Liverpool 23-24: The Long Klopp Goodbye

[Mighty Joe Young]

This is a shame - Ben Doak set for surgery for a torn meniscus

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-press-conference-live-lijnders-28315610

 

[pedro1918]

Liverpool played alright, but West Ham just didn't show up today.

 

[pedro1918]

Well, now West Ham has scored. I am never posting again.

 

[SocrManiac]

The commentary is a few seconds behind the video, but the field noises are synched. Very weird.

 

[SocrManiac]

That Salah miss makes me wonder if Darwin is contagious. I guess we’ll know if Mo is now offside all the time.

 

[pedro1918]

LFC gets Fulham in the next round.

 

[67YAZ]

Saka was a little wrecking crew today, taking out Tsimikas (broken collar bone) and Diaz (banged knee, doesn’t look serious).

 

[SocrManiac]

Saka was a little wrecking crew today, taking out Tsimikas (broken collar bone) and Diaz (banged knee, doesn’t look serious).

While going down “injured” holding his face after getting touched on the neck.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Saka was a little wrecking crew today, taking out Tsimikas (broken collar bone) and Diaz (banged knee, doesn’t look serious).

Saka and Tsimikas contested a ball in a pretty standard way. Diaz hurt himself committing a foul.

 

[67YAZ]

Saka and Tsimikas contested a ball in a pretty standard way. Diaz hurt himself committing a foul.

Let me be kind because it’s the holiday season, but I believe this content would be most appreciated in the Gunners’ thread. This is a safe space for Liverpool whining and kvetching.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Let me be kind because it’s the holiday season, but I believe this content would be most appreciated in the Gunners’ thread. This is a safe space for Liverpool whining and kvetching.

Fair enough. Happy holidays!

 

[67YAZ]

Fair enough. Happy holidays!

Happy holidays! May we have a league race for ages.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

So - we’re down to Luke Chambers as the starting LB - what to do? I think they’d be comfortable with Joe Gomez there but there’s zero depth as he’s the backup CB as well. Can Endo play as a full back?

LFC are not exactly reactionary - especially in January. Will they make a move for a CB or FB this month?

The rumoured defenders were Piero Hincapie and Goncalo Inacio - the Mirror is reporting ( via TeamTalk) that Inacio is the main target and has a release clause of €60m. He’s a left footed CB who could presumably provide LB cover.

https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/reds-accelerate-defender-signing-brutal-tsimikas-injury-portugal-international-takes-centre-stage

 

[67YAZ]

Jota coming back hot is important because Mo is about to take off for AfCON. And it will probably be a lengthy absence - Egypt is among the favorites, and given their heart break last cycle in losing the final and then not qualifying for Qatar, I expect Egypt to go all out for this. A possible quarter-final tilt with Morocco looks juicy and maybe the biggest hurdle to getting back to the finals.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

So - VAR didn’t intervene on the Gakpo non goal because they couldn’t see any evidence of a foul by Nunez. Think about that.

 

[SocrManiac]

So - VAR didn’t intervene on the Gakpo non goal because they couldn’t see any evidence of a foul by Nunez. Think about that.

What is there to think about?

 

[67YAZ]

Mac Allister practiced today - not a full run out, but back on the pitch. Klopp gave no timetable for return.

Unfortunately, Robbo still has a ways to go - is expected to continue rehabbing through January before getting back to training in February. Klopp did allude to Robbo being able to run and stay generally fit, so he’s got that going for him.

Going to be an interesting window. A CB or is Quansah ready?

Maybe a left-footed CB that can cover LB until Robbo returns?

A 6 or keep on with Trent inverting paired with Mac/Endo?

Or an RB and slide Trent to the midfield permanently?

 

[InstaFace]

Liverpool has apparently approached Fulham over trying to buy USMNT LB Jedi Robinson:

https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/27/liverpool-approach-fulham-signing-antonee-robinson-amid-injury-crisis-20031357/

 

[Section30]

Liverpool has apparently approached Fulham over trying to buy USMNT LB Jedi Robinson:

https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/27/liverpool-approach-fulham-signing-antonee-robinson-amid-injury-crisis-20031357/

I was thinking about this as I watched how far up he played in support of the offense. His shutdown speed is excellent also. He did well against Liverpool holding Salah down about as much as any defender can.

Does Fulham have a replacement for him to even consider letting him go?

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

Regarding Robinson - a couple of days ago the Echo shot down any Interest

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/antonee-robinson-liverpool-transfer-news-28354677


“The Liverpool ECHO understands the Reds have no interest in the former Everton man and are not in the market for a player in that position during the January window, despite the setbacks suffered by Tsimikas and Robertson.”

The Echo may not be up on the veracity of all the latest rumours - they love transfer windows - but they are often used by the club to publicly debunk stories. (The Echo understands being the code word)

I guess this means they are happy with Gomez as the starting LB until Robbo’s return. It doesn’t mean they won’t bring in a CB (at that position in the above statement)

 

[SocrManiac]

Gomez has exceeded any expectations at LB, in my opinion. It looks like a long run to Robbo coming back and even longer for his backup to return. That leaves things awfully thin, but if the players on the pitch stay healthy (HAHA) what would really be gained by bringing in another potentially expensive LB? It takes a few weeks to bed in, probably creating problems in the process. How many weeks of LB play superior to what Gomez is providing would we realistically see before Robbo actually returns?

They’re probably looking at areas of higher need for this window. CB is still a little scary as Konate, as good as he is, doesn’t seem to be completely reliable. Quansah seems like the real deal but his rough edges are also apparent. Time spent next to VVD will certainly help there.

Every team wants a hard-nosed CDM, and that still feels like the position of need. Mac is filling in the best he can, but it’s wasting some of his better talents and exposing his weaknesses. Endo has done some fantastic work of late, but he still has some lapses in timing and decision making.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Fabio Carvalho has returned from his loan at Leipzig.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

Fabio Carvalho has returned from his loan at Leipzig.

Maybe they’ll keep him around as a bit of depth cover until the end of January before another loan?

Liverpool haven’t had much luck with loans this year what with Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay (who’s at Preston I believe) only getting into a couple of games - he was hurt and then had COVID.

 

[SocrManiac]

Carvalho is going back out, with Southampton seeming to be the leading candidate. Liverpool want playing time assurances.

 

[67YAZ]

The strong denial of the Jedi rumor tells me that LFC are going for a lefty CB.

I’d forgotten that Endō is off to the Asia Cup, too. Mac need to hold it down. Those in the know say LFC are out on Andre and don’t have a true DM target lined up for this window.

Which is too bad. I talked myself into Andre after watching him late-summer. He’s tough as nails and does a great job with high percentage passing that keeps the ball moving fast. He’ll find a home in a UCL squad.

 

[OCST]

Love Jedi but is he quality enough to be starting LB for a perennial contender, much as they could use him now? Credit to him that it’s a fair question, his development has been impressive, but *probably not.

 

[Pesky Pole]

Szoboszlai has a hamstring injury but the hope is that it is mild. Missing the next two games (Arsenal and Fulham) but sounds like they lucked out a bit.

Klopp also hinted we'll see a strong team this weekend in the FA Cup match up.

 

[67YAZ]

Szoboszlai has a hamstring injury but the hope is that it is mild. Missing the next two games (Arsenal and Fulham) but sounds like they lucked out a bit.

Klopp also hinted we'll see a strong team this weekend in the FA Cup match up.

If it really is just mild, this might be for the best. Szoboi has been looking less than earlier this season. A couple matches to catch his breath, reset his mind, and start flowing again could be the trick.

 

[InstaFace]

Love Jedi but is he quality enough to be starting LB for a perennial contender, much as they could use him now? Credit to him that it’s a fair question, his development has been impressive, but *probably not.

He is not a technician with the ball at his feet, but he absolutely is enough of an athlete and defender. He's had some games where he completely shut down Mo Salah. He's also indestructible, an often underrated asset. The question is whether Liverpool can get someone who is all three of the former - maybe yes, but they are very few and probably unavailable in January.

 

[OCST]

Agreed to all but still not sure that translates to “starting LB at LFC.” They’d a position where a lot more has been required. Like Bruce Hornsby sang about” good enough to hire, not good enough to marry,” Jedi at Pool is good enough for the January window in a season with lots of injuries, not good enough to get the 5 year deal as the heir apparent.

 

[67YAZ]

Agreed to all but still not sure that translates to “starting LB at LFC.” They’d a position where a lot more has been required. Like Bruce Hornsby sang about” good enough to hire, not good enough to marry,” Jedi at Pool is good enough for the January window in a season with lots of injuries, not good enough to get the 5 year deal as the heir apparent.

Quite right.

Robbo has 2.5 years left in his contract & he is the perfect LB compliment to Trent’s new role.

Tsimikas has 3.5 years to run. At £50k/week he could probably get moved for a low fee & salary bump, but they’d only do that if they had Robbo’s long term replacement lined up. That’s not Jedi.

Also, as a USMNT fan, I love Jedi starting week in and week out in the EPL. He’s routinely tangling with the best wingers in the world. I hope he can keep this role through 2026. We need him sharp as can be.

 

[SocrManiac]

Gomez has been a borderline stud filling in. The overall defensive depth is limited, but I just don't see the need for a LB specifically. Gomez will be more effective in the short term than trying to bed somebody in before Robbo returns.

 

[67YAZ]

Carvalho to Hull for remainder of the season, medicals today, no option to buy. Fingers crossed for serious playing time.

 

[MiracleOfO2704]

It’s happening live via the BBC Sport feed, but Liverpool will be home to either Norwich or Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup 4th Round.

View: https://twitter.com/jamespearcelfc/status/1744448145113612664?s=46&t=QgPlur015YjYmVsNzWFFfg

 

[pedro1918]

Trent out “a few weeks” with a “little tear” after hyperextending his knee.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/lfc-injury-update-alexander-arnold-van-dijk-szoboszlai-robertson-tsimikas-thiago-and-bajcetic?amp=1

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

More bad injury news - Alexander-Arnold out for three weeks with a hyperextended knee.

 

[SocrManiac]

He is in absolute world-beating form right now. That is devastating.

 

[67YAZ]

I should check the FM tactics forums, but are there any good systems with no fullbacks?

 

[fletcherpost]

He is in absolute world-beating form right now. That is devastating.

I know. He was starting to really find his range from midfield. Terrible news.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

Looks like Connor Bradley may get an extended look seeing as how the backup RB (Gomez) is now the starting LB - who replaced the backup LB, who replaced the starting LB.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

So - lately I’ve been inundated with “alerts” from a couple of LFC YouTube “news” channels

Now - These are clearly AI generated as the narrator/news reader is incapable of pronouncing the names of the rumoured transfer targets correctly - let alone the clubs or cities . In many ways they are quite impressive but ultimately annoying as hell as I can’t seem to make them stop.

Some samples ..

https://youtube.com/shorts/YTlzTXOpyAg?si=JL6iieJn-wskeg3v

https://youtube.com/shorts/7aKuiTQUzp0?si=X5tgZjWhaqMr7qbh

How can I make these stop? I’m not subscribed to these channels.

 

[Kliq]

I know Salah was rumored to be going to KSA last summer, but the deal was held off in some part because of the belief that the same kind of mega-money deal would be available next year.

Halfway through the season and Salah is still as good as he has ever been, and is currently leading the Premier League in both goals and assists. As a neutral (well, maybe not exactly a neutral) to my eyes, he is of complete critical importance to LFC and irreplaceable in the side. We will see how Liverpool fairs without him while he is at AfCON, but over the course of a full season his production seems extremely difficult to replicate. Next year I assume LFC has title/UCL aspirations, and losing Salah would almost definitely be a huge blow that would be difficult to recover from, even if they get a huge dump truck of money for him.

My question is: Should LFC still sell Salah in the summer, assuming a big money Saudi deal is still on the table? His contract expires following next season, and logic would tell you that if you can get a ton of money for a pacey winger over 30, you should do it, but is it REALLY worth it for Liverpool to do that? Do they sign him to a new contract? Risk running the deal down so he leaves on a free after the 2024-2025 season?

 

[SocrManiac]

The timing of this given he just subbed off with a hamstring injury is amazing.

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will answer the question. If there is a solution to his absence to be found, his value drops. If goals dry up, his value goes up.

I love having him at the club. He still looks like a kid having fun. His onfield behavior is better than most players of his caliber. He provides a level of excitement every time he’s on the field. I don’t think you can let him go on a free. Something needs to give, and I suspect MO’s camp won’t to anything to hurt what he’s built with the club. I have less faith that an FSG-led team can do this with dignity.

 

[67YAZ]

I know Mo has a different relationship with KSA as an Egyptian compared to other stars who have made the move, but I wonder how he’ll view Henderson and maybe Benzema bailing out of there so quickly. If LFC is back in the UCL next season and looked reinforced enough to make a run, will Mo actually want to move?

The Saudi league was also paying a premium to get Mo in time for the Club World Cup, played in KSA. I don’t know that he would have been the difference maker, but the Saudis def wanted him to be there. With that passed now, it’s possible the fee offered will be much lower…or maybe even higher since brining in the most famous Muslim in the world would cover the fact that some other big names are bailing out.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

Fab reporting Salah’s agent claiming Salah will be out 3-4 weeks

https://x.com/fabrizioromano/status/1749502661450191274?s=46&t=XnRE8n4MeQ0lVhl2Hk1yMw

Little to no effect on Liverpool as he’d be at AfCon otherwise.

Sucks for Egypt

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Salah hasn't had an injury that made him miss more than three matches since 2015. What an ironman.

 

[SocrManiac]

Devastating for Mo. You know this is something he desperately wants for himself, his team, and his country.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Little to no effect on Liverpool as he’d be at AfCon otherwise.

Sucks for Egypt

Well, Egypt is losing to Cape Verde at the moment, which may put them out of the tournament. Mo can rehab back in Liverpool but he might have been able to play in the Chelsea or Arsenal games if not for the injury.

 

[SocrManiac]

They probably also wouldn’t be losing to Cape Verde with Mo, so it’s a wash

 

[SocrManiac]

Paul Tierney got the Chelsea match. This is fucking insane.