Shunning Kelleher in addition to shunning away a host of other loyal and reliable players was the problem. Not injuries.
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@vruz how would you have handled Kelleher wanting a starting role? I'm on record as saying, blasphemously, that I wanted them to sell Alisson for top dollar and go with Kelleher as the starter.
It would not have been popular and, while I love Allisson and think few are on his level, sometimes business decisions must win out over emotional sentiments.
There would have been a drop off, but the windfall could have helped. Alisson's value has declined as his injuries mount.
@mlawton I would have laid out a clear, transparent and respectful roadmap. I would have promised each 50% participation the first year, phasing out Allison the second year to only 30-40% of the games, whilst still active and looking for options towards the third year. That's how many games he's going to end up playing anyway due to injuries, better plan for it instead of the expensive mess we're in now, and we don't even know if we can keep Ali.
@mlawton But then what do I know, I only manage other things, not Liverpool.
@vruz happily, I think I recall seeing from a reliable reporter that Alisson is staying.
I had hoped Marmadashvili would be more complete, but found him really disappointing. And not just in comparison to Alisson, because that's a really high and unfair bar.
He's not great with his feet, his distribution is terrible, and his shot stopping was fine but not great. Perhaps loaning him out is a win/win. But, if so, will it be Woodman as the backup? Pesci? Or do they bring in someone else?
@mlawton Pécsi, he's Austrian of Hungarian ancestry, not Italian. 🤣
And yes, Woodman is our third keeper and he has had some good displays, but I don't think he can possibly sustain a top work rate for more than a few games.
It's becoming apparent that we fumbled that one too.
