Jaslaws
JF-Expert Member
- May 31, 2011
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mkuu jamaa anapoint,hata kama hawakuja wote ila anawezekana alishawishika kuja sababu mshikaji alikuepo si unajua wachezaji wa kibrazil wasivopenda kucheza epl.
Liverpool FC (The Reds) | Special Thread
Liverpool FC (The Reds) | Special Thread
The Magnificent
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 6, 2011
- 2,694
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wakuu,nawaletea makala ndefu kidogo kuhusu issue ya suarez na replacement yake,nimeitoa kwenye gazeti la Liverpool Echo...Please msiwe wavivu kuisoma.....naamini mtatoka na kitu....!
What happens next? How Liverpool will cope with Suarez departure
Option one: Reinvest in a lot of players in different positions
Case study: Tottenham Hotspur (2013/14)
Player sold: Gareth Bale (£85m, Real Madrid)
Players bought: Paulinho (£17m, Tottenham), Nacer Chadli (£7m, Twente), Roberto Soldado (£26m, Valencia), Etienne Capoue (£9m, Toulouse), Vlad Chirches (£8.5m, Steaua Bucharest), Christian Eriksen (£11.5m, Ajax), Erik Lamela (£26m, Roma)
What they did: Although Bales move to Madrid was not completed until until the final day of the transfer window, Spurs prepared early and brought in seven new players for over £100m, taking the option of strengthening the entire squad in defence, midfield and attack.
Soldado was the only established star who joined, while Lamela and Eriksen were two of the most wanted midfielders in world football. Paulinho, fresh from a good Confederations Cup with Brazil, was also an exciting acquisition.
How it turned out: Andre Villas-Boas lost his job by December after a 5-0 drubbing to Liverpool at White Hart Lane as the club failed to recover from the loss of the talismanic Welshman. Soldado struggled to score in the Premier League and Lamela spent his season homesick; only Eriksen was an unquestionable success.
With so many new players, team cohesion on the pitch lacked, and the Portuguese boss didnt get much chance to integrate them; furthermore, with no direct replacement for Bale designed to do what he did, the team lost a lot. Tim Sherwood, who took charge after Villas-Boas dismissal, didnt fare much better.
What this would mean for Liverpool: With Suarez gone and a small squad, the Reds could look to add players all across the pitch. But with the style of football Brendan Rodgers plays, only a certain calibre would bring success - that would come with quality, not quantity.
On the other hand... Roma received 30m euros for central defender Marquinhos, who moved to Paris St-Germain, last summer. With that money, in came some excellent - and relatively low-key - players like Kevin Strootman, Mehdi Benatia, Gervinho, Adem Ljajic and Mattia Destro. Having finished sixth the previous season, Roma ended up second, playing some wonderful attacking football.
Option two: Dont spend the majority of the fee; allow other current players to flourish
Case study: Manchester United (2009/10)
Player sold: Cristiano Ronaldo (£80m, Real Madrid)
Players bought: Antonio Valencia (16m, Wigan), Gabriel Obertan (Undisclosed, Bordeaux), Mame Biram Diouf (Undisclosed, Molde), Michael Owen (free transfer)
What they did: After losing Ronaldo, who scored 66 league goals in the three years before his move, United decided to tweak their system and instead focus on maximising Wayne Rooneys potential by building the team around him.
While Valencia came for a big fee from Wigan, it represented less than a quarter of what United received for their Portuguese star - and he was a completely different type of wide man than the all-action Ronaldo. Diouf and Obertan were signings with the future in mind, while Owen was an opportunistic purchase. With 24 clean sheets the previous season, the defence remained untouched.
How it turned out: Pretty well for Rooney, not so well for United. The Scouse striker scored 26 league goals - 15 more than the previous season - despite the fact he missed the final two months of the season through injury. It was his best season at Old Trafford at that point as he relished the extra responsibility following Ronaldos departure.
But despite that, the triumvirate of Rooney, Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez had been broken up with Tevez also departing United, opting to join rivals Manchester City instead. It meant that a team who came so close to the treble in 2009 finished 2009/10 with just the League Cup, losing the title on goal difference to Chelsea and suffering Champions League elimination at the quarter final stage. The spark of Ronaldo was very much missing.
What this would mean for Liverpool: Step forward Daniel Sturridge. The England striker scored 21 league goals last season playing alongside Suarez, and could improve even further with the focus solely on him. His progression under Rodgers was evident last season, and the Northern Irishman could extract even more potential out of him.
On the other hand... Atletico Madrid received a huge fee for Radamel Falcao from Monaco but spent just a small portion of that on first-team players, David Villa and Toby Alderweireld. They chose to make Diego Costa the focal point of attack instead of playing off the Colombian, and it paid off spectacularly. Costa scored 27 league goals - he bagged 10 the season before - as Atletico won La Liga and reached the Champions League final.
Option three: Spend a portion on a direct replacement
Case study: Napoli (2013/14)
Player sold: Edinson Cavani (£55m, Paris St-Germain)
Players bought: Gonzalo Higuain (£29.5m, Real Madrid), Dries Mertens (£7.5m, PSV Eindhoven), Jose Callejon (£7.5m, Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (£9.5m, Valencia)
What they did: The departure of Uruguayan hitman Cavani was a big worry for Napoli given he had scored 78 goals in three Serie A seasons, so Rafael Benitez sought to replace him with a like-for-like replacement. In came Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, another South American relentless in front of goal, and one who broke the 20-goal mark in three of his five seasons at the Bernabeu.
The change of manager saw a slight change of system, but the overall aim remained the same - supply the striker with chances and he will score.
How it turned out: Quite well. There can be a debate whether Cavani or Higuain is the better striker - but Higuain cost less and is a year younger, so it immediately represents decent business on that front. He only scored 17 league goals - less than any of Cavanis three seasons at San Paolo - but his presence helped Napoli to the Coppa Italia; they also finished third with 78 points, the same points tally as 2012/13, and scored more goals overall.
What this would mean for Liverpool: With Alexis Sanchez keen on Arsenal, there are not many players out there who can come close to ticking every box Suarez did. The Reds will have to find a striker who can play up front, out wide and even as a number 10 - all at once.
On the other hand... Parma sold Hernan Crespo to Lazio for a world-record fee in 2000 after the Argentine scored 80 goals in four seasons. In came Savo Milosevic, who flopped at Aston Villa but rediscovered his form with Real Zaragoza. Unfortunately for Parma, he only scored nine goals in two full seasons before leaving the club.
Option four: Supplement squad with three or four top signings
Case study: Borussia Dortmund (2013/14)
Player sold: Mario Gotze (£29.5m, Bayern Munich)
Players bought: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£20m, Shakhtar Donetsk), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.3m, St-Etienne), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£7.5m, Werder Bremen)
What they did: Losing wunderkid Gotze could have signalled the end of Jurgen Klopps high-intensity, progressive style of football - but the club reacted by strengthening the first 11 in positions that needed it and with players who fit the profile of the club.
Mkhitaryan had enjoyed a superb season in Ukraine, while Aubameyang had become one of Ligue 1s most exciting attacking talents; Sokratis, meanwhile, brought a physicality to Klopps defence. All three were players required to improve the starting line-up and strengthened the overall 11 - in theory.
How it turned out: As well as could be hoped considered they sold Gotze to title rivals Bayern, who also invested in Thiago Alcantara to join the treble-winning side. Gotzes craft was replaced by Mkhitaryan, who notched 10 assists, while Aubameyangs directness brought 13 goals from the right-hand side. Sokratis would also oversee a better season defensively.
Dortmund would miss Gotze of course - they only reached the quarter finals of the Champions League instead of the final as they did in 2012/13 - but the gap between themselves and Bayern actually shortened. They were also unfortunate to lose the German cup final to Pep Guardiolas side.
What this would mean for Liverpool: A full back, a centre back, somebody with the creativity of Suarez and possibly somebody else who can share the 31-goal burden hes leaving. This, admittedly, looks the likliest choice.
On the other hand... Juventus went one better than Dortmund and improved after selling Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid for a world-record fee, while also losing Pippo Inzaghi to AC Milan. After finishing second with Zidane and Inzaghi in 2001, the Italian giants would win the league after bringing in Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram, Pavel Nedved and Marcelo Salas.
Option five: Do (almost) nothing
Case study: Real Sociedad (2013/14)
Player sold: Asier Illarramendi (£34m, Real Madrid)
Players bought: Haris Seferovic (£1.6m, Fiorentina), Sergio Canales (£3.6m, Valencia, January window)
What they did: When the inevitability of losing their young star to one of La Ligas big two became reality, Sociedad were preparing for a tilt at the Champions League. Having managed to keep Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Vela, the Basque side decided to not replace the midfield metronome, instead bringing in inexperienced Swiss striker Haris Seferovic.
Canales would join later in January, but it was 21-year-old Ruben Pardo who was given more minutes to fill the gap.
How it turned out: From fourth to seventh, Sociedad saw all their good work from the previous season undone, finishing 11 points behind fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao. They would also finish bottom of their Champions League group with just a point.
What this would mean for Liverpool: Who knows? But would be inconceivable for the Reds to simply let Suarez leave without seeking to add to their attacking options - and it is very, very unlikely to happen, especially with Lazar Markovic set to complete a £25m deal.
On the other hand... It could be far, far worse. In 2001, Fiorentina sold Rui Costa to AC Milan to alleviate their fears over financial ruin - therefore opting to bank the money in an attempt to save the club. After Enrico Chisea ruptured knee ligaments early in the season, the club struggled for goals and finished 17th - before subsequently going under that summer.
Note: There are also clubs who have sold their players and chosen not to reinvest into the squad, instead opting to distribute transfer fees received to other parts of the football club such as stadium running costs. Liverpool will begin work on the £75m project to expand the Main Stand later this year - but Suarez's fee is certain to be used on new recruits.
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE
#RedOrDead
The Magnificent.
What happens next? How Liverpool will cope with Suarez departure
Option one: Reinvest in a lot of players in different positions
Case study: Tottenham Hotspur (2013/14)
Player sold: Gareth Bale (£85m, Real Madrid)
Players bought: Paulinho (£17m, Tottenham), Nacer Chadli (£7m, Twente), Roberto Soldado (£26m, Valencia), Etienne Capoue (£9m, Toulouse), Vlad Chirches (£8.5m, Steaua Bucharest), Christian Eriksen (£11.5m, Ajax), Erik Lamela (£26m, Roma)
What they did: Although Bales move to Madrid was not completed until until the final day of the transfer window, Spurs prepared early and brought in seven new players for over £100m, taking the option of strengthening the entire squad in defence, midfield and attack.
Soldado was the only established star who joined, while Lamela and Eriksen were two of the most wanted midfielders in world football. Paulinho, fresh from a good Confederations Cup with Brazil, was also an exciting acquisition.
How it turned out: Andre Villas-Boas lost his job by December after a 5-0 drubbing to Liverpool at White Hart Lane as the club failed to recover from the loss of the talismanic Welshman. Soldado struggled to score in the Premier League and Lamela spent his season homesick; only Eriksen was an unquestionable success.
With so many new players, team cohesion on the pitch lacked, and the Portuguese boss didnt get much chance to integrate them; furthermore, with no direct replacement for Bale designed to do what he did, the team lost a lot. Tim Sherwood, who took charge after Villas-Boas dismissal, didnt fare much better.
What this would mean for Liverpool: With Suarez gone and a small squad, the Reds could look to add players all across the pitch. But with the style of football Brendan Rodgers plays, only a certain calibre would bring success - that would come with quality, not quantity.
On the other hand... Roma received 30m euros for central defender Marquinhos, who moved to Paris St-Germain, last summer. With that money, in came some excellent - and relatively low-key - players like Kevin Strootman, Mehdi Benatia, Gervinho, Adem Ljajic and Mattia Destro. Having finished sixth the previous season, Roma ended up second, playing some wonderful attacking football.
Option two: Dont spend the majority of the fee; allow other current players to flourish
Case study: Manchester United (2009/10)
Player sold: Cristiano Ronaldo (£80m, Real Madrid)
Players bought: Antonio Valencia (16m, Wigan), Gabriel Obertan (Undisclosed, Bordeaux), Mame Biram Diouf (Undisclosed, Molde), Michael Owen (free transfer)
What they did: After losing Ronaldo, who scored 66 league goals in the three years before his move, United decided to tweak their system and instead focus on maximising Wayne Rooneys potential by building the team around him.
While Valencia came for a big fee from Wigan, it represented less than a quarter of what United received for their Portuguese star - and he was a completely different type of wide man than the all-action Ronaldo. Diouf and Obertan were signings with the future in mind, while Owen was an opportunistic purchase. With 24 clean sheets the previous season, the defence remained untouched.
How it turned out: Pretty well for Rooney, not so well for United. The Scouse striker scored 26 league goals - 15 more than the previous season - despite the fact he missed the final two months of the season through injury. It was his best season at Old Trafford at that point as he relished the extra responsibility following Ronaldos departure.
But despite that, the triumvirate of Rooney, Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez had been broken up with Tevez also departing United, opting to join rivals Manchester City instead. It meant that a team who came so close to the treble in 2009 finished 2009/10 with just the League Cup, losing the title on goal difference to Chelsea and suffering Champions League elimination at the quarter final stage. The spark of Ronaldo was very much missing.
What this would mean for Liverpool: Step forward Daniel Sturridge. The England striker scored 21 league goals last season playing alongside Suarez, and could improve even further with the focus solely on him. His progression under Rodgers was evident last season, and the Northern Irishman could extract even more potential out of him.
On the other hand... Atletico Madrid received a huge fee for Radamel Falcao from Monaco but spent just a small portion of that on first-team players, David Villa and Toby Alderweireld. They chose to make Diego Costa the focal point of attack instead of playing off the Colombian, and it paid off spectacularly. Costa scored 27 league goals - he bagged 10 the season before - as Atletico won La Liga and reached the Champions League final.
Option three: Spend a portion on a direct replacement
Case study: Napoli (2013/14)
Player sold: Edinson Cavani (£55m, Paris St-Germain)
Players bought: Gonzalo Higuain (£29.5m, Real Madrid), Dries Mertens (£7.5m, PSV Eindhoven), Jose Callejon (£7.5m, Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (£9.5m, Valencia)
What they did: The departure of Uruguayan hitman Cavani was a big worry for Napoli given he had scored 78 goals in three Serie A seasons, so Rafael Benitez sought to replace him with a like-for-like replacement. In came Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, another South American relentless in front of goal, and one who broke the 20-goal mark in three of his five seasons at the Bernabeu.
The change of manager saw a slight change of system, but the overall aim remained the same - supply the striker with chances and he will score.
How it turned out: Quite well. There can be a debate whether Cavani or Higuain is the better striker - but Higuain cost less and is a year younger, so it immediately represents decent business on that front. He only scored 17 league goals - less than any of Cavanis three seasons at San Paolo - but his presence helped Napoli to the Coppa Italia; they also finished third with 78 points, the same points tally as 2012/13, and scored more goals overall.
What this would mean for Liverpool: With Alexis Sanchez keen on Arsenal, there are not many players out there who can come close to ticking every box Suarez did. The Reds will have to find a striker who can play up front, out wide and even as a number 10 - all at once.
On the other hand... Parma sold Hernan Crespo to Lazio for a world-record fee in 2000 after the Argentine scored 80 goals in four seasons. In came Savo Milosevic, who flopped at Aston Villa but rediscovered his form with Real Zaragoza. Unfortunately for Parma, he only scored nine goals in two full seasons before leaving the club.
Option four: Supplement squad with three or four top signings
Case study: Borussia Dortmund (2013/14)
Player sold: Mario Gotze (£29.5m, Bayern Munich)
Players bought: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£20m, Shakhtar Donetsk), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.3m, St-Etienne), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£7.5m, Werder Bremen)
What they did: Losing wunderkid Gotze could have signalled the end of Jurgen Klopps high-intensity, progressive style of football - but the club reacted by strengthening the first 11 in positions that needed it and with players who fit the profile of the club.
Mkhitaryan had enjoyed a superb season in Ukraine, while Aubameyang had become one of Ligue 1s most exciting attacking talents; Sokratis, meanwhile, brought a physicality to Klopps defence. All three were players required to improve the starting line-up and strengthened the overall 11 - in theory.
How it turned out: As well as could be hoped considered they sold Gotze to title rivals Bayern, who also invested in Thiago Alcantara to join the treble-winning side. Gotzes craft was replaced by Mkhitaryan, who notched 10 assists, while Aubameyangs directness brought 13 goals from the right-hand side. Sokratis would also oversee a better season defensively.
Dortmund would miss Gotze of course - they only reached the quarter finals of the Champions League instead of the final as they did in 2012/13 - but the gap between themselves and Bayern actually shortened. They were also unfortunate to lose the German cup final to Pep Guardiolas side.
What this would mean for Liverpool: A full back, a centre back, somebody with the creativity of Suarez and possibly somebody else who can share the 31-goal burden hes leaving. This, admittedly, looks the likliest choice.
On the other hand... Juventus went one better than Dortmund and improved after selling Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid for a world-record fee, while also losing Pippo Inzaghi to AC Milan. After finishing second with Zidane and Inzaghi in 2001, the Italian giants would win the league after bringing in Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram, Pavel Nedved and Marcelo Salas.
Option five: Do (almost) nothing
Case study: Real Sociedad (2013/14)
Player sold: Asier Illarramendi (£34m, Real Madrid)
Players bought: Haris Seferovic (£1.6m, Fiorentina), Sergio Canales (£3.6m, Valencia, January window)
What they did: When the inevitability of losing their young star to one of La Ligas big two became reality, Sociedad were preparing for a tilt at the Champions League. Having managed to keep Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Vela, the Basque side decided to not replace the midfield metronome, instead bringing in inexperienced Swiss striker Haris Seferovic.
Canales would join later in January, but it was 21-year-old Ruben Pardo who was given more minutes to fill the gap.
How it turned out: From fourth to seventh, Sociedad saw all their good work from the previous season undone, finishing 11 points behind fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao. They would also finish bottom of their Champions League group with just a point.
What this would mean for Liverpool: Who knows? But would be inconceivable for the Reds to simply let Suarez leave without seeking to add to their attacking options - and it is very, very unlikely to happen, especially with Lazar Markovic set to complete a £25m deal.
On the other hand... It could be far, far worse. In 2001, Fiorentina sold Rui Costa to AC Milan to alleviate their fears over financial ruin - therefore opting to bank the money in an attempt to save the club. After Enrico Chisea ruptured knee ligaments early in the season, the club struggled for goals and finished 17th - before subsequently going under that summer.
Note: There are also clubs who have sold their players and chosen not to reinvest into the squad, instead opting to distribute transfer fees received to other parts of the football club such as stadium running costs. Liverpool will begin work on the £75m project to expand the Main Stand later this year - but Suarez's fee is certain to be used on new recruits.
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE
#RedOrDead
The Magnificent.
The Magnificent
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 6, 2011
- 2,694
- 1,249
dogo yupo angani anaelekea Anfield...
#Markovic
#Markovic
nimeisoma The Magnificent na nimeielewa walichomanisha haina lazima kupoteza pesa nyingi na kuleta majina makubwa mtu anaweza jina Kuwa kubwa kwa kuanzia hapo LFC akija ila Mie naona japo mpaka sasa Pesa ya Suarez haijatumiwa hata akija Lovren na Moren ni pesa ambazo ilishawekwa ku spend kwao, LFC wangetafuta players pesa kidogo na wakaja Kuwa star LFC! Lazar kwa umri wake jamaa naamini atakuwa star LFC! Kwa mpira tunaocheza sasa hivi kumbuka Aquilani alikuwa flop sababu ya style haikuenda na yeye ingekuwa style Kama ya sasa LFC basi Aquilani angewika na LFC wasije kupoteza pesa kwa Benzema sio wakuja LFC bora Reus au hata Bony naamini Bony angetoka AC Milan watu wangesema Huyu ndio wa ku sign ila sababu anatokea Swansea watu hawatizami Bony ni mkali vipi jamaa mkali.
Janjaweed
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 20, 2010
- 13,153
- 10,670
I definitely agree with you... But a bigger statement (aprt from panic buys) should be improving contracts za key players especially wale ambao bado wako chini sana kimshahara
We have a great team, great manager and great owners... wale wamaekani wa RedSox sio mchezo
Ed n Edd nEddy
JF-Expert Member
- May 3, 2011
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The Magnificent
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 6, 2011
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ujio wa huyu dogo unamaanisha na hadithi yetu kwa shaqiri ikaishia hapo!
Ed n Edd nEddy
JF-Expert Member
- May 3, 2011
- 5,345
- 6,076
sina uhakika sana maana inasemekana BR anataka ku-sign in another 6 players ingawa hajagusia ni akina nani...!
The Magnificent
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 6, 2011
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wanaotakiwa ni GK,LB,CB,na ST,plus huyo Markovic.
Ed n Edd nEddy
JF-Expert Member
- May 3, 2011
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MosDef
JF-Expert Member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 8,420
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ahahhaha!!!
Leo ITK's kibao walisema Anoucement ya Markivic itakuwa saa 5 asubuhi..
Lakini mpaka sahiv bila bila...
ITK's wa LFC ni tabu saana!!
Janjaweed
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 20, 2010
- 13,153
- 10,670
Welcome markovic... Young prospect
Reds complete Markovic deal - Liverpool FC
I bet you will have to change your hairstyle, you like like Albert Aquilani
MosDef
JF-Expert Member
- Mar 13, 2014
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Attachments
The Magnificent
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 6, 2011
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Wakuu,
Namleta kwenu dogo mpya LFC,Anaitwa Lazar Markovic!
Brendan Rodgers: "This is an exciting signing for us and one that improves our squad, in terms of attacking options, for the coming season.
"He was hugely impressive for Benfica last season and has proved he has the ability to produce the goods in European competition as well, which will be important for us.
"Lazar is flexible to play a number of positions, but I like the way he attacks games and is always positive and looking to make something happen. He will fit in with the way we play at Liverpool.
"Getting him at such a young age is also very pleasing for us, because we will be able to work with him to develop his talent within our group and improve him even further.
"He is the sort of character who is hungry to get better and progress; this is what we look for in players."
Lazar first interview
Lazar, welcome to Liverpool Football Club. How do you feel to have signed for this club?
I am very happy that I have joined such a great club. I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club.
What was your reaction when you found out Liverpool were interested in you?
I was delighted and increased my efforts in playing and training at the prospect of joining such a great club.
What was the biggest surprise in joining Liverpool?
Being asked to join! It is a surprise being here.
How exciting is the prospect of now getting the opportunity to play in the Premier League?
The Premier League is the strongest league in the world, and so I am very happy to be here.
And the Champions League, too. You must be looking forward to experiencing that?
I have already played in the Champions League with Benfica. It is superb that Liverpool are in it and I hope we will go far next season.
Have you had a chance to catch up with the manager, Brendan Rodgers? What has he said to you?
Nothing special. He told me what position I will be playing in the team and I am here to fulfil his expectations.
We know you can play in a few positions, but which would be your preference?
I do not mind. The left side is preferable, but I will play wherever I am asked.
What do you think you can offer Liverpool?
It is not my place to say, really, but hopefully my contribution on the pitch will show.
Liverpool had an excellent campaign last year, finishing second. Did you follow it from Portugal?
I watched every game and they played absolutely superb. It is a shame they did not win the title - but I hope we will win it this season.
Which players are you most excited to play alongside?
I could not favour any one of them. They are all equally good...but maybe the captain, Gerrard, as he is the team's leader.
You spent one season with Benfica, how important was that for you?
It was very important because if it wasn't for Benfica, I probably wouldn't be here. This is my opportunity to say thank you to all the players, president and all involved at the club.
You've won the league title in each of your four seasons as a professional. Which of those gave you the most experience and the basis to get here now to Liverpool?
There isn't one in particular, really. All were hard work and I benefited from each of them - and all of which have resulted in me being here today.
You have never played at Anfield before, how excited are you about the prospect of that?
I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and now I cannot wait to start playing there.
Have you spoken to your international teammates Matija Nastasic and Nemanja Matic, who play for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, about playing in the Premier League?
I spoke to them both a couple of days ago and they are very happy that I am here, and I am looking forward to playing against them.
Finally, what would your message to Liverpool fans be?
I went to Partizan and won the title. I went to Benfica and won the title. Now I have joined Liverpool and want to win the title, 100 per cent.
Hii nimeipata huko U-tube,mnaweza kumchek bwana mdogo hapa,kumbuka ana miaka 20 tuu! na ameitimiza juzi kati tu hapa!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT6pXuQJFlk
Karibuni sana!
YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE!
The Magnificent.
Namleta kwenu dogo mpya LFC,Anaitwa Lazar Markovic!
Brendan Rodgers: "This is an exciting signing for us and one that improves our squad, in terms of attacking options, for the coming season.
"He was hugely impressive for Benfica last season and has proved he has the ability to produce the goods in European competition as well, which will be important for us.
"Lazar is flexible to play a number of positions, but I like the way he attacks games and is always positive and looking to make something happen. He will fit in with the way we play at Liverpool.
"Getting him at such a young age is also very pleasing for us, because we will be able to work with him to develop his talent within our group and improve him even further.
"He is the sort of character who is hungry to get better and progress; this is what we look for in players."
Lazar first interview
Lazar, welcome to Liverpool Football Club. How do you feel to have signed for this club?
I am very happy that I have joined such a great club. I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club.
What was your reaction when you found out Liverpool were interested in you?
I was delighted and increased my efforts in playing and training at the prospect of joining such a great club.
What was the biggest surprise in joining Liverpool?
Being asked to join! It is a surprise being here.
How exciting is the prospect of now getting the opportunity to play in the Premier League?
The Premier League is the strongest league in the world, and so I am very happy to be here.
And the Champions League, too. You must be looking forward to experiencing that?
I have already played in the Champions League with Benfica. It is superb that Liverpool are in it and I hope we will go far next season.
Have you had a chance to catch up with the manager, Brendan Rodgers? What has he said to you?
Nothing special. He told me what position I will be playing in the team and I am here to fulfil his expectations.
We know you can play in a few positions, but which would be your preference?
I do not mind. The left side is preferable, but I will play wherever I am asked.
What do you think you can offer Liverpool?
It is not my place to say, really, but hopefully my contribution on the pitch will show.
Liverpool had an excellent campaign last year, finishing second. Did you follow it from Portugal?
I watched every game and they played absolutely superb. It is a shame they did not win the title - but I hope we will win it this season.
Which players are you most excited to play alongside?
I could not favour any one of them. They are all equally good...but maybe the captain, Gerrard, as he is the team's leader.
You spent one season with Benfica, how important was that for you?
It was very important because if it wasn't for Benfica, I probably wouldn't be here. This is my opportunity to say thank you to all the players, president and all involved at the club.
You've won the league title in each of your four seasons as a professional. Which of those gave you the most experience and the basis to get here now to Liverpool?
There isn't one in particular, really. All were hard work and I benefited from each of them - and all of which have resulted in me being here today.
You have never played at Anfield before, how excited are you about the prospect of that?
I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and now I cannot wait to start playing there.
Have you spoken to your international teammates Matija Nastasic and Nemanja Matic, who play for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, about playing in the Premier League?
I spoke to them both a couple of days ago and they are very happy that I am here, and I am looking forward to playing against them.
Finally, what would your message to Liverpool fans be?
I went to Partizan and won the title. I went to Benfica and won the title. Now I have joined Liverpool and want to win the title, 100 per cent.
Hii nimeipata huko U-tube,mnaweza kumchek bwana mdogo hapa,kumbuka ana miaka 20 tuu! na ameitimiza juzi kati tu hapa!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT6pXuQJFlk
Karibuni sana!
YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE!
The Magnificent.
