Official Liverpool FC Thread

[Cactus Jack]

One of my best buds is a huge Gunner fan. He's coming with me to to the Liverpool game.

Liverpool is kind of his 2nd team...on my behalf....and vice-versa for me. I really liked Arsenal's play a while back. Henry, and Sole Cambel and Vierra were quite a team. Real rock-solid "Center" of the team...front to back..and then nice pieces on each side. They were fun to watch (except for 2 games a year)

If your ever in Seattle, you should attend a Sounders game. Atmosphere is as good as it gets in the states.

[danfantastk32]

One of my best buds is a huge Gunner fan. He's coming with me to to the Liverpool game.

Liverpool is kind of his 2nd team...on my behalf....and vice-versa for me. I really liked Arsenal's play a while back. Henry, and Sole Cambel and Vierra were quite a team. Real rock-solid "Center" of the team...front to back..and then nice pieces on each side. They were fun to watch (except for 2 games a year)

If your ever in Seattle, you should attend a Sounders game. Atmosphere is as good as it gets in the states.

Yeah....that would be cool. The MLS has a ways to go...but it's getting better. Slowly but surely.

[danfantastk32]

Man....Klopp was a major hard-a**ss on the team after today's 5-0 win. He was not too impressed. He even said in the interview that we played a division-2 team...so of course we should get a clean-sheet (paraphrasing...but not that much).

One of the comments he made, I really liked....it was basically saying that our boys did this good, and that good...but they are wearing the Liverpool jersey...so of course they are good. They need to make each other stronger as a team...and they have a ways to go.

Loved it. Give em' hell Jurgen! This proud team has never lifted a premiership trophy...so blah blah blah to waxing some team I'd never heard of. Guys looked good. Obviously 5-0 is much better than 3-1 or something...so there's that. But this team needs to win the league. Enough already.

You could see his style suffocating Fleetwod today....the SECOND we lost possession...we attacked the ball. Really flustered them. I just hope we have the squad to make this work this season. May take a couple years....but we'll see. Benitez did a pretty good job of employing the same ideas....and I feel like we had a much stronger squad back then. We'll see how it goes.

[Cactus Jack]

One of my best buds is a huge Gunner fan. He's coming with me to to the Liverpool game.

Liverpool is kind of his 2nd team...on my behalf....and vice-versa for me. I really liked Arsenal's play a while back. Henry, and Sole Cambel and Vierra were quite a team. Real rock-solid "Center" of the team...front to back..and then nice pieces on each side. They were fun to watch (except for 2 games a year)

If your ever in Seattle, you should attend a Sounders game. Atmosphere is as good as it gets in the states.

Yeah....that would be cool. The MLS has a ways to go...but it's getting better. Slowly but surely.

I'm not a huge fan of MLS myself. But, for big matches, they get 70,000 to show up. Europe like atmosphere.

[Cactus Jack]

Man....Klopp was a major hard-a**ss on the team after today's 5-0 win. He was not too impressed. He even said in the interview that we played a division-2 team...so of course we should get a clean-sheet (paraphrasing...but not that much).

One of the comments he made, I really liked....it was basically saying that our boys did this good, and that good...but they are wearing the Liverpool jersey...so of course they are good. They need to make each other stronger as a team...and they have a ways to go.

Loved it. Give em' hell Jurgen! This proud team has never lifted a premiership trophy...so blah blah blah to waxing some team I'd never heard of. Guys looked good. Obviously 5-0 is much better than 3-1 or something...so there's that. But this team needs to win the league. Enough already.

You could see his style suffocating Fleetwod today....the SECOND we lost possession...we attacked the ball. Really flustered them. I just hope we have the squad to make this work this season. May take a couple years....but we'll see. Benitez did a pretty good job of employing the same ideas....and I feel like we had a much stronger squad back then. We'll see how it goes.

I saw the highlights.

[danfantastk32]

I'm not a huge fan of MLS myself. But, for big matches, they get 70,000 to show up. Europe like atmosphere.

That's pretty impressive. I would like to see that. It's good to hear the MLS can muster those kinda numbers from time to time. I remember when the Galaxy played at the Rose-Bowl during the 90's. I'd go to about 4-5 games a year. Tickets were $8.00 and you could sit in only one side of the stadium...and it was maybe 20% filled. I'd say about 7-10 thousand peeps. Maybe creep up near 20k for playoffs. Nice part was you had great seats for $8.00

Then they moved to this venue a good 90 minutes from my house, and tickets are $35-40 for the worst seats, and always sold out. I used to go from time to time, but havent much in the last 5 years or so. It's good to see them doing so much better...but sad shelling out a good $60-70 bucks for tickets that aren't half as good as those old $8.00 guys were.

But 70k fans must be pretty cool. I know Seattle fans are pretty good too. I'm sure it's a nice noisy atmosphere.

[Cactus Jack]

I'm not a huge fan of MLS myself. But, for big matches, they get 70,000 to show up. Europe like atmosphere.

That's pretty impressive. I would like to see that. It's good to hear the MLS can muster those kinda numbers from time to time. I remember when the Galaxy played at the Rose-Bowl during the 90's. I'd go to about 4-5 games a year. Tickets were $8.00 and you could sit in only one side of the stadium...and it was maybe 20% filled. I'd say about 7-10 thousand peeps. Maybe creep up near 20k for playoffs. Nice part was you had great seats for $8.00

Then they moved to this venue a good 90 minutes from my house, and tickets are $35-40 for the worst seats, and always sold out. I used to go from time to time, but havent much in the last 5 years or so. It's good to see them doing so much better...but sad shelling out a good $60-70 bucks for tickets that aren't half as good as those old $8.00 guys were.

But 70k fans must be pretty cool. I know Seattle fans are pretty good too. I'm sure it's a nice noisy atmosphere.

Yeah, they average 40K. Which is tops in MLS. They've lead the league every year in attendance.

[danfantastk32]

I see whe have brought in even more guys. One of these days I'm gonna have to figure out all the "incoming" and "outgoing" player moves this offseason, as it seems like we have been really busy. It started rather ho-hum...but it's picked up. I feel like we spent a good $80mil in signings the last 3-4 weeks.

I'm very curious to see how the new team will look. It's going to be quite a different team this season.

Did we pick up any top-class defenders? I'm not even talking elite 'top 10' defenders...just real good, solid defenders. Seems like we don't have anyone that would be considered a top defender.....but do we have anything close? I worry about that.

TBH....there's no players I've "heard of" on our team right now. Normally, I like to see a couple guys you've heard of coming in. Kinda makes you feel relevant....helps when you get some guys who are proven. But Klopp has his way, and honestly nobody else has gotten us to the top (damn close a couple times)....so I'm willing to toss all that to the side, and see whats up here.

[danfantastk32]

I remember when you talked about the big clubs of Europe, and Liverpool was always in there. I'm not sure we're even one of the big clubs of England now.

People these days are much more "what have you done for me lately" than they used to be....but even still, I feel like Liverpool have become a '2nd tier" team in England. Forget Europe. And I mean genuinely 2nd tier in the consciousness. Remember when you always had to add Liverpool to the list of teams that will be there fighting at the end? We're what Everton was to us 10 years ago.

Perhaps I aughta get used to summers like this.

Honestly, I'd love to see Klopp do well, and become our "Arsene Wenger" ....and by that, I mean that he has some success, and becomes that coach that sticks around for 12-15 years.

F**k man.....how cool would be to win 3 titles, and perhaps an FA cup or two over the next 10 years...and get back some of that swagger? Personally...I'm ready to have some success. I'm tired of flipping coaches every 3 years.

[Cactus Jack]

I see whe have brought in even more guys. One of these days I'm gonna have to figure out all the "incoming" and "outgoing" player moves this offseason, as it seems like we have been really busy. It started rather ho-hum...but it's picked up. I feel like we spent a good $80mil in signings the last 3-4 weeks.

I'm very curious to see how the new team will look. It's going to be quite a different team this season.

Did we pick up any top-class defenders? I'm not even talking elite 'top 10' defenders...just real good, solid defenders. Seems like we don't have anyone that would be considered a top defender.....but do we have anything close? I worry about that.

TBH....there's no players I've "heard of" on our team right now. Normally, I like to see a couple guys you've heard of coming in. Kinda makes you feel relevant....helps when you get some guys who are proven. But Klopp has his way, and honestly nobody else has gotten us to the top (damn close a couple times)....so I'm willing to toss all that to the side, and see whats up here.

Wijnaldum & Mane are good players. Not huge names, but they've been productive players for their clubs (at Newcastle & Southampton). Both are capable of providing goals. Seem to fit klopp's style. They've added a few other under the radar types. Joel Matip should be solid at CB. I'm intrigued by Karius in goal. My hope is he supplants Mignolet full time. They've spent 60 mil.

[danfantastk32]

Yeah...I hope Matip is solid. We need a good defense if we're gonna play Klopp's style.

He's got a name for it which I forget, but essentially when you lose the ball, you try and attack the guy with the ball IMMEDIATELY. It definitely leads to bad decision-making by lesser teams, and swarms them. If your a good team at that style, then it also kills any quick attack by the opponent, since they have to try and stabilize before counter-attacking.

But when you play a good/great team....well they can move that ball quick, and counter-attack with even more devastation, since you not only lost the ball, but you sent guys forward to retrieve it. So your defense will be called on, from time to time to make some seriously good stands while your team recovers. No style is perfect...or they'd all be doing it. Our downside is a lethal counter attack. God-willing...we don't lose the ball a ton...but it happens.

If we're a mediocre defensive team....you might see Klopp have to compromise with his schemes, or we're gonna get trashed alot. Especially by good counter-attacking teams.

[Cactus Jack]

I remember when you talked about the big clubs of Europe, and Liverpool was always in there. I'm not sure we're even one of the big clubs of England now.

People these days are much more "what have you done for me lately" than they used to be....but even still, I feel like Liverpool have become a '2nd tier" team in England. Forget Europe. And I mean genuinely 2nd tier in the consciousness. Remember when you always had to add Liverpool to the list of teams that will be there fighting at the end? We're what Everton was to us 10 years ago.

Perhaps I aughta get used to summers like this.

Honestly, I'd love to see Klopp do well, and become our "Arsene Wenger" ....and by that, I mean that he has some success, and becomes that coach that sticks around for 12-15 years.

F**k man.....how cool would be to win 3 titles, and perhaps an FA cup or two over the next 10 years...and get back some of that swagger? Personally...I'm ready to have some success. I'm tired of flipping coaches every 3 years.

Liverpool are a big club. Just not able to compete financially with the likes of United or City. We belong more in the Arsenal & Tottenham club.

[Cactus Jack]

Yeah...I hope Matip is solid. We need a good defense if we're gonna play Klopp's style.

He's got a name for it which I forget, but essentially when you lose the ball, you try and attack the guy with the ball IMMEDIATELY. It definitely leads to bad decision-making by lesser teams, and swarms them. If your a good team at that style, then it also kills any quick attack by the opponent, since they have to try and stabilize before counter-attacking.

But when you play a good/great team....well they can move that ball quick, and counter-attack with even more devastation, since you not only lost the ball, but you sent guys forward to retrieve it. So your defense will be called on, from time to time to make some seriously good stands while your team recovers. No style is perfect...or they'd all be doing it. Our downside is a lethal counter attack. God-willing...we don't lose the ball a ton...but it happens.

If we're a mediocre defensive team....you might see Klopp have to compromise with his schemes, or we're gonna get trashed alot. Especially by good counter-attacking teams.

You mean pressing? lol

Yes, we saw the downside of it vs. Dortmund (1st half) & vs. Sevilla in the Europa league final. These teams have dangerous counter-attacking style. We struggle.

[danfantastk32]

Liverpool are a big club. Just not able to compete financially with the likes of United or City. We belong more with the Arsenal's & Tottenham's.

We have a pretty small stadium. Thankfully, the TV-contracts have become just bananas over the last 7-8 years. Especially for footie here in the US. This will help level the field...so that these owners throwing $150 mil will have to do better than that.

I'm personally happy about that. As much as I hated (in a fan sense) Ferguson, I have to respect the heck out of him for home-growing almost all his guys. Those few he didnt home-grow, he certainly got when they were nobody.

Somewhere around 2003-2005ish you had this new world....where an owner would come in and just throw $300mil at a team and just buy themselves a title.

I think that things will go back to normal again now. Teams will rely on the coach and the "System" including their youth and all that. Sure...some teams will have more $$....but having $150mil to spend isn't so unfair when everyone else has $90-100 mil of their own.

We'll see. We just need to get a title or two. We're in a long drought.

[danfantastk32]

Yeah....pressing. Although he had a different word for it. It was German....but it was something added to 'pressing'.

One sec...I'll look for it

[danfantastk32]

gegenpressing...that was it. Weird name....but let's hope it brings us a few league titles!

[Cactus Jack]

Yeah....pressing. Although he had a different word for it. It was German....but it was something added to 'pressing'.

One sec...I'll look for it

Klopp has always been known for this type of football. Its been very successful. Like you say, he won't change unless it becomes necessary.

[danfantastk32]

Can't wait. They roll into the Rose Bowl Wed! Hope the full/bulk of the squad is there...and we look good. I look forward to putting faces to names...and seeing how our new guys do.

Hard to take much/anything out of these glorified training sessions....but both squads wanna look good here in the US. I'm sure there will be SOME level of seriousness to the game.

[Cactus Jack]

Can't wait. They roll into the Rose Bowl Wed! Hope the full/bulk of the squad is there...and we look good. I look forward to putting faces to names...and seeing how our new guys do.

Hard to take much/anything out of these glorified training sessions....but both squads wanna look good here in the US. I'm sure there will be SOME level of seriousness to the game.

Up against Chelsea. That's exciting.

The game should be on t.v., hopefully Fox.

[danfantastk32]

Perhaps it was a good thing that Klopp had a squad not suited to his style for a little while. It would force him to make concessions, and come up with ways to keep the overall effectiveness there....but look for ways/times to tone it down...or incorporate other schemes.

He definitely brought in alot of new faces....so there were plenty of guys he didn't feel fit his system. As frustrating as it must have been for him...It prob forced him to think 'outside the box' last season....which generally brings surprising dividends down the road. All growth is good growth, I say.

Not to mention...he got a feel for the league...and was able to make more educated changes/decisions this offseason.

Im excited! I think this will be a fun year for the team.