Post Match PSG and we are out. Post match thread.

[Mojo]

Again, I think that’s easier to call in hindsight. Salah always plays 90 mins and is the fittest player in the World I reckon. He doesn’t need to be subbed after 75 mins, bar if he’s having a bad game. Which he hasn’t had many of this season.

For Gravy I agree but I think that’s more dependent on game by game and how Slot wants his midfield set up.
Endo definetly deserved more minutes though.

Chiesa is a non entity. Just a name and a kit number at this stage.

All in all we can’t complain to much about this season. Next season we’ll be improved and have adjusted the squad more to Slot.

This gets to me. Prior to the Plymouth game he showed glimpses of the talent we know he has/had, but it was obvious that he needed to get minutes to improve his match fitness.
Plymouth was a crap match for many of our players but he seemed to bear the brunt of the backlash from Slot.

As Momo said, there were many matches where we could have subbed Mo / a.n.other off with 10 mins to go to give him more minutes under his belt to build up his match fitness and sharpness but Slot just didn't want to.

Last night I truly believe he would have offered more than Cody did, who through no fault of his own, was thrown in there and could even maintain jogging pace.

I don't know what the reason is but to me, Slot fucked up with his handling of Cheesy this season.
He could have been a viable option on more than a few occasions this season

 

[peterhague]

It’s not about loads of rotation. It’s about praising Endo then never using him. I’ve said, along with @Brizzle and countless others, that we could’ve rested Gravenberch through reducing minutes and not games. There’s many games where he didn’t need to be on for 90 when we have Endo to close out the games.

Chiesa will never get fit without games and the same applies. Where is the benefit in playing Salah for 90 game after game? Take him off after 75 when you can. Do that 6 times and it’s one game less in his legs.

Just be bloody smart about it.

Yeah I think it's been his biggest failing. I get he doesn't rate those 3 but it's a matter of squad management. I don't care how shit Chiesa is, I don't believe he's incapable of 15 minutes every couple of weeks. The guy has made 3 PL appearances all season. It's ridiculous.

 

[Fabio]

Never really clicked, but why did we take pens down the away end, but also chose to take pens 2nd?

Like, did we win the toss and pick stupid?

 

[singlerider]

Never really clicked, but why did we take pens down the away end, but also chose to take pens 2nd?

Like, did we win the toss and pick stupid?

We lost both tosses so PSG got to pick both

 

[peterhague]

Never really clicked, but why did we take pens down the away end, but also chose to take pens 2nd?

Like, did we win the toss and pick stupid?

No, apparently they do two coin tosses and we lost them both. How fucking moronic is that? Do Uefa not realise that having TWO things to decide means the perfect opportunity to mitigate the unfairness of a coin toss? Let the winner have the pick of the choices, then give the loser the other.

Unbelievable.

 

[StevieM]

It’s not about loads of rotation. It’s about praising Endo then never using him. I’ve said, along with @Brizzle and countless others, that we could’ve rested Gravenberch through reducing minutes and not games. There’s many games where he didn’t need to be on for 90 when we have Endo to close out the games.

Chiesa will never get fit without games and the same applies. Where is the benefit in playing Salah for 90 game after game? Take him off after 75 when you can. Do that 6 times and it’s one game less in his legs.

Just be bloody smart about it.

This is the problem - people bang on about “small squad”, “injection of new signings”.. blah, blah, blah.

The squad’s fine, it’s as big as any top team has and there are quality players in reserve along with youngsters that can come in and do a job.

The problem is Slot has steadfastly seemingly refused to use the likes of Harvey, Endo, Quansah & Chiesa to spread the load.

Pros and cons to that approach - keeping a tight squad is great for consistency and has probably played a huge part in our league charge, but stretches us when we’re competing in multiple comps.

I think this is probably a learning experience for Slot in demands of managing a squad in such a competitive league with high expectations in Europe and 2 domestic cup comps.

Chiesa’s a prime example - I’d he’s fit enough to be on the bench, then he’s fit enough to be the on the pitch - so he should have got more minutes.

Endo may be limited, but he’s a decent player and always gives max effort - he should have been used in the odd game to rest Gravy.

Harvey has almost been criminally underused in the league this season.

That’s the next step for Slot to take, I think.

Also…. Last night had a little feeling of maybe the end of the season is time to not kick the can down the road, grasp the nettle (double point cliches) and go for the big rebuild without the 30+’ers and make BB’s decade by bringing in 6 or so new players.

 

[King Binny]

View: https://x.com/xGPhilosophy/status/1899589923365441602?t=-6ikRDWE0bq7DLaOPrVusA&s=19

We did well to get to pens, considering

View: https://x.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1899735662774849594

View: https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/1899595715766005999

 

[Hansern]

I don’t think the squad is fine at all. We lack the right players and several of our back ups aren’t good enough.

Endo, Jones, Quansah and maybe Elliott can be in the squad going forward. Problem with Harvey is that there isn’t a position were I think he’ll excell and make his own.

It makes Slot’s achievements even greater this season imho.

 

[darkstarexodus]

I don’t think the squad is fine at all. We lack the right players and several of our back ups aren’t good enough.

Endo, Jones, Quansah and maybe Elliott can be in the squad going forward. Problem with Harvey is that there isn’t a position were I think he’ll excell and make his own.

It makes Slot’s achievements even greater this season imho.

Disagree that it makes Slots achievements greater. I'd be more impressed if he were able to use the players on the bench more effectively.

 

[Frogfish]

This is the problem - people bang on about “small squad”, “injection of new signings”.. blah, blah, blah.

The squad’s fine, it’s as big as any top team has and there are quality players in reserve along with youngsters that can come in and do a job.

The problem is Slot has steadfastly seemingly refused to use the likes of Harvey, Endo, Quansah & Chiesa to spread the load.

Pros and cons to that approach - keeping a tight squad is great for consistency and has probably played a huge part in our league charge, but stretches us when we’re competing in multiple comps.

I think this is probably a learning experience for Slot in demands of managing a squad in such a competitive league with high expectations in Europe and 2 domestic cup comps.

Chiesa’s a prime example - I’d he’s fit enough to be on the bench, then he’s fit enough to be the on the pitch - so he should have got more minutes.

Endo may be limited, but he’s a decent player and always gives max effort - he should have been used in the odd game to rest Gravy.

Harvey has almost been criminally underused in the league this season.

That’s the next step for Slot to take, I think.

Also…. Last night had a little feeling of maybe the end of the season is time to not kick the can down the road, grasp the nettle (double point cliches) and go for the big rebuild without the 30+’ers and make BB’s decade by bringing in 6 or so new players.

I don't think a big rebuild should come after winning the PL (maybe LC) and looking like one of the best 3-4 teams in Europe ! It is a time to strengthen a few areas of concern to enable us to go again next season.

I doubt Salah and VvD want to be here to watch yet another rebuild. In ther twilight years abut still near the top of their games, they want to be challenging and winning trophies and this team/squad has it in it and could be even better next year with new FBs, an extra high quality MFer and replacements for Jota and Nunex.

 

[Frogfish]

View: https://x.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1899735662774849594

View: https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/1899595715766005999

This is where I think xG isn't as clear cut as it could be. PSG's xG is high simply because of the sheer quantity of low value shots each adding a small amount to the xG. However on quality of chances, or near goals if you like, the difference is much lower even if our volume was much lower than theirs (over 2 legs). Anyway it's done so move on.

 

[Hansern]

Disagree that it makes Slots achievements greater. I'd be more impressed if he were able to use the players on the bench more effectively.

How though? If they don’t have the right fit.

 

[Frogfish]

How though? If they don’t have the right fit.

Undoubtedly he could have used the squad better - even when we are winning by 2 or more he hasn't always used the full complement of five subs. They may not be the perfect fit but they are still good players/pros.

 

[Hansern]

Undoubtedly he could have used the squad better - even when we are winning by 2 or more he hasn't always used the full complement of five subs. They may not be the perfect fit but they are still good players/pros.

Yeah, I agree in terms of the use of Endo.
There are a few games were he should have come on. Best example is Everton.

 

[i_rushie]

I'm hoping slot looks at this, sees our countless broken down counters, and goes "fuck, we need pace"

The reason our counters break down is not because we lack pace. We've got plenty, the problem is 2 out of the three up top are having zoomies like they're at the local dog park.

 

[peterhague]

The reason our counters break down is not because we lack pace. We've got plenty, the problem is 2 out of the three up top are having zoomies like they're at the local dog park.

Yeah tbh I'm not even sure anymore that good counters are even much about pace. If it's one player being released then yeah pace is a big deal, but generally it's much more about timing the runs and passes.

 

[Sammy LFC]

Bad show and the difference between both side very huge, PSG were better in all departments, fitter than our players, and they have a better squad full of talented players, whereas, our squad has been assembled on shoe strings! Slot got the game's tactics wrong! We have always said in the past that awful finishing throughout the season will come to bite us in the later part of the season! Our players were completely drained and were hanging for the penalties, and were useless at it! The worry is for the Sunday game, and I am just wondering if the players will be fit enough for it!! I just don't understand why Slot don't use Chiesa, he is much suited for such game more the king Salah!!!!!!!!!!!! If the LFC doesn't invest big next season, we will have an ordinary season. For now, just concentrate on the league and bring the big trophy home. Good Luck

 

[Hansern]

Yeah, I think its a bit of both. Definetly need pace but the timing of the runs and passes are vital.
Just look at how PSG carved us open a few times yesterday. The timing of the passes and runs were excellent.
Loads of movement.

But the pace from Hakimi and Mendes was very visible yesterday and the ability to move up the pitch and exploit those pockets of space that opened up.

Really hope we sign Kerkez as he would be a perfect fit for us.

 

[darkstarexodus]

How though? If they don’t have the right fit.

You use the tools you have to get the job done. There is no doubt in my mind that Gravy and Mo would have benefitted from several subs as 70-75 mins throughout the season.

Endo is plenty capable of holding the fort when we have lead. Chiesa is not match fit because he never plays matches.

 

[darkstarexodus]

View: https://x.com/paddypower/status/1899597132576747941?t=dCfArjYMuN5rorDxSEWkIg&s=19

lol at Arsenal.

 

[Holle]

We need a proper 9.

After yesterday everyone at the club should be aware.

 

[StevieM]

I don’t think the squad is fine at all. We lack the right players and several of our back ups aren’t good enough.

Endo, Jones, Quansah and maybe Elliott can be in the squad going forward. Problem with Harvey is that there isn’t a position were I think he’ll excell and make his own.

It makes Slot’s achievements even greater this season imho.

I can’t agree that the squad’s not fine given that we’re runaway EPL leaders, coasted through the league phase of the CL as top team, only went out on penalties to a team perceived as one of the best in Europe right now, are in the League Cup final and are only out of the FA Cup because we played a reserve team.

That’s not a team that’s lacking in quality or depth.

What I think you’re expressing is what Is call the “ManCityfication” of football in recent years where they created the expectation of domination, winning the league with ridiculously high point total, while also winning domestic cups and getting to the final rounds of the CL every season.

which all means that to equal or better those achievements the squad has to be practically perfection in every position.

Fine and is not perfect, but fine should also, as we’re seeing, be enough to challenge when you remove the perfect from the equation.

I will say that we’ve been undone this season by the same thing as last season - the 2 central strikers, for different reasons, not hitting the form we needed them to at the crucial moment.

 

[Farkmaster]

Yeah tbh I'm not even sure anymore that good counters are even much about pace. If it's one player being released then yeah pace is a big deal, but generally it's much more about timing the runs and passes.

Pace is massive. It makes defenders make decisions quicker than they want to, and it causes even elite defenders to make mistakes. It also makes every single pass easier because in general players will not mark tightly.

 

[MomoWASright]

Speed kills. Only if it’s mixed with talent and effort.

 

[Hansern]

You use the tools you have to get the job done. There is no doubt in my mind that Gravy and Mo would have benefitted from several subs as 70-75 mins throughout the season.

Endo is plenty capable of holding the fort when we have lead. Chiesa is not match fit because he never plays matches.

Mo has been putting up the numbers consistently throughout the season, and still look the fittest of everyone. Sure sub him off more in the 80+ min, but the subs are probably spent better elsewhere. Somebody have to play 90 mins.

 

[Farkmaster]

The more I think about it the more I just believe that this run of fixture congestion wore the team down, as it happens to every team. You always see the jaded play after the run. For klopp this normally happens in February. We got a pretty nice schedule, and put a tonne of energy in.

If we had a psv or some other team, I think we might have recovered to have a bit of a run, but I didn't see us winning it. We could have competed more on better form but they were unlucky not to be more comfortable winners.

This run though cemented the league. It wasn't for nothing.

 

[KopRed]

I said before despite all the good that Slot's side have given us, we will never see his team doing something similar to the 4-0 Barca comeback.

Slot's side is measured and not as emotional, the Anfield effect is toned down.

 

[tombrown]

View: https://x.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1899735662774849594

View: https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/1899595715766005999

16 - Alisson made 16 saves across both legs against PSG (excl. penalty shootout)

So, if we include the penalty shootout that woudl be ... err... 16

 

[mark1975]

If Slot isn't using his squad he's either living in the 1980's thinking he can get by with 14 or so players, or he doesn't rate what he has in reserve.

If it's the latter then we'd better be spending well in the Summer and bringing in some depth, because he clearly barely rates any of the bench.

 

[mark1975]

The more I think about it the more I just believe that this run of fixture congestion wore the team down, as it happens to every team. You always see the jaded play after the run. For klopp this normally happens in February. We got a pretty nice schedule, and put a tonne of energy in.

If we had a psv or some other team, I think we might have recovered to have a bit of a run, but I didn't see us winning it. We could have competed more on better form but they were unlucky not to be more comfortable winners.

This run though cemented the league. It wasn't for nothing.

Yeah I think that's fair. I mean, the upside is we came out of that fixture congestion unscathed in terms of injuries and results, the knock on effect is now when we are out the CL because it's caught up with us. Swings and roundabouts really but it only compounds the belief that he doesn't have much faith in the squad players, or he's that terrified of disrupting his best XI or so.

He's gone for continuity this season and it's reaped it's rewards in the league, but regardless of that, the worries are there, we can all see it (well most of us anyway).