In May, ESPN 'sources' claimed that Liverpool 'executives' held a secret transfer meeting with €25m-rated Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic, and Croatian newspaper Vecernji list then claimed that Liverpool have allegedly 'agreed personal terms' with Kovacic, who 'wants to join LFC'. That all sounds very promising, but what are the chances of the Reds actually sealing the deal?
According to Milan boss Roberto Mancini - who recently claimed that Kovacic is an 'extraordinary' player, Liverpool's chances of signing the Croatian are extremely slim.
When asked on Wednesday about the Reds' interest, the ex-Manchester City boss told reporters:
“I think he [Kovacic] will stay at Inter. I don’t think there is anything going on with him regarding a transfer.”
Personally, I hope Mancini is right. Like Joe Allen, Kovacic is a man without a position.
During his career, he's been utilised as a deep-lying midfielder; a number 10 (just behind the striker); a central-midfielder, and a wide-man, and he's yet to excel in any one position.
Kovacic's apparent versatility may excite Rodgers, but it's not going to do him - or Liverpool - any favours next season.
The Premier League is unforgiving, and continually tinkering with positions is often detrimental to confidence and performance (just ask Lazar Markovic).
Additionally, €25m for for 21-year old untested outside Serie A is madness, especially when Liverpool need to bring in established players to fill the Gerrard experience void.
After last year's cack-handed catastrophe in the transfer market, this is no time to be taking expensive risks on young players.
I'd rather see Liverpool go for a player like Claudio Marchisio, who is on the outs at Juventus. Indeed, on Wednesday, his agent noted confirmed that he'd received 'many calls from top clubs in the Premier League'.
Marchisio is an experienced international, and a bona-fide *winner* - he'd instantly improve Liverpool's squad, and given his experience, there's a higher probability that he'd hit the ground running. Plus, he averages 40+ games a season, and has missed only 15 games through injury since 2010.
For it, though - pursuing Marchisio makes too much sense, which is why it'll never happen.
Author: Jaimie K
According to Milan boss Roberto Mancini - who recently claimed that Kovacic is an 'extraordinary' player, Liverpool's chances of signing the Croatian are extremely slim.
When asked on Wednesday about the Reds' interest, the ex-Manchester City boss told reporters:
“I think he [Kovacic] will stay at Inter. I don’t think there is anything going on with him regarding a transfer.”
Personally, I hope Mancini is right. Like Joe Allen, Kovacic is a man without a position.
During his career, he's been utilised as a deep-lying midfielder; a number 10 (just behind the striker); a central-midfielder, and a wide-man, and he's yet to excel in any one position.
Kovacic's apparent versatility may excite Rodgers, but it's not going to do him - or Liverpool - any favours next season.
The Premier League is unforgiving, and continually tinkering with positions is often detrimental to confidence and performance (just ask Lazar Markovic).
Additionally, €25m for for 21-year old untested outside Serie A is madness, especially when Liverpool need to bring in established players to fill the Gerrard experience void.
After last year's cack-handed catastrophe in the transfer market, this is no time to be taking expensive risks on young players.
I'd rather see Liverpool go for a player like Claudio Marchisio, who is on the outs at Juventus. Indeed, on Wednesday, his agent noted confirmed that he'd received 'many calls from top clubs in the Premier League'.
Marchisio is an experienced international, and a bona-fide *winner* - he'd instantly improve Liverpool's squad, and given his experience, there's a higher probability that he'd hit the ground running. Plus, he averages 40+ games a season, and has missed only 15 games through injury since 2010.
For it, though - pursuing Marchisio makes too much sense, which is why it'll never happen.
Author: Jaimie K
JK,if only we had a LFC fans vote on whom B.R should be getting,we would be back in the champions league,and challenging for the league title.
ReplyDeleteIt's a real pity that their is NO connection between Club and Fan's .
ReplyDeleteAll in the media is pure speculation and at times the total opposite to the truth .
Why would Liverpool want to pay 15m for Yevhen Konoplyanka in Jan and then let him go to Stoke for free knowing Sterling is leaving ??????????
He is not coming to Liverpool - confirmed this morning and anyway B R always chooses potential - never proven - I think he was allowed to stay on the understanding he gets no money to spend except that he can raise by sales. WONT WORK
ReplyDeletethat enind part o the article sums up our transfer business so far
ReplyDeleteThe serb? He's a Croat you plonker
ReplyDeleteRay, who confirmed that he is not coming
ReplyDeleteWe were back in the CL. But we chose not to turn up for the games we were supposed to play. Although we did almost not lose against Real Madrid. That was a brilliant night. Rodgers really did us proud.
ReplyDeleteIf Liverpool are only doing free bee's this summer ,why not
ReplyDeleteKonoplyanka ?
Ok, firstly he's a Croat not a Serb. Secondly, you are the worst journalist, and I use that term loosely, I've come across. The fact you say he's a serb shows how little you even know about him. On top if that you are saying 3 seasons in Serie A playing for one of the biggest teams in Italian history is as much as good for nothing. Playing against the best defenses in world football, as Italians generally are fantastic defensive sides, and against the likes of Juventus and AC Milan etc is not a good stepping stone for the prem, but you're taking Origi happily after a terrible season in France and you paid a fortune for Markovic from the Portugese league. My god, this is the worst article ever. Kovacic is one of the best talents on the planet, and I also hope he doesn't go to Liverpool, because he'll end up at Barcelona next season. Plonker
ReplyDeleteSimeone said AM is close to seal to seal the transfer for Vietto
ReplyDeleteIf we spend £20m plus on this guy without going after a top quality striker then it will once again prove how inept this club is in the transfer market.
ReplyDeleteInter will milk LFC dry with this signing.
Kovacic is a much better player than Allen, but may not be worth 25mil. Secondly, signing Marchisio is almost improbable. He was the best CM last season in the whole of Europe imo and is a Juventus fan-favourite.
ReplyDeleteHello Brendan. Why have you been hiding?
ReplyDeleteHe multitasks so a BR type of player and perfect fit ;)
ReplyDeleteWith all these speculations and players linked you will think we will be spending money. Folks FSG are not spending a dime!! Don't forget they just spent 100+M just 12 months ago and that landed us in 6th place barely qualifying for Europa. They probably want BR out they just trying not to pay him that 10M! Unless any transfer is made I do not believe any facts or sources that is in the media.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Jaimie epic fail... Kovacic would improve our side instantly, and u would come to the same conclusion if u just seen him play once...
ReplyDeleteObviously the hierarchy have learned jack sh.at ...
ReplyDeleteObviously the hierarchy have learned jack s###t
ReplyDeleteHi Brendan, have you been looking at Lacazette too, what are our chances of getting him?
ReplyDeleteDefensive midfielder the priority. Kondogbia or similar. More physicality needed to compliment Coutinho, lallana etc.
ReplyDeleteFull backs also have to be a higher priority than centre mid. Can, henderson, milner, Allen and hopefully rossiter already leaves us over staffed in centre mid. Unless of course one or two are leaving. .....
Would also like to see Llori given a chance at centre back
As Confucius once (might have) said "a man without a position is like a dog without a bone"
ReplyDeleteCall me Mystic Meg if you want ( or Brucie Grobbelaar) but I get a strange feeling that you may not have posted on this site before .........or again! ;-)
ReplyDeleteKovacic is head and shoulders above Joe allen in every aspect of the game...here's a comparison with kovacic, Henderson and Milner...
ReplyDeleteHe's a centre Midfielder who can play as an attacking mid just like Henderson
ReplyDeleteWith respect, Kovacic is playing in the Serie A which is known for it's slow and less physical football.
ReplyDeleteIf Kovacic comes to the EPL then it will no longer be like that. The amount of failures from Serie A to EPL are well known.
Another big money risk when we should be looking players who will make an immediate impact.
Croatian invasion ;)
ReplyDeleteOf course bash Serie A which is known for tactical discipline and defensive sturdiness and a league which gave a CL finalist...
ReplyDeleteKonoplyanka off to sevilla apparently but I agree we should have signed him. Ayew for free would have been interesting too.
ReplyDeleteRe listening to the fans, fan groups like spirit of shankly meet with directors of the club annually.
The owners have also commented that they pay attention to social media. They will be aware of the change in sentiment towards BR I'm sure.
Ever saw Kovacic play?? He's unbelievably strong on the ball. Premier league proven argument in overrated, we said the same about Juan Mata and went for Downing instead you know... Just saying
ReplyDeleteI said nothing about EPL proven players. I said we need players who will make an immediate impact.
ReplyDeleteKovacic will need time to settle, knew country, proably does not speak English and is going to play in a league where you do not get given much time on the ball compared to the Serie A.
I don't know coutinho seems to be performing well and considering that Kovacic is stronger than Coutinho I'm more than happy to take the risk
ReplyDeleteQuote from mancini saying unlikely he'll leave. I think we'll end up signing him.
ReplyDeleteThe Serie A is one of the most least exciting Leagues to watch.
ReplyDeleteHow many English clubs made quarter finals of either European Competition last year again - English league is no longer the best just the richest
ReplyDeleteAnd that's your argument? Really? Please see comment above...
ReplyDeleteI think the more relevant point is where he's from. I reckon as a Croat he'll be better able to adapt to the prem.
ReplyDeleteHe'll be quick and powerful enough to cope
Did I mention anything about it being the best or richest?
ReplyDeleteCompetition is same for Bundesliga and Premier league. Same number of teams competing for top 4
ReplyDeleteExactly how many league games did you watch of the german spanish and Italian league combined? Quality of football players in those league's are almost equal to that of premier league if not better
ReplyDelete"With respect, Kovacic is playing in the Serie A which is known for it's slow and less physical football."
ReplyDelete"If Kovacic comes to the EPL then it will no longer be like that. The amount of failures from Serie A to EPL are well known."
That is my argument my original reply to you. It is you who decided to drift off to something else.
"Of course bash Serie A which is known for tactical discipline and defensive sturdiness and a league which gave a CL finalist..."
ReplyDeletemakes me question what is exactly that u observe when watching a match if u find italian matches slow and boring?
Markovic is Serbian. How much did we pay for him and how did his first season go?
ReplyDeleteObvoiously did not come from the Serie A but he made himself look pretty good on the pitch in Portugal.
...after playing wing back the whole season- the jury on Markovic will come next season, that is not a valid point.
ReplyDeleteHope Joe allen leaves...
ReplyDeleteMaybe, maybe not... But he'd give any of our midfielders a run for their money...
ReplyDeleteBerardi would be a great buy if we are going for an Italian player, he has averaged (I think) 18 goals and 6 assists over the last two seasons playing as a right winger and he is only 20! Only problem is that he is co owned by Juve and Torino. But Marchisio would be a fine addition to our team and be able to (and should) challenge for a spot in our starting XI ahead of Milner; who I am glad to have by the way but only as a squad player.
ReplyDeleteJuve and Sassuolo* And like he would downgrade to liverpool. Lol.
ReplyDeleteWas that his fault? He was played out of position, never got a run of games and often dragged of at half time.
ReplyDeleteDid he cope physically at rwb? Yes he did and I was surprised he did.
Croatians known for their arrogance and confidence. Time will tell like with anything but I think he'd cope with physical side of things in the prem
Exactly only as a squad player, as competition for Henderson.. If he performes better than Henderson, then he can take the place of Henderson in the first eleven.
ReplyDeleteKovacic is better than all our midfielders (Lucas, as a DM, being the exception) but I'd much prefer we go for Marchisio. Classy and experienced. If we then get Kovacic to supplement Marchisio, that would be supremely awesome. Young players will get better when they learn from able veterans.
ReplyDeleteBecause, as Jaimie said about Marchisio, it would make too much sense.
ReplyDeletePlaying at RWB clearly did not help but he was like an invisible man whether he was on the pitch or not.
ReplyDeleteKovacic is unlikely to hit the ground running and like Markovic will not even know where he is going to fit in the team.
Markovic is far from proving that he is good enough and the fee paid should have without a question of a doubt been spent better. Not his fault he cost £20m but it is the principle.
It's ok mate, I think Ray also got a bit mixed up between Vietto and kovacic
ReplyDeleteWhat is that for a comment? Croatians known for their arrogance and confidence? What a degrading comment??
ReplyDeleteI think he meant that in a positive way
ReplyDeleteI hope so
ReplyDeleteAre you Croatian?
ReplyDeleteOkk
ReplyDeleteOf course my "comment is" nonsensical.
ReplyDeleteThat is the way to end an argument!
Oh the over expectation!
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt he is talented but if you cannot see past the fact that he will have to adapt to a new lifestyle etc just like many other players who have joined the EPL and failed then you are setting him up to fail.
You can be the most talented player in the world. Shevchenko and many other quality players came to the EPL and failed. It is not rocket science.
I recommend people watch a couple of Inter games featuring this lad before they form their opinions. The mindless ignorant whinging going on here is a bit much.
ReplyDeleteKovacic is extraordinary. Small but powerful and aggressive with wonderful, wonderful feet and balance. Can strike the ball hard, pass long or short. He loves to turn and get his team moving forward, plays between the lines, and has a thrilling burst of acceleration.
He's not a defensive midfielder though, more of a combative modern playmaker from 10, 8, or 4. But he can tackle and read the play, and contributes to all phases of play. The last game I saw him play, v. Juventus, he played from the left into the centre in a fluid 4-2-3-1 (I think).
It was a dynamic, fast-paced game and Inter played very well, particularly in the first half, and Kovacic was very influential, arguably their best player. He is a very intelligent creative midfielder who would link up brilliantly with players like Coutinho and thrive in our system. I would be absolutely delighted if we signed him.
Right... Then what about Coutinho? he hit the ground running of course, and Kovacic will adapt no matter where he is played in midfield- bar the goalkeeper position
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your comments as always Robo- but be careful if u continue like this u may end up taking Jaimie's job ;)
ReplyDeleteSo he is leave-ing?
ReplyDeleteCoutinho has done well for himself and we are all happy for him.
ReplyDeleteMajority rules. Remember Aquilani? Talented player but was like a lost little boy when he arrived at Anfield. There are so many other examples I am not even going to waste my time.
I don't think Kovacic would be as good at the things Can and Henderson do as Can and Henderson are. He's certainly an upgrade on Allen though, and a similar kind of player, as Jaimie points out. I've stopped even thinking of Lucas as a Liverpool player :(
ReplyDeleteFunny story... In the few months that Aquilani played for Liverpool under Benitez, he had the highest assist per minute record in Europe's top leagues. It wasn't his fault Roy Hodgson's wisdom saw him tossed out to Juventus.
ReplyDeleteA sarcastic joke post contains a lack of realism, no sh*t.
ReplyDeleteAs for not being a true fan, your able to gauge a lot from a few posts, keep on eye on us though, your acceptance means a lot to me
Six assists. Please spare me.
ReplyDeleteI firmly agree with all that.
ReplyDeleteUntil the Sterling thing, I'd have said that we have an excellent environment for a young player to come into, with players like Coutinho, Henderson, Can, Lallana, all young but with calm heads and an appetite for responsibility, setting an example and establishing the tone. But that dressing room has taken some heavy, heavy damage...
Still, Kovacic does strike me, though, as a... how to put it... quite *confident* young man -- he looks the type that can cope. I expect the club and team politics at Inter make those at Liverpool look pretty innocent!
You may not attach much value to that stat but you shall not be spared the reality of its existence.
ReplyDeleteInavlid point, there are cases to argue either way- intersting is that Coutinho came from Inter to us... Funny that...
ReplyDeleteReports in Portugal that Lazar Markovic could head back to Benfica.
ReplyDeletePossibly on loan? They most definitely will not pay us what we paid them.
Remember that in the UK we know Croatians mainly through people like Slaven Bilic and Goran Ivanisevic... :)
ReplyDeletehahah well that explains it :) but what about Modric? he is humble as they come and has outstanding wok ethic- I thought English compare him to all Croatian players by deafult?
ReplyDeleteWhat would be point in that? Marko needs to stay with us to develop. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteWould love to visit Croatia one day!!!
ReplyDeleteBorini, Aquilani, Balotelli, Doni, Poulsen, Dossena...
ReplyDeleteeveryone who did visit did not regret it :) the sea, the beach, the wine, the women :)
ReplyDeleteWhat part do you recommend? Plus how hard is it to get Dinamo tickets?
ReplyDeleteAnything from Makarska beaches to Dubrovnik-the beaches are rocky, it's pretty cheap and the sea is crystal clear. About Dinamo- u will probably be the only one on the stands because of the boycott that Bad Blue Boys put up towards the owner Zdravko Mamic :)
ReplyDeleteDunno about that... I compare them all to Prosinecki, he was one of my heroes back in the day. I think we adopted Modric, anyway, he's one of ours now :)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing. Go along to Montenegro as well and visit Orme, he lives in one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
ReplyDeleteQuality players, as a rule of thumb, will hit the ground running- Kovacic is mentally stronger than any of those players mentioned- he broke his leg when he was 15, where everyone thought his career was finished, but he overcame that injury and is en route to be potentially world class. period.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robo.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about Lallana. He's quite experienced, so that's a plus. Yeah, the dressing room has been ravaged. Bit sad about that.
I'm dearly hoping that the Sterling saga is an aberration and not an indicator of underlying fractures. But then I read about Skrtel's unhappiness, then no word about Marsh and Pascoe, and it all seems a bit unpleasant.
Must admit I'd be over the moon to sign Kovacic. He's got the right stuff, definitely. I just hope the club and the fans also have the right 'stuff' to help him realise his potential here. We're a bit quick to write players off, sometimes.
Really? Man so many places to see. I've been Spain, Port, France, Brasil, Finland, Italy, Germany, USA...now I want to explore Europe more.
ReplyDeleteNice one!!! Really? That's crazy! What's the situation?
ReplyDeleteHhaha I always knew u were a real connosseur of the game :) I think not even Rakitic or Modric will be able to eclipse Prosinecki and Boban to some extent- they are worshipped as demigods here :) and what can u say about Modric that already wasn't said...
ReplyDeleteYeah man, google Kotor... but that whole coast is incredible.
ReplyDeleteMamic runs the club as his personal ATM machine, and has a final say on every aspect from transfers to payrolls- its really nauseating for awhile now, I hope it gets sorted out fast... U r Dinamo fanboy? Im Hajduk myself
ReplyDeleteMontenegro is awesome even cheaper than Croatia, Igalo in Herceg Novi is a beautiful little gem
ReplyDeleteThat does not sounds good at all. I think Dinano produce wonderful talent so I am quite interested in them.
ReplyDeleteLovren case in point. If Kova asks Lovren for advice he might burst into tears :/
ReplyDeleteTalent on conveyor belt really, they have top academies on par with Dutch Ajax schools... It's sad when the club looses its supporters and that has affected club's successs in Europe
ReplyDeleteYes. There's still a good player in Lovren. I think if we plug our midfield leaks he might find his confidence again.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, let me ask if you don't mind.. what interested you in supporting Liverpool?
ReplyDeleteAlright, name the club you sport/like in Europes top league's that interest you:
ReplyDeletePortugal- Sporting
Spain- Barcelona
France- Lyon
Italy- Juventus
Germany- Dortmund
Holland- Ajax
Nobody is judging his ability, I certainly have not done so pay attention. It is a proven fact that majority of players who come from the Serie A to EPL irrespective of who they are fail which is my point from the very start.
ReplyDeleteHow stupid is that he needs to prove himself in the EPL if Liverpool have any hope of getting a smidgeon of what they paid back.
ReplyDeleteAn awful signing anyway.
Kovacic is a wonderful talent with high workrate, he has an unbelievable range of passing, he has a great shot on him and is very skillful. If they manage to sign Kovacic then all the darts Rodgers and FSG keep throwing at that dartboard 'I would chance my arm' Kovacic is the one who would most likely hit the bullseye. But one right can't fix a thousand wrongs as it doesn't or wouldn't excuse all the other signings that have failed or struggled that Rodgers has brought in. Digne and Bogdan are reportedly in the mix as well I wouldn't say these would be bad signings but how much difference would these make? Kovacic on the other hand in my opinion would make an impact and Mr Rodgers it would be only the 3rd time my proverbial hat said 'YES' 'take me off to the guy that was a good move' out of a thousand times my hat said 'NO' just ignore him and don't look him in the eye the fella's lost the bloomin plot again' says I' with a talking proverbial hat! Haha! As much as I feel the urge to start berating Rodgers his history with signings speaks for it's self so I don't need too. One thing I will say no one we have signed since Coutinho and Sturridge have made me do my happy dance but Kovacic would get the ald' legs going....
ReplyDeleteGermany - Dortmund, Leverkusen (I'm allowed two!)
ReplyDeleteSpain - Atletico Madrid
France - PSG (Okocha days)
In the early-mid 1990s there was very little English football on regular TV -- this was before most people got cable -- so many of us here watched the Italian football that the smallest of our 4 channels started showing after Paul Gascoigne joined Lazio.
ReplyDeleteOur football had got stuck in the 80s, mainly because of the Heysel ban, and players like Boban, who was maybe the first really modern midfielder I saw a lot of on TV, were like they were from another planet. Fantastic. Could do everything. Super fit with such great technique, involved in every part of the game. Most midfielders are like that now, but he was really ahead of his time.
Well my friend is ManUtd fan since childhood and I wanted to counter him, and watched a few Liverpool games, liked the way they played and offered a challenge for mancs- and then of course I saw the CL final of 2005 and went bananas- watching Xabi, Mascherano, Gerrard and the spill of emotions after the penalty shootout, considering I really dont like A.C Milan, made me Red for life :)
ReplyDeleteKovacic is a class above Markovic we over paid 3 times what he is worth and also with Kova coming we can get rid of all action Allen.
ReplyDeleteLovely!!
ReplyDeleteReally good read- i had no idea he was so influental- thanx for this Robo :)
ReplyDeleteAmen to that
ReplyDeleteIf he is going to go on loan it should be to a PL club. Get him a bit more experience in the league. He could do well at mid table club for a few months.
ReplyDeleteAre u a seer? can u predict the future maybe? I see what you are trying to say but it is not open to discussion because we don't know how his integration would pan out. For me though- the glass is always half full
ReplyDeleteI would still put money on my house that Sakho resurrects him
ReplyDeletegermany- bayern ( I have romantic ties to bavaria :))
ReplyDeleteSpain- barca
france-lyon
Italy- Inter
England- LIVERPOOL! :)
"Hey Dejan. You're an experienced guy -- "
ReplyDelete"Why thank you, Mateo."
"I was just wondering how you handle the pressure of big occasions -- like a penalty shoot-out in a European competition, away from home, for example?"
"..."
I just love underdogs you know...
ReplyDeleteSpain ...Athletico
ReplyDeleteGermany..Werder Bremen
France...A strip club
Italy...Napoli
Holland... PSV
hahahhaa XO me too, sometimes
ReplyDeleteOn FM I can never play with a big team...it's not satisfying.
ReplyDeleteWish I could play it now, no time.
hahaa XO I hope he hires a good sports psychologist over the summer and starts fresh next season without the price tag hanging over him and "be the leader" malarkey.. he should be stum and just listen to Sakho :)
ReplyDelete"Only fools and horses"- the best show ever :)
This is why I think a couple of new coaches might work out well. The dressing room needs a change of tone and some new leadership, but without harming the stability which we've managed to build -- what's left of it anyway...
ReplyDeleteAs ever it's the middle management who take the hit!
It appears BR is experimenting with Liverpool , his own career and is taking forever to learn the lessons from his experiments. The idea of versatility in one oversold myth, players can only be versatile to an extent. They must be played in their positions
ReplyDeleteI would agree about Marchisio but I'm surprised he's your choice Jaimie, seeing as you put so much emphasis on midfielders scoring goals
ReplyDeleteNo more Italians they just dont work out.
ReplyDeleteBut painfully, he is BR's son so he is going nowhere fast
ReplyDeleteSome romances are destined
ReplyDeleteTrue
ReplyDeleteRay Wilkins mentioned this about the croatians players he has worked with on Talksport. Maybe thats where Long term view go that fact from.
ReplyDeleteMe too- I start small and somehow alwasy end up at Santiago Bernabeu :)- hey maybe we should let in Rodgers on thing or two ;)
ReplyDeleteWho is Ray Wilkins and what authority does he have to talk that way about another nation?
ReplyDeleteI always stick to one club. This years game I started with Watford, sold most of the team and bought young upcoming players like Hughes, Patrick Roberts, Ajer, Oddegard, Balanta, Delle Ali, Donis Avdijaj (loan)..and finished 4th in my first season.
ReplyDeleteWas getting mad bids for my players and I rejected them all...
Such a wonderful season!!!
Haha you and my dad both love Bayern!
ReplyDeleteSo Bogdan pretty much done according to many reports.
ReplyDeleteSo our third signing could be Bolton's no 2 GK. Mignolet will be shaking in his boots.
I heard that interview and I didn't see it as degrading comment but more in the way that Australian sportsmen are described which is usually seen as a compliment and in a lot of ways envy by the person giving out the compliment wishing that they could see more English players displaying more of those qualities....so maybe it not so degrading after all.
ReplyDeleteFlip sake...why are we signing a back up goalkeeper in the Championship to challenge our no.1?
ReplyDeleteJust because he had 2 good games against us...poor scouting.
Yup! And even Rodgers is middle management in a way, seeing as he has to work within a policy framework not of his making. Some good new coaches might be just what we need, though I'm still uneasy about foisting staff onto any manager.
ReplyDeleteThat is not poor scouting. If true it could suggest that FSG have pulled the plug on spending this season.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to complement each other well - bar that clash of heads!
ReplyDeletepretty much sums up Rodgers' belief of (1) His capacities, (2) the players he thinks are best for the team and (3) where we must be and (4) thats where he is taking us
ReplyDeleteSlaven Bilic 's view apparently not mine. I don't know any Croatians but he knows a few. ....
ReplyDeleteI get it now. That was the "comprehensive plan" laid out by Rodgers to bypass execution
ReplyDeleteThrowback to Tottenham match- I don't think we showed such domination in the first part of the season as a team ever again- Lovren-Sakho played the high line and two attackers up front; Lovren as stopper, Sakho as cover it was a joy to watch second half in particular, I dont think they allowed two shots from Tottenham in total the whole match.
ReplyDeleteWe're on a road to nowhere, Come on inside, Taking that ride to nowhere, We'll take that ride...
ReplyDeleteI should really find time for FM again and perfect the double pivot formation with Can and Kondgobia this year ;)
ReplyDeleteOh the stories I could tell from Oktober fest :) and a lot of my relatives reside there so it was a no brainer ;)
ReplyDeleteThe teams who finished below us are having a look and nodding their heads up and down, with a smiles.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad you remember (most of) the stories ;) It's a place I'd really like to visit.
ReplyDeleteIm scared of the next season. Im in dread of games vs city, chelski, the arses, manures , palace and stoke. Now I fear what stoke will do to us
ReplyDeleteAha you refer to "that" interview... my apologies I know what u mean, no hard feelings? We can be thick headed but our hearts are in a right place :)
ReplyDeleteConfidence was shot for reasons I've mentioned. Sterling couldn't pass the ball 5 yards either for many games last season. Hear he's worth 60m ☺
ReplyDeleteI understand now, I take back that "degrading comment" statement :) sorry
ReplyDeleteHhahaa the best beer in the world :) women are so-so, but I hanged out mostly with croatian friends and women . Its like a really big house party, like in a pub i think just bigger- i really can't compare because I was never in a pub, could u shine some light on that?
ReplyDeletebest U45 manager in liverpool ;-) good one!
ReplyDeletewe can only keep our heads high and bite the bullet... and hope Rodgers is sacked come October :)
ReplyDeleteHey no worries I should have quoted the source. You're right we all want what's best for lfc hence the passionate views on here
ReplyDeleteHe is making us wish him bad for the club to move forward when he is fired. Kinda paradox
ReplyDeleteThat is what I love about this community here and TIA to extent. Passionate discussions and some very good reads from people who see football almost as a science, I learn something new every day here
ReplyDeleteAhh no need to be sorry fellow redman ;-) I hope we see a Liverpool team displaying confidence and swagger to their game which was totally missing last season.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame them. But if they have then at least sack BR as no investment is detrimental to the team.
ReplyDeleteWhy are not going for Konoplyanka? Now that would be a great free singing. We were desperate to sign him a season ago ago and now that he is free we give it a miss?
Baffling.
On a side note, I think it's best for LFC to act fast on the sale of Raheem Sterling. Bigger clubs will do what we did to QPR for Ings at the end of the season. Even if the owners do not trust BR in spending that money wisely, they can always keep it until someone they deemed wise enough that comes in as a replacement.
ReplyDeleteEngland: Leeds (is that okay?)
ReplyDeletePortugal: Sporting CP
Italy: Palermo
France: Stade Rennais
Germany: Hamburg
Spain: Deportivo
Maybe becuase we have far too many attacking players. Alberto, Aspas, Sterling, Ibe, Markovic, Lallana, Coutinho etc. Unless we get rid of the likes of Aspas, Borini, Alberto etc then how can we fit in more attackers?
ReplyDeleteSo lets go over it quick.
We needed a GK. Possibly Bogdan. Check.
We needed a replacement for Stevie. Milner. Check.
We needed a striker. Ings. Check.
Who is next when looking at who we have already signed. Quiver.
It's funny how you didn't recognize the sarcastic post I posted in response to your sarcastic post :-)
ReplyDeleteYou and me both- Hopefully with Couts and Kovacic in full swing with a proper DM guarding our backline which will spring to life and play a high line with the best of them :)
ReplyDeleteYeah that's correct. it really shouldn't be like that- are we real supporters then? or to we wish him to fail for the greater good?
ReplyDeleteEexcellent response that the author will no longer engage in debate with you over because it's so obvious that you are correct
ReplyDeleteUnder the very same management of LFC, collectively the same manager, chief negotiator, forever stealthy transfer committee and the ever-present scouts, we are very safe to kiss UCL goodbye. Absolutely no qualms about that. Also I begin to lose faith in FSG too. They are as good a set of owners we can get on earth, but their go-English policy starting from managers top down brings nothing but complete misery to anyone that has a heart for the club since their tookover.
ReplyDeleteSeason 13/14 is a mere highlight of the gulf in standard between top EPL clubs and top European clubs. LFC, armed with just the third-choice striker at the present Barcelona team in Luis Suarez, was more than enough to create some of the most devastatingly nightmarish menace to the entire EPL so much so that our mediocre core of EPL also-runs looked very much like some caveliers at work with BR as the knight in shiny armour leading the charge.
After LS's departure, we immediately went back to where we belong, despite spending almost 120 mil pounds. Nowhere we are going with the same set of people managing the club, absolutely no where.
HEY! HEY!
ReplyDeleteI thought Jordan Rhodes can be quite a force in EPL...
ReplyDeletePortgual- nobody
ReplyDeleteSpain- Used to be Real Madrid, but Perez and their fans put me off. Now it's Barca, because I think they're more exciting to watch now compared to Pep days, and I like the fact that Enrique was a loose Byron Bay surfer in Australia for a while, and because of Suarez. Oh, and their double denim attire too.
France- PSG. My mate who is a Parisian native got me onto them and bought me an Ibra jersey.
Italy- Can't pick between Milan, Roma and Napoli. Originally just liked Milan, but stayed around Naples area (and Neapolitans, of course) when in Italy, and also attended a Roma match at Stadio Olimpico.
Germany- Dortmund. No explanation needed.
Holland- Ajax
Portugal - Porto - there scouts are brilliant
ReplyDeleteSpain - Bilbao - Great underrated quality
France - Lyon
Italy - Roma
Germany - Leverkusen- most underrated team in the world - would take most of their players in a heartbeat
Holland - Feyenoord/PSV
Sir Christopher Lee dead at 93 ....... Count DOOKU (Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones) Farewell dear sir & thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteHasnt Kono allegedly agreed to join our last game tormentors Stoke instead?
ReplyDeleteWe should be assigning Migs to a number 2 keeper a number 1 was a priority in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't do what Jaimie does, he's a force of nature!
ReplyDeleteA new report claiming the possibility of us signing Falcao on loan! Worth a shot? He's said to be willing to take a pay cut as well!
ReplyDeleteeh?
ReplyDeleteGoing to Chelsea.
ReplyDeleteThe rumour all over croatian newspaper is that Liverpool will offer Skrtel in part exchange for Kovacic?? Comments?
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I feel like we are aiming at good players who are versatile, as opposed to potentially great players who play one role.
ReplyDeleteIrrespective of cost (wages/fees), if I told you that player A is a 5 out 10 and can play 3 positions, and Player B is an 8 out of 10 and plays one primary position, I feel like Rodgers would choose Player A simply because he can play 3 different positions.
It's mind-boggling to me.
That's how I chose my team I listed for you, except Leeds which had an incredible team not too long ago. I developed affinities for these teams via FM. If it's a league overseas, apart from Liverpool, I can't align towards the big clubs.
ReplyDeleteMade an offer in Jan 2015 of 15m for him ,
ReplyDeletenow he's free we let him go .Strange very strange ?
Cannot see any Big team paying 50m for him .
ReplyDeleteWill creep back to Liverpool and sign for 65k p/w .
I hope NOT !
ReplyDeleteIf they get a decent back up why not- we need to move forward and keeping Skrtel would keep us backward... maybe we finally see Lovren and Sakho be given a run... Maybe thats the plan all along
ReplyDeleteKovacic is going to be a world beater in my own opinion I do rate him highly for his age and I am without doubt he would prove a great signing
ReplyDeletePleased you have faith in Lovern coming good and Sakho staying fit .
ReplyDeleteThe 1 player that put his body on the line last season,gets chucked to the wolves , what a nice club to play for !!!
Well I wish Skrts all the best but he's a relic, can't play in a back four or a high line, the things that Rodgers is forcing. He'd be great in a club which man marks and plays a deep line and defensive set up. So we either buy another RCB to compliment Sakho or we nurture Lovren back and hope for the best- if Tottenham match is any indication those two would suit us perfectly.
ReplyDeleteLallana has 5goals 4 assists his stats are better than the lanky poodle from united whose getting great praise and lallana has been injured and just adjusting to a new club. You all should look at city's record with milner playing and when he's not he's class so underated he can boss a midfield along with hendo coutinho sterling and lallana that will be one of the strongest midfield's going. If only ya can buy proper defenders instead of donkeys. A player that would be perfect for Liverpool would be nastajic quick strong and good in the air and him and sacko with be solid as a rock forget clyne trippier is so much better for the pool he's not a liability as a defender and Moreno is coming into his own. There has been plenty of players ply their trade in the lower league's think of vardy and Austin were non leaguers a while back now england call ups Robertson from hull handing out programmed 2 years ago now a host of clubs linked with one of the bright young talented left backs in england. Until there given a proper go you don't know when or who your next star is going to be until there given a chance harry Kane only played lower league football till Sherwood game him a shot last year you just don't know who the next bale or Ronaldo or messI is.
ReplyDeleteYou might be right. But lets say this guy goes to ManU and becomes the next Zidane. You would be kicking and screaming that BR and FSG didn't get the deal done. There is always risks with transfers. No matter where there from or how experienced. Sometimes the risk is rewarded, Countinho, and sometimes it's a bust, Aquilani.
ReplyDeleteLet me make it clear, I don't think he'll become Zidane, it was just a radical idea to try and get the point across.
How old was Aquilani when we got him?
ReplyDeleteand hes lucky to have you backing him
ReplyDeleteno answer to that
ReplyDeletethe only people with that much faith are moses and abraham
ReplyDeletethe rodgers bandwagon will struggle to even get started
ReplyDeleteplayers like ings and milner will keep you in the hunt for the last champions league place
ReplyDeletebut it is clear you need that big signature player that can make you compete with the big four and maby sneak in
they all have big money and it feels like they are starting to pull away from the rest of us
Now we have signed, perhaps the epitome of the lack of ambition by Rodgers and FSG, bolton wanderers'beloved goalkeeper Adam Bogdan. On the basis of what- his display against us in that FA game at Anfield!!!
ReplyDelete