So it means we're stuck with someone who will offer bugger all to the team and someone br doest fancy Cant moan though as we got rid of |Spearing, Downing Shelvey
"In the medical tests, we found out that the player had a torn ligament in his right knee so we have decided to take him to surgery. It will be done on Friday in Sao Paulo", a Uruguayan FA statement said.
I don't think he was really part of the plans anyway so doesn't change anything. We still have Agger, Toure, Wisdom, Kelly and Skrtel
Well that's a load of crap for a start. The Uruguay FA do not have the power to force Coates to have the operation. They would have to refer the matter back to LFC. However, if LFC can claim that he left Liverpool in A1 shape then the damage could only have been done whilst on international duty therefore the cost of his wages, rehab etc etc will have to be met from insurance.
Can't see it making much difference. Coates hardly played in any of the friendlies so is clearly down the pecking order. It's a shame as he came with such a good reputation but I think it just shows that very few South American players can come straight to the Premiership. Most successful ones have gone via other European countries where the step up in quality/pace of the game isn't as high. Think that's why you see very few Prem teams go after the young Brazilian players unless they have European experience.
Annoyed that we couldn't conclude the Willian deal but it's kinda refreshing that we're not going to pay over the odds for a player. However in this case, the extra money would have been justified. The fact that we weren't willing to match Spurs's bid indicates (IMO) that we have other targets lined up who are better value for money. One thing is for sure - Franco Baldini has done a great job at Spurs this season. Concluding deals for some quality players (on paper at least) and in good time as well. Shows you the impact of having an experienced DoF at the club. Rodgers and the committee have done a good job identifying a BETTER quality set of targets this season but closing out deals and attracting the players has proven a lot more difficult than expected. Rodgers and Ayre aren't exactly household names. Interesting statistic (can't remember the exact stat) but apparently 13/16 of the CL clubs in the first KO stage had a DoF. Can we read anything into that? Lol.
I find it embarrassing also, but if I'm honest - I'm not surprised. They are in a much better position than us who are closer to top 4 than we are and they have improved their squad on paper. In addition, they have a coach who is highly regarded around Europe and a DoF with many contacts. They also have £90m to spend on these players and wages.
