Topic: The Klopp Template

[Djozer]

With the need for the aditional wide men. Should we not remember how well Harry Wilson has done at Hull, buy one more (maybe Fekir) and give Harry a chance to develop? Then we could re-visit the centre forward position and consider what we require knowing Sturridge and Origi have probably gone and Solanke could go on loan. I know Brewster would come into this if he had remained fit but we may need another decent option to cover / rotate with Bobby. This would enable us to take domestic cups more seriously without nearly de-railing things as in 16/17.

I'm sort of in the "buy one more attacker and give Wilson/Woodburn/Whoever a chance" camp too, but I think many would prefer a couple of signings there and they may have the right of it - we've been, Mane's early injury aside, rather absurdly lucky with the fitness of the front three. Still reckon just one high quality forward option should see us right, but I can see why others might want a couple to come in. I do wonder what'll happen with Solanke and Ings. Assume at least one will leave, and if it's Ings it'll probably be permanent.

Brewster is an interesting one too. Lot of rumours in Scotland a couple of weeks back that he was set to join Celtic on loan for next year. I really hope he signs a new contract with us, I think the kid's got great potential. Lot of talent, an eye for a goal, and great workrate too.

[El Lobo]

I'm sort of in the "buy one more attacker and give Wilson/Woodburn/Whoever a chance" camp too, but I think many would prefer a couple of signings there and they may have the right of it - we've been, Mane's early injury aside, rather absurdly lucky with the fitness of the front three. Still reckon just one high quality forward option should see us right, but I can see why others might want a couple to come in. I do wonder what'll happen with Solanke and Ings. Assume at least one will leave, and if it's Ings it'll probably be permanent.

Brewster is an interesting one too. Lot of rumours in Scotland a couple of weeks back that he was set to join Celtic on loan for next year. I really hope he signs a new contract with us, I think the kid's got great potential. Lot of talent, an eye for a goal, and great workrate too.

Still don't really get this. Firmino, Salah and Mane generally have excellent fitness records so I don't particularly think its lucky. If we had Fowler, Berger and Kewell as our front three fit for a whole season then we'd be thanking our lucky stars, but three players who rarely get injured not getting injured isn't particularly lucky.

[Bob Sacamano]

Its quite obvious that we need to be planning for a 90 point achievement. Mid-90's is very, very difficult but we need to be planning to get 90 points and as such we need a squad to do that.

I wouldn't even bother looking at the keeper now. I have been critical of Karius but he really has improved in terms of his command of the area. Id rather get a good centreback to address the issue of our current lack of robustness there and put the rest of our money towards a couple of quality attackers/creative midfielders. If we want to be getting 90 points then goals and creativity are getting us that.

We won't (at least not serious competition for Karius), but I think we should actually, especially if Allison or Oblak or a keeper of that class is truly available. A world class keeper is almost certainly worth more than a CB upgrade, as De Gea is demonstrating at the moment! Karius is showing himself to be competent, but if we are serious about catching City, we should be aiming for the best we can possibly get.

[Giono]

What we need is for more then just 2 managers in the league to actually have the courage to play against a Pep led City.  The embarrassing cowardice of managers in this league who don’t allow their teams to leave their own penalty area is nothing short of amazing.  Pep doesn’t have this league figured out, the managers in this league (bar a couple) are terrified of everyone else realizing that they don’t have a clue as to what they are doing so they sit in to keep the score down and then blame the loss on City’s millions spent on players which covers the fact that, tactically, they are still stuck in the stone ages.

If it becomes chronic, the PL should do s9mething like applying a multiplier (ex 0.5) to ‘goals for’ when calculating goal difference. One of the big rationalisations for deadening matches against top sides of those avoid-the-drop specialists is goal difference at the end of the season. If trying to score is rewarded, we may see more young ambitious British managers get recruited over the tired old farts that are recycled among the bottom third clubs as being a ‘safe pair of hands’.

[Djozer]

Still don't really get this. Firmino, Salah and Mane generally have excellent fitness records so I don't particularly think its lucky. If we had Fowler, Berger and Kewell as our front three fit for a whole season then we'd be thanking our lucky stars, but three players who rarely get injured not getting injured isn't particularly lucky.

You may be right. Possibly "absurdly lucky" was a bit OTT, but I still think we've been rather fortunate. Maybe not crazily though, and I'm sure their fitness record played a part in the decision to get shot of Coutinho and not bring in a replacement.

[afc tukrish]

...we may see more young ambitious British managers get recruited over the tired old farts that are recycled among the bottom third clubs as being a ‘safe pair of hands’.

If Harry Kane ever becomes a manager, this cliche will take on whole new levels...

[Gnurglan]

If City repeat the 95+ pts season not even the reinforcements above would be enough for us to make 20 pts improvement with CL obligations. City have skewed what people normally perceive as league challenge. If the title requirements get down to usual range of mid 80s then we can talk about it but my fear is that Pep has this league totally figured out and might potentially repeat their ridiculous points tally. Only time will tell.

One step at a time. We are currently at 20-12-5. That's not good enough. We need to get to 25 wins or more, then we can start comparing. Until then, we are not even doing the basics. So before we think about City, we'd better focus on how we can transform half of those 12 draws to wins. That's what we need to address first. When that is our level, our starting point, we will compete for the PL trophy. Some seasons it will not be enough because the winners have a season like Chelsea did last year or City this year. But both those seasons have been extreme.

If I go back to those draws, one observation is we lack the ability to break teams down when they park the bus.

[Gnurglan]

You may be right. Possibly "absurdly lucky" was a bit OTT, but I still think we've been rather fortunate. Maybe not crazily though, and I'm sure their fitness record played a part in the decision to get shot of Coutinho and not bring in a replacement.

I'd like to say we have identified the right kind of players. Players who tend to stay fit. As I've mentioned before though, we lack other alternatives and the front three have started the most games for us. It's not just luck, but we are probably pushing the limits.

[Djozer]

I'd like to say we have identified the right kind of players. Players who tend to stay fit. As I've mentioned before though, we lack other alternatives and the front three have started the most games for us. It's not just luck, but we are probably pushing the limits.

I think you're right when you say we're actively targeting players with good fitness records now. It was one of the reasons I was a bit surprised when we went in for Ox actually, given how injury prone he'd seemed at Arsenal, but obviously the analysts had determined that it was something that could be improved upon (through a better training regime?) and so it proved, at least until his recent injury, which looks to have been just one of those unfortunate ones that can happen to any player regardless of prior record.

As you say though, it does seem like we've pushed the limits of what we can achieve without better options for the forward positions. Presumably we'll be addressing that this summer, in one form or another.

[Samie]

Sega and Amadou and what's happening with Diawara. 

Amadou: - Liverpool register interest in January and appear to be following it up recently.

Sega Diallo says Liverpool are one of two PL clubs strongly interested in Diawara, as well as other "big European clubs", but nothing beyond that at the moment.

[El Lobo]

We're just going to be linked with every decent African footballer now aren't we?

[Simplexity]

I figured when Klopp came in we would get some boss German players instead we are apparently getting boss African players instead, not complaining mind.

[Djozer]

We're gonna be proper fucked when the African Cup of Nations rolls around. Ridiculous lack of foresight from the club. Could mean we have to give our African lads an extra few days off over pre season.

[Samie]

We're gonna be proper fucked when the African Cup of Nations rolls around. Ridiculous lack of foresight from the club. Could mean we have to give our African lads an extra few days off over pre season.

Yes mate , its' happening twice every three months.

[LFCEmpire]

We're gonna be proper fucked when the African Cup of Nations rolls around. Ridiculous lack of foresight from the club. Could mean we have to give our African lads an extra few days off over pre season.

Fell into the trap 

[killer-heels]

Salah will be knackered though. A heavy season this season, world cup, then another heavy season and then the AFCON. No rest for 2 seasons and summers.

[sminp]

Salah will be knackered though. A heavy season this season, world cup, then another heavy season and then the AFCON. No rest for 2 seasons and summers.

There’s going to be a “winter break” starting from next season. 2 weeks in Feb I think it is.

[Djozer]

Fell into the trap 

Sorry bud, find it hard to resist every time the AFCON gets mentioned.

There’s going to be a “winter break” starting from next season. 2 weeks in Feb I think it is.

Didn't know they'd finalised that, that's good to hear. Is there going to be a break every year? Vaguely recall reading somewhere they were thinking about only doing it in World Cup years or something like that.

[sminp]

Sorry bud, find it hard to resist every time the AFCON gets mentioned.
Didn't know they'd finalised that, that's good to hear. Is there going to be a break every year? Vaguely recall reading somewhere they were thinking about only doing it in World Cup years or something like that.

Ah not sure. I thought it was confirmed for next season but I could be wrong and I’m not sure if it’s a trial or a multi year thing either.

[Samie]

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is the alternative if we can't get Lyon to agree to sell Nabil Feikir according to African journos.  BUY ALL THE AFRICANS! 

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is the alternative if we can't get Lyon to agree to sell Nabil Feikir according to African journos.  BUY ALL THE AFRICANS! 

Mirror reporting that we are after Malcolm from Bordeux 

[leroy]

BUY ALL THE AFRICANS! 

Perhaps not the best phrasing.  Offer all the African gentlemen generous contract terms!

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

I figured when Klopp came in we would get some boss German players instead we are apparently getting boss African players instead, not complaining mind.

All boss german players go to Bayern. It's hard to compete with them. Latino players sooner or later will want to go to Barcelona or Real, so africans are the safest bet.

[elpistolero7]

Getting closer and closer.

VVD, AOC, the two pacy fullbacks are bringing us very close.

I like Karius, and I think he has earned the number 1 spot. He's not world class, but he is a good, reliable keeper who is steadily improving. Think he can develop further. Having a leader like VVD in defense has really helped him.

I'm not sure regarding the defense. On a good day, Lovren is really great - committed, good in the air, brave, and good on the ball. But I'm not sure he will ever cut the errors out. Its kind of okay when a 19 year old does it, but not when you're 28. I think we are good numbers-wise. Matip and Gomez's fitness is a concern, as is Klavan's ageing. I think a CB signing could be useful, but only if its either an elite young talent or someone for a starting spot.

 We are quite spoiled in the fullback department. Barring talent hoarders like Madrid, we likely have one of the best pools of fullbacks to chose from (injuries permitting) in Clyne, Trent, Moreno and Robertson. With Gomez and Milner both capable of filling in, we are very blessed quality and depth wise.

Think the midfield is very different to the good ones he had at Dortmund. No one can manouvre in tight spaces like a peak Sahin or Gundogan can, which is where Keita will be very valuable. As much as we are great at pressing, when we get pressed ourselves, most of of our midfield struggles. Our midfield is full of good players, with AOC the only with potential to become world class IMO. Keita is on a completely different level, and will be a great addition.


We also win the ball back in good spaces in midfield, but the execution of that one pass to create an opportunity is so often messed up (Can and Henderson are very guilty of rushing it, because they have the turning circle of the titantic).To be fair, Henderson is probably second only to Kante in his off the ball work in the league, so there's always that to consider in terms of pros and cons.


I think 3 good signings - nothing spectacular, mind, will transform our side, as I believe Klopp having a squad he can interchange regularly is key. Another option for CB/Matip recovering good form, a technically adept number 6, and a versatile, pacy forward will be huge for us.

Don't think we are far off - just need to upgrade some good players --> great players in the starting 11, and put guarenteed starters under pressure for their positions/rotation options.

[elpistolero7]

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is the alternative if we can't get Lyon to agree to sell Nabil Feikir according to African journos.  BUY ALL THE AFRICANS! 

Kolo? Kolo Kolo?

Yaya? Yaya Yaya?

Character.

[harleydanger]

I think if we can get this summer right, get the first XI properly sorted, which is probably the midfield, we have the opportunity with the age of that XI to start actually buying top top quality young talent instead of filling gaps each season. This is a massive step forward because i don't think the club has been in that situation since the bootroom days

[elpistolero7]

I think if we can get this summer right, get the first XI properly sorted, which is probably the midfield, we have the opportunity with the age of that XI to start actually buying top top quality young talent instead of filling gaps each season. This is a massive step forward because i don't think the club has been in that situation since the bootroom days

Last time when we were this close was the summer of 2008. Cracking first 11 where there were 1 or 2 obvious improvements to be made (flanks), similar to now (midfield and maybe CB).

Decent options on the bench, but very stretched anytime a key player got injured (Gerrard/Alonso/Torres), similar to the lack of depth up-top now.

Then we sold Alonso and collapsed. It'd be like selling VVD or Firmino now. Confident going into the summer as CL finalists (worst case), a cracking, young squad, and a manger who has nailed every single signing for big money, and on top of that brought in some outstanding bargains in Karius and Robertson.

[RedorRed]

Are we any closer to getting a decent Klopp song? The current one is shocking compared to all the recent new additions to the Kop repertoire.

[clinical]

Salah will be knackered though. A heavy season this season, world cup, then another heavy season and then the AFCON. No rest for 2 seasons and summers.

He'll be rotated more next year when we buy Fekir and a young pacy wide man.

[lionel_messias]

Mirror reporting that we are after Malcolm from Bordeux 

Trouble is, he really can't play out wide.

[Dr. Beaker]

Are we any closer to getting a decent Klopp song? The current one is shocking compared to all the recent new additions to the Kop repertoire.

Jurgen Jurgen uber alles.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Trouble is, he really can't play out wide.

Yes, no, maybe, I don't know...

[clinical]

Trouble is, he really can't play out wide.

I reckon if Klopp could choose one winger to bring in it will be Pulisic. I wouldn't say he's lost his way as such as the whole Dortmund team hasn't been great this year, but I think he should move. I know Klopp would turn him into a star, and I think he'd fit in here with how we play.

There's many options though Bailey, Malcolm, Sessegnon.

Any of them who can rotate with Mane Salah.

Salah Mane Firmino Fekir and say Pulisic. With Harry Wilson, Woodburn and one of Solanke/Ings.

I think there's enough depth there.

[Vinay]

Some mentions of Ziyech. Top player, but will we dare get him? He has Ducth citizenship but he is a major element of the Moroccan national team.

Talking about getting only fit players, which is probably what went in the wrok behind doors; does that mean that Gareth Bale is out of question then?

[clinical]

Some mentions of Ziyech. Top player, but will we dare get him? He has Ducth citizenship but he is a major element of the Moroccan national team.

Talking about getting only fit players, which is probably what went in the wrok behind doors; does that mean that Gareth Bale is out of question then?

He's finished. He will hopefully go to utd and be finished there along with Sanchez on £500k a week.

[RedSince86]

Ziyech is 25.

How has he been so long in Holland,they usually move them on from the late teens to early 20's and cash in.

Hopefully paper talk.

I see we have been linked with a season long loan for  Barca CB  Yerry Mina who they only signed in January,they need to make space for Arthur for a non EU player is the reason they want to loan him out.

[Ron]

Ziyech

Too slow for Liverpool.
His passing ability leave to be desired as well.
Better off playing Wijnaldum, much better player.

[Samie]

Fuck the Ferry Mina guy. Why the fuck would we want to develop a Barca player? Unless it's an option to buy they can fuck off. 

[lionel_messias]

I reckon if Klopp could choose one winger to bring in it will be Pulisic. I wouldn't say he's lost his way as such as the whole Dortmund team hasn't been great this year, but I think he should move. I know Klopp would turn him into a star, and I think he'd fit in here with how we play.

There's many options though Bailey, Malcolm, Sessegnon.

Any of them who can rotate with Mane Salah.

Salah Mane Firmino Fekir and say Pulisic. With Harry Wilson, Woodburn and one of Solanke/Ings.

I think there's enough depth there.

Ah my brilliant joke has sailed over........Like Ronaldinho in a quarter final match against David Seaman

[lionel_messias]

Fuck the Ferry Mina guy. Why the fuck would we want to develop a Barca player? Unless it's an option to buy they can fuck off. 

6 foot 5inches, full international for Colombia. Have him for one season while Jo Gomez is out on loan somewhere

Prefer option to buy though obviously.