It's official: long-time Liverpool target Andre Ayew is leaaving Marseille this summer, and with Raheem Sterling on the verge of quitting Anfield, the Ghanaian attacker is coming available at just the right time.
When asked last week about Ayew's future, Marseille President Vincent Labrune told reporters:
“We can’t keep Ayew. He is a very important player for OM but we can’t offer him the kind of money that English clubs can offer. He is going to quit the club and we hope he has the great career"
After scoring against Lille on Saturday, Ayew - hailed as 'world-class' by former Ghana boss Kwesi Appiah - confirmed that he's 'leaving the club', and offered the following reasons why:
"It was a bit complicated, whether in sport or financial aspects. I expected more, I wanted the club to have a competitive team next to challenge for the title, and the club could not offer me the same wage."
So, in other words, as is usually the case, it's about money. In Ayew's defence, though, he's spent his entire 8-year senior career at Marseille, so it's hard to begrudge him a move to a bigger club.
€15m-rated Ayew has paid his dues, and stuck with the club through thick and thin, which is a lesson for young players who all too easily give in to greed, and seek big-money moves before they've even achieved anything.
Ayew is a Liverpool fan, and he's confirmed this on several occasions:
* June 2013: He told Telefoot: "I am Ghanaian and an English speaker, and I have a strong preference for England. As for Liverpool - I followed them as a child"
* Feb 2015: Ayew enthused: “All my life I have been a Liverpool fan. It would be an honour play there"
* Apr 2015: He told reporters: "I've supported them [Liverpool] for 20 years. My dream is to play in the Premier League, but it's true that I'm a Liverpool fan".
Ayew's versatility probably makes him an appealing option for Brendan Rodgers. He can play as a winger, or a striker, and his creative output is consistent.
Stats for Marseille:
* 60 goals/25 assists in 2015 apps (Goal/Assist every 2.4 games).
Sterling's record for Liverpool:
* 23 goals/25 assists in 129 apps (Goal/Assist every 2.8 games)
Sterling's creative contribution is eminently easy to replace, and with Ayew available on a free transfer this summer, this deal is (IMO) another no-brainer. Sell the Mercenary to the highest bidder, and bring in a player *for free* who loves Liverpool, and actually wants to play for the club.
After the weekend defeat to Palace, Brendan Rodgers moaned about the lack of leaders at Anfield; well, Ayew is the captain of Marseille, so this is prime opportunity for the manager to start addressing that problem.
Author: Jaimie K
When asked last week about Ayew's future, Marseille President Vincent Labrune told reporters:
“We can’t keep Ayew. He is a very important player for OM but we can’t offer him the kind of money that English clubs can offer. He is going to quit the club and we hope he has the great career"
After scoring against Lille on Saturday, Ayew - hailed as 'world-class' by former Ghana boss Kwesi Appiah - confirmed that he's 'leaving the club', and offered the following reasons why:
"It was a bit complicated, whether in sport or financial aspects. I expected more, I wanted the club to have a competitive team next to challenge for the title, and the club could not offer me the same wage."
So, in other words, as is usually the case, it's about money. In Ayew's defence, though, he's spent his entire 8-year senior career at Marseille, so it's hard to begrudge him a move to a bigger club.
€15m-rated Ayew has paid his dues, and stuck with the club through thick and thin, which is a lesson for young players who all too easily give in to greed, and seek big-money moves before they've even achieved anything.
Ayew is a Liverpool fan, and he's confirmed this on several occasions:
* June 2013: He told Telefoot: "I am Ghanaian and an English speaker, and I have a strong preference for England. As for Liverpool - I followed them as a child"
* Feb 2015: Ayew enthused: “All my life I have been a Liverpool fan. It would be an honour play there"
* Apr 2015: He told reporters: "I've supported them [Liverpool] for 20 years. My dream is to play in the Premier League, but it's true that I'm a Liverpool fan".
Ayew's versatility probably makes him an appealing option for Brendan Rodgers. He can play as a winger, or a striker, and his creative output is consistent.
Stats for Marseille:
* 60 goals/25 assists in 2015 apps (Goal/Assist every 2.4 games).
Sterling's record for Liverpool:
* 23 goals/25 assists in 129 apps (Goal/Assist every 2.8 games)
Sterling's creative contribution is eminently easy to replace, and with Ayew available on a free transfer this summer, this deal is (IMO) another no-brainer. Sell the Mercenary to the highest bidder, and bring in a player *for free* who loves Liverpool, and actually wants to play for the club.
After the weekend defeat to Palace, Brendan Rodgers moaned about the lack of leaders at Anfield; well, Ayew is the captain of Marseille, so this is prime opportunity for the manager to start addressing that problem.
Author: Jaimie K
Sterling is young and his creative stats aren't much different to that of Ayew considering that Sterling is playing in the tougher league. Sterling will improve a lot in the future too. If we are going to sign Ayew than we shouldn't see him as a replacement for Sterling but an addition to the squad. Milner, Ayew and Konoplyanka can all contribute greatly to the squad for free (except wages). Sterling should realize that if he moves to any other big club then his playing time will be drastically limited. At Liverpool he can become develop with regular playing time. He should think about moving to bigger club after 2-3 years if Liverpool are still struggling to challenge for the title.
ReplyDelete2015 appearances for Marseille? How old is he, 60? ; )
ReplyDeleteTalking of Marseille, remeber that goal Stevie scored over there in the CL in, what was it, 2007/2008?
One of the most delectable, divine and downright devilish goals you ever did see!
Let RS go, we don't want to keep a player who wants to leave. I'm just disappointing on him.
ReplyDeleteStats don't matter as BR will no doubt play him at right back!! Liverpool are in decline. Last year it was Suarez alone that made the difference. This is now a fact to see. A one man team who masked the constant fact that BR teams leak goals. I suspect both Southampton and Tottenham to take over us next year. The excuses are already prepared for next yrs failure I.e Stirling and Gerrard leaving, no leaders in squad etc. Fact is Its BR job to sort this! If there's no leaders and he needed some, why didn't he sign them?
ReplyDeleteFSG have got thier young team, paid a fortune for it and now have no world class players to sell their brand!!
I say let him go to another club and be a bench warmer then he might realize that he is not that good. and yes to Ayew as he will give and try a lot more.
ReplyDeleteJamie - LFC should have insisted that Sanchez was part of the Suarez deal last year SO lets see if we learnt anything - Sterling to CITY BUT WE INSIST ON 2 players in exchange Ballateli to Sampdoria straight swap with anyone - cant be any worse - WE HOLD THE ACE CARDS ON STERLING - USE THEM WISELY
ReplyDeleteAyew will be a good squad player much like Lambert ( Liverpool fan ) at least he will be for free .
ReplyDeleteI would keep RS at Liverpool on 35kp/w for another year and see how things plan out .
.Ian Ayre needs be held accountable as to why he did not sign ,Gerrard ,Sterling ,Heno ,Skrtel last summer ??
Let him sit at Liverpool on the bench for 35kp/w
ReplyDeleteOk that will do.
ReplyDeleteRumours of Sterling wanting to leave are hotting up now. Rumours of Brendan getting the axe will soon follow too.
ReplyDeleteOnly if you're the author :)
ReplyDeleteGood post, agree with pretty much all of it.
ReplyDelete2015 appearences???!!
ReplyDeleteIf Logan wrote it we would need to get a braille translator it would be the blind leading the blind.
ReplyDeleteStifling does not have the skills yet, and if he loses pace because of an injury (Owen or Torres), then he is ineffective.
ReplyDeleteGlad you said rumours because BS is all it is.
ReplyDeleteHe hasnt improved 1 iota on last season actually he looks worse sell sell sell.
ReplyDeleteWhy sell and give in to him ???
ReplyDeleteAgreed .
ReplyDeleteLets wait and see and put the pessimism to one side.
ReplyDeleteCant keep players who dont want to stay or Suarez would still be at Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteThese free signings, those are the ones you use to add squad depth. Not a ten million player here and a ten million player there. That's just throwing money out the window because then you're shopping on the market for the teams below us.
ReplyDeleteFor a free transfer it has to be worth it doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteLet him play U21 then
ReplyDeleteThe difference is that Ayew wants to play for Liverpool more than anything else whereas Sterling thinks he is much bigger than this club.
ReplyDeleteWe need top quality but also need to fill positions we need freebies Milner Kono and Ings although not totally free would still be good signings.
ReplyDeleteFrom your mouth to God's ear
ReplyDeleteSell him get a heap for him before they realize hes no superstar in the making.
ReplyDeleteyeah like 250 games per year
ReplyDeleteMore like his lips to somewhere a lot lower..
ReplyDeleteI suppose Liverpool needs every cent it can get at the moment .?
ReplyDeleteHe plays at all levels, starting from U'12.
ReplyDeleteHmm, sell him if we get good money. Bad apples as they say.
ReplyDeleteNot fussed about whether Sterling stays or goes but I'd like us to sign Ayew and Konoplyanka regardless.
ReplyDeleteEvery bit helps.
ReplyDeleteAnd I already miss SG.
ReplyDeleteFSG silence will soon be broken...
ReplyDeleteThat is what will continue to happen with our current mediocrity and we will pay over the odds for square pegs round holes again with Rodgers in charge.
ReplyDeleteSame here : (
ReplyDeleteTop quality ain't going to come my friend, not with Brendan in charge.
ReplyDeleteRodgers added: "Losing Gerrard, [Luis] Suarez and [Jamie] Carragher is an incredible wealth of experience, game-management and quality going out of the team and that's something we will find, I'm sure.
ReplyDelete"We've got to plot a way to improve collectively and our job in the summer is to find the players who can make a difference for us."
The man is delusional.
We shall see u maybe right but ya never can be sure.
ReplyDeleteWord is ffp rules are going to be lightened up it may help us may hurt us.
ReplyDeleteI would add Milner as well. And if BR is going to play with 3 at the back than Dani Alves will be a smart buy for a right wing back position.
ReplyDeleteWe should sell Sterling. His attitude stinks. If Ayew and Konoplyanka want to come to Liverpool is there space for both, considering there will be no transfer fees ?
ReplyDeleteWe will not be able to spend loads of cash without raising money from sales.
ReplyDeleteRodgers said he wants 'marquee' players. He is living in la la land. He ain't getting another £117m without a sale like Suarez and FSG most certainly will not hemorrhage the club with more of their own money as it just increases the debt on the club.
Rodgers is a dead man walking. FSG have kept quite since Werner spoke to the media in February. They have not had to say a single word as it would just have made thing difficult for them. It is only a matter of time before they pull the plug on a project that has gone horribly wrong.
Why? Everything he said in your quote above makes sense, doesnt it? We did lose an incredible wealth of experience, game management and quality. The club do have to find a way to improve and find players who can make a difference. I dont see where the delusion comes from?
ReplyDeleteYeah well we will get a few quid from sales we may get a bit for Sterling hes gone and English so worth a bit.
ReplyDeleteThere is a few decent names floating around we shall see but the freebies will lighten the burden.
Whilst listening to sky sports news in the morning my kids (8 & 9) said upon hearing the sterling story - "it doesn't matter if sterling leaves - because he is rubbish anyway" children can be brutal.
ReplyDeleteWhy should we keep Raheem Sterling? He's publicly voicing out that he wants to leave. He is far away from the finished article but he's behaving as if he's an established superstar that will 'prefer' trophies over money. He will be nobody if he's not Brit. But since he is, we should cash in on him by selling to anyone that will pay 35-40 mil pounds for him.
ReplyDeleteCapable of holding LFC to ransom? I think only Luis Suarez has the capacity to do so. This ungrateful kiddo is far far away from it.
I blame the parents ;-)
ReplyDeleteYes yes, I have had a change of mind. If we get good money then he should go.
ReplyDeleteMoney mate, if he sits on the bench for a year his value will decrease and that will leave him with only a year left on his contract so we'll get next to nothing for him. Sell the little twerp, bring in Ayew or Konoplyanka (spelling) for free, spend the Sterling money on THE VERY BEST striker we can get (Cavani or Lacazette for me) and we move on. It's laughable that Sterling thinks he's too good for us now considering his form for the last few months. He's as much to blame for the lack of CL football next season as anyone. Nobody is bigger than the club, not Suarez, not Gerrard and certainly not a jumped up 20 year old whose done absolutely nothing in the game yet.
ReplyDeletePlease don't use the word delusional to refer to arguments you disagree with.
ReplyDeleteExactly. So what if they take a bit more on wages? Aspas cost something like 7 million and 50k (??) in wages. If you take away the fee you can pay a lot of wages with 7 million. 30k a week for five years approximately.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree, who does this guy think he is? He's achieved virtually nothing in the game but yet he's talking like he's already too good for us. Sell him, bring in one of Ayew or the Ukrainian lad and let's not forget we've already got a replacement for him with Jordan Ibe who I've always believed would be a better player.
ReplyDeleteI would take ayew in a heart beat whether Sterling stays or not. Sterling has not improved since arriving at Liverpool, I've watched him since he started playing for our U18's, loads of pace but no end product then and still the same now,if you look back at his goals a lot of them were mishit shots, flukes and deflections, maybe the coaching staff are to blame but whatever the problem is the defenders are learning how to play against him. we would not be fighting for fifth place if Sterling had have taken half of the chances he got this season. Instead of throwing his toys out of the pram he should be looking back at his failings and apologising to Liverpool football club and supporters and do his best to improve next season and then look for a better contract. We should take the opportunity to sell an under achieving english player for ridiculous money instead of the other way around like we have been guilty of in the past.
ReplyDeletewell said, I dont think he is any better than Markovic either. should be listening to Carra "shut up and play football"
ReplyDeleteIf Arsenal want Sterling, would we swap him for Walcott?? Walcott I'm sure would out score and out assist Sterling over the course of a season. The problem being the amount of injuries he picks up. I know it's a risk but I'd take it. I'd also have Ayew.
ReplyDeleteI don't see him that way at all. He's definitely still a work-in-progress, but he's improved massively in the 1-1, for example, especially when he wriggles for the byline, and especially from a standing start, which he wasn't particularly good at before. This is partly down to his starting positions, which is clearly down to coaching.
ReplyDeleteIn the youth teams he was always about end product: penalty-box entries, shots, and crossing. At his age all you can ask for really is that the intention is there, rather than the goals and assists. Many young wingers once they've beaten their man and got into a good position just don't know what to do, or carry the ball a step too far and lose it. *That's* lacking end product, for me. Sterling tends to produce *something*, almost every time. There are very few players who can receive the ball in the kinds of
position that Sterling does and get into the box as reliably. His stats would be miles better if he'd had some striking talent to play with this season.
The fact that he's insulted the club and made a fool of himself doesn't detract from his massive potential and impressive development as a player. I hope it doesn't detract from his transfer fee, either.
I think it's because it appears there is a disconnect between what Rodgers says we need and what the club does.
ReplyDeleteI may not agree with you on this one loges... What he said was actually true. We're lacking a leader big time
ReplyDeleteYup those two would be welcome on free transfers.
ReplyDeleteI must hasten to add that I hope we play four at the back more often next season.
ReplyDeleteJust to address the question of depth: my interpretation of the idea of a 'capable back-up' player is one that is both initially happy to play a supporting role but can also genuinely push the first-choice strikers (for instance) and have them looking nervously over their shoulders. This is why I'm not happy with Ings as our replacement for Borini/Lambert. He's decent, but not much more. He'll add to the numbers, which is great, but our first-change players should be of Remy quality.
ReplyDeleteKonopjanka, Milner, Ings, Ayew, Origi, Llori. Total cost less than 20 mill. We can get more by selling those we don't need. The rest plus Sterling money should get us a very good DM(Illara, Naingolan, Kondogbia) and a full back(really don't know). With what we have it is enough for CL qualification. Really seems like an easy window to me..
ReplyDeleteFrom what I hear(haven't really seen the guy too much), Ings is pushing to be Remy/Kane pushing to be Sturidge. Think we are perfect for him to develop to his best if he is any good..
ReplyDeleteIf my memory serves me right We have had like 41 seperate articles regarding Ayew? Jaimie must be falling in love with this guy. In order news, (sorry to ask ) any spinard here?
ReplyDeleteTotally agree.
ReplyDeleteYes
ReplyDeleteAre you looking forward to changing your name?
ReplyDeleteThink we will.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the chances BR does?
ReplyDeletethe big question is...who will ayew really sign for? it was all over the place that sanchez, depay, remi, salah and many more all wanted to sign for Liverpool
ReplyDeleteIngs is young works hard on the pitch and can finish a definite upgrade on Lambert or Borini.
ReplyDeleteDepay to Liverpool never really made sense if you are being realistic.
ReplyDeleteIf he is that good, then he's welcome as a second-change striker. I'd still like somebody a bit further along in their development as main backup. This is partly because, seeing as they will play only sporadically, they'll need to be pretty secure with their skill-set already. I'm thinking of a more experienced player to put real pressure on the first-teamers, like Pedro does at Barca.
ReplyDeleteno, but what I mean is, is ayew just going to be another decent player linked to us and not sign for us.
ReplyDeleteWhat we need is more rotation I think.. That is the main problem I have with BR, he will change tactics and formation 5 times per game, but the striker from the bench will get 3 minutes. And won't start a game for months. Regardless of who he is, just give him more of a chance..
ReplyDeleteI suppose, but not enough of an upgrade for me. I'd prefer somebody like Berahino, Remy (tee hee) or a genuine apprentice like Vietto or Dybala.
ReplyDeleteThat I totally agree with.
ReplyDeleteI understand, just saying that if we are really into this guy, our chances are better as he likes us and not many better options will be there for him.
ReplyDeleteThat still could happen with Vietto or Dybala the money will be there also Ings is very cheap and if we sell well we should profit on it.
ReplyDeleteHe's more likely to never say "technician" again.
ReplyDeleteBuy for 5 mill, qualify for CL with him scoring 12 overall and there will be an offer of 15 mill from say Newcastle. Than you add bit of a CL money and go for next Lacazzette.. Or keep him if he is really good enough.
ReplyDeleteAyew would be a good addition to the team and is a player who want's to play for LFC. Sterling is full of ego and lacks the ability to back up his huge ego on the pitch, cutting it short he has got to be big for his boots.
ReplyDeleteSurely Glen Johnson is responsible
ReplyDeleteI could live with that, although I think now is not the time to be saving money on transfers, as every possible resource needs to be put into the team sharpish.
ReplyDeleteJust to clarify: I mean I'd like us to sign one proper first-teamer, say Tevez or Bacca, one prodigious apprentice, say Dybala, and then if needed one slightly less promising newbie like Ings.
ReplyDeleteYour post doesn't line up with facts. When he was 17, he established himself in lfc's first 11 and now is an England international with a world cup under his belt. All by the age of 20. It's this type of negative propaganda which makes me understand why sterling is hesitant in signing.
ReplyDelete“The story has been blown somewhat out of proportion," he said. "Raheem and his representatives have a meeting scheduled with Liverpool later this week, and we will take proceedings from there.”
ReplyDeleteSterling's agent
A lot depends on getting a few cheapies who can do a job if you were to add 2 rather expensive strikers.
ReplyDeleteI really dont want to guess how much we will have to spend but we can be hopeful.
Love your optimism.
ReplyDeleteRather blow some cash on Tevez.
ReplyDeleteAt the meeting.
ReplyDeleteSterling "I want at least £150k or I'm leaving."
Rodgers "Bye."
Would be a big mistake. It`s easy. What is the most critical attributes that we need up front for the team to work, and what do Dzeko offer, he,s to immobile. Would be a waste of his talent.
ReplyDeleteThat's all we can be, although I prefer to keep my expectations low.
ReplyDeleteDuring (albeit, perceived) situations like this, Gerrard should storm in and personally tell Sterling to GF, while Skrtel escorts him out of Melwood to be welcomed by Agger who beats Sterling up.
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness I'd take 30m from Man City or someone else. I don't actually care what wage Sterling demands, his football has been poor and the club should be smart enough to make the most out of the situation.
The problem is Rodgers will be saying exactly the opposite, he will be on his knees begging Raheem the dream to stay.
Jaimie, we're waiting for the Sterling article...
ReplyDeleteSterling's "hesitant in signing" because he and his representatives think he can get more money. Everything else is just fluff!
ReplyDeleteBut it's reasonable enough?
ReplyDeleteFeed him to the nettrolls :-D
ReplyDeleteMission impossible I think..
ReplyDeleteReasonable yes. Likely?
ReplyDeleteI've posted my views on Sterling countless times, so there's no point writing the same stuff again. I have another Sterling article in the pipeline, but it's not related to the latest development.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time something reasonable comes true at this club?
ReplyDeleteFrom what ive seen from ayew, he would be an interessting asset to the team and provide options. You could argue that we have enough "weak" techical players, like coutino, markovic and lallana. A presence of strenght and force might help us in those strugling games. He wins almost everything in his aerial duels, and fight for his team. He could also be a fitting mentor for Ibe.
ReplyDeleteAnd if he won't do it for the money I will
ReplyDelete..do you mean you gonna give tom cruise a call and kidnap the guy.....I'm in.......
ReplyDeleteThe amount of weight Sterling has had to carry this season by having to lead the attack and try make up the Sturridge and Suarez void quite honestly is a laughable situation. Rodgers has been playing Sterling up top regardless of his form. If a player is not performing then he needs to be dropped. Rodgers did the same with Gerrard this season. Who is to blame for this?
ReplyDeleteSterling is a talented player, still has years ahead of regarding development and is miles ahead of Markovic and has been much better than Lallana. As last season suggested, Raheem's best spot is at number 10. He ripped teams to shreds playing there. Rodgers has had verbal diarrhea 'we lost 50 goals' while there are 3 other strikers which he has not or refused to make use of but young Sterling gets the wrong end of the stick and he ain't even a striker.
I would like to see who Sterling will be replaced with should he decide he wants to have a chance to win trophies elsewhere.
...but...apparently the reports coming out say depay deal was a bit different in the background...
ReplyDelete....ok, I'm just looking for the bright side, but, maybe the reports coming out are what really happened and depay was coming until both BR pulled out and LVG pulled in simultaneously - if we had kept interest he might have come - I've seen umpteen times players who love being loved (don't we all!) say this or that club did the 'most' to get me so I came......
...that sounded a bit fruity at the end didn't it... ;-)
That'll have to do...
ReplyDeleteA lot of cash...
ReplyDeleteAnd there is no better club for him than Juve...
ReplyDeleteShhhhh he might hear you say that
ReplyDeleteI'm no genius when it come to footballing matters and would never profess to be however didn't Athletico Madrid go to a champions final and win a league somewhere utilising a mix of players on loan and freebies....
ReplyDelete...it can be done and we should really look to get in as many bargains as possible....
..in many cases, for some obscure reason either the contract has been let wind down or the player is out of form or just doesn't fit in with their ethos of play......either way there are a lot of players around approaching their perceived sell-by/use-by date and we should look at that its smart business....
...just cos food sits in the reduced section of a supermarket doesn't mean anything, its just as good, just as nutritious and just as tasty......
well I'm going to have to disagree with you, in my opinion he is very bad in front of goal, his choices are of sombody who is scared and panicing, shots straight at keeper or blasting over the bar or wide and almost an open goal last week and when did he last get a decent cross in,they are the end products im talking about. I'm not saying he's shyte and a lot of defenders crap themselves when they seen him running at them but he is definetly not worth what he or his agent think he is, and I think he is being talked up because he is english, I dont think he is any better than Markovic. I was very excited watching him a couple of seasons ago but I dont think he has really improved in his main weakneses. but he is still young.
ReplyDeleteImproving a whole iota in a year is asking a lot of anyone I only just managed it myself by the skin of my teeth last year ;-)
ReplyDeleteSterling is easily replaceable. His goals/assist ratio is poor, and players from relegated clubs have the same or more assists.
ReplyDeleteYou keep saying you'd 'like to see how Sterling will be replaced with' as if it's an impossible task; well it's not - Sterling will not be missed, no matter how much you keep peddling the myth that he's somehow irreplaceable.
For a player to be missed, he has to be integral to the team, and actually make some kind of consistent impact (i.e Suarez, Sturridge etc) - Sterling makes zero difference - Liverpool have won 100% of games without Sterling, and with him, the win ratio is only 40%.
The only thing that needs to be replaced about Sterling is his goals and assists, and that is easy. Ibe can (probably) replace him, as can any half-decent winger who scores 5-7 goals a season (i.e. Bolasie, who totally outperformed him on Saturday).
Does this mean we won't be reading mercenary articles no more?
ReplyDeleteI have never once said Sterling is irreplaceable.
ReplyDeleteJust go look at our attacking signings of last summer. All that money spent and not one player better than Sterling.
Did nevergonna find a girlfriend or something?
ReplyDeleteDon't tempt fate!
ReplyDeleteSo what! Who cares. That doesn't mean that Sterling isn't easily replaceable.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're being disingenuous once again. You repeatedly make comments like 'I'd like to see who replaces Sterling' etc, which basically means you don't think LFC are capable of replacing him with someone better, so at least be honest about what you're saying.
Sterling is as easily replaceable as Aspas, Alberto , Moses etc.
I'm with you on the underwhelming number of goals/assists, but we've only played 5 games without him in the team, so the win ratio of 100% in his absence is a little skewed.
ReplyDeleteAspas, Alberto and Moses are nowhere near in the same league as Sterling. Aspas was dire and the EPL swallowed him whole.
ReplyDeleteStu i really doubt you have improved at all a bit like a cheap wine youve just gotten older and harder to swallow.
ReplyDeletePerhaps she cracked the code...
ReplyDeleteThey're probably on a vacation in Jamaica
Two miles off the coast of Gaborone.
ReplyDeleteGoing off-point as usual, I see. Did I compare Sterling to those players? No. I said he's just as replaceable.
ReplyDeletenegative propaganda? you dont think that a greedy agent and an ill advised young lad has brought on the negativty themselves? the fact When he was 17 and established himself in lfc's first 11 and now is an
ReplyDeleteEngland international with a world cup under his belt all by the age of
20 proves that many people saw/see the potential he has, but how many players with great potential have come and gone. like I said if he was as good as he thinks he is we would at least be in top four (by the way I am not saying its all Sterlings fault but thats who we are discussing now), if Raheem Sterling is worth over 100,000 a week well so is Adam Lallana in my opinion.
Agreed
ReplyDeleteSo we replaced Moses and Aspas with Balotelli and Lambert?
ReplyDeleteHarsh but fair
ReplyDeletejust kiddin stu
ReplyDeleteAyew is a great player and is the kind of player we should be looking at. In the European leagues, International and European experience, not on too high wages and actual quality. We do not need to spend the world to get quality, we just have to look in the right places.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't up vote you otherwise. I would go back and edit my comment to say something nice about kittens or small children to make you look really bad ;-)
ReplyDelete*shoots self*
ReplyDeleteUp vote to that.
ReplyDeleteMy plan:
ReplyDeleteSell Sterling to the highest bidder, then with the money from the transfer we can rest assured that BR will spend the money wisely on mediocre players.
People forget that BR specifically said he was buying players for the 1st team, now he has changed his tune. He has left out millions in player's transfer costs on the bench or not in the squad at all.
It's a shame because players like Lovren and Lallana actually played really well last season, so their form is actually a surprise, not sure we could have done something about that.
Markovic was a poor signing, I mean the kid is average at best and yet we paid £20M.
Right now if BR was sacked I would understand why, I'm not calling for his head but he has truly wasted a lot of money on poor singings, I mean Aspas, Alberto & Borini? Really? Joe Allen for £15M?
He would not survive one year at the Bayern, Chelsea, United, City, Juve, PSG, Real and Barcelona.
Mate, I agree with most of what you have said but how many of us actually knew how well Lovren played last season. Sure, for attackers, you could assess their performance on highlights and goals scored but you have to watch a lot of games to assess a defender. For me, Lovren was bought on media hype. If he was so good, we would have bought him last season when he was available for cheap. He was voted as one of the worst players to play for Lyon and his form at Saints was not really clear. It was a huge gamble and one that did not work from our perspective.
ReplyDeleteWell you said Aspas and Moses were easily replaceable and ended up with Lambert and Balotelli who have been as bad.
ReplyDeleteYet some believe Rodgers deserves another season.
ReplyDeleteYes. He's currently dating Madame Palm and her five lovely daughters :-)
ReplyDeleteNow that is true, I read a few months ago what Southampton fans were saying about Lovren and how he was poor in the second half of the season, but Fonte was actually the one holding everything together.
ReplyDeleteHow of course, we've been linked with Fonte.
Agree, I was going to mention some heavily criticised performances in France halfway through reading your post but you mentioned it yourself. Lovren scored the winner at Anfield, but can't say he was *so* impressive throughout his last season.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, he should have adapted and performed so much better. Some of his earlier performances were borderline abysmal.
You are not calling for Rodgers head but he massacred the transfers and no other top club would put up with him hmmm!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom a strictly no bias view I don't think he does.
ReplyDeleteI think Klopp would be the perfect choice although I am concerned that he jumped ship this season when his side were struggling.
It would be a good continuation and he has very similar methods to BR but more refined.
You made some good points. Rodgers deserves the red card, but as a fan I've welcomed the continuity in management. Next season is the line in the sand for me.
ReplyDeleteNot a handsome sight.
ReplyDeleteGive me a few more days and I may change my mind. To me it's the constant overpraise that gets on my nerves.
ReplyDelete4?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAUY1J8KizU
ReplyDeleteIMO, there was no scouting done for Lovren. We just went on reputation as we did with Carroll and Downing ( remember the dustbin video). That is why it is crucial we shy away from players in the PL. A few good games and you are lauded as the second coming and you reputation goes through the roof. Lovren was never that great and it is just coming to the fray at the big stage.
ReplyDeleteContinuity sure, I agree. But can you trust him with our transfer budget?
ReplyDeleteIf we sold Sterling for £50M to City, would you trust him to sign the right players?
Only if she lives in Springfield.
ReplyDeleteAt one stage this season Dortmund looked destined to be relegated but are 7th now. One hell of a recovery.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between Klopp and Rodgers is that Klopp has won trophies and also took over a team which was nowhere to be found and has also proven that he has what it takes to do the business in Europe. Rodgers is not fit to polish Klopp's boots.
Big prob was Carroll and Lovren had memorable games against us.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that we bought three players from a team that finished 6 places below us and only a couple of points from Stoke is worrying. How is it improving when you buy players who finished below you. Rodgers was so set on building a British core he forgot about quality. No more SOuthampton players or Swansea players. We should buy quality which is abundant in Spain, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands for basement prices.
ReplyDeleteNo, and No. Though, that's not a surprise.
ReplyDeleteWhat is a surprise to me this season is that Rodgers dropped the ball big time with way too many tactical errors. It seemed that last season tactics was something we could count on. But that's slightly off topic. I have a rough shortlist in my mind and the (rumoured) targets aren't too far off.
I'm still quite positive about next season though.
All this talk of transfers makes me want to play Football Manager.
ReplyDeleteI think they all see us coming and rub their hands together like Arthur Daley.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Klopp could do the same for us next season
ReplyDeleteVote of confidence ;-)
ReplyDeleteMilner will sign for Gunners. I like the rest but we still need a real striker. We won't get any marquee striker and will have to dig hard for a young Suarez type who is relatively unknown and hungry as he'll...like Costa was before he was COSTA!!!!
ReplyDeletepalm somehow got translated to thumb in my brain...
ReplyDeleteTrouble with a "free" transfer is you have to pay a mercenary footballer a huge signing on fee as well as high wages because he has been clever enough to run his contract down without causing a stir.
ReplyDeleteIf he can rescue us from relegation to finish seventh I am sure I would be applauding him as much as you would
ReplyDeleteTrue but sign on fees are usually a fair bit lower than fees wages to me can be the concern.
ReplyDeleteBut aren't we just condoning their behaviour encouraging more footballers to become mercenaries ? ;-)
ReplyDeleteProbably Stu but i dont seem to think they need encouragement to do that, we only need a motivator to make em earn it.
ReplyDeleteNo harm in just making sure :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat someone with good man management skills, complete self confidence, a way with words and a dazzling smile ;-)
ReplyDeleteI praised Rodgers in his first season irrespective of where we finished so it would only be the right thing to do ;-)
ReplyDeleteDon't count out out or discredit the thumb, as I'm sure Ash could tell you :)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking a tall red head dressed in leather with a whip.
ReplyDelete2 words 1 name:
ReplyDeleteDomenico Berrardi.
He showed how limited his tactical nous is, he switched to a back 3 (really on necessity) and it worked for a while but then he did not tweak it or adjust it. Teams then started to realize how to play against the system.
ReplyDeleteNow he plays a CM as a RB, a Winger as a wing back, another winger as a striker.
Next season it will be the same thing, poor signings, constant over praise, cringe worthy press conferences and a lack of adjustment.
It cannot be emphasized enough how having Suarez last season was the catalyst for our form. I did not want to believe that, but it's true.
No world class players left at Anfield.
Aymeric Laporte, Eder Balanta, Tielsmans.
ReplyDeleteLucas Romero, Carlos Fierro, Luka Jovic, Zivkovic!
ReplyDeleteOK you might be able to blame Orme for that one but what about all the others ;-)
ReplyDeleteOwen, Fowler, McManaman, further back there was Aldridge who didn't stay long and I know you're old enough to have seen these players. There would be countless others. In comparison, just who is Raheem?
ReplyDeleteKonoplyanka, Yarmolenko, Pastore, Firmino just a few very quickly. I think they are all reasonable targets.
Nice!!! I always find that Jovic & Zivkovic agents are just so greedy.
ReplyDeleteHow about Bakkali, Praet, Mitrovic, Umtiti, Gabriel Barbosa & Quintero!
I have the same problem myself *facethumb*!
ReplyDeleteMost players want 100K+ a week. Maybe their agent is Aidy Ward ;) Though I haven't played in a while, Jovic is 18 and on pennies, I got Borini to score 20+ in a season. Just for fun here's my team:
ReplyDelete-------------------Mingolet
Flanagan--Balanta---Sakho---Moreno
------------Romero---Hendo------
Sterling-----------------------Coutinho
--------------Berrardi---Studge.
Subs: Suso, Can, Borini, Jovic, Markovic, Skrtel, the rest are regens.
The best thing for me is I get pretty sentimental about it. I'll remember my best teams and best regens from 3-4 years ago without any problems. They will forever live on!
Oh dear Financial Fair Play is being scrapped.....
ReplyDelete....wow, none of us saw that train wreck coming did we....
FSG are now up sh** cre*** without a paddle....
...I appreciate everything they've done I really do and I can really find a ray of sunshine in a pile of shi*, but much like the situation when a dad says to a kid
..."I'm here arn't I, in the house, providing you with a roof over your head, food on the table, keeping the predators from the cave door; insn't that enpough...?"
...welll, no not really dad, a bit of contact; a hug now and then, a word to tell me you actually care about me and how you feel about me would be nice too - it's not enough that you are just ther in body but not in mind.....
...well FSG ..you've got nowhere to hide anymore...now you have to 'show love', you can't go hiding behind 'we can't spend cos they say so' anymore.....it really won't cut it with me any more and I happen to be one of the more forgiving among your 'children'.....
You hate kittens and never have anything nice to say about them
ReplyDeleteYou really do drive the points home, don't you? The Rodgers negatives certainly outweigh the positives. I still maintain though, that I'm enjoying the continuity but the timer will run out some time next season.
ReplyDeleteRodgers probably has until January.
You always are but what has that got to do with football.
ReplyDeleteI must've missed that blinked and never noticed :-)
ReplyDeleteThe dog Stuey is good
ReplyDeleteRodgers even gave him time off so he could go on holiday because the precious one was very, very tired... Let him rot on the bench next season.
ReplyDeleteWe want hardball.
I think it's ridiculous to suggest he hasn't improved. The facts tell a different story. The negative propaganda comes from fans trying to undermine or understate his importance.
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of Ayew and as a Liverpool fan and originally a Ghanaian I would love to see him at lfc
ReplyDeleteI know how well he is trusted and loved by Ghanaians. He works very hard. Go for him especially for free
ReplyDeleteAyew is the better player, has loads of experience even though still about 25, and he wants to play for Liverpool, so go get him BR.
ReplyDeleteAlways sign him. He is amazing.
ReplyDelete