Roberto Firmino

[SB]

The way I see it we are not writing anyone off, we have a bigger squad than ever and if there was ever a need to rotate it's now. Those two are the most obvious ones to change IMO.

what after our first competitive match of the season? Was it that tough a match that we need to rotate already?

[The_weatherman]

what after our first competitive match of the season? Was it that tough a match that we need to rotate already?

No, but when you so many players you don't want to give the other players the feeling that you won't rotate, at least not until the transfer window closes Rotation is just as much about morale and competition for places as it is about fitness.

[SB]

No, but when you so many players you don't want to give the other players the feeling that you won't rotate, at least not until the transfer window closes Rotation is just as much about morale and competition for places as it is about fitness.

Yeah but no-one will be feeling complacent now as there is genuine competition for places at present. And I don't think anyone benefits from getting dropped after 1 indifferent match. And it just adds pressure to the new guys to perform right from the off. Ease them in & don't put too much pressure on them to perform too soon.

[Fosterbloke]

I think Lallana and Ibe can do well against Bournemouth. Bring on Firmino and Markovic later if need be.

[SB]

I think Lallana and Ibe can do well against Bournemouth. Bring on Firmino and Markovic later if need be.

Lallana has been one of our best performers in pre season & deserves another chance plus it's too early for Firmino to start just yet IMO. If Firmino comes off the bench & tears it up then maybe a start v Arsenal. Only a maybe though.

[The_weatherman]

Yeah but no-one will be feeling complacent now as there is genuine competition for places at present. And I don't think anyone benefits from getting dropped after 1 indifferent match. And it just adds pressure to the new guys to perform right from the off. Ease them in & don't put too much pressure on them to perform too soon.

It's possible to spin this any way around, I think it's less pressure to make the home debut against Bournemouth than West Ham for example, it's the perfect opportunity really IMO. Everyone will know they can get back in if they perform in training, because the squad rotates.

Anyway, I've got nothing more to add really, hope to see Firmino and Can start.

[little dave hedgehog]

commentators over here saying brenny and the jets was reaming him for not defending enough when he came on monday night. i couldn't even tell if he was on the pitch. i mean i saw him go onto it, and then come off it again after the game, but i guess there was some kind of space/time anomaly at play.

[Alex]

Same problem most players who come into the league face isn't it? I think Hazard and Mata both got chewed out for it in the past. Regardless of ability it seems that in this league players need to work defensively more than anywhere else.

Which is odd, because the standard of defences is fairly poor at the moment all over. I cant name more than about 2 Centre Backs that are currently world class.

[DannyMan2006]

I don't think he knew what he was supposed to be doing when he came on. He looked completely lost.

[danperkins]

I don't think he knew what he was supposed to be doing when he came on. He looked completely lost.

did seem that way. I'm hoping that once we finish the window that we can play to each players strengths & not do this square pegs in round holes bull****.

[Lecter]

I don't think he knew what he was supposed to be doing when he came on. He looked completely lost.

Hes looked like that in both games imo

Thats not in any way writing him off but so far the games have pretty much passed him by

[BobTheCharmer]

He's ****ing lightweight. I think it will be a good 6 months before we see the best of him if not longer. The boy has talent, of that I have no doubts, its all too quick and frantic for him so far. I'm happy to keep introducing him from the bench. He will learn a lot from being pitch side and watching at close quarters. If he dresses like he does off the pitch,the guy has confidence, arrogance etc he will be a great signing given time.

[Assassin]

He's ****ing lightweight.

Perfect description of Lee

[RedReet]

Hes looked like that in both games imo

Thats not in any way writing him off but so far the games have pretty much passed him by

Aye, I've been wondering what I've been missing that has so many people demanding his inclusion in the starting 11, even when Rodgers was admitting that he isn't fully fit.

Glad I'm not the only one.

[redmike65]

I don't think he knew what he was supposed to be doing when he came on. He looked completely lost.

That's what happens when you are thrown in for the last 10 minutes or so when Rodgers tactical shape is as hazy as it was against Bournemouth. He should have just been told to play in zone "X" and hold the ball as much as possible.