What an important win for us last night. I haven't been this nervous going into our last remaining games since the 13/14 season.
I just get the feeling that we are at a pivotal moment as a club. And either getting or not getting Champions League football could potentially map out where the club will be for the next decade.
If we don't get top 4, then we run the risk of falling further behind the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and City - Even United. Spurs look like a real top class outfit at the minute with a young squad and top manager. City, Chelsea and United all have the spending power to push on regardless. We fail to attract decent players and our own top players will all want to leave for Cl footie.
I think we are at a make or break point where, if we get top 4, then suddenly Liverpool looks an attractive draw for top pedegree players. Klopp is already a big draw and we have some decent players on our books (Coutinho, Firmino, Mane) - And with a decent transfer kitty, we may be able to add some real quality to the starting 11 in the summer. We have a real chance to capatilising one one of the top 4 spots that Arsenal have had a choke hold on for years now. If we get things right theres a massive chance we could stay there for seasons to come and even push on and challenge for the league. I think if Arsenal miss out on top 4 this season, they risk losing the likes of Sanchez and Ozil and I can honestly see them stuck in 5-7th spot for a few years to come.
I just hope we can get the results that we need in the next 3 games and push on from here.
Thoughts?
Pivotal Time for the Club
posted on 2/5/17
I think we as a club are too quick to try and get a player out the door to bring another one in. We've seen it with Benteke and Joe Allen this season - both could have mad a real difference when we were down to the bare bones a few weeks back.
Look at clubs around us... City buy Nolito, it doesnt work out so hes dropped but not sold... same goes for the likes of Depay, Carrick, Rooney. Chelsea have Zouma, Willian etc. Spurs have Lamela, Janssen, Sissoko.
IMO It makes sense to keep your entire squad strong and hungry, not just your starting 11. I think we could learn from those around us and not ship players out to get more in necessarily.
posted on 2/5/17
Allen wanted assurances Klopp could not give him, Benteke too, unlike a lot of players they've still got their best years ahead of them and its not all about money for them. Its not all about the clubs best interests either.
posted on 3/5/17
IMO the squad needs an overhaul for next season
We had 16 players klopp relied on really IMO plus kids
Mingolet
Karius
Clyne
Taa (kid)
Milner
Lovren
Matrip
Klavan (barely)
Lucas (out of contract lads)
Can
henderson
wijnaldum
Lallana
Grujic (kid)
Coutinho
firmino
Origi
Sturridge
Mane
theres a few kids but really if klopp has players fit he was picking our of this and the others could go swivel.
Theres even a couple on that list who might go.
so.... Look at that
a) quality is an issue
b) numbers certainly an issue
c) anyone not on that list = surplus
I think theres a clear out coming.
posted on 3/5/17
comment by moreinjuredthanowen (U9641)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
IMO the squad needs an overhaul for next season
We had 16 players klopp relied on really IMO plus kids
Mingolet
Karius
Clyne
Taa (kid)
Milner
Lovren
Matrip
Klavan (barely)
Lucas (out of contract lads)
Can
henderson
wijnaldum
Lallana
Grujic (kid)
Coutinho
firmino
Origi
Sturridge
Mane
theres a few kids but really if klopp has players fit he was picking our of this and the others could go swivel.
Theres even a couple on that list who might go.
so.... Look at that
a) quality is an issue
b) numbers certainly an issue
c) anyone not on that list = surplus
I think theres a clear out coming.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We barely had enough players for this season, look at our bench at times, and we will be in a European competition of some description next season, and you want a clear out?!?!
posted on 3/5/17
comment by moreinjuredthanowen (U9641)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
IMO the squad needs an overhaul for next season
We had 16 players klopp relied on really IMO plus kids
Mingolet
Karius
Clyne
Taa (kid)
Milner
Lovren
Matrip
Klavan (barely)
Lucas (out of contract lads)
Can
henderson
wijnaldum
Lallana
Grujic (kid)
Coutinho
firmino
Origi
Sturridge
Mane
theres a few kids but really if klopp has players fit he was picking our of this and the others could go swivel.
Theres even a couple on that list who might go.
so.... Look at that
a) quality is an issue
b) numbers certainly an issue
c) anyone not on that list = surplus
I think theres a clear out coming.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
On paper it looks logical that we will have a complete overhaul, but in reality it never happens as it causes too much disruption to the squad. I would imagine we will bring in 2-3 starters and 1-2 that will challenge for a place in the squad.
I had a look and the season after we challenged for the title under rogers we bought/loaned 9 first team players and went on to sell/loan out a further 14 first team players. It was a total disaster.
I totally agree with you that quality and depth is an issue.
posted on 3/5/17
Wow we've actually Lucas's contract to run down? damn didn't know that. does that mean he can or has entered contract negotiations with another club? i've not heard anything.
posted on 3/5/17
Our squad next season should look something like:
Mignolet or new GK
Karius
Manninger
Clyne
TAA
New CB
Matip
Lovren
Klavan
Gomez
New LB
Milner
New DM
Henderson
Lucas
Can
Wijnaldum
Lallana
New dynamic CM
Coutinho
Woodburn
Mane
New pacy RW/LW
Firmino
Sturridge
Origi
New CF
Then you still have Grujic, Brannagan, Ejaria, Ojo, Brewster, Wilson & possibly Ings & Ward to come back.
The defensive signings need to be spot on and first team players of genuine quality. The dynamic CM, RW/LW & CF dont necessarily have to be pushed straight into the first team.
Whoever's not on the list can be sold
posted on 3/5/17
I do not see this as a pivotal moment for you at all to be honest. You are clearly on an upward trajectory, have a good gaffer and a very young side.
I fancied you to have some progress this season, and be well in the CL mix. 3rd is looking good now and that would be a cracking season, escecially with the high amount of points probably needed.
4th would still be a good season.
Worst case you do not get CL football. Very very unlikely to me, but you would still be a draw to players. It is not as if you need superstars, Klopp strikes me as a coach who wants to mould players himself.
Our clubs are on a very similar trajectory, albeit we a year ahead"
Year 1: Assess the squad
Year 2: Start to get their identity on the team. Progress
Year 3: Game on
I fully expect a proper title tilt from Liverpool next season, no matter what happens this month
posted on 4/5/17
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 17 hours, 36 minutes ago
I do not see this as a pivotal moment for you at all to be honest. You are clearly on an upward trajectory, have a good gaffer and a very young side.
I fancied you to have some progress this season, and be well in the CL mix. 3rd is looking good now and that would be a cracking season, escecially with the high amount of points probably needed.
4th would still be a good season.
Worst case you do not get CL football. Very very unlikely to me, but you would still be a draw to players. It is not as if you need superstars, Klopp strikes me as a coach who wants to mould players himself.
Our clubs are on a very similar trajectory, albeit we a year ahead"
Year 1: Assess the squad
Year 2: Start to get their identity on the team. Progress
Year 3: Game on
I fully expect a proper title tilt from Liverpool next season, no matter what happens this month
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It's nice to get a balanced view from an opposition supporter. Sometimes we as fans aren't able to see what other fans see.
posted on 4/5/17
Kenny's I have a bit of silly to and fro with Liverpool fans on here, but I said the same thing last year - that our clubs are on a similar trajectory, albeit us being a year ahead or so.
Both very young squads
Both have forward-thinking coaches
Both using the academy
Both had lost a superstar player before the coach tookover.
Both had splurged big after with mixed results
Both had to overhaul their squad with players who fit the ethos
Liverpool are certainly on the up. Over the last two seasons they are the team I would say has played the best against us, in fact probably the only to have outplayed us overall in that time.
Lots to be excited about for you.