Topic: Martin Skrtel - What Now?

[gazzalfc]

Not in the squad today at all.

[dr.dracco]

not starting, illness

[Jools]

Think Rodgers has been told the club will not spend any significant money on any CD older than 23 or so. He wants experience and leadership, but he won't be able to buy it, so he may stick with Skrtel and hope he steps up with Carra gone.

I'm wondering if Rodgers can do a Shanks and plunder the lower leagues for talent.
Aden Flint caught my eye in the recent division1 play-off's.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/bsp/hi/football/statistics/players/f/flint_415843.stm

[Drinks Sangria]

I'm wondering if Rodgers can do a Shanks and plunder the lower leagues for talent.
Aden Flint caught my eye in the recent division1 play-off's.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/bsp/hi/football/statistics/players/f/flint_415843.stm

No offence mate, but Flint (whilst a decent player at that level) is nowhere near good enough to play in the PL. He's 23 and has only had two years outside the non-league. Your point still stands, but it's a very different game and time to back in Shankly's day. Nowadays, any good young talent is snapped up by a top academy very quickly, and scouting networks are far more extensive with far more information to hand. That's why when someone does come up from the lower leagues (Lambert, Holt etc) it's seen as a novelty and magnified because of that. I'm not saying there's no talent outside of the PL and top European leagues, just that it's a far more difficult prospect than it once was.

[ThePeetmix]

I'm wondering if Rodgers can do a Shanks and plunder the lower leagues for talent.
Aden Flint caught my eye in the recent division1 play-off's.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/bsp/hi/football/statistics/players/f/flint_415843.stm

Ourselves at Mansfield Town are trying to convince him to sign for us (good friends with our manager). Think you might be in for tough competition.

[dr.dracco]

The thread title reflects his actual situation...

What now?

[LFC_4_life]

We should have sold him last season for the £25 million he wasn't worth. 

[Senior Cutinhio]

We should have sold him last season for the £25 million he wasn't worth.

more worthy than good for nothing internet douche

[LFC_4_life]

more worthy than good for nothing internet douche

What's wrong with what I said? If we end up moving him out this season as people are speculating, we won't get anywhere near what we could have got last season.

[robertobaggio37]

We should have sold him last season for the £25 million he wasn't worth.

Who knows if there was an actual offer for him? We're just guessing, stop.

[lorenzo23]

We should have sold him last season for the £25 million he wasn't worth.

Should of could of didn't, maybe if we would of sold Gerrard for 30m all them years ago we could of built title winning team. But we didn't stop living in past.

[capt k]

But we didn't stop living in past.

I agree, we cannot live on what if's  .but by the same token we cannot look back and not take notice of what went before. If you cant learn from past mistakes, you are destined to remain the same. 

[riismeister]

We should have sold him last season for the £25 million he wasn't worth.

Which club offered that £25 million again?

[subroc]

It may be curtains for Skrtel's career in Liverpool...

[Earl of Dingleberry]

Zbohom Martin! Veľa šťastia!

[aditya0912]

Got to keep him  simple as that.

Never thought we would be contemplating selling him just a year after he won player of the year 

[lorenzo23]

I agree, we cannot live on what if's  .but by the same token we cannot look back and not take notice of what went before. If you cant learn from past mistakes, you are destined to remain the same.

Yes that goes without saying. But in this case Martin did not go from player of year beast where team is willing to pay 25m for him to shit player? He always been decent CB and really stepped it up last year.

I am sure Martin himself would argue that he not been treated fairly likewise for Coates. I mean being told your being dropped cause we need leader at back is bullshit cause Carra being vocal has done nothing for better performance in defending.

[Gnurglan]

Skrtel hasn't been the player he was last season, but he's been on par with Agger.

Our plan for the CBs has been suspect. We've had mistakes from everyone, so no-one should feel safe to begin with. We knew Carra would retire, yet we made him our defensive corner stone. Skrtel, our best player last season has been reduced to backup. Agger hasn't been too impressive, but has played all the time. Coates, our CB for the future, has been nowhere to be seen.

We've left ourselves with lots of questionmarks and no answers.

[lorenzo23]

Skrtel hasn't been the player he was last season, but he's been on par with Agger.

Our plan for the CBs has been suspect. We've had mistakes from everyone, so no-one should feel safe to begin with. We knew Carra would retire, yet we made him our defensive corner stone. Skrtel, our best player last season has been reduced to backup. Agger hasn't been too impressive, but has played all the time. Coates, our CB for the future, has been nowhere to be seen.

We've left ourselves with lots of questionmarks and no answers.

A nice balance view.

[robertobaggio37]

Skrtel hasn't been the player he was last season, but he's been on par with Agger.

Our plan for the CBs has been suspect. We've had mistakes from everyone, so no-one should feel safe to begin with. We knew Carra would retire, yet we made him our defensive corner stone. Skrtel, our best player last season has been reduced to backup. Agger hasn't been too impressive, but has played all the time. Coates, our CB for the future, has been nowhere to be seen.

We've left ourselves with lots of questionmarks and no answers.

Well said.

[lfcBG]

hopefully we will keep him at least until january

[woof]

Skrtel hasn't been the player he was last season, but he's been on par with Agger.

Our plan for the CBs has been suspect. We've had mistakes from everyone, so no-one should feel safe to begin with. We knew Carra would retire, yet we made him our defensive corner stone. Skrtel, our best player last season has been reduced to backup. Agger hasn't been too impressive, but has played all the time. Coates, our CB for the future, has been nowhere to be seen.

We've left ourselves with lots of questionmarks and no answers.

That's why addressing our central defence is key to us attaining or even competing for top 4. We've left too much money on the table when teams score with their first and probably one attempt on goal

[Senior Cutinhio]

Skrtel hasn't been the player he was last season, but he's been on par with Agger.

Our plan for the CBs has been suspect. We've had mistakes from everyone, so no-one should feel safe to begin with. We knew Carra would retire, yet we made him our defensive corner stone. Skrtel, our best player last season has been reduced to backup. Agger hasn't been too impressive, but has played all the time. Coates, our CB for the future, has been nowhere to be seen.

We've left ourselves with lots of questionmarks and no answers.

Skrtel enjoyed company of Joe Allen for way too long to come out this partnership as the culprit when the real issues were in abundance in front of him i.e. Midfield. Fickle fans here are equivalent of chelsea trash, who don't watch to support team but to prove themselves they were right about him being wrong i.e. not suitable for Liverpool. It is after the winter transfer window that we found a slight balance in midfield with :

- Gerrard not running forward and leave gaps bigger than Panama Canal
- Lucas in team and Joe Allen not playing
- Henderson getting his burning shoes on
- Coutinhio not giving away possession in the middle of the park
- Downing starting to work harder

and we not playing for anything and hence being more relaxed about trying to win. remember the number of 0-0's

[ChaChaMooMoo]

Carra should have been the starter and Agger/Skrtel should have been rotated.

Since when did he lose his position to Carra? Since before christmas right?

[Sgt. Pepper]

Since when did he lose his position to Carra? Since before christmas right?

No. It's was a direct result of the Oldham debacle which was in Jan 27.

[dr.dracco]

No. It's was a direct result of the Oldham debacle which was in Jan 27.

No. It was game before Oldham, after we played United and he was arguably best of the bad bunch in defence that game. Carra strted the next league game (don´t konow who the opponents were) and then came the Oldham game.

[LFC_4_life]

Skrtel enjoyed company of Joe Allen for way too long to come out this partnership as the culprit when the real issues were in abundance in front of him i.e. Midfield. Fickle fans here are equivalent of chelsea trash, who don't watch to support team but to prove themselves they were right about him being wrong i.e. not suitable for Liverpool. It is after the winter transfer window that we found a slight balance in midfield with :

- Gerrard not running forward and leave gaps bigger than Panama Canal
- Lucas in team and Joe Allen not playing
- Henderson getting his burning shoes on
- Coutinhio not giving away possession in the middle of the park
- Downing starting to work harder

and we not playing for anything and hence being more relaxed about trying to win. remember the number of 0-0's

This post is spot on and is the key reason for our turn around defensively since around December.These have been the biggest factors in our turn around of form IMO. I still think the midfield could be strengthened a little defensively and obviously we should be looking to replace Carra with someone who is more suited high line.

[Sgt. Pepper]

No. It was game before Oldham, after we played United and he was arguably best of the bad bunch in defence that game. Carra strted the next league game (don´t konow who the opponents were) and then came the Oldham game.

Yes. Carra returned to the side against Norwich, Skrtel regained his place for the Oldham game then lost it again after that game for the Arsenal match.
After that game came a 15 minute appearance against Man City in which he managed to be partly at fault for Aguero's equalizer thanks to lack of communication with Reina (and perhaps even lack of trust by Pepe).
It was four games before he was given another chance and it ended up being the 3-1 defeat to Southampton. Then we didn't see him until the final game, when Agger was injured.
There were more than a handful of games in which Skrtel was below par so if BR doesn't have faith in him and will look to move him on I can't blame him.

[DerKaiser]

I just hope that when does go he's treated with the respect he wasn't given by the fans and management at Liverpool.

[Djimi Smicer]

I just hope that when does go he's treated with the respect he wasn't given by the fans and management at Liverpool.

I agree that he's been shown a lack of respect by certain sections of the support, I disagree he's been shown a lack of respect by the management.  The debate on Skrtel has truly been done to death by now but I personally don't agree that he's some kind of scapegoat.  I'd like to see him stay but if he goes then I wish him the best.  Hopefully he comes back for pre-season determined to fight for and win his place back and we see him return to the form that we know he is capable of.

[lorenzo23]

Carra should have been the starter and Agger/Skrtel should have been rotated.

Since when did he lose his position to Carra? Since before christmas right?

Lollll its amazing Carra retirement has really shot him up to some amazing heights.

[PIPA23]

another big interview in Slovak media, only google translated:

Martin Skrtel: "To offer comes, I'll think it over"

Today | 10:45 LIVERPOOL - Liverpool Central defender Martin Skrtel on this recent season: As soon as possible I want to forget it! This article is made by the newspaper Sport.

In this recent season, Martin Skrtel came during five and a half year working in Liverpool for the first time by the wayside. Coach Brendan Rodgers him in January, he sat on the bench and instead began to build Jamie Carragher, who on Sunday home game with Queen's Park Rangers said goodbye to a player's career. Takes the 35-year-old Liverpool legend scepter organizer defense at Anfield our defender, or change jersey? Although these questions we tried to answer in an interview with the captain of the Slovak national team.

Martin was the season 2012/13 that to which you would most like to forget as soon as possible?
"We can say that, yes. Whether the results of the team that definitely were not what we had imagined, but even more sorry for me from a personal perspective. In the second half of the season I dropped out of the assembly, to which I have ever been used. It was one of my worst seasons in his career and certainly the worst during his time at Liverpool. Ever since I came to England, I've always more or less regularly played. When counting the injury, I never so long to bear. Up to now, which is why I so disappointed with it. "

In the fall you picked up regularly, after the New Year but if cut off. When we talked about it during the season, you want nothing dissects. With this, it is express fuller after year. So - what happened then?
"It came on the field after the game Manchester United. Coach decided he wanted to change the report and justify to me that we as it lacks the organization matches and back rows leadership personality. And for me there gave Carragher. Not left me nothing but his step this respect. I know that I had before matches, which I had not. I made mistakes, my performances were not the best. But something similar could be said about the whole team, what I basically said the coach. Apparently it is not that I played badly, but needs to pitch yourself and organizer of the game. "

How have you reacted to his words?
"Obviously I was not happy, it bugged me. On the other hand, I realized that the play can only eleven and eleven now the coach chooses without me. I decided to add even more in training, so I was ready for a chance to show that I belong on the field, and not on the pitch. "

As you were affected by the time passed and you still have not played?
"The first three weeks or months were really hard, I was not accustomed to not play it at all. Then I realized that nothing will change. So I just keep practicing and waited as it develops. "

Your critics say that you have found themselves on the bench right that you do not give such performances as the season before. What do you think?
"Criticism is to football, I get used to these voices there were, are and will be. For me, the most essential view my closest and those responsible for the events at the club. Just because someone criticized me outside, and various special tiežfanúšikovia the internet discussions, but I do not care. "

Although you coach nearly four months in the nominations for the match ignored, suddenly in mid-May said that you are an important player for him and almost certainly with you counted into next season. How have you reacted to that?
"I said something similar about a week before the article came out in the media, but even so I was in a slight state of shock. It was very interesting, I would say that maybe comic. More than three months I sat on the bench, I was completely out of the game and then I hear from him soon afterwards and also read in the paper something like this. If it was in other circumstances, such as during the autumn, would make me very happy, but now I'm over it more or less just smiled. "

Less than six weeks starting summer training, started it in jersey FC Liverpool?
"With Liverpool I have a valid contract, I got a plan and guidelines that I have to report 2 July So the question is at this point - yes, I will start training in Liverpool and then we will see what to do next. "

What you think is the chance that you will stay at Anfield?
"According to what I read in the papers, so pretty big. But it was a statement of one party. "

And what thus says the latter, therefore you?
"Cha-cha, the other side is still silent on this. I have a three-year contract that I signed just last year. The truth is however, so that after all the events that happened in the second half of the season, I was thinking of leaving already. "

Where to?
"I do not have specific deals. However, if some came by and took me, I'd probably over thinking it. "

Can you be more specific? How many percent will stay in Liverpool?
"I do not want to be so specific. Key word will in any case club, he has the most to say what, since I have a contract with him. Moreover, I do not claim that at all costs I must go. I'm sorry about what happened this season, but I've been here for five and a half years and in that time I have built up a certain position. "

If you would ultimately alter the jersey, what country would you fancy?
"I have not chosen any particular. During that time I spent in Liverpool, I was convinced that I probably most suited to the English style of football. I would not impede therefore remain in the Premier League, but it is not to say that other country or competition for me is not interesting. I repeat, if any particular offer, we can talk about it in detail. "

Perceive different messages can be sent to the middle of the Liverpool defense? Said he would come Kolo Toure of Manchester City, Kyriakos Papadopoulos of Schalke, mention the other names ...
"If I tell you the truth, I do not watch it now. I'm glad I ended my season and room from football. On the other hand, it was clear that he finished Carragher, someone has to lose. I'm used to that in the team competition is always great and I'm not afraid of her. I know I have to Liverpool I played and I firmly believe that if I stay here, so be it. "

What role play in your decision the fact that you are married since last summer, and since November 2011 have baby son Matteo?
"Now, in my first family. We discuss everything together, it is important to me, what my wife has a view, what would be best for small. However, I must stress that this Barborka is very tolerant of my decisions have always fully supported. "

Why Liverpool season so messed up?
"I have said on numerous occasions - before the season there have been several changes. Moreover, we did not work the top league - even though we played well, we could not earn points, making us the end of the competition was worth a seat in the European Cup. We played a lot of matches in which we showed that the team has the power and what is the build, but the next season they should be - if we want to be successful - much more. "

It was coming from your coach Rodgers good choice?
"That is the question before the owners if they were satisfied with the way we played and what we have achieved. Kebyže me to ask a few months earlier, the answer would be different than now. In any case, the results spoke for him at Swansea City and I believe that next season will also result in Liverpool. "

What will have changed in the summer, so that team next season success?
"First, we have given balanced performance. That we have missed most of the season 2011/12 for coach Dalglish and we suffered for it even now under Rodgers. That we were unable to repeat the good performances in several matches in a row. And then we also have to win duels in which we failed to do so. Such as Manchester United, which sometimes does not play perfect, but at 80 or 85 minutes, scored the winning goal. It can only large teams, and if it succeeds to us, again ranked among them. "

Hurt men on the behavior of Luis Suarez? Undoubtedly, this is a great footballer, but not those of his fads have too much? Last bite opponent ...
"Of course, what has happened to the sport does not belong. I do not think it would hurt the men. Ever since he came to Liverpool, draws on the field maximum, scores important goals. Unfortunately, napping in it something explosive and when it wakes up here and there, is wrong. With Luis I have a good relationship off the field is a super guy. Even myself, however, very surprised when I saw what he did Ivanovic. I believe that in the future, avoiding such things. "

Not afraid of you and the training that you have played against each other, that you perhaps take a bite pinkie or ear piece?
"ha-ha, it's not. Although some fights tend to spike trainings enough, so far not gone. "

Did he tell you why he did?
"Not really. We did not talk too much about it, because at that time a lot has been written about it and it was to see how much you're sorry. Realizing that made a big stupidity. "

How did you feel about the decision to terminate Jamie Carragher career?
"It surprised us all in the cabin because there was no indication that this would be his last season. Although later confessed that even thinking about it during the previous year. Now you might have inside said that the time has come to end. We took it as fact. "

With the announcement but have to wait a bit, right? Maybe Coach Rodgers iff not need so urgently amend the report and send it to the field leadership personality ...
"This is hard for me to express. Maybe it was just coincidence that it follows fired ... "

What was parting with Carragher in the last game of the season in which you are entering at his side?
"Very touching. The whole duel was marked by this spirit, since we are rivals and have virtually no big deal. Before the game and after the festive events were held and where 85 Jamie minutes, leaving the field, I had goosebumps all over. Glad I could playing with such personality, such as Carra is no doubt. Its time it was one of the best defenders not only in England but throughout Europe. "

LOOKS FORWARD TO MIAMI

Summer vacation to Martin Skrtel enjoys with his wife on a sunny Florida. "We spend a week there. I'm glad we finally managed to equip it, we planned it any longer. I believe we get to the play-off match NBA basketball, we would very much like to see. Then we more or less in Slovakia in Trencin or Ráztoka, and in the second half of June we would like to go with a small Matteo shortly to arrive or to Croatia, "describe us your upcoming program.

http://sport.aktuality.sk/c/149868/martin-skrtel-ak-pride-ponuka-budem-nad-nou-rozmyslat/