Official Liverpool FC Thread II

[danfantastk32]

Sad about Trent, but I suppose we all knew this day was coming.

Yup. I'm bummed he's leaving, disappointed it's on a free, but Trent has given his life to the club and won everything, so fair play to him.

Arsene Wenger just said world class players won't be sold anymore, they will go for free to get more pay, bonuses. The new market that not only Real will follow.
The agents and the teams avoiding the extra transfer fees have too much power.

Yes, I was reading about this too. To be fair.....Madrid and Barcelon were often overpaying massively, and for every Xabi Alonso that worked out great for them....there would be a Michael Owen, or a Bale, or a Coutinho. Not that they were flops necessarily...but not worth the fees. This new set up makes sense..on their end. And of course it also means a portion of the $75-$95 million transfer fee saved can go into the players contract, benefiting him. Bad for lesser clubs, no doubt. This will have a trickle-down effect, and I would say give it time for some sort of counter-measure.

I would push back on Arsene with 2 things: 1) This is sort of how the economy of football works. TAA was a little bit strange, in that he was a farm-bred player for us...so no stinging financial loss...what if it was Nunez? or what if Haaland leaves City? Once this happens with a player that really stings one of the "lesser teams" your gonna see pushback. And of course it will trickle down, and you'll see those teams push back. Sooner or later, teams will demand longer contracts out of their younger players....which will either force teams like Liverpool to pay a transfer, or wait longer...causing a shortage of talent. They will then do the same: demand long contracts, or something. - In other words...something will have to give. This isn't "Madrid world" as much as they seem to think it is.

2ndly...you have a guy like Haaland questioning the hunger of City...a sign that he could possibly want out. If he does....will Madrid wait, while Barca try and swoop him up? I count on these teams and their constant demand for instant gratification to ruin this grand plan. It just takes one key player getting injured in preseason, or something like that...and suddenly they need a guy, and they need him now.

So we'll see.

[MetalFingaz]

Haaland just signed a 10-year contract, which is one tactic to minimize that risk from the club's perspective. The downside of that approach, of course, is Chelsea has Mudryk on a 9-year contract.

[KG Leonard]

I understand the disappointment of the Local hero leaving but surely 20 years of service can't just be forgotten and dismissed? Not like he left to join Manchester United or another PL rival?

It is a great point. He didn't goto Chelsea or United, or Man-$ity. That woulda been unforgivable. It's a different league.

All that said....we won the League!!!! Let's not forget it. He was a huge part of it. Let's enjoy it, and give him his respect. People can boo him next time we face RM in the CL if they want =0)

If he went to a rival like that, i would be all the way on the side of the type LFC fans who are calling him a traitor.

Also you said it well in the last paragraph, give him respect for what he has done. In today's football where too much is about the money and winning by any means and there isn't many stars who are the local kid of their teams. He has also rightly lost his chance to become a beloved legend of Gerrard or Totti types who was loyal to one club only.

[KG Leonard]

This is way too soon to say, it is not easy replacing world class player, specially one that helped Salah score many goals. Like Dani Alves and Messi.
Players of his level deserve that pay, otherwise they wouldn't play for Real.

Bradley is "so far" an injury prone player that wasn't good enough Vs Leicester, substituted and it is much harder dealing with the pressure of a starting fullback. Compared to the sub who was good 20 minutes Vs Real Madrid imho.

Regarding Bradley, I do not believe he should simply be handed the keys to that position. For this reason, I'm please to read the club is looking at Frimpong and others.

I agree with this idea and i was really annoyed by the emotional, naive idea that Bradley can easily replace TAA. Bradley is strong and endurance machine but it is not clear yet if he is good enough to own the RB position.

Trent is a creative genius who had alot of responsibility to create chances for the attack. You need someone to replace that output and the ability to create for your 3 midfielders who are more hardworking and box to box. 65 assist in 350+ games!

[MetalFingaz]

This is way too soon to say, it is not easy replacing world class player, specially one that helped Salah score many goals. Like Dani Alves and Messi.
Players of his level deserve that pay, otherwise they wouldn't play for Real.

Bradley is "so far" an injury prone player that wasn't good enough Vs Leicester, substituted and it is much harder dealing with the pressure of a starting fullback. Compared to the sub who was good 20 minutes Vs Real Madrid imho.

Regarding Bradley, I do not believe he should simply be handed the keys to that position. For this reason, I'm please to read the club is looking at Frimpong and others.

I agree with this idea and i was really annoyed by the emotional, naive idea that Bradley can easily replace TAA. Bradley is strong and endurance machine but it is not clear yet if he is good enough to own the RB position.

Trent is a creative genius who had alot of responsibility to create chances for the attack. You need someone to replace that output and the ability to create for your 3 midfielders who are more hardworking and box to box. 65 assist in 350+ games!

Totally. I've made this comparison before but look at Madrid without Kroos's vision and creativity. There's a reason they want Trent.

I don't think there's another RB that could slot in for us and do anything close to what Trent does. And so the brain trust is going to have to get creative in finding ways to spread the threat out across more players.

[danfantastk32]

Haaland just signed a 10-year contract, which is one tactic to minimize that risk from the club's perspective. The downside of that approach, of course, is Chelsea has Mudryk on a 9-year contract.

There you go. I had forgot about that.

The league has to survive somehow. Small teams make their living of of teams like Liverpool offering $12-$50 mil for young talent, and teams like Liverpool can afford to make those offers because teams like RM and Barca offer tons for guys like Alonso, and Owen, and Suarez and Coutinho.

Teams will adapt. I do agree with Arsene that RM and Barca will prob be much smarter moving forward. Barca was is real trouble there for a minute. It will take a few years for them to forget that. In the meantime, expect them to try and get guys on free's. But the lower teams will adjust, and eventually the biggest teams will have to start spending again to keep up with the Jones'.

[MetalFingaz]

Haaland just signed a 10-year contract, which is one tactic to minimize that risk from the club's perspective. The downside of that approach, of course, is Chelsea has Mudryk on a 9-year contract.

There you go. I had forgot about that.

The league has to survive somehow. Small teams make their living of of teams like Liverpool offering $12-$50 mil for young talent, and teams like Liverpool can afford to make those offers because teams like RM and Barca offer tons for guys like Alonso, and Owen, and Suarez and Coutinho.

Teams will adapt. I do agree with Arsene that RM and Barca will prob be much smarter moving forward. Barca was is real trouble there for a minute. It will take a few years for them to forget that. In the meantime, expect them to try and get guys on free's. But the lower teams will adjust, and eventually the biggest teams will have to start spending again to keep up with the Jones'.

We'll probably also see more teams investing in their academies and spending more on younger and younger players like Chelsea and City have done. That seems to be an area where Liverpool is behind their main competitors.

[KG Leonard]

Regarding Bradley, I do not believe he should simply be handed the keys to that position. For this reason, I'm please to read the club is looking at Frimpong and others.

I agree with this idea and i was really annoyed by the emotional, naive idea that Bradley can easily replace TAA. Bradley is strong and endurance machine but it is not clear yet if he is good enough to own the RB position.

Trent is a creative genius who had alot of responsibility to create chances for the attack. You need someone to replace that output and the ability to create for your 3 midfielders who are more hardworking and box to box. 65 assist in 350+ games!

Totally. I've made this comparison before but look at Madrid without Kroos's vision and creativity. There's a reason they want Trent.

I don't think there's another RB that could slot in for us and do anything close to what Trent does. And so the brain trust is going to have to get creative in finding ways to spread the threat out across more players.

Yeah very hard to find a playmaking RB to replace him but the team will need wingback types like Frimpong or similar quality to be dangerous offensively in a different way. A defensive RB don't work for Slot just like it wouldn't for Klopp. Not like you can bench one of the midfield 3 who dominated this year for a creative type like a new Kroos or Thiago.

[Baseline81]

Have to say, I think Slot played this wrongly in regards to TAA. Prior to the match, there was already a mixed response when his name and number were announced.

I'm frustrated with how certain pundits are saying what a "disgrace" Liverpool fans are for booing Trent. They have no right to tell me or others how to feel in the matter. Personally, I find it difficult to cheer a player that doesn't want to be here, especially with where the club is at the moment.

[KG Leonard]

It is not a disgrace to boo and Liverpool fans has the right to react like that but still I found it to be really in poor taste and shame for a player fighting to still win you games. I respected more and smiled at the fans who clapped and had signs thanking him.

I too have right to respect more the fans who appalued his loyalty of 20 years. I thought the rest was lame to boo on the actual game.
Slot is very right to play the a player who still wants to play and be there on the pitch. Like Slot said his job is to win games.

[Cactus Jack]

This may not be a popular take. But fans booing is a really bad look for the club. Not a fan.

Trent should be applauded for his part in helping the club win titles. If he wants to leave, then so be it. It's not the end of the world.

Thank him & move on.

[Baseline81]

It is not a disgrace to boo and Liverpool fans has the right to react like that but still I found it to be really in poor taste and shame for a player fighting to still win you games. I respected more and smiled at the fans who clapped and had signs thanking him.

I too have right to respect more the fans who appalued his loyalty of 20 years. I thought the rest was lame to boo on the actual game.
Slot is very right to play the a player who still wants to play and be there on the pitch. Like Slot said his job is to win games.

With the title wrapped up, I have to question this. If there were actually something to play for, by all means, push for the win.

[Baseline81]

This may not be a popular take. But fans booing is a really bad look for the club. Not a fan.

Trent should be applauded for his part in helping the club win titles. If he wants to leave, then so be it. It's not the end of the world.

Thank him & move on.

It's not that TAA is leaving but rather the manner on how he's leaving. Think about things he's said -- playing up being the local lad, wanting to captain the club and "this meaning more". Instead, he decides to run down his contract, not saying much about it in the process other than the occasional cryptic message. Then there are certain match performances where his effort level was questioned -- home to Manchester United immediately springs to mind. Also add in the jab his brother made during the Carabao Cup final.

If he cared about the club, as we are lead to believe, he would have signed an extension with a reasonable buy-out clause, much like Mac Allister did at Brighton. Under FSG, Liverpool's strategy has always been sell to buy. I would expect someone who's been at the club for 20 years to understand that.

For many fans, it's become personal, for better or worse. The deception when what one wants honesty.

I've wondered about the timing of his announcement. Why right after the league had been won? Why not wait until the season is over? Was he expecting some sort of send off the remaining home matches?

[danfantastk32]

This may not be a popular take. But fans booing is a really bad look for the club. Not a fan.

Trent should be applauded for his part in helping the club win titles. If he wants to leave, then so be it. It's not the end of the world.

Thank him & move on.

It's not that TAA is leaving but rather the manner on how he's leaving. Think about things he's said -- playing up being the local lad, wanting to captain the club and "this meaning more". Instead, he decides to run down his contract, not saying much about it in the process other than the occasional cryptic message. Then there are certain match performances where his effort level was questioned -- home to Manchester United immediately springs to mind. Also add in the jab his brother made during the Carabao Cup final.

If he cared about the club, as we are lead to believe, he would have signed an extension with a reasonable buy-out clause, much like Mac Allister did at Brighton. Under FSG, Liverpool's strategy has always been sell to buy. I would expect someone who's been at the club for 20 years to understand that.

For many fans, it's become personal, for better or worse. The deception when what one wants honesty.

I've wondered about the timing of his announcement. Why right after the league had been won? Why not wait until the season is over? Was he expecting some sort of send off the remaining home matches?

The part that irritates me is just what you mentioned....the "local boy" thing. If you're gonna lean in on that...then it's gonna bite you on the arse when you leave. It's the yin and yang. I don't think he's handled it great, either. He really should have waited till the season was over. It's almost like he expects the big sending off...the team hoisting him up that last game, and the crowd with the huge sendoff.....get real bud. You're leaving us for in your prime for the big team...and your doing it on a free.

And look....he's won alot here. He's been great. I 1000% get the whole RM are the pinnacle of a footballer's career. There's no shame in wanting to go, if given the chance. But then Liverpool weren't the 'dream club', were they? You can't have it both ways. And leaving Liverpool with nothing, further spits in the image he tried to foster. <------prob my biggest issue: was this all image, and branding? If so...your a piece of work.

There's a whole spectrum of "acceptable" ways to take his announcement. I get the guys who are pissed, and I get the guys that wish him the best...and everything in between. All are fair, imo. But he did lean on the 'local boy - dream club' stuff...and then bailed. Bailed in a manner that suited nothing but himself. So he's a fool if he thought nobody was gonna boo him. These teams are religion for alot of people.

He's just gonna have to wear it. Slot should be playing other guys anyhow, IMO. He's moving on....so should we. Real game minutes are huge for younger players....get them out there. Even if a couple guys are slightly out of position...let them get playing time. Trent made it clear he doesn't think he owes us anything....well right back at him.

[danfantastk32]

If he's smart and he just wears the shame for a while....time will pass, and he'll work his way back into most Liverpool fan's hearts. He did an amazing job for the club. Won a ton of stuff. He will be fine in time.

But he did play an angle...and that will haunt him. Not ensuring the club got something will further haunt him. But most will fade in 5 years. He can do himself no favors at this point. Just stay off the pitch, and go. Don't try to smooth it out...certainly don't ask for/expect a big sending off.

Really was stupid to announce when he did, IMO. Gonna make the parade awkward...the trophy presentation...everything. I really think he thought this was gonna go in some magical way....he'd hoist the trophy....the crowd would cheer the loudest...he'd tear up...everyone would know how hard this was for him, but respect and cheer him forward......a big cry-wank around the world. He's off his rocker, if that was the case.

[Cactus Jack]

This may not be a popular take. But fans booing is a really bad look for the club. Not a fan.

Trent should be applauded for his part in helping the club win titles. If he wants to leave, then so be it. It's not the end of the world.

Thank him & move on.

It's not that TAA is leaving but rather the manner on how he's leaving. Think about things he's said -- playing up being the local lad, wanting to captain the club and "this meaning more". Instead, he decides to run down his contract, not saying much about it in the process other than the occasional cryptic message. Then there are certain match performances where his effort level was questioned -- home to Manchester United immediately springs to mind. Also add in the jab his brother made during the Carabao Cup final.

If he cared about the club, as we are lead to believe, he would have signed an extension with a reasonable buy-out clause, much like Mac Allister did at Brighton. Under FSG, Liverpool's strategy has always been sell to buy. I would expect someone who's been at the club for 20 years to understand that.

For many fans, it's become personal, for better or worse. The deception when what one wants honesty.

I've wondered about the timing of his announcement. Why right after the league had been won? Why not wait until the season is over? Was he expecting some sort of send off the remaining home matches?

I don't follow English media. So, I don't hear what is said from a local perspective or rumors. Which is probably for the best. Still, I think it's beyond dumb to boo a guy who has been with the club for as long as he has. Fans who share that opinion are entitled & need to get over themselves.

[Cactus Jack]

I don't fully understand how Madrid is a "step up"....but to him, it is. So best of luck to him.

Spoiler:

It's the weather, bro.

Can you blame him?

[danfantastk32]

I don't fully understand how Madrid is a "step up"....but to him, it is. So best of luck to him.

Spoiler:

It's the weather, bro.

Can you blame him?

Lol...yeah, I'll def give you that

[danfantastk32]

I was listening to a podcast today from some Liverpool fans, and one of them was at the game. He mentioned a couple of his kids wanted to boo...and one didn't. It's like that throughout the city. One thing brought up by a fan that was there was: what do you want us to do? - And I get that. If your happy, you cheer, if your not you boo. Look...some people like it, some people don't. But fans are gonna do what fans are gonna do. Trent has every right to leave....fans have every right to boo. Nobody's taking to the streets....nobody's trying to break into his house and attack him. Batteries aren't being thrown.....he's hearing boo's from the fans. What else should they do?

Listening to Tim Howard talk on TV...he called the Liverpool fans classless, which is something I don't think Howard has a right to say. He didn't like it...but he's not lived and supported that club for 30+ years like alot of those fans have. Howard also brought up that Trent has given everything to the club. Ok.....fair, but Trent's also gotten everything from the club. All that $$$..all that fame....years of top-notch training, the best physical equipment, and science that money can buy, etc etc etc....this has been a two-way street. I think both sides have benefited immensely from the partnership. So it's not fair to just point out the trophy's and the blood-sweat-tears that Trent's given....cause it's gone both ways.

And alot of fans have given alot to their teams. Standing out in the rain singing passionately while their down 2-0. The time I went to a Liverpool game, I took a train back to London afterwards, and the train was packed with fans...and they trickled out at each stop (they were singing and laughing the whole time..it was awesome)..but there were plenty that made it all 5-ish hours down to London getting back at around 230 in the morning...to get up and go to work the next day. So the sacrifices, and the blood, sweat, and tears have been borne by the fans as well.

All the guys on the podcast did not personally boo. But they totally understood why people did. They all agree it's because he's a local scouser, and for the local fans, this is a personal betrayal. This wouldn't be happening if VVD had decided to leave. They also question if this will have been worth it, at the end of the day. Trent was in line to be the next captain (something he said was his dream) and would have gone down as one of the Mt Rushmore - legends of the club. But now he'll never be loved in Liverpool. None of the podcasters booed, or would have booed if they were there....but all agreed he's essentially dead to them. His Liverpool legend status is good as dead. Will 2-3..even 4 La Liga titles, and a CL or two make up for that when he's all said and done? It's up to him I guess.

Well anyways, I find the whole thing fascinating. Life will go on for both sides...but I do like hearing all the fans perspectives. I see both sides. I support fans who wanna cheer for past work....and I also support fans right to boo his ass for leaving. And I 1000% support Trent's right to go make whatever hay he wants while the sun shines.

[Baseline81]

Multiple outlets this morning say LFC are close to signing Bayer Leverkusen's Frimpong.