Liverpool 2018/19

[Liver_bird]

I still think you don't look all that defensively, personally, and I don't think Alisson is going to fix that. In the same way Alisson didn't exactly stop much when you played them.

Don't get me wrong, you've definitely bought well, but you've not bought well enough to suggest you'd be favourites for the league with city. That's what I keep seeing from United fans.

It's worrying how bad we look without VVD. Even in the second half vs Dortmund when him and Fabinho went off it was panic stations. I think Allison/Karius if he ever gets his head right again with VVD/Fabinho should provide enough cover. We were pretty good defensively second half of the season. So we'll see how we do when the pressure gets higher next season.

I'm still just worried about the attacking depth.

 

[Lash]

It's worrying how bad we look without VVD. Even in the second half vs Dortmund when him and Fabinho went off it was panic stations. I think Allison/Karius if he ever gets his head right again with VVD/Fabinho should provide enough cover. We were pretty good defensively second half of the season. So we'll see how we do when the pressure gets higher next season.

I'm still just worried about the attacking depth.

Fair enough, wasn't that impressed with Fabinho against us, but you'd know better on that watching him for the other games.

it will be certainly interesting to see how the start of the season unfolds, how is you opening run of games?

 

[Liver_bird]

Fair enough, wasn't that impressed with Fabinho against us, but you'd know better on that watching him for the other games.

it will be certainly interesting to see how the start of the season unfolds, how is you opening run of games?

Staring with West ham i think, honestly don't remember much beyond that.
Fabinho has looked okay but like Klopp said he's definitely the one that'll need the most time to adapt.

 

[Klopper76]

Fair enough, wasn't that impressed with Fabinho against us, but you'd know better on that watching him for the other games.

it will be certainly interesting to see how the start of the season unfolds, how is you opening run of games?

West Ham (h), Palace (a), Brighton (h), Leicester (a). After that I think we have a tough run where three of the next four or five are away to Spurs, Chelsea and City. We lost all three of those games last season.

 

[Lash]

West Ham (h), Palace (a), Brighton (h), Leicester (a). After that I think we have a tough run where three of the next four or five are away to Spurs, Chelsea and City. We lost all three of those games last season.

Cheers, will be a good time to catch West ham I think. Well here's hoping that happens again!

 

[redman5]

A question.

I've seen some Liverpool fans on the official forums saying they'd keep Sturridge as we're now in a position to afford a luxury player like him (where as years ago it would've just been a headache with him injured so often). I'm wondering what you guys think... Think we should keep him as a squad player if he's happy to play that role? If we're looking to move either/both of Ings & Origi along, then I'm definitely warming up to the idea.

Plus he scored one of my all time favourite Liverpool goals, so yeah

It's a no-brainer for me. He's the sort of player that's capable of scoring against any opposition. Having a fully-fit Sturridge coming off the bench when we're struggling to break teams down is the stuff of dreams for Liverpool fans.

 

[Klopper76]

Just remembered where I saw Candy on TV recently.

 

[B20]

, fair point. Honestly though, as a Liverpool fan, have you ever seen this level of praise coming from United fans? You lot must be laughing.

On one hand, you are exactly like we were in the 90s -
Thinking that fans acting like you have a divine right to win trophies will surely help the club produce trophies. The actual result being the fanbase in England that turns against its own manager most heavily and I can't imagine it helps the manager or the squad. Though Mourinho being who he is doesn't exactly help matters.

And secondly you play mostly shit football.

I reckon it's just this mix of anxiety about trophies and wishing you weren't playing such god awful football that causes it. The latter part probably being the heaviest factor. Houllier also had far more detractors in our fanbase than Evans ever did, despite being vastly more successful. If you were as sexy and unsuccessful as we are, there wouldn't be half as many people looking at us and thinking "oh man".

 

[B20]

I still think you don't look all that defensively, personally, and I don't think Alisson is going to fix that. In the same way Alisson didn't exactly stop much when you played them.

Don't get me wrong, you've definitely bought well, but you've not bought well enough to suggest you'd be favourites for the league with city. That's what I keep seeing from United fans.

In fairness, you are seeing it from the bookies too.

Allison alone may not fix things. But I'd be disappointed if Allison in conjunction with Van Dijk and Robertson didn't fix a lot of things. Once the latter two began starting games it became apparent that our defensive issues were in fact as much to do with personnel as system. I reckon Allison will confirm that in goal as well.

There is no doubt though that we will concede 90% of our goals down the right hand side. The drop off in defensive quality there won't be fixed overnight. Hopefully Clyne returning will give us a solid option at rightback again.

 

[Rob]

A question.

I've seen some Liverpool fans on the official forums saying they'd keep Sturridge as we're now in a position to afford a luxury player like him (where as years ago it would've just been a headache with him injured so often). I'm wondering what you guys think... Think we should keep him as a squad player if he's happy to play that role? If we're looking to move either/both of Ings & Origi along, then I'm definitely warming up to the idea.

Plus he scored one of my all time favourite Liverpool goals, so yeah

He can stay, sure, but I’d much prefer to bring in a reliable back up to Firmino. He’s got what, 10 goals in competitive matches over the last two seasons?

Ideally someone capable of leading the line by himself so that Firmino can be rested sometimes, and someone who, when subbed on, makes me think “great, this guy will get us the win”. Bit like what Javier Hernandez used to do for United. Sturridge isn’t any of that anymore, I’m afraid.

I’m thinking someone who would play every FA Cup and League Cup game + be subbed on whenever Firmino needs a break or is just having an off day.

As of now, we are counting on Ings, who’s not good enough, Solanke, who’s not good enough and Sturridge who when not injured is just returning from one.

 

[Lash]

On one hand, you are exactly like we were in the 90s -
Thinking that fans acting like you have a divine right to win trophies will surely help the club produce trophies. The actual result being the fanbase in England that turns against its own manager most heavily and I can't imagine it helps the manager or the squad. Though Mourinho being who he is doesn't exactly help matters.

And secondly you play mostly shit football.

I reckon it's just this mix of anxiety about trophies and wishing you weren't playing such god awful football that causes it. The latter part probably being the heaviest factor. Houllier also had far more detractors in our fanbase than Evans ever did, despite being vastly more successful. If you were as sexy and unsuccessful as we are, there wouldn't be half as many people looking at us and thinking "oh man".

I don’t disagree with most of that, although, I don’t think we have a divine right to trophies, my point was I still think we’ll come above you. I can’t see us coming above city if they were even 95% like last season.

That’s a good point about Robertson, forgot he didn’t start the season. Although I thought he was more an attacking outlet, rather than defensive addition? I think if Clyne gets back to where he was, you’ll have a solid defensive RB, whether that translates to suring up the system more or not, we shall have to see.

 

[haram]

Having a fully-fit Sturridge coming off the bench when we're struggling to break teams down is the stuff of dreams for Liverpool fans.

Really?

 

[ShadesOfTomato]

Jumped off the Sturridge train years ago myself. Would love to be proven wrong but he's looked physically finished for a while - that's when he can make it onto the pitch. Can't help but think it's folly to think he'll suddenly begin to contribute after doing absolutely feck all for the last 3 or so years.

That last attacking signing is needed. Can't expect to realistically challenge this City behemoth otherwise. Although I really am leaning towards thinking we're done in the market.

 

[B20]

I don’t disagree with most of that, although, I don’t think we have a divine right to trophies, my point was I still think we’ll come above you. I can’t see us coming above city if they were even 95% like last season.

Lots do. It took Roy Hodgson doing a job on us to really drum it out of Liverpool fans.

That’s a good point about Robertson, forgot he didn’t start the season. Although I thought he was more an attacking outlet, rather than defensive addition? I think if Clyne gets back to where he was, you’ll have a solid defensive RB, whether that translates to suring up the system more or not, we shall have to see.

Robertson's main forte is, imo, defensively. He is very wellrounded in both categories though. It took me a while to grog what I like about him defensively. He's old school. He defends with a sense of personal responsibility to his zone, bringing his own thinking and awareness to the job. So many players these days don't have that. Their efforts seem more are geared towards fulfilling tactical instructions. It's the difference between someone like Hamann and Henderson too. Hendo is probably a manager's dream as he will give his all to carry out his instructions. For a guy like Hamann instructions were just icing - He knew himself how to clean up in midfield and what it took. Which also meant he could adapt in game himself and direct the midfield game as it happened. It's a kind of individualistic teamwork trait that is becoming rare in football in the past decade.

Anyway, Robertson has that. He owns his part of the pitch and its lovely to see. Maybe lower league football played a part in it?

 

[Lash]

Lots do. It took Roy Hodgson doing a job on us to really drum it out of Liverpool fans.



Robertson's main forte is, imo, defensively. He is very wellrounded in both categories though. It took me a while to grog what I like about him defensively. He's old school. He defends with a sense of personal responsibility to his zone, bringing his own thinking and awareness to the job. So many players these days don't have that. Their efforts seem more are geared towards fulfilling tactical instructions. It's the difference between someone like Hamann and Henderson too. Hendo is probably a manager's dream as he will give his all to carry out his instructions. For a guy like Hamann instructions were just icing - He knew himself how to clean up in midfield and what it took. Which also meant he could adapt in game himself and direct the midfield game as it happened. It's a kind of individualistic teamwork trait that is becoming rare in football in the past decade.

Anyway, Robertson has that. He owns his part of the pitch and its lovely to see. Maybe lower league football played a part in it?

True, you're not wrong there either.

Fair enough - again as I said about Fabinho a few posts above, you'd have more of an insight on him. It's interesting to get a more in depth idea of his play style. I actually wanted him and Maguire for United when Hull went down. Was a big fan of them both.

 

[Thisistheone]

The fawning over Liverpool here is embarrassing. We'll still come above them, I absolutely guarantee it.

Wish I was as confident as you.

Honestly are you not concerned with the direction they're heading in? Started last season with Mignolet, Moreno, Wijnaldum & Can. They'll have Van Dijk for the whole season, a much better keeper & Robertson, who looks superb.

There's no Coutinho fecking about with his fake bad back. Everyone is pulling together in the same direction, and no world cup players missing the start like us, City & Spurs.

Also if Pep decides to go all out for the CL, it might leave the door open.

 

[Lash]

Wish I was as confident as you.

Honestly are you not concerned with the direction they're heading in? Started last season with Mignolet, Moreno, Wijnaldum & Can. They'll have Van Dijk for the whole season, a much better keeper & Robertson, who looks superb.

There's no Coutinho fecking about with his fake bad back. Everyone is pulling together in the same direction, and no world cup players missing the start like us, City & Spurs.

Also if Pep decides to go all out for the CL, it might leave the door open.

Obviously I think they're improving, they've addressed the keeper situation, so from a confidence stand point, that will be big. Keita looks like he could be good in the system, but the jury is still well and truly our on Fabinho and Shaqiri, in my opinion. Let's not pretend like Can wasn't a good player, he'll be good at Juve. To come above us, Salah will have to repeat his form from last season and the rest of the team will have to contribute more as well. That's quite an ask, when you can say somewhat similar things about us - we'll have have Sanchez for a full season, Fred/pereira will be a welcome addition instead of McTominay and I have very high hopes for Dalot. On top of the fact we came above them last season.

 

[Thisistheone]

Obviously I think they're improving, they've addressed the keeper situation, so from a confidence stand point, that will be big. Keita looks like he could be good in the system, but the jury is still well and truly our on Fabinho and Shaqiri, in my opinion. Let's not pretend like Can wasn't a good player, he'll be good at Juve. To come above us, Salah will have to repeat his form from last season and the rest of the team will have to contribute more as well. That's quite an ask, when you can say somewhat similar things about us - we'll have have Sanchez for a full season, Fred/pereira will be a welcome addition instead of McTominay and I have very high hopes for Dalot. On top of the fact we came above them last season.

I like your positivity.

Good point about Salah as well, big ask for him to bang 40 goals again. And have a whole season injury free.

 

[Lash]

I like your positivity.

Good point about Salah as well, big ask for him to bang 40 goals again. And have a whole season injury free.

It may be completely misplaced, but I think the gloom and doom and acting as if Liverpool have jumped over us to challenge City for the title is just as misplaced.

I'd also like to add he definitely has the ability to do that again - I won't make the same mistake I did with Kane!

 

[B20]

Fair enough - again as I said about Fabinho a few posts above, you'd have more of an insight on him. It's interesting to get a more in depth idea of his play style. I actually wanted him and Maguire for United when Hull went down. Was a big fan of them both.

Re: Fabinho, I've no real idea about him. Based on pre-season, I expect he will have to prove himself over time to get in ahead of Henderson. So much the same as Can I guess, who is more talented than Henderson but couldn't translate that to better performances.

 

[Lash]

Re: Fabinho, I've no real idea about him. Based on pre-season, I expect he will have to prove himself over time to get in ahead of Henderson. So much the same as Can I guess, who is more talented than Henderson but couldn't translate that to better performances.

I'm glad you've said that, as I've seen loads of Liverpool potential 1st XI's without Henderson and I had no idea why.

 

[B20]

To come above us, Salah will have to repeat his form from last season and the rest of the team will have to contribute more as well. That's quite an ask, when you can say somewhat similar things about us - we'll have have Sanchez for a full season, Fred/pereira will be a welcome addition instead of McTominay and I have very high hopes for Dalot. On top of the fact we came above them last season.

I reckon our issues are more fixable than yours though.

It is perhaps a credit to Mourinho's managerial resilience, but I've never seen a team like yours last season, where most players performed under their hoped for level and the team played such poor football, haul together so many points as you did. That is going to be a feat hard to replicate, imo. A lot of players will need to up their level.

Our main issue to fix is dropping points from a winning position. Which ought to be a lot more fixable than problems with gaining a winning position. A lot of it is mental with us, so hopefully having more proper players in the back five will help the ones who are more mistake prone (Lovren, TAA). Personally, I also reckon a ceremonial shooting of Moreno out of a cannon into the sun on matchday 1 would do wonders for morale.

Midfield contributed with 8 league goals in total last season. Our attack was basically carrying the team. If midfield can get closer to normal numbers and our backups up front add a little extra too, that should go a long way towards making up the difference when Salah doesn't break the scoring record again.

I still think we need someone like Fekir added to the mix before I will be properly confident. But I still expect a good improvement this season.

 

[NoLogo]

I'm glad you've said that, as I've seen loads of Liverpool potential 1st XI's without Henderson and I had no idea why.

If you play 4-3-3 next season again I could see the lineup being one with Fabinho, Henderson and Keita. Exceptional work rate and a great mix of players that are good going forward and defending. Maybe this will be the solution to your defensive problems, having three midfielder who all put in a lot of work when it comes to their defensive responsibilities.

 

[Lash]

I reckon our issues are more fixable than yours though.

It is perhaps a credit to Mourinho's managerial resilience, but I've never seen a team like yours last season, where most players performed under their hope for level and played such poor football haul together so many points as you did. That is going to be a feat hard to replicate, imo.

Our main issue to fix is dropping points from a winning position. Which ought to be a lot more fixable than problems with gaining a winning position. A lot of it is mental with us, so hopefully having more proper players in the back five will help the ones who are more mistake prone (Lovren, TAA). Personally, I also reckon a ceremonial shooting of Moreno out of a cannon into the sun on matchday 1 would do wonders for morale.

Midfield contributed with 8 league goals in total last season. Our attack was basically carrying the team. If midfield can get closer to normal numbers and our backups up front add a little extra too, that should go a long way towards making up the difference when Salah doesn't break the scoring record again.

I still think we need someone like Fekir added to the mix before I will be properly confident. But I still expect a good improvement this season.

That's true, but we did have some games where we played well, ie second half at City, Arsenal game, FA cup semi; but ultimately, the football wasn't good enough last season. So it's not like we can't play well, I think it's a similar fix to what you're saying. We need people to step up a level if we are to not to be overtaken by you lot, which I think we should be expecting from Sanchez, Lukaku (we need him to be 30 goals at least in all comps) and Rashford (if Martial does leave). To some extent we would expect Pogba to be more consistent too.

I enjoyed the image of Moreno flying over Stanley park.

Yeah. Fekir for you, I think, is similar to us with the RW situation for us. Although your other signings have done a much better job at calming the masses!

If you play 4-3-3 next season again I could see the lineup being one with Fabinho, Henderson and Keita. Exceptional work rate and a great mix of players that are good going forward and defending. Maybe this will be the solution to your defensive problems, having three midfielder who all put in a lot of work when it comes to their defensive responsibilities.

I am not a Liverpool fan, but they are good points.

 

[B20]

If you play 4-3-3 next season again I could see the lineup being one with Fabinho, Henderson and Keita. Exceptional work rate and a great mix of players that are good going forward and defending. Maybe this will be the solution to your defensive problems, having three midfielder who all put in a lot of work when it comes to their defensive responsibilities.

It would be nice to have that option. Play Clyne at rightback and that's a lineup that could actually inspire some measure of confidence defensively for tough away games.

We need more going forwards for the teams parking the bus though. Still need that 10-who-will-track-back-as-an-8 player to chip in with goal and lock picking passes.

We got away with it in midfield last season really. There are limits to how long you can play a midfield whose first instinct is to pounce it upfield to our attackers and then expect them to do the rest. Keita will be a big upgrade, but we'll need more for a title challenge. Especially with Chamberlain out.

 

[thegregster]

I reckon our issues are more fixable than yours though.

It is perhaps a credit to Mourinho's managerial resilience, but I've never seen a team like yours last season, where most players performed under their hoped for level and the team played such poor football, haul together so many points as you did. That is going to be a feat hard to replicate, imo. A lot of players will need to up their level.

Our main issue to fix is dropping points from a winning position. Which ought to be a lot more fixable than problems with gaining a winning position. A lot of it is mental with us, so hopefully having more proper players in the back five will help the ones who are more mistake prone (Lovren, TAA). Personally, I also reckon a ceremonial shooting of Moreno out of a cannon into the sun on matchday 1 would do wonders for morale.

Midfield contributed with 8 league goals in total last season. Our attack was basically carrying the team. If midfield can get closer to normal numbers and our backups up front add a little extra too, that should go a long way towards making up the difference when Salah doesn't break the scoring record again.

I still think we need someone like Fekir added to the mix before I will be properly confident. But I still expect a good improvement this season.

Not really. Chelsea had a meltdown.

We finished ahead of Arsenal,Spurs and Liverpool. They havent won a league title in 14,28 and 58 years.

Finishing ahead of the above three is just par.

Plus we beat all the big teams at home with good performances bar City.

Pool had one win against the rest of the top 5.

 

[NoLogo]

It would be nice to have that option. Play Clyne at rightback and that's a lineup that could actually inspire some measure of confidence defensively for tough away games.

We need more going forwards for the teams parking the bus though. Still need that 10-who-will-track-back-as-an-8 player to chip in with goal and lock picking passes.

We got away with it in midfield last season really. There are limits to how long you can play a midfield whose first instinct is to pounce it upfield to our attackers and then expect them to do the rest. Keita will be a big upgrade, but we'll need more for a title challenge. Especially with Chamberlain out.

I agree, putting in a more attack minded midfielder against the smaller teams would be a good idea and I still don't know what to make of Wijnaldum, so with Ox out for the season that really might be something you should look into strengthening. A budget option, albeit a big gamble would be Max Meyer, who is available for free currently. Or Klopp takes a punt at his old disciple Kagawa? He shouldn't be too expensive and who knows maybe Klopp will make him play like in the good old days?

 

[B20]

Not really. Chelsea had a meltdown.

We finished ahead of Arsenal,Spurs and Liverpool. They havent won a league title in 14,28 and 58 years.

Finishing ahead of the above three is just par.

Plus we beat all the big teams at home with good performances bar City.

Pool had one win against the rest of the top 5.

Grandstanding as argumentation. Well done.

 

[thegregster]

Grandstanding as argumentation. Well done.

We easily made the top 4.

We were comfortable for second all season never mind top 4.

Liverpool would have top 4 wrapped up a lot earlier if they managed to beat Spurs,United and Chelsea at home.

 

[Red4Ever]

We enjoy it more reading these salty reactions as it obviously does mean something to you.

It doesn’t really

Then again I’m not some guy posting in a rival teams football forum....

 

[B20]

We easily made the top 4.

We were comfortable for second all season never mind top 4.

Liverpool would have top 4 wrapped up a lot earlier if they managed to beat Spurs,United and Chelsea at home.

Cool story, bro. Not really a response to what I wrote.

 

[thegregster]

Cool story, bro. Not really a response to what I wrote.

Well it is. We performed well against all the big teams at home and got a better points haul on the road away to the rest of the big 6 that the teams below us.

In the previous season we also performed well in the above fixture s but didn't get over the line.

Ever since we beat Chelsea 2-0 at OT in late 2016-7 our performances against the big teams have been generally very good. It wasn't done playing poor football.

Poor football would be what Liverpool produced v the top 6 last season for the most part. It's why you went into the last day needing to win.

Just an alternative view to the happy clappy stuff you are told about Klopp from the cult.

 

[B20]

Well it is. We performed well against all the big teams at home and got a better points haul on the road away to the rest of the big 6 that the teams below us.

In the previous season we also performed well in the above fixture s but didn't get over the line.

Ever since we beat Chelsea 2-0 at OT in late 2016-7 our performances against the big teams have been generally very good. It wasn't done playing poor football.

Poor football would be what Liverpool produced v the top 6 last season for the most part. It's why you went into the last day needing to win.

Just an alternative view to the happy clappy stuff you are told about Klopp.

Here is what you seem to be missing - Citing points totals as an argument does not refute an argument about how it was unusual for you to haul in so many points while playing poorly. It just re-states the premise of the original argument you are trying to refute. As for the substance of your actual argument:

It wasn't done playing poor football.

I think it often was. Which is hardly a controversial statement. A quick cursory glance at the caf will show that there is no wiggle room for even light wumming about it from opposition fans, since droves of united fans regularly jump the shark ahead of us on how poor your football is. The stat-tards have also been going on about how your season have been against the odds in terms of 'expected goals for/against' and so forth if that should count for more than the evidence of one's own eyes.

 

[Bestietom]

Hate to say it but Liverpool will be the team to watch this season. They have bought well and are ready to challenge for honours.

 

[B20]

Hate to say it but Liverpool will be the team to watch this season. They have bought well and are ready to challenge for honours.

Said this before, but... the last time there was widespread agreement about this, we finished 4th in a two-horse race under Evans.

I'll believe it when City aren't on course for another 100 point season and we are still in the mix.

 

[Klopper76]

Looks like we'll have most of the squad available from tomorrow. Alisson and Firmino are joining up today whilst Alexander-Arnold will join the squad tomorrow. Only Henderson, Lovren and Mignolet (who is probably leaving) who are missing until next week.

We need to start this season better than we did last year. Far too many draw's early on set us back last season. The defending in that draw against Watford on day one was horrendous.

 

[ShadesOfTomato]

Almost certain Klopp will play Henderson ahead of Fabinho for the first few games.

 

[Klopper76]

Mane’s being offered a new contract. It’d be great if we got the entire front three tied to new contracts.

 

[Cassady]

A guarantee issued by random internetter. Take that to the bank.

Iam a Liverpudlian and I find the whole Scouse not English to be a bit silly if Iam being honest . We do however have a strong sense of self identity and have always historically felt alienated from the rest of the country and have more of a connection to Ireland and Wales. Politically what happened in the 80's I feel did seperate ' us ' even more so we pulled up the draw bridge and said feck Youse !

I did not support England at all in this World Cup and havent done since 1998 and that was most probably because I lived in London and Patriotism coming of the whole Tony Blair Cool Brittania bollocks was rampant at the time.

I also had a France / Croatia final after the group stages at 25/1 so I feckin loved their second goal .

feck the FA la !

 

[Cassady]

They'll be neck and neck with City this year. If they signed another CB I'd have them as favourites.

Kin 'ell lad . You are talking about a massive leap there. Was it a 21 or 25 point gap ? For what you just said we need to be on blob ( very , very good ) throughout the season and City to at least lose three games more or draw loads. We've also got four new players and three of them have never played in England before . We'll most probably get another one in too . Let's just say it feels exciting and we can't wait for the season to start.