Liverpool 2018/19

[ShadesOfTomato]

Why are they so happy to concede that City (a team they pummel like its their job) are so much better? Still waiting for that to be addressed.

Probably because you'd be an absolute tool to think you're going to walk the league against this City. They're the most relentless side the PL has seen, as evidenced by them breaking the points and goals scored records last year, as well as accumulating the biggest win streak seen in English league football.

How many years are you prepared to wait, out of interest? Four? Five?

And we'll pretend Rodgers out performing Klopp never happened.

I'll wait for eternity for old Kloppo.

The same thing was said of Houllier, Rafa and Brenda during their managerial careers with Liverpool, each of them failed to deliver on their promises. Why should it be any different under Klopp? Beware of False Prophets as they say.

Why can't it be this year that Liverpool decide to end 3 decades of pain and misery? It's always next year.

You must really want Mourinho sacked then.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Mourinho spent 147 million last summer. Spent over 150 million the summer before

His spending wasn't financed by selling his best player, and he got a world class player on a free on massive wages in the middle of the season last year.

How come Jose didn't win the title last season then? Or the year before? How is Klopp expected to win the league this season what Mourinho wasn't last year?

Amazing logic in that post. I see lots of United fans saying this. Whatever you think is expected of Klopp, still more should be expected of Mourinho who has spent more net, has got to bring in world class player(s) on frees. At worst he should match what Klopp does this year. Lets see what happens.

They have both now spent 400 million. Mourinho has spent way more in net, too (and yes it matters, imagine you losing De Gea for 100 million and spending 80 million to replace him....gross spend goes up in a big way, but your team doesn't improve).

Both should be expected to clear 85 points and close the gap to City. Neither can be expected to win the league. Pep inherited the better squad and has comfortably outspent them both.

Mourinho was expected to win the league last season. You might have seen some moaning regarding that.

Also, it's a good job Fergie didn't decide to give up on the league when Chelsea outspent everyone.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Probably because you'd be an absolute tool to think you're going to walk the league against this City. They're the most relentless side the PL has seen, as evidenced by them breaking the points and goals scored records last year, as well as accumulating the biggest win streak seen in English league football.

Nobody said 'walk the league'. You made that up. Win the league? Yes. Such a defeatist attitude.

 

[theriddler]

Mourinho was expected to win the league last season. You might have seen some moaning regarding that.

Also, it's a good job Fergie didn't decide to give up on the league when Chelsea outspent everyone.

No, he was expected to challenge. Pep was expected to win. Your fan base also expected better football than the garbage on display in most matches. Those were the expectations, with a cup run, and maybe QF of the CL. Overall he did pretty ok, just slightly below what was expected.

Well, Sir Alex is an all time great, perhaps the best ever. Similarly what Simeone did at Atletico is truly remarkable.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

No, he was expected to challenge. Pep was expected to win. Your fan base also expected better football than the garbage on display in most matches. Those were the expectations, with a cup run, and maybe QF of the CL. Overall he did pretty ok, just slightly below what was expected.

Well, Sir Alex is an all time great, perhaps the best ever. Similarly what Simeone did at Atletico is truly remarkable.

No, he was expected to win. And not just by our fanbase.

 

[theriddler]

No, he was expected to win. And not just by our fanbase.

Well no one would have said anything had he reached that points total with great football. The problem was the shit football, his non stop moaning about how he's got no money after spending 300 million within 2 years, and football heritage.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Here you go.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40856491

Keep making excuses for Klopp, though.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Well no one would have said anything had he reached that points total with great football. The problem was the shit football, his non stop moaning about how he's got no money after spending 300 million within 2 years, and football heritage.

Okay, so now you're just talking shite.

 

[2015]

No, he was expected to win. And not just by our fanbase.

Manchester United was the 3rd favorite to win the Premier League last year. Behind City and Chelsea. So they certainly weren't expected to win it.

 

[theriddler]

Here you go.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40856491

Keep making excuses for Klopp, though.

What I am saying is its unreasonable to expect someone to win the title when they are competing with someone who inherits a better squad and then spends a lot more.

With the spending this summer, I do expect Klopp to challenge, and more importantly win a cup. We spent big this summer, and I expect 85+ points and a cup...isn't the time to make excuses...we came off a year when we lost our best player mid-season and still got to a CL final. He surpassed expectations. Oh, and the football was pretty good to watch too. Can't complain really.

I'm pretty happy with how Klopp has done so far. He spent decent sums up until this year and did pretty well. No need to make excuses. The guy managing my team didn't complain about having no money when he's spending 300 million...we play great football...and our best players can speak their mind without thinking they'll be fined .

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

What I am saying is its unreasonable to expect someone to win the title when they are competing with someone who inherits a better squad and then spends a lot more.

With the spending this summer, I do expect Klopp to challenge, and more importantly win a cup.

I'm pretty happy with how Klopp has done so far. He spent decent sums up until this year and did pretty well. No need to make excuses. The guy managing my team didn't complain about having no money when he's spending 300 million...we play great football...and our best players can speak their mind without thinking they'll be fined .

No, it isn't unreasonable. You keep that hope up, though. You might even win something this year. And if not, next year. Maybe.

Far be it from anyone to criticise Klopp, though.

 

[theriddler]

No, it isn't unreasonable. You keep that hope up, though. You might even win something this year. And if not, next year. Maybe.

So Mourinho failed last year in your view?

I'm comfortable and secure with the manager in charge. Trophies will come soon enough. In the meantime I'll enjoy the top class football.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

So Mourinho failed last year in your view?

I'm comfortable and secure with the manager in charge. Trophies will come soon enough. In the meantime I'll enjoy the top class football.

He finished second. An improvement, but not ideal. You could argue that he failed, and I don't have a problem with that.

Klopp, though? What, his sixth final failure? Your manager has shot his load. If he fails again this season there is no excuse. Yet already you are searching for them. 'No one can beat City. Let's all give up and go home'.

That's pretty pathetic.

 

[Liver_bird]

Mourinho spent 147 million last summer. Spent over 150 million the summer before

His spending wasn't financed by selling his best player, and he got a world class player on a free on massive wages in the middle of the season last year.

How come Jose didn't win the title last season then? Or the year before? How is Klopp expected to win the league this season what Mourinho wasn't last year?

Amazing logic in that post. I see lots of United fans saying this. Whatever you think is expected of Klopp, still more should be expected of Mourinho who has spent more net, has got to bring in world class player(s) on frees. At worst he should match what Klopp does this year. Lets see what happens.

They have both now spent 400 million. Mourinho has spent way more in net, too (and yes it matters, imagine you losing De Gea for 100 million and spending 80 million to replace him....gross spend goes up in a big way, but your team doesn't improve).

Both should be expected to clear 85 points and close the gap to City. Neither can be expected to win the league. Pep inherited the better squad and has comfortably outspent them both.

Again good post

 

[RedCurry]

If he doesn’t manage to win anything with Liverpool can’t he simply be considered a good manager, below the top tier but with some positives against him?

I don’t see why managers either have to be amazing or terrible. Where’s the middle ground?

He’s already at least a mid tier manager. If he adds trophies, he might one day be considered top tier. Just doesn’t seem driven by success as much as other managers though.

 

[Luke1995]

That's true, but this isn't that Sturridge anymore. His body is fecked and he doesn't have any pace any more. He's still a magnificent footballer though.

As the saying goes, form is temporary, class is permanent.

 

[VeevaVee]

Their average positions. Only 2 players in their own half.

United for comparison. Only two in the opposition half.

 

[automaticflare]

Their average positions. Only 2 players in their own half.

United for comparison. Only two in the opposition half.

Wait so the 2 players on halfway line for Liverpool are counted in attacking half but two for united are not?

Not to mention Leicester are a much better side than west ham

Or that our two first choice full backs (as average as they are) we’re out and one of the replacements happened to be darmian who is non adventurous as you can get

Not to mention pereira was playing as a deep lying midfielder and was over compensating not leaving gaps behind

And freds first game and was gassed after 50 mins

As was rashford

Also serves to highlight the fact and fatal flaw with Klopp a tactic, I don’t care who they sign to partner vvd playing that way always leaves the two center backs exposed

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Their average positions. Only 2 players in their own half.

United for comparison. Only two in the opposition half.

Huge difference. I'd like to see the same for other top sides. It's no shame in being less attacking than Klopp who is the most attack minded manager around. But the difference is too big IMO which is why looking at the same for other top sides would help.

 

[Fridge chutney]

I’ve asked this question before, but what does challenge mean in this case? We’re talking about City who today beat Arsenal away without breaking a sweat with a team that lacked Kompany, Otamendi, De Bruyne, Sane, Jesus, Silva etc. Realistically, noone’s competing with that. Not until Guardiola gets bored anyway.

City were destroying Arsenal at the Emirates and then I saw KDB come off the bench. Their best bloody player. It made me kinda depressed to know that they'll probably walk the league and leave us in a pointless battle for second. So much depth. It's unreal. They truly bought the league. Liverpool and United at least use club-generated resources.

 

[Fridge chutney]

The guy managing my team didn't complain about having no money when he's spending 300 million...

If you want to play this fun game, we can...

He managed to complain about everything else under the sun , as well as proving to be a big hypocrite.

Isn't this fun?

 

[Fridge chutney]

They have both now spent 400 million. Mourinho has spent way more in net, too (and yes it matters, imagine you losing De Gea for 100 million and spending 80 million to replace him....gross spend goes up in a big way, but your team doesn't improve).

United post SAF have not sold good players like Liverpool have. Their good players have retired. The net result is that the squad needs investment to replace departing players. So I'm not sure your point.

And United spend LESS money on transfers than Liverpool based on club resources. Player sale is not the only revenue stream.

 

[sglowrider]

I think Liverpool will win the league this season.

Looking too strong even when comparing with City.

 

[Hazza83]

The people who pay his wages, I imagine.

The people who pay his wages are probably pretty happy with him, considering the progress at the club. Also, while I understand no United fans on this forum have any interest in the net spend argument, this would be of significant interest to the Liverpool owners as it is their money, and an extra £142m for Countinho is important in the context that Liverpool would not have spent so heavily this summer had they not received those funds. I think if they had funded the extra £142m (plus other minor sales) from their own pocket, as opposed to reallocating money already invested in the squad, their expectations of the manager might be something closer to what your owners and commercial partners expect from United.

 

[ErranMorad]

Hate to say it but they are a pure joy to watch. Their attacking play is sexy. They commit players in attack and are pretty fearless like we used to be back in the day. Naby Keita looked excellent yesterday. Didn't know he was this creative.

They are the only team that in my opinion can give City a run for the title. In fact the pressure should be on them to win the title after spending a fair whack and this being the 4th year as per Klopp's initial plan. Not winning at least one of the two major trophies should be considered a failure. Not the underdogs they have been anymore. Time for Klopp and the scouse to deliver.

 

[sglowrider]

Hate to say it but they are a pure joy to watch. Their attacking play is sexy. They commit players in attack and are pretty fearless like we used to be back in the day. Naby Keita looked excellent yesterday. Didn't know he was this creative.

They are the only team that in my opinion can give City a run for the title. In fact the pressure should be on them to win the title after spending a fair whack and this being the 4th year as per Klopp's initial plan. Not winning at least one of the two major trophies should be considered a failure. Not the underdogs they have been anymore. Time for Klopp and the scouse to deliver.

Adam Ant agrees too:

 

[montpelier]

But you've won 2 trophies with Mourinho & came closest last season - albeit by some margin - to eventual champions Man City. So it's not just about expectations really is it ? It has just as much to do about style, or in United's case since Ferguson retired, the lack of it. I'd say the silverware won is only masking what a lot of your fans really feel about the direction your club is heading. Liverpool supporters, & I dare say Spurs fans too, are happy with the type of football our respective sides are playing, & believe that if we continue, success will come our way. So we all have expectations. Yours are based on what you've done in the past. Ours are based on what will hopefully come in the future.

Decent football increases one's optimism? Yes, I think that's true actually.

Have you seen my truly magnificent thread on ''exciting football vs. League position'' which despite some cheesed-off dimwits getting on to their own particular soapboxes & some other folks just wanting to have a pop at people they perceive they ought to have a pop at - has a lot of good contributions of various ways of looking at stuff & a lot of consensus around the point that I think you're making.

 

[montpelier]

It doesn't seem that long ago I was saying Liverpool were a very dangerous team & the majority response was along the lines of ''nah, they're still shit.''

Also them beating City in the coach-trashing CL semi wasn't gonna prove anything or constitute them posing a problem either. #ThankGodForKarius

So let's not get carried away now eh, it's a marathon & not a sprint, innit?

Prediction: do well up to March in all competitions, lose League Cup Final on penalties to Wolves, tire badly thereafter, Jurgen blames himself because there's simply nothing else left he can blame & leaves to manage St Pauli because that's how cool he is really under the volcanic buffoon schizophrenic exterior that he carefully cultivates so that people love him.

We call him the 'Anfield Trap' in our house, btw. He certainly never closes it for too long, .

 

[Kag]

Their average positions. Only 2 players in their own half.

United for comparison. Only two in the opposition half.

I'd like to see ours in comparison with other top sides over the course of the season. If it's a common trend then that would be worrying, if not at all surprising.

 

[kouroux]

I think Liverpool will win the league this season.
Looking too strong even when comparing with City.

Drama much ? Too strong when comparing with City ? Based on what have you decided that after 1 game ?

 

[haram]

Have people forgotten we also thumped West Ham 4-0 last year?

 

[Winrar]

Have people forgotten we also thumped West Ham 4-0 last year?

coincidentally that was also our first game of the season as well.

 

[haram]

coincidentally that was also our first game of the season as well.

Meanwhile City played out a dull 2-0 win over Brighton.

 

[VJ1762]

Have people forgotten we also thumped West Ham 4-0 last year?

Man I can't even imagine what will happen if they win the league. The majority of english newspapers and shows(MOTD,MNF,Sunday Supplement etc) are all already far up in liverpool's arse ever since the german messiah went there. I just hope that timeline never happens and the Flash changes it somehow.

 

[VJ1762]

I think Liverpool will win the league this season.

Looking too strong even when comparing with City.

I think city are still the team to beat this season. There are about 20 different timelines and the one you mentioned is the darkest timeline.

 

[B20]

Sorry I thought they had won 6 league titles and the European cup. My mistake

Using your train of thought that past achievement indicate whether a club is currently a heavyweight would mean Nottinham Forest and Aston Villa should challenge for the title. Sounds really smart.

Final table when Klopp took over. Heavyweight and a perfect situation to succeed.

I'm not sure where you're going with this but it's getting tedious.

Dortmund are a footballing heavyweight in my opinion. I don't need to do homework to establish that.

Whilst Klopp was there they were still the second biggest club in Germany and has solid financial backing.

No, they were not.

BVB was close to bankruptcy in 2005 and finished 7th , 7th, 9th, 13th in the seasons before Klopp started. Transfer fee spending wise they were 4th, 8th, 10th, 4th, 5th, 2th, 1st during Klopp's years there. They won the Bundesliga in the bolded seasons.

https://www.transfermarkt.de/transf...&nat=&pos=&altersklasse=&w_s=&leihe=&intern=0

Between 08/09 (Klopp's 1st season) and 10/11 (1st title) they spend about as much as Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. The bigger transfers and solid financial backing came in his last years.

Like watching Mike Tyson KO Trevor Berbick this.

 

[.Rossi]

 

[Niall]

I’m seriously worried about these guys this season. They’ve been slowly building a strong team under Klopp, buying well and playing some impressive stuff too. They didn’t fluke their way to the CL final either last season, they deserved their place there.

They now look ready to mount a serious challenge for the title, more than we do

I’m half hoping City don’t do their usual bottle job of defending a league title because the scum look best placed to catch them.

There I’ve said it. Now feck the scousers into oblivion, may they never win the league ever again

 

[redman5]

I edited my post shortly after and alluded directly to this point.

I disagree, it's all about expectations - what we are prepared to accept and what we are not. The United fanbase flat-out demands it all; entertaining football, trophies by the truckload and they want it with a cherry on top. Liverpool and United fans have very different levels of expectation (at least they did prior to the events of this summer).

Given the vast sums of money Klopp has spent in the transfer market, do you accept that he must challenge for the title this season?

I'd certainly expect him to improve our points total. Whether it's enough to mount a title challenge, well that's all dependent on how the other top sides, especially City, fare isn't it ? If they have another season last the last one then I don't think anyone will be able to keep up with them. If they, & others, drop their standards to the level we saw a couple of seasons ago when Leicester won the league with 82 points then I'd say Yeah we're in with a great chance. But I think you & I know that ain't gonna happen.

 

[RobinLFC]

I'm not sure where you're going with this but it's getting tedious.

Dortmund are a footballing heavyweight in my opinion. I don't need to do homework to establish that.

Whilst Klopp was there they were still the second biggest club in Germany and has solid financial backing.

It's you who is getting tedious and you're arguing something you're very obviously wrong about.

I said Klopp has never managed a European heavyweight, and that he would've won a lot more trophies since '12 had he managed Juve like Allegri did, or Barca like Guardiola did, or Real like Mourinho did. That's my opinion, and that's because I think that Dortmund is not a European heavyweight. Even if you think they are, it even proves my point since I think he'd win league titles at a European heavyweight, which he did at Dortmund (in the same league as Bayern so not a formality like PSG or Juve titles).

Dortmund was far from a heavyweight when Klopp arrived though. They couldn't even finish top half in their own league, let alone compete on European level. But by all means go on and consider the likes of Forrest as European heavyweight just cause they won some trophies nearly 40 years ago.