Moo

Talk of not being clinical and not having the killer instinct, it's entirely possible these players just aren't quite good enough to win the league. Especially considering injuries we're definitely in a "false" position - in inverted commas as the manager is as important as any player in the team and Klopp gives us so much, he enables us to play above ourselves. I don't think we were arrogant today or casual (except for Quansah's mistake but he's an inexperienced kid) we just weren't good enough going forward, bad decisions and bad finishing. Does anyone think Diaz, Nunez and Salah2 are anywhere near the level of Mane, Firmino, and Salah1? They're not a patch on them.

Haven't you heard?!

Don't think that was anything like the FA Cup match really, Carragher just parroting the easy line. In that match we had it won, started strolling round and threw it away. That didn't happen today. Yes today we wasted several good opportunities but not many clear cut chances, and were undone by a kid making a massive mistake. A good point in the end, whether it's enough remains to be seen.

Keep our cool throughout in the face of shocking refereeing while, hopefully, scraping a 1 goal win against 12 men? If we win, that's the only way I can see it happening. edit - correction, 13 men, forgot about the VAR for a minute

Well one thing is almost certain, we'll get a big decision against us tomorrow, almost guaranteed.

Well, that's that then.

Apart from it being a shocking decision, the justification has horrible implications. Basically saying whatever way the decision was given would have been correct. So there's no rules to be applied now? It basically justifies refs doing what they want. "Subjective" has become the most overused word in football and is basically a cop out, a tool for corruption.

That's probably true, the issue is consistency and officials twisting the rules to do whatever suits. And also for us, would we ever get it? I know every club thinks refs are biased against them but come on, does anyone consistently get big decisions go against them like we do?

Quickest VAR check ever. Amazing how some teams get the benefit of clear and obvious while decisions for other teams are pored over. edit - I don't really think it was a penalty, though you've seen them given, it was the quickness of the review that was remarkable

Deffo an element of truth. Enjoyed the podcast again thanks fellas. I don't get to listen as often, or as quickly, these days but always enjoy.

We seemed to approach that like it was a training match, maybe to keep some in the tank for Sunday which I understand. But, we can't afford to do that a single more time this season (bar Uefa Cup), have to go full tilt from now on in. Nevertheless a good win.

Klopp is also a romantic, and someone used to fighting for everything he has achieved in life, not really things I'd associate with Xabi though the job he's done with limited resources at Leverkusen is stunning, it would have come with low expectations. Ancelotti has a contract until 2026, Madrid could just have easily accepted Xabi going to a bigger club and proving himself there for 2 years before going to them. Xabi could have done that, got himself a big move and still have left the door open for Madrid, but he's not which is why I think Madrid in 12 months is not a fait accompli. I think he's just not in a rush and wants to see what things look like in another 12 months while continuing the job he's started at Leverkusen. And if that means the Liverpool job passes him by then so be it.

I think it's a tough one to figure out. If it's all about Madrid and they really want him, they'd have had no qualms fucking off Ancelotti and making it happen this summer. There's more to it than just waiting for Madrid to give him the nod imo. It could be he genuinely and simply wants to give Leverkusen another season. And as for not coming to us I disagree with those saying it would have been the perfect time for him, the squad being in great shape etc etc, well, that's subjective. Following Klopp would be a bold move anyway and I don't think the squad is as great as many think, it's good and promising but everyone knows Klopp has us playing at a level above where we would otherwise be. Alonso might want to observe what happens next with us, the squad and our finances. Not every manager thrives trying to compete with one hand tied behind his back, and Xabi is a sensible fella.

Played it for years without cheating but these days don't have the time or patience, so when I do dip my toe in I cheat (Add Manager and buy my shit players for inflated prices) then I get bored after a day or two as it's too easy.

Definitely (not), particularly as Arsenal have Luton at home mid week.

There's loads of those painted on hairlines knocking about. Micah Richards' looks like boot polish, and I think we have a couple ourselves.

Rubbish match, excellent result.

Coote starting the second half as he means to go on. And Carragher can fuck off with his "both teams" shite.

Yeah I did. I didn't mean Kenny, who with hindsight was not a hugely successful appointment and had a very disappointing exit, but I would never describe him in such terms. I don't think of Hodgson much at all, he's not worth it, but when I do I associate him with FSG. Mea culpa.

Seriously? The club has made two of the worst managerial appointments in our lifetime during FSGs ownership. Klopp was one of the best, if not second best, in our history but he was an absolute no brainer.

Sounds fucking bleak. We've near enough begged Edwards to come back, must have been given some massive promises. Horrible thought.

But gutted it seems almost certain now that Xabi is not coming here, I genuinely think he was our best chance at continuing momentum from Klopp. A tall order for anyone of course, but we're done once Jürgen leaves, which I always thought would be the case but then Xabi appeared on the scene and looked ideal. Oh well.

They'll be hoping to luck out for sure. Anyone would of course, but we won't suddenly start spending so they'll need someone a bit unknown and hope they've unearthed a miracle worker. Amomrin then? (if Xabi stays at Leverkusen and Bayern don't get in there first).

I still think Xabi will move this summer, just not to us.

We didn't capitulate. We took our foot off every time we had it on their neck and literally gifted them their goals. We handed it to them, effectively we weren't even trying.