Liverpool 2018/19

[Fridge chutney]

Ole has said we are not guaranteed to be in the top 6 next year. The same can also be said for Arsenal & Chelsea (if they lose Hazard) The standard of the 3 of us is extremely poor.

He's applying pressure on the board and players.

I think before we make wummish claims about "top 6" see how the dust settles after the summer. I'd be most concerned as an Arsenal supporter: losing their best midfielder for free and Kroenke releasing a massive 40 M war chest for Emery. Chelsea minus Hazard, Spurs minis Eriksen and Alderweireld, United minus Pogba potentially... Top 4 is not a given either, except for City and Liverpool.

 

[africanspur]

Ole has said we are not guaranteed to be in the top 6 next year. The same can also be said for Arsenal & Chelsea (if they lose Hazard) The standard of the 3 of us is extremely poor.

The standard of the top 6 is still well ahead of the other teams, unless Everton or Wolves have an incredible window or a huge fluke season.

I don't know what the order of those 6 will be and wouldn't want to estimate now but I'd imagine the top 6 next season will be the same top 6.

 

[roonster09]

Ole has said we are not guaranteed to be in the top 6 next year. The same can also be said for Arsenal & Chelsea (if they lose Hazard) The standard of the 3 of us is extremely poor.

No he didn't say that. Read his interview, not just telegraph headline.

 

[charlenefan]

What in the world suggests that United would immediately close this huge existing gap in one summer? You severely underestimate how far you’re behind, and disregard that Liverpool could also “buy well” this summer. You need far more than a few new shiny signings.

tbf Liverpool scrapped top 4 last season but made up a 20 point gap this season with some shiny signings

 

[Klopper76]

We won't challenge for the league next season but only because I expect City to improve their squad whilst we'll revert to around the high 80's.

City will end up with 95-99 points again next season imo.

 

[Varun]

We won't challenge for the league next season but only because I expect City to improve their squad whilst we'll revert to around the high 80's.

City will end up with 95-99 points again next season imo.

Yup, I don't think you can replicate this season again next year especially if you don't win anything while I'd back city to do a 90+ season easy again.

 

[RobinLFC]

tbf Liverpool scrapped top 4 last season but made up a 20 point gap this season with some shiny signings

Sure, but I'd argue we were already on the rise with a clear strategy, and I think it was pretty clear that we only needed a few additions to mount a title challenge. I'd also say we are not actually as good as our points tally suggests. The only reason we could challenge next season is if we improve once again or if City loses interest/focus due to repeating, otherwise they'll run away with the league again.

I think United faces a few deeper rooted problems than just the quality of your players.

 

[royboy16]

Agreed; Brighton denying Arsenal at the Emirates despite all that pressure from them at the end as desperately needed the win for the top four battle makes me very nervous - if it was at the Etihad then that would be one thing, but being at the Amex could be key.

They have yet to get even a point against city in the premier league.
https://www.11v11.com/teams/manchester-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Brighton and Hove Albion/

 

[charlenefan]

Sure, but I'd argue we were already on the rise with a clear strategy, and I think it was pretty clear that we only needed a few additions to mount a title challenge. I'd also say we are not actually as good as our points tally suggests. The only reason we could challenge next season is if we improve once again or if City loses interest/focus due to repeating, otherwise they'll run away with the league again.

I think United faces a few deeper rooted problems than just the quality of your players.

Your rise wasn't really going anywhere until you got VVD though

For the record though I do agree, we're fecked at the moment and need a lot more than just a new CB and GK to sort our mess out

 

[Varun]

tbf Liverpool scrapped top 4 last season but made up a 20 point gap this season with some shiny signings

There's a clear difference though. Pool last season was a case of a definite style and everyone laughing at their defence and gk and saying 'if only they had some quality there'. Well, they went out and got VVD + Allison and the difference is there for all to see.

For us, you can pretty much laugh at every area of the pitch and at the lack of any system. The layer of which isn't really a criticism because Ole has just been here a few months.

 

[royboy16]

I don't think liverpool are going away anywhere as much as people would like to think.It will probably be city and liverpool battling it out again for the title next season.
People were saying city wouldnt have as good a season as last year points wise which in a way is true but did people really think they would get 90 plus points again (possible two points shy) of equaling last seasons tally ?

 

[Kapardin]

Since Klopp joined them, they have been to LC, EL and CL final and a 97 point haul without winning the title would be the closest equivalent of a "league final" if such a thing existed I suppose.

So 0 instead of 4 trophies assuming City don't feck up. Klopp is clearly a great manager and has improved Liverpool massively, but the prizes always seem to remain just out of reach for him. Also, despite the work he's done there, much of the credit for Liverpool's great recruitment should also go to their transfer committee who identified signings like Firmino and Salah.

 

[Wulfric]

You guys are being extra cautious (or you're still trying to jinx it, I'm not sure). it's actually over. take it easy.

 

[adexkola]

Since Klopp joined them, they have been to LC, EL and CL final and a 97 point haul without winning the title would be the closest equivalent of a "league final" if such a thing existed I suppose.

So 0 instead of 4 trophies assuming City don't feck up. Klopp is clearly a great manager and has improved Liverpool massively, but the prizes always seem to remain just out of reach for him. Also, despite the work he's done there, much of the credit for Liverpool's great recruitment should also go to their transfer committee who identified signings like Firmino and Salah.

Struggling to see what your point is to be honest.

Now that the dust has settled from last night, the only fair criticism one can give Klopp regarding this season is not going far in the domestic cups, but as far as the main prizes go, you can't fault him or the team. Potentially 97 points (would win the league in any season from when Sky invented football until 2017) and a CL semi-final, knocked out by the best player in the world? They're on the right track. The challenge is to maintain that level and hope for an off season from City, or for luck to swing their way in Europe again. They'll need to improve their midfield and get some more quality depth that can sustain fighting for trophies on all fronts.

 

[Ban]

Poor Messi, didn't get any sleep thanks to fireworks.

 

[balaks]

Not sure who was it.

Anyways it's easy bet to win, so yeah in or out?

I know who it was - i have messages on here - and no i wont take the bet. I said 'the way things are going', i.e. if things dont improve. I'd expect some improvement but unsure how much.

 

[roonster09]

Poor Messi, didn't get any sleep thanks to fireworks.

He will start the fireworks of his own later.

 

[Ban]

I know who it was - i have messages on here - and no i wont take the bet. I said 'the way things are going', i.e. if things dont improve. I'd expect some improvement but unsure how much.

Coward!

 

[Ban]

I hope Barcelona learned from Roma tie of last year.

 

[Siorac]

What in the world suggests that United would immediately close this huge existing gap in one summer? You severely underestimate how far you’re behind, and disregard that Liverpool could also “buy well” this summer. You need far more than a few new shiny signings.

You finished what, 27 points behind City last season.

I mean, I'm pessimistic as feck and I expect us to be absolute shite once more but the "huge existing gap" is not a good argument.

 

[GaryLifo]

Genuine question for Liverpool fans.

Last season was an unusual one in terms of the amount of investment in the first-team by your owners. Do you think they might sanction 2-3 similar standard signings this summer or was last summer more of a 'final throw of the dice' splurge to try and get over the line (which may still end up being successful this season of course)?

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but I would predict one big signing and a couple of Shaquiri level squad players with your owners being reluctant to spend at the same levels as last summer.

City have a few very important players reaching the end of their time as well. Aguero, Kompany, Silva, Fernandinho have all been huge for them and will all need replacing over the next 18 months. Maybe Liverpool being patient and not trying to add too much to their squad this summer might pay dividends.

 

[Klopper76]

Genuine question for Liverpool fans.

Last season was an unusual one in terms of the amount of investment in the first-team by your owners. Do you think they might sanction 2-3 similar standard signings this summer or was last summer more of a 'final throw of the dice' splurge to try and get over the line (which may still end up being successful this season of course)?

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but I would predict one big signing and a couple of Shaquiri level squad players with your owners being reluctant to spend at the same levels as last summer.

City have a few very important players reaching the end of their time as well. Aguero, Kompany, Silva, Fernandinho have all been huge for them and will all need replacing over the next 18 months. Maybe Liverpool being patient and not trying to add too much to their squad this summer might pay dividends.

I expect us to make three signings maximum in the summer. One big signing in the 50-60 million range and two smaller ones.

We need to sign a player who can carry the ball and control a game.

We also need a CB to replace Lovren and probably a forward to add some depth to what we have.

 

[RobinLFC]

You finished what, 27 points behind City last season.

I mean, I'm pessimistic as feck and I expect us to be absolute shite once more but the "huge existing gap" is not a good argument.

Like I explained in later posts, we were in an upward trajectory and only needed a few additional pieces to mount a title challenge, which we then addressed in the summer window. I think United's problems run a lot deeper than that, and won't be fixed by just buying a few quality players.

Genuine question for Liverpool fans.

Last season was an unusual one in terms of the amount of investment in the first-team by your owners. Do you think they might sanction 2-3 similar standard signings this summer or was last summer more of a 'final throw of the dice' splurge to try and get over the line (which may still end up being successful this season of course)?

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but I would predict one big signing and a couple of Shaquiri level squad players with your owners being reluctant to spend at the same levels as last summer.

City have a few very important players reaching the end of their time as well. Aguero, Kompany, Silva, Fernandinho have all been huge for them and will all need replacing over the next 18 months. Maybe Liverpool being patient and not trying to add too much to their squad this summer might pay dividends.

FSG are happy to spend money if they see that it makes us compete, which has also been their strategy for the Red Sox. If Klopp/our transfer committee have realistic, attainable demands, I think they will make the money available. Especially if we don't win something this season, all prior investments would be "for nothing" if they stop investing money now, since City won't either.

I expect 2, max 3 players who can compete for a starting XI spot (CAM, CB) and a few back-ups (striker, winger, and LB/RB). I'd still love for us to sign Fékir.

EDIT: pretty much what @Klopper76 thinks. I wouldn't mind only 3 signings if 2 are worthy of a starting XI spot but I'd be more comfortable with some back-ups of the required quality (i.e. not the likes of Moreno, Lovren and Origi).

 

[GaryLifo]

I think that would be sensible.

I suppose the only thing for us all would be if City go out and add 4-5 high quality additions this summer - i.e. begin their rebuilding from a position of strength and while they still have the likes of Aguero etc for at least another season to bed in the new guys.

They'd only need 1-2 of those to be instant hits for it to be a huge mountain to climb next season.

Liverpool are clearly not going away while Klopp, Allison, Salah, VVD, Firmino and Mane are still there, but you can't go on having the likes of Origi, Shaquiri, Sturridge etc as the ones to come in should one of your main three get a long term injury next season.

I'm hoping that Mane does get an offer from Madrid that he can't refuse this summer. I think you'd miss him the most as he's scored as many, if not more, vital goals for you this season as Salah has.

 

[Shaidabdullah Hussain]

I still have a bad feeling they will nick it on Saturday. They have had so many lucky breaks this season with the countless penalties and late scummy goals. I feel the fates have one more big one for them up their sleeve.

 

[Angry Virginian]

I still have a bad feeling they will nick it on Saturday. They have had so many lucky breaks this season with the countless penalties and late scummy goals. I feel the fates have one more big one for them up their sleeve.

They will Nick it on Saturday but bottle it on Sunday when the games are played.

 

[mwake]

Since Klopp joined them, they have been to LC, EL and CL final and a 97 point haul without winning the title would be the closest equivalent of a "league final" if such a thing existed I suppose.

So 0 instead of 4 trophies assuming City don't feck up. Klopp is clearly a great manager and has improved Liverpool massively, but the prizes always seem to remain just out of reach for him. Also, despite the work he's done there, much of the credit for Liverpool's great recruitment should also go to their transfer committee who identified signings like Firmino and Salah.

I agree to a point...but Klopp for me is the difference. Sure the transfer committee have done good work but it's klooK that got the best out of players. Remember Firmino was bought under Rodgers reign and until Klopp came in he was considered a flopp.

Same as lovren and Henderson, many thought these two would be first out of the door but they have both prevailed. Even the much teased Moreno was considered the most consistent player up until Robertson came in. I still remember Liverpool fans worrying about Moreno's injury before Robertson came in. Same applies to Lallana, he had his best season under klopp. If you can bring out the best in those players then I think it's more to do with Klopps man mamagemana and coaching ability than the transfer committee.

 

[shaky]

They will Nick it on Saturday but bottle it on Sunday when the games are played.

City to drop points at Brighton, only for Wolves to nick a late draw at Anfield. That would be the most amusing scenario.

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

City to drop points at Brighton, only for Wolves to nick a late draw at Anfield. That would be the most amusing scenario.

Or even better, Henderson has a slip that gives Wolves a goal and the win.

 

[charlenefan]

Or even better, Henderson has a slip that gives Wolves a goal and the win.

Nah VVD

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

Nah VVD

Ahhhh I like it a VVD own goal, may the footballing gods look down and make it so.

 

[Random Task]

We won't challenge for the league next season but only because I expect City to improve their squad whilst we'll revert to around the high 80's.

City will end up with 95-99 points again next season imo.

Yeah, I see something similar happening. I have no idea how we stop City at this point.

I also feel Klopp and the board will have their resolve tested over the summer with Real coming in for Mane and Barca for Salah.

What's the likelihood of a bid being accepted, assuming it's a fair one?

 

[Random Task]

Or even better, Henderson has a slip that gives Wolves a goal and the win.

Does anyone, other than Liverpool supporters of coure, want them to win the league?

It seems like every oppo and United fan on the forum and beyond are rooting for City.

 

[Broad Street Bullies]

Ahhhh I like it a VVD own goal, may the footballing gods look down and make it so.

Nah. Beach ball every day of the week. In the 93rd minute as well.

 

[montpelier]

I'd like VVD to score at both ends, 1st minute & 91st minute. I don't even mind in what order it happens. He's an 'orrible smug cnut.

 

[Casanova85]

Isn't it ironic that the reason why Klopp won't win this PL is because of that one manager whose football tactics-style Klopp despised back in 2010-12, Pep Guardiola?

 

[Infordin]

I'd like VVD to score at both ends, 1st minute & 91st minute. I don't even mind in what order it happens. He's an 'orrible smug cnut.

Technically speaking, if you score on both ends, once in the 1st half and once in the 2nd half, then you have either scored two goals or two own goals, because teams switch ends at halftime.

 

[Penycwm]

I'd like VVD to score at both ends, 1st minute & 91st minute. I don't even mind in what order it happens. He's an 'orrible smug cnut.

Wouldnt have him in your team would you ??

 

[Big Ben Foster]

Poor Liverpool, I almost feel bad for them, almost.

Those teeth are absolutely vile.

 

[montpelier]

Technically speaking, if you score on both ends, once in the 1st half and once in the 2nd half, then you have either scored two goals or two own goals, because teams switch ends at halftime.

Who's side are you on?