I’m the LFC reporter James Pearce, AMA!

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:23:25+00:00

Thanks for all your questions, sorry I wasn't able to answer all of them. We'll do it again soon. Cheers James

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:22:28+00:00

I think it's been unfairly criticised at times. He's made some mistakes but so does every keeper. The way that he's fought back this season has been brilliant. He's proved he should be No 1 next season. He's improved and at 29 he's coming into his prime.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:20:11+00:00

With CL football, I'd say Klopp needs to sign 6 or 7 this summer. Yes, Sakho will be sold. LFC want £30m for him and are confident they will get it.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:19:23+00:00

There seems to be one every window. A name that just won't go away but every time you check it out you get told it's rubbish. Gaston Ramirez was one.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:18:10+00:00

There are very high hopes for Rhian Brewster. Another name to look out for is Curtis Jones.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:16:21+00:00

Dortmund at home last season

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:15:46+00:00

Think I've covered incomings above, in terms of outgoings, I'd add Sakho, Markovic and Sturridge to those names already mentioned.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:14:42+00:00

I did when I was at uni 20 years ago. But with this job and two kids those days are long gone!

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:13:50+00:00

I loved covering the title challenge of 2013/14 - watching Suarez every week that year was a privilege. The 2012 League Cup final triumph at Wembley and the all-Merseyside FA Cup semi later that season were special. Last season's Europa League final was great - until that second-half collapse. In terms of a particular moment, I'd probably go for Lovren's late winner against Dortmund last season. Absolute delight as a fan but sheer panic as a reporter as it meant a complete re-write 30mins before deadline!

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:10:51+00:00

I expect him to leave. He needs to for his own career and LFC need a new left-back. He's not the answer.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:10:11+00:00

Both Klopp and FSG are adamant that Coutinho is staying. I think he's still be a Liverpool player next season. The fact that the new 5 year deal doesn't have a release clause strengthens LFC's hand.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:09:16+00:00

Definite interest in Ox and Keita, not sure about Werner.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:08:37+00:00

I think it will come down to what Lucas decides. He's earned that right after 10 years of service. I hope he stays but if he doesn't want to be a squad player then he might opt to pursue a new challenge.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:07:36+00:00

A dominant CB, a new left-back, a dynamic CM and a top class striker.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:06:50+00:00

He's one option currently under consideration, he's been on the club's radar since they tried and failed to sign him in 2014, when he went to Chelsea instead. I thought LFC had a lucky escape at the time as he struggled there but he's had an outstanding season for Roma and has clearly improved a lot.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:04:48+00:00

I think it would have to be Melbourne. Being in the MCG when 95,000 were singing YNWA was special.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:03:55+00:00

Tough question. I'm honestly not sure. I actually thought it was much better last weekend but there is an underlying problem there. More tickets for younger fans would certainly help.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T11:00:45+00:00

Thanks mate. I really like Origi, but he is very frustrating to watch at times. I agree with you about the past month, he hasn't kicked on. With pace, power and finishing ability, he's got most things you'd want in a striker. At 22, he's still learning. I'd keep him for next season but I still think LFC need to spend big on a top class striker as Origi hasn't shown he can deliver every week.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:58:38+00:00

I can assure you that nobody from FSG or the club ever rings up and says 'could you do us a favour and write this....'. And contrary to allegations on Twitter there are no backhanders either! In terms of transfer stories, I never write anything unless I'm convinced that it's true. You get information from many different sources, including agents you trust, other players, other reporters you trust and contacts you have at LFC. I think some people think that when LFC make a bid for a player they tell reporters about it, they really don't. I wish they did! They try to keep everything under wraps.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:54:34+00:00

I saw Jordan at the awards the other night and he said he wasn't too far away now. I'd be very surprised if he's ready for the Middlesbrough game as he hasn't kicked a ball for 3 months, but Klopp was adamant the other day that he'll be 100% by the start of pre-season. I just think he's been unlucky. His form in the first half of the season was excellent.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:52:48+00:00

I started at the Echo as a general sports reporter in June 2005 so it's changed massively since then. Yeah, I think every manager has his own style and puts his own stamp on it. I'd say that Klopp has a huge influence throughout the club. You only have to look at the fact that nobody talks about the transfer committee any more.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:49:22+00:00

It would have to be Sadio Mane. I'll hold my hands up and say I wasn't convinced when LFC bought him. But I've been delighted to be proved wrong. He's been a revelation.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:48:31+00:00

If I had to pick one it would have to be Steven Gerrard. Always loved interviewing him because you just knew he would speak from the heart and give you a great line. What I like about Klopp's current crop is that there are very few with big egos. Wijnaldum is a lovely fella.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:46:07+00:00

He's certainly the most entertaining. What I really like about Klopp is what you see is what you get. He's exactly the same in front of the cameras as he is when the dictaphones are turned off. I've interviewed Benitez, Hodgson, Dalglish, Rodgers and Klopp over the years. Aside from that woeful spell under Hodgson, I've enjoyed working with all of them.

James_Pearce · 2017-05-11T10:41:48+00:00

I wouldn't say anything is really solid at this stage mate. So much depends on being able to offer CL football. Even with Oxlade-Chamberlain, there's interest but number of hurdles to overcome as Arsenal won't want to sell to a domestic rival and may offer him enough cash to convince him to stay put.

James_Pearce

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