Let the speculation begin... http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=255164&cc=5901 Houllier: 'The weak will go' Andy Hooper Gerard Houllier has given the first indication that Liverpool's disastrous slump in form could lead to a major player cull next summer. The Anfield boss has remained steadfast in defending his squad despite the club going through its worst run of form in 50 years, having gone eleven Premiership matches without victory. But ahead of Saturday's visit to high-flying Southampton - who are unbeaten in nine matches and have yet to lose at their St Mary's Stadium this season - the Frenchman warned that something would have to give. 'We have to keep strong,' Houllier told reporters. 'But this is an ideal opportunity to tell people that at the end of the season the strong will be even stronger, but the weak will have to go. 'Ideally, we should be in second or third place in the league, but it hasn't happened and there is a fine line between winning and losing. 'The more difficult the period is, the more you get out of it and the strong personalities and top players will emerge stronger, bigger and more clever. 'The weaker ones will disappear - sometimes you need that sort of crisis to sort out what is going on. The Merseysiders were seven points clear at the top of the table when Michael Owen's double strike gave them victory over West Ham on November. But the goals and points have since dried up and this week Houllier called in the club's record goalscorer Ian Rush to help matters. The former Wales international has joined the Anfield coaching set-up in the hope of boosting Liverpool's shot-shy forwards, who only have had only one goal - Owen's first-half effort against Aston Villa last week - to celebrate from their last five Premiership outings. But Houllier angrily denied media suggestions that drafting in Rush was a panic measure. 'Anything we do differently at the moment, people see as a knee-jerk reaction,' said Houllier. 'Over the last four years we have changed a lot of things at the club and managed to win five trophies. 'I would not jeopardise that for a blip that has lasted a couple of months. 'Obviously, I am not happy with what is going on and bringing Ian into the club was an idea I have had for a long time. 'I am happy with the strikers but I thought having Ian, who is a Liverpool legend, offering some tips would be a good idea. 'I mentioned it to him a couple of months ago and the response has been great - both from the players and the staff. 'However, it went into the press as if he was going to be our saviour. I wish he was, but that was not the idea.'
So if people (Berger, Santa, Biscan) leave, are we to expect many new arrivals? I feel like there is enough untested youth in the system, that it would be worth going after established talent, but not more than one or two such entities. Diomede is out on loan, right? I would think he would be another candidate. Heggem has spent the last year or two on the trainers table, so one would think he might be let loose. What about Ostemobor? Honestly, would anyone be that suprised to see Heskey sold off?
Off the top of my head . . . Berger and Santa will go; Biscan will stay. I believe it's Vignal who just went out on loan, not Diomede, but I could be wrong. Diomede may well go. Partridge is on loan as well, and I think he'll be back. Heggem is already gone; the announcement was made a couple of months ago that he won't be re-signed this summer. Ostemobor stays--and should stay; high-quality lad, IMHO, and a local. I would be very, very surprised to see Heskey sold. In fact, I don't expect any big sales solely to raise cash. The club is in good shape financially, and we never spent the money raised from the Barmby and Wright sales (about GBP 6M, as I recall). The big decisions will be in 2004, as Diouf, Diao, and Baros will have to rise to the occasion or go elsewhere. ----
Vignal, Berger, and Santa are as good as gone. Biscan and Smicer are questionable to stay. As is Babbel --- the team has been very suppotive to him but if he can't reach game form perhaps it's time to go. I think that the Senagalese and Cheyrou are being asked to get tough and make a contribution. I really think that we have a solid core but contrary to what some think, it's not really width that is the major problem, although it's a symptom. We simply lack the kind of player that can spread the ball around, demand runs by the midfielders and strikers, and pry open a defense with something other than a long ball over route one. A solid central attacking midfielder is what's needed and I'm afraid neither Stevie nor Danny quite get there. Not that I want them to go any where but that's what we need to add.
I think Milan Baros has done quite well this season when given the opportunity. As for Diouf, I think we need to play him at left midfield and let him run and create out wide.
I think Baros has a pretty good chance of making it with LFC long-term. But I think the decision will be made next year. I like him, I hope he makes it, and I think he will. Diouf wide, yes; but on the right, not the left. I still favor Riise on the left side of midfield. I believe Diao is the shakiest of the three I mentioned. ----
And he's just gone out on loan now, as well: Diomede leaves Reds for French loan deal 17 January 2003 : by Paul Rogers Liverpool midfielder Bernard Diomede has joined French Division 1 team AC Ajaccio on loan until the end of the season. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N138560030117-1553.htm ----