Liverpool’s request for League Cup postponement is the ‘final piss-take’. Hold your mails coming to theeditor@football365.com.
Liverpool’s League Cup piss-take
Simply seen the report that Liverpool have requested postponement of the EFL Cup recreation in opposition to Arsenal resulting from reportedly three (sure three!) gamers being unavailable to COVID.
This seems to be the final word piss-take gamesmanship from the a membership I typically maintain in excessive regard. I battle to imagine and settle for that one of many wealthiest golf equipment within the land can’t address lacking three gamers; no matter AFCON commitments and no matter accidents they could have.
The irony is that this fixture is being performed practically a 12 months after Liverpool selected to play (and beat) Shrewsbury City in an FA Cup 4th spherical reply with their u23s. Demonstrating they may discipline a crew if required. Additionally, one of many gamers unavailable by means of COVID (Alisson) has not even appeared within the competitors so far!
I hope that the EFL take a sturdy perspective to such frivolous requests bordering on the ludicrous. In any other case, kicking a can load of fixtures down the street will simply create worse issues later within the season.
Yours
Ollie ‘I would like my Thursday Arsenal dose’ P
Liverpool exaggeration
So Liverpool are attempting to get the League Cup semi postponed due to extra Covid circumstances. I’m all for safeguarding everybody if gamers are testing optimistic however there doesn’t look like a lot transparency and a cynic would counsel groups could possibly be exaggerating their plight with a view to get a recreation referred to as off once they may be lacking some large title gamers. There additionally appears to be circumstances of various groups being made to play and a few getting video games referred to as off.
My understanding is groups want 14 match gamers which features a GK with a view to play. I believe there’s something about any younger gamers getting used having the ‘proper expertise’. Effectively in Liverpool’s final spherical recreation in opposition to Leicester the next gamers made their matchday squad: Bradley, Koumetio, Morton, Williams, Gordon, Beck, Quansah, Woltman, Filho – that’s 9 gamers, I’m assuming children who had been deemed able to play a League Cup Quarter Last. If we low cost Salah/Mané/Keita as they’re away on the ACN there have been an additional 13 gamers who performed the sport vs Chelsea. So that’s 22 gamers, 23 if we rely Robertson again from suspension as he made neither squad for the two video games famous.
So that will imply Liverpool would want an additional 10 covid circumstances on high of what they already need to not fulfil the fixture – and it could possibly be argued in the event that they had been in a position to put out 9 U23 gamers within the final spherical they need to be capable of dip in to that group of wholesome gamers once more.
Salah and Mane haven’t performed a minute (and even made the bench) of any League Cup recreation thus far this season so their absence is a moot level for this competitors.
I get that having to play video games with out a few of your finest gamers as a result of they’ve caught covid isn’t ideally suited and even that honest however why ought to the semi closing first leg v Arsenal be referred to as off if there are many U23 gamers that may be referred to as upon. Different groups have needed to play on and dropped factors or get knocked out of cup competitions (and even ‘compelled’ to forfiet a recreation!) due to covid. It’s turning into a bit farcical how groups are declaring they don’t even have 14 match professionals to play a recreation once they’re fairly completely happy to throw U23 gamers in to video games when it fits them.
Wealthy, AFC
READ MORE: Football365’s high ten predictions for 2022
Play or get knocked out
Simply famous that Liverpool are attempting to postpone league cup semi closing on Thursday.
Ought to play or be mechanically knocked out. I appear to recollect Liverpool taking part in villa in league cup with a crew of beneath 23s. When it suited them as the primary squad (25 gamers) had been taking part in in membership world championship.
So, in brief Jurgen play the beneath 23s. Or have all of them acquired Covid as nicely ?
I don’t blame them, Newcastle set the precedent by clearly exaggerating their issues which means they are going to have two additional video games with an entire new squad of gamers however I anticipate extra from my crew.
Upset to be a Liverpool fan tonight.
Ade (7 is coming ) Guildford
Has the Premier League ever been stronger?
Many issues at the moment are more and more clear. Manchester Metropolis are going to win the league – as a result of they’re an exceptionally good, splendidly well-coached aspect which have a number of apply at profitable the league. Alas, it’s not an terrible lot extra difficult than that. If Pep can flip the overthinking a part of his mind off earlier than the enterprise finish of the Champions League, he can win that as nicely. Or perhaps he might isolate with Covid and his annual thoughts spasms might be evaded the crew. However he’s a implausible coach with a membership that’s designed round his wants and backs him fully. That received’t change subsequent 12 months both.
Liverpool will come 2nd. This isn’t an indictment on anybody concerned, there have been many different Premier League years this Liverpool aspect would have received handily. Our devotion to full-on attacking is great to look at and far most of the time very profitable. However there are gaps left as a consequence and if we don’t fairly hearth, they are often exploited. That stated, we’ve had exactly 1 shite efficiency within the league this 12 months – in opposition to Leicester – and that’s it. Laborious to argue with that. However we appear to want Metropolis to have an off 12 months for us to win the league and that doesn’t occur practically usually sufficient. Specializing in the cups might be our ticket to a profitable season.
Chelsea will come third – although they aren’t worse than Liverpool. However the annual participant v coach rumbles have begun and these by no means assist anybody or finish nicely. Clearly the precise factor to do is to again Tuchel over Lukaku, however this doesn’t imply it would occur. As Manchester United will inform you, finding a world class coach just isn’t straightforward – so that you maintain on to at least one when you have got them. However Roman goes to Roman and profitable the Champion’s League isn’t any assure of job safety.
4th might be…..attention-grabbing! It won’t be Manchester United. There was a purpose Ralf by no means had a considerable job earlier than – even on the German large boys. It’s as a result of he isn’t adequate and at 63 years of age he won’t be getting higher. The tip, full cease, goodbye. West Ham and David Moyes won’t have the legs to make it, although it might be terrific in the event that they did. However they’re competing in opposition to 4 world class coaches at large golf equipment on the identical time – hardly honest actually is it?
The fourth of those world class coaches is Conte at Spurs and the job he’s doing there may be nothing wanting bloody spectacular. Tottenham won’t ever be *Spursy* with Antonio in cost. And I imagine what he’s doing might be sufficient for that 4th place, although it will likely be shut. It’s extraordinarily amusing to look at Arteta in 4th presently, contemplating the beginning he had and the way shut he got here to the sack. Arsenal trusted the method thoyugh and look how that labored. Clearly the boy Arteta has wonderful potential and actually might be somebody going ahead with some expertise beneath his belt. Good for him.
However Conte is that somebody now . And when the strain hits, that might be what counts. Can he win the league with Tottenham subsequent 12 months? Give him a pre-season and a few respectable funding and he can compete. Earlier than he loses his head and falls out spectacularly with Levy.
It’s been a bloody good season thus far and the Premier League has not often appeared stronger in comparison with their European counterparts.
With the apparent exception of United – who’ve by no means wanted to get their subsequent appointment proper greater than the one which is developing this summer time.
James, Liverpool
Maguire leads Man United embarrassments
So, after witnessing a fairly one sided first half wherein Wolves performed round with United and possibly ought to have scored a few times, I wasn’t completely shocked by the consequence or efficiency in opposition to Wolves. Defensively I believe United have improved and the earlier Lindelof comes again and begins on the again with Varane, the higher. Out of the 2 defenders, they’re the perfect CB’s out of the lot when it comes to approach and composure. Maguire proper now appears to be like like somebody who’s trying to run whereas having a rope hooked up to his hips being pulled again by another person whereas making an attempt to kick a soccer round, it really scares me every time he’s close to the ball. Bailly is a wild card, has his moments however general, simply too rash and lacks focus. And it acquired so dangerous for United and the remainder of the crew yesterday that Phil Jones was our greatest participant. A participant who hadn’t performed a soccer match for two years. Truthful play to the man for coping with the strain, taking part in 90 minutes in the midst of the season, and taking part in that nicely. However I believe it paints the image throughout for United when he’s your finest participant in a 1-0 house defeat the place we couldn’t string collectively greater than 3 profitable passes in a row.
I do know a little bit of a rant, however the purpose I’m on about it is because its painfully embarrassing for United as a membership now. Even nonetheless mocked till Ole regardless of ending 2nd & third, United have gotten even worse as soon as once more. Defensively fragile, lack of attacking menace (Not too positive what has occurred to Rashford/Fernandes, however not performing) and no confidence within the crew. However hey, majority of the gamers are there purely on the membership for cash and as long as there may be Champions League soccer to play in, our greatest gamers will most likely keep. Ragnick is barely in as Interim till the top of the season, so are the gamers actually going to take him significantly? They know common outcomes will most probably end in a alternative in the summertime, so the gamers received’t be fussed except one thing adjustments perspective smart within the dressing room and till the top of the season. The membership wants to search out stability and outcomes, and quick in any other case the season might be over by the top of February.
As for Manchester Metropolis, acquired to say they’re working away with the league with the nice soccer they’ve been taking part in and can most likely win it by the top of the season. Regardless of being 2nd finest in opposition to Arsenal, one thing you don’t say about Metropolis in any respect actually with Pep doing his bits, however does go to indicate the potential Arsenal have and the younger crew that they’ve. However as for Metropolis, they will win 5-0 house or away taking part in with such immense aptitude and power shifting off the ball or win a scrappy 1-0 or 2-1 win as proven in opposition to Brentford & Arsenal, respectively. Mainly, Pep has mastered the Premier League now and primarily can select two totally different beginning XI’s to win it with, thoughts you with some fairly good gamers at his disposal too. Nevertheless, he has introduced in gamers he needed to usher in and knew would blossom in a crew managed by him. An identification proven by Manchester Metropolis, one thing United fully lack proper now and can do for some time with the best way issues are going. I personally like Klopp & Liverpool extra as a crew and simply assume what he has achieved at Liverpool was more durable with what he began with. I believe the best way Klopp has constructed that crew with the sources given to him has been excellent and excellent from a selective viewpoint and made positive that these gamers would become the dependable and high quality gamers (E.g. Fabinho, Van Dijk, TAA, Robertson and so on) in having the ability to problem for the highest prizes. I believe Liverpool have missed the prospect to remain within the title race this 12 months although and look to be missing the consistency Metropolis are displaying and maybe an overreliance on gamers like Salah in order that they want a great summer time in bringing a couple of gamers in. However you by no means know what occurs with 20 video games to go. Metropolis are clear favorites now and have the momentum, in order that they would want to fuck up spectacularly for another person to win it!
Rami, Manchester
Rangnick time
It’s at all times good once you see folks gloating over United dropping a recreation. The nonsense about Rangnick being a fraud is humorous although.
As was clear to all, his appointment wasn’t simply going to be about altering our techniques however fixing the squad deficiencies.
By way of the modified techniques, notably the excessive press, that is one thing that doesn’t occur in a single day, and sometimes requires new personnel if the present set can’t / received’t do it. The window has solely simply opened, let’s see what transfers are made earlier than we name that, I believe. Are we going to rewrite historical past and fake that Klopp got here in and immediately received the league in a couple of weeks? He purchased about 30 gamers to construct the squad that lastly received. And it has been broadly understood that the coaching took some time to mattress in.
This final recreation was irritating, there isn’t a doubt. There have been some good bits, however one factor stays basically clear – United want a CDM who can final a complete recreation. And placing Rashford or Greenwood as wingers/wing-forwards doesn’t make the perfect of them.
Matic was a revelation within the earlier recreation, the place there was much more area, however even then he ran out of steam (and so did the remainder of the crew in consequence) by about 50 minutes. Nevertheless, it confirmed the significance of that position (as if we didn’t already know). Cavani is a superb man, chases past his years however his contact and menace has diminished (as was anticipated, therefore the 1 12 months extension). Ronaldo continues to do what he does, however presently with out the ending.
The entire aspect wants some work and is unbalanced, with sq. pegs in spherical holes. Name him a fraud if you want, but it surely takes time to vary issues. And signings that meet the precise wants of the aspect
Badwolf (nonetheless simply want a CDM and perhaps a excessive power urgent CAM).
Settle for and embrace Man United limitations
As a Man United supporter, it’s fellow “followers” like John, Dublin, that basically sully my love for the sport. At all times demanding instantaneous success. By no means sated by Olė getting second, or van Gaal profitable solely the FA Cup, or SAF not signing the world class midfielder that they continually bleated for.
Help the crew. Settle for and embrace the restrictions. And rejoice in the truth that we acquired to see the great Phil Jones again on the pitch.
David, Atlanta (my brother holds related muck views)
England pleasure
Quite a few dilemmas appear to be rising/sorting themselves out for Gareth within the second half of the Premier League season.
- If Conte turns Dier into a correct centre again, will he return?
- We are going to at all times have that Ramos sort out, but when Eric learns to defend, including some feral to the gathering of mummies boys presently in place needs to be interesting?
- Pep’s England wingers – Pep has 3 England left-wingers together with his £100m vainness mission. How he matches them right into a functioning crew will just about form England’s choice. Additionally, if Grealish doesn’t make it occur for Pep, why would Gareth hassle?
- Wingbacks. Trippier’s return received’t make choice simpler, though the MC brainfart/restoration tempo unicycle act ought to sooner or later retire. TAA and James stepping up a gear can’t be ignored both. This one’s going to be powerful.
- At this price, Saka vs Sancho for the right-wing spot might be over earlier than it begins.
- Equally, Ramsdale vs Pickford is heading in that path.
- Sooner or later, like a younger Gerrard, Bellingham will simply drop into the beginning No.8 position. At that time, the playing cards must fall as they could.
- The addition of Bowen to the combo received’t assist both. Powerful administration choices and tactical readability might be wanted by a man who tends to freeze like a rabbit within the headlights.
Thrilling occasions,
Matthew (ITFC)
Professional-vaxxer donuts
Heres a easy query I’d wish to ask all you pro-vaxxers(John Nic) & Mr Klopp and his squad of vaxxed gamers!,
How is it attainable that they’re now testing “optimistic” and feeling unwell and requesting video games be postponed due to they’re “covid” ravaged squad, please enlighten me? seeing as you all imagine it’s a must to be examined to know in the event you carry one thing with signs that resemble the flu. By no means endorse one thing that wants Govt coercion and hundreds of thousands in promoting to persuade you are taking one thing, you dont want.
Its hysterical strolling round retailers & seeing overweight folks carrying a diaper as a result of you understand, their well being. I’ve not worn one as soon as since this entire factor began, nor have i been unwell, solely time i used to be unwell was due to being hungover. Eat your mcdonalds,kfc, and all that garbage whereas carrying a masks, as a result of inhaling your personal bodily fluid is wholesome, bunch of donuts.
Leo Kerrison
Kicking the ball away
There have been a few attention-grabbing mails lately about varied gripes with the best way matches are officiated. One other one which massively annoys me is when gamers are nearly by no means penalised for intentionally knocking the ball away after a foul is awarded in opposition to them, thereby shopping for time for the defending crew to reorganise.
I used to be watching my sister play hockey the opposite week and her crew conceded from a transfer that began with a shortly taken free hit, following a foul she dedicated across the half manner line. After the sport, I requested her why she didn’t knock the ball away after she made the foul. Reply – since you could be instantly sin binned. Whether or not sin bins must be launched in soccer is a debate for an additional day however absolutely yellow playing cards must be issued way more regularly for this blatant and cynical type of dishonest?
Tony (New Forest)
Nailing Everton
All I’ve acquired to say about Ian King’s article about Everton?
Nail. Meet hammer.
TX Invoice EFC
Dan Storey, the ‘highfalutin opportunist’
Absolutely Aaron cfc Eire in yesterday’s mailbox is mistaking Will Ford for that highfalutin opportunist who used to hold round these components referred to as Daniel Storey.
Finlay x