25 Jul 2012

'I've had offers' - €15m Zenit star to replace LFC mercenary? Let's hope so...

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel recently confirmed that he'd received 'a number of offers' from other clubs, and although Brendan Rodgers indicated that he wants to keep the player, nothing is certain when it comes to transfers, and there is always the possibility that the Slovakian could leave Anfield. If that happened, who would replace him?

According to Portuguese Newspaper Jornal Record, Liverpool are interested in Zenit St. Petersburg defender Bruno Alves, who put in a string of excellent performances for Portugal during Euro 2012.

The report states that Zenit will sell Alves for €15m, which - coincidentally - is almost the same price that the Russian club have reportedly offered to buy Skrtel back from Liverpool. Perhaps a straight swap deal would satisfy everyone concerned?

When asked about the speculation linking him with Liverpool and Juventus, 30-year old Alves seemed to rule out a potential move. He told SovietSport:

"I know there are offers, but my agent has not told me anything. I can say, though, that I still have two years on my contract with Zenit and I want to stay to win more."

Liverpool were strongly linked with a move for Alves in January 2012, and to be honest, I would take him - or indeed any good central defender - over Skrtel, who continues to use the Press to exert pressure on Liverpool. Let's look at the evidence:

* Two weeks ago, Karol Csonto - Skrtel's Agent - responded to rumours about Skrtel's future. He said:

"Martin is a top player and it is obvious that many clubs are looking at him, but for now Skrtel remains a Liverpool player"

The key phrase here is 'for now' - that was not an emphatic rejection of the speculation. If Skrtel wasn't looking at other options, Csonto could've said "Many clubs are looking at him but Skrtel is not interested in leaving".

* A few days ago, Skrtel himself said:

"I am a player of Liverpool because I have a valid contract here. There exist a number of offers but without the permission of Liverpool nothing can move forward. We have been in talks about a new contract but it has not moved forward. At the moment I am a Liverpool player and what happens in future in football you can never foresee".

Once again, this is not an emphatic statement of loyalty to LFC; it is a naked, self-serving ploy to either force through a transfer or push the club into giving him a big fat pay rise.

Skrtel says that he has offers but 'without the permission of LFC nothing can move forward'. Why say this unless he wants the club to allow him to talk to other clubs?

Worse than that, Skrtel says he only plays for Liverpool because he has a 'valid contract'. He could've said 'I'm at Liverpool because I love playing here', but no - the privilege of playing for one of the greatest football clubs in history is merely a contractual obligation. How cold and mercenary is that?

Ultimately, Skrtel could've kept his own counsel and said nothing, but he specifically chose to air the club's business in public - including stating that contract talks had not 'moved forward - thus forcing Brendan Rodgers to respond, and alerting other clubs to his uncertain status.

In my view, this is unacceptable behaviour. It's not a matter of ability, it's about loyalty, and if playing for Liverpool is not good enough for Skrtel, then I hope the club sells him to the highest bidder ASAP.

Skrtel is most definitely NOT irreplaceable, and one great season in six years does not give him the right to hold LFC to ransom.

Jaimie Kanwar


94 comments:

  1. 15M on an average 30 year old? hope so not!

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  2. lfc mercenary? hes stood by us before, who can blame him for wondering if the grass is greaner? you should show more respect. this happens all the time in contract negotiations at every club, to call out skrtel out is wrong.  yeah he worded it sloppy, but you've just put up a controversial headline cos you have nothing worth while to blog about.

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  3. Dude you are one of the pessimistic fans I have ever seen. Can you ever write an article that's postive towards a Liverpool player???

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  4. I doubt he would cost that much.  In reality, possibly more like 8-10m. 

    Why do you say Alves is 'average'?  Do you have any reasoning to back that up?  He is most definitely not average.

    * Excellent for Portugal in Euro 2012, helping them get to the semi-finals.

    * He's been at Zenit for two years and won the league both times, whilst helping the team concede the fewest goals over the two seasons.

    How exactly is that 'average'?

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  5. One good season and suddenly he's better than us!

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  6. If Skrtel does go - I hope LFC DO NOT buy Bruno Alves. He is too slow and not worth £15m at 30yrs old.

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  7. Noooo keep skrtel don't want alves old. Or sell skrtel an bring coates into first team... So we have..agger.coates.kelly.jamie as are CB also we have youth who could bring into the first team.

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  8. i guess skrtel and his agent is just trying to get a better contract with these stories...but i feel he deserves one after his good performance and hope he continues the good work.........

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  9. Swap Skrtel for a $15m rated 30 year old! Anyone would think you are just trying to be controversial to get the hits for your blog!

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  10. With respect, please stop wasting comment space with pointless posts. If you disagree, make your counter argument; if you want to moan about the approach of the site, then please do it on some other LFC site.  Thanks.

    Additionally, there are plenty of positive articles about players on here  However, this site has a very specific set of principles, and one of those is calling out players who act like mercenaries.  Clearly, Skrtel's behaviour is okay with you, but that's normal, considering most fans seem to prioritise the individual over the club these days.

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  11. What if every LFC player did the same after they had a decent season?

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  12. Bruno Alves = Absolute Shiite..... Slowest defender to ever grace this earth

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  13. Lol hell no!!! Awful transfer deal! Bruno who??!!!! If (and I hope it doesn't happen), we sell skrtel for a paltry £15m then I hope we use it to buy munain of atletic Bilbao- skilful, tricks, fast, 20 years old- has ability now, not in 2 seasons time. Fits profile of young with potential. He can play left forward. Suarez right forward. Borini through middle. Play Coates with agger. Or, why don't lfc just keep skrtel and show some ambition by buying Munain.

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  14. Gee, don't exaggerate or anything. 

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  15. Sell him. Promote Coates , and then buy Gaston . Job done. Anyone else wants to brag about having offers from other clubs then flog them off as well. Plenty of young hungry players who would love the privilege to play for Liverpool .

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  16. He should not be given ANY pay rise. If he has another cracking season then sure give him one, but a contract is a contract. On another note, how can our best defender with 2 years still to run only be worth £10-£15 million. If he wants to go rogue then let him rot on what he's getting now and see his contract out. Hopefully by then he'll realize we're on the up and decide to stay, revenue will have increased so we'll be able to afford better wages, and Coates will have improved to a state where he can just take over from him should he leave. 

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  17. Firstly, you don't know what is going to happen with Skrtel or what he is thinking. Furthermore, please don't write a load of crap and then talk for all LFC fans by saying "let's hope so". If you aren't talking for "us" then please use "I hope so" instead.

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  18. Don't think you can hold the agents comments against him. He is just a parasite wanting to earn himself a fat fee. As for MS comment are you sure that's exactly what he said it seems a strange use of language. Anyway the bottom line is if someone is offering twice the salary of course he is going to consider it and it's naive to think otherwise and definitely not a justification to sell him and replace him with a guy over 30. You could also argue Alves is doing the same, saying his agent has offers. So if he comes to LFC as you want after also saying he wants to be at Zenit want does that make him? A lying mercenary who moved for the money!

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  19. Jaimie why are you so against Skrtel? He was arguably our best player last season. 

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  20. Well to be fair Jamie has a point doesnt he? certainly doesn't look good does it. At the end of the day it's a job to these chaps and Teams like City offering silly wages will turn most players heads! die hard scousers like Stevie and Carra are different but lets be fair Skrtel wouldn't have grown up supporting LFC. I like him he's a top player and probably our best last season but if he doesnt want to be there then i say goodbye Martin!! hopefully it's just the press chatting rubbish or Skrtel after a better contract from Lpool. but bottom line is i wouldnt want any player who doesnt want to be there? Even a player like Messi would be pointless if his heart wasnt in it.

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  21. well said. if anyone disagrees with Jaimie he deletes their comments. He must spend all day ever day deleting comments

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  22. I will always remember him for the mistake he made when passing ball back to his keeper and giving it away to Rooney ...


    Too old, and I'd rather give Coates a chance. It's just a stupid rumor anyway. 

    You can not really blame Škrtel for considering other options, there are clubs offering him not just more money but realistic chances to win things. 
    Liverpool will get there again but by the time it happens his carrier might be over. 
    You can not expect from a player to spend all his carrier in a club that can not match his ambitions any more than a player could expect from a club to keep him at the first team when he is not playing good enough any more. 
        It's hypocritical from us fans to say Carragher is finished and should not be starting games any more and at the same time Škrtel is a traitor for moving on.

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  23. Bruno Alves is shite!!!!

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  24. I'm only here for the Men's Health Advertorial testosterone pic on the right-hand side of the page.
    You're just being angry again Jaimie. Relax the f**king kacks lad.

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  25. Hi Jamie, I read your posts quite often and I always feel confused in the way you link players to LFC. Do you really feel we need to sign every player that becomes avalible? I've been a Liverpool fan all my life and always support any player no matter how badly I rate them. I don't belive we dont need any new players. If we have a long term plan, it involves the amazing youth players that will come through the academy. I don't know of any youth players that sound as exciting as ours.

    Who do you honestly feel that we need that can help our long term goals? Allan, Gaston R and Theo aside, I Think theirs no other players on the market who I would like to see wearing our magical shirt.

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  26. Mercenary???? So now you have turned on Skrtel too. Has he actually done anything wrong? Also alves isnt even close to being in the same class as Skrtel

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  27.  Skrtel has done abit more than have 1 good season. Been consistently solid since he signed. His form dipped for a short period largely due to injury

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  28. I 'turn' on any player who displays what I perceive to be disloyalty. Club > individual.

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  29. liverpool about to pay swansea 15 mill for joe allen.while arsenal pay the same for euro cup winner cazorla.never learn,

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  30. Skrtel has had one “good” season with us since he joined
    even thought we finished 8th. He is a good player when he puts his
    mind to it but by no means is he “irreplaceable”. There are other defenders out
    there in other leagues I.E. Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Italy that are on his
    level, on the way to overtaking his level or already better than him. All
    players are tide to their contracts but his comments blatantly give away that
    should Liverpool accept an offer he would gladly live. Cudos to him though at
    least his honest, but no loyalty. IMO I don’ t rate him too much and I’m sure
    we can get someone else in to replace him.


    Sell him for £15M +.


     


    Bruno Alves IMO is an above average defender but not an
    amazing one, however he gets the work done and is very aggressive, something I
    think we lack, that fear factor to put attackers off. However I would go for
    someone else, he is earning quite a lot in Russia so for a 30yo defender I don’t
    think it’s worth as getting him. If the wages were “reasonable” in footballing
    terms then why not. 

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  31. I'd rather keep Skrtel if we can, even if he isn't the creme de la creme of defenders. I like Alves but don't see much difference between him and Skrtel. But if Skrtel leaves, than Alves would be a good replacement, depending on price. 

    I don't find Skrtel's attitude mercenary and to be honest, I find it better than the stereotypical PC lies that players come out with that belong in the 60s/70s/80s when the game had more heart in it. Though he will probably come out with such rubbish after he signs anyway!  Could be his last big contract, the next contract, so he will try to make the most of it. 

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  32. Hi GD - Thanks for your comments. First, I do not feel that LFC should sign 'every player that becomes available'. I just report latest developments, and only rarely do I actually say 'LFC should sign this player'. I usually ask the question 'should LFC make a bid'.

    Additionally, every time I use the word 'linked', that word links to an article from a reliable source that confirms the link. I don't just make it up as I go along. For example, if a reputable news organisation (The Guardian/BBC, or overseas equivalent) etc say LFC are linked with a player then it's fair to believe them. They have journos talking to players/agents/club officials all the time, so they get inside info.

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  33. Good points, FdotM. Definitely agree that there are defenders in other leagues who could easily replace Skrtel. We're not talking about a Hyypia or a Hansen here (!)

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  34. Skrtel's agent is obviously trying to instigate a move or improved large contract.To do this not only will be make comments like the one quoted above but will also be talking in Skrtel's ear. Even if there have been no contacts from other clubs if he can get Skrtel to appear that he is open to a move this will attact clubs to bid.

    This will strengthen the negotiation position for the Agent when striking a new deal for Skrtel's new contract.

    Also Skrtel's comments sound like something that is down to the English being used. If it was phrased differently and was spoken in his native language it might have sounded alot different.

    You could actually argue that instead of pushing for a transfer Skrtel is pushing for the club to give him a new contract and give him some certainty over his future depending on how you want to read the comments.

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  35. How exactly has Skrtel done that? You can guarantee, if he even did say it, he was giving an honest answer to being asked if he was leaving. Id rather him speak the truth than BS saying he's staying everytime giving false assurances. Ala Torres, Owen, McManaman

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  36. Wholeheartdly agree! Dont see Agger making noises like that, no class whatsoever!

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  37. Arsenal wont get Cazorla for £15m Malaga paid more than that for him

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  38. according to sky and several papers its a done deal at around about 16 mill

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  39. That's a bit disloyal though, no? 

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  40. I agree Jamie on all your points on this article. Skrtle was never born a LFC fan like us. With the turmoil the club has gone through in the last 3 years, I would be concerned as a footballer. "If I can milk the system and make money elsewhere, Why not??
    We are Red to the core. But footballers have only one loyalty. Money.

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  41. David - I am not against Skrtel. I just have very specific views about LFC, and it has nothing to do with individuals.  As an example, I believe in the following general principles:

    * Players should not discuss contracts/club business in public.* Managers should not criticise players in public
    * Players should not use the Press to exert pressure on the club 
    etc.

    There are lots of things like this that I believe, and when anyone connected with the club ignores these principles, I will always highlight it, irrespective of who it is.

    Regular readers will be able to confirm that I am very consistent on this point, and it also shows that I do not have favourites.

    I'm not saying my approach is the best way, but this is how I think.

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  42. If Liverpool do sell Skrtel than i would prefer Liverpool not to buy anyone and give chances to Coates and Wilson and i think Sama too can make the grade in first team.

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  43. Honesty is not the issue.  Skrtel deliberately chose to reveal the following in public:

    * His contract talks have stalled.
    * He has offers from other clubs.* He can't move forward with a transfer away because LFC haven't given permission.

    It is a calculated attempt to force LFC's hand, and it's out of order.  He could've ignored the question and said nothing; he could've just said 'I'm happy at LFC and don't want to leave, just like Daniel Agger did last month when he was asked the same question.

    Airing club business in public and using the press to force through a move or a pay rise = disloyalty and disrespect.

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  44. Did King James I show loyalty to Guy Fawkes?  Should he have? What about the Americans and Robert Hanssen? Once you've shown your true colours, you forfeit your right to loyalty.

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  45. Give him a new contract...with a big payrise. Let's not lose sight of the real motivating factor here.

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  46.  There is as much loyalty from players to clubs as there is from clubs to players, why not turn on the club for wanting to sell any player who would rather not leave but the club wants rid of? "It's for the good of/in the best interest of the club" is usually spouted. If a player wants a move let him go and then move on, at lest he's not refusing to train like some players. Also he is in contract negotiations so this is all part and parcel of getting himself the best deal and what's wrong with that. He's a great defender I for one hope he stays.

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  47. I touched on this yesterday. Some players and their agents can force their clubs hands and get new contracts by using the media.

    Skrtel won't be successful in getting a new deal. Let the offers come flooding in and we'll sell him or else he should stfu.

    Suarez is invaluable to us so he will get a new contract, Skrtel is not.

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  48. Did you watch 11 a side training vid on website? Sama was very composed.

    22 players in a shortened pitch, halfway line to goal line

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  49. Thank you for your reply. I'm not debating the authenticity of your posts. I really enjoy reading what you write about our club. I just want to know who you believe we should sign? I rarely disagree with your opinions about players attitudes and I know your a massive LFC fan.

    You always ask if a player is worth a bid. I would like to know your thoughts about who we should sign. I think Allan would be great for the club. But, who else is worth a bid?

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  50. I think you're reading a tad too much into Skrtel's and his agent's statements, so no offense intended, but I think you're overreacting. 
    Personally, I think his agent tries to get other clubs' interest, so that Skrtel won't go into the contract negotiations (that both him and his agent knew would come this summer) as such a "lightweighter", so that he could get a better paycheck than he normally would.

    Cynical, I know, but that's how football have evolved ever since the Premier League were founded.  And as far as his agent goes, that's just his job.  He doesn't need/want to have a relationship with the club, all he wants, is to make his client happy, that's his job.
    Skrtel, on the other hand, does disappoint me, I won't deny that, as he wouldn't be anywhere near the level he is at now, if it were not for Liverpool, but I still can't say that I blame him.
    As a professional with ambitions, which Skrtel is, first and foremost,  Liverpool is not a very good place to be right now, and the club is still going through another rebuilding-phase, because of the instability in the manager position.This rebuilding-phase was first talked about back when Hick & Gillett decided that they wanted to sell the club, back in 2010, and that were put in action when Dalglish came to the club in january 2011.
    But due to the (very) high spending and lack of results, we are not anywhere near the done deal.

    And for a 27-year old (going on 28) professional with high ambitions, whom have the abilities to play for a Champions League-side, it's just natural to expect to get "compensation" for the clubs' lack in performance and constant under-achieving, if they want him to stay.

    As a supporter it can sometimes be hard to see things from the perspective of PROFESSIONAL footballers, but this is at least an attempt from my side at doing that.

    In times like these it is absolutely crucial to keep our best/key players on board, and not put ourselves in a position where we have to replace half a squad and rely on hitting a homerun on every transfer.
    The goal for next season is clear if we want to attract the kind of talent that should be here, and that is to get back into the Champions League.  Simple as that.  Everything else is a (small) bonus.It's time to take some steps forward, instead of backwards.

    If we do that, players won't pressure the club for higher wages, the club will pressure them to perform.  If they don't, they get shit-canned.

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  51. Friggin agents. Vultures living off players. Improved contacts means commission money. Can we get rid of them? Jamie you know the grind. Can we as fans get rid of them agents. These "agents" are detrimental to football. Footballers true value is all about money. 

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  52. Thank god none of them performed after last seasons debacle. but good point.

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  53. Why does Cazorla leave Malaga just in one season ? 

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  54. over exaggerate, what did you do above by twisting words for your own benefit. Mercenary? Sensationalizing the situation a bit aren't you. Have an opinion sure, but don't start labeling a player a mercenary before he obviously becomes one, it's unfair and disrespectful

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  55. Alas, as much as it would be great to get rid of Agents, there doesn't seem to be any way to do it. I agree with you re footballers and money, which is why they there was a campaign against Agents, players would be the first in line to defend them. Players need Agents to facilitate the lining of their pockets.

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  56. Skrtel has already become a mercenary IMO, hence my reasoning in the article.

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  57. Swansea rejected '£10m + Shelvey on loan' bid.

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  58. There have been/are unpaid salary issues between Malaga and players like Cazorla, Rondon, etc. Few of the players made complaints, inc. Cazorla, but I think they have since been withdrawn. Not sure all is well at Malaga, in terms of finances.

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  59. Theycallmemrburt3:18 pm, July 25, 2012

    Since Carra has dropped out of the team Skrtel has slowly began to show the form that endeared him to the fans when he first signed.  The constant selection of Carra for the past three years has been a disastrous error that has forced us to defend deep to accommodate him and as a result drain the confidence of those around him. 

    I'd go as far to say that Carra's inability to move quicker than 3mph and turn quicker than the earth has hindered our charge for a top for place and turned draws into losses and wins into draws. 

    A confident Skrtel is a man mountain.  RVP has had one good/full season in 6 or 7 for Arsenal but no one chooses to dispute his class.  The same can be said for Skrtel as a central defender.  On form he is our vidic.


    Pay the man his money...........

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  60. fsg are not going to spend that kind of money on a defender when they are looking to spend that kind of money on strikers

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  61. jaimie can you right an article about the crap signings and players we are constitly linked to eg dempsey if the yanks want to get back into the big time its time to start with some proper investment or i fear we will become like everton profit before glory

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  62. agree with you what about kelly sell him 15 million fuck 1o million on depsey 15 onallen by my reckoning that would give us 30million for a striker

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  63. Managers should not criticise players in public...isn't this what KK was guilty of,  protecting his players in public. Yet you were appalled, and think you used the word delusional, to describe KK continuous protection of his players in public.

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  64. Even so, i would push for a pay rise in work if i thought it would be fruitful. I think the criticism of Skrtel is over the top and selling him now would a really bad move given that him and Agger finally are starting to look like the pairing we all thought they could be.

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  65. you obviously didn't see pellegrino in a lfc shirt or blanc play for united.going by your comment,i doubt you watch much football.

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  66. skrtel and his agent should shut up.
    he's not irreplaceable unlike agger who i think we'd struggle to replace.
    for those who want him to get a payrise etc doesn't that go against the fabled 'liverpool way'?

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  67. Skrtel was quality last season and the season before, but lets not forget that as soon as Agger picks up an injury, Skrtel regresses to the clumsy, unsure, flapper of seasons past. Also, he is not a ball-playing centre back and probably knows he'll be out of his depth with the possession-based style we'll be playing next season.

    I say let him go if he wants out. Whoever buys him better make sure they have a player like Agger alongside him, rather than a player like Carra, or they are in for a whole World of defensive errors.

    There are so many quality centre backs out there, and I think he could be replaced with a more suitable player and we could even make a few quid profit (although I don't have a massive amount of faith in our scouting system at the moment!).

    As long as Agger stays (and is relatively injury free) I'll be happy! YNWA

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  68. Agger's a beast whoever he plays alongside. The problem with Skrtel (and I am a big fan of his) is that he is only good when he has Agger alongside him pulling the strings. Alongside Carra, Coates etc Skrtel is way out of his depth and panics every time the ball bounces in front of him. 

    We could find a more talented ball-playing central defender to play alongside Agger with relative ease.

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  69. Its not just Skertel who behaves like that,the majority of football players do it. All these guys forget they are privelidged to earn the salaries they take home. Its the way modern football is,so is there any need to highlight Skertel? Are you going to tar me with the same brush as Redsynwa11? I thought you where quite rude in your reply to him or her,its called freedom of speach and I have to agree with Redsynwa11 well said with the utmost of respect.

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  70. Liverpool can easily offer a better contract. He's heading onto 28 now, so  if you look at his future as a professional, his next contract is going to be his last big payout. But Liverpool are shutting up shop by the looks of it. Which is really really really dumb. We finally have some stability in the back because Skrtel and Agger have been able to work great together and there is no other competition (please don't mention Carragher, and Coates is still shaky) , Skrtel  has risen from Carragher's shadow, and is Liverpool's second best defender behind Agger. If the owners care about Liverpool's future they need to renew Skrtel's contract. As for disloyalty, Skrtel is a Slovakian, has no affiliation to Scousers, and he was already playing for Zenit St. Petersberg and the International team before signing for Liverpool. To say Liverpool made him the player that he is a load of crap. For one thing, he used to play striker up until the age of 16, until the Slovak Youth team put him in as CB. In what way did Liverpool develop Skrtel. Benitez said this when he first signed him and it's so legendary how right the man was. "He is aggressive, quick, is good in the air and I think he's a very good player for the future and also for the present. He is very competitive, but his mentality for me is very good".

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  71. Well, it's time it is regulated. UEFA must take the initiative. In 10 years time, players value will be
    inflated. 50mil be rated as average. what then?

    We the fans pay for this whole fiasco. Something has to be done.

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  72. Jamie, I think we should get rid of anyone that shows uncertainty. That we can command our price rather than keep forcing people to stay will we have no choice and they leave us at the last minute. He wants to go - fine! Open the bidding. LFC has to change - There are other players in the market and frankly Skertel is a good defender but he cannot pass the ball like Agger. BR needs every player to pass the ball well. Skertel is a hoofer - he is not graceful like Agger or Hypia. I am sure we can even get 20M for an established defender. We are in transition let the doubters leave

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  73. Let's not forget we have Kelly as centre half back up , Coates should be more attuned to the premier league . I say judging by Skrtels comments his head has been turned and just like Allen wanting to join us you can bet he won't be a Liverpool player next year , and neither should he . Nobody is irreplaceable or bigger than the club

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  74. that is just simply not true!! He has been good this last 18months or so but before that he was one of those players who had a mistake in him every game, just a question of whether it cost you a goal or not... Liverpool have persisted with him and got their rewards for thier patience last season but for him now to use that good season and hold us to ransom shows a lack of class and commitment to the cause, two things Brendan Rodgers will certainly not entertain.. If he wants away then lets get a price for him and move on with players who want to play for the badge because that is what were gonna need to get competitive again......

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  75. jay your wasting your time with half of these lot, if they actually took the time to read and understand the point you were making they would understand that this isnt about what we think of Skirtel as aplayer its about how you expect somebody who gets to play for our great club should conduct themselves..

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  76. Loyalty .. Seems strange that people talk about loyalty of players but yet are slow to exercise the same loyalty to players or managers when called upon.

    Loyalty works both ways.. AC is being battered from pillar to post by certain sections of Liverpool fans. In their haste to see him sold, no regard to the players desire to improve and/or play for LFC is taken into account.

    Fans can demmand the sacking of managers and the sale of players so quickly these days , that it's no wonder that most players have adopted the same attitude.. a self serving one.

    Is fan loyalty only extended to certain players with a certain level of ability ? Are fans guilty of being too loyal to certain players and show none at all to others ? I think so.. Suarez v Caroll case in point.

    If a players ability and contribution to a club determine the level of loyality supporters give, then we are no better than players who are supposedly mercenaries

    It's just all a tad hypocritical.. As if LFC was the last bastion of loyality..

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  77. Dont blame the agent..
    All comments came from skyrtel himself.he is hankering for a large pay rise or "threatening" to force a movethat's called 'mercenary'in anyone's books.had skyrtel made ONE COMMENT OR PHRASE highliting the privelage and honour of playing for liverpool, he may then be viewed in an different lightHe can still get a decent pay-rise, particularly if he continues to do his talking on the pitch, or deals with his wants with  the inside board aloneTo speak out in the press, necessitating Rodgers to counter claim any wishes for his sale.shows that he he pushing the club, and the fans into a corner.AND EVEN IF THAT IS THE STATE OF THE MINDSET OF THE PLAYERS AND GAME IN GENERAL IT DOES NOT MAKE IT ACCEPTABLE!!HE WAS A NOBODY AND AN UNHEARD OF THUGGISH PLAYER, THAT LIVERPOOL PRUNED AND WERE PATIENT WITH, WHEN HE BROKE HIS LEG!were is his loyalty?sorry,  Jamie is absolutely right!!!and this article is not a rant or cynical blog for the sake of writing, when their is not much to write about ( as suggested by some)the same sentiments were righthully expressed when Peppe Reina was doing the same thing..its time to speak outenough is enoughas who do you think will fund the pay rise?no revenue from our "new stadium.1. so either it comes out from our minimal transfer funds2. Either we will need to sell, making the squad thinner and weaker3 and for sure, sesaon tickets will continue to rise to meet the expenditure and  blackmail forced upon the fans, by players such as skyrtel & coI for one am truly sick and disgusted of this selfish mindsetthe contrast between the extreme loyalty of the fans and those of the players is so vastthat is why, it is  always the loyal fan, who wears their  emotions on their  sleeves , who will ultimately in all such cases, get royally screwed!ps. sorry for the capsmy error

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  78. Wilson is Shite .

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  79. Why would Liverpool waste 15mil on a limited, but effective, CB like Alves who's hopeless on the ball and isn't a great defender (and he's 30) when they could sign Alderweireld or Howedes for less?? Both are better defenders, far better footballers, much younger and have immense potential.

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  80. Should Skrtel leave, Bruno Alves at 30 for £15 mill as you claim Jaimie is not worth it. We need to look at younger replacements, we've got Coates who I think has the potential to be a very good player. I'd like for us to bring in Benedikt Howedes or Kryiakos Papadoupolos both play for Schalke and both are very young.

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  81. I feel having read any number of posts on here and this issue has sparked some serious debate.
    IMO Skrtel is using the press to get a pay rise from LFC a bumper pay day the offers are inducements for LFC to get their act together and offer him what he feels he is worth.
    I recall Rooney doing something like this at Man Utd he stated his displeasure in the press.
    No player is bigger then the club and if he wants to leave then so be it I think we would rather have commitment then a player whom wears the shirt because he is paid too rather then proud too.

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  82. With respect, talk about wasting space.... the majority agree with him - the only guy ever agrees with you is yourself. A joke of a blogger. Are you 12?

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  83. Liverpool should have bough Bruno Alves years ago. Too old now. Would get destroyed in the Prem with his dwindling pace.

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  84. I seem to remember one Steven Gerrard did the same a few years ago and actually nearly joined Chelsea, does that make him a mercenary too? Fabio Borini was recently signed by us, does that make him a mercenary? Brendan Rodgers was recently signed on as manager, does that make him a mercenary? At the end of the day, football is a business and contracts don't really mean anything these days, players and managers move between clubs for one reason or another, that does not make any of them mercenaries. If you believe that it does, you are either naive or football is not the sport for you

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  85. You forget his time at the club before his knee injury against Man City, he was immense. That injury knocked the confidence out of him, not to mention the revolving doors of managers, last season when he was partnered with Agger, he was again immense.

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  86. The so-called die-hard fans like yourself who can't even spell our players' names right. The man's name is not Skirtel, but Skrtel, no I in the name. This may be pedantic, but it is also disrespectful not to know the right spelling of the players as well.

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  87. Wait a minute, die hard scousers like Stevie and Carra are different? You have a short term memory mate, do you not remember when Stevie nearly joined Chelsea?

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  88. There is a real hypocrisy going on here. Why insist Skrtel is some kind of mercenary for wanting to earn more money in a career that will be over in about five or so years from now? Suarez has also said things in South American media that are just the same as Skrtel but because we all want Suarez to stay we don't care. Suarez has been with us for 18 months and has three full years left on his contract as it is, Skrtel has been with us for 6 years and has two years left, the time when any player would be looking to extend and that involves renegotiation of remuneration.

    To sum up: if you're a player who WE like and want to keep and he says stuff he's just doing what we would understand him to do. If he's a player WE think can be replaced he's a mercenary!

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  89. Jamie - my reply is based n the fact that Skrtel was the one player who consistently showed passion and a desire to play last season. That is the kind of player I want Playing for LFC. Someone who will give it all regardless of how the team is performing. I don't rise to knoee jerk speculation and he is entirely entitled to get the best deal for himslef from the club re his new contract. Alves is a top deefender but at 30 has to few season left. Pity, wouldn't mind having him to replace Carra.

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  90. Agree a complete faux pas on my part but dont be questioning my commitment mate im iin Boston following the team on their pre season tour and had been out drinking all day after a signing session with rush and fowler (did i spell them right!!) i also have a season in the anfield road so im not saying that makes myopinion any more important but dont call me plastic or so called die hard ok......

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  91. What no capital letters at start of surnames, sheesh shame on you with another faux pas hehehehe

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  92. Can not understand how Coates is good enough to play in the Uruguay national side but not in LFC. Is there some reverse logic at play somewhere?

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  93. Why was my convo between OriginalChan deleted Jaimie? No rules where broken

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  94. Hi Stella - None of your posts have been deleted. The convo to which you refer is on a different thread (!), not this one.  You can find it here:

    http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2012/07/hes-top-target-bagni-urges-juve-to-sign.html#comment-598614515 

    Cheers, JK

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