Topic: FSG - are they living up to their own billing? Part II

[justsean]

I think Ryan could have been great with Kenny - I don't think any other manager could have turned him into a really good player, but Kenny could have. Bit off topic I know. Apologies.

[djschembri]

Don't just drop that in here with out putting flesh on the bones. 

http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/voetbal/ajax/8871084/__Rob_Jansen_redt_transfer__.html

That's the link, but it is in Dutch. Rob Jansen was asked by Liverpool to help in the negotiations when talks stalled. He's also Dirk Kuyt's agent I think

[justsean]

http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/voetbal/ajax/8871084/__Rob_Jansen_redt_transfer__.html

That's the link, but it is in Dutch. Rob Jansen was asked by Liverpool to help in the negotiations when talks stalled. He's also Dirk Kuyt's agent I think

Cheers for this. I wasn't aware of it at all.

[The Grinch]

How was he tapping up if Ajax had offered Suarez for sale? Or if you are suggesting he had approached Suarez directly why did they do business with us in the end? If he was a snip at 25m euros, surely there were a whole host of clubs now it was public knowledge willing to do business with Ajax so didn't have to do it with Comolli (seems he had not only tapped up Suarez but insulted them).

You do not get permission to talk to a player until a deal is agreed.

[CraigDS]

You do not get permission to talk to a player until a deal is agreed.

Yes i know, hence why I asked the second question.

None of what you said really makes any sense for that deal.

First you say they didn't want to go public about wanting to sell him so were happy with just getting 20m Euros and told this to only a select few. Well that makes no sense as the one thing that would make their fans happy about selling him would be for as big a fee possible, and having numerous clubs bidding is how that would happen. Especially as you say even at 5m more than that amount he was a snip.

You then say Comolli didnt like this opening offer so low balled them (what was it, £12.5m compared to them wanting £16-17m?). They said this was insulting and also done in public. Fine, can agree with that.

You then say they said Comolli tapped him up.

And because of the above two things they add another 5m to his pricetag. Well if they are willing to do that then why not open it up to the market and have other clubs bid the price up higher? Why after being so pissed off with us did they continue to do business with us only? Afterall like you say even at 25m it was a snip.

[LiamG]

They used Edelman during the takeover as an advisor and there have been reports of them talking to Barwick and Dein so who knows if something is imminent.

I still think having Ayre as managing director may of been a short term option until the owners were settled and got to grips with the club but he maybe be performing well in his role or may not be, dont think he would be sacked more back to the job he was doing before and possibly us bring a chief executive in? who knows what FSG are thinking, they are obviously evaluating everything at the club

[Y2J]

If Ajax were willing to sell then the whole of Europe would of known anyway - would of been in Ajax's interests to make sure of that to get the best price.

They contacted Spurs lots of times telling them Suarez was available, Harry was stupid as he didn't know Suarez's best position and decided not to enter and therefore they had to deal with only us as Suarez's suitors.

[bosnian brigade]

I think Ryan could have been great with Kenny - I don't think any other manager could have turned him into a really good player, but Kenny could have. Bit off topic I know. Apologies.

Agreed. He had pace, and wasn't afraid to take a man on. He seemed like a good lad and is a crack up on twitter

[Vulmea]

Comolli was always most likely to be a starting piece, until they obtained enough information and knowledge to look for candidates to better implement their ideas.

So after 18 months do you think they have the knowledge to appoint a DoF who can provide an identity , style of play, football philosophy for LFC ? Can they appoint somebody to head the recruitment side, make the deals? Somebody who can handle the media, knows their way around the corridors at the FA, UEFA, the PFA. Somebody to run the Medical side, the Academy and generally all things footballl at LFC? One of the key parts of the job is to appoint a manager isn't it?

Ian Ayre may be a good commercial director but he provides little by way of understanding the football side of the business, that places an even greater burden for those things on the DoF.

We seem to be linked with lots of headline names - thats presumably about all they could have gathered - well thought of, high profile candidates? Would any be suitable for LFC?

It is a problem however well intentioned and intelligent FSG are or are not but its not a unique problem for them - many clubs have the same issue.

Oddly enough in Moores and Parry we had the opposite problem - people steeped in the football lore and club tradition but with zero business acumen.

We need a hybrid of the two and I dont see any individual cutting the mustard which means we need to put together a team that combines all of those qualities. 

Borrell and Segura along with McParland have beeing trying to id a style and identity for LFC for a couple of years it would be foolish to ignore them. Dalglish, is there anybody better placed to understand LFC than he is?   

However there are still glaring deficiencies in PR especially with the media and football establishment, contract negotiations and recruitment.

The connection between recruitment and style of play are fundamental going forward given our finanaces abnd the perception we will need to rely heavily on youth development and recruitment.

With all of those clever men, you need a charismatic and respected figure to lead and shape the outcome - If the ideal man exists outside but disagrees with those we already have what then - ideally anyway the single vision selects those he wants top work with - thats what worries me about names like Cruyff and Bergiristain who may just come in an impose an unsuitable model.  I'm not sure how much FSG would understand the issues. Not because they are stupid just because they wouldn't understand the culture.

[hitman89762000]

So... How do we know theyre even back in the uk and are we goingo be seeing more sackings imminently?

[djschembri]

So after 18 months do you think they have the knowledge to appoint a DoF who can provide an identity , style of play, football philosophy for LFC ? Can they appoint somebody to head the recruitment side, make the deals? Somebody who can handle the media, knows their way around the corridors at the FA, UEFA, the PFA. Somebody to run the Medical side, the Academy and generally all things footballl at LFC? One of the key parts of the job is to appoint a manager isn't it?

Ian Ayre may be a good commercial director but he provides little by way of understanding the football side of the business, that places an even greater burden for those things on the DoF.

We seem to be linked with lots of headline names - thats presumably about all they could have gathered - well thought of, high profile candidates? Would any be suitable for LFC?

It is a problem however well intentioned and intelligent FSG are or are not but its not a unique problem for them - many clubs have the same issue.

Oddly enough in Moores and Parry we had the opposite problem - people steeped in the football lore and club tradition but with zero business acumen.

We need a hybrid of the two and I dont see any individual cutting the mustard which means we need to put together a team that combines all of those qualities. 

Borrell and Segura along with McParland have beeing trying to id a style and identity for LFC for a couple of years it would be foolish to ignore them. Dalglish, is there anybody better placed to understand LFC than he is?   

However there are still glaring deficiencies in PR especially with the media and football establishment, contract negotiations and recruitment.

The connection between recruitment and style of play are fundamental going forward given our finanaces abnd the perception we will need to rely heavily on youth development and recruitment.

With all of those clever men, you need a charismatic and respected figure to lead and shape the outcome - If the ideal man exists outside but disagrees with those we already have what then - ideally anyway the single vision selects those he wants top work with - thats what worries me about names like Cruyff and Bergiristain who may just come in an impose an unsuitable model.  I'm not sure how much FSG would understand the issues. Not because they are stupid just because they wouldn't understand the culture.

Well, you can turn that around and say that they have recognised the good work being done at youth and reserve levels by Borrell, Segura & McParland, by targeting Cruyff and Bergiristain. There is certainly a big Barcelona influence at the academy, so how would they extend that to the first team?

Having a DoF who shares the same philosophy will certainly be a good start. You say that all the names mentioned are all high profile, but there is also a common theme. Cruyff basically defined the way Barcelona play, and both Van Gaal & Bergiristain have spent significant time there too. It is vital that we build on the good work done by Borrell & Segura and extend it to the first team.

Agree with you with regards to the business side of things. Ayre is a commercial manager and nothing more.

[BMW]

I agree regarding the DoF being able to provide us a blueprint on the type of football the whole club will play from the Acadamey to the 1st Team but the key being they will work hand n hand with Segura and Borrall and develop our set 'style' to fall in line with how our Acadmey/Reserves ATM play thier football.

[The Grinch]

Yes i know, hence why I asked the second question.

None of what you said really makes any sense for that deal.

First you say they didn't want to go public about wanting to sell him so were happy with just getting 20m Euros and told this to only a select few. Well that makes no sense as the one thing that would make their fans happy about selling him would be for as big a fee possible, and having numerous clubs bidding is how that would happen. Especially as you say even at 5m more than that amount he was a snip.

You then say Comolli didnt like this opening offer so low balled them (what was it, £12.5m compared to them wanting £16-17m?). They said this was insulting and also done in public. Fine, can agree with that.

You then say they said Comolli tapped him up.

And because of the above two things they add another 5m to his pricetag. Well if they are willing to do that then why not open it up to the market and have other clubs bid the price up higher? Why after being so pissed off with us did they continue to do business with us only? Afterall like you say even at 25m it was a snip.

Liverpool had already enquired about Suarez under Benitez and in the summer of 2010.Ajax's valuation of Suarez and our valuation was miles apart Comolli has confirmed this. After the biting incident Ajax lowered their valuation but it was a take it or leave it 25m Euros.

Comolli stupidly tried to pay hardball and went public. Ajax responded by threatening to report us for tapping up Suarez and DeBoer threatened to increase the asking price by 5m Euros a day. They then gave us Three days to complete the deal.

Ajax did not want to start an auction because there are very Few Clubs who will pay that kind of money in January and if it didn't work they would be left with an unhappy player and disgruntled fans.

It is much better to do the deal in private and then ask the player if he wants to leave and then you do not have to pay loyalty payments to the player.

You only have to look at what happened with McManaman to see that trying to spark an auction is a dangerous thong to do. Compare that to what we did with Meireles in the summer. We let Chelsea know what our valuation was, got what we wanted and forced Meireles to put in a transfer request to make it happen.

[No666]

http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/voetbal/ajax/8871084/__Rob_Jansen_redt_transfer__.html

That's the link, but it is in Dutch. Rob Jansen was asked by Liverpool to help in the negotiations when talks stalled. He's also Dirk Kuyt's agent I think

Thanks.
On the subject of high profile names for DoF - Cruyff has specifically denied any contact/approach from Liverpool. Let's hope that's because they were in for TB from the start, eh?

Has this been posted in here?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/apr/12/damien-comolli-liverpool-arsene-wenger
A few pot shots taken at Comolli, but what is most interesting, perhaps, is the assertion that Wenger is Beane's true hero. It might explain the owners' fixation on the 'Arsenal model'. It worries me that they know so little about football and seem to rely on the advice of somebody who knows so little about football as well. It's been said before on here, but the Arsenal model has a conspicuous clay foot in the shiny boot.

[Y2J]

Thanks.
On the subject of high profile names for DoF - Cruyff has specifically denied any contact/approach from Liverpool. Let's hope that's because they were in for TB from the start, eh?

From Balagues twitter:

Beguiristain has not been approached by LFC they might be late as he has offers from other teams. And who wouldn't be interested in LFC.

That last bit makes me think he would want to come and may have hinted it to Balague. Hope so

[No666]

Why doesn't that surprise me?

[CraigDS]

Liverpool had already enquired about Suarez under Benitez and in the summer of 2010.Ajax's valuation of Suarez and our valuation was miles apart Comolli has confirmed this. After the biting incident Ajax lowered their valuation but it was a take it or leave it 25m Euros.

Comolli stupidly tried to pay hardball and went public. Ajax responded by threatening to report us for tapping up Suarez and DeBoer threatened to increase the asking price by 5m Euros a day. They then gave us Three days to complete the deal.

A minute ago they increased the price by it. Now they threatened it.

[The Grinch]

A minute ago they increased the price by it. Now they threatened it.

They wanted 25m Euros we offered 15m Euros. they said if you are going to piss us about we will up the asking price by 5m Euros a day. We paid the 25m Euros after Comolli was removed from the deal. The problem is Ajax survive by bringing through quality players and then selling them on. What was the point of antagonising them, proving to them that Comolli wasn't trustworthy and then caving in and paying the asking price.

You want to build relationships with Clubs like Ajax so that next time they decide to cash in on a player you get offered that player.

[Lucas DuoFlush]

Well, you can turn that around and say that they have recognised the good work being done at youth and reserve levels by Borrell, Segura & McParland, by targeting Cruyff and Bergiristain. There is certainly a big Barcelona influence at the academy, so how would they extend that to the first team?

Having a DoF who shares the same philosophy will certainly be a good start. You say that all the names mentioned are all high profile, but there is also a common theme. Cruyff basically defined the way Barcelona play, and both Van Gaal & Bergiristain have spent significant time there too. It is vital that we build on the good work done by Borrell & Segura and extend it to the first team.

Agree with you with regards to the business side of things. Ayre is a commercial manager and nothing more.

I do worry that there is an element of our fan base who want to see Liverpool F.C as Barcelona F.C but in England. As much as the Barcelona model is incredibly successful and obviously produces beautiful football, do we really want our policy to be a carbon copy of theirs? Even when LFC were arguably the best team in the world, with a very similar pass and move philosophy, it was not an identical continental style that I think a lot of our fans believe has become our destiny since Benitez.

Personally, I'm glad Kenny is here. I'd like to see the philosophy of Rhodolfo et al and whoever we bring in to be checked by someone who knows the elements that set us apart from continental teams and in particular Barcelona: things like combative play, more adventurous attacking play (e.g. a slightly larger reliance on crosses and wingers than FCB) and other elements.

I hope its not just me that thinks this.

[djschembri]

I do worry that there is an element of our fan base who want to see Liverpool F.C as Barcelona F.C but in England. As much as the Barcelona model is incredibly successful and obviously produces beautiful football, do we really want our policy to be a carbon copy of theirs? Even when LFC were arguably the best team in the world, with a very similar pass and move philosophy, it was not an identical continental style that I think a lot of our fans believe has become our destiny since Benitez.

Personally, I'm glad Kenny is here. I'd like to see the philosophy of Rhodolfo et al and whoever we bring in to be checked by someone who knows the elements that set us apart from continental teams and in particular Barcelona: things like combative play, more adventurous attacking play (e.g. a slightly larger reliance on crosses and wingers than FCB) and other elements.

I hope its not just me that thinks this.

They're not simply "copying" the model. They're adapting it to suit the English game so that we have our own style. This is the blueprint

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=277719.msg8896375#msg8896375

[Lucas DuoFlush]

They're not simply "copying" the model. They're adapting it to suit the English game so that we have our own style. This is the blueprint

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=277719.msg8896375#msg8896375

I wasn't accusing, I was just worrying! Thanks for the link.

Edit: The 150 kilometres thing is interesting, isn't that at a complete disadvantage to coastal clubs?

[djschembri]

I wasn't accusing, I was just worrying! Thanks for the link.

No worries. If you haven't read it it's very interesting.

[Juan Loco]

That's cool. We should wait and see who else the footballing sage that is Billy Beane has up his sleave.

Of course, it's entirely possible that they haven't contacted anyone yet and that's what they'll be doing this week. Doesn't do much to show they've got a direction though.

[The Grinch]

They're not simply "copying" the model. They're adapting it to suit the English game so that we have our own style. This is the blueprint

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=277719.msg8896375#msg8896375

Cheers It's a good read that mate , I was thinking about that the other day wouldn't it be very FSG that after a period of reflection FSG decide that Segura is the ideal person to be the new DoF.

[Juan Loco]

Cheers It's a good read that mate , I was thinking about that the other day wouldn't it be very FSG that after a period of reflection FSG decide that Segura is the ideal person to be the new DoF.

It depends entirely on what they want from the DoF Al. If they're after someone to define our philosophy then yes, he probably is. If they're after someone to do Comolli's job but better then that's not what Segura does by a long shot. I would've had said that Frank McParland's job at the academy is closer to what Comolli was meant to be doing, but I could be a bit off.

It would seem to fit with FSG so far though. Say you're conducting an exstensive search and end up with someone already on your doorstep.

[Carlos: Very Kickable]

You want to build relationships with Clubs like Ajax so that next time they decide to cash in on a player you get offered that player.

Exactly - for example Christian Eriksen. Comolli's negotiating tactics were a disaster. Even if they had secured us a substantial discount they would have been a disaster for the reason Al 555 pointed out*

*unless of course Suarez had solved all our problems and we didnt need to sign any more players for the next 6 years.
** and also of course, it was the horrific realisation that we were quibbling over a 12 million pound fee that was the final straw for Torres who thought all the new owners promises about major investment into the club were a load of ****shit and led to him leaving the club. God onlt knows where we would have been this season if someone else had been in charge of the Suarez deal.

[The Grinch]

It depends entirely on what they want from the DoF Al. If they're after someone to define our philosophy then yes, he probably is. If they're after someone to do Comolli's job but better then that's not what Segura does by a long shot. I would've had said that Frank McParland's job at the academy is closer to what Comolli was meant to be doing, but I could be a bit off.

It would seem to fit with FSG so far though. Say you're conducting an exstensive search and end up with someone already on your doorstep.

Maybe it's not just the players they want on low wages. Maybe if they had upped the salary a bit then Ayre might not of been the outstanding candidate for the MD role. If you want a big hitter then you have to pay commensurate wages, if you want to gamble on a Comolli or a Theo Epstein then you don't.

Perhaps FSG don't believe in the adage you pay cheap you pay twice.

[The Grinch]

Exactly - for example Christian Eriksen. Comolli's negotiating tactics were a disaster. Even if they had secured us a substantial discount they would have been a disaster for the reason Al 555 pointed out*

*unless of course Suarez had solved all our problems and we didnt need to sign any more players for the next 6 years.
** and also of course, it was the horrific realisation that we were quibbling over a 12 million pound fee that was the final straw for Torres who thought all the new owners promises about major investment into the club were a load of ****shit and led to him leaving the club. God onlt knows where we would have been this season if someone else had been in charge of the Suarez deal.

For me it was typical Comolli the Plagiarist, Rafa and Kenny started the deal, Jansen closed it yet Comolli wanted all the credit for it. The high fives in the Directors box when Suarez scored on his debut and the embarrassing hug when Suarez got his Carling Cup medal.

Wenger was thoroughly pissed off with Comolli for overblowing everything he did at Arsenal. The best bit was Comolli lecturing people at the Leaders in Sport event about in the last five years he has started looking into how players live their life off the pitch and their character. FFS the likes of Shanks and Paisley were doing that forty years ago.

[mehulb10]

Agreed. He had pace, and wasn't afraid to take a man on. He seemed like a good lad and is a crack up on twitter

I think Ryan could have been great with Kenny - I don't think any other manager could have turned him into a really good player, but Kenny could have. Bit off topic I know. Apologies.

[Twelfth Customer]

I do worry that there is an element of our fan base who want to see Liverpool F.C as Barcelona F.C but in England. As much as the Barcelona model is incredibly successful and obviously produces beautiful football, do we really want our policy to be a carbon copy of theirs? Even when LFC were arguably the best team in the world, with a very similar pass and move philosophy, it was not an identical continental style that I think a lot of our fans believe has become our destiny since Benitez.

Personally, I'm glad Kenny is here. I'd like to see the philosophy of Rhodolfo et al and whoever we bring in to be checked by someone who knows the elements that set us apart from continental teams and in particular Barcelona: things like combative play, more adventurous attacking play (e.g. a slightly larger reliance on crosses and wingers than FCB) and other elements.

I hope its not just me that thinks this.

Rafa's team's steamrollering Real, quick-tempo, pass and move, pressure when without the ball high up the pitch, 4231, direct physical play. Yes I agree, however, where Rafa fell short was squad depth. In order to play this way players need to be in peak physical condition. With 2/3 games a week, this style of highly energetic play, simply is not possible, without, rotation, and squad depth. That is why Rafa until the season we came second suffered in the league. The players simply didn't have it physically in them to play at such a fever pitch, every three or so days. Some decent wingers might have helped Benitez too, however, they have proved elusive for over two decades.

[hugoboss]

I do worry that there is an element of our fan base who want to see Liverpool F.C as Barcelona F.C but in England. As much as the Barcelona model is incredibly successful and obviously produces beautiful football, do we really want our policy to be a carbon copy of theirs? Even when LFC were arguably the best team in the world, with a very similar pass and move philosophy, it was not an identical continental style that I think a lot of our fans believe has become our destiny since Benitez.

Personally, I'm glad Kenny is here. I'd like to see the philosophy of Rhodolfo et al and whoever we bring in to be checked by someone who knows the elements that set us apart from continental teams and in particular Barcelona: things like combative play, more adventurous attacking play (e.g. a slightly larger reliance on crosses and wingers than FCB) and other elements.

I hope its not just me that thinks this.

As everything else football will is evolving and we have to evolve with it as well, not saying we should be a carbon copy of Barca but surely there are things from their methods we can use while keeping or own philosophy as well.

[hugoboss]

That's cool. We should wait and see who else the footballing sage that is Billy Beane has up his sleave.

Of course, it's entirely possible that they haven't contacted anyone yet and that's what they'll be doing this week. Doesn't do much to show they've got a direction though.

Again why do people think these guys will run their 300M business on the instructions of Billy Beane, maybe they have asked him for some input but I fully expect they have asked several people on their road to learning more about the game

[Number 7]

I'm certainly intrigued about how fsg will go about the transfer policy in the summer. On the one hand we have the view that they will use profits to bring in younger players but on the other we hear how the champions league is the be all and end all and they want to be in it sooner rather than later.

The two don't go together unfortunately. Quality young players may get us there in five or six years time, but we need two or three established players if we are thinking of an instant return to Europe's elite. Will certainly be interesting to see which way they lean.

Maybe this is where the disconnect was with Comolli, or part of it. To be honest it's a little bit worrying hearing that the transfer policy will be centered around youth this summer. A few papers have run with that story over the last couple of weeks. And you're right, that isn't going to get us back in to CL. However, to get the type of player required to get us back there we need to spend big – either on the transfer fee or the wages. That's what FSG really need to establish and agree on a direction for transfer strategy. Do they feel that they have the leeway to adjust the wage structure to sign maybe one big player, while also getting other players wages off the books so it somewhat balances out? Or is the strategy to bring in much younger players at lower wages? If its low age/low wage how does that fit in to our ambitions of getting back in to the CL.

[Number 7]

They wanted 25m Euros we offered 15m Euros. they said if you are going to piss us about we will up the asking price by 5m Euros a day. We paid the 25m Euros after Comolli was removed from the deal. The problem is Ajax survive by bringing through quality players and then selling them on. What was the point of antagonising them, proving to them that Comolli wasn't trustworthy and then caving in and paying the asking price.

You want to build relationships with Clubs like Ajax so that next time they decide to cash in on a player you get offered that player.

If we offered 15m euros, that is the opposite of what we did with Carroll. Are you saying Comolli was the stumbling block in the deal because he was lowballing?

Apparently our first offer for Carroll was 30m. So the 2 deals aren't consistent. You have to remember that the Torres departure impacted both deals. The Suarez deal was completed at the asking price because of Torres' transfer request. Suarez was brought to play alongside Torres, and Carroll was bought because Torres had left.

We really don't know if Comolli's lowballing tactics was part of the reason he was let go, or if he paid over the odds on the all the deals. Until we know that, we don't know if indeed the Suarez deal got completed once Comolli was removed from the deal. I highly doubt that happened anyway.

[Carlos: Very Kickable]

For me it was typical Comolli the Plagiarist, Rafa and Kenny started the deal, Jansen closed it yet Comolli wanted all the credit for it. The high fives in the Directors box when Suarez scored on his debut and the embarrassing hug when Suarez got his Carling Cup medal.

Wenger was thoroughly pissed off with Comolli for overblowing everything he did at Arsenal. The best bit was Comolli lecturing people at the Leaders in Sport event about in the last five years he has started looking into how players live their life off the pitch and their character. FFS the likes of Shanks and Paisley were doing that forty years ago.

Its already insanely difficult for our club to catch up to the others even for owners who are familiar with the Premier League - I think NESV  obviously needed some guidance for which they were happy to take Billy Beane's recommendation of Comolli. Reviewing his performance in the job they have seen completely through him as they did with Purslow and Hodgson and have removed him forthwith. I am happy with their approach to this - there have been too many apologists for our season on RAWK.

I wrote in a post ages ago that I think the owners would have been happy with the volume of work done by Comolli in getting rid of the deadwood but, apart from Coates, I think he has completely failed to find value with his acquisitions (and frankly even Coates wasn't goingto go for much more than he did). Knowing what we now know about the Suarez deal it is even more cringeworthy recalling those high fives given that Comoli had to be removed from the negotiation process. It amazes me that his removal came as such a surprise to him.

[GBF]

I'm certainly intrigued about how fsg will go about the transfer policy in the summer. On the one hand we have the view that they will use profits to bring in younger players but on the other we hear how the champions league is the be all and end all and they want to be in it sooner rather than later.

The two don't go together unfortunately. Quality young players may get us there in five or six years time, but we need two or three established players if we are thinking of an instant return to Europe's elite. Will certainly be interesting to see which way they lean.

their problem lies in their structure they have got at liverpool.  They do not have a "football-man" at the top or at least someone with good experience at it at the top of the club to look at the club's football strategy.  Instead they have got a TV producer as chairman and the only "football man" is the manager.  Whatever big fancy words they will speak about the club future will be wishy-washy until they have someone who is experience at looking at the football aspect of the club and not only at "how many shirts can we make the asians buy"

[Carlos: Very Kickable]

Maybe this is where the disconnect was with Comolli, or part of it. To be honest it's a little bit worrying hearing that the transfer policy will be centered around youth this summer. A few papers have run with that story over the last couple of weeks. And you're right, that isn't going to get us back in to CL. However, to get the type of player required to get us back there we need to spend big – either on the transfer fee or the wages. That's what FSG really need to establish and agree on a direction for transfer strategy. Do they feel that they have the leeway to adjust the wage structure to sign maybe one big player, while also getting other players wages off the books so it somewhat balances out? Or is the strategy to bring in much younger players at lower wages? If its low age/low wage how does that fit in to our ambitions of getting back in to the CL.

!. We DONT need to spend big we need to spend smartly. Newcastle didnt spend big and theyve come out of nowhere to contend.
2. We dont need big wages - they are a drain on the club and will mean the senior players we already have will be banging on the door looking for an increase.
3. They have seemed happiest with paying big transfer wages however - if we buy smartly, a 20 million pound transfer fee will still count when we sell the player (especially if he is young) - if the player doesnt work out initially it will give us time to try a different approach a la Carroll. A player would have to severely **** up to wipe that much money off a transfer fee within a year. Hopefully we could buy at 20 sell at 50 which is what Moneyball/Sabermetrics/Soccernomics is geared towards.

The key is to identify the next Torres, Aguero, Tevez, Falcao etc.

[hugoboss]

their problem lies in their structure they have got at liverpool.  They do not have a "football-man" at the top or at least someone with good experience at it at the top of the club to look at the club's football strategy.  Instead they have got a TV producer as chairman and the only "football man" is the manager.  Whatever big fancy words they will speak about the club future will be wishy-washy until they have someone who is experience at looking at the football aspect of the club and not only at "how many shirts can we make the asians buy"

Perhaps this is what they want from a DoF and why Comolli got sacked

[No666]

their problem lies in their structure they have got at liverpool.  They do not have a "football-man" at the top or at least someone with good experience at it at the top of the club to look at the club's football strategy.  Instead they have got a TV producer as chairman and the only "football man" is the manager.  Whatever big fancy words they will speak about the club future will be wishy-washy until they have someone who is experience at looking at the football aspect of the club and not only at "how many shirts can we make the asians buy"

Absolutely.

[The Grinch]

their problem lies in their structure they have got at liverpool.  They do not have a "football-man" at the top or at least someone with good experience at it at the top of the club to look at the club's football strategy.  Instead they have got a TV producer as chairman and the only "football man" is the manager.  Whatever big fancy words they will speak about the club future will be wishy-washy until they have someone who is experience at looking at the football aspect of the club and not only at "how many shirts can we make the asians buy"

Absolutely spot on, the problem for me is will they stump up the cash for that experienced football man or will they take another punt on another cheaper option like Comolli. The big hitters can earn big money working in the City as consultants so if you want one as a MD or a CEO then you need to be prepared to pay the going rate.

The decisions taken in the next few weeks could well define our future for decades to come. With the advent of FFP there is very little scope for playing catch up if things go badly.