Well, this is an interesting development. After an injury ravaged season at Anfield, 'outstanding' Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is reportedly considering quitting Anfield for a season-long loan move to Serie A.
According to an alleged exclusive on La Lazio Siamo Noi (an Italian football website that broadcasts a football show on Italy's T9 TV Network):
* Sakho - who cost Liverpool £18m - wants to leave Liverpool, and he's 'asked his agents' to find him a new club.
* The defender is concerned with the unhealthy competition at centre-back, and wants to sign for a team where he will be the main man in defence.
* Lazio are interested in a loan move with an option to buy, and Sakho's agent is already in contact with the Italian club.\
Over the last few years, I've repeatedly warned about the dangers of unhealthy competition, especially in defence, where Liverpool are continually oversubscribed.
If this story is true, it seems that Sakho is also unwilling to gamble his career development - and international prospects - on the possibility that Rodgers may play him regularly. A few points:
* With Skrtel, Sakho, Lovren, Toure, and Ilori, Liverpool have too many senior defenders, and if Rodgers sticks with a back four in the majority of games this season, then at least two of the club's senior centre-halves will spend lots of time on the bench.
* A settled defensive partnership is essential for solidity at the back, and that means keeping the same central-defensive duo in the team as much as possible.
* If fit, Martin Skrtel is (almost certainly) going to start most games, which means there's FOUR other defenders vying for one place in the team. That is clearly unhealthy competition.
* Chopping and changing things regularly is a recipe for defensive disaster, and if Sakho gets injured (again), or finds himself out of the team, it may be difficult to get back in.
* It's possible that Sakho still feels slighted by the signing of Dejan Lovren, which, in my view, represented a vote of no-confidence in the Frenchman. After all, why spend £20m (a record figure for Liverpool) on Lovren if Sakho is trusted at the heart of defence.
* Additionally, Sakho has already expressed his frustration at Anfield. In September 2014, he left Anfield in a rage after being dropped for the Merseyside Derby.
* To add insult to injury, Liverpool are still being linked with more central defenders (!), and if another centre-half signs, then all bets are off.
If Sakho is genuinely thinking of leaving, I can totally understand why he'd make that choice. With the European Championship on the horizon, he needs to be playing week-in, week out, and that hasn't really happened under Rodgers.
Granted, Sakho is partly to blame for that. Last season, he suffered three separate injuries, and missed 30 games of the season, and if he can't remain fit, the I don't see how he can expect to be a first-team regular (at Anfield, or indeed anywhere else.
Sakho has improved over the last year, and his proactive and positive forward-passing is a particular highlight of his game. However, the question is, will he be missed if/when he leaves? Arguably, no. Sakho has made only 46 appearances in 2 seasons (23 per year), and the Reds have more than enough options to cover his absence.
Ultimately, this smacks of bad transfer planning from Rodgers and the infernal transfer committee.
* Signing Ilori and Sakho at the same time was a massive mistake, and the Portuguese youngster (along with Sebastian Coates) has suffered as a result of the unhealthy competition.
* The club then compounded that mistake spending big bucks on Lovren, which merely perpetuated the unhealthy competition, and led to major defensive problems all season.
For the sake of defensive harmony, Liverpool could stand to lose at least one central defender, but should it be Sakho?
Author: Jaimie K
According to an alleged exclusive on La Lazio Siamo Noi (an Italian football website that broadcasts a football show on Italy's T9 TV Network):
* Sakho - who cost Liverpool £18m - wants to leave Liverpool, and he's 'asked his agents' to find him a new club.
* The defender is concerned with the unhealthy competition at centre-back, and wants to sign for a team where he will be the main man in defence.
* Lazio are interested in a loan move with an option to buy, and Sakho's agent is already in contact with the Italian club.\
Over the last few years, I've repeatedly warned about the dangers of unhealthy competition, especially in defence, where Liverpool are continually oversubscribed.
If this story is true, it seems that Sakho is also unwilling to gamble his career development - and international prospects - on the possibility that Rodgers may play him regularly. A few points:
* With Skrtel, Sakho, Lovren, Toure, and Ilori, Liverpool have too many senior defenders, and if Rodgers sticks with a back four in the majority of games this season, then at least two of the club's senior centre-halves will spend lots of time on the bench.
* A settled defensive partnership is essential for solidity at the back, and that means keeping the same central-defensive duo in the team as much as possible.
* If fit, Martin Skrtel is (almost certainly) going to start most games, which means there's FOUR other defenders vying for one place in the team. That is clearly unhealthy competition.
* Chopping and changing things regularly is a recipe for defensive disaster, and if Sakho gets injured (again), or finds himself out of the team, it may be difficult to get back in.
* It's possible that Sakho still feels slighted by the signing of Dejan Lovren, which, in my view, represented a vote of no-confidence in the Frenchman. After all, why spend £20m (a record figure for Liverpool) on Lovren if Sakho is trusted at the heart of defence.
* Additionally, Sakho has already expressed his frustration at Anfield. In September 2014, he left Anfield in a rage after being dropped for the Merseyside Derby.
* To add insult to injury, Liverpool are still being linked with more central defenders (!), and if another centre-half signs, then all bets are off.
If Sakho is genuinely thinking of leaving, I can totally understand why he'd make that choice. With the European Championship on the horizon, he needs to be playing week-in, week out, and that hasn't really happened under Rodgers.
Granted, Sakho is partly to blame for that. Last season, he suffered three separate injuries, and missed 30 games of the season, and if he can't remain fit, the I don't see how he can expect to be a first-team regular (at Anfield, or indeed anywhere else.
Sakho has improved over the last year, and his proactive and positive forward-passing is a particular highlight of his game. However, the question is, will he be missed if/when he leaves? Arguably, no. Sakho has made only 46 appearances in 2 seasons (23 per year), and the Reds have more than enough options to cover his absence.
Ultimately, this smacks of bad transfer planning from Rodgers and the infernal transfer committee.
* Signing Ilori and Sakho at the same time was a massive mistake, and the Portuguese youngster (along with Sebastian Coates) has suffered as a result of the unhealthy competition.
* The club then compounded that mistake spending big bucks on Lovren, which merely perpetuated the unhealthy competition, and led to major defensive problems all season.
For the sake of defensive harmony, Liverpool could stand to lose at least one central defender, but should it be Sakho?
Author: Jaimie K
Don't believe this.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that he was injured so much just shows we need a decent number of CB's. IMO its between Skrtel, Lovren and Sakho. With Toure and other younger players as back up.
ReplyDeleteSounds like bulls**t to me.
ReplyDeleteWould be a massive mistake.
We shouldn't of resigned kolo and we need to sell either lovren or sako as well can can cover cb and so can wisdom as for illori the juries out but given his age he may be willing to go on loan or play a back up role,Rodgers is signing player without moving players on its a recipe for disaster
ReplyDeleteThis rumour has already been rubbished by the club.
ReplyDeleteIn fact he is in talks about a new contract.
I find it amazing how many of our supporters rate Skrtel over Sahko.
We win more games with Sahko in the team than not in the team.
What a crazy rumour . Guys chill , nothing is gonna happen . I'm literally laughing at this rumour . Sakho and Skrtel are our first choice pairing this season . And we need lovren as the 3rd CB considering Sakho's dodgy injury record .
ReplyDeleteLast year Sakho stormed out of the stadium after being left out , but has made amends for that . Moreover , he , just this week confirmed that he is very happy at Liverpool .
Sakho is our BEST centre back and Liverpool aren't stupud enough to let him leave on a loan with a view to a permanent deal . Haha
What a joke of a story started by La Lazia
Sakho is our best CB but can't stay fit the entire season hence the need for cover. Lovren is over priced but not useless, our best CB pairing atm is Skrtel and Sakho, something Rodgers is well aware of so there's no need for this particular rumor.
ReplyDeleteMost fans rate sako its his injuries that are a problem ,iwonder if that's compounded with so many players being played slightly or fully out of position, I used to play rb and remember playing lb to cover and finding turning real awkward to tackle and that was at level crap I can only imagine the problems a high Kevel player would giver you
ReplyDeleteThis quote should have been inserted: ''"Not at all, I feel good at Liverpool, I play," he said when asked if he was considering leaving Liverpool.
ReplyDelete"Yes, I had many physical problems this season, but I'm fit, I have my spot, and I produced good performances despite everything.
I like Liverpool, next season I'll still be a Red, because I still have to prove many things over there. I like the club, it's a young and skilled team. I hope to achieve great things with this club."
My concern over this year is. we will have to many players.....we did well year to last ( I know we ha Suarez and a fit Mr glass ) because we had a tighter squad also ,I worry that Rodgers doesnt know his best 11 and will try. And change systems to accommodate everyone competition is healthy granted but to much can stunt motivation and cause unrest
ReplyDeleteI personally think the rumor is rubbish. However i don't see how competition is not healthy, if you are good enough and have enough faith in yourself you should always believe you can hold down a spot in the side. If you are worried about somebody taking your space then you do not have the correct mind set so no loss if that's the reason they leave as they haven't got the fighting spirit needed.
ReplyDeleteJust look at Henderson, was told he was not in first team plans got offered chance to leave, said no, knuckled down and had belief and hes now captain of the club.
This season was the right time to let Illori
ReplyDeleteIf only the club could transfer or loan Jamie we wouldn't see these pathetic attempts at "journalism" simply repeating something he read somewhere else and contributing nothing original beyond his personal hatred of our manager
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Skrtel and Lovren started the last match.
ReplyDeleteThis is a can't win for Rodgers. Most people think competition drives people to improve but can you have too much competition? Seems like a ridiculously difficult if not impossible balance. If we get an injury or two and have no cover he would be criticised but if he looks for versatile players to cover various positions he is wrong again.
It's clear that Rodgers doesn't particularly rate Sakho. Dropping him for Toure for the derby was a joke. Rodgers wants Lovren to be his main left-sided centre-back; Fowler knows why. Huge pity, this.
ReplyDeleteCorrect me if I'm mistaken, but isn't that a quote from about a month ago?
ReplyDeleteWell it's up to llori to push the "old man" aside ;)
ReplyDeleteI think you really do need at least 5, maybe six first team centre halves to really make a good run at the top 4. 2 proper top class players, one or two PL quality players and 2 young/experienced backups.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment we have 3 Premier League quality CBs in Skrtel, Sakho and Lovren, 1 experienced backup in Kolo and 2 young prospects in Ilori and Gomez. Lovren has shown that he is bordering on not being PL quality at all, Kolo is getting a bit long in the tooth and Sakho has big injury concerns. I'd be happy if we signed a CB, whether they be a top signing (unlikely) or another on Skrtel/Sakho's level to challenge them. As good as I think Ilori and Gomez MAY turn out to be, its just too hard to say now.
Oh and I can't see Sakho going anywhere. S'gotta be rubbish
I also found it interesting that Skrtel and Lovren started the last match. To me, Lovren must accept that he is second-choice, and will only get a chance because of injury, loss of form or superlative performances in training.
ReplyDeleteI suppose you're right, let's hope he does
ReplyDeleteWhy left sided though? I seem to hear from heaps of people that he's a left sided player, but he's right footed... Is it just because Skrtel is stuck at RCB or do people genuinely think that because he is so bad at passing, he is constantly shifted onto his wrong foot?
ReplyDeleteFirst I've heard of him asking his agent to find him a new club, where does all this garbage come from?
ReplyDeleteAnother nonsense story: the papers are full of them at the moment. This is at least the third Liverpool player to be linked to Lazio. Until this a reliable source for the story, which there isn't at the moment I won't believe a word of it.
ReplyDeleteHe's right-footed but he's always played as the left of two centre-halves. His passing is quite good, actually, when he's in form. It's not me saying he should be; this is just where he played with Croatia and at Southampton and Lyon.
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether you noticed Rodgers's comment the other day about how Firmino, Can and Coutinho would link up with the squad on Wednesday. No mention of Ilori in there who is also supposed to link up with them at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYes, it looks like a totally fabricated story- a bit like the consistent rumours that we're still going to sign Mario Gomez: yeah right!
ReplyDeleteIf we re-signed Toure it should have been primarily with coaching and mentoring duties and only bring him into play in dire emergencies. As it stands he's just blocking a place in the roster which could be used to bring hungry younger players through.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the usual journalistic fantasy for this time of year. The mistake where centre-backs are concerned was giving Toure another contract. He isn't needed. Giving Wisdom a new, long-term contract seemed strange but a better bet than renewing Toure's.
ReplyDeleteWith Skrtel and Sakho first choice, Lovren and Ilori provide good cover.
Yes, and don't forget Gomez, aka Beckenbauer (no pressure), can also play in that position.
ReplyDeleteAnother version said Liverpool was looking to offload him
ReplyDeleteIf he wants to leave for that reason, I would definitely think less of him.
ReplyDeleteBut as for going on to say we are 'oversubscribed' and the rest of it, it's utter tosh.
Toure is a benchwarmer and Illori can't get a look in.
That leaves 3 senior centre-backs, in a team that often plays 3 at the back!! Also, all 3 are prone to the occasional injury, plus Lovren has been a shadow of his former self.
With Rodgers saying he might play 2 different XI's for the League and Europe, anyone in their right mind would have to think that Sakho is a certain starter in the league unless his form diminishes.
There should ALWAYS be good competition for places to stop players becoming complacent and to cover injuries and extra games. To argue otherwise is folly. Name any other big club that would be happy with 1 decent player per position.
I know Sakho lost his place at PSG as 'better' players were brought in as senior squad members, but at LFC he's arguably our best centre-back. If he's afraid of healthy competition he's not the man I hoped he was and he'd probably have gone last season when Lovren arrived, not after a season of seeing how much better than Lovren he's been playing!
And a third version was that aliens wanted to abduct him!
ReplyDeleteYes and Iif you asked Rodger's about the Aliens I bet he'd say "I don't know what you're talking about" Cue X files music
ReplyDeleteIf we can get the conversation about Sakho back to real stuff rather than a story which is so obviously tosh as to not really merit comment, did you see him clowning around with Adam Lallana, getting into the queue to get his shirt signed by his tem-mate and then jumping for joy as if he were a star struck teenager? He looked really unhappy to be at Liverpool!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think loaning out our best defender would cause me to lose much of the faith that's been restored by a very decent transfer window. Not that I actually believe the rumour, but the mere suggestion of Lovren as a first choice centre back has me running to the bathroom with fits of vomiting.
ReplyDeleteYou're correct. It was like 3 weeks ago. This sudden change of heart seems to be a fabrication from gutter media outlets who really think that cheapskate Italians can buy whatever they like for a few nickels.
ReplyDeleteThere is not one reliable source stating that Sakho want to leave or that Rodgers wants him out.
The other problem with the idea that he wants out because of competition is that he was a nailed on starter in the second half of last season when fit. He only lost his place when injured. No one has been brought in over the summer who would change that pecking order, so why on earth would he leave for that reason? It is true that Sakho left PSG, his childhood club, because he felt he couldn't get a look in above the two Brazilians and thought there was unfair competition there, that some how he was not being given a fair crack of the whip. But that is not at all the situation at Liverpool, he is ahead of Lovren in the pecking order and Lovren can, in any event, play as a right-sided centre-back so could actually play with him rather than replace him.
ReplyDeleteLlori I don't think has even kicked a ball for us but your classing him as a senior defender!
ReplyDeleteChelsea are after john stones, that would mean they would have terry, Cahill, zouma, stones and technically ivanovic, mourinho doesn't think it's an issue to have 4/5
Yes it should be Sakho. The Benteke transfer makes sense to me now. Rodgers will play him at CB
ReplyDeleteMaybe it was 3 weeks ago but this is a quote from Sakho from this week: "The tour is very nice for the team and for the fans because we get the chance to see them in another country, far from England. It makes us realise how big Liverpool are. We are part of the same family at Liverpool. For me, the players and fans work together in the same project and we as players have to stay close to them. They are the 12th person on the pitch. We have 11 players out on the pitch, but the fans give us a 12th player"
ReplyDeleteSurely with his height he'd be a good goal-keeper. I did laugh the otehr day when Rodgers was talking about Milner and saying how important it was to play a player in their favourite position!
ReplyDeleteHonestly I highly doubt that LFC are still looking for other CB's, this is pure media speculation (yes there is smoke without fire)
ReplyDeleteIf Sakho is afraid of loosing his place to Lovren and Toure he has a serious confidence problem.
I'm pretty sure he knows himself that he's the best man for LCB, if he stays fit he'll start.
I think this rumour rates up there with the similarly ridiculous one that Arbeloa is considering a return to Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteSakho IMO is our best defender. Would be very surprised if we let him go, especially to another Italian team on loan who will just be out to shaft us.
ReplyDeleteLazio enquired we rejected the offer. No more to it.
ReplyDeleteits a lot easier to play bluff with a set of cards when you have won the league and are among the favourites for the Cl not se easy with rodgers at the helm on a wet night in hull
ReplyDeleteor now hes a comedy genius the theme from the two ronnies
ReplyDeleteWould you be surprised, actually? We seem to have a penchant for the unfathomable.
ReplyDeleteTo make matters worse, I just watched a clip of Jules Bianchi and Ayrton Senna's crashes, now I'm full-on depressed.
ReplyDeleteI talk to trees all the time Red, there probably top of my list of interesting inanimate objects to debate with; I find they generally have a lot of character and often also a great structure :)
ReplyDeleteAh. Thanks. I hope you're right about it being a fabrication. He's our best centre-half by a mile and I'd be upset if we let him/encouraged him to leave.
ReplyDeleteBring on Gotze ;-)
ReplyDeleteFirst class mate, liking those descriptions - to a tee that's us alright.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to keep Lucas for certain, although dare I say that time waits for no Brazilian and perhaps he at least needs an understudy such as Illaramendi who I think does offer a fair amount more going forward as well and perhaps that is what Brendan wants, maybe explaining his reluctance to use a more traditional DM.
I really hope we can have our cake and eat it here though - room for both players at the Club I reckon and totally agree, so far so good and we've definitely chosen wisely, now having the bones of a great team/squad :)
My trees are fickle; they tend to leave every autumn.
ReplyDeleteRaheem Sterling has scored 3 minutes into his Manchester City debut vs. Roma.
ReplyDeleteOnly one?
ReplyDeleteBullsh*t. He's having a cracking pre-season and looks thoroughly happy. I can see him having a an absolutely storming season. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry Y.O. I'm going to have to pre-apologise again but yours was too good for me not to have a crack at it:
ReplyDeleteThat may be because you're not talking to them enough, I find they like a good sing along too, perhaps you could try 'don't leaf me this way'
He is around some world class players there. Reckon he is going to do well this season.
ReplyDeleteJust not sure how he'll eat with 200k per week.
ReplyDeleteImagine earning that much in Rands.
ReplyDeleteI don't see how that makes any difference, we are in the Europa league, we should have 2 teams, one for Europa/cups especially in the early stages and a league team, plenty of games for all of them! Toure signed a contract despite lack of games, so is clearly happy to be a bit part player, llori would probably welcome any kind of game time, lovren based on last season can't really complain and sakho and skrtel you would imagine are our first choice
ReplyDeleteHere is it if anyones interested.
ReplyDeletehttp://gfycat.com/ScalyRingedCoelacanth
Defensive line was pretty high up. Do they not know Sterling is pretty quick?
Or Benny Hill ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou could watch the David Purley clip, *it's a bit of a tear jerker* but does restore ones faith in humanity a touch. A top bloke and an interesting story if you're not already familiar.
ReplyDelete"Joe Cole is better than Messi."
ReplyDeleteI rest me case, me lud.
It does appear somewhat unlikely, however, I do have a growing suspicion that perhaps Sakho and Brendan don't see eye to eye and that, for reasons which may later be put down as 'attitude' a not too distant departure could be on the cards, just a hunch.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute rubbish. Read quotes from Sakho saying that he's happy at Liverpool because he plays. Said he is looking forward to cementing his place in the team having recovered from injuries suffered last season.
ReplyDeleteNext we'll be reading that we're re-signing Gerrard in order to play DM.
According to the... Metro we've made a bid of £14million for Illaramendi :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Case. Will give it a watch, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMaybe 'Wiki' it first, it might not be something you'd wish to see but he, I think, got the George medal for it.
ReplyDeleteGood finish.
ReplyDeleteThe story about Moreno was more dramatic: it had Sabatini, the Managing Director of Roma, 'jetting in' to England to seal the deal. Now what could possibly be unbelievable about that? Perhaps the fact that Ian Ayre, Brendan Rodgers and Alberto Moreno were all in Australia so Sabatini could have just used his Skype account. Maybe he was just trying to get more air miles....
ReplyDeleteTo be fair to Rodgers, he said our policy this year was to improve the first team. Clyne, Milner , Firmino & Benteke are probably certain starters.
ReplyDeleteThats over a 3rd of the team, he's been true to his word
Absolutely, to be honest if the Illaramendi signing pans out I'll be genuinely delighted with how the summer's gone. Don't think anyone expected this amount of quality to be added during this window.
ReplyDeleteEven with the sticking point of Benteke who some are unsure of, there's no denying that FSG have really backed the manager.
Personally, I feel like we're really back in business now, it won't be easy of course because the competition have also strengthened. Reckon we are kitted out to give them a good scrap though and not just in the short term like some of them (cough utd) - our team has some real longevity to it.
Players are more inclined to sit it out if there is a chance of major silverware
ReplyDeleteWithout any real tangible evidence I get the feeling they don't like each other .....Rodgers seems to blow hot and cold on players for no real reason for me but perhaps others see it different
ReplyDeleteOffside.
ReplyDeleteWhat I cant believe is that I and the rest of the world, except for Rodgers and Friggin himself, never noticed that Milner is as good as Gerrard!
ReplyDeleteAgree on both counts. Not sure this story has any weight to it whatsoever but yes, BR does seem to have his favourites and I too, get an unexplainable feeling that Sakho isn't one of them.
ReplyDeleteBecause Sakho has been so instrumental to our success in recent years?
ReplyDeleteif he is on the reported 180 000 pound per week, thats 3.4 million rand a week... my my my thats a lovely wage is it not!
ReplyDeleteWe will bag around 22 million from salling of lamber,borini and balotelli
ReplyDeletethe club is showing huge ambitions, can't wait for the new season to begin :-)
ReplyDeleteCripes. He'll only be able to buy one mid-range McLaren per week.
ReplyDeleteHe has a number of facial tells when you watch him talk about sako and certain players he appears forced and contrived he almost finds it hard to say there name where as players he likes he always uses there Christian name its just something I have noticed
ReplyDeleteYes and he cost 49million. Milner cost us nothing and already has two!
ReplyDeleteHaha I have to laugh baumster I have been saying that since we last won the leauge
ReplyDeleteI thought his split personality traits were a side effect of him being terrified of upsetting Jamie during interviews ;)
ReplyDeleteThe team may well now start to develop its own identity without the shadow of Gerrard looming over every free kick and corner
ReplyDeleteDon't really want to see his name mentioned on here again ..... we got a much better deal with the Mill ( our new vice cap ? ) and Ibe will step up to be a much better player anyway
ReplyDeleteBig assumption to make as I don't feel anyone wants to sit it out but fair point, wages may also play a part
ReplyDeleteI refuse to believe that.
ReplyDeleteWho do you reckon will be first choice at free kicks? Really don't rate Henderson, not sure if firmino can take them, Benteke scored a few but probably took everyone
ReplyDeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteAm having to find my breath after watching that. That was gut-wrenching.
One could see the desperation in his movements. Maybe it's unduly harsh to be a bit disappointed in the stewards and other drivers... Gosh.
Thanks for that. I wasn't familiar with his story. He deserved all the plaudits he received for that, and more. But it must have been shattering for him.
Yeah.. But Sakho is on a different level than Henderson back then. No top 6 team would've taken in Henderson, but with Sakho it's a completely different situation. Sakho has captained PSG and France and he is good enough for a top 4 team.
ReplyDeleteForget waking up to a horses head.A loan for Mamadou Sakho is an offer 'we can refuse'.Liverpool have protection from the Spanish Godfather... Rafa Benitez
ReplyDeleteYep, lot of respect for people of his mould, an interesting fellow - eventually went on to fly stunt planes and perhaps not surprisingly met his demise, but a true gent along the way I thought.
ReplyDeleteNot sure on the stewards, I initially thought along similar lines but think perhaps they weren't kitted out with the same fire suits as the drivers - all the same, a difficult thing to helplessly watch.
Shattering for him as you say but nice to know there's people like that about :)
borini: 11m
ReplyDeleteallen: 15m
Assiadi: 3M
yesil: 1m
sturridge: 12m
coutinho 8.5m
luis alberto: 6.5m
aspas; 7M
migs: 9m
sakho: 18m
llori: 7m
R.L: 4.5m
lallana: 25m
Can: 9.5m
Markovic: 20M
Lovren:20m
Origi: 10m
Moreno: 12m
Balo: 16m
Gomez: 3.5m
Clyne: 12.5m
Firmino: 29m
Net spend= 251m+32.5(benteke)+6m(ings)
Net spend=290m*
total sales=190m*
Total spend=100m
I read Talksport are pushing this and even when ever they have said 'done deal' in the past I have never seen it come off.
ReplyDeleteSakho and Skrtel are both equally as bad in a back four as they are good in a back three. If we plan to play a 4 then we cannot ever go in with sakho and Skrtel together because their lack of mobility and common sense is extraordinary.
I think Lovren will come on this season. I think he could add a calm to our back four the equivalent of the chaos he caused us last season :)
I've been impressed with Joe Gomez too. His passing in the last third is creative and bright and his movement is almost no.10-esque, he finds pockets of space.
meh Italian teams suck
ReplyDeleteI feel we may be in a minority, but that second paragraph absolutely nails it for me.
ReplyDeleteI didn't hear that but might not mean much
ReplyDeleteJames Pearce already tweeted that Sakho is going nowhere.
ReplyDeleteOur 2nd place? He has been good not great, but he is still better than the rest we have. If he can avoid injuries coming season he can be great. Would you like the sell him?
ReplyDeleteIf I'm konestbi don't like one player having the monopoly on free kicks etc they should be mixed up as long as you have the ability
ReplyDeleteYes. Definitely. I dont want players at the club who are injured half the time. And yes, when we finished second he had no hand in any of that. If anything, had he been worth his money we would have conceded less and would have won the title
ReplyDeleteI think Lovren will come good. Stands to benefit with good cover just in front of him. Asier Illarrmendi
ReplyDeleteI would swap him for Candreva
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
ReplyDeleteIf we play a back four it does leave four competing for one spot with Skrtel but you would have to remember that you can pretty much exclude Toure from this unhealthy competition debate as he has accepted his role as reliable old hand playing a bit part and helping the younger members of the squad n my point being that he certainly isnt going get disgruntled and his history shows he is never anything but beneficial to the squad as a whole.
ReplyDeleteFurther if the intention is still to play a back three at times then that changes the picture altogether with 3 playing and 3 covering (if you include Gomez) that looks about right.
In any event there is quite obviously no truth to this story so no sense in using it to argue anything....it's pure fancy from a bored Italian tabloid hack. It depends who you mean the competition is unhealthy for? If it's for the players individually that's sometimes true but it's better for the team the more options we have (within reason of course). If the preferred pair or three play all the time then you might get an issue with squad harmony, but I haven't seen any of our fringe defenders complaining in the press which is usually the first thing to happen if that's the case.
Just with regard to Ilori, you do realise he had played only 12 first team games when he signed? It was a signing based on his massive potential and he was always intended to go out on loan especially having come from a foreign country. I don't think there is any evidence this has hurt his career at all, just natural progression for me.
Sakho and Skrtel should start every week. I`ll be disappointed if he leaves he could be a leader at our club for years.
ReplyDeleteHi Jaimie, here's hoping! I'm really pleased on the whole with the players we've brought in, but badly need to cull the unfortunates that aren't in the frame. I do worry for the future of Studge tho, is it how we train?
ReplyDeleteBS
ReplyDeletei think I am slightly disappointed with that news tbh. There is something about left footed center backs that scares the heck out of me. They rarely use the other and look pretty terrible when they have to run around a backhand to hit the forehand time and time again
ReplyDeleteI like Lovren. I dont like last seasons performances, I dont like the fee either, but if he finds his feet he has everything required to be the real deal.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you watched the Euro U21 champs, but Illori is a very good footballer, very fast and now bulked up with more muscle. He shut Harry kane down totally when England played Portugal, something that none of our CBs were able to do last season. Brendan Rodgers got rid of his management team, he should be more decisive in getting rid of players too. If Sakho isn't confident of playing ahead of the others for sure let him go. The future is Illori and Gomez, those two would make an awesome pair, both big, quick, strong and both good with the ball at their feet.
ReplyDeleteI think you got it wrong about gerrard's prediction there JK. When he was in the team he felt like he had to say things like these to get a positive vibe and influence going. It sounded ridiculous sometimes(joe cole is messi !). Butbnow.asmhe is outside the team he will perhaps give his real opinion..
ReplyDeleteCan't see LFC allowing him to leave and he seems happy at Anfield. Sakho...Sakho....Sakho!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope he leaves!!! He is terrible on the ball and causes mass panic around the ground. In my opinion he's our worst defender. Reminds me of djimmi traore but with way more mistakes
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