 
a desperate If-tastic post

But... if Wenger had of got his team ready for the start of the season and that opening day result had of been more sensible (reversed) the table would look a lot different courtesy of the 6pt swing. LFC down in 4th, Arsenal leading. Not to mention the change in immediate momentum. I therefore blame Arsenal for this current quite worrying situation.

Liverpool are the only team in the top 5 to have lost to a team that isn't another top 5 team (Burnley) although I still reckon that was freak game. But we must seek hope wherever it can be found.
 
I'm not disputing that fact. But United, under Ferguson, won most of their league titles by playing bold, fearless, attacking football. I remember the 1999/2000 season when you romped home with 91 points, scoring just under a 100 goals & conceding 45. Bet you never expressed any concerns over your defence back then. Funny how we're now playing bold, fearless, attacking football, & United fans are saying our back 4 will probably cost us a shot at the title. It might yet come to pass that we can't sustain the type of football we're currently playing. But it doesn't take away the fact that you achieved 91 points, & we achieved 84 points, by scoring, & conceding, lots of goals.

Arsenal finished 2nd in the 99/00 season with just 73 points. We were just so much better than the rest, that even a leaky defence couldn't stop us.
 
I know this opinion is held only by Germans and Liverpool fans , but Can is an exceptional talent.

He's young for a midfielder with still a lot to learn, which means he makes mistakes he shouldn't and his bottom level can be a bit shocking. His top level is peachy though and it is no surprise that when he plays well, he plays very well.
Completely agree. I've had pretty high hopes for Can ever since we signed him, because when you watch him regularly you can see that the talent really is there. If he can continue to mature as a player, work on his consistency and raise his bottom level (which, as you say, is bad), he can become fantastic. I do hope Klopp keeps him in midfield and doesn't move him back into defense (or isn't forced to because of injuries), because he needs to keep playing in his best position to grow into it.
 
I'm not disputing that fact. But United, under Ferguson, won most of their league titles by playing bold, fearless, attacking football. I remember the 1999/2000 season when you romped home with 91 points, scoring just under a 100 goals & conceding 45. Bet you never expressed any concerns over your defence back then. Funny how we're now playing bold, fearless, attacking football, & United fans are saying our back 4 will probably cost us a shot at the title. It might yet come to pass that we can't sustain the type of football we're currently playing. But it doesn't take away the fact that you achieved 91 points, & we achieved 84 points, by scoring, & conceding, lots of goals.

I have already said it is not a deal breaker, even last time you should have gotten away with somewhat suspect defense. But I wouldn't compare current football status with that in 99. The whole approach towards building a successful team in PL definitely changed post Chelsea 04 team. Fergie won the PL with an overly attacking team in 06/07 and then swiftly consolidated our defense at cost of some attacking freedom. That allowed us to dominate domestic league and do well in Europe. Without a solid back 4, we may have still won 06/07 title but not subsequent ones.
 
I know this opinion is held only by Germans and Liverpool fans , but Can is an exceptional talent.

He's young for a midfielder with still a lot to learn, which means he makes mistakes he shouldn't and his bottom level can be a bit shocking. His top level is peachy though and it is no surprise that when he plays well, he plays very well.

I agree. Think he is a very talented player. Certainly doesn't get the credit he deserves. Probably because he isn't quick on FIFA or something :D.
 
Also, I'm curious to hear our resident Scouser thoughts on Chelsea chances? The manager and lots of players are already experienced in winning the league. They have a resolute defence which keeps lots of clean sheets. A proven 30 goal a season center forward in Diego Costa. One of league's best player in Eden Hazard. They have even same advantage as Liverpool have got with no European distractions, IMO they have an equal chance if not more than City.


Clear favourites with City a close second .
 
Yes it is very good backup - as with most United supporters you totally under-rate Liverpool players simply because they are at Liverpool (as in all the pre-season threads on here where we'd be lucky to make Top 6 and likely finish 7th or 8th).

As for the distance run - do you have a problem comprehending ? City, Arsenal, United and Spurs players are all likely to run further so if Liverpool players start to tire what will happen to those players. It's a rhetorical question since the answer is obvious but you just don't want to (or are unable of) comprehend(ing).


People on here said we would be by the relegation after seeing our first few fixtures .
 
I have already said it is not a deal breaker, even last time you should have gotten away with somewhat suspect defense. But I wouldn't compare current football status with that in 99. The whole approach towards building a successful team in PL definitely changed post Chelsea 04 team. Fergie won the PL with an overly attacking team in 06/07 and then swiftly consolidated our defense at cost of some attacking freedom. That allowed us to dominate domestic league and do well in Europe. Without a solid back 4, we may have still won 06/07 title but not subsequent ones.

That attacking trio of Ronaldo, Rooney, & Tevez had a lot more to do with your PL successes from 2007 than having a solid defence. Although your back four was probably a greater asset in you doing well in the CL during that period. Our defence is obviously work in progress, but I think the criticism from some people on here is way OTT. It's nowhere near as bad as some are making out. It's individual errors that have been one of the main reasons for us conceding goals. It's not the way we're set-up, or lack of quality. I do believe that in time Klopp will sort these problems out. If he can do that without compromising on our attacking capabilities then it's happy days.
 
That attacking trio of Ronaldo, Rooney, & Tevez had a lot more to do with your PL successes from 2007 than having a solid defence. Although your back four was probably a greater asset in you doing well in the CL during that period. Our defence is obviously work in progress, but I think the criticism from some people on here is way OTT. It's nowhere near as bad as some are making out. It's individual errors that have been one of the main reasons for us conceding goals. It's not the way we're set-up, or lack of quality. I do believe that in time Klopp will sort these problems out. If he can do that without compromising on our attacking capabilities then it's happy days.

In 2007/08 season it self, we had a period when our attack was not up to the mark (Ronaldo was injured and then recovering) and our defense bailed us out with some hard fought wins. IIRC VDS even had some record of consecutive clean sheets at that point. There is zero chance we would have won the league that season with even an average defense. Ferdinand was our second best player that season after Ronaldo.
 
Yes it is very good backup - as with most United supporters you totally under-rate Liverpool players simply because they are at Liverpool (as in all the pre-season threads on here where we'd be lucky to make Top 6 and likely finish 7th or 8th).

As for the distance run - do you have a problem comprehending ? City, Arsenal, United and Spurs players are all likely to run further so if Liverpool players start to tire what will happen to those players. It's a rhetorical question since the answer is obvious but you just don't want to (or are unable of) comprehend(ing).
Haha someone's a bit touchy. Calm down, can you not comprehend that those teams you mentioned don't press as much as Liverpool. And as a Liverpool fan you are blind to see that that is not good back up.

Behave. Sturridge is far and away the best forward sitting on the bench in the league.

In the summer , the argument on Wijnaldum was that he is too attacking to cut it in midfield. Now that he silenced his doubters, it's the other way round. Funny that.

Origi might not be as prolific as he should be, but as 5th/6th choice in the front three, he's a handful to deal with.
Whatever about Origi. Sturbridge can't play in Liverpool's style and has looked poor when he's came in. Wijnaldum good enough in a front three? Have to agree to disagree there.
 
Long term injuries to key players are what we should hope for is gonna derail them. Firmino, Milner (cos of who comes in), Lallana (:eek:).
 
Long term injuries to key players are what we should hope for is gonna derail them. Firmino, Milner (cos of who comes in), Lallana (:eek:).
That can be said about every team tho. I'd actually say they're less reliant on specific players than Arsenal are on Ozil/Sanchez or City on De Bruyne for example.
 
That can be said about every team tho. I'd actually say they're less reliant on specific players than Arsenal are on Ozil/Sanchez or City on De Bruyne for example.

I think so. Except Milner. Our title hopes are basically pinned on him staying fit all season.
 
Long term injuries to key players are what we should hope for is gonna derail them. Firmino, Milner (cos of who comes in), Lallana (:eek:).

Lallana is so vital for our system, his gut running and movement is what creates alot of our attacks. If you watch our 4th goal, it was his movement and running that completely created that.

This is a guy who was getting subbed off after 70 minutes, he's basically top 10 in both distance covered and sprints made...

Shows what leadership from above can do. h
 
I think so. Except Milner. Our title hopes are basically pinned on him staying fit all season.

this is complete irrational blind faith.. but he's looked ok against spurs.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Alexander arnold shift to RB and Clyne LB if milner went down. TAA is going to be really good.
 
I'm tempted to put about 50 quid on them to win it to lessen the pain in case it happens, and jinx it at the same time cos i'm not particularly lucky when it comes to football betting
 
Sturridge has looked off the pace, Wijnaldum doesn't play in that front three position usually and Origi hasn't scored many goals for a striker.
But it's a decent back up, which was my point. How many teams have a talent like Sturridge on the bench? None, probably.

In any case, Sturridge hasn't been picked, he's not off the pace. In fact he was very good yesterday and scored two in his last start. It's just tough to drop the current front three right now.