Topic: Pepe's .tv interview

[Raoul Duke]

If somebody offered £20m I would take it. He is a good goalkeeper, but he isn't the world beater many of us make him out to be. He can be replaced., without it affecting the overall quality of the team as long as the money is spent wisely.

Mmm he can be replaced, yes, but his replacement won't be as good. I guarantee it.

I have slowly come round to this view watching Reina over the last few months; how many truly world class saves does he actually make ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRaut_9Ypx4&feature=related

Well, there's about seven in twenty seconds.

[gray19lfc]

We have conceded loads of penalties this season, and he hasn't saved any.

Disagree with nearly all of your post, Pepe was MOTM for me yesterday.

Have been thinking about his penalty saving reputation for a while now though and have got the following stats off Liverweb.  Of the 26 penalties he's faced in normal time, 4 were missed (15.4%) and 22 scored (84.6%).  In shootouts, he has faced 7 and conceded 2 (28.6%).

[Rohit]

Does anyone have the stats on how many penalties he's faced and how many he's saved?  I don't remember seeing him save one for ages.

The rest of that post I quoted is shite by the way.  MOTM for me yesterday.

I think old trafford last year he saved rooneys but the fat prick got the rebound.

[jDJ]

anyway, making loads of great saves does not make you a great keeper

Yep.  Practically all decent goalkeepers are agile and good shot stoppers.  Top goalkeepers should be judged by 1. Decision making, 2. how few mistakes they make and 3. Distribution.  Pep's scores very highly in all 3 areas.  He's the best keeper in the league and probably the only genuinely world class player on our books.  Not to mention the fact he's superb to have in the dressing room.  He'll be a big loss.

[Kochevnik]

Yep.  Practically all decent goalkeepers are agile and good shot stoppers.  Top goalkeepers should be judged by 1. Decision making, 2. how few mistakes they make and 3. Distribution.  Pep's scores very highly in all 3 areas.  He's the best keeper in the league and probably the only genuinely world class player on our books.  Not to mention the fact he's superb to have in the dressing room.  He'll be a big loss.

Suarez?  Not to mention Gerrard?  I know it's the fashion to disparage our squad after a loss, and I admit that we are a long ways off challenging for the league, but to say that Reina is our only world-class player is taking it too far.

[Lush is the best medicine...]

Suarez?  Not to mention Gerrard?  I know it's the fashion to disparage our squad after a loss, and I admit that we are a long ways off challenging for the league, but to say that Reina is our only world-class player is taking it too far.

suarez isnt world class yet, gerrard is probably just about still world class but in permanent decline

[jDJ]

Suarez?  Not to mention Gerrard?  I know it's the fashion to disparage our squad after a loss, and I admit that we are a long ways off challenging for the league, but to say that Reina is our only world-class player is taking it too far.

I haven't seen Gerrard put in a world class performance for some time now and it's a bit early to say Suarez is world class, although if he carries on like he is, he'll deserve such a description.  Both very, very good players though.  I'm quite positive about our squad actually, in Lucas, Mereiles, Johnson, Kelly, Agger, Maxi, Kuyt, as well as the two you mention we've got some top talent but I'm not sure about any of them being genuinely world class.  I reserve that for the world's best, the elite.  I can only think of a handful of players we've had in recent years befitting of that description.  Gerrard, Alonso, Masch, Torres and Carra for a time.  Arguably Hyypia too.  Not much beyond those in recent years.  I think United who are the best in the country at the moment only have a few world class players - Rooney, Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra.  Clearly Giggs and Scholes used to be too.

[andspecks]

I haven't seen Gerrard put in a world class performance for some time now

Man United? Chelsea? Napoli? He isn't doing it as regularly as he once did, but he hasn't been as useless as many on here seem to think.

[jDJ]

Man United? Chelsea? Napoli? He isn't doing it as regularly as he once did, but he hasn't been as useless as many on here seem to think.

Are you talking about the most recent United and Chelsea matches?  Because they weren't world class performances at all in my opinion.  Excellent against Napoli I agree - that was Stevie as a force of nature, unstoppable when he plays like that.  We go months in between those sort of performances these days though.  I'm not criticising him, he's one of our greatest ever players, has provided many of the happiest moments of my life and given whole new generations of Liverpool supporters their own stories of Liverpool glory to tell.  But right now, in 2011 - tough to say he's a still a world class performer.  The reality is class isn't permanent - it fades as the legs grow weary.  Scholes and Giggs aren't world class either anymore - they play brilliantly once every 6 or 7 matches and then the media w@nks over their ageless ability.  Speak to United season ticket holders and they've been crying out for quality replacements for two seasons now.

[Lush is the best medicine...]

Man United? Chelsea? Napoli? He isn't doing it as regularly as he once did, but he hasn't been as useless as many on here seem to think.

what 'world class' performances against man united or chelsea?

[Ambrosia]

Are you talking about the most recent United and Chelsea matches?  Because they weren't world class performances at all in my opinion.  Excellent against Napoli I agree - that was Stevie as a force of nature, unstoppable when he plays like that. We go months in between those sort of performances these days though.  I'm not criticising him, he's one of our greatest ever players, has provided many of the happiest moments of my life and given whole new generations of Liverpool supporters their own stories of Liverpool glory to tell.  But right now, in 2011 - tough to say he's a still a world class performer.  The reality is class isn't permanent - it fades as the legs grow weary.  Scholes and Giggs aren't world class either anymore - they play brilliantly once every 6 or 7 matches and then the media w@nks over their ageless ability.  Speak to United season ticket holders and they've been crying out for quality replacements for two seasons now.

Because he's been bogged down with injuries for the past two season?  It's fair to say age has affected him, in that injuries have become a lot more common for him, but the right treatment and care can see him hit form again.

Scholes and Giggs are almost 40. Gerrard has just entered his 30s. It's ridiculous to start writing his eulogy right now.

[BigV]

Yep.  Practically all decent goalkeepers are agile and good shot stoppers.  Top goalkeepers should be judged by 1. Decision making, 2. how few mistakes they make and 3. Distribution.  Pep's scores very highly in all 3 areas.  He's the best keeper in the league and probably the only genuinely world class player on our books.  Not to mention the fact he's superb to have in the dressing room.  He'll be a big loss.

Agree with this. Can't underestimate the confidence he instills in the rest of the side and his distribution is really second to none, it's like having an extra man on this pitch if you have a keeper who can play the right pass forward and it makes us far more threatening on the counter attack. He's a true world beater and it would be absurd to lose him because quite frankly there's no one else who can bring what he does.

Not to mention that he's also clearly a very insightful reader of the game and is probably has the best leadership skills out there.

[andspecks]

what 'world class' performances against man united or chelsea?

I personally thought he was brilliant in both games. Along with Lucas I thought they were rocks in the center of the park.

[Mostar]

If somebody offered £20m I would take it. He is a good goalkeeper, but he isn't the world beater many of us make him out to be. He can be replaced., without it affecting the overall quality of the team as long as the money is spent wisely.

He is easily the best goalkeeper in PL and that will be dificult to replace regardless of who would come. Also losing Pepe would also disrupt the balance at the back as the new goalkeeper would need to adjust and that takes time.

Also we are trying to change the perception that we are the selling club that was stuck with us since H&G days.

We don't sell our best players and that is very important especially when we'll be trying to convince top talent to join us.

[buzzing]

He's a class act. top keepers are hard to find. United will be worried when VDS goes. And look at arsenal, with a top keeper they'd be in a much better situation

Can't be going back to calamity james days

[Boggers]

Maybe a poor goal keeper could be a kick up the arse for the defense to step it up? 

[jDJ]

Because he's been bogged down with injuries for the past two season?  It's fair to say age has affected him, in that injuries have become a lot more common for him, but the right treatment and care can see him hit form again.

Scholes and Giggs are almost 40. Gerrard has just entered his 30s. It's ridiculous to start writing his eulogy right now.

You're right, he has been hampered by injuries but those injuries and more specifically the time and effort put in to recover from them, whilst frustrating at the time and limiting his appearances have also taken their toll long term in my view.  In 08/09, supporting Torres with the brilliant partnership in Masch and Alonso behind him, he looked superb again but that was some time ago.  Last season, I thought he might have just been suffering from the absence of Alonso but I'm not so sure now.  I wonder if he'll ever be that same player again.  I'm not writing his eulogy but I'd personally like a fit and firing revitalised Gerrard to be the icing on the cake, an unexpected bonus rather than something we look to build around and I'd be amazed if we got anything like a full top form season out of him again.

Also, Gerrard's ability is based in no small part around his supreme athleticism.  Scholes with his, in this country at least, peerless technique was always going to be able to adapt as his body grew older.  Giggs has been more of a surprise by adapting as well.  Whether or not Gerrard can evolve his style into his 30s is still very much up for debate.  Early signs of him playing a deeper role in central midfield have not been too promising in my view.

I'm not writing him off though.  I still think we can get more good seasons out of him as the most advanced in a midfield 3, hopefully sharing the role with Aquilani.

[Illmatic]

Can honestly see him going in the summer the noises that have been coming out from him in recent months has not been overly positive.

[eirwen]

I think it depends on whether Arsenal will spend 20m on a keeper. So he could still stay.

[VamosLiverpool]

I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but if Reina were to leave, then surely we'd be mad not to look at Foster?

[El_Pistolero]

I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but if Reina were to leave, then surely we'd be mad not to look at Foster?

There must be many more, better, keepers that we can get for £20 million or under that are better than Foster.

[Sinead7]

I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but if Reina were to leave, then surely we'd be mad not to look at Foster?

Good Keeper, but he was at United and he'd come with 'English tax' meaning we'd pay more than he is worth.

[jaffod]

If somebody offered £20m I would take it. He is a good goalkeeper, but he isn't the world beater many of us make him out to be. He can be replaced., without it affecting the overall quality of the team as long as the money is spent wisely.
I have slowly come round to this view watching Reina over the last few months; how many truly world class saves does he actually make ? I can only remember a save in the Chelsea game at Anfield, other than that I can't really remember anything. I know we have had a dodgy defence, who expose him at times, but I seriously cannot rememer a game in the last year where at the end I have thought 'thank fuck for Reina he has got us out of the shit there.'Maybe I have a bad memory. He doesn't drop many clangers, but neither has he been top class, and won us games.
Forget the clean sheet award, that isn't worth a wank; whilst he has been winning these Edwin van der Sar has been winning league titles.
And how many penalties does he save in a match situation ? I can only remember 2. We have conceded loads of penalties this season, and he hasn't saved any.
I am not saying he is a bad goalkeeper; if he stays fine, but if he goes he is far from irreplaceable.

I read that, scrolled down the page and then scrolled back up to make sure I wasn't tripping. Fucking hell.

[JCP]

Fuck no, not Foster, the guy can't kick.

[JackWard33]

I read that, scrolled down the page and then scrolled back up to make sure I wasn't tripping. Fucking hell.

Lol was going to write something very similar then scrolled down and saw yours

Being casual about top class keepers leaving and the effect it has on your team is a really dangerous activity - ask Man U a few years ago and Arsenal the last few years

[Dr Manhattan]

I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but if Reina were to leave, then surely we'd be mad not to look at Foster?

[John C]

I am not saying he is a bad goalkeeper; if he stays fine, but if he goes he is far from irreplaceable.

Its rare I really criticise a poster mate but that post was pretty shity, honestly. I can see all sides of all arguments about every Liverpool player but I just don't get an angle on that post Andy.

[Fiasco]

If somebody offered £20m I would take it. He is a good goalkeeper, but he isn't the world beater many of us make him out to be. He can be replaced., without it affecting the overall quality of the team as long as the money is spent wisely.
I have slowly come round to this view watching Reina over the last few months; how many truly world class saves does he actually make ? I can only remember a save in the Chelsea game at Anfield, other than that I can't really remember anything. I know we have had a dodgy defence, who expose him at times, but I seriously cannot rememer a game in the last year where at the end I have thought 'thank fuck for Reina he has got us out of the shit there.'Maybe I have a bad memory. He doesn't drop many clangers, but neither has he been top class, and won us games.
Forget the clean sheet award, that isn't worth a wank; whilst he has been winning these Edwin van der Sar has been winning league titles.
And how many penalties does he save in a match situation ? I can only remember 2. We have conceded loads of penalties this season, and he hasn't saved any.
I am not saying he is a bad goalkeeper; if he stays fine, but if he goes he is far from irreplaceable.

Yeah I mean, the golden glove isn't worth a wank. Same way the the golden boot isn't worth one, either. Say next year Carroll gets 25 goals and is the leading scorer, and continues to be so for most seasons after, that won't be worth a fucking wank either, will it? At the end of the day, he's just scoring goals. All Pepe does is prevent them, to the best of his or anybody elses abilty in this league. But that's nothing, we can do without a top class goalie.

[Mostar]

I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but if Reina were to leave, then surely we'd be mad not to look at Foster?

We need miles better goalkeeper than Foster.

If he was one for the future Mancs would have let him leave.

If Pepe wants to go there are some decent choice out there that we can consider such as Lloris, Neuer, De Gea, Stekelenburg, Handanovic, Akinfeev etc.

None of them are as good as Pepe but they can get the job done if Pepe wants out. 

Hopefully Pepe will stay cause if he doesn't it will be a huge blow but we'll deal with it as we dealt with Nando's situation.

[PhilV]

I dunno if anyone else has seen this but I followm Pepe Reina Official on FB and he posted the following just before:

Hi to @ll,

On Monday we won by 3-0 Man City. It was a great match, from all the team together. Special mention to my team mate Sweet Carroll. Especially thanks to the fans, they were awesome! It was a very important victory for continuing dreaming with Europe.
I would like a tribute to the 96 victims of Hillsborough in the 22 years since that tragic day ... they will never walk alone and always will be remembered

doesn't sound like a man who wants to leave but very well said Pepe and very respectful, the man is pure class.

[cox3100]

i dont think pepe will leave(yet)

with torres we all kind of new(but didnt want to admit) he wanted to go.i just dont get that kind of vibe off pepe.

i think he will stay at least 1 more season,he knows that we are on the way back to challenging for titles and trophies.

[MolbyLovesGravlax]

My theory is Pepe has been dropping hints about leaving because of how bad the Torres debacle ended for the player. He wants everyone to be ready for the fact he could leave, even to Man Utd. That way if he stays he looks like even more of a hero, if he leaves people are not thrown into the same frenzy as with Torres.
Also, if he goes I don't think we will pay top money for a replacement, and instead pump the extra funds into different areas. As much as people will get mad, I think if it happens we will see Hennessey come in along with Friedel on a free with a one year contract to provide experienced cover. If Hennessey doesn't cut it, then we have Friedel until the next window when we can try again. 

[It's Jimmy Corkhill]

Friedel, Given or Foster?

FML.

[cox3100]

doesnt sound like a man whos thinking of leaving

Reina, though, is pleased with the decision. He's a fan.

"I like grey," he muses. "Let's see if it brings us a bit more luck this year



http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/with-the-reds-at-new-kit-launch

[No666]

Mancs have reportedly got De Gea for £17.5m or thereabouts, which puts Pepe's price as north of that. Chelsea about to go on the managerial whirlygig again (though reportedly Rafa is pushing to be considered, that would be a match made in hell) it leaves Arsenal as the lead contenders. Can't see anyway Wenger would want to spend over £20m on a keeper.

[Kytracid]

I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but if Reina were to leave, then surely we'd be mad not to look at Foster?

I hope you're joking.

Surely the fact Ferguson let Foster go for 6 million to Brum should give you a clue as to why he'd be a complete no go for us.

He's a decent keeper, playing for a club that matches his ambition. Nothing more.

I remember he gave an interview where he said there was too much pressure at United, where people would walk around in a worried state if they drew a game.  Now, given that sort of mentality how the fuck do you think he'd do at Liverpool where we will expect to kick on and challenge for titles. The man is a liability anytime the pressure is on, and i fully expect him to crumble when we need him the most.

[KeithK83]

I would hate to see the man go, cos regardless of what some say here he is world class. The only thing keeping him out of the Spain side is how special Casillas is.

If he does have to go the only player in the PL I would see as a equal replacement would be Given IMO

[Kytracid]

Mancs have reportedly got De Gea for £17.5m or thereabouts, which puts Pepe's price as north of that. Chelsea about to go on the managerial whirlygig again (though reportedly Rafa is pushing to be considered, that would be a match made in hell) it leaves Arsenal as the lead contenders. Can't see anyway Wenger would want to spend over £20m on a keeper.

Why not? It'll be 6 years of winning fuck all. If Arsenal lose again there is a good chance Fabregas goes for 35-40 million to Barca. Then you have the takeover by Kronke almost pushed through, and i'm sure the new owner will want to appease the fans by showing he's not just there to pile debt onto what has been a successfully run club. I expect Wenger will have 60 million to spend in the summer and a clear message from the board that he HAS to win some silverware in the next season. People think Wenger will continue to just recruit zygotes and keep playing the kids but i have a feeling this summer will be different. Wenger is under pressure to deliver. He's been a great coach but patience wears thin amongst football fans (we should know)...at some point he has to spend the money they have.

I would not be surprised in the least if they end up with Pepe because he is exactly the type of keeper Arsenal have needed ever since Seamen left the club.

If we don't get 4th, I think Pepe is as goodd as gone.

[MKelly34]

Friedel, Given or Foster?

FML.

None come close to Reina's qualities. We can't replace him with any of these to be honest (in case he leaves of course) 

[TipTopKop]

Also we are trying to change the perception that we are the selling club that was stuck with us since H&G days.

We don't sell our best players and that is very important especially when we'll be trying to convince top talent to join us.

That's the thing for me. As many have already stated, this summer will tell us a lot about where the ambition of FSG lies.