Isak needs to be 100% to perform.
Or the reality is he's a fairly average player with a very dodgy attitude who massively benefitted from Howe's coaching which it looks like he's not going to receive from Slot. Seems pretty clear to me that Slot hasn't got a clue what to do with him and his approach is simply to throw him on the pitch and leave it up to him.
There's also lots of rumours flying around that his groin issue is a chronic condition which will likely result in him not lasting til he's 30. That might explain why he was so desperate to double his wages. Good job Fenway SG has deep pockets as it looks like it's going to cost them in the region of 150M for very little return.
Oh no poor Sheffield Wednesday -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1lqmmml533o
I knew they had been struggling for a while.
@Dazh - I don't think he's a "fairly average player". He's extremely talented.
However, the way the team was set up, was to provide the balls for him to knock in. Liverpool aren't going to be doing that. I agree that Howe's coaching team really brought him on as a player, it wasn't that long ago that Callum Wilson was keeping him on the bench.
The rumours regarding his chronic groin issue, there could be some truth in it, if it's true then this could of been one of worst bits of transfer business in history!
As far as Wednesday is concerned, isn’t this, rather counter-intuitively, good news?
If I understand it correctly, it means the club can now be sold, but the bastard of an owner, who’s brought them to this point, won’t now personally profit from the sale
I don't think he's a "fairly average player". He's extremely talented.
I'd agree he's talented but he was definitely average at best (at worst he just wasn't trying) for Newcastle after the cup final last season, by all accounts he's carried on in exactly the same way for Liverpool so far. Arne Slot recently stated that Isak was now nearing full fitness and would be playing more often before implying Newcastle were responsible for his latest injury, ignoring the fact HE chose to go strike, has been injury prone for most of his career and was never a prolific goalscorer before Newcastle signed him
It makes a pleasant change for somebody else to massively overpay for a player who’s failing to deliver, not us
Maybe he’ll do a Harry Maguire and come good in the 31/32 season? 😂
Probably best to judge him at the end of the season, rather than the typical knee jerk reactions (although that is more fun!). Time for Slot to build the team around Wirtz but managing Salah’s decline and eventual exit will be tricky.
Speaking to my scouse mates, it seems Liverpool are hoping that a big money bid comes in from Saudi for Salah in the January window
Bl00dy hell, Sunderland. Through my father’s interest I keep an eye on the Black Cats and having watched their play-off semi final and play off last season thought they would be a dead cert for a return ticket. Seems I know nothing, although in my defence the spending spree in the summer has totally transformed the team.
Bl00dy hell, Sunderland. Through my father’s interest I keep an eye on the Black Cats and having watched their play-off semi final and play off last season thought they would be a dead cert for a return ticket. Seems I know nothing, although in my defence the spending spree in the summer has totally transformed the team.
Also the son of a Sunderland fan - he's loving this season
Reading moved up to 19th in the market town league, getting a draw against much fancied Doncaster. How the mighty have fallen.
When do we reckon binners will be sober enough to post up on todays results and league position?
We made bloody hard work of that, but finally got a win against our bogey team. Welbeck got his usual Old Trafford goal, of course. It was a peach too, to be fair
But I’m not used to seeing us looking good up front. It’s all very confusing!
Top 4!*
Cheers!
* for the next couple of hours 😉
Yep, all the awful things going on in the world today and to top it all ManU are now 4th.
Time for a knee jerk reaction. Slot out! What’s Klopp up to?
Lovely to see Slot floundering after all the media sycophancy. He just doesn’t seem to know what to do with all these expensive players at his disposal. Gone by Xmas?
Also well done mackems. Much as I hope it doesn’t last it’s good to see the usual media hacks who are attached to the big clubs proven utterly wrong.
He just doesn’t seem to know what to do with all these expensive players at his disposal.
OI! Thats our job! 😉
Is it just me or has Slot immediately developed more than a hint of the Moaning Maureen tendency? Last week he was complaining that they lost because of United having the temerity to play long balls, this week he's moaning about long throws and the opposition being too physical at set pieces. Its Liverpool so we can take as read the usual whining about the refereeing (despite them being given their usual Fergie-time x2).
Well, as Roy Keans would say about dealing with that: 'Its your job!'
Its always somebody elses fault
Personally, I'm lovin' it! 😀
Is it just me or has Slot immediately developed more than a hint of the Moaning Maureen tendency?
He definitely has. He's complained about teams changing their starting eleven, playing long balls and long throw ins.
He has seemed to blame Newcastle for isak's lack of fitness.
Long may it continue.
There's something about Celtic at the moment, that reminds me of Liverpool. Both walking alone maybe.
Come on the Villa!
Have you seen the Womens FA Cup First Round scores from today? Some wild results - 12-0, 11-0, 8-0. Why doesn't that happen in the Mens FA cup early rounds? It’s quite common for a low level team to play a Premiership side, but rarely does the score go over 3-0.
The women’s game is still quite new and open at the moment and the leagues haven’t settled down yet. It’s still a bit all over the place. Even in the men’s lower divisions the standard of the players is pretty high. The variation of standards in the women’s game is still massive as a lot of the teams are new
I’ve witnessed this first hand. Binnerette number one is a pretty handy centre half. She played for her local team who ended up in a cup match against Citeh’s female under 18’s
They lost 24 nil
At the commiseration Maccy D’s afterwards she actually thought it was quite funny
And Rodgers jacks it. Brutal statement in response from the board!
Rodgers back to Liverpool if Slot continues to mis-manage his expensively assembled, but somewhat dysfunctional, team of over-paid and under-performing individuals????
Blimey Celtic! Martin O’Neill? Seriously?
So, win the league this season after desperately spending half a billion in the January transfer window, then relegated and bankrupt 12 months later?
It would seem that when Celtic need a new manager they just look to see which of their old managers is available.
or which of Leicester's old managers is available....
Craig Levein then 🤣
O’Neill is a good choice as tactics seem to have gone more direct again.
And maybe that’s one of Slot’s issues? Trying to impose a slower, more possession based style than Klopp’s all action style?
How do people find the atmosphere at womens matches?
We went to the England v Australia game last night, our first womens game, and it was a great night, but a slightly odd atmosphere. Definitely less testosterone in the air - a good thing, imagine polite applause for the opposition anthem! - but less vocal crowd involvement as a whole and a constant murmur of chatter which I've not noticed at mens games.
Could have been any number of factors - only a friendly, lots more women and children in the crowd (no queue for the gents at half time!), got the impression it was a half term "first match" treat for many families.
Wasn't a bad atmosphere, just different, and I wondered if that was a factor at all womens games.
How do people find the atmosphere at womens matches?
Pretty much as you describe. If you are used to men's games then they are very 'sterile'. But on the flip side that does make them a lot more family friendly. Last season I went to Arsenal vs Spurs, which should be as good as they come for atmosphere, and it felt really flat - but the kids loved it, so it served its purpose. The family we went with even bought a half and half Arsenal/Sp**s scarf - that should be a capital offence.
Pretty much as you describe. If you are used to men's games then they are very 'sterile'. But on the flip side that does make them a lot more family friendly
I'm glad I'm not alone then, did wonder if i was coming down with a weird 1970s misogynist feverdream.
Was a superb family friendly game - seems this "Homecoming" friendly series is pitched just right to tour the country to show off the Euros trophy and get families watching matches. £15 tickets help, of course
The family we went with even bought a half and half Arsenal/Sp**s scarf - that should be a capital offence.
Talking of which, this picture from Anfield the other week sums up everything that’s wrong with modern football. United v Liverpool and check out the two tourists, pitchside, in half’n’half scarves, smiling away while filming a United player scoring the winner on their phones.
I’m amazed they made it out of there alive. They shouldn’t have done. Just wearing a United/Liverpool half’n’half scarf should be enough to warrant a shoeing!
What's Nuno doing in the crowd in a LFC shirt? Didn't he have more pressing things to be doing?
Pretty much as you describe. If you are used to men's games then they are very 'sterile'.
Pretty much the main reason I can't get into the women's game. I guess I'm a traditionalist on this subject, but the last thing I want to see at a football match is a tennis-like atmosphere. In fact I've often thought tennis would be a much more interesting game if the crowd behaved as they do at a football match but I suspect I'm in a tiny minority on that score.
Pretty much the main reason I can't get into the women's game. I guess I'm a traditionalist on this subject, but the last thing I want to see at a football match is a tennis-like atmosphere.
I enjoy both. I like that I can go to a women's game, pay £10 on the door, take a pint in, and not worry about the example it will set to my kids. But yeah, the atmosphere is more like a rugby match than men's football.
Pretty much the main reason I can't get into the women's game. I guess I'm a traditionalist on this subject, but the last thing I want to see at a football match is a tennis-like atmosphere.
I enjoy both. I like that I can go to a women's game, pay £10 on the door, take a pint in, and not worry about the example it will set to my kids. But yeah, the atmosphere is more like a rugby match than men's football.
I agree - though I'm just watching the higjlights and the crowd microphones make it sound a lot more lively
I’m afraid I’m old school like Daz. I want venomous tribal hatred, obscene, sweary chants and an atmosphere of barely-suppressed violence.
When people go on about rugby matches, saying ‘we all sit together and go for a pint together afterwards’ it just makes me hate rugby even more than I do already.
Where’s the fun in that?
Those with half’n’half scarves and anyone who shouts ‘SHOOT!’ when anyone comes within 30 yards of goal will be first against the wall!
I want venomous tribal hatred
Weird, that's not how you come across on here.
Never understood the half 'n half scarves, imagine a Celtic and the other one, on a scarf? Or even Reading Oxford!
Weird, that's not how you come across on here
Depends really. I’ll happily sit and watch United v Liverpool with my scouse mates in the pub, as I did the other week. I even endured the 7-0 with them, which was ‘challenging’. But when I go to Old Trafford (or Anfield) I just absolutely love that intense tribal atmosphere which you just rarely get at any other sporting occasion, or any other occasion for that matter.
I thought it might be a generational thing but my daughter absolutely loves it too. One day we’re going to do El Clasico together, just for the experience!
Oh… and Blackburn v Burnley, to experience REAL hatred! 😂
I have a mate whose the mildest, most polite person you're ever likely to meet. He's even got a posh job in The City. But get him at a footie match and he transforms into a monster. Sprouts verbose bile towards the other fans. Shouts. Swears. We reckon it's his outlet valve. When he gets home his wife sees Mr Perfect again.
I have a mate whose the mildest, most polite person you're ever likely to meet. He's even got a posh job in The City. But get him at a footie match and he transforms into a monster. Sprouts verbose bile towards the other fans. Shouts. Swears. We reckon it's his outlet valve. When he gets home his wife sees Mr Perfect again.
I have a similar friend. Was big on how lovely the atmosphere at the womens Euros, then as soon as he's talking about his beloved Leeds he turns into tne Incredible Sweary Hulk
Anyway…. Liverpool? 😂
Yes. Hilarious 😆. But I am astounded at the number of scousers saying Slot has to go (admittedly on Social Media). Does Liverpool have goldfish for supporters?
No. 2 daughter was in Rome last night to watch Roma v Parma. 61,000 on. My next game will be Oldham Athletic away in the EFL Trophy. Compare and contrast... 🤣
Liverpool's next fixtures don't look particularly winnable
I’m afraid I’m old school like Daz. I want venomous tribal hatred, obscene, sweary chants and an atmosphere of barely-suppressed violence.
This has just reminded me of the time I went to Rome on holiday. Arrived at the airport at like 11pm on a Tuesday, and there were a few hundred football fans gathered there. I wondered if they were about to head home after a travelling to watch a match, but no - they were awating the return of their team (who had just lost) so they could jeer and heckle them on their return 😆
But I am astounded at the number of scousers saying Slot has to go
I'm not. They win one title and they're back to their 90s best of thinking they have a god-given right to win every competition. Slot is now standing in the way of that so needs to be replaced by a local hero. I note Steven Gerrard is currently unemployed.
I certainly didn't see this kind of form coming from Liverpool. I feel a little more confident that we might be able to win it this year. Still don't think we will, mind.
Slot chose that team to avoid any pressure.
He's not interested in the League Cup and picked a load of kids, so if they got beat then he had an excuse.
If he had put a few first teamers on the bench to bring on, he may of been beaten by Palace anyway and he would of faced loads more criticism.
How do people find the atmosphere at womens matches?
We went to the England v Australia game last night, our first womens game, and it was a great night, but a slightly odd atmosphere. Definitely less testosterone in the air - a good thing, imagine polite applause for the opposition anthem! - but less vocal crowd involvement as a whole and a constant murmur of chatter which I've not noticed at mens games.
Could have been any number of factors - only a friendly, lots more women and children in the crowd (no queue for the gents at half time!), got the impression it was a half term "first match" treat for many families.
Wasn't a bad atmosphere, just different, and I wondered if that was a factor at all womens games
Pretty much, I think - I think there are a lot more 'casuals' at an England match than you'll find at a club match, but the women's games are far nicer places to be at. 🙂 There ARE still chunts (at Birmingham v London, last game of last season, winner gets promoted to the WSL, woman along from us screamed "dirty bitch!" (in front of her two little ones) at any London player on the ball anywhere near us), but there's far less of them, thank christ. Abuse doesn't add atmosphere, it's just abuse - only match I've ever left early was Birmingham Hull, Rooney's first home match. Nobody wanted him as manager, but the Tilton was singing "you're just a fat granny shagger" before the match started, and gave OUR players dog's abuse the whole way through, it was just miserable. It's when the fans get behind the team, THAT'S when you get atmosphere - went 2-0 at home against Peterborough last season, and there was not a doubter in the stadium that thought we wouldn't win (we did, 3-2), THAT match had a great atmosphere.
We're STH for both men and women, and if I could only choose one, I'd pick the women's team.
It’s amazing how quickly the banter baton has transferred from United to Liverpool! A weeks a long time in politics, it’s even longer in football.
Really wish this wasn't a joke account...
https://twitter.com/FrancisChipp/status/1983885977559908683
I saw a great comment this morning….
Liverpool football club… losing titles faster than Prince Andrew 😂
Wrexham v Coventry tonight and I'm fearing a Halloween horror show the way the Sky Blues are going. It will certainly be a contrast in style between Parkyball and Lampard.
Depends really.
I was being sarcastic: you are surely the most tribal poster here on the politics threads!
Dazh - given Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes friendship with Eddie Howe I reckon he’ll be a target to replace Slot.
I don’t think Slot will go though. I think FSG saw the title last year as a bonus and that the nucleus of Klopp’s side needed renewing. Maybe they’ll write off this season to build a new side?
given Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes friendship with Eddie Howe
Nah, Eddie's all in. He's a couple of seasons away from having a statue alongside Bobby's and Shearer's. Why would he give that up? And besides, I doubt he wants to work with the rat again. When he's done with the toon he'll be going to England, hopefully not any time soon.
I don’t think Slot will go though.
I reckon he's a couple more defeats away from going, but suspect they will scrape a win or two to keep him in his job. Lets hope so anyway, he seems to have the reverse-midas touch now that he's dismantled Klopp's team.
I just looked up Amorim's win percentage. Things are looking up! He's now only the worst permanent manager since Dave Sexton.
Better still, if he extends the current winning streak to 14 matches, all the way into January, he'll even overtake David Moyes.
Liverpool's next fixtures don't look particularly winnable
They will beat Villa tomorrow and draw against Madrid and Citeh.
Today I went to the Scottish Second Division top of the table clash between Spartans and East Kilbride. Had a liquid lunch in Stockbridge then popped into an artisanal bakery on the way, hot macaroni pie and a scotch pie for my pocket. Very entertaining match, some good play and a bit spicy at times. Nice to watch a match without being emotionally invested in it although my mild mannered mate Eddie still manages to get riled up by the ref/linos.
Just saw someone with a Santa hat at the Liverpool game. How weak are the FA and UEFA that someone can get away with that sort of thing.
Was it a half’n’half Christmas hat?
Send an anonymous message that santa hats part of a viral marketing campaign by a company that does not sponsor UEFA, and I am sure he will meet a violent and painful end before half time.
Liverpool back on track. Game against Citeh on Sunday will be a huge game.
They just looked so much more solid, Bradley played well - needs to stay fit and add more consistency though. Getting Szoboszlai back in midfield was also key. Nice to see Robertson start as well. I’d give Wirtz a run in place of Gakpo, see if he can adapt there. Salah though - he’s definitely off it.
And that Trent bloke did nothing when he came on 😀
Nice to read a positive story about fans, hope both clubs continue that bond tonight no matter the result.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c1d0z911qe9o
That’s a fantastic story.
It was a beaut wasn’t it? He even put swerve on it!
I for one can’t wait for the FIFA Peace Prize.
That ****er Infantino continues at pace to try to carve out the beating heart of football.
No comments on today’s footy? The day of the last gasp equalizer? Sunderland thoroughly deserved theirs but I think De Ligt’s was brilliant because world class bell end Richarlison had celebrated like he’d won the World Cup a couple of minutes earlier.
Spursy.
Late night? Thought that Sunderland gave the Arsenal a bit of fright. Can’t think of any other games played today. ☺️