Topic: Rodgers and the current squad

[Asam]

Maxi is what, 31? Gerrard is 32. Not all 31 year olds are at the same point physically, Maxi has barely played the last two seasons and has played most of his career in Spain; I think he still has a lot to offer, especially as a left sided attacker in a Rogers 4-3-3.

Why do you think Maxi has barely played for the last 2 years? they must be seeing signs of degradation

[Zlenpasha]

Why do you think Maxi has barely played for the last 2 years? they must be seeing signs of degradation

Definitely.
He doesn't score a goal per game any longer.

[paddypower]

and then joined them for whatever reason

Boom.

[steveeastend]

Definitely.
He doesn't score a goal per game any longer.

Yeah, and that´s why we brought in Stewart "the-player-we´ve-been-crying-out" Downing for 20m... It´s all about clever squad management 

[Nonex]

I'm probably opening up a can of worms here. But what about putting Stevie on the Right? I personally don't like putting Suarez on the wing like many of you have because this means he would have far more defensive responsibilities, I would rather have him up front all the time.

[Nessy76]

I'm probably opening up a can of worms here. But what about putting Stevie on the Right? I personally don't like putting Suarez on the wing like many of you have because this means he would have far more defensive responsibilities, I would rather have him up front all the time.

I think we'll see a front 3 of some sort, everyone will have defensive duties. Suarez seems most effective when he can come in from wider positions, so it makes sense to put someone else in the centre of the line.

[MushyP15]

Personally think he's come across very well in every interview he's given thus far, to whomever it's been. His comments on the Sig lad were also very interesting. He wasn't prepared to pay more than what he knew was offered, and wanted the player himself to wants to come and play for the Liverpool shirt.

On the topic, I think he'll be pleasantly surprised with what he's got to work with. Can easily see Maxi, Cole, Shelvey, Sterling, Pacheco, Kelly, Spearing and the like getting more game time and responsibility than last season.

Can also see Henderson, Carroll, Downing, Enrique and even Adam becoming better players and still fitting into the system Rodgers wants to play.

Personally can't wait for the season to start. Also very, very interested to see who Rodgers' first signings are.

[Devon Red]

Interesting new interview with Rodgers on the official site: http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/br-s-admiration-for-scouse-duo

I especially like this section on Carragher:

"He has good knowledge of the game and he's interested, that's the important factor. You get some players who aren't interested in football.

"Football is their life, their work but they're not interested in football. Jamie, in my chats with him, is like myself - probably up until two o'clock in the morning watching German football on a Sunday having watched five or six games before that".

I find it really encouraging that Rodgers is so aware of the personalities of his players. This reminds me of something I read on the transfer forum about Gaston Ramirez. Apparently he spent the winter break walking around Bologna talking to the locals to improve his Italian. This might sound strange, but for me that was the most encouraging thing that I've read about the lad. It shows he has a brain, and it shows that he's interested in his surroundings.

I've felt for a long time that the brain is the most undervalued (and often underdeveloped) part of a footballer's body. I'm glad to read that Rodgers is paying attention to this aspect of his players.

[dernaroy]

You're right.
I've just read the whole interview after posting that and it's really out of context.

Perhaps read the interviews before posting in future.

[Brentie]

This is how I see the squad:

Carragher, Adam, Cole, Spearing, Downing and Carroll (for 95% of last season) are all players who are probably better suited for mid table clubs.

Coates, Shelvey, Kelly and Henderson are young and have potential but are also players who you wouldnt be surprised if were playing for Villa (Henderson) or not proven at this level yet (Coates, Shelvey).

Agger and Gerrard are terrific talents but injury prone.

Johnson, Lucas, Skrtel and Carroll (5%of last season) are good players. So'd Bellamy but he's limited due to injuries.

Reina is a potentialy world class player who had a mid table team season.

Jury is out on Enrique.

Maxi and Aquilani are likely off, Kuyt and Aurelio already gone.

Suarez is obviously the key man.

That's our squad.

Key positions to strengthen:

Left and right wing- as ever

2nd priorities:

Striker, DM cover, Central Midfield

3rd priorities:

Left back and center back cover.

[Z e u s]

I think Lucas can play the Alonso role

I'd be reluctant to move him because he is one of the best around in the defensive midfielder role.  Also I didn't like the Mascherano / Lucas partnership when they were together.  Lucas is good at passing, but I don't think he is good enough to be the main play maker, like Alonso was and Gerrard can be.

Leave him doing what he is best at - protecting the back four, pressing, winning possession and being tidy in possession.

[No666]

Interesting new interview with Rodgers on the official site: http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/br-s-admiration-for-scouse-duo

I especially like this section on Carragher:

"He has good knowledge of the game and he's interested, that's the important factor. You get some players who aren't interested in football.

"Football is their life, their work but they're not interested in football. Jamie, in my chats with him, is like myself - probably up until two o'clock in the morning watching German football on a Sunday having watched five or six games before that".

I find it really encouraging that Rodgers is so aware of the personalities of his players. This reminds me of something I read on the transfer forum about Gaston Ramirez. Apparently he spent the winter break walking around Bologna talking to the locals to improve his Italian. This might sound strange, but for me that was the most encouraging thing that I've read about the lad. It shows he has a brain, and it shows that he's interested in his surroundings.

I've felt for a long time that the brain is the most undervalued (and often underdeveloped) part of a footballer's body. I'm glad to read that Rodgers is paying attention to this aspect of his players.

Maybe I'm inferring too much from this but what struck me in that interview is that he talks in positive fashion about Gerrard's role as a player but Carragher as a pundit/coach.

[Zlenpasha]

Perhaps read the interviews before posting in future.

It wasn't anywhere on RAWK before that, but thank you for cheap moralising, it's dear to me.

[Xabier Alonso Olano]

It will be very interesting to see what shape Rodgers chooses for preseason and the first few games. The common opinion seems to suggest that he will play with a lone striker at all times (as opposed to 2 out and out strikers leading the line). I know that goes to form with how he had Swansea set up for the majority of the time, but has he set teams up with 2 up top in the past? At Reading or Chelsea with the youth lads? Would it be out of character if we lined up 4-4-2 under Rodgers?

Does anyone think there might be flexibility in the formations he sends out or will it be a consistent 4-3-3/ 4-2-3-1 variant?

The OP talks about Suarez fitting into both systems but seemed to suggest that to do so he may be more effective playing from the wide positions. It will be interesting to see whether Rodgers sees it fit to play him to the right (or left) of a main striker or centrally as either the lone striker or as the middle of the 3 behind a lone striker. Maybe he will vary his tactics or have his previous stints always produced rigid systems with players performing singular roles within the team with limited rotation?

Going purely on what I saw of Swans last season, in the system they paid it seems clear that Suarez would play in one of the wider positions, easily the best at beating a man in our squad, esp when facing him up and going directly at him. But after Kenny mainly using him centrally (pulling into wide positions at times) last season, it will be interesting to see how he adopts if selected to play to the left or right of a 3.

[Zlenpasha]

All I know is that I'm greatly looking forward to us pressing teams high again.
I really missed that during Rodgson and most of the time under Kenny.

[bleedsred1978]

All the threads are closed on him. Anyone know where the fuck AA is?

[Hazell]

All the threads are close on him. Anyone know where the fuck AA is?

Think he got married the day before last.

[Semi Skimmed]

All the threads are close on him. Anyone know where the fuck AA is?

Got married very recently (think this week), as far as I remember reading.

[bleedsred1978]

Think he got married the day before last.

Got married very recently (think this week), as far as I remember reading.

Thanks Folks. Congrats Alberto in that case.

[paddypower]

Maybe I'm inferring too much from this but what struck me in that interview is that he talks in positive fashion about Gerrard's role as a player but Carragher as a pundit/coach.

I don't think you are. To me, Rodgers has been quite clearly trying to handle Carragher since he came here. Compare it to Villas Boas at Chelsea, he came in and basically told people they were shit and not playing. Hopefully Rodgers' approach pacifies Carragher if he doesn't play much.

[filopastry]

Maybe I'm inferring too much from this but what struck me in that interview is that he talks in positive fashion about Gerrard's role as a player but Carragher as a pundit/coach.

I thought that did stand out a bit as well

[IamSpartacus]

I think he needs to keep his mouth shut now.

who?

[steveeastend]

I don't think you are. To me, Rodgers has been quite clearly trying to handle Carragher since he came here. Compare it to Villas Boas at Chelsea, he came in and basically told people they were shit and not playing. Hopefully Rodgers' approach pacifies Carragher if he doesn't play much.

Yeah, from his interviews you get the impression that he tries to influence every little aspect, so it could well be the case that this is all said for a purpose in order to try to handle our two senior legends.

[Asam]

It will be very interesting to see what shape Rodgers chooses for preseason and the first few games. The common opinion seems to suggest that he will play with a lone striker at all times (as opposed to 2 out and out strikers leading the line). I know that goes to form with how he had Swansea set up for the majority of the time, but has he set teams up with 2 up top in the past? At Reading or Chelsea with the youth lads? Would it be out of character if we lined up 4-4-2 under Rodgers?

Does anyone think there might be flexibility in the formations he sends out or will it be a consistent 4-3-3/ 4-2-3-1 variant?

The OP talks about Suarez fitting into both systems but seemed to suggest that to do so he may be more effective playing from the wide positions. It will be interesting to see whether Rodgers sees it fit to play him to the right (or left) of a main striker or centrally as either the lone striker or as the middle of the 3 behind a lone striker. Maybe he will vary his tactics or have his previous stints always produced rigid systems with players performing singular roles within the team with limited rotation?

Going purely on what I saw of Swans last season, in the system they paid it seems clear that Suarez would play in one of the wider positions, easily the best at beating a man in our squad, esp when facing him up and going directly at him. But after Kenny mainly using him centrally (pulling into wide positions at times) last season, it will be interesting to see how he adopts if selected to play to the left or right of a 3.

I'd expect 4-3-3- in attack and 4-2-3-1 in defence, where Suarez plays depends on the other personnel that comes in but I'd like to see a system where all 3 of our forwards can go rotate their positions fluidly 

[Carolina Red]

All the threads are closed on him. Anyone know where the fuck AA is?

Saw Dani Pacheco on Twitter yesterday or the day before, was laughing that he accidentally cracked the windscreen of Aquilani's car with an errant free kick during training.

[steveeastend]

There has been no comment from the club him leaving so I guess he, Aquilani, will be showing up for pre season pretty soon.

[Aquilani 4]

Brian McNally ‏@McNallyMirror
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has still to make a move in the transfer market but the return of midfielders Lucas and Joe Cole has buoyed him.
Brazilian Lucas has impressed the Anfield backroom staff in training this week as he begins his comeback from the serious ligament injury that cut short his 2011/12 campaign last December.
The absence of the holding midfielder in the second half of the season was in my opinion one of the key reasons for Liverpool's slump to 8th place.His incisive tackling and ability to win the ball were sorely missed.
Cole looked really sharp on his return from a loan spell in France and the word from Anfield is that he is very much part of Rodgers plans.
Rodgers faces a busy time in the transfer market with several new signings needed before the season gets underway.
But he is delighted with the way Lucas has recovered from injury and the attitude of a rejuvenated Cole.

[steveeastend]

Brian McNally ‏@McNallyMirror
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has still to make a move in the transfer market but the return of midfielders Lucas and Joe Cole has buoyed him.
Brazilian Lucas has impressed the Anfield backroom staff in training this week as he begins his comeback from the serious ligament injury that cut short his 2011/12 campaign last December.
The absence of the holding midfielder in the second half of the season was in my opinion one of the key reasons for Liverpool's slump to 8th place.His incisive tackling and ability to win the ball were sorely missed.
Cole looked really sharp on his return from a loan spell in France and the word from Anfield is that he is very much part of Rodgers plans.
Rodgers faces a busy time in the transfer market with several new signings needed before the season gets underway.
But he is delighted with the way Lucas has recovered from injury and the attitude of a rejuvenated Cole.

As I wrote in this other thread, if Cole is fit and willing to work hard, why not? Same with Aquilani.

It would be smart to make use of the quality still around as it would take off the pressure for getting in the right players right away which could be costy. 

I kind of miss Kuyt here but  there was nothing Rodgers could do anymore I guess.

[conman]

we all have to remember  Rodgers already knows Cole from their time together at Chelsea

[TSC]

Let's face reality irrespective of whatever 'spin' can be 'spun'.  Our squad is shite.  Best fit first 11 are decent and if all stayed fit would realistically expect to be up there.  But depth wise it's crap, and has been for years.  This is the challenge.  And good luck to him.  Not an easy prob to fix with little investment from the owners.

[CanuckYNWA]

Would it be out of character if we lined up 4-4-2 under Rodgers?

Yes.

Id be amazed if he played a 4-4-2 ever. I could see him playing a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 with suarez as the AM/SS but i dont think we will ever see two strikers playing up top and personally think that formation is outdated as the game is more about controlling the midfield and in a 4-4-2 formation your midfield gets spread out and you can easily end up with a 3 vs 2 against a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation. Like someone else said he will play a 4-3-3 in attack and a 4-2-3-1 when defending. Oh and Carroll and suarez can both easily be played at the same time in that formation as many people have said and I believe suarez is NOT a striker hes a wide foward/support striker. Yes he can end up being upfront alone but he likes to come deep alot and cut in alot aswell. He is not like a torres who runs into channels and tries to beat offside traps or a carroll who holds the ball up or flicks it on. He wants space to create things on his own which he will get playing in the hole or as a wide forward.  Yes he can play upfront on his own and im sure he will do that this year sometimes aswell but as we saw plenty of times when he plays upfront on his own he gets man marked constantly and cant find the space or create the space as much as he wants and therefor forces his chances more. With some better attacking quality alongside suarez this season I can see him getting 25-35 goals in all comps easily. He got what 18 in all comps last season in a team struggling to score goals.

[Raul!]

From what I've read, I don't expect BR to play 442 but Italy did pretty well playing with 2 strikers as strikers in the Euros.

[NeilR]

its been posted before but re-looking at this article & slotting our current squad in, we aren't too far off...

http://www.eplindex.com/14987/brendan-rodgers-tactical-approach-liverpool-adapt-tikitaka.html

its an excellent insight into Rogers football beliefs & although it might take a while to get our players to instinctively follow it, I think he'll try to implement it from day 1. we can go with this for a start...

..................pepe................
........skertl...........anger.......
..................Lucas................
Johnson.........................Enrique
 ..........gerrard.........?...............
....Suarez.....................?...........
..................Carroll/?.................

so for me the 3 or 4 players we need when you look at this are:-
- wide forward (maybe that's ramirez).
- advanced cm (where gylfi would have went).
- alternative to Carroll (hence the borini link).
- a back up or partner for Lucas whose basically a carbon copy.

dunno who we'll go for but that's the 3-4 things I see us trying to sort out. yes we have other players in our current squad you can argue can slot in here by I personally believe these are the spots we should improve the quality or tactical ability that we have now.

[Xabier Alonso Olano]

Agree about Suarez Canuck, think he could get a hatful this season. I agree about the need to 3 in the middle and would have liked to have seen a more orthodox 4-3-3 under Kenny, with Suarez and Bellamy pushed right up alongsidethe CF. Circumstances didn't allow it though I guess.

Yeah it will be intersting to see if suarez is used behind the striker, as the striker or from a wider position. I know he will always be afforded the freedom to move from a base system but establishing where said position is has gotta be a good decision for Rodgers to make.

Agree about the possible signings indicating where he starts too, although Rodgers has players coming back that he may fancy keeping about. 

[Baz Smythe]

its been posted before but re-looking at this article & slotting our current squad in, we aren't too far off...

http://www.eplindex.com/14987/brendan-rodgers-tactical-approach-liverpool-adapt-tikitaka.html

its an excellent insight into Rogers football beliefs & although it might take a while to get our players to instinctively follow it, I think he'll try to implement it from day 1. we can go with this for a start...

..................pepe................
........skertl...........anger.......
..................Lucas................
Johnson.........................Enrique
 ..........gerrard.........?...............
....Suarez.....................?...........
..................Carroll/?.................

so for me the 3 or 4 players we need when you look at this are:-
- wide forward (maybe that's ramirez).
- advanced cm (where gylfi would have went).
- alternative to Carroll (hence the borini link).
- a back up or partner for Lucas whose basically a carbon copy.

dunno who we'll go for but that's the 3-4 things I see us trying to sort out. yes we have other players in our current squad you can argue can slot in here by I personally believe these are the spots we should improve the quality or tactical ability that we have now.

Yeah this seems pretty accurate.  But don't forget that's when we've got the ball, without it and pressing we will fix in a 4-2-3-1 formation



                         Reina

Johnson.    Skrtel.      Agger.    Enrique

               Lucas.          Gerrard

   Suarez            Ramirez.            ?

                          Carroll.   


Rodgers loves the man behind the striker, whether Suarez or a new signing (filled in by Ramirez) wil be playing there we'll have to wait and see what plans he has but the above is how I believe he will line up with Gerrard moving further forward when we have the ball like yours above.

[killer_heels]

Yeah this seems pretty accurate.  But don't forget that's when we've got the ball, without it and pressing we will fix in a 4-2-3-1 formation



                         Reina

Johnson.    Skrtel.      Agger.    Enrique

               Lucas.          Gerrard

   Suarez            Ramirez.            ?

                          Carroll.   


Rodgers loves the man behind the striker, whether Suarez or a new signing (filled in by Ramirez) wil be playing there we'll have to wait and see what plans he has but the above is how I believe he will line up with Gerrard moving further forward when we have the ball like yours above.

I strongly believe that Suarez will play the lone striker up front role.

[Passmaster Molby]

First Team - Reina: Johnson, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger: Lucas, Aquilani, Gerrard: Maxi, Bellamy, Suarez,

Subs - Doni, Kelly, Carragher, Henderson, Downing, Cole, Carroll

Others - Jones, Gulasci, Coates, Wilson, Flanagan, Robinson, Spearing, Adam, Shelvey, Sterling, Pacheco

It's not a bad squad to work with is it?

I hope Brendan takes his time to assess these players, and I want him to check the young lads out (mainly the likes of Sterling, Shelvey, Pacheco, Coates, Gulasci, Robinson, Flanagan and Wilson etc) and try to develop them instead of potentially wasting millions on players we may not need.

[hugoboss]

Didn't know where to put this

Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
5. Having been present for every minute of the @foxsoccer filming of the series so far, it's going to be absolutely amazing viewing.


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
4. The last man at Melwood on Friday @ 7.15pm when I left was the boss. He was first in @7.30am. His Fox interview was like hearing Shankly


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
3. New training regime is very different to recent years. All about very quick passing on mini-pitches with goalkeepers fully involved


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
2. Joe Coles is one of the most popular players amongst staff at Melwood - particularly canteen ladies. Always says hello to everyone.


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
1. Lucas so happy to be back in full training, he's like a kid at Xmas. On exercise bike with Carra, Carra said he's 1 of our best players


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
Was lucky enough to spend last 5 days at Melwood working with @FoxSoccer on their six-part @LFC series. Here's 5 things I learnt this week..

[myliverbird]

Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
3. New training regime is very different to recent years. All about very quick passing on mini-pitches with goalkeepers fully involved

 

[steveeastend]

Didn't know where to put this

Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
5. Having been present for every minute of the @foxsoccer filming of the series so far, it's going to be absolutely amazing viewing.


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
4. The last man at Melwood on Friday @ 7.15pm when I left was the boss. He was first in @7.30am. His Fox interview was like hearing Shankly


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
3. New training regime is very different to recent years. All about very quick passing on mini-pitches with goalkeepers fully involved


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
2. Joe Coles is one of the most popular players amongst staff at Melwood - particularly canteen ladies. Always says hello to everyone.


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
1. Lucas so happy to be back in full training, he's like a kid at Xmas. On exercise bike with Carra, Carra said he's 1 of our best players


Paul Rogers ‏@PaulRogersLFC
Was lucky enough to spend last 5 days at Melwood working with @FoxSoccer on their six-part @LFC series. Here's 5 things I learnt this week..

That´s all? I would expect more from 5 full days