nal were well up for that yesterday. i watched them against villa and they were nowhere near that intensity, same when we played Chelsea and Man united. i guess that is a credit to us that these top teams realise they have to be fully at it with us.

all that said the result needs putting into perspective. i feel bad mentioning this, as we all know its only the scousers who get injuries, but we had 4 top internationals missing; three being the key triangle in at the back and we simply don't have the quality in reserve yet to cover that and go to the likes of nal and get a result unless they are all bang at it, which they certainly weren't in that first half. hopefully this game will lead to Bielsa realising Struijk is a passenger playing the Phillips role at this level, he is an out and out CB.

Agree Biff there wasn’t one mention of our injuries apart from Phillips. The options on the bench were pretty dire. We were down to the bare bones. Quality options are what we need to work on over next transfer window

Bielsa thinks Struijk played well in that role, I doubt he'll move him out of there if Phillips isn't available.
Saying that, I reckon Koch would be the main back up if he was fit.

really? not professing i know better than MB but i am really surprised by that i think it looks obvious he is not up to the role and we also had a settled looking defence with Sruijk at CB and it also kills our right side when Ayling moves in. it just doesn't make sense, i could understand all the changes if Struijk was having an impact in that role but he looks lost to me.

i agree mate i think Koch would do that role to a competent level in the PL and worth a try when he is fit.

The problem is at the moment because the squad is so thin putting Struijk in that role then causes a horrible knock on effect at the back and on our right hand side which as we saw against Arsenal hit us hard. Ayling is a poor centre back and added to that a left back in Alioski there’s no wonder we conceded 4.

Can understand Bielsa backing all his players especially Struijk as he’s only a kid and needs support but it’s as clear as day we need a good 4 quality players bringing in the summer.

bang on. a centre mid that is capable of covering klich and phillips roles. a left back, a goalkeeper to aid Meslier and personally i would try get shot of Costa and bring in a winger to provide cover on both sides.

shouldn't have to break the bank to do it, 40/50 million tops and the squad would be looking solid top half for me minimum with those additions.

40 or 50? I think that's a bit optimistic. De Paul will cost 25 mil alone. I think we need to invest another 100 mil to getthe players of the required quality.

i can't see us having more than around 50 to invest this year after spending 100 last but in an ideal world we have more i agree.

Pretty much the same as every other team does.
Think we had 7 missing from the first team squad but when you go for a small squad that`s what you get on the bench.
Wrt Messlier I can guess what the reaction would have been had Kiko conceded those goals.
He`s young yes and pulls off some good saves but we need a better keeper imo.
LB for sure, midfield and an attacker.
So did you cheer when Bailey or Walker scored a try or played well after they brought shame to the City?

Should have the funds following 9ers investment. DePaul needs to be one major target. Well respected South American football expert last week reckoning it’ll happen

Honestly it’s not worth talking to Marty about Chapylad. Just ignore and we’ll keep things nice and sensible on here.