Billy Talbot

Yeah, fair point, but then I think that falls into the category of really wanting him and not wanting to miss out, rather than a squad development signing. Much like us signing Diaz a window early.

The truth is most probably somewhere in-between. Lack of finance will be partly to do with the management being happy with the squad and the happiness of the squad to do with the players not being available at prices they feel they can ask finance for. I doubt very much klopp and the recruitment team have been planning for a new midfielder this season. I think if they had have done FSG would have financed it. I think they were always planning for one next summer.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/aug/26/klopps-liverpool-is-time-catching-up-with-this-magnificent-red-machine?CMP=share_btn_tw

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/aug/26/jurgen-klopp-gets-things-off-chest-in-liverpool-squad-meeting-after-poor-start

The only thing that makes de Jong possible (it doesn’t) is that he’s currently on relatively low wages. Half or so of his wages are being and have been for the last couple of seasons, deferred. So they (then as part of his future wages) could be wrapped up as a signing on fee. All would depend on him wanting to leave (getting a handshake) from Barca. They need someone out.

Gods not dogs.

Looks like if we are signing someone, they will have to be extraodinary.

I hope we’re not going back to shoving things up arses for luck. It didn’t work then and it won’t work now.

Decent draw I think. Would rather play 3 teams that can possibly take points off each other than have a head to head to see who finishes top with the jeopardy of losing to one or both of the whipping boys.

Gapko

Lot of all PL ties. Should be some nice easy ties on offer in the next round.

Was my birthday yesterday. It was ruined.

He was no good tonight. He lacked discipline. Whether that was tactical or not. Players have to show for one another and he was all over the place. That's no excuse really. Just play 1.

One really good one would do.

Pretty appalling for those that didn't too. I went to go and stay with some French friends a few weeks ago and they were still apologising. So for what it's worth I'll pass that on.

yes yes

Yeah. It's all relative. And all about results.

Did he actually say it? I switched off at FT

Very much so. Dear god.

I'm amazed we haven't sold him.

nt

Also, yeah, I think Bobby's legs have gone. He's just not as quick to the ball and when he is, it doesn't run for him. I had to stop playing "decent" football when it happened to me too, It's too quick for him. I used to play a very similar position. Both 11 a side and in a 5 a side. Press, press, press. Win the ball, lay it off and get in the box. It's hardly revolutionary. I used to do that from LCB at 5 at side. What was sort of revolutionary was the distance covered, that he always seemed to be either the extra midfielder or the extra attacker and that he wasn't absolutely ****ed when he got there. No longer the case.

I'm fine with Elliot getting starts, when we're playing well and our shape is good. BUT. He's going to have to become extraordinary to warrant this current indulgence. Saying that. at the moment he's Thiago's understudy. Leaving out Fab for Milner tonight is a different debate.

I think it's a bit risky not signing one. And not just from a footballing POV. We've become accustomed (and everyone else has too) to us challenging for the league and going deep into cup competitions. Any faltering from that isn't doing anyone connected with LFC any favours.

Makes signing a new midfielder even more pressing as far as I'm concerned. Keita cries off more than enough as it is. With months and weeks left on his contract he'll be nowhere to be seen.