20 Jul 2015

Transfer Update: Brendan Rodgers confirms Liverpool mega-deal for 'world-class' £32m attacker is not happening. True or false?

Over the weekend, multiple reports claimed that allegedly 'world-class' Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is due to have a medical today ahead of £32.5m transfer to Liverpool, but is that really true? According to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, there's no current deal on the table to sign the powerful Belgian striker.

Last Wednesday, The Telegraph claimed:

"Liverpool will meet Christian Benteke’s £32.5million Aston Villa exit clause as they close in on the signing of their number one summer transfer target"

On Friday, TalkSport further claimed that:

* An 'Anfield insider' had confirmed that Benteke 'is to arrive on Merseyside for his medical on Monday'.

* The deal will be concluded on Monday, or 'early next week'.

When specifically asked during a press conference today about Liverpool's alleged move for Benteke, Rodgers told reporters:

"I don't know what you're talking about"

When pressed on the issue, Rodgers reiterated:

"No really, I don't know what you're talking about."

Hmmm. This can mean one of two things:

* Rodgers is deliberately misleading the press, and/or trying to deflect attention away from Liverpool's transfer business.

* Rodgers genuinely doesn't know anything about the transfer, and the nefarious and Machiavellian Transfer Committee is trying to seal the deal behind his back and (possibly) against his will.

Option two is an interesting theory...if you're a resident of Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital. Rodgers, Ian Ayre et al have specifically stated countless times that no player is signed over the manager's head, and that is not going to change now.



In my view, option one is far more credible, and Rodgers has a history of making questionable transfer statements. Last summer, for example, he claimed:

"I can categorically tell you Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool". Three weeks later, Liverpool signed Balotelli.

Three weeks later, Liverpool signed Balotelli.

When it comes to transfers specifically, it's inadvisable to take anything Rodgers' says at face value. However, in this case, if he does know about the Benteke transfer, he gains nothing by lying to the media about it.

Rodgers should've just refused to discuss transfers, as he did last week after the Brisbane Roar game. Stating that he knows 'nothing about it' simply creates more headlines (i.e. 'Rodgers claims Liverpool are not signing Beneke!')

I'm sure many fans will be hoping and praying that Rodgers is telling the truth, but I still have a feeling that Benteke will be a Liverpool player on September 1st.

Author: Jaimie K


108 comments:

  1. Clearly he was joking I can't believe anyone fell for that. ;-/

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  2. Definitely a joke. Benteke is having his medical today and tomorrow and there is no way in the world BR wouldn't know about the deal for his no.1 striker target.

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  3. What do you mean 'clearly he was joking'? He wasn't at all. Perhaps you shouldn't just believe whatever people post on the site without checking. Re 'Ghost of Suarez's' comment:

    * He refers to a Sky Sports article titled 'Why I signed Christian Benteke'. That is fabrication as Rodgers did not specifically reference Benteke in the Liverpool Echo article (upon which the Sky article is based).

    * The Echo wrote: Rodgers refused to be drawn on the deal for the Belgium international but speaking generally admitted that having a greater threat was crucial after the struggles of last season

    * Sky - like most other news outlets - immediately twisted that to make it sound like Rodgers is specifically referring to Benteke, which he clearly isn't.

    * Plus, he stated: "He made the "I don't know what you are talking about" comment in jest...and then went on to talk about it". This is also incorrect, as Rodgers' comments about 'needing to score more goals' were made in a totally separate interview, and not during the post-Adelaide press conference (which is how you make it sound).

    * Finally, Rodgers did not make his 'I don't know about Benteke comments' in 'jest' - he answered the question with a straight face, and then moved on.

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  4. It was an outstanding lie

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  5. Jaimie, I'd like to edit this for you:


    "Except as it pertains to Joe Allen, it's inadvisable to take anything Rodgers' says at face value."



    Thanks

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  6. Haha, yes - I'll update the article ;-)

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  7. Could it be a simple situation in the sense that the club hasn't announced anything yet, or that the papers haven't been officially signed, therefore he's technically not allowed to speak about a player that still belongs to another club.

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  8. rodgers couldn't lie straight in bed ,i usually adopt the strategy of the polar opposite what he states and its usually there or there about

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  9. I'm sure you're right. I'm just taking issue with the notion that Rodgers was 'joking around', and that he specifically stated that Liverpool have signed Benteke (an idea that media are currently reporting, and fans are perpetuating)

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  10. I was being ironic - Well I thought I was now I really am confused ;-/

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  11. or maybe by adopting this approach if we sign him and he flops he can deny all accountability theres a fine line between poker faced and two faced

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  12. irony doesnt sit well on this forum at times stu...trust me

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  13. if hes a hit he knows if hes a flop he didnt

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  14. Case suggested that it might have been a tongue in cheek reference to last years infamous denial of the Balotelli deal. Seems pretty plausible to me.

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  15. It's really a dilemma...Benteke for 32.5 mil pounds, it's certainly a rip-off. But if not for Benteke, who else can we get? No UCL, unlikely UCL participation for the forseeable future, no break-the-bank kinda salary, non-established manager, no star player at the club, not attractive geographically etc etc.
    Anyway a side note, maybe they can give Samed Yesil a chance and see if he can make it. No harm trying...seriously...

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  16. Only way to solve this.


    Next press conference a reporter should ask "why are the club selling Joe Allen?"
    If Rodgers laughs & denies it, we'll know he's in control.
    If Rodgers goes bright red, starts punching the desk then get to his knee's crying, we'll know the committee's in control

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  17. im not sure rodgers has the sophistication to pull off that kind of gag john cleese he isnt

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  18. Have you seen the way he walks?

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  19. Its just Rodgers trying to be smart and funny. To indicate that he is not even going to,say anymore that he only wants to discuss current players. He is just going to play dumb. Arrogance basically.

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  20. Was it not just another way of saying "No comment"? That's how I perceived it

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  21. You joking is about as believable as BR ;-)

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  22. I think you're giving him too much credit as some sort of diabolical genius

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  23. TRUE: he definitely said it.

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  24. agreed eric if it was any other manager i could accept a tongue in cheek answer .......for me hes just trying to be annoying and succeeding

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  25. Benteke makes no sense whatsoever, especially not as long as Liverpool are stuck with Balotelli (who could be unsellable, even on a free transfer), and Borini. All comments about Benteke come from media speculation, without a single confirmatory comment from an LFC official.


    My view is this: The Central Strikers next season will be Sturridge, Ings, Origi, and one of Ballotelli or Lambert. Given the large number of OMs, four central strikers is already overkill, and there is no room whatsoever for another large target man with limited mobility like Benteke.

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  26. Quite. Also, his mother was a hamster and his father smelled of elderberries.

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  27. well he is a master criminal even moriaty didnt dupe anyone out of 200m

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  28. Don't remember reading anyone on hear say that BR stated we'd signed Benteke, apologies in advance though if I'm wrong.

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  29. A simple yes or no would have done ;-)

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  30. Slightly off-topic but still on Rodgers pressers...


    Anyone catch his comments after today's match?


    Only referred to Milner as outstanding.


    And was pretty even keeled otherwise.


    Marks of media-handling improvement perhaps?

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  31. but dont you find it a tad ridiculous if ex players and journalists and even your aunties uncle are commenting on a player we have no intention of signing

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  32. i keep missing these games and i was off work today that's really annoying

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  33. as i have stated numerous times .'' no sense '' and liverpool make great bed fellows when it comes to transfers

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  34. I'm afraid to say that in that case your view is incorrect. The strikers will be Benteke, Sturridge, Ings and Origi with Balotelli and Lambert shipped out to whoever will take them. As much as you don't want Benteke it is going to happen so we may as well all just accept it and get behind the lad.

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  35. Me too... the time change has really thrown me for a loop.


    I'm in New York, so I'm 14 hours behind. The games are airing here around 4:45am.


    As much as I love watching the club, I can't bring myself to wake up that early for a pre-season friendly.

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  36. I think it's more a case of him trying to be funny but failing spectacularly.

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  37. New york isnt that just south of birkenhead

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  38. In fairness I watched the game and the interviews after and the word outstanding certainly cropped up more than once rest assured.

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  39. Yes :)
    I think it's an absolute done deal but that's only after specifically hearing Brendan and Ray say as much.

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  40. I like this idea A LOT. I also like the idea that Allen leaves the club on an express train. Make it happen, pleaseeeeeee.

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  41. Perhaps another New York

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  42. Haha I think you may have missed that one pal!!

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  43. I live in NYC too, but I got up to watch the game. Shame on you ;-)

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  44. I honestly think people do him a slight disservice in this respect, sure he's no John Cleese (who off screen is actually a bit of a g*t) but sometimes I think I see a slight will to entertain, especially in his pre-match pressers.
    Think, that like nearly all high profile sports people and/or their managers these days - it's crushed out of them by the 'politically correct, play the grey man for fear of offending a sponsor or such' PR departments.
    Don't think he's all that bad to be honest and as soon as we string a few wins together, I expect any character based misgivings will quietly be forgotten.

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  45. You are a better man than I Mr. Kanwar. hahaha

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  46. Thought you'd gone back to Australia now ;)

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  47. not a fan of brendon...hes a lucky man to be still in a job....

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  48. You are joking right?

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  49. Probably the journo should have asked Rodgers why the team doctor was flying back to the UK to give him a medical then ?

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  50. Having gone back and looked the footage again I think you are quite right. He is trying to play a straight bat but seems to be holding the wrong end.

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  51. Team Doctor? We don't have one. UK? where is that Africa?

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  52. Nobody want balotelli and Borini seems to decline every offer he has so if we buy benteke we could end up with 6 strikers next season, which would be a waste of wage.

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  53. Credit Mr P BIDsley whom I hope doesn't mind me copy and pasting this from the last thread:

    BR on Ibe today,

    "He's still very young, he's still 19 years of age, but I think you see the potential. It's just [about] him continually working hard at his game; he's still got a way to go for that consistency but I think everyone sees that potential.

    "All our young players at the club know that if they demonstrate the right personality, they have a chance to play. Joe Gomez at 18 years of age has huge potential as well. It's up to them. They know they'll get a chance if they co-ordinate their game and work to the plan of the collective, then there'll be a chance.

    "Jordon is a very exciting talent and we'll manage him individually, because it's not the same for everyone. He's his own player and we need manage him and what's best for him and the team."

    Quite well measured I thought.

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  54. Can see Balotelli going on last minute loan to Italy with Liverpool paying 90% of his wages.

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  55. I thought he was in Jamaica

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  56. so in the end it's pretty much the same as having him in our squad if he's only on loan and we pay his wage.

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  57. Not necessarily.


    It could hopefully give him some time to audition and bring up his value.


    Or it could give him yet another opportunity to prove himself and continue to develop his skills.


    Unless Balotelli is a malcontent who is bad for clubhouse morale, I think he should be staying here and not going on loan.

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  58. Perhaps he had a bet going... and he had to pretend for the entire interview that he never heard of Benteke...


    And if he lost, he'd have to change his name to "Logan" for a year.

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  59. One or two murmurings in the press today inferring that Balo is at least discontent and apparently wishes to leave even by way of loan.
    Whether we can find anyone to accommodate him seems a tough question to answer though, especially if we want them to also pay his wages, which it seems we do.

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  60. I hope is true. Balotelli is much better.

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  61. Balo will probably end up on loan somewhere in Italy, Lambert looks like he might go West Brom and Borini seems to have a few options. I don't think any of them will still be here come 1st September.

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  62. I think you've hit the nail on the head, he is a bit of a bad egg to have around the place. He's hardly a good role model for young upcoming players when they see his attempts to walk everywhere on the football pitch.

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  63. Seriously? The amazing Balotelli who scored all of 1 league goals last year. C'mon man it's s broken record.

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  64. So as this article appears *IMO* to be slanted towards criticising Brendan's answering of the Benteke question, can I just say that as LFCNYC74 suggests: the likelihood, is that it's very simply BR being constrained by the logistics of discussing a deal that has not yet been completed.
    As a comparison, how do we suppose the much deified (by others)Mourinho, would have answered the same question - I will get the ball rolling - like an arrogant w8nker. So within the boundaries of context, are we perhaps being a little over the top in our judgements of BR in this matter.

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  65. Maybe he needed 1 year. I am sure in the 2nd year will be much better. If will be a 2nd year of course. But my opinion stays.

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  66. To be fair he sometimes breaks into an aimless amble, a reluctant ramble or a sedate stroll

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  67. The luck is not permanent.

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  68. That's post modern cubism for you

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  69. I don't think Balotelli got a fair shake last year when Rodgers persisted in playing a system that didn't really cater to his strengths.


    But make no mistake, Balotelli didn't do anything last year to make his own situation better.

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  70. Exactly. I see you understood well.

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  71. A predictable plod?

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  72. I can guarantee things are not going to improve for the guy until he works a bit harder. You reap what you sow and his nans told me he's never asked for any sowing lessons.

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  73. I think Benteke's price is too high. But not my money. I am sure if he would be a goal machine, than he would go for much more money to Arsenal, Real, bayern, Juve, united, Chelsea, City, Milan, etc.

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  74. There are yet unsubstantiated reports that he took a leak right behind the defense... to mark his territory

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  75. All the makings of a good old circular discussion this one ;)

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  76. I know the feeling well

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  77. Is there any truth to the rumor that the team doctor is cup tied after our monumental trophy win in Malaysia?

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  78. Bit of a come down after Bristol

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  79. I can imagine the transfer comitee are having friends in Belgium, Mignolet, Origi, now Benteke.

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  80. BR in denial mode

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  81. Seems like he's just deflecting attention away from it. I'm sure he doesn't want to make a big deal out of it all after the Sterling saga.


    Plus you never know what clubs will do these days if you talk about the clubs players. Might try and accuse him of tapping him up or something stupid.

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  82. NonEventHorizon6:54 pm, July 20, 2015

    I've been watching the games back on footballorgin dot com, usually takes a day before they're uploaded, but my wallet prefers that to taking a day off

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  83. Ghost of Suarez7:04 pm, July 20, 2015

    Ok Jaimie, whether or not the Sky article is correct, the fact that remains, which is not in dispute, is that was asked about Benteke twice by a journo and he replied he knew nothing about it. Now seeing as you me and every other person on the planet (including no doubt the journo in question) knows the Benteke is about to sign, so this means one of two things. Either (A) he knows that Benteke is about to sign, obviously realises everyone else know this and is winding up the journo or (B) he, the manager of Liverpool, really doesn't know anything about it.

    My position is it is quite clearly the former rather than the latter, whether he deadpanned it or not is quite irrelevant. Unless you really believe he has no knowledge of this impending transfer Jaimie? You tell me.....

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  84. Yes he took a leak during a particularly languid lollop

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  85. colonel cocknocker7:06 pm, July 20, 2015

    Benteke makes a lot of sense in my humble opinion. he's not an andy carroll, he plays on the shoulder of the defence and he's not slow. Plus he gives us a bit of mettle which is what we sorely need. Hendo's delivery from set pieces, the amount of crosses we've been putting in in pre-season would seem to indicate Benteke would get shedloads of chances. And he's good with his feet as well.
    We just need to make sure he leads the line rather than get's plonked there to hold the ball up. That's if he's even coming.
    I didn't see the interview so i can't comment on that.
    But we need shot of Balotelli whatever happens imo.
    Our major weakness was mental fragility last season. With people like milner being signed I'm hoping we'll see a bit more heart this year, and sterling and balotelli going might be enough to remind our squad they're here to fight to the death, even if it's the last 3 or 4 games of the season and there's nothing to play for except pride.
    I think that's the majorly overlooked thing that suarez brought us, his passion.
    Apologies for the essay.

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  86. Ghost of Suarez7:09 pm, July 20, 2015

    Incindently Jaimie can you advise the separate interview in which Rodgers made the comments. It shouldn't take you a minute to post the link as you have already taken the time to look into this

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  87. Oh I don't know I thought he yanked him off a few times

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  88. colonel cocknocker7:12 pm, July 20, 2015

    i should add i think our best signing this year will be gary mac. Made up about that.

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  89. If it was Jose doing it, nothing would be said

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  90. Yes we don't want to be accused of trying to get him on the cheap;-/

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  91. Well Paul lambert the manager that signed him for villa has just spoken that he was on the phone to benteke yesterday, congratulating him on his big move to a massive club. He also goes to say he will score loads of goals for us with the chances we create. Sounds like it's in the bag lads

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  92. Another point. How stupid would he have looked had he starting praising him, then he failed his medical like Remy.


    Genuine question, has Rodgers ever discussed a player publicly until its a done deal

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  93. He would have made a charming disarming flirtatious comment that would have deflected the questioner, swept her off her feet to the point of seduction before he mysteriously melted away into the night.


    Or he might have tersely said I don't know what you're talking about

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  94. I made a post a while ago saying exactly that, but in a slightly less delicate way than Stuart C has put it :)

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  95. Erm no... pls watch the video.

    It is embarassing that he manages our fantastic club.

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  96. As much as I dont like Moanio, comparing BR to him is like comparing a 3-wheel Reliant Robin with a Rolls Royce Phantom.

    BR alas is an embarassing blip on our great historic club entering his 4th year. At some point FSG will have to accept their erred in his appointment so that we can all move on...!

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  97. Independent reports Benteke's medical is a cautious 2 day one, due to his knee injury.


    With Remy's failure still fresh, that might explain him swerving this one

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  98. Haha, Just read that Utd are having to give away free shirts in order to try and sell tickets for their friendly game against San Jose Earthquakes

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  99. Good.. We do not want another Aqua Man

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  100. Balo did improve when he had someone to work with.. He looked decent with Studge at white heart lane. But the chances he had to win the games against Everton and hull were shockers.

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  101. Think Carroll signing might have made club more cautious. Signed him whilst injured & downhill from there

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