Liverpool Football Club Thread

[Gabe]

Well that's all part of the puzzle, isn't it? You get the feeling that his advisors are probably filling his head with tales of great riches and trophies abroad which may or may not have some basis in reality - but I agree with you, I don't think anybody would offer the money that the owners would consider taking.

Rodgers has also said that he didn't ask the club for permission to do the interview, which just adds a little more to the whole story.

[dogsout]

There's no doubt he's got a lot of promise, but even ignoring playing out of position in the last few weeks, his form dipped quite a bit before Christmas too.

He was playing as the lone striker then. I thought he was pretty good in the role. I think he got something like 5 goals in 12 games during that run - not bad at all. Also, he pressed very effectively - better than anyone else that has played in that position for us this season.

Rodgers was quick to come out with a strong response. Hopefully this shit dies down until the summer now because it's already boring.

[DeNeo]

"I think Raheem will look to players like Steven Gerrard. He has played at full-back, he has played as a wing-back, he has played in central midfield, he has played out wide, he has played as a No 10 and he has played as a striker.

Steven has never ever moaned. He has always done whats best for the team."

Not the best example - seem to remember him being a bit miffed when Rafa played him on the right...

[hmm]

Despite it being his best position, or perhaps joint best with playing off a striker.

He's hardly had a bad career but with a bit less ego about where he had to play I think we'd have seen even more from him.

[V3zna]

Sterling has been very poorly advised. The interview was nothing more than an attempt at damage limitation after the stick he took during the Utd game. Liverpool are never going to sell to a direct rival and he's nowhere near the standard for a Real or Barca. When Bale, Suarez etc left the Premier League they were players full of goals and assists. Sterling brings neither of these things at this current time.

He reminds me of Walcott at 20. Pace to burn, can beat a man easily, can't finish to save his life. You look at Walcott now aged 26 and wonder if this is how Sterling will be at the same age. It's entirely possible.

[davidcotton]

As for going to Arsenal, I can't see it. I think Chelsea is more likely as they have arguably more use for a player of his type, and obviously have deeper pockets.

They also have a larger bench for these type of players to sit on...

[V3zna]

They also have a larger bench for these type of players to sit on...

Chelsea's usage of the damn good De Bruyne and Salah is a damning indictment of hoarding and not using players.

[hmm]

He reminds me of Walcott at 20. Pace to burn, can beat a man easily, can't finish to save his life. You look at Walcott now aged 26 and wonder if this is how Sterling will be at the same age. It's entirely possible.

Reminds me more of Shaun Wright-Phillips. Quick, tricky little winger, dubious end product, liable to end up wasting away on someone's bench if he's not careful.

[V3zna]

Phil Thompson's write up on Sky today was interesting. Sterling is represented by a young agent who has left his agency to set up his own. This all just totally smacks of some really bad advice. There's no doubt quite a lot of damage has been done between Liverpool FC and the player. There's no bridge that can't be mended though.

[The Fox]

He reminds me of Walcott at 20. Pace to burn, can beat a man easily, can't finish to save his life. You look at Walcott now aged 26 and wonder if this is how Sterling will be at the same age. It's entirely possible.

Apart from the pace thing your description of Walcott is the exact opposite of the reality. He can't beat a man one on one for toffee but he's a very good finisher.

[Azrael]

Sterling will be mad to leave at this point. We're probably the best place for him at the moment. Can't see many other clubs that can afford him who will give him a starting place each week to continue his development.

[Guest]

Yeah why is he suddenly just not that great with the idea that he won't be missed.

A great point on football weekly - he does often do or create more than other players and isn't paid as much. So why wouldn't he be annoyed?

If you're good enough you're old enough/you'll never win anything with kids.

Or, rather, you'll never win anything by selling your kids*.

*which our of context sound dubious, but, ya know.

[Gabe]

I think you're missing the point - nobody is saying he isn't any good, but that he isn't good enough to play for any of the real current giants. If you think he is, then you could probably get a job as one of his advisors. Also, most people aren't advocating selling him, but if he has it in his mind that he wants to go, then there isn't a great deal that can be done. In that scenario the club has to ensure they get the best price for him and try to avoid selling domestically.

[glb]

Oh Kolo.

Might get out our own half soon.

[Gabe]

Nice positive start, which is good to see.

[SaintM]

Three CBs on the pitch and Skrtel suspended, but Lovren still can't get a start.

[ryodi]

Unless Liverpool regain their composure I fear they may be on the end of a hiding.

[Takizawa]

Oh jeez.

[Sng]

No one gives the ball away quite like Sterling.

[Stig]

Urrrrrrgh

[Gabe]

Lovely free-kick.

Both teams have given the ball away far too much, but the number of passes from our back 3 and Lucas that have gone to an Arsenal player is embarrassing. Really shows how valuable a CB who is comfortable on the ball and can pass is.

It'd be some comeback to get something from this now.

[Muttnicks]

[Stig]

[Sng]

Gonna win the league next season!

[Kelthink]

Urrrrrrgh

[Timbuktu]

That's it isn't it.

[glb]

Been trying to think of an appropriate compound of swears.

Bollockingshitbastardwhoretittingknobminge should do it.

[dogsout]

I don't get this at all. I fully expected a humping today but somehow I'm still surprised. What's Brendan up to here? Every team we play now will set up in the same way. Seems like very little has been learned from the United game. Shocking sub at half-time, too.

[Stig]

I think we've been the better team this half and I'd have had a lot more confidence in a result had we not shat out in those 8 mins.

[ryodi]

Well today has been a disaster