29 Oct 2013

Quit Shock: Unhappy €18m star threatens to 'leave Liverpool, if...'. Sell ASAP...?

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is experiencing a tough time at Anfield right now. Having dropped down the central defensive pecking-order, the Dane is struggling to regain his spot in the team, and with Skrtel, Sakho and Toure playing well - and LFC flying in the league - it's difficult to see when or how he'll make it back onto the pitch. In the face of constant transfer speculation, Agger has always insisted that his loyalty lies with Liverpool, but his latest comments suggest that an Anfield exit could be on the cards.

When asked on Danish TV this week what it would take for him to leave Liverpool, Agger explained:

"If I don't play, and if the manager doesn't think I am good enough, that could make me leave Liverpool. I'm here to play football, nothing else. So if I don't play football, then I don't want to be here anymore."

Strong words from Agger, and it's unambiguously clear that if he doesn't return to the starting line-up soon, a move to a new club could a genuine possibility. In my view, Agger's comments are a little out of line. Yes, he responded to a direct question, but his answer now puts immense pressure on Brendan Rodgers, and interested clubs will also be alerted to his situation. Having said that, this morning, Agger attempted to back-peddle a little, and tweeted the following:

"Please stop all the tweets about me leaving! I'm not going anywhere! Will be back in the team soon:) Y.N.W.A"

As I've argued before, this competition in defence is far too heavy, and it's a sign of poor planning from Rodgers and Liverpool. If the plan is to keep €18m-rated Agger in the long-term, why spend £18m on another left-footed centre-half? In fact, why bringing in THREE central defenders over the summer, especially if Rodgers had no intention of selling either Skrtel or Agger?

Competition is a good thing, but unhealthy competition breeds unhappiness and resentment, and there is absolutely no way Rodgers will be able to keep Toure, Agger, Skrtel AND Agger happy all season, especially with the reduced number of games available.

Rodgers has clearly moved to 352 in a bid to accommodate the players he has, but this smacks to me of necessity, rather than a pre-existing tactical plan. The situation would be even worse if the Reds were playing the usual 433 formation, and this would leave to frustration for two of the four senior centre-halves.

And let's not forget Tiago Ilori, who has not had a look-in this season, and is probably thinking that he made a massive mistake joining Liverpool in the summer.

Irrespective of Agger's comments, Rodgers must remain strong. None of the current back three deserves to be dropped right now - Toure, Sakho and (especially) Skrtel are in the team on merit, and dropping one of those three just to appease Agger would be a weak move (IMO).

Rodgers has made a rod for his own back, and he just has to deal with it, and if that means putting Agger's nose out of joint, then so be it. I genuinely don't think the Dane wants to leave, but if someone offers £15-£18m for him in January, the club should take it.

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34 comments:

  1. - his fitness is my major concern
    - while his value still there is a benefit for both player and club
    - in my opinion i always wanted agger play as DM role

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  2. Please look at the context of the question in the interview that was asked to Aggar!! In know way does he want to leave or back tracking

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  3. Unhealthy competition???really jamie.I would also want illori to get involved soon to cut out complacency from our starters.we have played just 11 games this season and he is already complaining.rodgers should have made kolo vc

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  4. It is unhealthy competition, though. How can you accommodate four top class senior centre-backs in a season with no European football?

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  5. No where does it say "if im not back in the starting line up soon, im going to leave" Which is what you say.

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  6. For me it just shows who is determined to fight a for a place and then do their best to keep it and those who expect to be playing regardless.

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  7. You should include BR's comments about being fair in team selection regarding Agger and Skrtel. I thought it was very positive from him.


    I can only read what's on screen and don't know how Agger delivered these comments but I'm surprised because his commitment to us thus far can't really be questioned. If Barca come calling now I would understand but I credit him for not leaving in the last 2 years when the club has been a mess. But I would hope it's about Rodgers not favouring him rather than simply not playing, that would make Agger want to leave.


    But you don't see Hendo or Skrtel crying if they lose their place. I wouldn't sell in January, typically, it's a window to reinforce your squad, regardless of the amount of centre backs we have and Illori hasn't played a single game so far so I wouldn't want to rely on him during crunch time.

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  8. How do you know 352 wasn't a pre existing plan?

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  9. I don't believe that BR really antipated either the upturn in Skrtel's form or just how good Touré would be for us. I don't think that he thought either of these two would stake such a good claim for first team football.

    He may also have been surprised at how quickly Sakho has adapted to the prem. What a nice problem to have. Your vice-captain who resisted the overtures of the best club in the world (after LFC of course) has to sit on the bench while he waits for his fellow CBs to either get injured, suspended or lose their form.

    No, we've got to stop being a selling club and keep our best players, like we did with Suarez. Agger will soon get his chance again and we'll be glad we've still got him. He's still our best CB.

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  10. I suggested elsewhere that Henderson could be groomed to provide proper cover for Lucas, but I think that this idea also has a lot of merit. Agger could provide all of the usual CB attributes to the DM position, but with the added benefit of being good on the ball, able to bring it forward and to pass well, so yeah, why not.

    This also fits BR's mentality of having adaptable players and not pigeon-holing them into individual rigid positions. Not the first time it's been suggested but a worthy idea.

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  11. It's my opinion that's it's not a pre-existing plan; I didn't state I knew that as an absolute fact. BR has played 433 for practically his entire career, now all of a sudden he changes to 352? The probability is he's doing it to accommodate the players he has. He's also stated that himself.

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  12. When he bought the new guys, our defense was highly suspect. It was the problem BR had THEN. The only thing the Agger situation reveals is that BR fixed that problem. Good managing. Toure is 32 and has been hurt once already. Any of the others can get hurt...and with those speedy Arsenal MFs this weekend there is a distinct possibility one of those back three will be gassed before the end and a solid performance will need to come from the bench. We have not even started FA Cup football yet. Agger will get his minutes.
    So now I expect BR to apply the same managerial acumen to getting PC back to form and finding another exceptionally qualified AM in January in case PC doesn't find form or he, SG and or LL get hurt again. I have every confidence BR will come through.

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  13. we can actually drop toure ....even though he defends well at his age every match shouldnt be a must play for him rotate agger ans toure

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  14. everyone has a chance
    hendo and skrtel looked liek they would be leaving under rodgers
    patience is key for agger

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  15. I think you have to consider that BR has given a lot of thought to what is the best system to accommodate SAS and this system does get the best out of them.
    Also he has really only strengthened the defensive options available. Last season we had Carragher and Coates, this season Toure and Sakho and a promising young player in Ilori, so the situation is not unhealthy in my opinion.

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  16. Napoli wanted Skrtel on loan but LFC were only keen on a permanent transfer. Skrtel was way down the pecking order until Toure picked up that injury which gave Skrtel the chance to revive himself under Rodgers.


    What is unhealthy about having competition for places? Our bench is looking much stronger than it has in past seasons.

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  17. Honestly I don't think anyone even cares.
    If the formation gets the best out of the team, and especially our two most important players, what use is there to know if it was a 'pre existing plan' or not?

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  18. off topic uruaguay vrs Jordan can see the headlines luis at it again but this time it wont be the arm!!! its agood job he never bit paul dickov now that would have been some headline!

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  19. Nextyear we will have 2 cups, domestic league and cl- we will need all of those players. Right now it is not that easy for the, but

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  20. I think one point thats missing is did Rodgers expect Toures fitness level and energy to be where it is? I honestly think he was brought in as cover, but has surprised everyone and earned his name being one of the first on the teamsheet. This probably was poor planning, but up until the last i expected someone to come in for Skyrtel, who has also earned his place through performances.
    It's far from the worst problem to have. But yes it seems like one of Agger or Skyrtel will have to depart. I wouldnt let either go until the summer though, with such a great start to the season, having this much defensive cover is worth putting up with some moaning for, just in case disaster strikes in febuary.

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  21. Great idea, we should have used him there in league cup matches, and those easy FA cup ties..

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  22. I think he tweeted later that he won't be leaving Liverpool.

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  23. I agree, the reason I asked the question was because this article indicates that the main purpose of our current formation is to give more playing time to our senior central defenders and avoid frustration amongst them. I think Rodgers deserves more credit than that for his tactical knowledge.

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  24. you make that quote sound far worse than it it's. it is taken completely out context. he goes on to say he is happy and willing to fight for his spot in that interview. and rodgers made comments about merit which was the right thing. fact is that agger got hurt and other people have come in and played outstanding and shouldn't be dropped. it's part of their job.

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  25. I think After is a true n loyal Redman,but the team set up is great right now. I think After will stay,in saying that if we hold on to him until the end of season n things r the same I.e 352 depending on only a European team looking him at the right price we cud cash in. But really this is great for LFC it's good management for a start just look at Skertel he's r strongest regular defender. But After has always loves being at Anfield,and I think he will play again cause u never know what can happen injury wise n BR formation at the minute is working whoever we have still looked a bit vulnerable at the back at times which maybe cud make him switch to a 442, and I think Agger n Skrtyle r two of the best CD n have a great understanding between them in the premiership!! But all good n health at the club:-)YNWA

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  26. I see Ramsey, WiIshere and Cazorla are all presently playing vs Chelski in a league cup match. Maybe that will slow them down this weekend.

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  27. Well it isn't suddenly. Even JC said that BR tried the 3 5 2 last season in a few games and it was something they had worked on in training.


    So one could say Rodgers has always had this mind but didn't have the players until now.

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  28. Yep I agree with you, was in fact responding to Jaimie, sorry.
    This formation gets the best out of our best players and that's all that matters really...

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  29. @Jaimie K: He already came out and cleared everything on his twitter account, I never thought you'd make a story like that. Also, the questions asked to him was straight that "What would make you leave LFC?" and not some other question to which he hinted this way.

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  30. I remain an Agger fan and will always remember him drilling Torres on his initial return to Anfield. That said, he got nicked, others did well and he has to work his way back. Skrtel was left for dead by virtually all of us and yet he has proven himself so far! It's a long season and Sakho is still a bit unproven and Toure can't and won't play 90 every week.

    Regarding Ilori, I continue to ask why not give him a try a midfield with his supposed flash speed and his defensive training?

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  31. What is this bonkers sniping at Rodgers in virtually every story on this site? How is it a bad thing for LFC to have competition for places in the team? It's good management, not bad. If Agger can't get in the team then fine, let him leave, we can get someone else, maybe someone better, to replace him; someone who doesn't spend a third of the time injured would be nice.



    You keep talking about "misjudgements" and "errors" on the part of the manager which are no such thing, but which are decisions made with foresight; and perversely undertake this weird campaign at a moment when we have arguably our most accomplished squad since the turn of the century. Nothing personal, I just don't get it.

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  32. True if you look at the context one could see that he may genuinely have meant it literally and thus is not thinking at all of leaving, but one must be careful of statements so open to other interpretations.

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  33. Why do footballers keep going on twitter? Everybody just lost they're spine. Have some self dignity live your own life. those media nonsense comes and goes and forgotten every day. Why do they even read it. So embarrassing.
    Agger come on. . . In full form he takes Sakho and Toure easy. Just sit back relax, think, get it together right mentally, get a game, put on a show same as Skrtel did and earn your place back. Vice captain! The rare kind of Liverpool players we still have. It will be sad and disappointing from all club aspects if he leaves so easily.

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