City post match

[Mostar]

no ****, roberto.

At least he admitted. Don't remember Hodge doing the same last time we played them.

[Mostar]

@Linda Pizzuti
Love that they are playing "Sweet Caroline" at Anfield right now, after Liverpool's great 3-nil win over Man City!

@AlfieElkins
@Linda_Pizzuti they were singing Sweet Carroll Nine, Linda.

[Darkon]

Still buzzing a bit today. The game shows that this team with a few key signings have the potential to get back in the CL spots next season, and it's about as good as any team in the PL if we do get the necessary players.

I think we are slowly realising we have more depth in our youth ranks than previously thought. The last 10-12 years without introducing any new players from the youth ranks have put a damper on our hope of getting some through, but with Kelly and now Flannagan showing promise as well as Spearing having a couple of decent games it's looking positive.

I hope we can keep up the pace for the remaining games and push for fifth, but it will be hard to get there. But in importance of getting signings this summer I think it will be good for us if we can get there both offering european football next season, but not least showing that we are heading for much better times.

[Bender]

Still buzzing a bit today. The game shows that this team with a few key signings have the potential to get back in the CL spots next season, and it's about as good as any team in the PL if we do get the necessary players.

I think we are slowly realising we have more depth in our youth ranks than previously thought. The last 10-12 years without introducing any new players from the youth ranks have put a damper on our hope of getting some through, but with Kelly and now Flannagan showing promise as well as Spearing having a couple of decent games it's looking positive.

I hope we can keep up the pace for the remaining games and push for fifth, but it will be hard to get there. But in importance of getting signings this summer I think it will be good for us if we can get there both offering european football next season, but not least showing that we are heading for much better times.

[Lecter]

Lecter, what are the coaches opinion on Robinson?? Is he a better prospect??? What about Morgan?? Remember Tomkins had a tour round the academy with Rafa and he pointed out a player and said he was going to be quality but was very under noticed by followers, do you think it was Flanno/Robinson or do we have another gem?? Maybe Coady?

Was told a while ago Flanagan, Coady & Wisdom would be the next ones through (most probably in that order) with Flanagan being borderline whether he would come through this season or next. Kenny himself said a couple of weeks back that Flanagan was probably the next one that would force through

Robinson, Suso, Sterling are all VERY highly rated but the above 3 are the ones considered to be "mentally and physically ready" to make the step up

This is why when Arn has constantly gone on about players being ready I've rubbished him, because from what I can gather they want someone who is forcing themselves to the forefront both in terms of consistantly high performances for the reserves and then being physically and mentally ready to step up

[Lecter]

The kid Flanagan, what a debut. Totally comfortable, a great mentality, always demanded the ball. Brought it down and played it when he could have booted it to safety.

With him at right back and Kelly at centre back we potentially have half of our future back four already nailed down.

I think its more likely that Kelly & Flanagan share duties at rightback

I'd be surprised if Kelly was moved back inside not only because I think his weakness is in the air but as I have mentioned elsewhere they have someone else in mind from promoting to that position

[Lecter]

I think you're underselling the performance.

You may be right on the long term stuff, who knows, but taking tonight's performance on its own, it was better than merely steady for me.

Maybe I am underassessing him but he didnt really have much to do as City didnt really have anyone out on the left

That said when he was asked to do stuff he did it well

[Exiled_red]

Was told a while ago Flanagan, Coady & Wisdom would be the next ones through (most probably in that order) with Flanagan being borderline whether he would come through this season or next. Kenny himself said a couple of weeks back that Flanagan was probably the next one that would force through

Robinson, Suso, Sterling are all VERY highly rated but the above 3 are the ones considered to be "mentally and physically ready" to make the step up

This is why when Arn has constantly gone on about players being ready I've rubbished him, because from what I can gather they want someone who is forcing themselves to the forefront both in terms of consistantly high performances for the reserves and then being physically and mentally ready to step up

Lecter do you think these will be brought through and play for us next season or are they likely to be sent out on loan to get experience first? Also what are the insiders views of players like Ince, Eccleston, Amoo, Ayala and Mavinga who are currently on loan, where do these players feature? Are they considered to have a future with us?

[Shaggy]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/carroll-lfc-will-attract-stars

Andy Carroll believes the 3-0 victory over Man City proves Liverpool can challenge for serious honours next term - and he claims big-name players will be desperate to sign for the club regardless of whether we qualify for Europe.

The No.9 opened his Anfield account with two goals against Roberto Mancini's men, with Dirk Kuyt grabbing the other.

It was arguably Liverpool's finest performance of the season as the visitors failed to seriously test Pepe Reina until the 83rd minute.

The Reds are now five points off European qualification, though fifth-placed Tottenham have a game in hand.

After the game Carroll told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was unbelievable. All the lads played well and obviously I got the goals I've been wanting. I'm here to score goals, though the result is the most important thing and we got the three points.

"We're just putting a team together now. Me and Luis are new, Flanno played his first game at the back - and I thought he did great. It shows what we can do for next season."

On attracting big names if we don't qualify for continental competition, Carroll added: "There are massive names here, it's a massive club and I don't see why we can't attract big names."

For the England man, scoring was even sweeter because he was up against friend and international colleague Joe Hart.

The two spoke before the game - and Carroll warned him he would score.

"I gave him a message before the game and told him I was going to score," said the striker. "He was giving me a bit of banter but I'm just happy we got the three points."

The celebrations which followed Carroll's first goal saw him mobbed by his teammates.

"The team spirit here is great," he said. "Everyone has been having a good bit of banter and we were looking forward to this game against Man City."

Carroll's second goal came from a Meireles cross - and at first it looked like a possible own goal from Aleksander Kolarov.

However, replays proved our record signing got a touch, and from there he was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick with a Kop end header with minutes to spare.

He said: "The second was mine all day. I got the nick on it that I needed and it went in.

"The hat-trick would have been nice but, like I say, the three points is the most important."

[Lecter]

Lecter do you think these will be brought through and play for us next season or are they likely to be sent out on loan to get experience first? Also what are the insiders views of players like Ince, Eccleston, Amoo and Mavinga who are currently on loan, where do these players feature? Are they considered to have a future with us?

Sorry for asking so many questions, but you seem to know alot about what's going on, so I wondered what you know/think

I honestly dont know what will happen next season I assume it will depend on who we bring in but I could see Coady and Wisdom becoming squad players at the expense of players like Poulsen & Soto. All I was told was that Flanagan, Coady & Wisdom would come through next as they are physically and mentally ready and whilst they rate others very highly they arent considered to be completely ready to step up

I dont know what is planned regarding loaning them out or regarding our loan players. Isnt Inces contract up in the summer? Think I read somewhere he wants a big deal and we think he overvalues himself

The step up from reserves to first team is MASSIVE. First players have to consistantly look far too good for the reserve level, they are then sent for tasters training with the first team at Melwood then the next step is promotion to first team training which will be a permanent move to Melwood all this is part of assessing a players physical and mental readiness

Its not as hap-hazard as looking and saying hes done well in the reserves / youth team lets throw him in a Premier League game

[rodo]

as well as flanagan did and think we can get carried away a bit heard lads on the way home saying about how we can sell glenn johnson now purely based on one very good performance

[Tee]

Have to say how much I enjoy watching us play at that tempo and the pressing just did not allow City to breathe. Awesome workrate from the players.

Just hope we can show a bit of consistency until the end of the season.

[Vermilion]

haha, Suarez during the goal celebration for Carolls header, go's from celebrating the goal to moaning at everyone about him being hit in the face as the lads piled on top of Caroll.

Bloody moaning minnie.

Also, i keep watching Carolls header, and i keep seeing the City defender heading it in instead of Andy, i've watched and watched that goal and it's the defender that heads it every time.........sooooooo annoying, think it's time for an eye test.

Loved Carolls celebration for his first, real passion, his pass through on the volley for Suarez's effort was also class, looked easy....but he spotted Suarez and played a lovely ball while excecuting a flying volley and it was perfect, shows great decision making too in the heat of the moment, really starting to belive this lad could be very special, he's got the tools at his disposal for sure.

Now lets surround him and Luis with players of equal talent and give this club a real chance, it's what we've failed to do for what seems like for ever.

[Exiled_red]

I honestly dont know what will happen next season I assume it will depend on who we bring in but I could see Coady and Wisdom becoming squad players at the expense of players like Poulsen & Soto. All I was told was that Flanagan, Coady & Wisdom would come through next as they are physically and mentally ready and whilst they rate others very highly they arent considered to be completely ready to step up

I dont know what is planned regarding loaning them out or regarding our loan players. Isnt Inces contract up in the summer? Think I read somewhere he wants a big deal and we think he overvalues himself

The step up from reserves to first team is MASSIVE. First players have to consistantly look far too good for the reserve level, they are then sent for tasters training with the first team at Melwood then the next step is promotion to first team training which will be a permanent move to Melwood all this is part of assessing a players physical and mental readiness

Its not as hap-hazard as looking and saying hes done well in the reserves / youth team lets throw him in a Premier League game

Thanks

I know it's difficult in making the step up, I don't really watch the reserves or youth teams so I have to go from what other people say as most of my opinions are based on observations.

The changes in manager don't help, but in general the management of the reserves and youth team has seemed very inconsistent (perhaps due to internal politics at times), which makes it difficult to figure what was going on or how well players seem to be regarded.

I got the impression that Eccleston was highly regarded given that he seemed to be involved in the first team a bit at one point, but I never got the impression from his performances that he was going to make it. Robinson was a bizzare one as well he played one game a year ago but hasn't been in the squad again until last night, which seems odd. Ince seemed to be getting positive reports a while back things seem to have gone quiet again on him.

My view is that of all the youngsters out on loan only Ayala seems like he could get near the squad at the moment, but like I say this is based on very little evidence. i've read very positive things about a number of the current youngsters I think it's important that we manager their development correctly (something we haven't done in the past). Hopefully Kenny having been involved in the youth team set up and now managing the first team will help this be achieved.

[Lee]

I honestly dont know what will happen next season I assume it will depend on who we bring in but I could see Coady and Wisdom becoming squad players at the expense of players like Poulsen & Soto. All I was told was that Flanagan, Coady & Wisdom would come through next as they are physically and mentally ready and whilst they rate others very highly they arent considered to be completely ready to step up

I dont know what is planned regarding loaning them out or regarding our loan players. Isnt Inces contract up in the summer? Think I read somewhere he wants a big deal and we think he overvalues himself

The step up from reserves to first team is MASSIVE. First players have to consistantly look far too good for the reserve level, they are then sent for tasters training with the first team at Melwood then the next step is promotion to first team training which will be a permanent move to Melwood all this is part of assessing a players physical and mental readiness

Its not as hap-hazard as looking and saying hes done well in the reserves / youth team lets throw him in a Premier League game

Thanks Lecter. Very interesting.