Match Day Thread Liverpool v Real Madrid CL Final

Use a tissue.

 

Klopp and lfc have had a fun press conference.

Mane has dropped the cat amongst the pigeons on stay v go. Bad way of answering it.

Salah says he's here next year which suggests he signs or goes on a free.

Klopp is positive on thaigo training this afternoon and says he might be fit. So.the eternal worriers among you can be all pleased and the realists like me can shruge knowing he could be keeping real guessing.

 

Thiago Alcantara injury boost for Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp gets 'surprisingly good' news
Thiago Alcantara is winning his race to be fit to play for Liverpool in the Champions League final
Thiago Alcantara injury boost for Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp gets 'surprisingly good' news - Liverpool Echo

 

Expect? Or Hope?

I would hope Milner, but expect Keita.

 

No matter what you think of Naby, we cannot be starting Milner in any big games (or even small games for that matter). The guy is far too slow to play at this level.

 

To be fair, doesn’t matter what any of us think about any of them, klopp will decide what he thinks is best

 

True. Which is why Naby is getting more and more game time

 

The biggest concern for me is that Real will get the balls to Modric and Kroos, and they'll ping balls over the top to Vinicus and try to exploit our high line. They did that constantly against us last season but we did have a makeshift midfield and defence.

I'm hoping this Saturday will be different and we can handle it but it won't be easy. Which is why I feel Konate's pace will be crucial to provide support to Trent.

 

Fingers crossed Ali doesnt throw one at Benzema and a sun doesn’t come on and score an overhead kick and hit one at the keeper from 30 yards out that he fumbles in as well!

Amazing to think how modric and kroos still dominate games. Feel like we should be able to get about them and our run them in the middle but both so good on the ball. Def can’t give them acres of time and space if we play high

 

No doubt Modric and Kroos are still world class playmakers but their midfield does not have the legs. Real have struggled in pretty much every CL this season but seem to produce moments of magic once Camavinga / Valverde come on. That will be the key for us - once they come on, Real do come into their own.

Ideally, we will be 2-3 goals up by that point

 

Unfortunately, this shows our lack of CM options.

Keita is slow, he takes far too long to make a decision and can't tackle for **** but it's very good at pressing and, given time, can produce quality on the ball.

Milner is the exact opposite; rash, no idea how to press as a team and over zealous with the tackle at times. His passing is very questionable for an experienced player

 

I really want Tchouameni but looks like we're going to be gazumped by Real and now potentially PSG - which is a big blow because the rumours are that we pretty much agreed a fee with Monaco, terms with the players and medical done.

 

The dilemma for us is who starts in attack.

Do we go with Mane, Bobby and Salah with Diaz on the bench? The argument for it is that Bobby is very intelligent in his pressing and can sit on Kroos / Casemiro etc, and we have Diaz to come off the bench to run at tired legs. The argument against is that Bobby is not as good as he used to be and Mane has been poor on the wing.

Or do we go with our inform 3 with Diaz, Mane and Mo?

 

No dilemma for me; strongest option... Mane, Salah & Diaz. Diaz and Mane don't stop running anyway

 

He might be a cart horse but he won't be anonymous.

smash a few late. Sub at ht. Job done

I'd rather that than watching naby stood watching players waltz round us while he doesn't track back.

 

Not arsed.

You have fallen for the agent **** again.

We will buy who we buy and next thing they'll be amazing.

 

I think deep down, you really are arsed ...

 

Really not about that lad.

When there stories flying its nearly always agents stirring the pot.

Player has to want to come to us not be playing the pick and choose game.

 

You can stop crying about losing Tchouameni to Real / PSG. It's ok, we have Milner.

 

Tchouameni looked a good option... But most of the time we sign someone we weren't expecting, so was always a longshot when rumours start in March.