Champion's League 2017/18

[The Modernist]

Klopp getting VVD when he could have easily gone to an elite side is surely an example of how magnetic he is as a personality.

Er no...as I said when you said it before!

[Darkness_Fish]

We were crying out for a lethal centre forward in that second half, someone to get on the end of anything in the box, but Jesus was poor.

I'm offended that you haven't gone for a Jesus/cross pun so soon after Easter.

[Diamond Dog]

We were crying out for a lethal centre forward in that second half, someone to get on the end of anything in the box, but Jesus was poor.

I'm offended that you haven't gone for a Jesus/cross pun so soon after Easter.

Jesus dived for somebody's sins but not mine.

That's Patti-ly correct.

[KeithPratt]

Klopp getting VVD when he could have easily gone to an elite side is surely an example of how magnetic he is as a personality.

Er no...as I said when you said it before!

Why not? I'm afraid I don't remember what you said last time. VVD was one of the most coveted defenders in the world. Liverpool are not an "elite" club in that they cannot compete with the likes of Barcelona, Real, City etc. Perhaps my estimation of what VVD wanted might be incorrect, but to my mind if you're being bandied about as one of the best players in the world, most would want to walk into the Barcelona, Bayern etc first XI. The fact that he chose Liverpool says a lot about Klopp more than anything else. Sure, Liverpool have a romantic history that few clubs have, and I'm sure that playing at Anfield particularly on nights like that etches memories that go deeper than many other places in a professional's career. But if you're 25/26 and have really the pick of clubs at your disposal, then Liverpool does seem like a slightly odd place to choose over the bigger clubs, particularly as they haven't really competed for a number of years consistently.

The only other factor I can consider is that Fairplay stopped the likes of City bidding for him and that the forthcoming Coutinho transfer enabled Liverpool to pay a significant amount upfront.

I

[Diamond Dog]

I'm not sure he was that coveted - I certainly don;t recall the big clubs being linked with him.

Where Klopp (and the players) deserve huge credit is in the way they have reacted to Countinho moving - they've not just steadied the ship, they've actually improved, and that's very admirable.

[The Modernist]

I'm not sure he was that coveted - I certainly don;t recall the big clubs being linked with him.

nor can I. Nor can I remember him being talked about as "one of the best players in the world".
For VVD moving from Southampton to Liverpool represented a big career advancement, whether Klopp was there or not, just as it was for Adam Lallana.

[KeithPratt]

City were in for him.

[Diamond Dog]

City were in for him.

I don't remember that -certainly not in the way they were associated with Sanchez. Maybe they realised that Liverpool were fixated on him and were going to be prepared to way over the odds (much as Man U did with Sanchez) and just decided he wasn't worth it.

[KeithPratt]

Certainly last summer he was being courted by City, but I think the long standing relationship between Liverpool and Southampton probably played a part too.

[The Modernist]

I don't remember it, but a quick check of the news confirms that Toby's right. We were interested, but balked at £60m.

so nothing to do with opting for the charisma of Klopp then.

[KeithPratt]

City haven't spent over £60 million on a player yet I believe. Might be something of a policy.

[Dr Markus]

Still nervous about tonight. An on form city team can really cause us trouble and get back in to it. it will be a white knuckle ride for the whole match.

[Diamond Dog]

Liverpool will score.

It's a fascinating tie - despite it being 3-0.

I almost cannot imagine a team less likely to defend a lead over 90 minutes than Liverpool - but, by the same token, I almost can't think of a team more likely to score a breakaway goal whilst defending a lead than Liverpool.

I think that's the key - as long as Liverpool don't go out to try and totally defend the lead, they'll most likely score one (at least). That ought to be enough, because Man City (as good as they are) are unlikely to score five. Well, despite the fact the last time they played Liverpool at home they did indeed score five. And not concede.

I think Liverpool are a much better team now though. I genuinely think they may just sneak a win, but (if I had to bet) I'd settle for a 2 all draw.

[Dr Markus]

This ref is shite. The definition of wanting to be star of the show. Ederson to get sent off with a second yellow is worth a punt if they're still losing.

[Diamond Dog]

Had to happen.

And Roma are only a goal away from knocking Barca out too.

[Dr Markus]

Rode our luck, bar hit, good goal disallowed, but I think we deserve it. Barca might be out too. Messi time is needed.

[Dr Markus]

.......also hope there's no scrapping after the match.

[Diamond Dog]

.......also hope there's no scrapping after the match.

No. Should do it right and get it out the way before kick off.

[Dr Markus]

Barca out too, if Sevilla were to win tomorrow . Some surprises this year.

[Diamond Dog]

Klopp has Guardiola's number.