Topic: Damien Comolli - Director of Football Strategy

[Hunter Thompson]

Another young Spaniard. Roy won't like that. 

[Passmaster Molby]

It strikes me that Rafa would be an excellent DOF at Anfield.

At Stoke Pullis is working with Rudge as DOF, and previously had Gerry Francis and Peter Reid on the staff.The key is in the personalities and the set up.

What makes you think Rafa would make a good DOF?

For what its worth I think Rafa is a coach first and foremost, he works on teams and improves players. He would be perfect working under a DOF with a relationship of mutual trust. He works extremely well with younger players because of his grounding in youth development - he would be perfect under Comolli if they both could work together.

[bleedsred1978]

SiClancy Simon Clancy
Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina spoke to Damien Comolli in the last few days re: new signings. It seems that.....
17 minutes ago

SiClancy Simon Clancy
They were told that Ibrahim Afellay is likely to join Barcelona. One name mentioned was Real Sociedad's 19 year old winger Antoine Griezmann
16 minutes ago

SiClancy Simon Clancy
Griezmann's release clause is apparently 30 million euros. He only has 1/2 a season of La Liga experience but was part of the FFF U19.....

SiClancy Simon Clancy
....team that won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship.
15 minutes ago

We have one of that team already and he cant even get on the bench. Surely if we are thinking of paying 30 million for this kid we should give the player of the tournament a run out?

[HarryLabrador]

Another young Spaniard. Roy won't like that. 

He's French. If it's Antoine Griezmann.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjGM6aS7eeU

[Hunter Thompson]

He's French. If it's Antoine Griezmann.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjGM6aS7eeU

Ah right. Scratch that then. Assumed he was Spanish, but just re read and I see it did mention he played for the winners of the U-19s.

[HarryLabrador]

Ah right. Scratch that then. Assumed he was Spanish, but just re read and I see it did mention he played for the winners of the U-19s.

You're right though, he's neither English nor scandinavian!

[djschembri]

Could be correct about Kenny. This is really the only thing I recall.


BBC: History is important at any club and in Kenny Dalglish you have someone who represents the past triumphs and success. What role do you envisage him playing for the club?

JH: "We've spoken a couple of times. We met on Thursday just briefly and we want to get together and spend some time. He should play an important role."
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/john-henry-my-reds-vision


And while I can appreciate the plan to get players who are worth the money, I don't find that new in any sort of way. Managers have always tried to find players for good value. It's not as if we've looked to waste money on purpose and only now we're having a different thought in mind. Maybe Comolli really has fresh ideas. I hope so. But I also hope that we have a broader thing in mind - how we intend to play football, what type of manager we should hire etc. And for that job, I'd really want Kenny and pretty much no-one else.

Its new in the sense that the method they will be using is (relatively?) new to football. I say relatively because there have been suggestions that a number of manager already use statistics when scouting players (Ferguson, Wenger & Boothroyd are names that have been mentioned publicly). Their success rate in baseball has been pretty impressive, and although football is a different kettle of fish altogether, they obviously believe that the same principles can be applied to football, and if we can acheive some degree of success with the new system then we should be delighted. Our recent transfer dealings haven't exactly been out of this world these last couple of years.

As for Kenny's role, i'm not sure he'll be involved in identifying players, but he should definitely have a role to play in the club. It would be a major PR disaster for the owners if they did not include Kenny in their plans for the future. I think an ambassadorial role would suit him well.

[Aristotle]

He's French. If it's Antoine Griezmann.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjGM6aS7eeU

Such distortion of a beautiful name

[shook]

Kuyt going to talk to Comolli.....Kuyt should be one of the players being sold, given his age and limited ability.

[Dmode101]

SiClancy Simon Clancy
Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina spoke to Damien Comolli in the last few days re: new signings. It seems that.....
17 minutes ago

SiClancy Simon Clancy
They were told that Ibrahim Afellay is likely to join Barcelona. One name mentioned was Real Sociedad's 19 year old winger Antoine Griezmann
16 minutes ago

SiClancy Simon Clancy
Griezmann's release clause is apparently 30 million euros. He only has 1/2 a season of La Liga experience but was part of the FFF U19.....

SiClancy Simon Clancy
....team that won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship.
15 minutes ago

what a let down from afellay to this griezmann who dont have the natural physique or speed. comolli seems to be insinuating that we on a tight budget. there are better wingers out there surely?!! lavezzi comes to mind immediately

[Dmode101]

You're right though, he's neither English nor scandinavian!

racist!

[djschembri]

What makes you think Rafa would make a good DOF?

For what its worth I think Rafa is a coach first and foremost, he works on teams and improves players. He would be perfect working under a DOF with a relationship of mutual trust. He works extremely well with younger players because of his grounding in youth development - he would be perfect under Comolli if they both could work together.

Agree. Rafa's best qualities are his abilities as a coach and tactician, and his knack of getting players to perform beyond their normal capabilities (05 champ league win is the prime example). His record in the transfer market was average, especially in the last years of his tenure (although admittedly he may have tried to do too many jobs at once). Rafa himself has said that he enjoys working at Inter because he is not involved in transfer dealings.

[Hunter Thompson]

You're right though, he's neither English nor scandinavian!

And he's the wrong side of 30, a long way the wrong side. 

Anyway, I won't start at Roy again, there's enough of that going on.

As someone said above me, it'd be a bit strange paying up to 30m for this lad when we have a player who out shone him in the tournament twiddling his thumbs somewhere in Liverpool.

[Dmode101]

Agree. Rafa's best qualities are his abilities as a coach and tactician, and his knack of getting players to perform beyond their normal capabilities (05 champ league win is the prime example). His record in the transfer market was average, especially in the last years of his tenure (although admittedly he may have tried to do too many jobs at once). Rafa himself has said that he enjoys working at Inter because he is not involved in transfer dealings.

nono...rafa has not proven to be an attacking tactician. so far he relies on torres type who can dribble and score on his own. rafa is a top counter attacking coach. Theres nothing to suggest he would be a surefire fit with comolli.

[AlphaDelta]

They need to get that Honda Civic or whatever his name is, the lad looks a class act! 

[Aristotle]

what a let down from afellay to this griezmann who dont have the natural physique or speed. comolli seems to be insinuating that we on a tight budget. there are better wingers out there surely?!! lavezzi comes to mind immediately

Isn't Afellay a midfielder first and foremost whereas Griezman is an out and out left winger?

Kuyt going to talk to Comolli.....Kuyt should be one of the players being sold, given his age and limited ability.

I agree, in theory but Kuyt still offers the same in a year's time and I would argue that he's worth holding on to for experience and team work. Say what you will about him, but he never gives less then a 100% in a red shirt and until we have some sort of team spirit going that's worth holding on to imo.

What makes you think Rafa would make a good DOF?

For what its worth I think Rafa is a coach first and foremost, he works on teams and improves players. He would be perfect working under a DOF with a relationship of mutual trust. He works extremely well with younger players because of his grounding in youth development - he would be perfect under Comolli if they both could work together.

I actually think he'd make a great DOF as long as there's a world class chief of scouting along side him. Torres is probably the clearest example of why I'd want Rafa to be in charge. He sold the idea of Liverpool to him, the history, the fans, the atmosphere and what it's all about. I think I even read somewhere that the first thing he asked every player was "what would it mean to you to play for Liverpool?" or something like that.


And if there's one thing you can say about Rafa, he's a man with a plan. Have him make a policy, stick with it and build around it like Cryuff did at Barcelona.

[Mr Dilkington]

Fuck me, just got in, i will be over the moon if we sign Griezmann, one of the most talented out and out wingers in the world, has pace, skill, and chips in with goals, would be delighted with Comolli if he pulls this one off, one problem, not a Hodgson type player.

[Paul-LFC]

comolli seems to be insinuating that we on a tight budget.

Griezmann's release clause is apparently 30 million euros.

I'm not saying we'd pay 30 million for him, but it doesn't look like he'd be cheap...

[Dmode101]

I'm not saying we'd pay 30 million for him, but it doesn't look like he'd be cheap...

which doesn't make sense too!

I feel that as new owners they should at least have a marquee signing to lift the whole club amongst the 3 0r more new players that they are going to sign. And this especially the WINGER sigining should be that because we dont even have one decent frickin player of that caliber there!

[shook]

Fuck me, just got in, i will be over the moon if we sign Griezmann, one of the most talented out and out wingers in the world, has pace, skill, and chips in with goals, would be delighted with Comolli if he pulls this one off, one problem, not a Hodgson type player.

Hodgson won't be here longer than 6 more months, barring a miraculous title win.  Griezmann would be here far longer, so that would not be an issue as Comolli would be thinking long term.

I agree, in theory but Kuyt still offers the same in a year's time and I would argue that he's worth holding on to for experience and team work. Say what you will about him, but he never gives less then a 100% in a red shirt and until we have some sort of team spirit going that's worth holding on to imo.

Fair point, but if we get a reasonable price for him, he should be sold in January, with the transfer money being used for a younger, better, player suiting our new transfer policy as stated by NESV when they hired Comolli.

[Aristotle]

Hodgson won't be here longer than 6 more months, barring a miraculous title win.  Griezmann would be here far longer, so that would not be an issue as Comolli would be thinking long term.

Fair point, but if we get a reasonable price for him, he should be sold in January, with the transfer money being used for a younger, better, player suiting our new transfer policy as stated by NESV when they hired Comolli.

Like I said I agree in theory, but I think we need to keep transfers out to a minimum in january. We lack quality and experience, I'd rather groom someone to replace Kuyt then in a day replace him. That's all I'm saying, having said that should someone of genuine quality come in I'd have no problem "sacrificing" Kuyt

[djschembri]

nono...rafa has not proven to be an attacking tactician. so far he relies on torres type who can dribble and score on his own. rafa is a top counter attacking coach. Theres nothing to suggest he would be a surefire fit with comolli.

I said he is a good tactician. The tactics he uses depend on the specific game. He is neither attacking nor defensive. When we beat Real Madrid 4-0 at anfield, we were hardly defensive.

Normally, a manager has to fit the profile and strategy defined by the director of football. In the club, a director of football should be a permanent figure, whereas coaches may come and go without the club needing to be radically overhauled each time to fit the coach's needs.

[Dmode101]

Isn't Afellay a midfielder first and foremost whereas Griezman is an out and out left winger?

Not sure exactly, sorry for the limited time i saw on youtube, he seems to be attcking from all sorts of positin and angle. He's a natural beast of an attacker. His shots are instinctive and venomous with swerve if required at times. He's definitely an alll round attacker. Quite rare hence the possiblity that we are not rich enough to purchase him. Our owners doesnt seem the type to make a statement of intent.

[OneTouchFooty]

Affelay is off to Barcelona.. setting his sights a bit high isn't he? He won't even make their bench!

[Dmode101]

I said he is a good tactician. The tactics he uses depend on the specific game. He is neither attacking nor defensive. When we beat Real Madrid 4-0 at anfield, we were hardly defensive.

Normally, a manager has to fit the profile and strategy defined by the director of football. In the club, a director of football should be a permanent figure, whereas coaches may come and go without the club needing to be radically overhauled each time to fit the coach's needs.

perhaps the word "attacking" has various slant to it. I should clarify that he doesn't train the attacking players of our team to move in packs and take risk throwing more than 4 players forward into the final third. He's drilled our attacks into predictable set plays that are based on "lets see if any of the defenders are out of position" kind of scenerio. Rafas not that intelligent enough to intricate pass and move ability that INCISIVELY open up the opposition as a team.

In summary, he relies on the the brilliance on Torres or gerrard. An indicator was our lack of open play goals scored too.

[Roywoy123]

Why are we not atleast trying to get the likes of Nzogbia,Sanchez or Turan?   we really need a wide player with skill and pace 

[Rohit]

Affelay is off to Barcelona.. setting his sights a bit high isn't he? He won't even make their bench!

Affelay will play a big part in there team trust me. He might not be xavi or iniesta but he is there becuase hell given them another dimension in goals from mdifeild and can rotate with xavi and iniesta. Iniesta is injury prone and its well documented xavi hasnt had a single summer off for 3 years and he is 30, he also played through the second half of last season with a tear in his thigh that just kept getting bigger but he knew how important it was for the team to continue there success. Affellay is a no risk buy for them that allows rotation within there small squad.

[Roywoy123]

They need to get that Honda Civic or whatever his name is, the lad looks a class act! 

Keisuke Honda, more of a AMF or a second striker not really a winger    would be amazing behind Torres, if we can get Honda and Turan  in Jan  we could solve all of our creativity issues 

Whats irritating is the Mancs are probably gonna end up with Sanchez and Arsenal with Honda     and we get some unkown frensh flop for small pennies

[Aristotle]

Affelay is off to Barcelona.. setting his sights a bit high isn't he? He won't even make their bench!

Barca are cutting expenses, Affelay offers them something and he's free. I don't see why it's such a bad choice for both parties. Rather take him here though

[GinKop]

Keisuke Honda, more of a AMF or a second striker not really a winger    would be amazing behind Torres, if we can get Honda and Turan  in Jan  we could solve all of our creativity issues 

Whats irritating is the Mancs are probably gonna end up with Sanchez and Arsenal with Honda     and we get some unkown frensh flop for small pennies

Honda and Turan would be brilliant additions to our side. Honda has done great since his days in the Dutch league and Turan is a classic winger which is what we're crying out for at the moment.

[impz]

perhaps the word "attacking" has various slant to it. I should clarify that he doesn't train the attacking players of our team to move in packs and take risk throwing more than 4 players forward into the final third. He's drilled our attacks into predictable set plays that are based on "lets see if any of the defenders are out of position" kind of scenerio. Rafas not that intelligent enough to intricate pass and move ability that INCISIVELY open up the opposition as a team.

In summary, he relies on the the brilliance on Torres or gerrard. An indicator was our lack of open play goals scored too.

He never drilled the attackers.. I remember a quote from some player saying that he left it to the players.

[RuairiK]

is this a fantasy transfer thread in disguise?

[OneTouchFooty]

Aff

Affelay will play a big part in there team trust me. He might not be xavi or iniesta but he is there becuase hell given them another dimension in goals from mdifeild and can rotate with xavi and iniesta. Iniesta is injury prone and its well documented xavi hasnt had a single summer off for 3 years and he is 30, he also played through the second half of last season with a tear in his thigh that just kept getting bigger but he knew how important it was for the team to continue there success. Affellay is a no risk buy for them that allows rotation within there small squad.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Affelay plays out wide? Barcelona have an abundance of talent alreadily available to them in them positions. Fair enough if he's a centre mid aswell, as you say xavi & iniesta are knocking on a bit now!

[SMACLFC]

is this a fantasy transfer thread in disguise?

Ssshhh...

[Roywoy123]

is this a fantasy transfer thread in disguise?

Have your standards sunk that low mate? Honda is hardly fantasy transfer, Cska want to sell in january for a decent price     and Turan wants to come to us but gala want around 15m for him


its not like we are asking for Kaka and Messi

[Rohit]

Aff
Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Affelay plays out wide? Barcelona have an abundance of talent alreadily available to them in them positions. Fair enough if he's a centre mid aswell, as you say xavi & iniesta are knocking on a bit now!

He can play out-wide but his an attacking midfielder sorta like iniesta just as good. But they  need cover in midfield as after xavi and iniesta the only creative central players they have are thiago and his 19 so his abit too young to take the burden of all that creativity. Plus for 4-5 million it doesnt matter where they play him its a bargain.

[Bob Loblaw]

Why are we not atleast trying to get the likes of Nzogbia,Sanchez or Turan?   we really need a wide player with skill and pace 

Why do people keep bringing up N'Zogbia and putting him alongside names that he;s not in the same class as?

And why are people expecting us to spend huge?

[Roywoy123]

Why do people keep bringing up N'Zogbia and putting him alongside names that he;s not in the same class as?

And why are people expecting us to spend huge?

£20m net would hardly be huge, if we sell the likes of babel and poulsen etc 

if they cannot spend that then whats the point of new ownership? are they just gonna swollow profits like the old leeches?

[Dmode101]

He never drilled the attackers.. I remember a quote from some player saying that he left it to the players.

Add that he had 5 ways of defending at valencia you would have to guess he spends most of his time analysing opponents and defending, counter attack. If only he improved on the attacking part, he would have won most of us over.

[Dmode101]

Keisuke Honda, more of a AMF or a second striker not really a winger    would be amazing behind Torres, if we can get Honda and Turan  in Jan  we could solve all of our creativity issues 

Whats irritating is the Mancs are probably gonna end up with Sanchez and Arsenal with Honda     and we get some unkown frensh flop for small pennies

honda has many good attacking qualities. very calm and determined player too.