Liverpool banter 9

09 Jun 2026 14:01:04
I know it was posted on here a while back, but can someone remind me of the site for cheap football shirts?

09 Jun 2026 14:17:22
This may get deleted, but I have used soccerlord.se successfully before. Do allow a couple of weeks or so for delivery, so don't use it for a birthday on Friday!

09 Jun 2026 14:19:07
Joyfball.

09 Jun 2026 14:20:59
There's loads, Racey
DHGate, AliExpress, Hot Jersey Shop, to name a few.

09 Jun 2026 15:57:56
While we're here, does anyone know where to get authentic international shirts but with printed names and numbers? Seem impossible to find.

09 Jun 2026 16:05:29
Cheers, guys. I use Jersey4Fans normally, but my last purchase took 3 months. 😩

09 Jun 2026 13:59:11
MK, totally agree Scott and Elliott are different profiles. But I’m not so sure that we’ll see a dedicated 6 with two more box to box midfielders in front.

It seems to me that at their best Bournemouth played with Kroupi as a second striker or very advanced 10, with two mobile CMs behind? And that being at a more dominant team that would be the likely setup for most games?

I agree that Wirtz is not suited to a pure CM role in the Prem - it’s also a waste of his talents, but he is an elite level presser and bulked up significantly this season.

Physically he is not that different to Alex Scott, so I don’t see why he can’t play in that more advanced role and thrive. I honestly think Slot just didn’t know how to use him or create a system for him to be successful on the ball.

I also think in a 2 CM setup where one may be responsible for holding slightly more (like Tyler Adams did) Grav could be perfect for that.

So a 2 of Grav and Szobo with Wirtz as the advanced 10 seems solid to me. Then move on Macca and bring in another mobile CM.

09 Jun 2026 14:35:43
Hi Xavi, at Bournemouth, they played with two no.6's and a no.10 ahead. I don't think Iraola will do this at Liverpool though because we have a lot more possession due to the higher quality players in the team. Playing with 2 DM's is fine if you're expecting to have 40-45% possession, but we're more likely to have 55-60% possession most weeks. So I think Iraola will adopt something similar to what Klopp did with two no.8's and a no.6 behind them.

I might be totally wrong, but I don't think our fanbase will be happy if we start playing with 2 DM's.

It will be really interesting to see what happens with Gravenberch. There might be pressure from above to utilise him given his huge salary. But I'm really struggling to see where he fits in as a starter. Pressing and being physically on the front foot is not something he's good at.

09 Jun 2026 15:50:42
Totally on point about not playing two DMs. I should clarify that what I mean is I think we will predominantly have one CM drop deeper when in possession, with the other two playing higher, but then out of possession it's more man to man or two CMs with one (Wirtz) pressing higher.



But what do I know, I couldn't even reply to a post correctly!

Whatever happens, I certainly agree we need at least one more CM.

09 Jun 2026 17:18:28
With how our defence has been, I would say we are in more need of playing 2 6's than Bournemouth were...
Besides, there are different types of number 6. Yes, the position is widely seen as a destroyer who passes the ball to more technically able players.

But Alonso was a 6, so is Rodri. Many 6's become deep lying playmakers with outstanding vision and passing ability. Every bit as important for us as a destroyer and b2B midfielder in my opinion. I'd have a couple of those everyday.

09 Jun 2026 13:42:31
A friend that passes info to me has said Gakpo is being considered as deal involving Diomande & that Alex Scott is preferred to Wharton.

09 Jun 2026 13:56:41
Race, I can't believe that, as RBL will not sign Gakpo for two reasons, one his age and two his wages.

09 Jun 2026 14:00:28
Sounds good to me.

09 Jun 2026 14:18:44
Yeah I read that too via a NewsNow link (could have been Anfield Index etc)

It would be a decent solution, but I can also see this as folks linking stories and putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5.

09 Jun 2026 12:57:26
Wondering if Iraola is a high intensity press type of manager who will lead the press next season? None of our entire front 3 when fit - Isak, Ekitike and Gakpo - are natural pressers. For all Ekitike's achievements this year I think he jogs into the final yards of the press (he also needs to work on his heading but he's young) and the other two are worse. Not sure that can be coached into players or at least into so many of them.

Mane and Firmino were naturally aggressive players - Salah learned it in the press - but not convinced we have anybody that can do this consistently. Szobo could but full press needs all going together and he needs to be in midfield really with his athleticism. Not sure we signed the right type of player in the last window for that. Sorry to be so negative but it's a concern for me.

09 Jun 2026 13:41:38
I think Gakpo is a good presser and Ekitike should be too. Interesting to see if Isak can do it also. He could be frightening if he can and get fit.

It was very hard to press in the Slot system. Spaces were too big. I expect all of a sudden, many players will look like better pressers.

09 Jun 2026 13:43:35
With Robbo going, this reminds me of his one man press against City all those years ago! That was just awesome!

09 Jun 2026 13:51:44
The key is coaching the team to press as a unit, otherwise it's just a waste of energy. You lay traps and press when the circumstances are right. Watch any game from last season and see how most teams waited until Konate was on the ball to press us as a unit.

09 Jun 2026 13:58:58
Eki has shown no signs of doing much pressing.

09 Jun 2026 13:59:49
Gakpo is capable of pressing, he's not Mane level, but he's capable, at the same time, he doesn't offer enough from the left to be a starter for me. Fully agree on Isak and Ekitike. The good thing is, if we bring in 2 pacey wingers, they can apply some extra pressure to somewhat alleviate Isak/Ekitike.

{Ed077's Note - it is very hard to carry 1 player in a pressing setup.

09 Jun 2026 14:18:01
The pressing under Klopp was immense. Everyone knew the triggers and, more often than not, we'd force a turnover. Last year you had players pressing on their own, which, as Shipley says, is a waste of energy, and just creates huge gaps.
The other thing is the counter attack. Under Klopp, we'd win the ball high up and, within 3 passes, it'd either be a chance or a goal.

Everyone knew where to go. Even if Slot's half assed press worked, the players had no clue where to go. I lost count of how many times counter attacks just fell apart because of a poor pass, players getting in each other's way, or just not knowing where to run.

09 Jun 2026 14:35:31
This is just my opinion, but there's no such thing as a "natural presser". Pressing is a team effort and needs to be coached. We were ineffective in the press last season because we didn't work on it in the training ground.

And that's on Slot, not the players. Iraola would demand much more from the players and I'm sure that most, if not all of them, would be receptive towards his methods.

09 Jun 2026 16:48:34
I'd agree with that 100%, Drac. Any player can be coached to press, you just need a manager and coaches who can coach it properly.

No point just telling someone he needs to press, as without the rest of the team reacting to it, the press is worse than useless.

We had a low defensive line, and attackers trying to press (very half heartedly), which just left the midfield so big we couldn't get near people.

I'm sure the attackers were pressing so half heartedly, because in the back of their minds they were aware of the space they were leaving in behind them.

It has to be done as a unit. The team needs to all move up together to close off the out ball. If you give the defender an out ball, they'll just play around the press, and they are straight at the back 4.

09 Jun 2026 14:25:42
it's not ideal Ed I completely agree, but if we are going to re-deploy an intense press, I think the setup will have to make intelligent allowances for Isak & Ekitike, in one way or another. Naturally, some pressers are more intense than others, some are more measured, I'm not saying they should be let off their duties altogether, but they can operate at a reduced intensity so long as they're intelligent in their positioning, you can still offer an intense press without a flat out srint at every turn.

{Ed077's Note - if CR7, Messi and MBAPPE weren't good enough to be "carried" in a pressing system, I doubt anyone else can make it work

09 Jun 2026 22:17:27
What kind of pro footballer is incapable of pressing?

Only one with a pathetic attitude.

They will press, don't worry about that.

10 Jun 2026 00:49:14
It's hard to tell if Hugo is any good at pressing as the whole team has to press and last season was, shall we say, not our best season for pressing.

10 Jun 2026 08:43:28
I think Adonis will get them all pressing. It's his style. I don't think he will put up with players who don't.

09 Jun 2026 10:26:34
Any takers for Raul Jimenez coming on a free from
Fulham?

09 Jun 2026 10:57:34
Not now.

09 Jun 2026 11:08:17
No where near the level, too slow, too scared, too lazy.

09 Jun 2026 11:22:36
Hmmm, I could be wrong, but I don't know if that is such a bad idea under the circumstances, esp. if he is on a free with Eki being out for at least another 9 months and Darwin maybe not being considered by the club. At least, on the face of it.

09 Jun 2026 11:40:40
Can't be taking players that aren't good enough just because they are free. What does that say to the likes of Danns or Wright?

09 Jun 2026 12:10:07
I assume the plan is to use Cody down the middle as backup to Isak unless an offer we can't refuse comes in for him.

Then we might look at a flexible forward like Mateus Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.

09 Jun 2026 12:21:23
Hell no. Too old, not good enough.

09 Jun 2026 12:50:29
Chewy, how old is he?

09 Jun 2026 12:57:37
Florian, your notion would make sense if Wright wasn't a kid with no minutes in the first time, and if Danns (who I like, btw) hasn't been injured for near the last 18 months. So, based on the facts above, both are non-starters. And, imo, I don't want Gakpo alternating btw LW and CF. He should focus on LW only, as that is where he thrived years before your guy decided he was smarter than everyone else re: how Gakpo should play last season, including himself.



Now, Jimenez and Darwin may not be good enuff for you, but with the pickle we are in re: Isak's backup, you may need to go back and get such players (not necessarily them) who can come in on a free and do a job if, indeed, you don't have the funds there to pay the fees and wages to get the one you deem "good enuff" cos there are other priorities to address within the first team, which there are.

09 Jun 2026 13:05:10
I think it's clear we're too slow to play under this new manager. This squad would look slow on a chess board.

We need some speed, that's one thing that can't really be taught or improved much on the training ground.

We need to sign players who can Run.

09 Jun 2026 13:09:43
If Liverpool get one more winger after Diomande, you can rest assured Gakpo will be playing CF if Isak's not fit or gets injured, and then there's the case of Dann and Will Wright, the head coach will be willing to try them there, at least. I won't be worried about the Ekitike Gap until we don't sign another winger after Diomande, like I said.

09 Jun 2026 13:09:57
Some people are happy to let Salah go cos he's 33, but now we're discussing whether to sign a 35 year old Raul Jiminez.

09 Jun 2026 13:12:45
He's 35.

Going for a striker that old, I'd rather get Lewandowski.

09 Jun 2026 15:41:39
If Jimenez or Nunez are good enough to do a job and available on frees, then yes.
I don't think they are good enough to do a job for us, though.
We've seen Nunez firsthand and he wasn't good enough then and it's possible that he's regressed.

09 Jun 2026 16:37:25
But Oli, if he's no better than the kids you already have, you may as well close the Academy. We laughed at Utd these last few years, signing forwards nowhere near good enough for them.

So many on here cried last season about the Academy youth not getting chances. Well, we are going to have to trust it a bit this season, hold onto your hats, gents. 😁

09 Jun 2026 17:12:07
Exactly that. If we want a short term option, the Lewandowski. At least he knows where the goal is and how to shoot / head between the posts and under the crossbar.

10 Jun 2026 00:53:39
@Oli, the bits and pieces I have seen from Wright and him being in a couple of matchday squads suggest he'll get game time next season. For what it's worth, the bits I've seen of him playing have been impressive. He looks like a natural goal scorer.

09 Jun 2026 10:11:25
Folks! While the chaos of the World Cup is going on.

I have not 1 little worry about Liverpool and that’s how light the squad is.

I just hope we don’t use 90% of whatever money Liverpool have on 1 player.

My opinion is we need volume and that’s with the likes of Nyoni and Rio added.

I genuinely don’t care about 1 big marquee signing. I just think the new manager needs help from that get go and I mean by Options!!

Keeping my fingers crossed

09 Jun 2026 10:50:09
We have plenty of money for multiple signings.

09 Jun 2026 10:52:49
While I agree there are a few positions in the squad that need improvement, signing quantity instead of quality is never a good idea. For me, that's what held us back during Rafa's time at the club.
Sign the best players you can in the urgent positions needed, and use the academy to fill in the gaps.

09 Jun 2026 10:59:37
The money is there to spend. We just knocked £18 mil a year off the wage bill with just one player. And besides, we need to be buying quality all over the pitch. Buying chaff does not win you trophies.

My main concern is lack of British players coming in, or even local lads pushing through and joining the first team. If Jones goes, who else have we got who's scouse? Danns, and he's never available.

09 Jun 2026 12:05:24
I agree - I just meant quality, but a number of them without massive transfer fees.

09 Jun 2026 12:17:34
I would say we need 6 players this summer on the basis we keep Marma and Cody.

I suspect, though, the club will listen to offers for those two, and if something suitable comes in, we would need a couple more in on top of the 6.

This is not counting the youngsters that we are chasing such as Eichorn, Motsi, Banjaqui etc.

09 Jun 2026 12:21:57
Quantity over quality is never the answer.

09 Jun 2026 13:19:07
PostKlopp - "massive transfer fees" - I'm not worried about that, it's getting the right players into the squad.

I know we are probably violently agreeing, other than, I don't think you need to obsess about transfer fees. 1) The fees reported in clickbait tabloids are wrong usually, they're pushing a narrative, and 2) We are still in a very strong position financially.

09 Jun 2026 14:21:19
We must also use the academy. Plenty of players should be given a chance to prove themselves up to the challenge.

10 Jun 2026 01:04:17
I have no concerns. We have an exceptional squad that was woefully mis-used by Slot. There were about half a dozen games last season, primarily in the CL where we actually played and showed what we could do if we played to our strengths rather than fixate on what the opposition were going to do.

We've brought a promising young head coach in. We've made a very good signing in Jacquet and I reckon there'll be 4 or so new signings.

I don't care how much players cost - like 90+% of the people on here - as I don't understand the management finances in a multi-billion business other than to say it's probably a bit more complex than simple maths and Hughes having a big sack of used fivers in his office.



At the moment I can't see anything to worry about. It's the start of a new chapter for Liverpool FC. We are starting from a very strong position and I can't wait for the season to start.

09 Jun 2026 10:08:05
Hi everyone,

It’s been difficult to get information out of the club recently, my aunt’s cousin’s sister’s best friend’s niece has a passing acquaintance with the tea lady, but she is struggling with her hearing lately, and so hasn’t been able to pick up any juicy titbits lately. In any event, confirmed 100% that we will not be signing Jamie Vardy.

Muchas gracias.

DS15.

09 Jun 2026 10:24:01
Titbits.....lol.

09 Jun 2026 10:50:51
At least we still have tea ladies unlike another club down the motorway...

09 Jun 2026 13:14:18
@DS15, I'm going to boo you just because you started it so good I had my hopes up. 🤣

10 Jun 2026 01:05:26
Nice one DS. 😀😀👍

09 Jun 2026 08:56:21
Ed001 I seen you'd take Darwin back but is there any realistic chance we can get him on a free.i don't see why they'd let him leave on a free though.so if there was a fee involved would you steer clear and if not what's the most you'd pay

{Ed001's Note - he is being released on a free because they got Benzema. There is no fee involved.}

09 Jun 2026 09:37:37
Quite surprising his club don't try and play Darwin with Benzema or even have him as back up. Not sure if at 38 he'll play every minute of every game.

9 other foreign players in the squad and they've chosen to take a 50 mill loss.

09 Jun 2026 09:57:25
I'd be happy if we took Darwin back, just for the sheer havoc and panic he causes defenders. And maybe Iraola can work wonders with him.
We definitely need back up, so I think it's worth a try.

09 Jun 2026 10:15:18
If he is happy as back up and on a free, it is no brainer.

Too many personnel changes in a short space of time.

But then again, don't see the ego of Hughes and Edward taking him back even on a free, after getting rid of him.

09 Jun 2026 10:59:55
I have warmed to the idea of taking DN back. He is an upgrade in Chiesa and will be a valuable squad member. Plus, the crowd love him.

09 Jun 2026 11:33:04
When you say the crowd love him, Man.of.todd, that's a bit of a stretch.

09 Jun 2026 11:42:17
I don't know, Rome, the crowd used to love chanting Nunez, Nunez, Nunez regardless of whether he was doing something good or passing the ball into touch.

09 Jun 2026 12:27:01
It will either be a genius move, because Darwin will have something to prove, having learnt a few things from his failures, or it will be a complete disaster and he'll miss 9/10 opportunities because he hasn't learnt a single thing from his experiences. Either way, I'm fully here for the chaos.

09 Jun 2026 12:28:53
You are right there, JK23. My "you're just a useless headless chicken" song never really took off!!

09 Jun 2026 14:32:53
Loved him away to Newcastle and down to 10 men. Nunez, Nunez!!!

09 Jun 2026 15:49:40
There were a lot of flags dedicated to Nunez in his three seasons with us.
Mostly offside flags, mind.

09 Jun 2026 15:54:49
Good one, Rigsby.

09 Jun 2026 19:06:13
Great option on a free, can play wide left and rotate with Isak.

09 Jun 2026 19:12:00
I mean i'd take him over diamonde at RW tbh. I think both will have similar output. But nunez is already a fan favourite.
Dont see it happening myself but napoli should be all over it now.

09 Jun 2026 22:19:45
A "no-brainer", you say.

Yeah that fits quite well. 😆

10 Jun 2026 01:08:12
It wouldn't be a genius move, @Chewy.

10 Jun 2026 06:56:21
Seemed to play a different game than everyone else and played like there was no offside rule but tbf to him, man, he was great at that crossbar challenge.

09 Jun 2026 07:35:49
Morning eds1.
I don't know if you've been asked this before so apologies if you have.
Would you take DN back on a free? Clearly the vote on here was yes but am not so sure.

Just because he's free and he can run, it seems LFC fans want him back. For me it's a no as he couldn't score a tap in most times so I don't see the point.

{Ed001's Note - yes, 100%, he would have improved the team last season and he would improve things as they stand. Is he the long term answer? No, but that is not what he would be signing to be.}

09 Jun 2026 08:15:52
My view is that we are currently short due to Ekitike being out for such a long time, and we can't rely on Isak week in week out. So, as a versatile option who can play centre forward or left wing and allow us to rest Isak or change games from the bench, it makes sense if it's true that he's available on a free.

09 Jun 2026 08:34:22
Do you think there's a chance Liverpool may go in for him Ed001?

{Ed001's Note - no, I don't think it will happen.}

09 Jun 2026 09:04:31
He contributed so much to the team, it just was a shame he couldn't score enough since he would be something special otherwise! He really was a Klopp style of player though who gave everything and could press.


With Ekitike's injury, and given he's a free transfer, why not sign him? Can have a year to prove himself and if not, we can make some money on him.



I do really think he would suit Iraola's style of football.

Tell me another striker we could get on a free transfer (or for very cheap) who would offer more than Darwin?

09 Jun 2026 09:07:08
100% I wouldn't have him back! He's not good enough! We've been there and done that! He's gone for a good reason, so move on to someone better and spend money on the future. Anyway, that's my opinion.

09 Jun 2026 09:20:29
I see the reasons for and reasons against Darwin coming back so whatever happens, I'm cool with it. But as Ed01 said, I don't see it happening. The PR stuff alone would be a bit mad and not sure the club wants to deal with any of that esp. right now.

09 Jun 2026 11:22:19
When Darwin was here last time, the system was geared towards Salah. Nobody was ever going to outscore Salah. I think Nunez would be an excellent option for the following reasons:
1. Isak will not play every game and Nunez could cover the games he misses, especially with Ekitike potentially missing a good chunk of the season.
2. He creates spaces for others with his relentless workrate, which occupies defenders.
3. He can cover two positions up front, as he can play off the left too.
4. He would be a great option off the bench.


5. First time around, he probably felt under pressure to score because of the fee even though he was contributing in other ways. I think his finishing would be calmer now, as he would not need to justify a massive fee and his numbers would not be compared to Salah's.
6. If he comes on a free and re-invents himself to a certain degree, we could get another fee for him if we let him go again.

To me, it is a no brainer, so we should get him, as Richard Hughes's deals last season showed a distinct lack of a brain.

09 Jun 2026 12:58:31
KemlynRoad, very good reasons to get him, imo.

10 Jun 2026 01:13:50
And a very good reason not to sign him would be that he is nowhere near the standard required at the elite level of football.

I saw a comment along the lines that he was great for the team but it was a pity that he didn't / couldn't score more goals.

Surely his primary job was to score goals and lack of being able to do so was detrimental to the team rather than anything 'great'.

For those who would have him back, what length I'd contract would you give him and how much money would you pay him each week?