Judging by yesterday, the delivery alone will not save him. His passing has been incredibly erratic this season. I don't think the tactical set up has helped but that's just one issue. This squad has multiple issues which is frustrating because there is no quick fix unfortunately.
It was dull and expected. We're rarely played well this season full stop, particularly away from home. We need the season to finish, work on some new plans to stop being so predictable, so easy to play through and get some new blood in (doesn't need to be a mass overhaul imo). Need to be tougher to play against, grind out some results and the get the confidence flowing because at the moment its rock bottom.
Lot of the issues stem from the lack of physicality in midfield. We lost that ability to snap into challenges quickly, cover ground quickly and defend transitions with ease. Combined with a new attack force which his disjointed and still learning patterns.
He has to take a lot of responsibility in my opinion. I have given FSG a lot of sh*T for the lack of investment but Klopp was the one who decided to spunk £100m on Gakpo and Nunez, who clearly don't fit our style and we now need to re-invent the wheel to get the best out of them. Klopp is also the one giving out big contracts to players who are past their sell by date as well. He along with Ljinders prioritised new tactics in pre season over fitness. A lot of issues at the club. Now that it looks like FSG are staying, looking to hire a DOF and have promoted Will Spearman, I hope this is a sign that they are reverting back to the model that was successful.
Without Thiago, we have too many players who simply don't add much to our build up play. The midfield is far too limited and can only be remedied once we sign new players. When in transition, we're fine but in terms of patient build up play, it's none existent.
Indeed. His passing was total ****e yesterday, including one corner that was presumably expecting Virgil, Konate, Nunez and Gakpo to do a circus act and stand on each others' shoulders to reach it.
Are we though? I'm not sure I agree with this narrative. He's the one midfielder that passes with intent, purpose and can break lines easily.
Gives the ball away too much and takes too many touches. He was great in Germany cause he was allowed to have lots of touches
Last night was simply embarrassing. Be honest, Madrid, especially in the second half, had the deck chairs and cigars out. It reminded me of us against United at OT last season after Pogba got sent off: they probably had another two if not three gears to go to had they needed them. Rather than individually lambast certain players, it suffices to say that we never really built on what was the best squad in Europe 3-4 years ago and it's easier to list who we should build the squad around moving forward. And it won't be a quick process, and it's doubtful we'll get back to where we were within a decade when you appreciate that there are more teams squeezing into top six/four berths now. I just don't think FSG has the balls and resources for the re-build needed, and we'll revert to a sort of Newcastle under Ashley's regime, where mid-table and an occasional top four will be the norm - Arsenal in the last decade before this season. All I'd keep for now out of those on show last night is: Ally - obviously Trent- but as a squad midfielder. Robbo- still a couple of years left, and he or Ally should be captain. Konate- can do everything Rudiger can, imo, but needs a new partner as VVD is shot. Elliott - as a No 10 though, as he doesn't really fit right in 4-3-3 Carvaliho- another season to see if he can cut it. Nunez- obviously, but he ran himself into the ground by halftime last night Gakpo- appreciate him more now, but I dunno if he'd ever be the first choice if everybody is fit. That's it. Time to bin Salah too, imo, especially if the Saudis will pay funny money for him. yes, he scores goals, but his touch is appalling and he looks like he's lost his mojo. Did we sell the wrong African? And let's see how Diaz is next season (this season is a write-off if we judge how Jota has come back after five months out). Would that mean @ £400m net spend, depending on what we'd get for Salah? probably. Would FSG, who uniquely have that much wiggle room under FFP to spend that much if they chose to bite the bullet and do that, considering that figure is close to their total net spend since they took over in 2010? Nah, just won't happen, will it? One last thought though - if we don't spend that, and we expect our now slower and older players to keep grinding on for another few seasons (Im guessing that'll be FSGs strategy), will we still persist with 4-3-3 and a high defensive line built around a younger, peak-of-his-career Virgil? And the nub of it all - can Klopp play anything but 4-3-3, even when his players are no longer suited to it? Winter is coming.
We actually lack physicality all through the team, apart from Konaté. Darwin is a big lad but like Origi before him (similar height and build) he too gets pushed off the ball. I've not seen the team looking so soft since Klopp took over. Salah's nippiness always meant he didn't need the physical strength to do his job because once he gets going, he's not getting caught. Different in static situations where he's literally lifted off his feet with no protection from referees. But I'm conflating two issues now.
We're not. For all his individual lack of pace, I've never seen a player with such a wide array of killer passes. Sometimes you let the ball do the work.
don't worry. there's always a brigher day. we are in the **** bit we've been in the shot many times. we just need to rebuild round the big bet talents. nunez, gakpo, diaz, alisson, konate the others who've a lot of miles on clock need to be sorted out.. robbo has done a lot of good this season for example.
I don't think any of us expected anything different, did we? Maybe more commitment. Alisson superb again
Captains? You need leaders who stand up and encourage and speak, not just one. Robertson has done that this season. I would hand anyone else that, especially not vvd as he's just too blase half the time. He played liked he cared last night but has to do a lot more in the bread and butter games. Konate doesn't talk on the park so not him. Trent is a no no no for me There's no midfield general in this side. That for me is the issue
anchelotti has summed up why they won in one short statement liverpool pressed up. this was great up to 2-0 and a howler by courtois but it was all going to end in tears anchelotti stated modric and Kroos love that game as they has bags of space to find and play in as a result. in short anchelotti is stays we should have low blocked at 2-0 up and challenged them to break us down and bit on the counter. our style is obvious to everyone. all 3 cms just go towards the ball all the time and there's massive space and gaps that back line have to contend with. even at 2-2 we could have shut up shop at anfield but walked out thinking more of the same.
Jeez we’ve gone from beating United 7-0 to now 90% of the team are **** and should never play for lfc again and we’ll be Newcastle under Ashley fighting relegation and finishing mid table Nothing like fans on forum to go over the top. Remember when we were **** and scrapped into top 2 two years ago then went and almost won 4 trophies the next season? Remember how arsenal bottled top 4 last season and are now favourites for the title 5 points clear of city after a couple of decent signings? Rememver how Newcastle just survived relegation then brought in Bruno, trippier, botman and pope and suddenly pushed for top 4 spot?
nobody wanted to hear why we beat utd 7-0 at the time but here it is. 1. casimero was half injured and couldn't run 2. utd came with bad attitude to slow game down first 25 and then missed 2 or 3 chances when the dominated. 3. Anthony never tracked on jot and left robbo have the freedom of the park. 4. every shot went in. 5. utd players lost their heads totally at 0-2 6. ten haag lost his head and took Fred off not casemiro and left utd with a cry baby, a show boater, 4 defenders who were shot mentally and for good measure a crocked midfield. 7. anfield was hopping 8. we actually played well let's not kid ourselves. utd midfield made fabinho look good. that should tell you we caught them right on the chin and then folded. the same for Bournemouth game. we missed one or two then got caught with a punch and couldn't get off the canvas as we had no stamina
