Too difficult for fans and players alike. Make Virgil the Captain and let's start the next period in our development. The only way Jose would be picked is if he isn't sold and we are desperate...otherwise, it isn't going to happen. Shame he couldn't get to the end of the season and leave with a wave like Morgan, Mane and Victor. None of us would be surprised to see him go in the summer....January just sucks.
I think he'd cope. He's experienced enough and there would be enough backing him. My view is simple on this. We need to play our best team and although Maya has done well, Jose is part of our best back four. Gamble? Yes, but look at the reward.
If we're forced to play yoshida on the basis that fonte is want away then he has caused us a real problem.
JF's dad tweeted earlier that his son is totally professional and would give his all, however CP is the one who has decided not to play him? I don't blame CP, you've got a player who has officially handed in a transfer request, with rumours that he is causing unrest with players and staff. The club is and will always be bigger than one player.
I would have played him too and said as much earlier in the thread. Seems the decision has been made though so with that in mind my team would be: Fraser Cedric (if fit) Maya Virgil Bertrand Romeu Clasie Davis Tadic Redmond Jrod
U cant hand in a transfer request and expect to play. You've asked to leave , no longer wish play for the club. I've got no problem with Jose wanting to go if thats what he wants to do, but at the same time due to that decision I no longer have any interest in him or what he does.
I wouldn't. As someone else, somewhere, has suggested, just how committed would he be, especially if he felt going in to a tackle, whole heartedly, would endanger any potential move. For me, he has to withdraw his formal transfer request and commit to the newest contract offer, before being asked to play in our most important game of the season.
I can't see a chance in hell that Man Utd will buy him - maybe last year when they were struggling but Mourinho's ego won't buy an old player from a lowly team. He can't wait to get rid of the young one he inherited! If I had to put a quid on it, if he leaves, he'll be fighting for a place at West Brom! (and next year Cardiff)
I would have Jose in, although I do love, and sometimes wish I was, Maya Yoshida. He'll be back in Feb instead.
Probably the first time I'm finding myself being very critical Puel. I don't care that Fonte has handed in a transfer request, he's our second best CB and this is our biggest cup game for 14 years. I don't know Fonte personally, of course, but I'm confident that he'd be professional enough to go out there and give 100%. I am by no means saying this as some sort of biased Fonte lover. I've actually been one of his biggest critics in recent years, and have wanted him replaced for at least two (years). (Although I do really struggle to understand why only this season people have started to criticise his performances. I'd suggest he's been better this year than those past two years). I'm saying it because I believe we need him. Drop him from our PL team, fine (well not fine, we'd need to sign a replacement, but you know what I mean). But not for a game like this.
Klopp is right up for this - he wants to win the cup - he's playing his best 11. Pretty sure Claude will do the same - I hope he knows the best 11 (not sure I do!) except I know our 2 best forwards (VVD and Maya)
Which makes it even more weird, he still looks half interested in fairness to him, shame it couldn't of been resolved whatever it was. You won't hear me slagging him been a great servant, everything comes to an end just shame it wasn't a happier ending considering what we've all been through together.
Not over till it's over. I still think regardless of everything he would have been well up for this but there we go. The decision has been made... let's hope Maya has a stormer. Will he be on the bench I wonder?
Yoshi is doing ok, he's never going to be a stand out CB but you can't fault his commitment and work rate.
The more Maya plays the better he will be. He suffered in the past from playing rarely and out of position.
Is this fact? I know some are putting 2 and 2 together, based on his lack of comment following his return from the Euros, and suggesting that he put in his transfer request then, but has that been confirmed? If it has then fair enough. But, his commitment, between transfer windows, would have to be high, or he would potentially lose the interest of the clubs, he is trying to attract now. We don't know what is going on, behind the scenes, and given recent history, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Liverpool are sniffing around for a quick fix to their back four problems. Given his transfer request, I'm not sure he would now risk injury, to prevent a goal, if it meant missing out on a move.
Away from the Fonte stuff for a moment but can't believe this still isn't sold out with 48 hours till ko. Pathetic.
