1342 replies to this topic

[LiverpoolFCKingsofEurope]

Bijev has been signed and as he cannot get a work permit right now, is going on loan to Genk of Belgium, a club we have an agreement with to loan some youngsters/fringe players.

He has been very good in trials but you have to take into account he has only played against Scunthorpe etc... who are lower league academys, they just simply cannot match up to Liverpool and therefore he hasn't been tested properly, however Genk will be a brilliant experience for him and is good for all parties (Genk and us)

Anyway's season kicks off on Saturday, that is if these riots do not get the game called off...


Sunderland are pretty much a Manchester United 2nd team, Steve Bruce, ex Utd in charge, and about 7 former Utd players, so they'll be up for this even more I'd imagine, very good team and one which could pose a threat, I think we may draw this if I'm going to be honest, but we should really win.

I'd line up with.

Reina

---------------------------------------------------------------Johnson*---Carragher---Agger---Aurelio

Lucas-----Meireles

Kuyt ----------Aquilani----------- Downing

Carroll

Although spearing is a local lad, he is simply not good enough for us, albeit he can be a nice backup, however he simply shouldn't be starting games, he is a very limited player who can come in and do a job, however I'd start with a slightly more attacking, creative player in Raul Meireles alongside the robust Lucas, Aquilani would be my preference playing 'in the hole', that is however if he doesn't leave by Saturday, if he does I'd bring in Kuyt to play alongside Carroll, and shift Henderson and Downing to the wings.

Suarez probably will be ready for Arsenal away next week, however he'll most likely be on the bench and should we need him, may come on.

Also the * on Johnson is whether he is fit or not, as he went off in a friendly the other day, if he isn't then Kelly will come in and fill that void.

Edited by LiverpoolFCKingsofEurope, 09 August 2011 - 08:00 AM.

[OilCanCoulter]

Bijev has been signed and as he cannot get a work permit right now, is going on loan to Genk of Belgium, a club we have an agreement with to loan some youngsters/fringe players.

He has been very good in trials but you have to take into account he has only played against Scunthorpe etc... who are lower league academys, they just simply cannot match up to Liverpool and therefore he hasn't been tested properly, however Genk will be a brilliant experience for him and is good for all parties (Genk and us)

Anyway's season kicks off on Saturday, that is if these riots do not get the game called off...


Sunderland are pretty much a Manchester United 2nd team, Steve Bruce, ex Utd in charge, and about 7 former Utd players, so they'll be up for this even more I'd imagine, very good team and one which could pose a threat, I think we may draw this if I'm going to be honest, but we should really win.

I'd line up with.

Reina

---------------------------------------------------------------Johnson*---Carragher---Agger---Aurelio

Lucas-----Meireles

Kuyt ----------Aquilani----------- Downing

Carroll

Although spearing is a local lad, he is simply not good enough for us, albeit he can be a nice backup, however he simply shouldn't be starting games, he is a very limited player who can come in and do a job, however I'd start with a slightly more attacking, creative player in Raul Meireles alongside the robust Lucas, Aquilani would be my preference playing 'in the hole', that is however if he doesn't leave by Saturday, if he does I'd bring in Kuyt to play alongside Carroll, and shift Henderson and Downing to the wings.

Suarez probably will be ready for Arsenal away next week, however he'll most likely be on the bench and should we need him, may come on.

Also the * on Johnson is whether he is fit or not, as he went off in a friendly the other day, if he isn't then Kelly will come in and fill that void.

I believe Meireles is injured, so doubtful he would start. Lineup will probably be:

Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Aurelio
Henderson Lucas Adam Downing
Carroll Kuyt

[OilCanCoulter]

Jose Enrique on the way in for ~6 million. Hopefully this will settle a spot on the pitch that has been a weakness since JAR was shown the door 4 yrs ago. This signing and the addition of Downing on the left is probably the most important change to our squad this season. Hopefully it will make us forget the Dossenna's and Insua's.

[cjdmadcow]

Jose Enrique on the way in for ~6 million. Hopefully this will settle a spot on the pitch that has been a weakness since JAR was shown the door 4 yrs ago. This signing and the addition of Downing on the left is probably the most important change to our squad this season. Hopefully it will make us forget the Dossenna's and Insua's.

What's that we've passed over to Newcastle in the last 6 months or so...GBP 40 million+?

At least thay have a decent owner who will re-invest the money and re-build the squad. Or maybe not.

[mascho]

At least thay have a decent owner who will re-invest the money hit the craps table and re-build the squad a few more Sports Direct outlets.

Fixed that for you. Not that I'm bitter or anything....

[Seven Costanza]

I'd like to point out that over 6 months ago I posted on SFiC's facebook wall "You're welcome for the inevitable Jose Enrique move".

EDIT: To parrot mascho's post- fuck Mike Ashley. Fat Cockney Bastard, indeed. Also, if this was for 6 mil GBP, NUFC lost 300k on the deal. He was purchased for 6.3. Disgusting.

Edited by Seven Costanza, 11 August 2011 - 12:34 PM.

[JayMags71]

Honest question: How likely is it that Enrique has actually declined in value since NUFC has purchased him? Is it at all possible that Ashley has properly valued him, and LFC has picked up a guy who is damaged goods? I'm honestly not trying to be a dick. Based strictly on your post, I'm genuinely concerned that Ashley has made a shrewd move, and screwed LFC over.

It's far more likely that I'm full of shit, but I thought I'd ask.

[Titans Bastard]

Honest question: How likely is it that Enrique has actually declined in value since NUFC has purchased him? Is it at all possible that Ashley has properly valued him, and LFC has picked up a guy who is damaged goods? I'm honestly not trying to be a dick. Based strictly on your post, I'm genuinely concerned that Ashley has made a shrewd move, and screwed LFC over.

It's far more likely that I'm full of shit, but I thought I'd ask.

It's hard to compare two transfer fees without looking at the player's contract status prior to each sale. A player's transfer value declines as he nears the end of his contract.

[Seven Costanza]

And keep in mind that NUFC overpaid for him in the first place, as they are known to do. Enrique certainly hasn't declined in value. It makes no sense to me how Andy Carroll is worth 35 mil GBP (I understand the English premium, but still) and Enrique is only worth 6. Enrique was easily one of the best left backs in the Prem last season.

I mean, I LOVED Carroll and I think he's an awesome player, but 35 mil pounds?

Edited by Seven Costanza, 12 August 2011 - 09:25 AM.

[JayMags71]

I mean, I LOVED Carroll and I think he's an awesome player, but 35 mil pounds?

Totally agree. So look at it this way: Carroll's overpay more than makes up for Enrique's underpay!

It's a win-win-win!

[Domer]

Good article today in the Wall Street Journal about John Henry's imprint on Liverpool's offseason acquisition, at least for someone like me with only casual knowledge about soccer in England.

For instance, Downing, Adam and Henderson were all among the top-eight chance-creators in the Premier League last season, according to statistics provider Opta Sports. The average Premier League midfielder creates roughly 1.21 chances per game, but Adam created 2.06 chances per game last season on average, while Downing and Henderson made 2.24 and 2.22 chances per game respectively.

http://online.wsj.co...4064400802.html

From what I understand, these three were star players on lower table EPL teams last season, so those numbers are probably inflated, but that is very interesting nonetheless. I'll definitely try to watch Liverpool as much as I can this season to see how it works out. Is that kind of player turnover usual for an off-season in the EPL or was Liverpool busier than most?

[SoxFanInCali]

It's not that uncommon for Liverpool to bring in this many players, although most of the time it's to bring in depth. In this case, most of the new signings are expected to be key players. Combined with Suarez and Carroll (who have only been with the club since January), and a good portion of the squad has been turned over in less than 12 months.

As for tomorrow, Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel are hurt, and Glen Johnson faces a late fitness test of his hamstring, but everyone else is available. Enrique's paperwork was filed with the league in time, so he is eligible for the game. I would doubt he plays with only 1 training session under his belt, though.

Aquilani was issued number 15, so they are at least making it appear that he may stay. Emiliano Insua has not been issued a squad number, so that (and Enrique's signing) is a pretty good indicator that he's on the way out.

[JayMags71]

Will Liverpool's strategy at the end of games be to just lob it up to Carrol?

I must admit, after the first half I was trying to figure out how Gerrard, Aquilani, and Kuyt will all fit in...but during the second half it was clear they needed the X factor that one of those men can bring.

I just wanted to give this post the props it deserves.

It seems like a lot like the new acquisitions are having trouble getting used to each other. Sloppy crosses, confused link-up play, and poor shooting seemed to carry the day.

I have a feelng it's going to be harder next week. The relief of the Crack saga finally ending should help them out.

I hope I'm full of shit.

[SoxFanInCali]

Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

I'm glad I didn't bother waking up at 4:30 for that game. I would have fallen asleep before the goals.

It's Liverpool's first win at the Emirates. Clearly this was not a full-strength Arsenal, but 3 points are 3 points. Once Frimpong went off, it would have been very disappointing to not get the win. Nice move by King Kenny to immediately put Meireles and Suarez on after the red card.

Enrique is looking like a great buy, and Kelly looked good on the other side. The solid fullback play will help hopefully minimize the effect of Carra's advancing age.

Henderson shows flashes of his skill, but I think I'd rather see more of Meireles for now, especially when Suarez is in the game.

Downing looked dangerous out wide, but he didn't get much help through the center. Those crosses/pullbacks may be more effective once Gerrard returns.

Adam's set pieces were horrible, not sure if it was the weather or he just had a bad day.

2 games this week. Exeter in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, then Bolton at Anfield on Saturday.

[JayMags71]

Downing looked dangerous out wide, but he didn't get much help through the center. Those crosses/pullbacks may be more effective once Gerrard returns.

I don't think it's all on the crosses.

It doesn't help that Carroll appears to have had a fun summer. I believed that he was looking a little meaty, but I dismissed it to the fact that I was still getting used to seeing him I Liverpool Red as opposed to slimming b&w stripes.

Then I heard Barry Glendenning mention "Carroll appears to have summered well" and I knew it wasn't just me.

[JayMags71]

It's official: Sotirios Kyrgiakos has left LFC for Wolfsburg. Feel free to post your fondest Kyrgiakos memories here.

[soxfan121]

Remember that time he looked like he was standing still on defense and then when he started to run it looked like the pitch beneath him had become mud or oatmeal or quicksand? Or how you could time him getting from the mid field stripe to the 18 yard box with a sundial? Good times.

[SoxFanInCali]

Kyrgiakos was OK. He wasn't really good enough to play regularly at this level, but was cheap and only had to play so much due to injuries. He was fairly effective against long-ball teams, but was a yellow card waiting to happen against skilled ball handlers.

This leaves us pretty short in the center of defense, with only an aging Jamie Carragher, injury-prone Daniel Agger, and completely insane Martin Skrtel. Martin Kelly could play there in an emergency, but I hope this means that either Gary Cahill or Scott Dann is on his way.

[PedroSpecialK]

Was gonna say Danny Wilson but apparently he's seeking a loan.

[SoxFanInCali]

Yeah, I didn't mention him because I honestly thought a loan deal was already done. I guess there's nothing official yet.

[tulse_luper]

This leaves us pretty short in the center of defense, with only an aging Jamie Carragher, injury-prone Daniel Agger, and completely insane Martin Skrtel. Martin Kelly could play there in an emergency, but I hope this means that either Gary Cahill or Scott Dann is on his way.

I'm surprised they let Ayala go. I know he only had a year left on his contract but I'd have thought for the sake of £800k he'd have been worth keeping around as a 4th choice with some upside.

[DLew On Roids]

The Guardian is reporting that the new center-half is likely to be Sebastian Coates. And, more entertainingly, that they're lining up a return for Bells.

[OilCanCoulter]

The Guardian is reporting that the new center-half is likely to be Sebastian Coates. And, more entertainingly, that they're lining up a return for Bells.

Somebody hide the golf clubs at Melwood.

[PedroSpecialK]

Bellamy? Really?

I'll take the crazy if the goals follow, I suppose.

[bowiac]

As someone who knows almost nothing about the mechanics of the Premier League, can someone help me understand how does the transfer market work exactly? When Liverpool acquired Suarez, they paid a transfer fee to Ajax. What happened to Suarez's contract with Ajax however? Is it like MLB where the players existing contract is moved as well, or did Liverpool need to work out a deal with Suarez after the transfer?

More generally, how do the contracts work? Are they guaranteed deals like $50K/week for 5 years (a la MLB)? What kind of leverage do players have to pick the team they play for? I ask because I've seen some chatter than Suarez isn't going to be with the team particularly long (preferring to play for Barcelona), and I'm wondering what the timetable on such a move would be. Is he under contract for a set number of years, or do players have the unilateral right to demand a transfer?

[Infield Infidel]

Generally, if a team wants a player they'll either put in a bid with the team. The team will then allow negotiations with their agent to tell him what the raise will be. Lots of times though the receiving team will contact the agent through other means to get the point across that they'll get a raise.

There are times when a player's contract will just move, but usually the team asking for the transfer will give a raise (otherwise, why leave? just to give your team some money?)

I'm pretty sure the deals are guaranteed. For leverage, a guy can say he wants to play in the Champions League, or a bigger contract. If he's only got a year left and says he won't re-sign, that's more leverage to transfer him. If a guy wants to play for a higher profile team, and the team want the player, it can make things contentious

[SoxFanInCali]

Exeter 1-3 Liverpool

The Reds advance to the 3rd round of the Carling Cup with a dominant performance against League One Exeter City. Kenny Dalglish named a pretty strong side for the game, with Suarez, Meireles, Adam, Henderson, and Reina starting and Carroll coming in early after Meireles injured his collarbone. He did go for youth in defense, as Flanagan and Robinson were out wide while Wilson (no loan deal yet!) paired with Skrtel in the middle. Spearing, Maxi, and Shelvey (as a sub) also saw their first action of the season.

Suarez, Maxi, and Carroll all scored to put the game away before Exeter converted a late penalty.

[JayMags71]

Aquilani loan to AC Milan official.

Why was LFC so eager to bring in new players and loan him? What are his shortcomings?

[SoxScout]

Expansive interview with John Henry: http://www.telegraph...at-Anfield.html

What are your targets for this season? Is there a minimum requirement for Kenny Dalglish and his team?

Manchester United has done an incredible job of building a young, talented, deep squad. I watched a number of their pre-season matches and they seemed in top form even then. We’ve just begun to build and are years behind them so we don’t expect this to be our year to win the Premier League.

Manchester City seems to have unlimited spending restraint and are attempting to have all-star quality at each position - two deep. That will be hard to beat. This year our goal is to get back to Champions League.

This is a club with a history in European competition and people throughout the world - at least our supporters - yearn for European nights. That’s our first goal. But it won’t be at all easy as there are 6 big clubs - among the best in Europe - fighting for 4 spots.

What has surprised you? Shocked you?

Well, the transfer system and how it works is a shock if you’ve come from American sports. The fact that a guaranteed contract means very little when another club decides that they want your player is surprising. The player suddenly “has to go.”

This is an advantage for big clubs such as ours and I’m getting used to it, but it was a shock to find out that the guarantee only works one way. And of course the sums of money that are spent on buying and selling players is remarkable.

Could you describe your personal involvement in the recruitment process this summer?

This first year I have tried to be as involved as I could so as to learn as much as possible in a short period of time. Tom and I are always questioning everything in Boston. Always. And that is done in a very positive way because we have very talented people in the key positions.

It is now working the same way in Liverpool. I want to know why we are doing what we are doing on the pitch and with regard to player acquisition. I wouldn’t be doing my job in allocating resources if I wasn’t able to make sense of the individual steps we are taking within the context of our overall philosophy.

Consequently there is no doubt that Kenny, Steve, Damian, Ian, Tom and I share a long-term, disciplined philosophy that encompasses all aspects of the operation. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this rebuilding effort.

[Nick Kaufman]

Very good interview.

[MiracleOfO2704]

Just reading the snippets, it's alarming to contrast his view of the club and the Hicks/Gillett actions that left it "years behind" MUFC. I also like that he picked out the two things to say that draw out the LFC supporters more than anything else: the rivalry with ManU and the love of a mid-week European night fixture. With Hicks/Gillett, one always had to wonder when the luster of owning a soccer team would wear off. With JWH, you at least have a sense that he understands what it will take and how to make sure everyone, from the managing directors to the supporters, is on-board.

[PedroSpecialK]

Can't say enough about how JWH and FSG have improved the outlook of this club since the sales of Alonso and Mascherano. Obviously it starts with Dalglish, but the spending from ownership has been very impressive. To be in position to make a run at a return to the Champions' League again minus Gerrard for much of the last two seasons is remarkable.

I loved what I saw out of Adam yesterday - that is the player we thought we were getting. Skrtel looked decent, Henderson is showing promise, and Suarez is bar-none the best player on the squad. He had at least 4-5 plays that made you go "wow". Lots of question marks still - can Agger stay healthy? Will Gerrard return near 100%? Will Carroll pick up his production? Is Kenny finally over his Spearing mancrush?

In reality I dont think we could have asked for anything more to this point. 6+ points out of Stoke, Spurs, and Wolves would be nice though.

[OilCanCoulter]

Can't say enough about how JWH and FSG have improved the outlook of this club since the sales of Alonso and Mascherano. Obviously it starts with Dalglish, but the spending from ownership has been very impressive. To be in position to make a run at a return to the Champions' League again minus Gerrard for much of the last two seasons is remarkable.

I loved what I saw out of Adam yesterday - that is the player we thought we were getting. Skrtel looked decent, Henderson is showing promise, and Suarez is bar-none the best player on the squad. He had at least 4-5 plays that made you go "wow". Lots of question marks still - can Agger stay healthy? Will Gerrard return near 100%? Will Carroll pick up his production? Is Kenny finally over his Spearing mancrush?

In reality I dont think we could have asked for anything more to this point. 6+ points out of Stoke, Spurs, and Wolves would be nice though.

Kuyt and Luis linked up very well yesterday. Look for them to be the first team pair up front until Andy loses his gut finds his fitness.

[PedroSpecialK]

Per The Daily Mail, Sebastien Coates is in Liverpool to complete his transfer despite a late push from Atletico Madrid to secure him. Hopefully this gets done, as Coates would be a fantastic long-term replacement for Carragher.

[JayMags71]

So has anyone found anything definite on Sebastian Coates? Everything I read implies it's a done deal, yet I haven't heard an official announcement.

Edit: Curse you PSK! And my stupid sausage fingers!

Edited by JayMags71, 30 August 2011 - 09:13 AM.

[JayMags71]

YAY!

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole is set to join French side Lille on a season-long loan deal. Cole, who has endured a troubled time at Anfield after signing on a free transfer last summer, had attracted interest from Tottenham and QPR.

Great news if it pans out.

[PedroSpecialK]

Woohoo!

Latest on Coates, who is reportedly in Livepool for his medical on a £8m deal. Obviously, as with all rumors, the number is subject to change, but it at least looks like something's getting done.

@thisisanfield This Is Anfield
Sebastien Coates is watching from the Main Stand. I wonder what is going through his head at watching this! Exciting times.
27 Aug via web

And as I post, a Liverpool radio DJ (Chris Chambers, @JuiceChambo) tweets:

JuiceChambo Chris Chambers
Sebastien Coates expected to complete move to Liverpool after work permit hearing this afternoon #JuiceFM #Liverpool #LFC

Also as has been seen elsewhere, David N'Gog is on the move to Bolton for £4m. Coates in, N'Gog out for £4m net and we get Cole's wages off the books for this year. That's superb.

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 30 August 2011 - 10:11 AM.

[SoxFanInCali]

Suarez just welcomed Coates to Liverpool on Twitter, saying he had just signed. Take that for what it's worth.

[JayMags71]

Christian Poulsen has been transferred!
http://www.liverpool...oulsen-transfer

[SoxFanInCali]

Christian Poulsen has been transferred!
http://www.liverpool...oulsen-transfer

I'll admit, after seeing that on Twitter, I had to double-check that Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C. was a real club.

[SoxFanInCali]

It's official.

Coates to Liverpool

[alskor]

Has to be a forward coming in if N'Gog is going out, right? Or will this be a place they'll just use Dirk & Suarez, changing styles when necessary...?

Hate to say it, but I'd feel a lot better with Bellamy around... and I have plenty of questions about that guy. Heck, I haven't seen him play in a while... no idea if he even has anything left. One would hope the positive energy around the club would focus him, too...

[OilCanCoulter]

Background on the new boy. Sebastian CWA-tes

Glad Egg Nogg is gone, leaves us a bit light up front though. Surely someone will get injured on the international break.

[BCsMightyJoeYoung]

Meireles to Chelsea .. which is kind of a shame - reportedly for 12m

Bellamy back in for free .. this should be entertaining ..

http://uk.eurosport....my-returns.html

Edited by BCsMightyJoeYoung, 31 August 2011 - 09:43 PM.

[Paradigm]

Getting a 2011-2012 Bellamy shirt, and nobody can stop me.

[Mr. Wednesday]

As someone who knows almost nothing about the mechanics of the Premier League, can someone help me understand how does the transfer market work exactly? When Liverpool acquired Suarez, they paid a transfer fee to Ajax. What happened to Suarez's contract with Ajax however? Is it like MLB where the players existing contract is moved as well, or did Liverpool need to work out a deal with Suarez after the transfer?

It's pretty much exclusively the case that a player's contract is rewritten whenever he changes teams. This isn't always pro forma, either... it's a common, though not prevalent, occurrence for a player to outright nix a transfer move (e.g. Michael Bradley saying no after 'Gladbach had accepted an offer from Spartak Moscow) or for two teams to agree on a deal but for the buying team be unable to reach an agreement on "personal terms."

More generally, how do the contracts work? Are they guaranteed deals like $50K/week for 5 years (a la MLB)?

Contracts are guaranteed. Winston Bogaarde is relatively famous for seeing out a lucrative deal with Chelski where they refused to play him, but he continued to show up for training so that he would continue to receive his inflated salary.

What kind of leverage do players have to pick the team they play for? I ask because I've seen some chatter than Suarez isn't going to be with the team particularly long (preferring to play for Barcelona), and I'm wondering what the timetable on such a move would be. Is he under contract for a set number of years, or do players have the unilateral right to demand a transfer?

In general, when a player wants out and there's a willing buyer, the team will accommodate that request simply because they don't want a malcontent in the clubhouse. I've never seen specific mention of clubs being legally bound to honor a transfer request (written or otherwise), but it is customary that they do so when practical---when they have enough time to work out a deal and they can get a reasonable price. Sometimes a player will make a transfer request with a specific destination in mind (Mereiles is a good example of this, I think), otherwise he'll be disgruntled with his current situation and want to go to any other club that will give him a desired role (Bradley is a good example of this).

Aside from the relative absence of trades (they happen, but outright sales are much more prevalent) and the renegotation of contracts on transfers, the biggest difference that I see between American sports and the European soccer leagues is the rampant tampering that happens in Europe. There don't seem to be any consequences for a team "tapping up" a player in whom they're interested in ways that would receive swift and harsh censure in American sports leagues. This is something, incidentally, that frequently seems to lead to a transfer request from a player.

[JayMags71]

This sounds like a good idea.

Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli has revealed the club are looking to tap into the talent emerging from Uruguay with two internationals from the country now at the club.

Comolli says Liverpool are now looking to establish a more formal relationship with Nacional on the back of the Coates deal.

Are arrangements such as this common?

[PedroSpecialK]

Unfortunately it's Swansea/Arsenal and Chelsea/Sunderland on FiOS. Here is a link to a stream.

Liverpool: Reina, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez

Subs: Doni, Carroll, Johnson, Maxi, Spearing, Bellamy, Coates

[SoxFanInCali]

Stoke 1-0 Liverpool

Stats don't tell the whole story, but here's a few:

Shots: Liverpool 24, Stoke 3
Shots on goal: Liverpool 7, Stoke 1
Possession: Liverpool 73%, Stoke 27%

But Stoke converted a penalty, Liverpool had a couple of shouts turned down, and the Reds couldn't convert one of their many opportunities. One of those days...

[Snakebauer007]

Stoke 1-0 Liverpool

Stats don't tell the whole story, but here's a few:

Shots: Liverpool 24, Stoke 3
Shots on goal: Liverpool 7, Stoke 1
Possession: Liverpool 73%, Stoke 27%

But Stoke converted a penalty, Liverpool had a couple of shouts turned down, and the Reds couldn't convert one of their many opportunities. One of those days...

Were you guys away? Because @Stoke has become a tough fixture