I think I'm going to like this thread.
I still feel that we've got a decent chance at doing something decent this season - don't ask me what exactly because I don't know, but despite Barcelona persuading Phil to turn into a prick for the ages, I think we're going to be ok. I'm not sure this is due to me having lower expectations than many people or just my endemic naivete, but I honestly don't think things are as bad as some are making them out to be.
We've got a good team and squad and so far, we've only added to it. Of all the players in our first team, only two - Milner and Lallana - are at an age where you could say they might be on the decline, and it looks like Milner may well not be first choice anymore anyway. All the rest are either in their prime or at an age where they could still have a bit of improvement left in them, so that strikes me as a plus. Klopp's possibly one of the very best managers out there at developing players so that's a help, and we have some youngsters knocking on the door who, I think, may be some of the best we've had for several years. As with Spurs last year then, we have a generally settled squad and first team who should be on the up.
Of course the transfer window's been a disappointment, considering the players that we hoped we would be signing - but as many have said, it's not over yet. I'm genuinely not sure who we'll bring in, if anyone, but I'd be surprised if we don't buy a centre half of some description. Will Coutinho be going? I honestly have not a single clue and it'll certainly be a kick in the teeth if he does leave. Mind you, if he does leave then we'll be getting a shitload of money to spend on a replacement of some description (though I'll concede I don't think there's a player out there who'd be willing to come who can replicate what he does) and hopefully some other new faces. There's always the possibility that clubs will just laugh at us and refuse point blank to sell us anyone, but I'm trying not to think like that here! And if he stays then, well, we've got one of the best players in the league, a lad who can light up any game and I'm sure that, given it's a world cup year, he'll stop sulking after a few days and start being awesome again.
The biggest plus, for me, is Klopp. Yeah, I realise we look dodgy as all fuck at the back with his system at times but, you know what? I couldn't care less because - when it all clicks - his teams play perhaps the most exhilarating, hair-raising, adrenaline-pumping brand of football that I can remember, and that's a large part of why I watch this beautiful game - because the game can be beautiful, and that's what Klopp delivers.
I reserve the right to start whinging like a pro if we go on a proper shite run and I'll be right there on the front lines with everyone else saving up for an airplane banner denouncing Klopp, the team (especially Moreno and Lovren, I'll make sure their names are capitalised in luminous orange), FSG and probably Jesus too.
