Liverpool Defence

[DannyMan2006]

I agree we have issues. But the issues were the same last year and only slightly less visible because we were on the front four more.

Real Madrid had a poor defence. Barca weren't great and had a lack of height. But if you control a game you have less issues.

[Bender]

We are conceeding from set pieces and direct balls

I dont see how any of the above stops us conceeding set pieces and whilst better pressing can cut out some direct balls you still have to deal with them

Set pieces and balls knocked in to our box create absolute panic

We have problems all over the pitch at minute and whilst pressing etc might helpbit still doesnt get away from the need for the back four to do the basics properly

This is the issue,goals are not going to hide the problems elsewhere,last season was a one off we had Suarez,Sturridge and Sterling scoring and Suarez more than instrumental in our way of play,but defensively we have been a disaster since Rafa left

[Tribute]

This is the issue,goals are not going to hide the problems elsewhere,last season was a one off we had Suarez,Sturridge and Sterling scoring and Suarez more than instrumental in our way of play,but defensively we have been a disaster since Rafa left

Less Rafa, more Hyypia...

[Bender]

Less Rafa, more Hyypia...

you know what i mean

[baronvonskidmark]

I know that the players all seem to love Brendan's small sided games approach to training, but there must come a time when they begin wondering why the hell we are not spending more time concentrating on the glaring defensive issues we have had for over 2 seasons now. I know I bloody am.

Surely it'd be worth having a couple of weeks less technical but more organisational training in spite of the boring repetition of it all. I don't think there's any need for a defensive coach per se, but just a short term total focus on addressing the defence with the coaches we have - perhaps with the odd session recapping on it all from time to time longer term. At the moment there seems to be next to no focus on shape and organisation and more emphasis on players winning one-to-one battles consistently, which seems naive as it is never going to always happen.

[Tribute]

you know what i mean

I do mate, Hyypia was incredible and I don't think Brendan (or the scouts) know where to look let alone find another one...

[marcus50bucks]

I'm going to be totally honest I've got zero faith in Rodgers ever being able to set us right without the ball. Good attacking manager but he's absolutely piss poor in organising a defence and I'm find up of saying it. When will he flippin learn because he's showing no signs of improving. 3 seasons he's been here, tried different personnel, spent 50m on the defence yet we seem to be getting worse at the back. I mean just look at the way Madrid and teams waltz through our midfield at times. Yes our players need to take responsibility, but the least I expect of a manager is that they can set a team up to be organised and have shape when we lose the ball. We are all over the place. I personally think Rodgers could be in trouble if this continues because it's just unacceptable.

[G]

We struggle under high balls yet seem to be happy for teams to send them into our area. Early in the game last night Arbeloa picked up the ball on the half way line with Moreno close to him. He advanced unimpeded right up to the edge of our area before crossing, all the time he advanced Moreno retreated and never closed him down. He kept his distance all the time. It was mad.

[ronanm]

1 clean sheet in 18 games speaks for itself. We don't seem to have the existing personnel to address that - either on or off the pitch.

[baitman]

if tony pulis can get crystal palace to defend like tigers and still be able to score on the counter then we really need to take a look at our methods.
its not personal, its the way we use them and how we fail to get them to play together as a unit.

[Chazza]

Defensive long ball football.

[Tribute]

if tony pulis can get crystal palace to defend like tigers and still be able to score on the counter then we really need to take a look at our methods.
its not personal, its the way we use them and how we fail to get them to play together as a unit.

exactly right. We might not have great personnel, but by christ, nor do West Ham, Crystal Palace and other Prem clubs... but they all seem to make a better fist of it that we are.

[McDermotX]

if tony pulis can get crystal palace to defend like tigers and still be able to score on the counter then we really need to take a look at our methods.
its not personal, its the way we use them and how we fail to get them to play together as a unit.

Its a complete balancing act though isn't it ?

Set yourself up for defence with a focus on minimizing space for the opposition once they enter the final third presents a formidable wall, but ultimately limits your effectiveness in attack.
Of course this is where effectiveness from set-pieces, long-ball efforts etc, not too mention capitalizing on the break against teams that are laying siege to your castle reaps rewards.
Its a question of finding a balance..........even with our great performance last year, it's not unfair to say our balance was completely out of whack, just in a good way given our power in attacking play.
We just completely blitzed teams with a combination of precision, speed, possession and fluidity...........but we always had a weakness there to be exploited. Now it's just completely exposed as we've tilted the other way.
Our rearguard is a wretched mix of personnel and philosophy.

[RichC]

Defensive long ball football.

Tony ****ing Pulis We'd be playing ale house football

[Frenchie]

Tony ****ing Pulis We'd be playing ale house football

what are we playing now?