Don’t Blame Konate

12 Nov

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been widely criticised for his many of his performances this season, and once again he was criticised by Liverpool supporters and pundits after the Reds’ 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.

There has been considerable speculation regarding the French defender’s future, with his current contract expiring next summer, and the constant rumours that Real Madrid are keen on signing him on a free contract if he doesn’t sign again for Liverpool.

Konate and Virgil van Dijk have been cornerstones of Liverpool’s success in recent years, with their partnership in defence being so vital.

But this season Liverpool have been losing so many goals, and Konate has been the main target of criticism for the Champions’ defensive problems.

It is true that Konate’s performances this season have not been up to his high standards, and he was involved in a few key moments in Liverpool’s defeat to City, for example, he got into a mess with Conor Bradley as Liverpool conceded a penalty, before poor defending resulted in Haaland heading City into the lead.

These key moments mentioned don’t help Konate regarding assessments on his overall performance, but the team in general is not clicking, and there is very clear lack of cohesion in the entire team this season.

Last Liverpool looked far more in control in games, and far more solid defensively after new manager Arne Slot tweaked a few things after inheriting Jurgen Klopp’s talented squad.

But after Slot’s summer spending spree, the manager is having trouble integrating the new signings into the team with success.

Konate has been a bit of a scapegoat for criticism this season, but he has shown he is still a great defender with his strong performance against Arsenal and more recently Real Madrid, two of the best teams in Europe.

Too often this season Konate is not getting protection from the midfield in front, and left exposed. Gravenberch seems to be playing a different role from last season, and isn’t giving the same protection he did last season.

The midfielder is playing slightly higher up the park and Konate is looking more vulnerable, also the chopping and changing at right back isn’t helping with new signing Frimpong, Bradley and Szoboszlai all featuring in defence this season.

All these little factors are having an effect on Konate and the quicker Slot finds a settled formation and solution, then the quicker we will see Konate at his best.

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Young Defender Could Save Liverpool A Fortune

3 Aug

It has been well documented that Liverpool need to sign another centre half, especially after the departure of Joel Matip.

But the performances this preseason of Sepp Van den Berg have impressed new manager Arne Slott, and it will be interesting if the 22-year-old will be a part of his plans this season.

The young Dutchman was signed back in 2019, but he hasn’t really had much of a chance at Liverpool after three loans spells away from Anfield.

But it really looks like his loan spells have improved the young defender after witnessing his performances this preseason so far.

The Kopite View

Van den Berg hasn’t really had a chance when Jurgen Klopp was in charge, and just maybe Arne Slott could be the man to give him the chance he’s been waiting for at Anfield.

He obviously has strong competition for a place in Liverpool’s defence with the obvious names ahead of him in the pecking order.

But he could be the man to provide cover in the centre of defence if the likes of van Dijk, Konate or Quansah are not available.

Preseason is a great chance for players to impress, especially when many first team players are still on holiday.

Let’s see what Slott does with Van den Berg.

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Gordon And Gomez Transfer News Not Great For Liverpool

31 Jul

All of a sudden the quiet summer regarding Liverpool’s transfer business, has suddenly exploded today.

It is believed that the Reds have agreed a deal of £45 million with Newcastle for Joe Gomez in part of deal involving winger Anthony Gordon moving to Anfield for £75 million.

The Reds have shown an interest in Gordon all summer and the winger is a boyhood supporter of the club and has made his feelings known of his desire to play at Anfield.

The Kopite View

I have no doubt that Gordon is a tremendous talent, but do Liverpool need him ?

I’m not so sure, and not at the expense of losing Joe Gomez.

Liverpool’s longest serving player is very important because of his versatility to play in so many defensive positions, and for me that is vitally important with Joel Matip no longer at the club, and the recent injury problems the Reds have sustained in recent years.

I think the money could be better spent instead of paying so much for Gordon.

If Gordon joins Liverpool, then it makes you wonder if Diaz is leaving?

Because if he doesn’t then Liverpool have too many left sided players with Gakpo, Jota and Nunez all able to play in that role.

The very strong reports today certainly suggest that the two players could be moving in opposite directions.

Liverpool Targeting PSV Midfielder

29 Jul

The latest transfer rumours regarding Liverpool is that they are being linked with PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman.

The midfielder enjoyed a very good season last season, with 21 goal involvements.

Veerman is versatile in being able to play defensive and attacking roles.

Liverpool’s interest in the PSV midfielder is centred on the want for a defensive midfielder to allow Mac Allister to play in a more advanced midfield role where he can be more instrumental and creative.

With recent interest from other clubs regarding Endo, it makes sense that Liverpool are looking for other midfield options.

Arne Slot will be very aware of Veerman’s credentials to improve his team, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool want him enough to put in a concrete offer.

The Kopite View

It’s very encouraging that Liverpool are being linked with another midfielder, especially one as highly rated as Veerman.

There are rumours that Endo could leave, but regardless if he stays or goes, he really isn’t mobile or good enough to be playing regularly in a defensive midfield role for Liverpool.

Veerman’s impressive attacking ability is also advantageous for Liverpool’s midfield despite him probably being used in a more defensive midfield role.

Regardless if Liverpool sign Veerman despite the rumours, I’m convinced that it is only a matter of time before Slot strengthens his squad.

Liverpool Jet Off To US With Stripes But No Stars

23 Jul

Liverpool flew out earlier today for the next phase of their pre-season schedule, as they left for the United States.

New manager Arne Slot has been busy putting his new players through their paces on the training ground before losing 1-0 to Preston North End last week in a behind closed doors friendly.

Preparations for the new season will be stepped up as they prepare in America for friendly fixtures against Real Betis before playing Arsenal and finally Manchester United.

But the pre-season isn’t ideal for Slot with so many first team regulars still on holiday after participating in various international commitments this summer.

Player like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, Alisson Becker, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez will all miss the US tour.

The Kopite View

This pre-season is very difficult for many teams that have had players playing in international tournaments this summer, but Liverpool are affected more than most with a new manager taking over, and so many experienced players missing for most of the pre-season.

It will be very difficult for Slot as he won’t have most of his star players back until shortly before the start of the season, but it will give him a chance to see if some of his youngsters are ready to challenge for first team places.

We will watch this US tour with interest as Slot prepares for his first season in charge at Liverpool.

Slot Must Improve Liverpool’s Injury Record

19 Jul

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a lot of work to do in his new job, as he tries to continue the impressive work former manager Jurgen Klopp achieved.

One of the most important challenges that the Dutch boss will want to improve on, is to reduce the amount of injuries that Liverpool have had during Klopp’s reign.

It really has been horrendous the amount of injuries that Liverpool have had during the last nine years, and it makes you wonder if it has been partially caused by the German’s training methods?

It will be very interesting to see if Liverpool’s injury record improves now that Arne Slot is in charge because the injuries have really curtailed the Reds at important stages of different seasons.

It is very hard to find faults with Klopp but maybe his training methods can be questioned.

Liverpool must have a fit squad to compete in so many competitions next season.

Hopefully Slot can solve the problem.

Trent Rumours Building As Reds Set Price

19 Jul

There is mounting speculation regarding the future of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to sign the talented England international, and with only a year left on his contract, Liverpool might reluctantly sell.

The Reds won’t want to lose their right-back, but if he wants to go, then they will want a lot of money as compensation.

Reports suggest that Liverpool will want at least £80 million for Trent if Real Madrid are seriously wanting him.

The Kopite View

Trent is a terrific player, but with new manager Arne Slot coming in, the Liverpool defender might feel it’s the right time to move on?

There were times last season that the Scouser didn’t look interested in defending as his body language showed at times, and suggested that he is wanting to play in midfield that many people suggest is his best position.

If Liverpool were to let Alexander-Arnold leave, then the money would be valuable for Slot to bring in his own players.

The breakthrough of young Conor Bradley and the experienced Joe Gomez would provide good cover if Trent was to leave regardless if the new manager would want to replace him.

Like most Liverpool supporters, I want Trent to stay, but everyone has their price.

United Show Desperation As Liverpool Look On

17 Jul

There was a lot of speculation that Liverpool were after Lille defender Leny Yoro, and supposedly in a battle with Real Madrid for the 18-year- old’s signature.

But now it seems that the youngster is destined for Old Trafford after Manchester United put a in a bid of £52 million.

It’s not the transfer fee that has possibly put Liverpool off, but it seems to be the wages that the youngster will receive, according to reports.

It is believed that Yoro will earn £113,000 per week, rising to £145,000 per week inclusive of bonuses.

The deal will certainly encourage United supporters for the new season, and make them very happy getting one over their old rivals, but the Manchester club have been flinging a lot of money about to regain success since Sir Alex left many years ago.

The Kopite View

Liverpool supporters are frustrated with this news of losing out on a talented young defender, especially to their bitter rivals.

But I’m sure Liverpool know who they want to bring in to strengthen this summer, and their defence is pretty strong despite losing Joel Matip this summer.

There is also plenty of time to sign new players this summer, so there is no need to panic.

The biggest factor that would have prevented Liverpool from signing Yoro is the youngster’s wages, and if they were to pay what he wanted, then it would have caused a lot of problems regarding the club’s wage structure.

Although I’m disappointed that a talented youngster has went to Manchester United, I can understand why Liverpool have not tried to better United’s offer.

It is too much money to gamble on a youngster playing in a new country with only one season of experience under his belt.

It isn’t the first time United have spent big money on a youngster and been left disappointed.

Manchester United are a long way behind Liverpool and need to spend a lot of money and bring many new players in to catch up with the Anfield club, whereas Liverpool have a strong squad already and just need one or two players in to strengthen.

We don’t need to panic like Manchester United.

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Slot Must Be Careful With Trio

15 Jul

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a massive job on his hands trying to continue the successful period that Jurgen Klopp achieved during his time at Anfield.

The Dutch boss has many challenges in his new role, and one of them is how to get the best out of three of his most experienced players and older squad members.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have been stalwarts during the Reds’ successful period inspired by Klopp.

But they are all getting older and have a lot of miles on the clock, but the three are still very important players for Liverpool.

It just seems like Slot needs to try and keep his experienced trio fresh for the long season ahead and maybe not play them as much as they are used to.

There was times last season that Mo Salah seemed tired and wasn’t as brilliant as he usually is, but he was rarely rested and he’s now 32 years old and maybe needs more rest.

Virgil is 33 now and although he had a good season last time out, it would be beneficial to give the captain a rest too.

Robertson is only 30 but he has played an awful lot of football in recent years both at Anfield and with Scotland in a very demanding role in the left of defence.

The Scot’s pace has always been a major asset of his game, but there are signs he’s losing a little, and like the aforementioned, I think Robbo needs to get more rest to get the best out of him.

It will be very interesting to see how Slot uses them because it is difficult to leave out your best players when you have so many tough games to negotiate in a very long and demanding season.

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England Heartbreak As Their Most Talented Player Look On

14 Jul

England were once again left heartbroken for the second Euros Final in a row as Spain won 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Oyarzabal.

It is extremely tough with hopes high after Gareth Southgate took England to a second Euros Final in a row.

Spain were the standout team of the tournament and were also in the toughest half of the draw, and in fairness they deserved to win after dominating long spells of the final despite scoring very late to take the trophy.

Too Negative

Gareth Southgate deserves credit for his record of taking England to the latter stages of numerous competitions, but with the array of talent at his disposal, you can’t help but think he isn’t getting the best out of his players.

When England lost the final at Wembley 3 years ago, they had a tremendous chance to win the Euros after taking the lead against Italy, but instead of going for the jugular and a second goal, England seemed to sit back and allow Italy to grow into the game, before they equalised, and eventually ran out winners after winning the penalty shoot-out.

England have been spoiled for choice with talented players throughout the years, and far too often some of those players have not been used enough.

Players like Matt Le Tissier, Glenn Hoddle are a couple that come to mind, but far too often England managers have selected more workmanlike players instead.

Trent

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest talented player to be left frustrated, after mostly sitting on the bench as he watched his countrymen get to another Euros Final.

The Reds’ star was only used for the last 5 minutes, in the penalty shootout win over Switzerland, and also scored the winning penalty to take England through to the semifinal against the Netherlands.

The Liverpool defender gets so much criticism for his defending, but really the criticism is vastly unfair and what he offers going forward with his vision and passing ability outweighs his defensive frailties.

If Alexander-Arnold made the defensive mistakes Kyle Walker made in the two goals conceded against Spain, he would be publicly slaughtered by the so-called experts.

But nothing will be said about Walker because he has pace to burn.

It just seems so frustrating to see such a talented player sit so long on the bench as England just fell short once again.

Will Southgate finally realise what Trent can do for England? The way Jurgen Klopp used him at Liverpool?

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