Leicester 0-3 Liverpool Post Match Thread

[tickler28]

2 hours ago, David Hankey said:

More or less down without a whimper. In reality we could be relegated without kicking another ball in anger.

 

It has been a dreadful season, probably one of the worse I have had to endure since the mid-50's.

 

The decline over the last 2 years has been hard to watch and take.

 

The Club, to my mind, requires root and branch reform with the deadwood being cleared out immediately.

We can't be relegated unless we lose our next match.....CORRECTION - When we lose our next match

[Fox1norfolk]

11 hours ago, The Guvnor said:

The problem is nothing has changed, the team have been hypnotised/brainwashed by Rodger’s and remarkably the temp management have been too, it’s just regurgitated Rodger’s ball.

Shoot me now !

We will probably never know what happened, but I suspect early in the season Rodgers had a major issue with his players. By sticking with Ward, side lining Gags, Kasper surprising leaving playing players out of position, wrong tactics, wrong subs etc. His recruitment of the last batch of players to transform the team, only Faes gets a starting position, the rest are not Premiership players. Last night just looking at Tete and Daka faces they actually looked scared to come on the pitch.  

 

Rodgers destroyed our club, just 8 wins and his replacement Smith was the worst possible choice. From friends who are season ticket holders at Norwich told me he was a complete joke at there. Terry as a defence coach, shipping 8 goals in two matches says it all.

 

I have followed LCFC for 60 years and this is the worst performing team I have ever watched and after conceding goals last night they looked at a level of a National League side. 

[steveb]

i hope all the players paid for a ticket because all they did was stand around and watch Liverpool, beyond embarassing.. going down 

[StevieH]

To be honest it's a relief it's pretty much all over. Can't bring myself to waste 2 more hours of my time to see them lose at Newcastle on Monday. Most of the players want out and would have been a real struggle next season if we had stayed up. Replace useless Smith and get a young hungry manager in and some decent players that give a toss

[David Hankey]

11 minutes ago, tickler28 said:

We can't be relegated unless we lose our next match.....CORRECTION - When we lose our next match

Well, that's a relief!!

[steveb]

i just watched the highlights , it didn`t mention Leicester.

[Alf Bentley]

It seems to be a minority opinion, but it wasn't lack of commitment or a couldn't-care-less attitude that I saw last night. It was a lack of self-belief and a lack of in-game teamwork/organisation.

 

For 20 minutes, we closed Liverpool down aggressively and effectively. We only created 1 half-chance, but were in the game. But Liverpool then worked out how to counteract our approach - by retaining possession and gradually pressing our midfield back into our defence, like a vice. We ended up stifled, with too little space between our lines - and with players unable to pass or carry the ball out from defence. From about 20 minutes, it was a desperate, 10-men behind the ball job.

 

We were still working, but as a team we were like rabbits in the headlights. We were closing down (mostly - and unlike many games this season), though admittedly we were losing most 50-50s, whether due to lack of self-belief or physical fitness, I don't know, maybe both. Liverpool are a team who press high and aggressively. Given that and given we were now cramped for space, our players who can play good passes (e.g. Tielemans) lacked the space and our players who can bring the ball past opponents (Soumare, Maddison) just got blocked or tackled.

 

I know I'm far from the only one who's wanted to see Mendy in the team. Not because he's a great footballer (he's not - no creativity and lacks physicality for defensive midfield role), but precisely because he has the ability to retain possession when our team is under that sort of pressure. He consistently finds space in tight areas and lays off simple, accurate passes quickly. That reduces the pressure on our defence, allows the team time to get back into shape, to have the midfield playing in midfield and not on top of the defence, and gives other players the time to pass/bring the ball forward while retaining possession

 

Ndidi: As ever, he was terrible when he tried to carry or pass the ball, but I thought he did a decent job at what his basic job should be - tackling/intercepting/simple layoffs.

 

Soumare: Worked hard again, but Liverpool did a good job closing him down when he tried to bring the ball forward - and he simply doesn't seem to be very good when we're not in possession - out of position or lacking the anticipation to close opponents down effectively. I suspect this is evidence that he's better suited to a league where there's less closing down than in England.

 

Maddison: Also tried hard, but yet again he was trying to do too much on his own - and Liverpool closed him down effectively when he tried his twisting and turning. Rarely seemed to release the ball quickly or effectively. That was doubtless partly because he was  trying to put in a heroic individual performance, but maybe partly also because he rarely had teammates available in space.

 

Tielemans: His lack of pace and movement is well documented, but I don't see it as him "downing tools" because he's leaving. He's always played like that. But in a match where the team is crushed back in a vice-like grip, he lacks the time or space to do what he certainly is capable of at his best - playing clever balls to build moves and create chances. Yesterday, we seemed to set up with him playing further forward than usual, ahead of Ndidi and Soumare, but that didn't work as, after 20 minutes, we rarely had team possession coming forward, so he ended up back in the desperate defensive melee, just another rabbit in the headlights. I'd wondered beforehand, given Liverpool's style of play, if we should drop him for Mendy....I think we should have!

 

Faes: He has some good qualities and may develop into a good player, but is just too erratic at the moment - makes too many mistakes, especially under pressure like last night. Castagne was also poor last night, in a similar way. Daka was another who was shocking when he came on - he had the work ethic, but seems to have lost all quality and self-belief. Another ineffective night for Barnes, though a game like that doesn't suit him - got few opportunities, but mostly lacked belief when he did. 

 

Ricardo: Hats off. One of very few to remain calm and play effectively, despite having been out injured. I really hope this bloke stays - and stays fit - as he's such a likeable player and could be a key player next season if fit and present. Vardy showed real commitment throughout and has shown enough quality in recent matches to suggest that he could still be a real asset next season.

[Death by Football]

I didn't see us pressing at all after the first twenty minutes. And after their goal went in the whole stadium knew it was game over.

Ricardo was one of the few to come out with any credit.  Would be great to keep him next season but I think he'll be in Italy or Spain.

Soumare had a reasonable second half I thought, winning the ball and progressing a bit.

Faes is so erratic it's unreal - I like his aggression when he puts in a last ditch tackle but a more competent player wouldn't need to put in those tackles having not got in the sh!t in the first place.

[UniFox21]

Never understood Liverpool journalists (James Pearce for the athletic in particular) who is happy to call out chants from opposition fans he deems offensive, but happy to ignore those from their own fans. 

[Onions]

2 hours ago, old koppite said:

Yes, it could have been worse. BR wouldn’t have played Soy, we’d have been thrashed by MC, confidence completely shot, tippy tappy and no fight against Wolves so maybe scrapped a point, collapsed at Leeds so already relegated by now.

Forest and WHU have shown fight and collective team spirit- we had stopped doing that under BR.  
I don’t want Smith, but it was all we could get. He was let down by the players against Fulham.

This act that Soyuncu is some baller is astonishing, we’ve allowed 13 goals in the 6 games he’s started, with one win, he’s been awful for a long time. 

 

To answer to other quotes, do I think we would have been better with Rodgers, yes, yes I do. Sacking him, with no plan, and going to Dean Smith was suicidal. 

 

If we sacked Rodgers earlier, and found an established manager, not one who survived because goalline technology failed, we might have had a chance, but sacking Rodgers for Smith relegated us. 

 

But ‘Anyone but Rodgers’ 👍

[The Guvnor]

Retaining Ricardo and getting James Justin back up and running is a must for next season, and one of the few things that give me any hope for next season.

[An Sionnach]

4 minutes ago, Onions said:

This act that Soyuncu is some baller is astonishing, we’ve allowed 13 goals in the 6 games he’s started, with one win, he’s been awful for a long time. 

 

To answer to other quotes, do I think we would have been better with Rodgers, yes, yes I do. Sacking him, with no plan, and going to Dean Smith was suicidal. 

 

If we sacked Rodgers earlier, and found an established manager, not one who survived because goalline technology failed, we might have had a chance, but sacking Rodgers for Smith relegated us. 

 

But ‘Anyone but Rodgers’ 👍

Rodgers started the season with one point from twenty one , he should have had his arse kicked then. Top refused to pay him, it was always about money, it always is.

[Onions]

1 minute ago, An Sionnach said:

Rodgers started the season with one point from twenty one , he should have had his arse kicked then. Top refused to pay him, it was always about money, it always is.

Ok, I’m not shocked you stopped at this point because we were good after the Spurs defeat. 

 

Did you want him sacked then, as after this we beat Leeds, Wolves, Forest, West Ham& Everton in the next 7, before the WC we were playing well, then it was a shambles. 

[jim5000]

11 hours ago, Hales said:

The fact we are limping over the line to relegation is hard to take......

No fight, no passion. Nothing ......

 

 

Yep, it’s the stink of resignation from the club and supporters that is the worst thing.

 

There is no fight, there is no feel that this is a squad fighting an uphill battle but with a determination to do it to maintain their status.

 

We all know how Newcastle will go. We’ll be 2-0 down within 30 minutes. There will be a 15 minute rally at some point in the second half, and we’ll be effectively relegated by the end of the match.

 

Even if we get to the last day with West Ham, I have zero confidence that the team’s mentality will be any different to the last 2 seasons.

[An Sionnach]

46 minutes ago, Onions said:

Ok, I’m not shocked you stopped at this point because we were good after the Spurs defeat. 

 

Did you want him sacked then, as after this we beat Leeds, Wolves, Forest, West Ham& Everton in the next 7, before the WC we were playing well, then it was a shambles. 

It was heading south last season , managers have an expiry date and we let the milk go off. The teams we beat in that run have hardly covered themselves with glory.

Edited 16 May 2023 by An Sionnach

[kingfox]

Simon Jordan spot on again with his analysis of our situation 

 

[UniFox21]

What I'm most disappointed about is the number of players with whom Leicester gave them their big break, took a big chance on them and allowed them to have success, who just don't give a shit.

[Fox1norfolk]

1 hour ago, Onions said:

Ok, I’m not shocked you stopped at this point because we were good after the Spurs defeat. 

 

Did you want him sacked then, as after this we beat Leeds, Wolves, Forest, West Ham& Everton in the next 7, before the WC we were playing well, then it was a shambles. 

Why was it just a shambles for us and not any other clubs ?

[FearlessFox2016]

Success means everyone associated with the club is successful. Im sorry but it starts from the Top (excuse this pun) but the Owner and board are the problem. Remember the visions of stadium expansion, hotel... blah blah blah. Where dis all the money go?? Winining Prem 15/16 FA Cup money top 5 position money. Investment in the team. Selling Players. Kasper leaving was the last straw with no replacement.. players like Tielemans leaving for free. This is a big overhaul whats left of club? Frustrated fans thats what!!!

[gw_leics772]

14 hours ago, safetosurfthisbeach said:

Why sing "You're not fit to wear the shirt" ? This is surely counter-productive.

Genuine question. When is it acceptable to show your disdain and let them know it ain't good enough?

 

To use a post in this thread, the goose was cooked by then. What further harm could possibly be done? You could even use the scoreline staying the same as justification that it worked (that's not the reason but that's how stats work innit. Support them 0-3, barrack them 0-0. That's progress, and therefore productive.) 

 

Unless you're saying that is the reason we won't do enough in the next 2 games, in which case, fancy a game of ker-plunk cos that is some heavy duty straw clutching. 

[gw_leics772]

13 hours ago, kermagant said:

There are still 6 points up for grabs

Share em out, 3 for Newcastle, 3 for West Ham. Move on. 

[gw_leics772]

I am longing for the Rob Kelly days. At least then they would get back to the training ground and redouble their efforts rather than pat themselves on the back for trying so hard but unfairly lose to the better team 🤣

[Vazman]

Slept on it last night or tried too, after I had, in my dreams bollecked everyone at the club, I think at one stage I was that angry I had pulled Wout Faes hair out, and I'm still Fu"$ed off with it all, just get this season over with, anyone and I mean anyone, who thinks we will get anything resembling a result at Newcastle or Westham, needs to manage their expectations, with clueless Smith and a bunch of unfit players, we stand absolutely no chance, stop messing around and prepare now for the Championship, such is the state of the club i bet they haven't even looked at a new manager, or potential replacement players.

 

Some of them need to start, if not already, clearing their lockers out.

[goose2010]

Took my brother to the game yesterday, he fell out of love with football about 10 years ago. Knows his stuff but just doesn't follow it any more. I warned him it wouldnt be great but he was shocked out how the basics are just not there. 

 

The real simple things like a throw in, take a touch pass it back. Don't let the ball bounce. Defend as a unit and the CB calls his line and you stick to it.

 

The lack of captains voice on the pitch. How much i hate how he does it Jordan Henderson is the exact style of captain we need. Don't give the ref a minute, make he favour your team, demand action is taken as it does make a difference. 

 

We need leaders across the pitch, we dont have any. Its laughable really as last night there was 5 players (Evans, Tielemans, Maddison, Vardy & Ndidi) in the starting 11 that have been captain at some point this season and not one of them was leading out there. 

 

A leader HAS to be our first signing in the summer. 

 

Must admit the highlight was people chucking the t-shirts back at half time. If the club are actually going to continue with the cannons then put some actually shirts in or something? The shirts are £20 ish at the minute! its not actually going to break the bank. 

 

Or best case, just don't do anything. Just put some music on, show the highlights (including the oppositions attacks!) and let people do what they need to do at half time! 

 

 

[gerblod]

5 hours ago, An Sionnach said:

Balance and internet forums are in general mutually exclusive. The defeat was expected , even near our best Liverpool usually prevail. Its just that many of our players don't know how to fight and make things as difficult as possible. The attitude " if we can't win pretty then we don't want to play " is entirely down to Rodgers. In truth though that idea hoodwinked many on here.

When I watched Chilwell get isolated by the tactics of Man City and Liverpool in December 2019 and done over by Salah (ably assisted by Trent-Arnold ) and Mahrez, I thought that that sprang from Rodgers' ego-driven belief that City could go to-to-toe with both, rather than being smart and devising a game plan to negate their attack (if that's ever possible).

When they're able to play pretty, then it's the beautiful game, but there's not the resilience there to deal with setbacks. He's neglected defensive issues almost intentionally it feels. That may be what led to morale problems with Söyüncü, Kasper, Wilf and possibly Evans. Castagne and Kasper were both critical of him, weren't they?

Rodgers is a parasite - content to spend money, but never building long term.

There is a capable team still there, but without Madders, it will lack his sophistication. Tielemans and for pity's sake, Soumaré, will be gone and maybe, a decent young manager will be sourced - who will build a team from the back. But the prospect of three seasons in the Championship is realistic.

I never thought Vichai would be so missed but lesser people have inherited what he built up. I feel pessimistic about City's potential to recover his legacy.