Today's Football

[Kai]

I just don't know where they go from here?

The transfer market hopefully

The transfer market just closed a few weeks ago.

It was a freaky result yesterday, considering Liverpool remarkably won on xG (2.09 vs 1.66), albeit well deserved.

But this has been the running theme for years now, if you look at the aggregate xG score this decade : Liverpool (6.30) 3-9 (5.34) Real Madrid.

I don't think it's all down to Liverpool's lack of confidence, because Real did the same to City and PSG last year etc. They never lose confidence, they're just too experienced and composed, their spine of the team has won the most silverware in world football currently, they're on the opposite side of that whole spectrum. Playing an 18-year-old Bajcetic against a 37-year-old Modric was a massive blunder, but again, Klopp is very limited with his choices currently and has to risk it.

I definitely think Real have a mental edge over Liverpool in particular because of their recent h2h results, to the point not even Anfield can faze them. Didn't take them long to realize that even if Liverpool are capable of creating good clear-cut chances they are still wide open in the middle and at the back.

What's more worrying is what's happening off the pitch, with John Henry now blatantly saying the club is not for sale.

[greenmark]

I just don't know where they go from here?

The transfer market hopefully

The transfer market just closed a few weeks ago.

It was a freaky result yesterday, considering Liverpool remarkably won on xG (2.09 vs 1.66), albeit well deserved.

But this has been the running theme for years now, if you look at the aggregate xG score this decade : Liverpool (6.30) 3-9 (5.34) Real Madrid.

I don't think it's all down to Liverpool's lack of confidence, because Real did the same to City and PSG last year etc. They never lose confidence, they're just too experienced and composed, their spine of the team has won the most silverware in world football currently, they're on the opposite side of that whole spectrum. Playing an 18-year-old Bajcetic against a 37-year-old Modric was a massive blunder, but again, Klopp is very limited with his choices currently and has to risk it.

I definitely think Real have a mental edge over Liverpool in particular because of their recent h2h results, to the point not even Anfield can faze them. Didn't take them long to realize that even if Liverpool are capable of creating good clear-cut chances they are still wide open in the middle and at the back.

What's more worrying is what's happening off the pitch, with John Henry now blatantly saying the club is not for sale.

"What's more worrying is what's happening off the pitch, with John Henry now blatantly saying the club is not for sale."

Why is that worrying? Shouldn't it stabilise things. FSG are reasonably prudent. Or do you think they don't spend enough on transfers? Not arguing, just curious that I might be missing something enlightening. (No change there then ).

[Kai]

Why is that worrying? Shouldn't it stabilise things. FSG are reasonably prudent. Or do you think they don't spend enough on transfers? Not arguing, just curious that I might be missing something enlightening. (No change there then ).

You must not have seen any financial charts and data for years. FSG have done a masterstroke with appointing Klopp and other similarly talented individuals, it's through their genius that Liverpool have reached the top, but staying at the top consistently now requires sustained backing, something FSG was never able to provide. The purchases of VVD and Alisson were only possible due to the inflated sale of Coutinho. Club can only spend what they generate, that is why FSG have officially been looking for investors for a long time now.

The data below illustrates a few other things as well, how much owner backing City have gotten and how much Glazers have stolen from United.

[Kai]

But, the Glazers can get away with stealing because they were still able to outspend everyone, according to The Times.

Bottom line, pound for pound, Klopp has performed miracles and is the undisputed net-spend champion, but the landscape is changing now with Newcastle and United both being state owned clubs, and with Chelsea finding loopholes around FFP. Hopefully that clarifies my point, although it's all common knowledge by now tbh.

[Dallas]

Welp, what else to say really, without rambling, would just be half repeating myself anyway...

Klopp is bizarrely trying to play it down, laughed his arse off in the post match presser and interviews. To try and salvage the newfound confidence but not sure that will work.

I like that Carra singled out Gomez and said he needs replacing asap, it all stems from Gomez, someone had to say it, I've given up on him years ago. I think this van Dijk influence on him has just been all wrong, made him too casual and slow thinking he can copy how VVD plays but hasn't got that ability or mental composure, since Gomez is at his best when aggressive and on the front foot etc. IMO utility player 4th choice at best, and 4th choice CB is his current role in this time as well, only good to cover the entire backline. But had to start here since Matip has been in the worst form of his career last few games, completely unstartable. Now the circle continues, Matip will get back in, and so on.

Y, wouldn't really disagree with any of that

[greenmark]

Welp, what else to say really, without rambling, would just be half repeating myself anyway...

Klopp is bizarrely trying to play it down, laughed his arse off in the post match presser and interviews. To try and salvage the newfound confidence but not sure that will work.

I like that Carra singled out Gomez and said he needs replacing asap, it all stems from Gomez, someone had to say it, I've given up on him years ago. I think this van Dijk influence on him has just been all wrong, made him too casual and slow thinking he can copy how VVD plays but hasn't got that ability or mental composure, since Gomez is at his best when aggressive and on the front foot etc. IMO utility player 4th choice at best, and 4th choice CB is his current role in this time as well, only good to cover the entire backline. But had to start here since Matip has been in the worst form of his career last few games, completely unstartable. Now the circle continues, Matip will get back in, and so on.

Y, wouldn't really disagree with any of that

Ah well I could rattle on for hours on what I see are the problems. Let's just hope they rediscover some magic 'coz it's a dog's breakfast ATM.

[Kai]

[Derek27]

Market was confident of a penalty at Inter.

No penalty but the suspend monkey's fallen asleep.

[Archangel]

The transfer market just closed a few weeks ago.

I meant in the summer. For example, I think the era of a midfield being led by Henderson, Fabinio is over.

[Derek27]

flipping hell, somebody with fast pics thought that Porto move was a guaranteed goal!

[Michael5482]

RIP John Motson, no doubt the voice of football for many over the years. It's easy to say this was better that was better yesteryear but football commentary certainly was growing up with the voices of Motson and the majestic Brain Moore.

https://news.sky.com/story/john-motson- ... 7-12817718

[greenmark]

RIP John Motson, no doubt the voice of football for many over the years. It's easy to say this was better that was better yesteryear but football commentary certainly was growing up with the voices of Motson and the majestic Brain Moore.

https://news.sky.com/story/john-motson- ... 7-12817718

You could add Gerald Sinstadt, Tony Gubba and, of course, Wolstenholme to that list.

[Michael5482]

RIP John Motson, no doubt the voice of football for many over the years. It's easy to say this was better that was better yesteryear but football commentary certainly was growing up with the voices of Motson and the majestic Brain Moore.

https://news.sky.com/story/john-motson- ... 7-12817718

You could add Gerald Sinstadt, Tony Gubba and, of course, Wolstenholme to that list.

Yes growing up as I did in the 80s/90's we were spoilt when it came to football commentary. Peter Brackley also, the voice of Football Italia in it's heyday (I'm sure Wolstenholme used to commentate on the highlights on football Italia in the early 90s if memory serves me right)

[Derek27]

Was it David Colman that said football's a game of two halves? He was right.

[Michael5482]

Man U v Barca is another fantastic game of European football.