Ahead of this weekend’s clash and all the goings on at Liverpool the past week, we caught up with Read Liverpool writer Jack Bird and got his thoughts on the managers, transfers and the all-important result.
1. There is only one place start really, what are your thoughts on the sacking of Rodgers and the appointment of Klopp?
I liked Rodgers and obviously wish him the best because he never meant bad for the club, but everyone had this feeling he’d just gone a bit stale. Whether if was playing the wrong players, players in the wrong place, the wrong formation – even the most pessimistic of us were running on fumes with patience. It’s ironic how a manager so devoted to the character had a squad with so little – now enter Jurgen. The Pulp Fiction syringe-to-the-chest we needed to unite the players and fan base and kick start this season anew. He’s absolutely the man for me and I hope you don’t spoil his welcome party!
2. Liverpool haven’t really got going so far this season, why do you think that is?
Formation and players selected have had a big impact on the slump we found ourselves in. It seems easy and even lackadaisical to blame it on the ex-manager, but a lot of it does lie with him. A lack of spirit in the team has been to thank for our situation too. As soon as we concede we look like we’ve given up, which is hard to watch as a fan.
3. Where do you think Liverpool need to strengthen in January?
The centre back and centre defensive midfield positions are screaming for players if you ask me. Sakho is in every supporters starting eleven, but then it’s pretty much the lesser of two evils. Skrtel is a fine third or fourth choice, but – especially with the injury of young Joe Gomez – we need not just a good, but great centre back to pair with Sakho. I think our fans have a tendency to overrate Emre Can (On current ability I mean – he has bags on bags on bags of potential) while Lucas Leiva goes underrated by many – regardless, a proven defensive midfielder like a Kramer or a Bender would be ideal. And, you know, if you lads wanna lend us Son for a season or two, that’d be sound – we’ve got just one out-and-out winger in Ibe.
4. Mauricio Pochettino has been awarded manager of the month, what do you make of the Tottenham manager?
I really like the guy, just seems like a no-nonsense manager that will let his work do the talking. When people like Allardyce are firing off about other managers it kind of reeks of desperation to me, so it’s nice to see Mauricio nowhere near the headlines.
5. Which Spurs player if any, would you like to see play for Liverpool?
You’ve actually snubbed Liverpool over the last three seasons to some players I’ve really admired, so fair play to your transfer committee because you’ve pulled off some great deals in the wake of that transfer window after the Bale break up. Twelve million for Eriksen still makes me involuntarily grit my teeth and clench my fist, but in Alderweireld, Son and Alli you guys have smashed this transfer window. I’ve enjoyed Son for years and it’s nice in a not-so-nice kind of way to see him doing so well for you, and I couldn’t think of many players that would have fitted Liverpool more than Alli either. English, young, midfielder, boss; so how gutted I was that you got him speaks volumes about just how much of a talent you have on your hands.
But, ahem, Nah, wouldn’t want any of your players. Next question.
6. Where do you see both clubs finishing at the end of the season?
Tough one, this. I’m optimistic, but it’s all very ethereal at the moment until I see Klopp lead us out to battle and see how we actually do. I’m gonna say it’s a battle for fourth, but we might just steal it from you. Assuming Sturridge stays fit that is, as he is a major, major cog in the red machine. I can see Spurs doing well this season, though, hopefully just not at the expense of us.
7. And Finally, Predict Saturday’s result?
I think our red-hot form against you, coupled with the players and fans wanting to impress Klopp like the first date with that girl you’ve fancied for ages – well, it all spells a Liverpool victory. Maybe not quite the thrashings of 13/14, but an exciting match with goals both ends. The Flanagan worldies will have to wait for Anfield though.
A HUGE thank you to Read Liverpool writer Jack Bird for taking the time to answer the questions. Good luck for the rest of the season, just not on Saturday. What do you think the score will be?
