New manager thread

[dom9]

We don't need Craigy - MR has already been destroyed, more than once. He just ignores it though.

He's like a really boring terminator.

[RichC]

For me,

Zone 1 is Reina, innit.
Zone 2 is clearly Skrtel and Agger
Zone 3 is Lucas, obv.
Zone 4 is Enrique and Johnson
Zone 5 is made for Gerrard and Henderson
Zone 6 is Suarez and Kuyt
Zone 7 is Carroll.

Now, the more pertinent question is: Where are our weak links?

I posted this in the lounge.

I think we need a few players to come in but it would fit pretty well for me

Zone 1 - Pepe, brilliant sweeper/keeper

Zone 2 - short ten yard passing Skrtel & Agger

Zone 3 - Lucas, water carrier role

Zone 4 - supporting players in possesion and get back and forwards when needed Enrique & Johnson

Zone 5 - finding space, high passing ability - Shelvey & Henderson (maybe)

Zone 6 - most creative players Suarez & Gerrard

Zone 7 - technically good with good awareness - Carroll (needs some work)

[Alex]

If anything, I think Gerrard will be the one squeezed out.

[Muddled]

I'm liking the look of that, very much. Immediate weak link in Kuyt for me

Controversially, but only in that type of system, I think a more commanding DM than Lucas could be warranted. If nothing else, a BIGGER footballer for aerial battles, to counter what presumably is going to be used against us in quick counter attacks after we've burst forward and left ourselves a little open

But really, I think if Kuyt is upgraded to a quick, skillful, goalscorer; I'd be fairly ****ing happy with that team. Robben for example would be perfect

Yup, a more agile, guile and slightly speedier (?) replacement for Kuyt would certainly help me with the concerns I have about our transitions from back to front. Going on my limited Rodgers knowledge, they appear patient and a lot of their work is done infront of the opposition - if we fail to inject a little unpredictability in the final third, we'll just be a glossier version of last season (in my opinion).

The Lucas point is an interesting one and not something I'd considered.

[Fierce]

We've been linked with Boudebouz and Belhanda who might both be able to fill that role. I was also seeing a link to Affelay for £6m(!) so you never know... There's also Elia and Krasic who are available apparently.

Both of those look to be exactly the type of player needed, although from memory Belhanda isn't particularly quick? I'd like to see both players with that initial burst of speed, particularly given Andy's lack of

http://thepathismadebywalking.wordpr...taka-football/


Thats the updated article for Rodgers at LFC if its not already been posted.

Everything I'm reading about him I'm liking I have to say

Although, I do worry about some of our players ability on the ball. Lucas for example, plays a lovely short pass, has good movement and tackles well. But he doesn't half give the ball away or miscontrols the receiving of a pass. See Kuyt, Gerrard and Carroll for this also

[baitman]

...we have been rodgered more times than a police walkie talkie.

[kris90210]

Taken a pretty instant dislike to 'mace' - since Craig has gone, dare I say, this place has actually been quite harmonious! Obviously there has been some fairly heated debate, but it's all been fairly respectful in my opinion. We've had a fair few lurkers come out the woodwork as well. Now we've got 10 pages of fairly irrelevent ****e to trawl through.

Macedonian Red - you're clearly a knowledgable fan. I humbly ask that you drop your condescending, argumentative style. All you're doing is provoking arguments, not discussion.

[Muddled]

That formation is built with maximising passing possibilities and stifling the opposition.

It would run rings round a Roy static 4 4 2, and it did.

Tru fax.

I was reading how it can turn in to a 2-6-1 for some reason too ...

Anyhoo, you're very much right - it's also the reason I think Henderson will be one of the players who will benefit from this system and on paper - Adam too, if he stopped being caught on the back foot.

[Barndoor]

Hi Muddled - hope you are ok.

I know nothing about hjim but have a good feeling about Brendan Rodgers especially if he works well with Steve Clarke - time will tell but I hope he can impose his style of play on our squad.

[Muddled]

I posted this in the lounge.

I think we need a few players to come in but it would fit pretty well for me

Zone 1 - Pepe, brilliant sweeper/keeper

Zone 2 - short ten yard passing Skrtel & Agger

Zone 3 - Lucas, water carrier role

Zone 4 - supporting players in possesion and get back and forwards when needed Enrique & Johnson

Zone 5 - finding space, high passing ability - Shelvey & Henderson (maybe)

Zone 6 - most creative players Suarez & Gerrard

Zone 7 - technically good with good awareness - Carroll (needs some work)

Good post.

I often thought Shelvey and Henderson wouldn't work together, or I at least throught they may be fighting it out for the same position under Kenny. However, reading up on Rodgers, I'm warming towards the idea of them playing together. Obviously it will be more important to see how it works on the pitch, but I agree - I think there could be potential there.

I agree with your comments about Carroll too - I'm a big fan of his, but it will be interesting to see how Rodgers plans to get the best out of him.

[cream]

For me,

Zone 1 is Reina, innit.
Zone 2 is clearly Skrtel and Agger
Zone 3 is Lucas, obv.
Zone 4 is Enrique and Johnson
Zone 5 is made for Gerrard and Henderson
Zone 6 is Suarez and Kuyt
Zone 7 is Carroll.

Now, the more pertinent question is: Where are our weak links?

I would like to change Carroll, Kuyt, Henderson and Enrique.

[baitman]

Rodgers needs a nickname.

Brendo?

Buck.

maybe get a poll sorted once he's confirmed.

[Mattshark]

For me,

Zone 1 is Reina, innit.
Zone 2 is clearly Skrtel and Agger
Zone 3 is Lucas, obv.
Zone 4 is Enrique and Johnson
Zone 5 is made for Gerrard and Henderson
Zone 6 is Suarez and Kuyt
Zone 7 is Carroll.

Now, the more pertinent question is: Where are our weak links?

Enrique, Henderson, Kuyt and Carroll are the weak links for me there.

Enrique purely because he is a little slow in his play at times.
Henderson as he hasn't shown himself to be either efficient at attacking or defending.
Kuyt because we need a younger more dynamic player in his role
Carroll because his all-round game doesn't quite reach the required level for an intricate passing game imo. Be better used as a sub.

[Muddled]

Hi Muddled - hope you are ok.

I know nothing about hjim but have a good feeling about Brendan Rodgers especially if he works well with Steve Clarke - time will tell but I hope he can impose his style of play on our squad.

I'm good Barndoor, thanks for asking. Hope you are too?

Good to see you on the forums, you should post more. Remember though, once you hit a hundred posts, you are no longer allowed in the Lurker van.

I know, I'm sorry, but dems the rules.

But year, I'm of the same opinion; he wasn't someone I wanted as the next manager, but he is here now (kinda, well, almost) so he'll have my full support and nearly all my patience if we can see some direction. The fact he has worked with Steve Clarke previously is a bonus and if nothing else, will create a *bit* of continuity too.

Having started to read up on him and his style of play, it looks as if our squad doesn't need a *complete* overhaul. We'll see some activity, but I don't think we'll see him backed as much financially for a while.

[elrichio86]

For me,

Zone 1 is Reina, innit.
Zone 2 is clearly Skrtel and Agger
Zone 3 is Lucas, obv.
Zone 4 is Enrique and Johnson
Zone 5 is made for Gerrard and Henderson
Zone 6 is Suarez and Kuyt
Zone 7 is Carroll.

Now, the more pertinent question is: Where are our weak links?

Kuyt is the most obvious weak link, mostly as his legs seem to have gone. He'd be fine as a backup, but with his current wages that may not be entirely appropriate. A second Suarez-type of player would be what we need - a right-sided inside forward. We'd also need to consider cover for these two positions, but maybe we can look to the youth teams for that. I think Maxi would also be able to provide backup to both inside forward positions, but again with his high wages that might not be appropriate.

Henderson would be okay, but as we've seen this season he's not ready to be relied on as first choice. Perfect as backup for the next year or so, which would handily coincide with Gerrard playing less. I'm not sure how suitable Adam is for these box-to-box roles though, his energy levels dont seem up to it. He also seems to need more time on the ball than would be expected for tiki-taki with its quick one-touch passing.

I'd have concerns about Carroll, but his last couple of months of the season have earnt him the chance to prove himself IMO. A quality backup, possibly with a different style of play is a must though.

A quality backup to Lucas is a must - it seems like a pretty crucial position in the formation, and we saw this season just how important it is to have cover.

Two first teamers (inside forward and box-to-box midfielder) and two backups (striker and DM). Plus further squad depth (inside forward again, and possibly the fullbacks) if we can afford it.