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This could be Rotterdam or anywhere, Liverpool or Rome, Wherever Arne manages, He'll never need a comb... He'll never need a comb...

Moved in at the weekend. Finally!

There's a demonstrably wrong belief taking hold that our slump in form since 17th March is caused by Klopp's announcement on 27th January. It isn't.

I’m now going to see a female therapist once a week. She’s ok, seems to be making the world a lighter place. That’s all I want really, to live in the sunlight and not the darkness. It’s a short life so I don’t want to waste it looking backwards.

That Times article, like so much of this, just fundamentally misses the point in regard to the issues most fans have with VAR. It's not about the accuracy. It's not about the communicating. It's about the impact it has on your ability to watch and enjoy a game of footy, and the inconsistency by which that impact actually makes things any better anyway. A decision being "correct" isn't worth the 3-5 minute delay, punctuation of joy and all that other stuff unless the original decision was significantly wrong to begin with. If it is marginally wrong, the benefit doesn't outweigh the impact and if it's significantly wrong it shouldn't take the time it always does to correct it, and it shouldn't be hit and miss whether something marginally wrong will be righted anyhow.

Finally listened to this and nominating it for TLW podcast episode of the season. The boys perfectly captured the frustration, fury and outright hurt of Wednesday’s loss, as well as perfectly capturing the confusion we all feel about this squad now and the future of the club as a whole. And a big reason for all of that is the return of Browny. He’s always great on the pod. Welcome back chief. Onto the team itself - 100% they’ve bottled it under the pressure of having to do it for Klopp. I wrote on here a little while back that I was in the away end at Old Trafford for the 2-2 there earlier this month and was struck by how devastated the players looked at the final whistle. They recognised it was a huge opportunity lost, and while in other seasons they probably would’ve got over that quickly, in this season they couldn’t, leading to an already pressurised situation become even more pressurised, which in turn led to a breakdown in performances, seen vs Atalanta, Palace and Everton. The stress of a title race is hard enough, especially for a largely inexperienced group of players, but when you add into that the stress of having to deliver the perfect send-off for a legends manager, well … no wonder they’ve cracked. Saying that, the crazy number of injuries we’ve had to cope with this season hasn’t helped either. Overall, we’re physically and mental wrecked. It’s been a collective collapse but as said on the pod, and by many other Reds I’ve spoken to since Wednesday, it’s the strikers who have let us down the most, and so yes, we need to talk about Darwin again. These are the teams he has scored against this season: Newcastle, LASK, West Ham, Toulouse, Forest, Bournemouth, Burnley, Norwich, Brentford, Sparta, Sheff Utd. No goals against the Mancs, City, Arsenal or Everton, despite playing a decent number of minutes against them all - for our main No 9 and most expensive player in our history that is simply not good enough. I love him, we all do, but after THAT miss on Wednesday and the manner in which he’s let us down in the big games and the big moments I’ve now reached a point where I too think he’ll never reach the level required for a club with our ambitions. We thought we had the new Gabriel Batistuta; turns out we have the new Emile Heskey - a good Liverpool striker but simply not good enough. Onto Salah - yep, he’s done, and sorry lads on the pod but I’m not having this ‘don’t treat him like a commodity’ thing. He’s a footballer, they come and they go, and ultimately the most important thing is what’s best for the club, and for me that means cashing in on Mo this summer before his value totally drops of a cliff. Don’t get me wrong, I love what he’s done for Liverpool; he’s a club legend, but he’s also been paid very well for his services and will himself recognise that, as well as the fact that his time is up. Also, if we had been shit the past few years and, say, Real Madrid came calling, do you think Mo would’ve stuck around through loyalty to us? No, he would’ve left, as so many others have done. It’s how football works - love and respect the players but don’t treat them like they’re family members, because they’re not. I’ll stop rambling now. But before I do - the manager. The best of the many decades I’ve been following Liverpool and I’ll forever be grateful for what he’s given us, but like Chris previously said on the pod, everything changed for the worse the moment he made his announcement that he was leaving and it’s clear he’s well and truly checked out. That’s a huge shame and it’s incredibly sad how his reign is ending. Let’s just try and see him off as best we can - win the last four games and shower him with thunderous applause at the end of one vs Wolves. It’s the least he deserves.

Kudos for writing this and also doing the derby podcast & report - hopefully the latter two were cathartic but I doubt it. Hate to get drawn into conspiracy-type thinking but the extremely generous refereeing Everton have benefited from in the last two games is deeply suspicious. The 3rd penalty claim is the most outrageous as it’s the very definition of ‘clear and obvious’. He indicates that Young got the ball. Factually, he didn’t and it’s incumbent on Atwell to confirm this. THIS is what Forest should have centred in on. When we’re doing well, it’s easier to overlook what a cesspool the PL is. When we’re we not, you’re just reminded of the general cuntery, the cheating on and off the pitch , the brain-deadness of the banter merchants and tragedy chanters, the buffoonery of the pundits….. and don’t get me started on PGMOL. I need the close season, and I need it NOW!

What I would say is Klopp doesn’t look well, I’d guess it’s his mental health rather than physical, I said it in a few WhatsApp’s last night that he has the same washed out, drained look Kenny had at the end. Maybe including delayed, nonsensical substitutions. The shit hair dye hasn’t helped either as it just makes him look even older and more tired. But if as I suspect he is suffering with his MH then I hope the break does him well and he’s able to become the jovial, mischievous, energetic madman we all fell in love with again. Especially so he can fully appreciate his close family and new grandchild. It’s just so fucking depressingly sad to watch this season fizzle out the way it has. He and we deserved so much better than that absolute cunt Cundy on talkshite celebrating last nights result and asking if he was a failure at Liverpool? Seriously @dave u how do you ever listen to that fucking station? Maybe the scale of the challenge of trying to compete with an oil state, the unfairness of the challenge, not being backed the way he should have been financially by the club at crucial times, PGMOL and having to deal with pricks like Cundy, Neville and the vast majority of the media has contributed to his weariness. Who of us could say we wouldn’t be a raving alcoholic with a lifetime ban from the FA and PL having endured that for nearly a decade. Klopp has literally given this club everything he has to the point of making himself ill. In doing so he beat the worlds most curropt football club to both end a 30 year wait for the league title and win a 6th European Cup all whilst leading the club with class, dignity and the fans adoring him for representing the club the way we’d want a manger to. Please let’s give him and treat him with the respect and adoration he’s well and truly earnt and deserves despite the ending to the season.

No 'clever' wordplay now. This past month or so has been so incredibly deflating. A Saturday lunchtime game. Again. Yay. TNT Sports have had to make do with the unwanted time slot, and the problem would be solved if that rule about no live football on TV at 3:00pm on Saturdays was ditched. Whatever was the basis for that decision surely is of no relevance today, so sticking to it is like when Americans adhere steadfastly to elements of the US Constitution that were constructed for the conditions of the time but should have no bearing on society today. If they do, then that society has made no progress. The 12:30 time slot is for the benefit of the Far East TV market as it coincides with their peak time, but games in this timeslot tend to be vastly different to the Saturday 3:00pm, Sunday afternoon or any midweek evening slot. Eveything just seems more sluggish. The ONLY good thing about them is that if your team wins, you basically have a whole weekend to enjoy other things. The corresponding fixture took place almost exactly a year ago. We'd gradually started finding a bit of form, especially away from home, and looked more like the side that had gone close to a quadruple the year before. And yet it started in familiar fashion, with us being too easily opened up on our right flank. A nice move (aiding by very little in the way of closing down by us) saw Paqueta fire a fine effort past Ali from 20 yards. Trent was playing that hybrid role and picked up the ball in midfield, squeezing a pass to Cody in a central position 25 yards out. Again, very little in the way of closing down meant that he had time to turn, carry the ball and fire a low effort beyond Fabianski. Diogo had a couple of chances to put us ahead, but got underneath his shot for the first, and didn't quite have enough height to get a header on target for his second. Virg nipped in before Antonio at the far post when a goal looked almost certain. Early in the second half, Bowen was played in down the right, cut inside Virg and shot into the far corner. Virg hardly covered himself in glory with the way he tracked back, and we were fortunate when VAR came down in our favour for once, judging Bowen to be offside. Big Bird was denied a goal after a goalmouth scramble following a corner, but from the resulting corner, he absolutely buried his header into the roof of the net. West Ham argued that they shoulder have had a penalty late on for a handball by Thiago, but the Spaniard's momentum when winning the ball meant that his arm was where it was to check his fall. The ball just so happened to be under him at that very moment. Hardly the same as Odegaard at Anfield, yet that one got less attention by the VAR guys. 2-1 to us in the end. We've been so profligate in attack and so sloppy defensively in recent weeks, it's hard to pinpoint the catalyst. Some people (including Jurgen) have identified the FA Cup tie, and maybe that's true. Or maybe it goes back a little earlier, but was being papered over by the excellence of the youngsters called up. Whatever it is has totally derailed our season to the point where so many players are being questioned as to whether they are good enough. Cody might be available again for this one, and based on the lack of positive impact of both Darwin and Mo in recent weeks, Cody has done more than both to stake his claim for a starting berth. I'd have him in for one of those. I keep saying stuff about motivation, concentration, attitude and application needing to be absolutely on point from first minute to last. It's not me saying it for the sake of it, but because it is necessary. Without it, you let performances and results slip away, and it gets harder to wash off the stink. Whatever remains of this season, treat the games like there is something to gain. Winning begets winning. 3 points please. Get it done!

The Reds' ailing title challenge suffered a fatal blow in the worst place possible as Everton registered a deserved 2-0 in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison. Chris Smith is joined by Ian Brown and Dave Usher to discuss a dismal night when defensive lapses and misfiring forwards were coupled with an absence of the energy and synonymous with Jurgen Klopp's great sides. Sadly, it really did feel like the end. As this era comes to a sad close, the lads try to look to a future under Klopp's rumoured replacement Arne Slot, and address some looming decisions over the futures of the squad's biggest names. View full article

“I’ve got three first class tickets in this envelope…”

The gift that keeps on giving

I've never known 2 Dutch people that don't hate each other.

Negged.

Huge reaction to an incredibly disappointing performance but did anyone really believe these guys were capable of this after recent weeks, I was putting up the white flag after Sheff Utd. This is a new young team. Different style of play, injuries, officials, Klopp leaving pressure... we are all forgetting that this team always found a way to win.. until they couldn't, they had us believing in the fairytale ending ...until the pressure got to them. Let's not kid ourselves only a few of these lads "have been there before, The red arrows" yes they have and despite their efforts we still came up short, yes they were a better team but had been together longer, but both versions of Klopp team were chasing the 115ers. So yes they buckled but we have had a real ride and believed up until then. On the pod admiring Arsenal this season , 16 clean sheets, they shit the bed v Villa and likely will lose out again to the cheats Last season they buckled under that pressure they had no other distractions as I recall and couldn't hold on. They have learned, dug in, responded well to setbacks and possibly will still be short. Last season and parts of this AFC fans wanted Arteta out, "we can't score, we need a striker...". Seen their goal difference? Appreciate loads of other Different circumstances and issues, but this team had us dreaming of a quadruple AGAIN. We also don't play the same way, under the red arrows it was the draws that killed us despite how fckin brilliant they were. Thiago was brought in for more control, not a six really as his game was half way line control, us camped in the opposition half, ala Barce/Bayern. Now we have the inverted full back, all in a bid to NOT be City but be a hybrid Klopp and City. We need a sense check on these lads. Questions for the new coach are What in reality?. Mo stick or twist? Diaz good enough quality? Virgil can he continue his form overall? Darwin can you coach composure? So are we saying that these lads are shit and don't try? No they have hit a wall, look out of ideas listless every one of them. So whilst it is them " Daddy" leaving is affecting all of them. If we think back to last season we're were dogshit for 1st half of that season. My theory is that Klopp was off at the end, the players sulked he changes his mind and the second half was better.... This feels like a repeat they had no idea until it came out, we rode the emotion until we couldn't. Klopp did not deserve that but the players look like him, tired, accepting of fate. Take a breath. We have Ali, Trent,Robbo, Konate, Quansah, Bajetic, VVD, Macca, Szbos, Bradley, Kweev, JoeyG, Endo, Danns McConnell Clarke, Doak, Jota. Some still WIPS Darwin, GravenB, Diaz.Cody Maybe Mo... Despite recent weeks Klopp believes in his squad, so why don't we? Klopp 1.0 made us dream, believers, fell short, then delivered, then fell short.... You can't teach adversity you can only experience it. Up to them now along with Arne to use this recent run to make you stronger. If they can't then they go, but they deserve our trust, faith and understanding now. They need us to say its OK, let's go again but next time get it done. They need the belief that we believe in them Farewell to our greatest manager in a generation. We will always love you. Welcome Arne, the floor is yours.

Dublin Airport. €12. Absolute CUNTS.

Similar to Rafa Benitez’s ‘rant’ being blamed for our failure to win the league in 2009.

Well I’ll be delighted if he wins the world club cup

I watched Feyenoord last night and it was infinitely more exciting than watching Sporting, as I have done recently. Whether that translates to success here is another matter but I don’t want to lose that front foot football that has become synonymous with us under Kloppo. Looking at how they played, we’ll continue in a similar vein and I like that.

There is hope.

The problem is the increasing pressure after each result. We needed to win at Old Toilet. We didn’t. Then the pressure is greater for the next game. The Palace result is absolutely connected to the United result. Win at Utd and we’d have been in a different mental space v Palace. We brought in new players who had no idea of the intensity of the Prem. Exception- MacAlister. But even he had to step up compared to Brighton’s schedules. Szobo, Grav, Cody all new to the shit arse rough & tumble ‘premier’ league. They’ll need another season to find season long fitness in multiple comps, inc the Prem. Champions League next season too

for me the discussion isn't really about if salah is better than martinelli or some other chump. they neither have a team set up for them to succeed, fuck off to afcon every 2 years, damaging their own performance in the process or earn what salah does. out of that list code shared, it's only the badly out of form, over paid, freak at city who compare in their importance and cost to their side. we also have to face the reality of he is going to cost us at least £15-20m in wages next season. and then could leave for free. So if someone comes in with a good price, let's say £80m, his cost for 1 season could be £100m. Insane. He is clearly not on an upward trajectory. it doesn't matter if he is good sometimes, if he's going to cost us £100m for 1 year, well it's time to let go if there's big money available.

It is on a par with 'Boris' IMO....I just don't get why people do it myself like.

I welcome our new Dutch overlord, please dont be shite!

Thats my thoughts, as soon as Alonso stayed at Leverkusen i didn't see any standout. The older bigger names(Tuchel,Conte,Mourinho) are not a fit for the club. I watched a bit of Sporting as they looked OK but far from sold, like Slot some nice things you read in the reports but not enough to think he is the guy. I do think Slot being more a 4231 guy has played a part with the club having a similar formation/style in place through the youth teams and not wanting to rip that up has played a part. Going public with the West Ham offer probably killed any hope he had of getting the job Obviously wish Klopp wasn't shattered and staying but interested to see what this guy has to offer. Maybe a new voice and ideas might be what some players need,some seem a bit to comfortable at the moment

Total support for him if he's our man, I'd be lying if I said I'm not underwhelmed, but by the same token, I can't think of anyone else for the job either. Fuck it, let's see how it goes.

I’ve heard that Leeds have asked him not to leave them this way.

Chick Norris.

"He felt the need to apologise after the game" Absolutely broke my heart that. He doesn't have to apologise for anything. Hate that it's come to this.

Hav to be honest, I'm hoping Luton pull it out the bag and send Forest down. One, because of their fans, especially since their Poundland Bond Villain owner has tried to mobalise them into some sort of army of gobshites. Two, jsut to see what they do if they're relegated - like suing PGMOL or some ill-fated attemept to get an njunction against relegation. Bring on the entertainment.

It is an odd accusation. But it's out there regardless. This type of internal sniping in public had been pretty much binned for the time klopp was here. But it was all too apparent before and many of the same individuals from those days are still around or have just returned. It needs to be nipped in the bud right now. It's the wrong culture and it's not just about who's responsible for each signing. That type of thing infects everywhere through to the players, managers, staff - fuck this blame culture right off. It's negative shit.

Do we have to keep two of them? Fuck's sake.

Mate, I'm 54 and watched us win it all multiple times over. And it was one of my best days ever. And we've had a good few of them under klopp - not just winning, but the way we've won. This ride under klopp has been amazing. It's done now and sadly hasn't quite ended in style. And it's probably because he announced it early in an attempt to be fair to the club and his staff, but it's taken away the intensity from everybody - and maybe forced one or two back onto the pitch a bit early to try and play a part in their attempt of a "last dance", which has completely back fired. But we won't remember the last few weeks, we'll remember the last 9 years or whatever it is. And as you say, there'll be plenty of time for reminiscing about the good old days when he's gone, as it's likely to be shit from here.

A disappointing few weeks but ‘through the wind and rain’ and all that. Let’s end the season well, say thanks to Jurgen for everything, then get ready to put all our pennies in the slot for the next ride that’s coming our way. Smash ‘em reds.

I was watching that and the audience members were aghast at his total lack of knowledge. It was cringey and frightening all at the same time. You would think they'd have a really good handle on Rwanda's political situation and border skirmishes, what with it now being deemed a safe country. Cunts. Him and that Telegraph/Spectator columnist were so arrogant, the fella from the NHS Confederation, Victor Adebowale, had them on toast with pure facts and realism rather than fear-mongering and division.

They’re just treating us badly so that we’ll breakup with them.

Eh? I said it was going to be like a funeral because it will be flat and sad and everyone will be crying their eyes out. If the funerals you've been too aren't like that then fair play!

That was really interesting listening. Hearing the contributors upset and flip flopping between speaking from the heart and the head was mirroring my own feelings. I think it was said, but I was also harbouring that daft hope that Klopp might change his mind, but now I’m absolutely satisfied that it’s time for him to go. He clearly is beyond jaded and needs to step back. I’ve personally never subscribed to the idea he’s our greatest ever manager; that remains Bob. But he’s in that top 4 and he leaves an absolute legend. But please please please make the goodbye a big Kop mosaic and chants and singing after the last game of the season. A parade with the fucking league cup hanging off the front of the bus would look awful. The front of the bus is only for special trophies and heroic middle aged men.

I reckon when Jurgen goes we’ll remember the fantastic ride, the rollercoaster, the absolute joy many of the games were even in seasons where we fun fuck all. The man, the boss. But right now we’ve messed up and it’s shit.

Only heard today that Christy Moore was the only man to appear in court over the Stardust tragedy, were 48 young people died. He was in court for contempt over the lyrics "the fire exits where chained", the inquest this week of course proved where locked.

Muniz for Nunez and Robinson for Robertson? What's next, Hendo for Endo?

Surely for finances they'd be better going to tbe bigger stadium and getting tbe gate receipts I've got a crazy idea to make fixture pile up less a issue. Stop having international breaks in Sep/Oct/Nov and March

We have power!