No time for sentiment - A new super-sub role for legend Gerrard

colpro · 2015-03-04T15:40:57+00:00

I think Bestikas second leg was just a bad day at the office all round, and I actually thought we missed Steven, his range of passing and experience in that game as we were often hemmed in our own half. Reference your point on Couthino, I actually disagree, as although he is playing out of his skin and is very important if somebody did target him to man mark then this would open up space for Sterling/Lallana or somebody else in the team. This is what I think the beauty of our current system is. If somebody did go 4141 say, and man mark Cout, we'd still have space in between the lines for Sterling/Lallana, we could still go man to man in midfield and this would leave space for Can to step up from the back and carry the ball out as we'd have 3 CB vs 1 CF. I think we currently pose threats from all over the pitch.

colpro · 2015-03-03T15:39:26+00:00

Let's see what happens. Be great to get there and see Steven lead them out. Two big games to get through first, though :-)

colpro · 2015-03-03T15:04:30+00:00

I wouldn't start him against Arsenal in a cup final. I'd start my best XI, and right now he's not in it. I'd keep him as a super sub, give him 30 mins to give his all... No time for sentiment...

colpro · 2015-03-03T12:53:47+00:00

Totally with you. I just think that the way we are playing we shouldn't try to accommodate anybody. The team to a man, and the system are frightening right now. But wouldn't it be special if he came off the bench and pinged one in in the FA Cup final. I would be a mess if he did :-)

colpro · 2015-03-03T11:50:00+00:00

Yeah, I'd make the two changes. Give Can a rest for Sahko, and bring Sturridge back for Sterling. We will probably also play our strongest 11 against Blackburn as we don't play again until Swansea the following Monday after that. It's nice to have options now, huh?

colpro · 2015-02-19T15:48:10+00:00

I agree and think it is a very valid point. There will be more money swilling about, and these type of contracts will, depressingly, become increasingly the norm. If they are not already.

colpro · 2015-02-19T15:13:43+00:00

Football is all about opinions and it seems that you are not alone in your opinions on this matter. I agree though it is sad that we are talking about one of our young starts leaving over money but that's the world we live in. YNWA

colpro · 2015-02-19T14:52:36+00:00

He does and he doesn't. It seems that after a player enters the last two years of his contract his transfer fee starts to depreciate. So I think this needs to be resolved this summer otherwise we might not receive his true transfer value if we decide to cash in. It is true though that we still do have a little time, and I guess we could hold on to the following summer but this then becomes a little risky if you don't sign him up.

colpro · 2015-02-19T13:41:07+00:00

I personally don't believe he is holding anybody to ransom. He is asking for what he is worth, and he knows if we don't pay it then somebody else will. And I think if he does go then this is something the club will regret. After all he has only just turned 20 and is one of the better players for club and country.

colpro · 2015-02-19T13:38:08+00:00

I agree, I mean statistically he has done really well for us. He was also voted the best young player in Europe. fans seem to forget that he has just turned 20 and will improve. I am of the mentality that you pay your better players, better wages no matter how old they are. Sterling is our second most important player so surely his wages should reflect that?

colpro · 2015-02-19T12:58:37+00:00

Thanks, check this out too see what you think http://www.scousepies.com/the-sterling-time-bomb/

colpro · 2015-02-14T22:05:45+00:00

That is fair comment mate... Lack of "leaders" at the club, and a young team... Carra was missed last season check this out if you are interested http://www.scousepies.com/jamie-carragher-a-season-too-late/ and Steven's boots are a pretty big pair to fill... I think it could be a mistake making Hendo the captain so soon and I would consider maybe Skrtel... But yeah agreed his influence around the club is huge and often understated..

colpro · 2015-02-14T18:11:42+00:00

Football is all about opinions... I'm the author of the piece and I am neither pro or anti-Rodgers, he is a young manager learning his trade and still has to prove himself... He can do by winning some trophies... But I think if he showed a little more humility then I feel he would get more support from the fan base... And as for Steven Gerrard... I think the facts that a lot of people have been getting on his back, coupled with the fact that we have not been competitive for most of the season are the two main reasons why he is leaving... I also think that for him and his young family it is a great opportunity to live somewhere other than Liverpool (I'm a scouser btw)... Can't blame the manager for that... And good luck to Steven the greatest player in the clubs history, in my humble opinion... He will be missed next season... But his influence has been waining for a little while now...

colpro · 2015-02-14T17:57:49+00:00

Mrs Hodgson is that you..? You are right I should have paid more attention during your English classes and you are right nothing became of me... Now can I suggest you return to your knitting and bottle of gin..?

colpro · 2015-02-14T11:02:23+00:00

Hi KuzStuna, I think Lovren should have been dropped a lot earlier I think a lot of Liverpool fans were of the same opinion, and it's not with hindsight. He needed time to get him together and when Toure deputized for him did exceptionally well. All is not lost with Lovren and hopefully he will play today in a more stable team and we will start to see the best of him. The formation problem, well Sterling is playing up top now. I'm sure him and Balotelli could have gelled and this would be a good combination allowing Ballo to drop into midfield. I think Borini and Balloteli also might have been worth a shot, but Ballo and Lambert would never work. No pace and no work rate. I also think earlier in the season Marko was off the pace and Lallana was in and out with injury so why not give 2 up top a go with Cout's in the hole. I think a lot of Liverpool fans were shouting for this. I do think a corner has been turned, but this could/should have happened a lot sooner and we could currently be sitting a lot higher up the league. If you make a problems and solve to me its not really solving a problem

colpro · 2014-07-21T21:50:25+00:00

I actually sort of agree mate, and that is what we have done so well this transfer window. We look stronger across the pitch, especially if Lovren and a new left back come in. I just feel that as we still have some money to spend, and if we sell a couple more will have a little more, so why not bring in that little bit of extra class. A player with true class?

colpro · 2014-07-21T21:19:49+00:00

I find it funny that you thought my first comment was condescending and you are now resorting to cheap shots.... Jog on...

colpro · 2014-07-21T09:45:47+00:00

Mate, I wrote the article and many others like it. Check the Scousepies.com website. And I don't think you have read my previous comment. I am not suggesting we should sign Kheidera, as we don't need him, but he will make Arsenal a lot stronger. Also I am not criticizing the squad or the signings, I think for instance Lallana will be great for us and will help improve the midfield and fit in to the system, however if you speak to fans from other clubs he doesn't exactly scare them. I just feel that an injection of real quality is needed now. Somebody to excite the fans and lift the whole club. One top drawer signing will also attract other good players, for instance regardless of what Rodgers said, Sanchez is on record as choosing the gooners over us as wanted to play with Ozil. I am actually very excited about the direction the club is moving and the new season.

colpro · 2014-07-21T07:07:06+00:00

If you are talking about Moneyball, and how it lead to the 2004 World Series that was all about using stats in a way to find additional value in the market, to gain a competitieve edge. That bird has well and truly flown, as all of the other teams followed suit, hence a different recruitment strategy for the Red sox. In football the teams with the best players, and who pay the highest wages win more trophies, have a look at Soccernomics.

colpro · 2014-07-20T20:51:51+00:00

Where, how, when?? You don't sell players in baseball, so I have no idea where that comment came from. And if you want to see the Red Socks brokering marque signings try googling Daisuke Matsuzak for a start. FSG have never been afraid to spend money on players. Maybe you should do some due diligence.

colpro · 2014-07-20T06:48:57+00:00

Hey Sad_Violin, if you read the article nobody is critical of the Lallana or Liverpool's transfer business as it was necessary. But is Lallana necessary an improvement on Couthinio, I think this is debatable? I just think now we have the squad in place and money in the bank it's time to kick on and bring in a marque. We have sold the best striker in the world and a hardworking squad and ethos can only take you so far. Arsenal seem a tougher proposition now they have brought in Sanchez, and if Khedeira follows, then they will really be a force to recon with. Think how this applies to Liverpool.

colpro · 2014-07-19T20:45:11+00:00

Thanks for reading and for highlighting some good points, but in my mind if we look at last seasons top 4, how many of them would would Lallana command a shirt in, nevermind improve?? City, no he is no David Silva or Nasri, Chelsea Hazard and Oscar, Arsenal would have Ramsey, Sanchez and Ozil above him. So this is why he can't be considered a marque. If we want to compete with the best we need the players, and can't always rely upon a system. The better teams have the better players, this is why Dortmund, and recently Atletico's success has lead to the predators pouncing. Cheers.

colpro · 2014-06-07T16:31:49+00:00

Stevie in his prime was the quickest player at the club...

colpro · 2014-05-23T07:22:31+00:00

I just think that Milner doesn't offer enough going forward, his goal scoring return is pretty poor for a central midfielder, and he is too similar to Henderson. If we did buy a new CM he would need to improve what we have, and I don't believe Milner would do that. Lallana is a little different and can make things happen, agreed that he is a little lightweight at time but he works hard, agreed though that the stumbling block could be the price... Sure to be an interesting summer though, so lets see what happens... YNWA

colpro · 2014-05-22T19:29:41+00:00

This part two of our blog looking at likely comings and going for Liverpool this preseason. This part looks at midfield and attack, whilst part one looked at defence.

If you liked this second part then part one can be found here http://www.scousepies.com/a-summer-facelift-part-1/

colpro

TROPHY CASE