Flanders

This content is not viewable to guests.,This content is not viewable to guests.

This content is not viewable to guests.,This content is not viewable to guests.

He was always going to protect himself prior to signing a pre contract deal in January for his next move. He's only still here because we couldnt get rid of him.

Yes but the details will make a difference. Presented as an educational visit, organised PGMOL in support of officials in that area, versus an exuberant, all expenses, high earning trip to ref in front of 500 fans for a few select premier league officials, has a distinct whiff about it that is hard to disguise.

Seems weirdly overlooked. I have no idea if they are but... just imagine they are being treated like kings, paid a fortune, all expenses etc That's huge. Loads of refs will want that gig and those same refs will have that front and centre when making big calls for/against City. If - its a big money earner, then it stinks and is the real story.

Looked bad, could have gone either way. No great surprise these days.

This content is not viewable to guests.,This content is not viewable to guests.

I haven't read it but to say it isn't money motivated is ill advised. Why else is he playing in the Saudi league? Own your decision and move on.

Fees aren’t going down any time soon.

Amazing!!!

Nunez on for the needle up top with Salah. 342

Nah, the defense is abysmal even though it contains some of the best players in the world. This pressure from this whole hybrid right back nonsense is its ruination and was obvious to most.

Dangerously weird fixation with making too much rotate around Trent. Just play him in right midfield ahead of a right back.

Yep - should have subbed him

I’d whip Trent off. What’s the point in risking it.

Consider just how robust Matip and Gomez are...... We are very close to Nat Phillips time. Again! Lessons learnt. Zero.

I’d love to have peak Suarez between Salah and Diaz, now that would be exciting - who cares about the 6 then!?

Didn’t Jota go 20 odd games scoreless last season?

Yes but agents aren’t stupid. They want their budding superstar at a team playing at high level to continue their development and the really big move. None of the three players you mention would have come to Liverpool before Dortmund, Monaco and Brighton because of guaranteed game time. Unfortunately for 2, they were really, really good and circumstances didn’t go in our favour after that when Madrid came in. People can drone on about Bellingham and think that we pulled out of the deal to sign him but in reality he chose Madrid for football reasons and money.

At their best it looks like Dom and Mac are going to be superb. Added to Salah, DIaz and hopefully Thiago we will be some prospect going forward. Gakpo, Niunez and Jota add good depth.

No surprises, we have barely any defenders on the pitch again. we really need to go back to our basics and leave the hybrid complications for the teams with the players for it.

I hope he hits the ground running. Seems like there will be no grace period for this poor chap!

That's not going through the ringer, this thread is. And wondering why i end up being pleased with signing someone i'd have been livid about two weeks ago

This is the only interesting post in the last lord knows how many pages of back and forth. Samuel L Jackson is 75!?

59?