Match Thread: Newcastle v Liverpool

[Steveo]

For those who STILL don’t get it:



https://youtu.be/UcKkRV1__CE?feature=shared

[CCTV]

I did go on about Grav being an option in a double pivot, 19 opposed that suggestion vehemently. Both suggestions seem to have been part of Slots approach

The squad quality was never quite at the technical level of its achievements. This is backed up by the performance levels of players before they arrived and after they left.

Our best squad wasn't even the best domestically - (Klopp's words not mine) let alone on the global stage - yet it did incredibly well and made 3 CL finals and almost won 3 League titles up against Pep and in almost 9 years from a "bang average" start with a relatively low net spend. Good luck with that.

I know you and some others think it's as simple as the quality of the players you have - it 100% categorically - is not. One day CCTV - one day you will see. Until then, keep understanding the game in numbers.

As for this pearl:




Anyone who equates our situation with this is either living in a bubble or being totally disingenuous. This is why I mostly choose to ignore your musings on the game.

Maybe it's just a coincidence that since moving to a double pivot our defensive record is much improved. Many of the players have commented on how the subtle changes have invigorated them and given them new challenges.

[Steveo]

Maybe it's just a coincidence that since moving to a double pivot our defensive record is much improved. Many of the players have commented on how the subtle changes have invigorated them and given them new challenges.

That's absolutely true.. No coincidence..

I often suggested that our over reliance on Heavy metal football was a concern. That there was a desperate need to get the football to the "next level" my words repeated again and again. BUT Klopp had little choice in that regard. Only way to beat City to a title and consistently make the CL finals against often superior technical sides was just that. Mentality monster work and relentless press - all of which required a bigger squad to avoid the pitfalls of burn out - and successive injury pile ups. Another issue I have repeatedly found conflict with you on. Klopp needed to be able to bring in a few extra top quality signings while we were at our peak. Never happened.

We are 14 games into a season. Slot isn't managing a squad that won 97 points and a CL win. - followed by 99 points. He has taken over a squad that finished 3rd - was in a quad hunt until April last season - with a revamped midfield that Klopp was allowed to belatedly build - for what was to be his last season. Again - exhaustion being the issue.

Nobody is arguing with what Slot has done - he has done absolutely brilliantly. BUT he hasn't taken over a rudderless ship. He has walked into less than half the job Klopp had. He is effectively just a coach. Coaching a side managed and built by the great man who dragged this club from nowhere to the very top on a very modest budget. The players are ALL on board - all imbued with the legacy of Klopp. It's sickeningly unfair to even compare the managers at this stage.

“At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters." Bill Shankly

Shankly left the club with a bullet proof legacy and a rock solid identity - Both were so strong that those following simply had to add their own playing style to the mix because EVERYTHING else was there...Trinity complete - that's the single hardest part.. and all of it's in place.

Did you honestly think that Paisley - Fagan and Kenny (first time) would have won the big prises they did away from L4 and without following on directly from Shanks?

Anyone who believes Slot could have walked in off the back of the sorry side with the lack of belief in the fan base and replicated what Klopp did in October 2015.. be my guest.

[JockStrap]

Who is arguing otherwise? Klopp did an amazing job. Slot now has to carry that on and so far he is succeeding.

The issue you have is that you need to find ways to do mental gymnastics so that the owners don't get any credit in all of this. That's the bit where we all switch off.