for me, addressing the correct positions to strengthen is equally as important as important as who is brought in.
Are you confident of a decent transfer window and signings ?
- Thread starter RedZeppelin III
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That's what we did last season.
We need to ignore the manager and make sensible decisions instead.
Which doesn't mean focussing on age. Henderson was very highly rated and captain of his national side.
I think we do need to focus on age, we're only going to win a title by having a strong nucleus of high performing players. There's no point on splashing out on experienced talent now to see it wasted alongside our already present rapidly declining experienced core.
We need to get younger and forget about trying to win Gerrard a league title.
We need to get younger and forget about trying to win Gerrard a league title.
I think we already have young talent slowly coming through. We need experienced, proven top class players who can make an impact here and now.
Have a look at our accounts and you'll see why that's not going to happen.
I said before Hodgson took over we had a couple of options: 1. Tear up the squad, reduce the wage bill and rebuild or 2. continue piecemeal in the hope that a 7th place team plus a couple of experienced signings would get us back into CL.
We went for 2 and it failed, we increased the wage bill and ended up worse off and leaving us with less flexibility as we move forward meaning we had to sell our "best player" in order to reshape the squad. You're asking us to do the same again. The funds aren't there to turn this squad into a challenger.
Now is the time to exhibit some patience. We've got to shed contracts like Aquilani, Cole, Carragher, Downing and arguably Gerrard and I'd imagine we're still paying some wages for the likes of Poulsen and Konchesky. We're still wasting massive amounts of money, and until we're clear of that there's no point in adding more expensive players.
The younger players you talk of are still probably a year or two away from being contributors, our defence can still be the same then if we want it to be. We should be getting more out of Henderson, Carroll, Suarez, Coates, Shelvey etc at that stage. Lucas will be back to normal by then. And if we can retain the flexibility we'd get by shifting some of the older more expensive players who aren't contributing then we can make a splash around then and really improve the team.
I said before Hodgson took over we had a couple of options: 1. Tear up the squad, reduce the wage bill and rebuild or 2. continue piecemeal in the hope that a 7th place team plus a couple of experienced signings would get us back into CL.
We went for 2 and it failed, we increased the wage bill and ended up worse off and leaving us with less flexibility as we move forward meaning we had to sell our "best player" in order to reshape the squad. You're asking us to do the same again. The funds aren't there to turn this squad into a challenger.
Now is the time to exhibit some patience. We've got to shed contracts like Aquilani, Cole, Carragher, Downing and arguably Gerrard and I'd imagine we're still paying some wages for the likes of Poulsen and Konchesky. We're still wasting massive amounts of money, and until we're clear of that there's no point in adding more expensive players.
The younger players you talk of are still probably a year or two away from being contributors, our defence can still be the same then if we want it to be. We should be getting more out of Henderson, Carroll, Suarez, Coates, Shelvey etc at that stage. Lucas will be back to normal by then. And if we can retain the flexibility we'd get by shifting some of the older more expensive players who aren't contributing then we can make a splash around then and really improve the team.
Does Kagawa wants to come to Liverpool?
Agree 100%. Really don't get this obsession with age, "under 23 ffs", what, do players stop moving when they hit 24?
Read Moneyball.
It's really a business decision rather than a footballing one: Value for Money. Don't know where 23 comes from since I think the book says (paraphrasing) a young player that is about to hit their peak but is still at a relatively low cost or his worth will increase. the 23 has become too literal.
Actually it may have came from Soccernomics, I was reading both at the same time so maybe confused as to the source.
If FSG want to say, 'Okay, we've got a three or five year plan, we want incremental improvement year by year and we want it with a young squad,' then fine. But if they want to say, 'Get us in the top four next season or else,' then they should forget about age and sign the very best available who will make a massive impact next season.
Name them - ones you think would come, and, hand on heart, would they be the ones out of all likely possibilities, regardless of age, you'd want us to sign (who would get us in the top four)?
You keep dodging the issue with this 'improve us greatly' line. As I've made clear, I wouldn't disagree with improvement. My point was: if you're going to DEMAND a top four finish, as an ultimatum, you should go for the best possible players, here and now, rather than age-specific ones. Do you honestly believe your age-specific choices will do this?
Yes. And what exactly am I dodging?
We need more creativity and flair, players that fit into a fluid system. Belhanda and Gaitan are at the very top in those categories.
Sissoko is a box to box midfielder, exactly what we need. Equally good at breaking up play as in building attacks.
Hoilett is one for the future, can play as striker or winger.
With those in the squad the balance is there, goals and creativity from several players. And we would achieve 4th with the right tactics.
We need more creativity and flair, players that fit into a fluid system. Belhanda and Gaitan are at the very top in those categories.
Sissoko is a box to box midfielder, exactly what we need. Equally good at breaking up play as in building attacks.
Hoilett is one for the future, can play as striker or winger.
With those in the squad the balance is there, goals and creativity from several players. And we would achieve 4th with the right tactics.
At least, the young players we've been looking at doesn't really fall into the Henderson category (i.e. youth and inexperienced).
Gaston Ramirez - 21 yo
Luuk De Jong - 21 yo
Younes Belhanda - 22 yo
All of whom have been playing top flight football for at least the past 2+, 3 seasons
Gaston Ramirez - 21 yo
Luuk De Jong - 21 yo
Younes Belhanda - 22 yo
All of whom have been playing top flight football for at least the past 2+, 3 seasons
I don't think a top four finish was demanded, it was mentioned publicly though. I think another Henry comment is indicative of expectations - success isn't winning the title just once (paraphrasing)
By buying younger players we have a better chance of creating sustainable success and even if a signing doesn't work out they won't necessarily inhibit us for years the way Downing will.
If Kenny gets the boot in a few weeks time then it will say to me that a top four finish was demanded but I think he'll still be here next year because Commoli didn't provide him with a squad capable of achieving it.
By buying younger players we have a better chance of creating sustainable success and even if a signing doesn't work out they won't necessarily inhibit us for years the way Downing will.
If Kenny gets the boot in a few weeks time then it will say to me that a top four finish was demanded but I think he'll still be here next year because Commoli didn't provide him with a squad capable of achieving it.
We'll probably end up signing Dempsey and Bent.
And still CAN'T score.
Hurray !
And still CAN'T score.
Hurray !
People need to keep their expectations in check next season. With the approach we're taking, we won't know whether it pays off for 2 or 3 years. Then if it doesn't, it's 'start again time'.
There are (at least) 5 teams in the Prem who it's going to be very difficult to be better than for the next couple of years.
There are (at least) 5 teams in the Prem who it's going to be very difficult to be better than for the next couple of years.
Those are some pretty optimistic figures you've quoted for Kuyt & Maxi. I doubt we'll get that much for either of them. Except I'm mistaken Maxi signed a two & a half year contract when he joined us, that'll mean he's coming towards the end of his contract.
we'll be doing well to get money for Cole & Maxi and anyone that's willing to pay for Acquilani - so if we end up with anymore that 7m from outgoings I'd be happy.
Add in to our transfer budget, that should be enough to fund a move for Cattermole.
Add in to our transfer budget, that should be enough to fund a move for Cattermole.
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