Liverpool 2018/19

[VP89]

It's better to be realistic about it rather than expecting a title challenge when in reality you're nowhere near good enough to do so like United last season. There's no way Chelsea will challenge for the league next season either.

Why shouldn't you be? If you buy a goalkeeper and add an attacking talent I don't see why not.

Yes Liverpool will have a weakness at cb (Lovren) but they have half decent back ups at full back (Milner, Clyne) and welcome the likes of Gomes back from injury soon into the season.

A midfield of Fabinho Keita Oxlade and Wijnaldum is very strong. Your attack is rolls Royce and the defence would be broadly fixed on paper.

I think Liverpool will genuinely have a squad capable of a title challenge. I'm assuming City don't go on a ridiculous dominant streak again which is a fair assumption because teams always react and all that.

 

[Random Task]

It's better to be realistic about it rather than expecting a title challenge when in reality you're nowhere near good enough to do so like United last season. There's no way Chelsea will challenge for the league next season either.

Your expenditure in the transfer market is a clear representation of your intent and it is how success is measured in the modern game. If Liverpool continue to spend without limitation (and we have every reason to believe they will) they will be expected to compete for the title. No two ways about it.

Are you saying Liverpool will not be mounting a title challenge regardless of the money they spend?

 

[Rob]

Its the players behind the starting 11 that could see you finish below the Manchester clubs and a Chelsea side who aren't fusses about the EL.
If you're still bringing Ings off the bench then you're fecked.

Yep. That's why it's so important we get a, if not two, forwards better than what we have to rotate and put in a shift when injuries happen. I'm generally positive about next season, but I dread having Solanke, Ings and Origi as the only back ups in the front line.

 

[Klopper76]

That's why your GK signing will be so important. Not necessarily a guarantee either that they would hit the ground running.

I expect the same for you as I do United. Decent cup runs, no proper challenge for the league due to dropped points consistently against the smaller sides.

We hardly dropped any points against smaller sides this season. We were poor against the other top six clubs.

 

[breakout67]

It's better to be realistic about it rather than expecting a title challenge when in reality you're nowhere near good enough to do so like United last season. There's no way Chelsea will challenge for the league next season either.

If you are talking about the season that just finished then there are mitigating circumstances. No one was going to catch City as they have had a freak season that will take decades to better. United were on challenging pace for most of the season but were still 10+ points behind City.

If Liverpool are clear 2nd place next season with 80-90 points and lost the title to City then I won't hold it against them.

 

[RobinLFC]

Why shouldn't you be? If you buy a goalkeeper and add an attacking talent I don't see why not.

Yes Liverpool will have a weakness at cb (Lovren) but they have half decent back ups at full back (Milner, Clyne) and welcome the likes of Gomes back from injury soon into the season.

A midfield of Fabinho Keita Oxlade and Wijnaldum is very strong. Your attack is rolls Royce and the defence would be broadly fixed on paper.

I think Liverpool will genuinely have a squad capable of a title challenge. I'm assuming City don't go on a ridiculous dominant streak again which is a fair assumption because teams always react and all that.

Inconsistency issues, new players need to gel immediately, no experience to be title challenger from anyone in our team apart from Van Dijk and Fabinho, ... I simply don't think we will, and I don't think we need to either if you look at how far we've come under Klopp, certainly compared to Arsenal (who were perennial top 4 finishers), Chelsea (who've won the league twice in the last four seasons), Spurs and United (better squad quality than Liverpool when Klopp took over).

Are you saying Liverpool will not be mounting a title challenge regardless of the money they spend?

Unless we buy Messi, yes. We will not challenge for the league next season. I agree there comes a point that you should expect that if you spend an unlimited amount of money, but that point isn't reached yet for me if you see from how far we had to come.

 

[RobinLFC]

If you are talking about the season that just finished then there are mitigating circumstances. No one was going to catch City as they have had a freak season that will take decades to better. United were on challenging pace for most of the season but were still 10+ points behind City.

If Liverpool are clear 2nd place next season with 80-90 points and lost the title to City then I won't hold it against them.

Fair enough. Like I said though, for me it doesn't matter that much whether we finish second with 84 points or fourth with 78 points if we aren't challenging for the title, and I don't want to class our season as a failure or a success based on that six point gap, that's all.

 

[Tommy]

We've signed a midfielder What on earth... Two midfield upgrades in a window. What a time to be alive.

Not making any team specific predictions until the window is shut, but Fabinho/Kieta/Fekir would be a pretty decent start. I'd honestly be happy with us trying to spunk the rest on Oblak (although there should still be [a lot?] more because of the Cou sale, CL final money, etc).

 

[Cal?]

We've signed a midfielder What on earth... Two midfield upgrades in a window. What a time to be alive.

Not making any team specific predictions until the window is shut, but Fabinho/Kieta/Fekir would be a pretty decent start. I'd honestly be happy with us trying to spunk the rest on Oblak (although there should still be [a lot?] more because of the Cou sale, CL final money, etc).

Oblak? That’d take a world record fee for a keeper.

 

[RobinLFC]

We've signed a midfielder What on earth... Two midfield upgrades in a window. What a time to be alive.

Not making any team specific predictions until the window is shut, but Fabinho/Kieta/Fekir would be a pretty decent start. I'd honestly be happy with us trying to spunk the rest on Oblak (although there should still be [a lot?] more because of the Cou sale, CL final money, etc).

Same. I read yesterday that Atlético wants to upgrade his release clause from £89m to £200m but he hasn't signed a new contract yet. If there was any chance whatsoever that he wants to join us, I'd bring that £89m to Madrid myself. Sorts out a glaring issue in our squad for the next decade.

 

[Random Task]

Unless we buy Messi, yes. We will not challenge for the league next season. I agree there comes a point that you should expect that if you spend an unlimited amount of money, but that point isn't reached yet for me if you see from how far we had to come.

Sorry but any football club that spends upwards of £200m on transfers alone - which is around the expected figure Liverpool will spend if reports are to be believed - surely a title challenge (not necessarily winning it) is the bare minimum expectation. Otherwise what's the point of spending large sums of money if only to challenge for a top 4 spot?

 

[Tommy]

Oblak? That’d take a world record fee for a keeper.

Don't care. We sold one of our best players for one of the biggest fees in history, made a chunk hitting the CL final, and let's be honest, we're a British team - Money ain't too bad.

If Robin is right & the release clause is £89m, then feck it, pay that, and offer him £120-150k p/w. It's BY FAR the biggest upgrade we could make now we have some midfield depth

 

[Klopper76]

That's why your GK signing will be so important. Not necessarily a guarantee either that they would hit the ground running.

I expect the same for you as I do United. Decent cup runs, no proper challenge for the league due to dropped points consistently against the smaller sides.

But we’re not going to be losing anyone of great quality either, which is my point.

 

[Parry Gallister]

We've signed a midfielder What on earth... Two midfield upgrades in a window. What a time to be alive.

Not making any team specific predictions until the window is shut, but Fabinho/Kieta/Fekir would be a pretty decent start. I'd honestly be happy with us trying to spunk the rest on Oblak (although there should still be [a lot?] more because of the Cou sale, CL final money, etc).

You need another forward after that imo, bench is poor. Not someone who costs a fortune but someone who could come on across the fowarf line and make a greater difference than Solanke. Get the keeper and that done and it's been a strong window. Hard to see Oblak heading your way imo, his release clause is 100mil euros and they're trying to increase it, he seems happy there and PSG are trying to get him in.

 

[Tommy]

You need another forward after that imo, bench is poor. Not someone who costs a fortune but someone who could come on across the fowarf line and make a greater difference than Solanke. Get the keeper and that done and it's been a strong window. Hard to see Oblak heading your way imo, his release clause is 100mil euros and they're trying to increase it, he seems happy there and PSG are trying to get him in.

Yeah I understand it's an unlikely signing, but if he's likely to be sold, we should at least be trying.

And I agree, we need another forward. We have multiple players that can play the 10 role in a 4-3-1-2 if one of the front three goes off injured/needs a rest, but no-one of quality that can cover in the 4-3-3 we play, except perhaps Fekir.

 

[Cal?]

Don't care. We sold one of our best players for one of the biggest fees in history, made a chunk hitting the CL final, and let's be honest, we're a British team - Money ain't too bad.

If Robin is right & the release clause is £89m, then feck it, pay that, and offer him £120-150k p/w. It's BY FAR the biggest upgrade we could make now we have some midfield depth

Fair enough. I suspect Real may be willing to pay that too with us playing hardball over De Gea.

Perhaps signing Buffon on a free for a couple of years?

 

[Alex99]

Interesting how many are accepting that Fekir is apparently Liverpool bound. Not ruling it out entirely, but it doesn't seem to be the done deal many are making it out to be (also, all the rumoured fees for him are north of £50 million).

Considering many 'pool fans on here have been postponing the Keita fee until he joined the club, and with Fabinho and the rumoured cost of Fekir, that's £150 million+ spent and they're still lacking any cover for the front three, still have a wet tissue for a goalkeeper, and still lack quality in defence.

How much have they got to spend before they have to sell someone to replenish the coffers?

 

[Can23]

We spent 200m less than City last season, it didn't stop everyone in the media from complaining when we were 2nd and out the title race early on.

The marginal Utility from buying 75m transfers goes down when you keep doing it but the initial big purchases elevate the side massively. As I say what you seemingly spend this year should warrant a title challenge. If not its a big failure, considering the quality on XI isn't that far off between your talent and ours/City. This in itself is a massive compliment to your transfers since Klopp came because you did it on a fraction of the budget.

That can't be true i thought it was around 50-70m less. Regarding the complaints thing is United aren't really helped by the football they play and there seems to be some old hostilities between Mourinho and the English Press so any chance they get to paint him in a negative light they will.

 

[B20]

Interesting how many are accepting that Fekir is apparently Liverpool bound. Not ruling it out entirely, but it doesn't seem to be the done deal many are making it out to be (also, all the rumoured fees for him are north of £50 million).

Considering many 'pool fans on here have been postponing the Keita fee until he joined the club, and with Fabinho and the rumoured cost of Fekir, that's £150 million+ spent and they're still lacking any cover for the front three, still have a wet tissue for a goalkeeper, and still lack quality in defence.

How much have they got to spend before they have to sell someone to replenish the coffers?

coutinho basically paid for VVD and Keita. Didn't spend much last year. Or the year before. Plus CL windfall. Ought to be around 200m.

 

[RobinLFC]

Interesting how many are accepting that Fekir is apparently Liverpool bound. Not ruling it out entirely, but it doesn't seem to be the done deal many are making it out to be (also, all the rumoured fees for him are north of £50 million).

Considering many 'pool fans on here have been postponing the Keita fee until he joined the club, and with Fabinho and the rumoured cost of Fekir, that's £150 million+ spent and they're still lacking any cover for the front three, still have a wet tissue for a goalkeeper, and still lack quality in defence.

How much have they got to spend before they have to sell someone to replenish the coffers?

I think Fékir will end up north of £60m, but all report indicate that Aulas wants to wait until after the WC since his value could even increase even further by then.

Considering what we spent last Summer, the Coutinho money and what we can spend this window, I think we can spend around £200 without needing to sell any players, although there definitely will be some outgoings like Mignolet, Sturridge on a permanent transfer (he was loaned I think?) and a few others. FSG have already shown with the Red Sox that they are certainly willing to spend if they feel that their team is in a position to compete, so this transfer window is crucial for us and if we get the right players in, we should finally have a good first XI with enough (quality) depth. You're right when you indicated our weak points as well - new GK, new CB and cover for Firmino are the three areas where additions are needed, Fékir would just be the cherry on top.

 

[Adisa]

That can't be true i thought it was around 50-70m less. Regarding the complaints thing is United aren't really helped by the football they play and there seems to be some old hostilities between Mourinho and the English Press so any chance they get to paint him in a negative light they will.

We didn't spend 200m less.

 

[TheFlagStaysDown]

I can't believe everyone is getting so worried about Liverpool next season. They are basically Spurs but with more comedy value and taking themselves a lot more seriously. They'll always find new and interesting ways not to win.

I am personally not worried but they will have a seriously good team to contend for the title. I hate Liverpool but I like the competition. So it is good they are getting better so we get a kick up the ass and need to get better too, to be able to compete not only domestically but even think of matching the top teams outside..

 

[charlenefan]

Oblak? That’d take a world record fee for a keeper.

As if Oblak would leave Madrid for Liverpool

 

[Deleted member 101472]

Goals for next season:

- Another top 4 finish | We're not good enough to win the league imo, but finishing in the top 4 again is a must. Couldn't care less whether it's 2nd or 4th, unless 2nd means that we've mounted a title challenge or ran the champions close.

- Another cup final | Winning a final often depends on details and I'm not ready to label our season as a failure if we don't win a trophy, but we should reach another final, don't care in which competition. I think it's time we finally get into the latter stages of the FA Cup under Klopp as well.

- Champions League QFs | At a minimum, we should be getting out of the group and beating the first opponent in the knock-out stages unless we immediately face a European giant.

Preferred squad to start the season:

New GK
Trent New CB Van Dijk Robertson
Fabinho
Fekir Keita
Salah Firmino Mane
​

On paper, that XI is good enough to compete for the title, but it's what comes after them that will determine how our season unfolds. We need a good backup for Firmino, enough options in midfield (Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum and Ox when fit is a start) and decent CB and fullback cover. Rotation without too much of a drop-off in quality is key, and I'd like to see our front three get a bit more rest than this season where possible.

On paper that midfield is extremely dysfunctional. You think the changing room is going to be a happy place when the captain gets dropped, and 3 new signings (who don’t know the system yet) come in and take over?

I’m wondering just how much people have actually seen keita play. I’ve seen him a lot, and he’s going to be a massive disappointment to a lot of Liverpool fans.

 

[RobinLFC]

On paper that midfield is extremely dysfunctional. You think the changing room is going to be a happy place when the captain gets dropped, and 3 new signings (who don’t know the system yet) come in and take over?

I’m wondering just how much people have actually seen keita play. I’ve seen him a lot, and he’s going to be a massive disappointment to a lot of Liverpool fans.

Van Dijk should be our new captain, and Keita will be great.

 

[Cal?]

As if Oblak would leave Madrid for Liverpool

$ talks... but I doubt they’d have enough of it to convince him.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

Van Dijk should be our new captain, and Keita will be great.

Replacing an entire midfield and a captain won’t yield positive results in the short term, maybe over time that’ll develop into a winning combination.

 

[Kapardin]

They have signed Mane, Firmino, VvD, Fabinho and Keita, with possibly Fekir heading their way, all for ~200 million.

That is seriously smart business. Their transfer committee has done a fantastic job.

I’m wondering just how much people have actually seen keita play. I’ve seen him a lot, and he’s going to be a massive disappointment to a lot of Liverpool fans.

Serious question, why do you think Keita is bad? I haven't watched him that much.

 

[DoubleDinhos]

I can't see Fekir going straight into the midfield tbh. I think it'll Henderson and Fabinho behind Keita. Which is a lot more balanced.

Fekir, if he's signed, is the extra option that can fit in in attack and midfield. He also seems like a good replacement for Firmino in a false 9 position which is absolutely vital for our team.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

They have signed Mane, Firmino, VvD, Fabinho and Keita, with possibly Fekir heading their way, all for ~200 million.

That is seriously smart business. Their transfer committee has done a fantastic job.



Serious question, why do you think Keita is bad? I haven't watched him that much.

Erratic, average passer and very predictable. His dribbling and intensity are at a higher level than most though.

 

[Alex99]

They have signed Mane, Firmino, VvD, Fabinho and Keita, with possibly Fekir heading their way, all for ~200 million.

That is seriously smart business. Their transfer committee has done a fantastic job.

Mane ~ 35 million
Firmino ~ 30 million
Van Dijk ~ 75 million
Fabinho ~ 40 million
Keita ~ 60 million
Fekir ~ 60 million

Total ~ 300 million.

Just the £100 million out there.

 

[B20]

Replacing an entire midfield and a captain won’t yield positive results in the short term, maybe over time that’ll develop into a winning combination.

we'll still have mostly the same midfielders from last season to choose from in the short term.

 

[Christopher Ellison]

Liverpool was very dependent on Mo Salah. It will be hard difficult for him to repeat this season. Liverpool AGAIN will finish below United.

 

[haram]

Mane ~ 35 million
Firmino ~ 30 million
Van Dijk ~ 75 million
Fabinho ~ 40 million
Keita ~ 60 million
Fekir ~ 60 million

Total ~ 300 million.

Just the £100 million out there.

Salah and Ox is about 70-80 million as well. Wijnaldum was 25 million.

 

[Kapardin]

Mane ~ 35 million
Firmino ~ 30 million
Van Dijk ~ 75 million
Fabinho ~ 40 million
Keita ~ 60 million
Fekir ~ 60 million

Total ~ 300 million.

Just the £100 million out there.

My bad. And I forgot Salah too. In any case, still good business.

Erratic, average passer and very predictable. His dribbling and intensity are at a higher level than most though.

Hopefully you are right about his weaknesses.

 

[Adisa]

Henderson won't be the first captain that isn't a starter. Don't think that's an issue.

 

[breakout67]

Mane ~ 35 million
Firmino ~ 30 million
Van Dijk ~ 75 million
Fabinho ~ 40 million
Keita ~ 60 million
Fekir ~ 60 million

Total ~ 300 million.

Just the £100 million out there.

Maybe all these people praising Liverpool's transfer business think they are West Brom or Burnley who buy players for peanuts?

 

[Lash]

some of these line ups from the Liverpool fans on here. Fabinho is going to be in for a shock - will be the only one back there!

 

[Deleted member 101472]

They better hope Fekir doesn’t shine this summer because if he does, a bigger team will get him.

 

[RobinLFC]

some of these line ups from the Liverpool fans on here. Fabinho is going to be in for a shock - will be the only one back there!

Contrary to what Mourinho seems to believe, one holding midfielder is enough against half of the PL teams.