For better or worse, Adam Lallana is now a Liverpool player, and like all fans, I hope he goes on to be a major asset for the club. Given his relentless, single-minded transfer pursuit, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers clearly has a lot of faith in Lallana, and in his first interview as an LFC player, the £25m man revealed the (slightly worrying) depth of Rodgers' faith.
Speaking to LFC.com on Tuesday, Lallana was asked the following question:
"What has the manager, Brendan Rodgers, said to you about how he sees you fitting into his Liverpool?"
Lallana replied:
"I can't say I've had that chat in detail yet, but from what I have spoken to him, he seems like a top manager. Everyone gives him great references. All of the lads at England said that if I did get the chance to work with him then it would help my career, so I can't wait to get started working with him".
Maybe it's just me, but I find this quite concerning. If Liverpool are going to spend £25m on a player, surely it's incumbent on the manager to have detailed discussions with the player BEFORE splurging such a massive fee?
Rodgers is always going on about how important it is to sign players with the right mentality/attitude etc, but how can he judge this if he doesn't actually spend any time with the player prior to signing?
The manager's idea about where Lallana fits in may be different to the midfielder's own personal expectations, so it's vitally important they're both on the same page prior to sealing the deal. As such, how difficult can it be for Rodgers to schedule some valuable pre-transfer discussion time with an England-based player?
Rodgers seems to be in the habit of signing players without meeting them and/or having detailed prior discussions. A month after signing for Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho told The Telegraph:
“The manager and I did not speak before I signed, it was Lucas who passed me all the information I needed. He told me how the club works, the style and the structure of the club and how we play”
For the most part, Coutinho worked out, but at £8m, his transfer was much less of a risk.
If Rodgers' preference is for limited contact with players before signing, then perhaps that explains why so many of his transfers have failed? Did Rodgers speak with the likes of Sahin, Aspas and Alberto before signing them, and explain exactly how they'd fit into the team?
Probably not.
After all, if Rodgers doesn't think it's important to have 'detailed' pre-transfer discussions with a £25m signing, he's hardly going to spend time outlining his plans to loanees, or players brought in for comparatively low fees. As such, from where I'm standing, there seems to be a recurring disconnect between Rodgers' plans, and player expectation. A few of examples:
* Sahin: A deep-lying playmaker, and probably expected to play that role. BR used him as a number 10/advanced midfielder, and Sahin publicly complained about that, which suggests that's not where he expected to play. If Rodgers had discussed his plans with midfielder prior to signing, Sahin may have rejected the move, and LFC could've signed a more suitable player.
* Aspas: Based on his comments about lack of playing time, he clearly expected to play more often. Did he discuss the move in detail with Rodgers prior to signing? Given his lack of English, the answer is almost certainly no.
* Ilori: Probably expected to play at lease some part in last season, but didn't make a single league appearances, and ended up being farmed out on loan. Given the competition, Rodgers must surely have known that Ilori wouldn't get much playing time, but did he convey this to the youngster prior to signing?
* Sakho: Did Rodgers explain to him prior to signing that he'd probably be a squad player for the whole season? When LFC splurged £18m, I'm sure Sakho privately believed he'd be a first choice, but even when Rodgers had the opportunity to give him a run of games, he chose different options.
Communication is key, and players need to know exactly what to expect prior to signing for Liverpool. Lallana may be satisfied with glowing 'references' from Gerrard et al, and he's probably starry-eyed at the prospect ofhis humungous salary joining such a prestigious club, but none of that will matter if he ultimately ends up being unhappy with how he's utilised in the squad.
I'm not suggesting there's anything to worry about with Lallana, but when Liverpool spend large sums of money, it is surely prudent business practice for Rodgers to meet the player (prior to signing), and outline his plans in detail.
Author: Jaimie K
Speaking to LFC.com on Tuesday, Lallana was asked the following question:
"What has the manager, Brendan Rodgers, said to you about how he sees you fitting into his Liverpool?"
Lallana replied:
"I can't say I've had that chat in detail yet, but from what I have spoken to him, he seems like a top manager. Everyone gives him great references. All of the lads at England said that if I did get the chance to work with him then it would help my career, so I can't wait to get started working with him".
Maybe it's just me, but I find this quite concerning. If Liverpool are going to spend £25m on a player, surely it's incumbent on the manager to have detailed discussions with the player BEFORE splurging such a massive fee?
Rodgers is always going on about how important it is to sign players with the right mentality/attitude etc, but how can he judge this if he doesn't actually spend any time with the player prior to signing?
The manager's idea about where Lallana fits in may be different to the midfielder's own personal expectations, so it's vitally important they're both on the same page prior to sealing the deal. As such, how difficult can it be for Rodgers to schedule some valuable pre-transfer discussion time with an England-based player?
Rodgers seems to be in the habit of signing players without meeting them and/or having detailed prior discussions. A month after signing for Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho told The Telegraph:
“The manager and I did not speak before I signed, it was Lucas who passed me all the information I needed. He told me how the club works, the style and the structure of the club and how we play”
For the most part, Coutinho worked out, but at £8m, his transfer was much less of a risk.
If Rodgers' preference is for limited contact with players before signing, then perhaps that explains why so many of his transfers have failed? Did Rodgers speak with the likes of Sahin, Aspas and Alberto before signing them, and explain exactly how they'd fit into the team?
Probably not.
After all, if Rodgers doesn't think it's important to have 'detailed' pre-transfer discussions with a £25m signing, he's hardly going to spend time outlining his plans to loanees, or players brought in for comparatively low fees. As such, from where I'm standing, there seems to be a recurring disconnect between Rodgers' plans, and player expectation. A few of examples:
* Sahin: A deep-lying playmaker, and probably expected to play that role. BR used him as a number 10/advanced midfielder, and Sahin publicly complained about that, which suggests that's not where he expected to play. If Rodgers had discussed his plans with midfielder prior to signing, Sahin may have rejected the move, and LFC could've signed a more suitable player.
* Aspas: Based on his comments about lack of playing time, he clearly expected to play more often. Did he discuss the move in detail with Rodgers prior to signing? Given his lack of English, the answer is almost certainly no.
* Ilori: Probably expected to play at lease some part in last season, but didn't make a single league appearances, and ended up being farmed out on loan. Given the competition, Rodgers must surely have known that Ilori wouldn't get much playing time, but did he convey this to the youngster prior to signing?
* Sakho: Did Rodgers explain to him prior to signing that he'd probably be a squad player for the whole season? When LFC splurged £18m, I'm sure Sakho privately believed he'd be a first choice, but even when Rodgers had the opportunity to give him a run of games, he chose different options.
Communication is key, and players need to know exactly what to expect prior to signing for Liverpool. Lallana may be satisfied with glowing 'references' from Gerrard et al, and he's probably starry-eyed at the prospect of
I'm not suggesting there's anything to worry about with Lallana, but when Liverpool spend large sums of money, it is surely prudent business practice for Rodgers to meet the player (prior to signing), and outline his plans in detail.
Author: Jaimie K
You always seem to find some pointless issue to create a discussion. The headlines catch the imigination, but then the body of the article is, you wittering on about something you most probably could not be arsed talking to your mates about. Insulting peoples intelligence is not the word.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you have this right. Lallana said he hasn't talked to Rodgers about "that" yet, referring to how he will be fitting into the team. It's clear they've had some kind of conversation and the player and manager are on the same page when it comes to attitude, hunger, learning, leadership etc. They've both come out and said very similar things about that so I don't see any reason to believe Rodgers hasn't spoken to the player and ascertained his mental state, attitude and approach to team work, all the things that he's said are important. Yes, tactics and his position in the team are important too but the reality is that Rodgers will get Lallana to do what he thinks is best and what the player has to think about this is somewhat irrelevant. Lallana is not the manager and he doesn't really know what's best for the team or even for himself. That's what managers are for, to make those decisions for the players. Lallana seems to trust the manager on that account and I don't see any problem with that.
ReplyDeletereally, this is what you pick up on... not the fact that our manager knows what he wants, has people there to make it happen and then takes us from 7th to 2nd in 1 season... I swear that some people wouldn't be happy even if we had won the title, always looking for something to criticise...
ReplyDeleteNot to mention the great work he did, under huge pressure as a relative newcomer, and the whole Suarez crap that he willl ultimately have to deal with again......Time to lighten up and show abit of faith in a fantastic manager, doing an extremely difficult job... unkess of course you really do know better....
Please don't delete my post, because you should have a fair and balanced discussion here...
ReplyDeletehaha if this is the post, i wouldn't worry....
ReplyDeleteLallana clearly states that he hasn't had 'detailed' discussions with Rodgers about where he will fit into the team, so I do have it right.
ReplyDeleteFrom his comments, it's sounds like they've just exchanged pleasantries and small talk, which is not what I'd personally expect from a manager spending £25m on a player.
Did Dalglish and LFC adopt the same approach with Andy Carroll? It wouldn't surprise me.
Would Rodgers be able to have those chats prior to signing Lallana? I've got a feeling there'd be issues around tapping up.
ReplyDelete"I can't say I've had that chat in detail yet" ... he's clearly talking about tactics. That doesn't mean they haven't talked about anything else. Obviously they have had meetings of some kind and Rodgers has spoken quite specifically about the player's attitude. I don't dispute that they haven't spoken about tactics but there is no reason to extend that to thinking they haven't spoken at all.
ReplyDeleteMountain meet molehill.
ReplyDeleteWe don't even know what players we'll have next season yet.
For the millionth time: This site takes a critical approach to Liverpool FC. If you or anyone else can't handle that, go elsewhere, and stop wasting thread space with these pointless posts. People should *expect* this type of post here. It is a different point of view that hardly anyone will advance, and it's important to look at things from all sides. This is how my mind works, and I make no apology for that.
ReplyDeleteThe narrow-mindedness of some LFC fans never ceases to amaze me. Anything that doesn't conform to the group expectation is ridiculed/dismissed. Utterly pathetic if you ask me.
What really do expect them to now, we know Lallana, we know his work ethic and footballing style and ability, all that's left is to fit it in during pre season....no worries, no hardship, just business as usual...please don't get upset little timmy....it's going to be alright..
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point actually. Never thought of that!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I am reading, Rodgers did speak to Lallana prior to the Transfer, he just did not go into details as to where he would fit in. It does not mean that Rodgers did not speak at lengths with him. There may have been plenty of discussions especially since Rodgers favours players who are willing to adapt and change and apparently who are hungry to improve. In no way these discussions led to a specific role that is all. It is therefore unfair to state that Rodgers did not speak to Lallana at lengths before the transfer.
ReplyDeletecongratulations, you have wasted another 3 minutes of my life reading this utter garbage. this isn't even lazy journalism, just some conspiracy theorist having a go, i'm bored
ReplyDeleteof course it does, that's all it/you know, how to criticise,, you talk of narrow mindedness of " some LFC fans" and this is your reply.. Pot Kettle, need I say anymore..
ReplyDeleteTe'ra for now.
Lallana's place in the team is a very important issue, and it's vital that both player and manager are on the same page re expectations. Spending £25m on a player without discussing tactics/positions etc is (IMO) a little negligent.
ReplyDeleteAnd I didn't say they haven't spoke 'at all' - I've specifically referenced the lack of discussion re his role in the team.
Lallana wont have a fixed position, apart from his versatility, i dont see much in him. He will be a part of the fluid front four. And in absence of any of the wingers or AM, he could fill for them
ReplyDeleteyou could do after they had agreed a fee, it doesn't mean its a done deal, you could pull out if it didn't go well
ReplyDeleteJamie how could they have proper discussions when he was a Southampton player until yesterday !!!!!
ReplyDeleteSouthampton have been saying for weeks that Lallana is allowed to leave for the right price. At that point, it's no longer tapping-up.
ReplyDeleteThats way you write.......and NO ONE CARES YOU FOOKIN ARSHOLE CLICK SEEKER
ReplyDeleteEscape to Anfield
ReplyDeleteJaimie stands over his Subbuteo table adjusting his little men, before announcing in a nasal voice, "Adam when we have a throw level with our box I want you to..."
Lallana grabs the little man with 20 on its back and interrupts, "Simon gives me the ball here, I do this, this, this, this, goal".
It is not unfair. The issue here is not whether BR discussed general stuff with Lallana; it's about whether he discussed in detail where he'll play/fit in/tactical plan etc, and as Lallana has specifically confirmed, he hasn't held any such discussion with Rodgers.
ReplyDeleteHowever his discussion might have allowed Rodgers to see he has the right mentality and attitude, which is something you also dropped into your assumption.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Sahin, Aspas, Alberto, Moses etc all appeared to have the 'right mentality and attitude', but none of that matters if they're not utilised correctly, or their expectations about where they'll fit in are not met.
ReplyDeleteYou've very clearly stated that you think they have not had detailed discussion at all, about anything, not just tactics. First of all you question Rodger's ability to judge his mentality because those discussions haven't taken place. You then quite explicitly say that you think all they've done is exchange pleasantries and small talk. I don't disagree that they didn't discuss tactics but it's the assertions you make beyond this that are not based in fact. They have had discussions and Rodgers has clearly had a chance to asses the player's mental state because he said so in his own statements to the press.
ReplyDeleteMy response to the tactical talks is a fairly simpleone - while the player will be interested in his role in the team it's ultimately the manager's decision as to where he plays and what is expected of him. Once the attitude and willingness to learn is sorted out then everything else will get sorted out on the training pitch. There isn't really much point in Rodgers giving Lallana a blow by blow of how he wants him to play because a) that might change based on what other players are sold/bought b) Lallana trusts the manager to get it right. It's a nice option to have if time permits but I don't think it's all that vital. Rodgers has his plans, he's seen the player, he knows what he can do and that's really what counts here, not what the player himself might think.
Being a premier league player already, Rodgers will have seen a lot more of Lallana than most of the other signings mentioned. He will also have a very good idea of how to utilise the player due to this.
ReplyDeleteNot all transfers work no matter how much 'discussion' takes place, i dont belive that any of those players listed failed due to the lack of a discussion before they were signed.
This should be a 2 way street tho. Im afraid you really can't handle people taking a critical approach to your site especially recently. Any comments that don't fit your agenda get immediately removed.
ReplyDeleteCudos on stirring an emotional debate tho
There are too many narrow minded LFC fans, way too many. Once a viewpoint isnt what they want, they cant see that perspective. Its very sad. LFc is not an oil rich club. If BR will spend 25M and not talk about position when Sterling, Coutinho can also play in same position, I dont see why someone cant voice out his concern.
ReplyDeleteFor the love of God, stop twisting my words! It's abundantly clear from the article that I am specifically referring to discussions about where Lallana will fit in. That is obvious from the language of the article, and the quotes, yet you are (seemingly) deliberately hellbent on misrepresenting my opinion.
ReplyDelete"The manager's idea about where Lallana fits in may be different to the midfielder's own personal expectations, so it's vitally important they're both on the same page prior to sealing the deal."
I also list 4 examples, and include reasons, which specifically pertain to where these players fit into the team.
How much clearer can I be? I'm so sick of people twisting and misrepresenting my views. I shouldn't have to repeat the same point 50 times in an article to get it across.
More often than not I think Jaimie makes a bigger deal out of this stuff than needed.
ReplyDeleteBut in this case, I happen to agree with him and it comes from both perspectives.
From Lallana's perspective, how could he make the decision to come here without speaking much with the manager. The money must be really good (as well as the opportunity to play Champions League).
Secondly, from Rodgers' perspective, why wouldn't he essentially have an interview with Lallana. Sit him down; talk strategy... what would you do in this situation, how would you adapt here, etc.
It just seems like a straightforward type of conversation.
I hope Lallana was misspeaking when he said they haven't had a real in depth conversation.
I did read what you said.
ReplyDeleteI was asking a question about situation that's not quite seen in the same light but has a similar result.
And if you read what I wrote, I didn't even make a claim one way or another. I was asking folks for their opinion.
RELAX
The LFC website is fascinating. No mention of the Suarez biting incident and despite extensive coverage of transfer rumours nothing about Suarez and Barcelona. They have their own little world there
ReplyDeleteThe only thing you scousers have over us is that you can do it on a cold wet night in Stoke
ReplyDeleteochoa as second choice is a very nice deal looking froward to that..
ReplyDeletekolo toure out that's perfect..
signing bryan luis pinto that is one of it
On another point, there are rumours that Utd are going to be in for Hummels for 20M. Why on earth wouldn't LFC be in for him too? Lovren at 16M or Hummels at 20 or 22M?
ReplyDeleteThese are general comments that can apply to any player, and Rodgers makes the same comments about every player LFC side. It's like a canned response.
ReplyDeleteThe point is that Lallana has specifically *confirmed* that he has not held detailed discussions with Rodgers re where he fits into the side, and nothing you can post will change that fact.
They would have it in the 'media watch' section I'm sure, but I'm certain that they released a short statement from Ayre about the incident.
ReplyDeleteIt's not common practice for any Club website to publish their own updates on rumours and negotiations though. It's only talked about once the deal is done. That's why media watch was put in there, so they could post stories which don't reflect their views.
In fairness, the Carroll buy was admitted to be a last minute panic buy to replace Torres. That was poor management as the new owners were afraid the fans would turn on them for bringing in 50m and not spending any of it.
ReplyDeleteI doubt they had a conversation with him, but the difference was that was done on the last day of the transfer window in a rush.
This was done with almost two months left in the window. Which is concerning to me.
Totally agree. It's like Rakitic al over again. He only cost £16m (!), and now Hummels is allegedly available for a comparatively knockdown fee.
ReplyDeleteWell preseason has not even started yet and fact of the matter is that there will not be a specific position for Lallana. If he gets asked to play on the wing, no 10 or midfield then he will do so. Like Rodgers said "he has a tactical awareness to adapt to what is required of him".
ReplyDeleteFor £25m, Rodgers should have a very clear idea of where he is going to play Lallana. You don't spend that amount of money to experiment, and shift the player all over the place. if that's Rodgers' plan, then it's negligence (IMO).
ReplyDeleteI just don't know why you asked that question when I basically already answered it :D
ReplyDeleteWell I have looked at the media watch section including twitter over the past few days and I have not seen anything. on Suarez which is surprising given the amount of coverage verging on obsession elsewhere in the media (NewsNow for example).
ReplyDeleteAgain, I have also not seen any statement from Ayres nor any references to it anywhere else in the media. You may well be right but if he had said anything at all I would have thought other news outlets would have picked up on it pretty quickly.
You're right, Stuart. There's a Suarez blackout on the LFC site at the moment. Everything on the site is manufactured to progress a specific pro-LFC agenda, and anything that doesn't adhere to that is ignored.
ReplyDeleteJaimie, you should apply to become Liverpool manager. You seem better than Rodgers.
ReplyDeleteBack in May Rodgers said: "Our criteria that we look for is players with strong technique and football intelligence.
ReplyDelete"You'll get some players who are specialists and who need to play in particular positions, but if we can get players in who are multi-functional, and can play in different roles and are multi-dimensional in their work, it sets us up and gives me more options as a coach.
...Hahaha, you're right, I just had a look, and there indeed is a Suarez blackout going on. Not one story in the Media Watch! The thing I find the most funny about the website is every time a player is signed, every headline is related to that signing for at least 2 days. It's funny because, if for example Chelsea sign Costa, maybe 1 or 2 out of the 5 or 6 headlines relate to that. I even remember how limited the coverage of the AVB signing was on the spurs website. Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteJust had a look, this Suarez blackout is funny.
ReplyDeleteMake a profile.
ReplyDeleteJamie,I dont think u got this one right.Rodgers is the manager and he knows what he can do and get from the player,if not he will not buy him.Lallana never said he has not spoken to Rodgers.He has but not to somedetails,PERIOD.
ReplyDeleteWhen the job starts,he will get to know all of those.The work of scouts and managers are to find potentials who can fit and make their teams better.
Just once I'd like to come across a story on this site that isn't critical or negative about LFC - give it a rest with the amateur psychology Miss Marple!!
ReplyDeleteRodgers has a vision and it has looked ok so far - how about digging Barca up for their clandestine approach for Suarez which they have now taken into the public domain - constitutes tapping up surely
You question how Rodgers can know the mentality of the player if he doesn't "spend any time with the player". That's a totally erroneous statement. Obviously Rodgers does know the mentality of the player and it's clear that they have spoken. This is not cherry picking or mis-representing, it's an artifact of your lazy writing. Yes, I can now see how, with a healthy dose of re-interpretation and careful reconstruction, that you seem to referring to discussions about "fitting in the team", but it's a challenge to get there. Consider it a dose of "critical realism" on your own writing. You need to be more careful with your words.
ReplyDeleteNobody had a chance of signing Rakitic.
ReplyDeleteHe was one of the best players in the Primera and UEFA Cup, yet only Barca was really conected with the transfer. Simillar thing with Lallana- player went where he wanted, and the difference is in the fee because it is spanish league, contract expiring date, the 20 % Soton had to pay to Bornemouth, Lallana being their captain.
So our manager, who has brought us back from the brink of irrelevance, should have detailed discussions about tactics, positioning, and team needs with every player the club shows an interest in then? Seems irresponsible really, might as well go ahead and send our play book to Mourinho, Wenger, and Pelligrini ...
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if Lallana has those detailed discussions with our manager, then ultimately decides not to join us? Our tactics and needs are all exposed and ripe for exploitation by anyone privy to Adam's thoughts!
Get a grip and trust our manager and the team behind him already!
I don't need to be more careful; you need to stop misinterpreting simple written arguments.
ReplyDeleteMy view is not absolute. I don't profess to be 'right', above all else. it's just a personal opinion.
ReplyDeleteRodgers has clearly tracked Lallana during the whole last season.Gerrard played with him couple of times. He runs more than Henderson. He can play in couple of positions in variaty of formations. I have no fear Lallana will be happy to do what he is told to do, and that he will fully understand his duties.
ReplyDeleteThe laws seem to indicate clubs have to come to an agreement first or the club has to give the player express permission to talk to the buying party. That's not the same as the club saying a player is allowed to leave for the right price.
ReplyDeleteWe've signed another young CB, Kevin Stewart. I do not understand our tactic regarding this position, hope to see some closure on the topic..
ReplyDeleteHe read your reply and did not ban you, so I will upvote your post...
ReplyDeleteRodgers doesn't need to talk to him tbh, its obvious to anyone where we are going and Adam is a class act he doesn't need to vet him. People going on about the price and the other players. We know Lallana we have seen him for many a season now, his skills being questioned? The lad has glue feet two of them, in a year people will say how glad they are that we got him, Hummels and Rakitic are amazing but i don't know Lallana feels like a Liverpool player already
ReplyDeleteWhy would I ban Adam for his reply? :-) He's entitled to his view, and there's nothing incendiary in his comment.
ReplyDeleteThe only people who get banned are those who repeatedly insult other posters, or engage in persistent sniping etc.
I think £25 m is only slightly over priced, with £20-22m being the likely fee for an equivalent foreign player signed by a top Premiership team from a 'big' foreign league.
ReplyDeleteJust look at these prices paid for recent attacking midfielders. Does Adam Lallana really look like a bad aquistion at £25m when you consider he outplayed them all last season?
Oscar £19.35 million
Willian £32 million
Lamela £25 million
Fellani £27.5 million
Fernandinho £34 million
Paulinho £17 million
I think if Liverpool had gone in for Rakitic we would have been paying at least £25 million. Just look at the fee we were quoted for Moreno.
You have to go into the fans blogs to get even a mention of Suarez. Though to be fair they are full of it as you might expect.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think BR should be discussing more in detail than what has been let on, I think he may well have. It would certainly be a bigger surprise (and disappointment too I suppose) if lallana comes out and says "Once we complete the signings of X, Y and Z, my position at the club will be a lot clearer".
ReplyDeleteLallana is our first signing of the summer who can reasonably be expected to be making the first team on a regular basis this upcoming season based on his transfer fee. It wouldn't surprise me if BR has spoken specifics about transfer targets left to come in (as with carra's comments about BR wanting robben, suggesting players at the club knew our transfer targets, mainly I suppose to keep those who wanted to leave happy for a while) and where lallana then fits in. Equally, lallana would be expected to keep schtum about these talks.
So what does he say? Unless you expect him to give a tactical insight into the teams plans for the season, he can't really comment at all.
Pardon e, but I am afraid LFC 'll waste lot of money. They already have wasted 10mn on Lallana & every English player we buy, it's a big risk. I do think CL is an issue, but more importantly, Club has to know where to find & I am flabbergasted that we are hardly looking in France, Germany & Latin America. Also, Suarez deal must have to be a linked with player exchange - if Real, it's either Benzema, De Maria or Varane; if Barca, it has to be Sanches or Pedro.
ReplyDeleteLFC's transfer business went wrong for the constant search for smart money - buy cheap players & expect another Coutinho/Sturridge turn. These things happens once or twice & LFC has got their share of luck. Playing 6-8 mn players 'll result only in more Alberto or Aspas. 80mn is lot of money, but I don't mind if we bring just 2 players with that - Sanches & Pogba. My fear is, we 'll buy 7/8 cheap prospects, & frighteningly, most of them British.
I remember upvoting Vyas' comment and getting banned- thought maybe Adam crossed the line in your opinion, I don't always kno where is that line for you. Speaking about it, I don't know why my comment about Per Mertesaker was removed, I didn't think it was offensive?
ReplyDeleteThey are all better too seriously most of them are younger or have played more good football at top level 25 million is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteYou did not agree to go out and buy one season wonder Carroll too did ya?
I've learned that Dalglish had the choice between Mario Gomez and Andy Carroll and the two at the same price. He preferred Carroll to Gomez to give more chances to English player. So it seemed to be a huge mistake. Liverpool always buy players from lower level clubs. Downing, Carroll, Hedoerson(good choice tough) and what happened next?? Liverpool must buy not world class palyers but good and confirmed players who play at the high level of football not players from Norwich, Sunderland, Swansea etc etc!!!!
ReplyDeleteCarra does seem to talk a lot of nonsense, I have to say. Hamaan usually makes much more sense, as is the case here.
ReplyDeleteWatched the whole game and found him terribly unimpressive. Didn't even look very interested. Will have as much impact as Iago Aspas if LFC are daft enough to waste money on him.
ReplyDeleteNo I didn't think that about Carroll. Neither is Lallana a one season wonder. He has performed to a very good level in the Prem for two seasons now and has consistently been Southampton's best player for a number of years before - granted previously at a lower level.
ReplyDeleteSeriously you'd rate Lamela, Fellaini, Paulinho and Oscar as better than Lallana? If so I'd question your judgement not mine.
It wasn't necessarily directed towards you specifically.
ReplyDeleteIt was for all the world to see :)
I was just linking it with yours since you had brought up the other similar situation.
Suarez, as we have found out, was damaged goods hence his cheaper price.
ReplyDeleteEverton signed the young lad from Barca due to Martinez's Spanish contacts and they got Lukaku because they were no threat to Chelsea. That leaves Gareth Barry.
B Rodgers should ask for Pedro(26) and Sanchez(25) and 40M before they let L Suarez(27) leave the club. One world class player shipped out for two world class wingers and 40m cash.
ReplyDeleteAnd then with the 40M cash B Rodgers needs to add another 25M
And then he needs to bring in these 2 centre midfielders and FD
1: DM: B Matuidi(27) Of PSG for 12-16M to compete with Can(21) and Gerrard(34)
2: CM: T Alacantra(23) Of B Munich for 25-33M to compete with Allen(24) and Henderson(23)
FD: L Muriel(24) Of Udinese for 12-16M to compete with Lambert(32) and Sturridge(24)
Sell Suarez, GREAT IDEA .. mediocrity here we come ...
ReplyDeleteI understand your point, I just felt that you stated Rodgers transfer record stands at 20% and as Greg said, I felt compelled to point out that that figure is very debatable which I guess was the point
ReplyDeleteI would explain the situation very easy. Lallana has spoke to Rodgers about whatever his role is or something. Clearly Lallana was satisfied with the explanation Rodgers gave him. The explanation was obviously good enough for him to convince him to join Liverpool. And by my opinion this is all that counts. If Lallana is satisfied then be it. This is the most important. His satisfaction. If Rodgers did not give him good explanation then he would probably not sign for Liverpool. Simple as that.
ReplyDeletebravo...*slow clapping*
ReplyDeleteEvery player? No.
ReplyDeleteBut a serious investment such as 25m, I'd feel a lot more comfortable if he did.
For some scope here, we are spending more on Lallana than we did on Suarez.
That's why Fulham leveled the charge against us for tampering with Dempsey.
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe we may have done something similar (at least unofficially) with Arsenal and Suarez. After all, how would Arsenal know to bid 40m + 1.
thats the way it has always been with LFC. there is a huge vacancy for a crucial spot in the team. there is a perfect fit for that role who is very reasonably priced and just begging to be taken away. and then we go and buy someone like markovic for eleventy bajillion dollars.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he will be topic of the discussion but he wants to move to Italy. Be pleased if we get him. Suarez forget about him and move on that ship has sailed.
ReplyDeleteI agree Owen, and I'd like to share the one transfer fee that gives me comfort that all teams get fleeced from time to time to your already strong list: James Milner to City for £26m.
ReplyDeleteMilner never produced like Lallana has over the last two EPL seasons! Adam is a good player, period, and I sincerely hope he sets the league alight while he's wearing a Liver bird on his chest.
Pretty sure there was no attitude and mentality screening done when we were in talks to sign chompers, so ... Thanks for your support I guess.
ReplyDeleteThe ultimate test, as I've learned from English pundits.
ReplyDeleteCan I give this post two likes? I remember the doubters said the same thing about Sturridge and just look how he has proved them wrong. The doubters also used to slate Hendo and Allen when they were having a pop at the Carroll overspend. I've noticed none of them utter Hendo or Allen in same sentences now. I firmly believe Lallana is going to shove these naysayers words back down their throats over the next couple of seasons and I'll cheer him on just that little be more for it. YNWA
ReplyDeleteThat's valuing surez at about 90 million. Is that what you think he's worth ?
ReplyDeleteOh such a wonderful thing hindsight is. I'm usually quite calm but after reading certain opinions i'm kinda pissed. By the way you would read, you would think Brendan Rogers a is a total flop in the market who always buys duds and wastes millions! WOW! 2ND PLACE with over 100 goals. A squad that was built up of NO big money attacking players. I hope certain people are watching for the rest of the window. (Samnexus) I totally agree that alot of rogers previous signing were dud. But he has never spent on big players. Ones he would been interested in were the likes of Willian. And is now being linked with the likes of shaqiri sanchez and Co. I really hope he buys some of these players and they light up the premiership. Because I'm sure if they do these same rogers haters will b defending them in the pubs against other fans of other teams! When rogers wastes money to the extent of Mourinho or Moyes or even pellegrini then start ripping him. I will too. Until then have some respect for the man who got u into the champions league and has u playing arguably the best football in the country! As for Southampton getting Tadic and Everton oh so great loan signings, sorry where did they finish? And who would shaqiri/sanchez etc rather come to anyway? Rant over...
ReplyDeleteYeah i do, he has been the best player in premiership for last two years by country mile. But due to his mad ways, ban previous season,he lost player of the year to G Bale(24). L Suarez(27) is better than G Bale(24), G Bale(24) cost 86M
ReplyDeleteL Suarez(27) was player of season last year and won some many accolades, just because they guy has issues doesn't mean Barcelona get 30M discount.
He is worth 90M
This looks like : 2008 all over again
Finished 2nd, we needed to add to Alonso, Macherano and Torres class and quality. Instead we sold Alonso and Torres and brought in players not even half as good as them , then Mascherano was sold.
It took us 3 and half years to replaces the class, quaity and goals F Torres brought to club.
5 years plus we are still in need of the class , quality of Alonso and Mascherano in our centre midfield.
And we could be losing our best player during the month, as long as B Rodgers brings in world class players or players who are better than what we have at club we will go forward. Otherwise we will go backwards again
Let's be realistic. Nobody out there is going to fill the void left by Suarez - no matter where that 80m goes. Plus the club are shopping in a window below the likes of Bayern, Chelsea, City et al which narrows things down. Rodgers is going to have to overpay and it's not going to be easy. People don't understand that. It's a shame the club didn't get Costa. Last summer everyone on here was saying how great he was and now that he's in London everybody is trying to criticism him. Leave it out; he was probably the best Suarez replacement available. Sturridge and Lambert not good enough. Sturridge, Lambert, Shaqiri - still not good enough.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Isco's, Fabregas' and Vidal's of the world probably don't even know who Brendan Rodgers is. No chance.
ReplyDeleteSelling Suarez, is IDIOTIC. He's a ONCE IN A LIFETIME player. Buck has spunked money, and will waste this too. KEEP SUAREZ FFS
ReplyDeletethats like saying a foul is cheating. Cheating (in football) is doing something that is illegal intentionally with the hope of the ref not seeing it. If you do something knowing that the ref will see it and call a free kick, that cannot be classified as cheating. Its called taking one for the team. what Henry done to Scotland was cheating, what Suarez done to Ghana was taking one for the team.
ReplyDeleteRobben is a special player but i will always remember him as a serial cheat, shame, but there you are, like Maradona my first thought is "drug taking cheat" not 2nd best footballer ever! it seems it's OK to cheat a country out of the World Cup but take one bite in between meals.............
ReplyDelete