GARETH Roberts hosts Tony Barrett, John Gibbons and Mike Nevin as they discuss Liverpool’s gloriously ugly win at Vicarage Road.
Just how good was Emre Can’s goal? Have Liverpool got enough to get over the line for a place in the top four? And what does the recent run of victories away from home tell us about Jürgen Klopp’s plans for next season – in terms of style and in terms of playing personnel? All this and more discussed in an upbeat natter about the resurgent Reds.
Direct: The Anfield Wrap – Giving It Was For
Good that. Huge win too. I’m not convinced we could have picked ourselves up enough had we lost, or even drew, yesterday. As it is, I feel a win v Southampton seals it for us. Not mathematically obviously but if we need 2 draws or 1 win from the last 2 (as may well be the case) then the others motivation has to drop a little.
Regarding the players and the summer business, we have to keep Mignolet as number 1 next season. It’s not an area I’d bother with. If it’s felt he’s cost us the league next year then we’d need to replace him but I think we’ll find it near impossible to get better than Mignolet of this season. It’s be folly to replace him. Same for Can. I’ve been critical at times but I’ve never wanted him sold and certainly not now. I think that’s a given for everyone. With Origi, he frustrates me no end but again, he has to stay. Would anyone agree with taking the gamble on letting him go elsewhere. No chance. For both Origi and Can if they make no noises to go then they stay. It’s obvious. I completely agree with Mike’s point on Clyne. Again, he does my head in at times but he’s fairly injury free and does a job well enough. Would we want 4 new defenders next season? No way. No, it has to be 1 new defender with another 1, probably at left back, gradually introduced over the season. My only issue is, for the games the new left back will need to play i.e. crucial games, I’m concerned it’s a gamble playing a lad who turns 17 next week. In saying that though, his goal ratio for a 16 year old means I’m desperate for us to get him. I wonder would we buy 2. Sessegnon would still be a teen when Milner is hanging up his boots. It would make sense to me. It’s probably a bit controversial on here but if we’re looking where we can improve our best first 11 then I think Gini comes under the microscope. Great player but the position’s not locked down.
I probably mentioned this on Mike’s piece, well I did, but I think we’re at the stage where if we want an atmosphere, like say, the midweek games where it’s not booming like Europe but better than Sundays then the club has to intervene. Sometimes when I sing I get really out of breath and have a coughing fit because I’m not used to booming my voice, in general. Maybe Liverpool CC could be more inventive about the parking issues too with free park and ride schemes. Quick note to John, the one thing I’m interested in from the away trips is seeing Klopp and the team come over to the Liverpool end after a win. The tv goes to a break around then. There was a video of it v Stoke (I think, could have been West Brom). Personally, I’d like to see a video like that every away game inserted into the Home and Away article.
P.s Missed concluding the point about being out of breath and coughing. It’s gets harder the older you get and I’m mid 40’s. It’s simple, the Kop needs more youth. It’s not like they’re not going (priced out or access, though both are an issue). There are enough around but too spread out across the ground.
Milner can’t play at left back next season. Sorry but he just can’t. He’s been terrible, not average, but genuinely awful since the turn of the year. Not his fault, he’s a midfielder, but Klopp needs to relieve him of LB duties. He’d get destroyed in the Champions League if we qualify. Also can’t put so much pressure on a 17 year old in Sessegnon