re: OFFICIAL Liverpool FC 2014-2015 Season Long Thread

My nightmare scenario -

Lose to Arsenal for the FA cup, finish 6th, and still have to to to Europa

I cannot re-iterate enough - I want nothing to do with Europa. When is the last time an EPL team that had to play in Europa from the start of the season became a top 4 team?? It doesn't happen often.

That Thursday-Sunday pairing is terrible. Ask Spurs how much it has helped them break into the top 4? My only consolation will be if we play a completely different XI for Europa games.

So, if you'll forgive my long-look at the transition to next season -

Its time to cut Balo loose. Hate to do it, but if we aren't going to play him, he needs to go. Wages are way too high for someone that never starts and hardly plays. He either has it or he doesn't for what Rogers needs to do.

Sterling staying or going is obviously a big question mark hanging over our off-season.

Can is likely to midfield. That means three decision points -

Formation - I think we need to be able to switch between a 3-4-1-2, 4-3-3-, and diamond both from game to game and within a game. We have the players to do that. Several guys are very versatiles, like Sterling, Hendo, etc.


We need to decide if Wisdom, Llori etc can come in and play CB. Toure should not be resigned. We need at least two CBs, if not a third. Those two guys coming back from loan may be able to do it, but I have my doubts either is ready to play.

Second decision point - is Lucas, Can, Henderson, and Allen a good enough midfield both in terms of quality and depth? Can they perform the roles well enough? I still think we need one more here, and would prefer someone on the cusp of world class.

Out wide, I think Moreno is one of the few that was not playing better in the switch to the 3-4-2-1. He's been bad. He looks lost between his responsibilities, like he's only capable of thinking of one thing at a time and turns off the other side of his brain. We have plenty for a four man back line, but if we will be playing a decent bit of 3 CB, I think we'll need another guy here who can be better at both ends.

With Cou and Lallana, I think attacking midfield is covered. Hendo can play there two, if necessary.

At forward, Sterling, Studge, Ings (assuming we get him) and Origi is a decent number - would love one more of a high high quality, but doubtful without CL.

Long story short - 3 years into BR, we'll still be facing lots of decision points, have a lot of needs, and unless Sterling goes for Suarez type money, I don't see us having the funds to fill them. That makes a move like Ings for 3-4 million a good risk and move.