Roberto Mancini has lamented Manchester City’s fixture pile-up ahead of their trip to Fulham on Sunday.City’s trip to Craven Cottage is the first of three fixtures in a week.”We are not machines,” Mancini said.”I have never seen one team play every two days in February or March.””It’s not just impossible for us, it is for every team.””I think that here we should change something because for all players, for English players and every time after England play World Cup, European Cup it is a problem because all the players are tired.” “I think we should have more respect for the players because it is impossible.””We should use these two days to recover very well and I hope we can be fresh against Fulham.””We should try to win every game that’s possible, we will try to win but it is very hard to play so many games.””I think that we are very tired, it is important some players recover for Sunday and it will be a difficult game because Fulham play very well at this moment in time.””It will be a different game but I hope we can play like we did at Fulham.””Bobby Zamora is fit again and is an important player for them. It will be very difficult for us.”Reserve goalkeepers Shay Given and Gunnar Nielson both sustained long-term injuries this week, leaving just Joe Hart and the unfancied Stuart Taylor as cover.City faced a similar crisis last season when they were forced to sign Marton Fulop on an emergency loan after receiving special dispensation.”Last year we were unlucky, it is impossible that we are as unlucky again, we have Stuart Taylor but I hope Joe Hart can play every game,” Mancini said.”We have I don’t know how many players injured; I hope that Joe doesn’t have any problems. He is young and I hope that he can be strong.”Vincent Kompany (hip) and James Milner (hamstring) are both doubtful. Nigel De Jong (ankle), Adam Johnson (ankle) and Micah Richards (calf) are all definitely missing.
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has finally completed his widely anticipated transfer to Manchester City by signing a five-year contract with Roberto Mancini's team.
The Ivory Coast international has completed the switch after his side were knocked out of the World Cup.
The 28-year-old has spent the last three years at the Nou Camp, helping Pep Guardiola's team win the Champions League in 2009.
He was also a regular in Barca's 2008-09 and 2009-10 La Liga title winning sides although he was more of a peripheral figure last term.
Mancini, who snapped up Valencia's David Silva earlier in the week, said of his latest capture:"This is another fantastic signing for Manchester City and I am very pleased Yaya has joined us. He is a very good player.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Everyone knows Yaya is a player that we have admired for a long time and we would like to welcome him to Manchester City. He has played at the top level with Barcelona and I am sure he his experience and ability will be very important for us."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Well it happened, it actually happened! Rub your eyes in disbelief all you like. Robin Van Persie will no longer be prowling the penalty areas at the Emirates Stadium . On the eve of the new Premier League campaign the Dutchman did the unthinkable. But where does this leave the Gunners? One could say losing Van Persie will impact heavily on Arsene Wenger’s hopes of a title challenge this term. But as we’ve seen year after year Wenger always comes out fighting after losing the heartbeat of his team. This time around he’s remedied the situation early with the signings of Oliver Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla. All three are expected to feature in their opening game and prove there is life after Van Persie. The 29-year-old enjoyed his best season in front of goal since joining the North London club eight years ago but if the aforementioned trio can replicate his tally of 37 and deliver a first trophy since 2005 then the former captain will become a distant memory in the minds of supporters.
This week on FFC should Wenger let Andrey Arshavin leave the club in the wake of Van Persie’s departure and is Lucas Biglia bound for the Emirates?
[divider]
Best of FFC
The Full Premier League Season Preview – Arsenal
This Arsenal curse continues to strike
Does Theo Walcott really fit in at either Arsenal or Liverpool?
Should Wenger really let him slip the Arsenal net?
The 15 Premier League transfers ‘still likely to happen’ this summer
Arsenal target Mexes in player exchange deal for Bendtner
Is their role in modern football getting out of hand?
Arsenal in pole position to sign Anderlecht ace
Arsenal out to hijack Liverpool move
[divider]
Best of WEB
[divider]
RvP: Dawning Of A New Era – A Cultured Left Foot
Do we really need to be chasing this Turkish playmaker anymore? – Gunnersphere
The end of another relationship – Online Gooner
No shock as van Persie goes, but what a shame – Arseblog
I am finally a happy camper again, it looks like we got our Arsenal back, well done Arsene. – Le Grove
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Want Away Striker insists it’s not about Money!! Barca step up chase for Alex Song & Fabianski fights back….. – Highbury House
So…AC Milan And Arsenal Target Set For Talks With Tottenham – Transfer Tavern
[divider]
Quote of the Week
[divider]
“I know it is a massive gamble but I feel we have the quality to deal with that. I can understand people are hurt. We anticipated this might happen so we bought Giroud and Podolski. If you look at the number of players, we have a massive squad. We have what is needed to be ambitious.” Arsene Wenger admits it is a risk to sell Robin Van Persie but believes Arsenal can cope without the striker
Although they are not fully introduced until next season, Uefa’s Financial Fair Play rules have already changed the financial outlook for Premier League clubs. They are no longer taking their situation for granted and are instead trying to securing their long term future at the top of the English game.
Alarmed with the massive amounts of debt carried by Europe’s leading clubs, and the fact that only 20% of them turn a profit, Uefa President, Michel Platini has introduced the FFP rules to encourage a more sustainable business model. The rules, designed to ensure clubs live within their means over a rolling three-year period, prohibit clubs sustaining losses of more than £40 million during this period.
Football has become more of a business than ever before and as a result the recession and economic downturn are really starting to have an affect with most clubs experiencing a decline in revenue with ticket and merchandise sales falling. The consequence is that these clubs are looking at new ways to keep their costs down while still maximising their revenues.
While millions more was spent during this year’s summer transfer window than in the last, it still feels like the wind is changing in Premier League with a widespread policy of buying now as an investment for the future.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
This can been seen with the fact that more money was spent on English players that ever before and a higher percentage of transfer fees went to clubs based in England with an increasingly trend to buy young English players. Manchester United’s Phil Jones, Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sunderland’s Connor Wickham were just some of the young English talent purchased in the summer by top clubs in the country. As they fit into the new home grown rule and also have a higher resale value in the future, these signings make perfect sense. I think we have now seen the end of big wages and relatively high fees for footballers in their late 20s and early 30s especially at the top clubs in Premier League, minus the odd exception.
Despite the £485 million lavished by Premier League clubs during this summer’s transfer window, there was still an increased financial restraint on managers with numerous clubs attempting to reduce their wage bill by clearing out surplus players on loans and free transfers in an attempt to cut their overinflated squads. Loans moves like Adebayor’s and Benayoun’s were rarely seen previously and are yet another example of club directors trying to balance the books.
Not only are clubs cutting down their wage bills but they are also signing players on reduced contracts. Mikel Arteta took a pay cut when agreeing his ‘dream move’ to Arsenal but in return he got stability with a long term contract and this sort of deal is the future of the Premier League. No longer can clubs pay ridiculous wages to average players and instead a balancing act must take place which will help stabilise the game.
Cost cutting measures have already been introduced in the Premier League and the FA are now looking at ways to bring in appropriate cost cutting measures which will introduce more prudence into the division. UEFA’s rules have changed the business of football in the Premier League and we can expect a different landscape, where clubs only spend when they earn, to emerge in the next few years.
Let me know you what think below and follow me on twitter @aidanmccartney for more thoughts about the beautiful game.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Tottenham Hotspur set the example for the other Premier League clubs in the Champions League to follow last night as they went to the San Siro and beat AC Milan 1-0 thanks to a Peter Crouch goal. Spurs clearly got under the skin of their Serie A opponents, something Arsenal will need to do against Barcelona tonight, as Gennaro Gattuso lost his rag with Joe Jordan.
Much of the focus in the newspapers today is on Tottenham’s achievements in the Champions League, but elsewhere it is being reported that Manchester United are lining up a move for German wonderkid Mario Goetze, Chelsea face an inquiry over a past signing and Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling could be set to break a record tonight.
[divider]
Gattuso faces lengthy ban after Champions League antics – Telegraph
Nasri passed fit to face Barca – Guardian
Fergie targets German wonderkid – Daily Mirror
Chelsea face inquiry over signing of Dutch youngster – The Sun
£21 million price tag slapped on Eden Hazard – Daily Mail
Sterling to break Liverpool record tonight – Daily Mirror
Lyon goalkeeper keen on Old Trafford move – The Sun
Man City boss wants more from Dzeko – Telegraph
Sunderland suffer huge losses – Daily Mail
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Government intervention in football is inevitable – Guardian
Avram Grant has been confirmed as the new West Ham boss this week, after signing a four-year deal with the East London club. However, is he the right man to take the Hammers forward?
The co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have declared that the club are entering a new era and have seen Grant (subject to him receiving a work permit) as the man to lead the cash-strapped side through it.
The Israeli, who steered Portsmouth to this season’s F.A cup final, left the relegated southern club approximately two weeks ago, and is now set to take charge of the Hammers next season.
Despite internal chaos and crippling debt problems at the club, Grant got his Portsmouth side ticking on the field. However, he could not lift the club off the foot of the table, and as a result, the team were confined to championship football next season.
Nonetheless, both Gold and Sullivan have seen what the former Chelsea boss has to offer, and are hoping that Grant can transform the Hammers fortunes following the departure of Gianfranco Zola in early May. Reported in the Sun newspaper yesterday (3rd June) Gold told of his delight after appointing Grant as the new Hammers boss:
“I have to say that, having met Avram and spent some time with him, we have got our man. He is a perfect fit. We needed experience and stability. He’s a footballing man and, quite frankly, his reputation speaks for itself.”
He finishes of by saying:
“It’s the beginning of a new era at West Ham United.”
David Sullivan has also spoken of his delight of having Avram Grant on board:
“I’m delighted to welcome Avram to West Ham and am confident he will prove a success. We have taken our time over this appointment and are certain we have the right man.”
Avram Grant has proven to be a competent manager within the game. The Israeli took charge of Chelsea in 2007 and lead the club to their first ever Champion’s League final. Sadly he failed to pick up the trophy that night, but it remains his highlight of his managerial career so far.
Grant always likes a good challenge, and it looks as if he has found one in the shape of West Ham United. Is he the type of manager the Hammers need? For many fans (if not all of them) the answer would be yes. He has experience and has shown he is capable of performing miracles in the past (take Portsmouth as an example). As well as that, Grant has established himself as a respected individually within the game and a likeable character with many football fans across the world.
His biggest challenge will be to keep hold of his star players, after they have attracted interest from rival clubs in recent weeks; however, Grant has the man management ability to persuade them into staying in East London. He has swiftly expressed his interest in his former Portsmouth players Kevin Prince-Boateng and out-of-favour midfielder Jamie O’Hara and are on top of the manager’s wish-list this summer. Grant spoke of his appointment on becoming the new manager, he told the Sun newspaper:
“I’m proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It’s an exciting challenge. I’m ready to do my best.”
He adds:
“West Ham is a fantastic club with great fans and a history respected around the world. I’m looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season.”
It great to see how enthusiastic he is in becoming the new boss. Grant understands how important the club is to the fans, and will do everything in his power to get the club moving in the right direction. A great appointment from the co-owners and many will wish Avram Grant the best for next season and years to come as the West Ham boss.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/TMer4kl1
Manchester United have agreed a fee of £26 million with Sao Paulo for the purchase of Lucas Moura, according to Mirror Football.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new playmaker as a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes, and have identified the Brazil international as a potential successor.
With Inter and a number of other European clubs keen to sign the wonderkid this summer, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have faced competition for the attacking midfielder’s signature.
With Sao Paulo eager to recoup as high a transfer fee as possible negotiations have been ongoing, however it is now thought that a figure of £26 million has been agreed upon.
Lucas is currently in the UK to compete foe Brazil in the Olympics, and it will be down to the player and the club to agree personal terms to seal any potential move
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
United are thought to be confident of wrapping up a deal in the near future, with a medical and work permit also needing for the deal to be completed.
Everybody loves a cheeky backheel and the finest examples stay long in the memory. There was Zola’s magical flick against Norwich in 2002 and Kanu’s delightful finish against Middlesboro in 1999. Now Daniel Sturridge’s gem of a backheel against Sunderland on Saturday has joined these classics.
There are a surprising variety of ways to score a backheel as this top 10 shows, none more unique than Laurent Robert’s effort for Newcastle, but despite this variety, all the goals are united by a deftness of touch and speed of thought.
While 9 times out of 10 a player is likely to get a rollicking from his manager for “Mickey Mouse football”, the moments when it comes off are priceless.
Now, the general standard of backheeled goals is pretty darn high so selecting a top ten is inevitably going result in a few classics going unheralded. The most notable absentees are Lee Sharpe’s flick against Barcelona in 1995 and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s finish against Italy in Euro 2004. But hopefully the final 10 will blow your socks off. Enjoy.
10. Thierry Henry (Arsenal Vs Charlton)
Standing with his back to goal and a man up his backside, Henry stabs it with the heel straight into the bottom corner. As with most of these efforts the keeper has absolutely no chance.
[youtube xKOHq4za9bM]
9. Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea vs Norwich)
One of the finest imports of continental flair, Zola showed everyone what the phrase really meant with this delightful finish at the near post. Also some classic congratulatory player bum slapping in the video too.
[youtube 1Z4DAaQe7Q4]
8. Kanu (Arsenal Vs Middlesboro)
Nwankwo Kanu has always had good feet for a big man, never better than this stunning finish against Boro. This is the most classic type of backheeled goal which in no way detracts from how difficult it is to get right.
[youtube w4Fk2v49NBg]
7. Coridon (PSG Vs Porto)
In at number 7 because it’s slightly untidy, this acrobatic effort really is perfectly executed playground stuff that shouldn’t really be attempted in the Champions League, still I’m sure he was glad he went for it.
[youtube 7heyW6vmnYI]
[divider]
Continued on Page TWO
6. Roberto Mancini (Lazio Vs Parma)
Before the Man City manager became a huge scarf he did actually play football. Here he does everything exactly right, catching the ball perfectly and sending it straight into the top corner.(Very disappointing effort from the man on the front post though).
[youtube iW5WvVcMYCY]
5. Rafael Van der Vaart (Ajax Vs Feyenoord)
This is a stunning way to react when the ball’s played in behind you, the automatic reaction to throw yourself headlong past the ball and catch it with your feet isn’t particularly logical but it sure is effective.
[youtube aKiJLvOlXpQ]
4. Daniel Sturridge (Sunderland Vs Chelsea)
This certainly didn’t seem like the easiest way to get the ball in the net but it was definitely original and has the ever enjoyable bonus of the defender ending up in the net. A fantastically deft finish.
[youtube 9kmSxRHL3EM]
[divider]
Continued on Page THREE
3. Amantino (Roma Vs Lazio)
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
This video has everything, fantastic goal in the local derby, classic dance anthem soundtrack and commentators going crazy, what could be better?
[youtube shoM-n4ec5o]
2. Laurent Robert (Newcastle Vs Fulham)
It’s hard to explain what the hell Laurent Robert is doing when he attempts this as there is no way this is the easiest way to hit the ball. Nonetheless he manages to put it away in breathtaking fashion. Not one to try in the playground.
[youtube sOiubzg_2_s]
1. Matty Burrows (Glentoran Vs Portadown)
Definitely from the Mickey Mouse school of finishing Burrows seriously risked looking like a prat with this effort but it came off and 5 million views later it’s still wowing people. Entirely intentional and inch perfect, it’s your textbook backheel lob. Very special.
Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the contribution of former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who retired this week after 602 games with the club.
Neville is a product of the United youth system and announced his retirement with immediate effect on Wednesday after a glittering career that included a Champions League trophy, eight English Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, the Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
The right-back won 85 caps for England between 1995 and 2007, playing in two World Cups and three European Championships.
Ferguson said Neville, whose struggles with injury this term had limited him to just three first-team appearances, was forced to announce his retirement when he was not included on United’s European squad list for the second half of the season.
“Yeah we’ve been discussing it for quite a few weeks now,” Ferguson said.
“He was going to do it on Sunday when the international week was on, but once we’d given our squad for the second half of the European season the media were alerted to that, so Gary thought it would be better to come out.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ferguson went on to describe Neville as an ‘incredible, fantastic man’ and said he would always be highly thought of at Old Trafford.
“He came to us as a 13-year-old boy, an avid United fan and remained that way all his life and made a great career out of a fantastic will and determination to be the best. He is an absolute legend at our club and will remain so for the rest of his life,” he said.
New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has certainly made his mark at the club in the short time since he took over the reins, tinkering with the club’s playing style, their formation and the personnel. Fulham midfielder cum forward Clint Dempsey is one of those which have been identified by the manager as he continues with his bold, bright vision for the future, but upon closer inspection, does the American really fit in at Anfield?
Liverpool were far from their fluent best during their 1-0 win in the Europa League third-qualifying phase away at Belarusian side FC Gomel, with certain players seemingly clueless of what has been asked of them, but these are early days and we must be patient. Nevertheless, Fabio Borini occupied the lone striker role, with Joe Cole and Stewart Downing preferred out wide, and Raheem Sterling coming on for the the injured Cole in the first half.
With this in mind, it seems as if Rodgers is attempting to duplicate and transfer his preferred 4-3-3 system which he used at Swansea to Anfield, which is where the main problem comes for me with regards to Dempsey, because which role exactly would he have in that formation?
Dempsey enjoyed a hugely successful season at Fulham last term under Martin Jol, finishing the campaign with 17 league goals to his name and 23 across all competitions. He played largely off the shoulder of the lone front-man in a fluid 4-5-1 formation, and could float about where he so pleased, as could the likes of Moussa Dembele and Bryan Ruiz. It led to some hugely attractive football, some of the most exciting and enjoyable that I had witnessed last term at least, and Dempsey flourished.
Here is where the problem lies, though, the demands of playing for Fulham are very different to those of playing for Liverpool; approaching it purely from a ‘he’s a good player, good players can always play together’ angle is simply far too simplistic, and one suspects Rodgers, with his 180-page dossier, wouldn’t dare dream of falling into such a trap.
For Fulham, little is expected of them, a comfortable mid-table finish aside and it also changes how the opposition plays against you. Dempsey is not a player to break down the sort of stubborn defences which turned out at Anfield last term and nor does he have the game-changing pace to get in behind them and make a difference.
His success at Fulham is a direct consequence of the opposition attempting to play more football against Fulham than they perhaps would do against Liverpool. Very rarely will a team set up to stop the west London side, whereas at Liverpool, despite their struggles in recent seasons, smaller teams still at times set out to stop them playing as opposed to possessing any real attacking game-plan of their own, such is their status within the British game. You may snigger at that, as the anti-Liverpool jokes go into overdrive, but it’s true.
Rodgers stated last month about Dempsey: “Clint is a player we’ve enquired about, it is as simple as that. Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is. That is where we’re at. He’s a very talented player but we don’t like to talk about other clubs’ players.”
[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]
Aside from failing to see the irony in talking about other clubs’ players by stating that you don’t want to talk about other clubs’ players, a trick right out of the Harry Redknapp school of media management, it’s clearly had an affect on Dempsey as he pulled out of the club’s pre-season training camp in Switzerland a couple of weeks later in an attempt to force the issue and any proposed move. The situation has been hastened even further by the fact that the club have now sold Alberto Aquilani to Fiorentina to bring an end to a rotten three-year spell at the club for the Italian, during which he was never really given a chance.
Dempsey may seem like an ideal candidate for the role at the tip of the midfield trio under Rodgers’ system, but with Steven Gerrard at the club and Joe Allen surely set to come alongside Lucas Leiva behind him, with finite resources, it seems like a needless indulgence. Add Jordan Henderson into the mix and Jonjo Shelvey, who has come on in leaps and bounds of late, and the squad seems fairly well-stocked in this area.
Where the side does lack any sort of strength in depth is up front, with Andy Carroll having been left out of their European squad for the time being, which alludes to a move away. This leaves just Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini to occupy three spaces, with Craig Bellamy looking like he’s heading towards the exit door as soon as the Olympics are over. Dempsey simply isn’t quick enough to play in one of the two wide positions and while he may be comfortable with his back to goal, he’s never really played as an out-and-out striker either.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The pursuit of the American looks to have been done largely on the basis of a standout season last year, which is merely a continuation of the flawed transfer policy under Dalglish and Damien Comolli that saw the club buy players at inflated values simply off the back of one good season. The club’s record of buying from within the Premier League is also pretty ropey, going back to Robbie Keane and further, and history dictates that we must regard any chances of the move becoming a success with a great degree of skepticism.
Dempsey’s form has been good for a number of years now, but had he scored 7 goals in the league last year as opposed to 17, would the club really be moving for him this summer? Probably not is the answer to that and with Fulham reluctant to sell, you have to wonder whether forking out over £10m on a 29-year-old really the sort of fiscally responsible, financially sound long-term purchase that FSG had in mind when they appointed Rodgers in the first place.
Dempsey is clearly a very good player, but much like with Tim Cahill at Everton, he may just be one of those players which suit one particular club extremely well and it might not work elsewhere. With the doubts over what clearly defined role he would have, his age, price and the fact that given the budget at his disposal, Rodgers clearly has more pressing concerns elsewhere when bolstering his squad. The move to Liverpool doesn’t quite stack up as much as you might initially expect it to and they’d be best served giving it a wide berth this summer if you ask me and focusing on the side’s fairly obvious shortcomings further forward.