Liverpool Thread: Road to thinking we might get top 4, only to feel stupid at the end of the season

[Crimey]

First topic message reminder :

Transfer ins:
Kolo Toure (free transfer from Manchester City)

Transfers out:
Danny Wilson (free to Hearts)
Jamie Carragher (free to Sky)
Peter Gulacsi (free to Salzburg)

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

You need some Leroy Fer buh

[Guest]

A midfield three of Allen, Lucas and Henderson doesn't fill me with joy.

Could be worse, you could have Tom & Marouane.

[Kenny]

according to the papers Gerrard is out for 6 weeks and Henderson for upto 7 weeks .

time to give Alberto a chance ?

[Crimey]

I'd love to see us try out Alberto, but can see Moses coming in for Henderson. 


---------Suarez

Sterling-Coutinho-Moses

-----Lucas-----Allen----

I think we're really going to struggle without Gerrard and Henderson as they were excellent at unleashing the likes of Suarez, a lot of pressure will now be on Coutinho to create chances. 

I'd rather see:

--------Moses-----

--------Suarez----

Coutinho--------Sterling

-----Alberto--Lucas-----

[lfc91]

Getting close to january and i was just curious as to whether anyone thinks we will buy in this window? And if so what positions would you like to see us strengthen?

I would like to see us bring in a CM because i feel we have a lack of quality there. Also a genuine wide player, having to play hendo out there alot because for one reason or another sterling/moses arent really getting on?(in the case of moses im happy to keep it that way!).

One big problem though, are any players of real quality going to even consider switching clubs with the world cup looming and everyone trying to secure there place on the plane?

[Guest]

well Sterling will try and leave...probably try to get out on loan to force his way back into the england squad..

[lfc91]

Wouldnt be a bad idea to let him go out on loan, needs the game time.

[lfc91]

What a performance! Credit where its due the team played great, BR got the team selection spot on so fair play. Henderson showed what hes capable of! Allen was good spreading the ball about and seemed to get his passes away quicker. Sterling looked great in spells too. As for suarez...think all the superlatives to describe him have been used up!

All in all its exactly what we needed, now need to win the home game next week and go into the chelsea/city games full of momentum!

[Hulking_up]

Am i the only one who had a tear in their eye when Flanagan scored?
I haven't stopped smiling for the past hour.

[Crimey]

Am i the only one who had a tear in their eye when Flanagan scored?
I haven't stopped smiling for the past hour.

I had a massive grin on definitely, you could see how much it meant to him, and all the players celebrating with him was great as well. What a first goal to score as well.

[nasisillmatic]

That was one of the best performances away from home in a long time. Credit to Sterling as he really got us going before we scored the first.

[Hulking_up]

Sterling looked like the player he was before he signed his professional contract.

[Guest]

Sterling was brilliant in the opening twenty minutes, showed how bad Naughton is.Not sure he would of been so effective if Vertonghan was playing. For me, Henderson was quite frankly sensational. Prior to the game, thought he was average, not really anything special but if he can produce performances like that, then maybe he can transform into a quality player. It's all about consistency now & not just one game highlights for these players.

I've said if Suarez stays fit, top 4 for me.

[Kenny]

Henderson really stepped up to the plate yesterday with Stevie out , it was without doubt his best game in a Liverpool shirt . Lets hope he keeps it up when Stevie comes back in .

I would like another striker in January but saying that it has to be the right player not just a buy for a buys sake .

[Crimey]

If Tom Cleverley gets into the World Cup squad and Jordan Henderson doesn't, I will be furious. Henderson does everything Cleverley can do but better. A far better player. Don't forget Ferguson tried to sign Henderson before Liverpool got him and United got Phil Jones/Ashley Young, to me that suggests Henderson was going to be in the position that Cleverley currently is in the Manchester United squad.

[Guest]

Look, he had a great game but that's it. He needs to showcase that level of performance week in week out to be taken seriously. Everyone knows Cleverley is absolutely appalling, we've been there & discussed that. Henderson is a far better player than Cleverley, however, there is a question that both might not make the plane, such is the emergence of Barkley now & whether Roy goes with the tried & tested approach of Lampard.

[Crimey]

Look, he had a great game but that's it. He needs to showcase that level of performance week in week out to be taken seriously. Everyone knows Cleverley is absolutely appalling, we've been there & discussed that. Henderson is a far better player than Cleverley, however, there is a question that both might not make the plane, such is the emergence of Barkley now & whether Roy goes with the tried & tested approach of Lampard.

Henderson has been excellent for nearly 12 months now for Liverpool, he has the odd anonymous performance, but those kind of performances like at Tottenham are becoming increasingly common. I was really unconvinced by him at first, as was Brendan Rodgers, but he's turned it around with hard work and is now showing his ability as well. I think he's definitely a better option than Lampard because of his versatility, he can play anywhere along the midfield, whether it be left, right or middle, he can play as a number 10, a box to box or even a deep lying playmaker.

[Kenny]

From the LFC website

Luis Suarez today committed his future to Liverpool Football Club by signing a new long-term contract at Melwood.

The 26-year-old Uruguayan insists he is 'proud' and 'delighted' at having put pen to paper on the new extended deal and is focused on helping the club achieve its ambitions of sustainable success both domestically and in Europe.

The Reds' No.7 also paid tribute to the supporters, citing the 'special relationship' he has with them as a key factor in reaffirming his commitment to Liverpool.

Suarez joined the club in January 2011 and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world football. This season alone, Suarez has scored 17 goals in 11 Barclays Premier League starts.

"I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term," said Suarez.

"We have some great players and the team is growing and improving all the time. I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible.

"Without doubt the backing I have received from the Liverpool fans has influenced my decision. I am so proud to represent them and go out to do my best for them every time I pull on the shirt.

"We have a special relationship; they have love for me and in return I love them back. I will always do my best for them and hopefully we can achieve success together."

Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, said the news will give everyone a lift: "This is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club; the team, the owners and most importantly the supporters.

"Luis is a world-class talent and securing his services is crucial for what we are trying to achieve here.

"What's most important and most exciting is that, at just 26 years old, his best years are still ahead of him and we now know we'll be seeing him reach that potential in a Liverpool shirt."

Principal owner, John W Henry, believes it shows the progress being made on and off the field: "We are committed to working hard to keep our best players and this is an indication that we are moving in the right direction and moving at a pace that impresses one of the best players in world football.

"The club has made major strides forward in recent years and we are all committed to delivering the success our supporters want and deserve."

Liverpool chairman, Tom Werner, said: "This demonstrates our commitment, as an ownership group, to building a team that competes at the highest level both in the Barclays Premier League and in Europe.

"Our primary motive is to do what is best for Liverpool Football Club and today's news is another significant step forward on this journey."

[Crimey]

I am wary over this, I think Suarez has signed it because of the recent form but I have no doubt if the form drops off then Suarez will still want to move in the summer. I'm also hoping no release clause has been put in as if he keeps his form up, he should be fetching a world record fee.

It's good news though as it shows a massive improvement in relations and secures the world's form player to the club and perhaps shows that Suarez will be willing to stay so far as Liverpool get into Europe and start challenging which with Suarez on board is definitely possible.

[Duty281]

Suarez won't be staying beyond the summer, even if Liverpool do finish in the top 4.

Nice little boost to his transfer value though.

[Fernando]

If anything like the summer went i suspect their is a release clause in there. I don't think his agent would be that foolish this time around suspect around the 80m+ mark tbh though

[nasisillmatic]

If we get Champions League football and he still wants to go we should look be looking at a transfer record fee for him.

If he stays beyond the season we'll be paying him £200k apparantly. Never thought I'd see us pay that much to a player.

[Guest]

Suarez is argubaly top dog at Liverpool right now and I doubt there are many who would begrudge him that position. If the clubs come knocking in January or in Summer with offers, can they guarantee him the same lofty status? Will he want to be second fiddle to the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Ibrahimavic etc? Also, does he want to play WITH the likes of Ronaldo or AGAINST the likes of Ronaldo as I think Luis would relish the prospect of trying to beat him as much the prospect of being in a team with him prancing around like a Prince in a Pantomine and voguing for the cameras even 12 - 15 seconds

I think handing Luis the Captaincy for the next few weeks is a smart move by LFC as well as it shows Suarez how highly he's regarded and IF (in big bold letters) he's genuine about staying at the Club for years, he's the obvious replacement for Gerrard as and when Stevie finally hangs his boots up.

[Kenny]

Having read most of the interviews given by Rodgers and the statements from the club over the last few days and the comments made by them regarding Suarez i would expect a release clause if there is one to be a world record fee .

£200,000 a week is both ridiculous and genius on Liverpool's part , like i have said before i don't think ANY player is worth that money but reading the statement it doesn't go up over the next 4 years after this season by which time average players will be earning £100,00's a week let alone a striker who should be at the top of his game .

For me the contract is to show how much we rate him plus strengthen a future sale price . Stay or Go for a world record fee .......... either suits me

[Guest]

The club's willingness to pay him this money also demonstrates the level of their ambition and should show Suarez that they ARE serious about competing with the best. Just hope that Henry and Co haven't crippled themselves in trying to call his bluff

The danger is if other players start thinking they deserves a slice of the pie and start making noise about wanting to move away. Still, in order to get to that stage they're going to have to start producing the goods which can only be a good thing for the club as success brings in the big bucks which they'll then be able to spend on these players.

Plenty of ifs, buts and maybes but unless I'm given the opportunity to get on the pitch and take credit for the wins/take the blame for the losses, I should just shut my face and let them get on with it.

[lfc91]

Just out of curiosity, will this be the first time in about 8/9 years that gerrard ISN'T the highest paid player at liverpool?

[hampo17]

Fantastic performance so far, but Cardiff are making the same mistakes at the back that Spurs did. Playing a high line against this front line is suicide.

[Kenny]

Just out of curiosity, will this be the first time in about 8/9 years that gerrard ISN'T the highest paid player at liverpool?

I am not 100% sure but i think he has a clause in his contract that guarantees parity with the highest wage at the club ?

[Guest]

Having watched this weekend's games I think we might need to consider whether or not Skyrtel is the right man for the job in defence. Surely he can't keep getting away with these roughhouse tactics and certainly won't at City.Our defence is still committing some horrendous errors and against City we need to keep them to an absolute minimum because we'll either give away a penalty or have a man sent off.

However, I do hope we can get somethng at the Etihad on Boxing Day (although I'm torn between whether or not it'll be a draw or an absolute kicking).

I do like the currently style of play. It's simple and direct and I just hope that, as and when Sturridge comes back into the fold, he adopts this style instead of trying to be too flashy and selfish. It's a criticism that I levelled at Suarez when he first joined the club although I believe it was because he lacked the confidence in players like Kuyt to assist him. However, I think we have a better standard of players to work alongside Suarez and it seems to be paying off now.

Still too early to get giddy but certainly worth feeling positive about things at this moment in time.

[lfc91]

Dave im just hoping that rodgers adressess the problem with skrtle! I mean he will obviously have watched the match back and seen what he was doing, and can therefore address the issue!

The worst part was (as someones already pointed out) it wasnt even working as a means of winning the ball! He was still losing out on headers. Thinking maybe rodgers will go with 3 CB's against city so every chance skrtle will be one of them.

Only positive going into this game is that absolutley everyone and their dog have already decided city will take all 3 points (and who can blame them). So if we lose, its a game most of us were prepared to lose, and if we actually take something from it then fantastic!

[Guest]

Don't see City as heavy favourites at all, irrespective of their home form. They don't have Aguero & are you telling me Suarez will get no joy against the woeful Demichelis & mistake prone Kompany these days. Clichy is appalling too.

City's home form is great but think it won't last. Liverpool playing great & can easily see you getting a draw, even sneak a win. Seriously.

[Fernando]

I have to agree with John here if you can stop Silva & Nasri then you have a very good chance of getting at their defense. Demichelis has been in the Squillaci mold of Pl defenders so far.

[Guest]

I have to agree with John here if you can stop Silva & Nasri then you have a very good chance of getting at their defense. Demichelis has been in the Squillaci mold of Pl defenders so far.

I'm sure Pelligrini saying as much to his players re Suarez. Easier said than done though. Think Lucas is going to be vital in that game and keep sup his good run of form because of late he's been superb and I can see us being under the cosh for a fair bit. Our chances will be few and far between and we'll need to take 'em.

Of course, I'll happily take a hectic goalmouth scrabble and "replays still don't show exactly who scored the winner for Liverpool" commentary on MOTD

[lfc91]

Nice to see not all fans are writing us off then!! To be honest i thought that on form we have a better chance than most of taking something from city away. Although the idea of joe allen going up against yaya toure in midfield is a frightening prospect..

[Crimey]

I think our form is basically the hope, Henderson, Suarez and Lucas have all been in excellent form so hopefully that will take them the extra level. I fancy Suarez against City's defence. I hope Rodgers doesn't go three at the back, it doesn't add anything extra defensively, if anything it hurts the balance of the side and therefore easier to get at defensively.

I would stick with the exact same side, I worry most about Allen and Flanagan and would consider playing Sakho or Agger as a left back.

[Kenny]

I wouldn't be surprised if we don't play Johnson at lb and Toure at rb

[LivinginItaly]

Well top at christmas! So far more than exceeding my expectations for this season, although I don't expect it too last. Hope we can manage to claim that fourth champions league place, although I think it will be tough with all the teams being so close in terms of points. This fact is illustrated by united being only 8 points off the top even after their nightmare first part of the season. I think this could be the most exciting second part of the season in the history of the premier league (not in terms of quality, but sheet unpredictableness and inconsistency).

[Guest]

I wouldn't be surprised if we don't play Johnson at lb and Toure at rb

Thought the Johnson/Sterling combination down the right worked well at the weekend and our form/shape suffered when Rodgers brought Flanagan off and moved Johnson over to the left. Sterling moved more into the centre of the pitch and didn't seem as effective. I appreciate the change was made to give Kelly a run out but there can't be any room for sentimentality from Rodgers against the likes of City and Chelsea.

Agree that Allen may be a weak link on Boxing Day but I'm hoping that he's seen the others around him lift their game and respond in kind.

Pretty much everyone is writing us off against City so anything less than shipping six must obviously be a positive!

[nasisillmatic]

Just out of curiosity, will this be the first time in about 8/9 years that gerrard ISN'T the highest paid player at liverpool?

I am not 100% sure but i think he has a clause in his contract that guarantees parity with the highest wage at the club ?

Yes I think Gerrard had a clause in his contract saying he would be highest paid player but I'm guessing he's waived it, cause I cannot see him getting £200k a week at his age.

[Kenny]

A loss at City isn't the end of the world , i was impressed with some of our play and thought we deserved at least a draw .

Need a good showing at Chelsea now , it would be nice to be the first team to beat Jose at home

[Guest]

Yeah, if you can perform like that at City, then you can win at Chelsea no doubt. Ramires suspended too which is a huge blow for Chelsea.

[lfc91]

Well what can we say about that. Chelsea good value for the win i feel, better team for most parts. For us, joe allen was back to his awful self. Poor touches throughtout. The kid who replaced him however was so far out of his depth it was scary. Further highlights our lack of depth (an issue i seriously hope we address in the next few weeks).

Overall i think we were unlucky not to get anything from those 2 games! Vital that we put hull to the sword at anfield to get back on track!

[Kenny]

I have a lot of time for Jose but i have to say he got the after match interviews totally wrong .

It will probably come across as Liverpool bias to people looking in at this post but it is my honest opinion on a football match .

The Chelsea ' penalty ' that Jose is sure about was Hazard putting his leg between Lucas's legs ............. yes there's contact but Hazard plays for it and if that had been Suarez every paper and tv reporter would be calling him a cheat .

The Eto' tackle on Henderson was very poor and was at least a yellow card if not red , it shouldn't matter if it's the first minute or the last a bad challenge should be punished .

Liverpool's two penalty appeals could of gone either way and while i think yes they were both penalties i can accept sometimes you get them sometimes you don't . I do think that if it wasn't Suarez being fouled in both occasions then at least one would of been given ................... a case for reputation going before him BUT THAT IS HIS OWN FAULT imo , referees aren't believing he is being fouled .

That all said Chelsea deserved the win i have no issue with the result the better team won , some of the three way interplay was excellent they simply passed us to death at times and i honestly think that if they had Lukaku up front instead of either Eto' or Torres they would be top of the league by 4 or 5 points .


On a Liverpool point of view we need to put these two defeats behind us and put in a good display against a good Hull City side on wednesday

[Guest]

Agreed that we were 2nd best for much of the game but those decisions had an impact on the overall result because let's be honest Mignolet didn't have a great deal to do outside of picking the ball out of the net. As for refs not believing Suarez then I'm afraid they need to have a look at themselves. They're SUPPOSED to be objectve and look at the incident but it seems clear that they aren't. I appreciate the shirt pulling incident at City was poor from Suarez as ironically was his booking for the non-tackle on Hart but outside of that, what has Suarez done this season to suggest he's "looking" for anything? It's bad form from the ref to go on reputation and we've essentially be cheated out of points in the last two games.

We definitely need some midfield steel though as Willian was first to just about everything yesterday and even that little diver Oscar was out-hustling our lads. Our midfield seemed to be waiting for the ball to come to them rather than wanting to be first (it reminded me of the time we were beaten 3-0 at Spurs when they jumped on us early, Modric scored that screamer and we had two sent off). However I though we were much better in the 2nd half but the injuries to Allen Johnson and Sakho could prove costly if we don't strengthen next month.

Just typical that Chelsea decided to show up when they've done the sqaure root of naff all outside of yesterday.

Still onwards and upwards. Hopefully Tom Huddlestone will be too busy worrying about the draught on his head to try and boss the game.

[Kenny]

Think it should be mention the sad loss on Christmas Day of former player Wayne Harrison who died at the age of 46 following pancreatic problems.
Harrison was the world's most expensive teenager when the striker signed from Oldham Athletic for £250,000 in 1985, aged 17.

I remember us signing him and how he was going to be a huge star , unfortunatley he suffered a series of injuries and nearly died of massive blood loss when he fell through a greenhouse .

The lad was talented and could of been a top player for us given some luck .

RIP

[Kenny]

Hopefully we take the FA Cup seriously and put out a strong side we don't want a repeat of last year

[Crimey]

Yeah, not sure Rodgers has taken the cups seriously yet in his reign, but without any European football, think this is a good opportunity to give the FA Cup a real go.

Will be interesting if he plays Suarez. Can see Gerrard starting to get him back to match fitness.

[Kenny]

Seems the rumours of a Suarez release clause are doing the rounds again even though the club deny there is one .

Ian Rush has said there is a clause of £120 million while most of the Sunday papers are saying it's £70 million if Liverpool don't make the champions league this season

[Crimey]

Liverpool XI: Jones, Kelly, Cissokho, Toure, Agger, Gerrard, Henderson, Alberto, Sterling, Moses, Aspas

Not a weak side at all, worry where the goals are going to come from, good to see Alberto and Kelly getting a game. Coutinho and Suarez are on the bench should the worst happen.

[hampo17]

I'd be dissappointed if Aspas, Moses, Sterling, Alberto struggling to create and score chances against a League One side Crimey.

[Sponsored content]