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    The kids did it again! Goals from 18 year old Youth Team duo Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns saw off Southampton at Anfield as the young Reds set up a quarter final clash at Castle Greyskull.
     
    Chris Smith is joined by John Brennan and TLW Editor Dave Usher to bask in the glory of another great night for the Academy and to look ahead to the game at Forest this weekend.
     
     
     
     
  • Jurgen Klopp has pleaded for Liverpool’s next generation of talent to be able to focus on their own game and grow in an organic sense.
     
    Jayden Danns continued the week of his dreams on Wednesday evening when he scored two goals while his academy teammate. Lewis Koumas scored on his first-team debut as Liverpool registered a 3-0 win against Southampton to move into the Quarter-Final of the FA Cup where they will meet Man United at Old Trafford.
     
    Following the euphoria of Sunday’s dramatic Carabao Cup Final win against Chelsea, attention turned to this midweek tie, and just what sort of line-up the manager would be able to field.
     
    Some of the heroes of that epic encounter were given the night off to recuperate, while the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate shared central defensive duties with the captain starting and replaced by the Frenchman at half time.
     
    Harvey Elliott who has made a name for himself as a impact-sub this season made his third start in a week and was tireless worker throughout, while Joe Gomez has taken over the James Milner tag of “Mr Fixit” this season and after being deployed across the back four, the 26 year- old played in central midfleld against the Championship outfit.
     
    Speaking after the game, Klopp firstly wanted to address the discussion of his talented teens, and while being extremely proud of their rapid progress, wanted to emphasise that they are still on a learning curve as the Official Site reported.
     
    “I understand 100 per cent but it's a little bit like with the new darts sensation (Luke Littler). It's fine for tonight, absolutely, but from tomorrow on leave the boys in the corner please and don't ask where are they now, where are they now, where are they now. They have a lot to improve, a lot to learn.
     
    “They will have their moments and in the moment, with our squad situation, they will have more moments than they ever have expected probably, so that's one thing. The other this is their exceptional talents. Of course it's not natural that a boy, 18 years old, comes in that situation and he's just calm as you like and chips the balls there."
     

     
    Klopp said there was never any timeline drawn up for the pathway to first team action for the academy players and the way it has panned out opportunity has come out of necessity and paid full credit to the coaches for having the likes of Danns, Koumas, Bobby Clark and James McConnell cherry ripe for their moment on the big stage.
     
    “We were not involved in the timing, to be honest, too much because we had to use them because we don't have other players. I would like to say we waited five years and I saw them first time when they were 13 and I said, 'In February 2024, we will bring them.'
     
    "We have a very, very good and a very close relationship with the Academy for the obvious reasons, you all know that – Vitor Matos. Alex [Inglethorpe], Barry [Lewtas], Marc [Bridge-Wilkinson], we have a really close relationship, we actually work in the same building, just on different sides.
     
    “The way Liverpool wants to play is clear as well. On a specific day a few years ago, it was probably set up by me but the club needs to agree on that. I cannot stand in the Academy every day on the training pitch and say we do that in training.
     
    “Everybody bought into that. It's the best news because it's not about how you play, because there might be different styles, different ways, but you have to make sure that these exceptional talents understand that a football game starts with defending.”
     
    And in all of the years of being a manager and in his last few months of being Liverpool boss in particular, Klopp says he has experienced a first.
     
    “It is for me strange as well, I never had that before – that you play with that many kids and still can win football games. It's a really interesting experience, to be honest. Close before the finishing line, I saw that as well, so I'm really thankful for that.”
     
    And whoever takes over as manager, let’s hope this legacy which has been put in place so specifically and expertly goes on to replicate many more nights like this.
  • Bayern Munich have identified Andy Robertson as a prime transfer target as it is believed that Alphonso Davies will move to Real Madrid.
     
    The Canadian left-back has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants to join them either at the end of this season or when his contract expires in 2025.
     
    Bayern have their work cut out in retaining their Bundesliga title this season as the Xabi Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen is currently eight points clear.
     
    Losing a key member of their squad will come as a major blow, but they have a drawn up a number of options and as the Daily Mail reports, the Liverpool left-back has been earmarked as a key option.
     
    Robertson is a club favourite with players and fans alike, one of those players that is the true heart and soul of the club that identifies with everyone.
     
    Not only is he incredibly respected, the Scottish captain has proven to be one of the most dependable and durable players of the Klopp era.
     

     
    The only substantial injury that the 30 year-old has suffered during his seven seasons on Merseyside was this season which ironically occurred on international duty when he collided with Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon dislocating his shoulder in the process.
     
    Robertson missed the best part of three months and over 20 games, by far his longest forced lay-off in Liverpool colours.
     
    Jurgen Klopp has looked to not overburden the left-back since his return to full fitness, knowing that he is such a whole hearted competitor who goes 100 miles a hour from the first whistle.
     
    The outstanding body of work that Robertson has produced for the Reds is the reason that Bayern see him as the perfect replacement for Davies.
     
    Despite being seven years older, they are hoping that with Klopp calling time and possibly other long term players possibly considering their futures, Robertson may fancy a change of scenery.
     

     
    However this prevailing view from the outside that this outstanding squad built by Klopp will follow their manager quickly out the exit door is certainly not seen by the man himself.
     
    Klopp recently said “ Write what you want. This club is stable, 100%. Everything will be fine, I'm 100% sure."
     
    The current contract of Robertson runs out in 2026, and what we know about the man it is hard to see him play for any other club until  his latter years as a professional when a move to boyhood club Celtic could possibly be on the cards.
     
    But the Football landscape  has rarely been more unpredictable as this present time. Who ever believed that captain Jordan Henderson would depart to play in a Saudi League or Jurgen Klopp announce that he will be moving on at the conclusion of this season when we thought we had many more years together.
     
    Liverpool without Andy Robertson will almost be as hard to contemplate as Jurgen departing and fingers crossed it doesn’t come to that just yet.
     
     
     
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13130787/Liverpool-Andy-Robertson-transfer-Bayern-Munich-Alphonso-Davies-Real-Madrid.html
  • Last time I wrote: "The front five are now up to 57 for the season and will go close to 100. The team is up to 84 and will go through the 100 barrier sometime in late-February, early-March and could hit 130 or more by the end of the season. We’ve done this before and not got the rewards we deserved in terms of trophies, so there are no guarantees, but with those numbers, we are going to be in contention – and the supporters likely on valium – for the rest of Klopp’s reign."
     
    Well, I had to get something right after the injury jinx I ‘cursed’ the squad with on the pod! I wrote that just after the Norwich game on the 28th of January and since then, things have gone great, in the main, the sole blot on the Reds’ copybook being that off-day against Arsenal.
     
    The front five have moved on to 67 – not bad adding 10 goals between them in the space of a month, given the injuries in that area. All of those goals came in the League too, with Darwin and Diaz really stepping up. We are looking at a game every three of four days from here on in, so getting four out of those front five back to fitness will be more vital than ever. If Diogo manages to get back on his feet for the final games, all the better. However, that doesn’t seem too likely at the moment.
     
    We managed to hit the 100 mark on February the 21st, against Luton. Harvey doing the business in his 100th game for the Club. We still look to be on course for somewhere around 130, time will tell. Whatever, we’ve got one trophy in the bag and as stated above, with those kind of numbers, we’ll always have a chance of contending.
     
    The Arsenal defeat seemed to knock the stuffing out of a good few Reds. I wasn’t that bothered: they were very good on the day, we were terrible, it happens. It hasn’t happened a lot this season – we’ve had two or three stand-out below-par to downright poor performances, Wolves in the first-half, Luton away, Sheffield United away spring to mind. Yet, we still came away with seven points out of nine against those.
     
    The only thing that mattered after that Arsenal defeat was the reaction to it. And to that end, the Reds have come up trumps. Nine points out nine, 11 goals for, three against. Not forgetting the 4-1 demolition of Chelsea before the Arsenal game! We’ve scored three or more in a League game 13 times this season (out of 26 played). That’s extraordinary, all the more so as we have done it while looking solid at the back, with the second-best defensive record in the League.
     
    This is largely down to Virgil. One of the things we all said we needed was for him to be back to his imperious best this season. He has stepped into the role of captain admirably – Paul referenced his leadership on the Cup Final pod. That leadership has been off the field as much as it has been on it. Off it, he’s been an example, accompanying the youngsters and representing the Club really well in the media.
     
    On it, he’s been colossal, back to his commanding best. I think two things in particular stand out for me this season with Virgil. The way he took his punishment on the chin after the Newcastle game, served his extra game ban and was commanding all winter. And the way he took the blame for the second goal conceded against Arsenal, came back and inspired us to a win against Luton, helping to turn Anfield rabid and then a few days later leading us to Cup glory.
     
    He’s not a one-man band though and all of them have been heroes this season – Ibou’s physicality is off the charts, Joe Gomez has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Andy has come back with fire in his belly, Kostas is so vital to us in terms of the spirit he brings to  the whole ‘project’ and the young lads have seized their opportunity with both hands, whether in the League or in the Cups.
     
    ‘If we go all the way in the FA Cup and the Europa League, there is a maximum of 29 games remaining. I know, only 29 more games – at best – with Jürgen at the helm… The intensity will really ramp up in February and March. Three League games, the League Cup final and an FA Cup 5th round tie before our very own version of March Madness with – take a deep breath – four League games, a possible FA Cup quarter-final, a two-legged Europa League tie and, as if that wasn’t enough, an international break. It’s exhausting even thinking about it.  We are well-equipped though, given the depth of the squad and its freshness which is down to the rotation referenced earlier and really good in-game management.’
     
    We are now down to a maximum of 23 games remaining – the end is nigh, as witnessed by Jürgen going to all sides of the Ground for the fist pumps. He even acknowledged the Main Stand, for goodness’ sake! The rearranged Luton game meant that we actually played four League games in February. March was always going to be crazy and even more so now, given the scale of the injury crisis.
     
    It’s all about managing on a game-to-game basis and trying to get bodies back. That the injury crisis hasn’t damaged us that much is down to a combination of fight, composure, maturity, desire. If you take the end of December as the start of the crisis (not to mention Mo’s and Endo’s absences), we have come through more than unscathed. We’ve advanced to the 5th round of the FA Cup, won six out of seven in the League and won ANOTHER trophy under Jürgen. Oh, did you think I was forgetting?
     
    Sunday, at Wembley, was the epitome of what we have become under Jürgen Norbert Klopp. What he has instilled in this team, this backroom team, this communion with the supporters is intangible. It was best typified by him believing – genuinely – on the night of the loss to Madrid in Kiev that we would be back a year on. And we were. And the year after that we won the Title.
     
    Against all odds, against the greatest cheating enterprise in the history of English football, we have gone toe to toe. Never backed down. A bounce or two of the ball away from epoch-defining moments. Almost 1000 goals. More than ‘a never-say-die’ attitude, it’s a ‘fuck-you-all’ attitude. We are here, come what may. In fact, the more adverse the conditions, they better we like it.
     
    Alisson out. Caoimhin impersonates him. £500m-worth of footballers on crutches, we’ve got Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jayden Danns to come in and star. There have been bigger victories in the Club’s history, there’ll be bigger ones to come, hopefully, but few, if any, will equal Sunday’s. The manager was bursting with pride. So were Reds everywhere.
     
    Soak it up for the next couple of months, because soon we’re going to have to sing, ‘I’m so glad That Jürgen was a Red’.
     
    John Brennan
  • Within the ever-changing gambling industry, sports betting has established a unique and dynamic niche. With millions of fans cheering for their favorite teams and players, football is among the most prominent sports in the world.
     
    The fact that football betting has grown to be a multibillion-dollar industry is not surprising. Betting on games and competitions is becoming more and more popular. For football fans interested in learning more about the sport, online betting has emerged as a successful and enjoyable option.
     
    So how has the sports betting evolution shaped football and its fans?
     
    Mobile betting
     
    Football betting was revolutionized by a technical revolution that occurred in the 21st century. Both bookies and bettors now have more options thanks to the internet and mobile technologies.
     
    Online betting sites took off, providing unprecedented levels of accessibility and ease. Thanks to mobile applications, you can now wager on football online either at home or on the move.
     
    The sports betting sector saw an additional boost from the widespread use of smartphones and tablets. You can manage your accounts, follow results, and make bets while on the go with the help of mobile betting applications. This is bringing about an unparalleled degree of accessibility and convenience.
     
    Early internet betting sites had simple user interfaces, few betting selections, and basic betting functionality. Nonetheless, more advanced systems were made possible by the quick development of web technology. These systems greatly improve the betting experience by providing a wider selection of betting markets, live betting possibilities, and real-time odds updates.
     
    Responsible betting
     
    Football betting is a highly regulated sector of the economy, with rules and legislation in place to safeguard players and maintain fair play. For instance, the Gambling Commission in the UK oversees the sector and places tight regulations on bookies.
     
    The promotion of ethical gaming is becoming more and more important as the sector expands. Betting limitations, self-exclusion tools like gamstop, and algorithms that detect compulsive gambling behavior are becoming commonplace on betting sites.
     
    Additionally, sports betting sites not on gamstop are always looking for other ways to make betting safe for their clients. For example, they have deposit and betting limits you can use to manage your bankroll.
     
    Live betting and streaming
     
    The quality of live streaming has improved along with technological advancements. Buffering has decreased as a result of the automation of 4G and 5G networks, improving user experience.
     
    Many people were surprised to learn that bookies' websites now provide live game streaming. As a result, you may get everything you need for betting in one place.
     
    You may watch sports conveniently on a bookmaker's website if they are live streaming. With live odds data, it makes it more likely for bettors to place wagers on live sports.  Since sportsbooks can provide a more thorough and engaging betting experience, it benefits both bettors and sportsbooks. On the other hand, you may monitor your favorite teams' every move.
     
    You may wager on the results of football matches and games using live betting. For many, it has altered their approach to watching football. It gives the watching experience a monetary incentive in addition to an additional degree of excitement. In addition, it's now simpler than ever to place bets and follow the outcomes thanks to the growth of online betting.
     
    Rise of Fantasy Football Leagues
     
    Fantasy football leagues and other such activities have proliferated as a result of sports betting. This is in addition to the increase in information and analysis that is readily available.
     
    You may establish and run your virtual teams in these fantasy leagues. You compete with other players for rewards in this, which is frequently based on actual players and teams. The main difference between sports betting and fantasy sports is the amount of skill and chance required. 
     
    Strategy, analysis, and research are necessary for fantasy sports.
     
    Based on player performance and statistical data, you must choose and manage your fantasy squad. The capacity to make wise judgments and adjust to shifting conditions is essential for success in fantasy sports.
     
    Football betting and fantasy sports have several parallels despite these distinctions. Both of these hobbies let you place bets with real money and entail making predictions about sports results. Compared to 78% in 2022, 81% of fantasy sports participants placed bets on sports in 2023. Fans are betting more and more as they participate in fantasy sports.
     
    Increased use of data analytics in betting
     
    Football betting now requires the use of data analytics. It gives fans and bookies insightful information on how players and teams are performing. Fans employ data analytics to make well-informed betting selections, while bookmakers use it to calculate odds and provide a variety of markets.
     
    Data analytics may be used, for instance, to evaluate individual and team performance. This includes their performance, both at home and away, and in head-to-head matches. It may also be used to determine value bets and examine odds.
     
    Forecasts and insights related to football betting will become more precise as data analytics progresses. Numerous statistics, player performance data, and forecasting algorithms will be at your disposal. You'll be able to make better judgments as a result.
     
    Social media integration
     
    Social media websites and betting platforms have merged to improve user interaction and community development. Social media platforms function as forums for talking about sporting events, giving advice, and celebrating victories. This is encouraging a sports-loving community.
     
    In recent years, social media has had a big influence on the sports betting market. The emergence of social media influencers in the realm of football wagering is among the most noteworthy developments. Fans may make better judgments by using the advice, forecasts, and other insights that these influencers offer.
     
    There is no denying social media's benefits for sports betting. A multitude of data and insights from many sources, such as specialists and other seasoned wagerers, are at your disposal. You may improve your chances of success and make better decisions with the aid of this knowledge.
     
    The future of sports betting
     
    Football betting appears to have a bright future ahead of it since the sector is predicted to keep expanding and changing.  The development of football betting from its modest origins to the current day demonstrates how customer preferences, legislation, and technology have influenced the sector. Future developments in virtual reality, cryptocurrencies, and sophisticated data analytics promise to make sports betting even more thrilling than it has been in the past.
  • In the gaming industry today, security and reliability remain top priorities, especially when it comes to online platforms where live casino are becoming more and more popular. Identity verification technologies are being aggressively used by game platforms to protect their participants & uphold fair play.
     
    This essay will look closely at the factors that make Identity verification the most responsible part of virtual entertainment portals management and how it affects the gaming industry as a whole.
    Preserving the integrity and security of the game
    Verification's importance in maintaining the security and integrity of games for players and casinos alike cannot be overstated. Identity verification is fast becoming an essential feature for online casinos since it may help prevent fraudulent actions and identity protection. Online gaming platforms may ensure that each participant is a genuine person with good intentions by employing this strategy. Therefore, identity verification and bonus system abuse help prevent fraud by discouraging con artists from creating accounts with false or stolen names.
     
    Furthermore, This method guarantees that each participant follows the established rules and guidelines of the casino, which is crucial for maintaining an equitable gaming environment. This safeguards the casino's interests from possible monetary defeats & damage to its reputation in addition to encouraging healthy competition among gamers. Fair play guidelines need to be followed in order to preserve gamer faith and loyalty as well as to guarantee adherence to the criteria set out by regulatory bodies. All these things help to create an open and secure gaming environment.
     

    Preventing kids from becoming involved
    Among the biggest issues facing internet casinos is safeguarding against underage gaming through identification verification. For those who operate casinos, it is not just a moral but also a legal requirement. Most nations have laws that explicitly specify the legal age at which people may gamble, and often, this age is set at 18 or 21. These rules are intended to shield young people from the possible harms connected to gaming, such as the possibility of addiction, financial difficulties, and other mental & social illnesses.
     
    By limiting access to just confirmed participants, the identity verification process enables gaming halls to pick people more effectively. Participants must do this by registering, proving their identity, and displaying proof of identity that verifies their age, like a driver's licence or passport. Casinos will occasionally use extra authentication techniques like sophisticated facial recognition software or bank data verification. This tactic not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also promotes user confidence in the platform by highlighting the casino's responsible gaming practices.
     
    A casino's standing with regulators and gamers is significantly impacted by how it safeguards minors throughout the verification process. Institutions in the gaming sector that rigorously forbid juvenile gaming & uphold verification procedures are typically held in the highest regard and are considered reliable. This enhances the casino's appeal to investors and business partners, draws in new patrons, and solidifies its place in the market.
    Taking action against money laundering
    In order to stop online gaming sites from laundering money, identity verification is essential. Regrettably, money laundering is the process by which cash gained unlawfully are transformed into sums that appear clean and legitimate. The use of gambling is one method that can occur. Online casinos are actively trying to set up efficient verification processes to stop this kind of behaviour since they are aware of the possibility that they could unintentionally participate in such scams.
     
    Identity confirmation is one way a casino may make sure that only actual individuals are utilising their real identities to make financial transactions. To do this, participants must present official records, like a passport or driver's licence, along with extra documentation in some situations to demonstrate their financial situation. Gaming Portal are able to track and examine money movements in this manner, spotting unusual exchanges that might point to attempts at money laundering.
     
    Furthermore, a lot of casinos are putting in place advanced real-time transaction monitoring systems to help spot and stop questionable financial activities before they even get to the point of completion. These systems examine user behaviour and transaction patterns using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to spot anomalies and perhaps unlawful activity.
    Procedures for verification
    Internet casinos employ a variety of identification methods to guarantee the safety and security of their platforms. With the aid of these techniques, it is made easier to verify that users are authentic and fit the requirements set forth in order to play the games. Let's examine each of these techniques in more detail.

    Identity papers
    Users must submit copies of their formal identity documents in order to use this time-tested and popular verification technique. Utility bills, driver's license, and passports that attest to a person's residence address are a few examples of these documents. The gaming site is able to confirm the participant's identity, age, and place of residence using this method. Additionally, it aids in preventing fraud and shielding children from gaming.
    Biometric verification
    Biometric verification is becoming more and more popular among internet gambling websites as technology develops. This technique uses voice, facial, or fingerprint recognition. Since biometrics are specific to each person, it is one of the most trustworthy ways to identify someone. Because biometrics make it very difficult for third parties to use the statement, they significantly boost security.
    Authentication using Two Factors
    Before being able to access an account, a person using two-factor authentication must verify their identity using two separate methods. Typically, a conventional password serves as the first factor, and an application or text message to the user's phone generates a one-time code that serves as the second factor. Since the password and the user's mobile device must be accessed simultaneously to log in, this strategy greatly lowers the possibility of unauthorised access to personal profile.
     
    The internet casinos may abide by regulations while simultaneously safeguarding its patrons from fraud and other threats to international security standards and conventions by using these authentication mechanisms. By integrating different verification approaches, you may also create a multi-layered security system that provides a safe and comfortable virtual gaming space for every user.
    Advanced Strategies to Boost Your Performance in Sports Betting
    As technology advances, virtual casinos are actively mastering Advanced Techniques to Improve Your Sports Betting Game in an effort to enrich the gameplay encounter with their users. Artificial intelligence's debut for in-depth analysis of sporting events, improving the accuracy of predictions through advanced algorithms and creating personalized offers for participants significantly increase the attractiveness $ security of online betting. These innovative approaches not only increase player engagement, but also promote more responsible play, making the sports betting process more intriguing and exciting.
     
    Cutting-edge methods for enhancing the sports betting game are significantly enhancing the gameplay and making it safer for players as well as more thrilling. Here is a closer look at these advances' main advantages:
     
    Increased protection. Modern technologies like blockchain and data encryption drastically lower the possibility of fraud and unauthorised account access. Real-time participant behaviour analysis is analysed via use concerning AI & machine learning in general, which spot and stop suspicious activity to stop possible hacking and fraud efforts. As a result, participants are able to play with mega confidence knowing that they have a strong financial defence.
    Enhanced gameplay. Bids that are customised according to player preferences and historical performance lead to a more personalised & interesting gaming experience. Large-scale data analysis is done by AI and analytics systems to recommend bets that greatest fit the user's interests and betting tactics. This not only makes the game more enjoyable, but it can also assist participants in placing more intelligent and well-thought-out wagers, which raises their chances of winning.
    Respect for legislation. An essential tool for making sure that gamers abide by the rules and laws of different nations automatic confirmation of identity, which verifies the age of users. They safeguard participants' rights by keeping children and others for whom gambling is prohibited from taking part, and they shield casinos from future legal problems. This strategy encourages open dialogue and honesty between players and casinos, which supports a welcoming & liable gaming atmosphere.
    Conclusion
    The procedure that gambling sites use to verify identities employ guarantees the integrity & security of the gaming procedure while also serving as an essential instrument for upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding player rights. This process gains a new dimension with the integration of cutting-edge technology and procedures, becoming more effective and having less of an impact on the knowledge of the user. By doing this, gambling sites are displaying their dedication to their patrons' interests and welfare while simultaneously setting the standard for security and greatly enhancing the quality and comfort of the game.
  • I can’t really think of an intro for this. I don’t know where I’ll end up going in this report either as there’s so much to cover and my mind is racing off in all kinds of different directions. I’ll start with Klopp’s assertion that it’s his most special final. It’s not mine, that is always going to be Istanbul, but I think this might be second you know.
     
    Doesn’t matter that it’s the League Cup and not one of the bigger prizes. It’s all about context and when you factor in everything that ultimately led to this victory, and how it made us all feel, this is right up there when it comes to the level of achievement. So much was against us going into the game, and then so much went against us during the game. Yet not only did we grab the late winner to spare everyone the agony of penalties, we did it by completely out playing Chelsea in extra time despite arguably only having one of our first choice eleven on the field. It’s kind of fitting that he scored the goal I guess, as he put the team on his back and was not going to allow us to come away from Wembley without that cup.
     
    I may as well talk about Virgil now. There’s not going to be much structure to this, I’m just going to write down whatever comes into my head so it’s not going to be in much of an order. I’m just going to type and see what comes out. So I’ll deal with Virgil first. Usually I wait until the end to say who the star man is but I’ll say it now; it’s the captain. Others were equally as impressive, but what Van Dijk did here is what the greats in other sports do. He was Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals. Patrick Mahomes in a Superbowl. What makes this more impressive is that unlike Jordan and Mahomes, he’s not really supposed to be the one “winning” games. His job is more about stopping us from losing it. He did both though. Defensively imperious, but also went up the other end and settled the game. Twice. Only one of them counted, but we know what he did even if the record books won’t show it.
     
    We’ve had the Gerrard Final and the Owen Final, but now we’ve got the Van Dijk Final. Not that it was a one man show by any means, but the big man captained a team that started without at least nine regular starting players and ended without several more, and he led them to an unlikely victory through sheer force of will. 
     
    I very rarely go into games expecting anything other than a win. Even when the odds are against us I usually find a way to talk myself into it. At half time when we were 3-0 down to Milan I was having a piss and telling everyone in the bogs that we were still in it and just needed to get the next goal. I hadn’t given up hope when we needed to beat Barcelona by four goals. I usually always see a pathway to us winning.
     
    But fucking hell I had a massive dark cloud over me in the build up to this game. The uncertainty over Darwin and Mo was like a massive weight on my shoulders, it was all I could think about on Sunday morning. Prior to that I’d been ok because I assumed one or both would make it. Maybe Dom too. But when they ruled out it hit me hard. Suddenly little things started to become big things. Chelsea had lost five straight finals, which should actually be cause for optimism. But the air of misery I had over me just had me thinking “well that run is going to come to an end sooner or later, so probably today”.
     
    I was also stressing out because we’d played Luton in midweek with most of the line up that would be starting this, while Chelsea had a full week to prepare for us. Wembley is a notoriously draining pitch and now we’d been robbed of much of our pace. With Dom, Darwin and Mo we’d absolutely fucking destroy Chelsea like we did a few weeks ago. I haven’t mentioned Jota there purely because he’s out for a while and there was never any chance of him making this game, but we had hope that the others would make it. When they didn’t, it was just a massive blow.
     
    And because we spanked them a few weeks ago I was worried we were going to see a Crystal Palace situation when we beat them 9-0 and then lost to them in the cup later in the season. All of these negative thoughts were flooding my head. I was unloading all of it in the group chat, much to the annoyance of some of the lads who just aren’t used to me being like that. I couldn’t help it, I was dreading the game and was convinced we’d lose. I expected a great effort, I didn’t think we’d be shite, but I thought we probably wouldn’t have enough and we’d run out of gas.
     
    By the time kick off arrived I’d done an about face and felt confident that we’d win. Why? It sounds mad, but the thing that snapped me out of it was just watching Virgil in the tunnel and then when he was leading the lads out. He just had this look. A smirk, a look of complete and utter confidence like “I’ve got this lads”. Not just him either, the whole team seemed relaxed despite all of the absentees. On the flip side, I thought Chelsea’s players looked nervous as fuck. 
     
  • A reflective Jurgen Klopp has described Liverpool’s thrilling 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final as the most special trophy in his career.
     
    Liverpool arrived at Wembley Stadlum with a patched-up squad already missing quite a few first team regulars and with  the confirmation that Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez would take no part in the showcase final it was an added blow.
     
    But if we know anything about this Liverpool team under the German, it is that they thrive on adversity, if someone is missing, another player steps up to the mark and play their role with aplomb.
     
    This was taken to extreme levels in the closing 20 minutes of regular time when youth players Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns and James McConnell were all brought on with their senior teammates literally running themselves into the ground.
     
    The trio made they boyhood dreams a reality as they stepped out onto the hallowed turf in front of close to 90,000 people watching their every move and many millions more watching on from home, let alone coming up against players with much more experience and reputation.  However to their great credit, they did not take a backward step and the experience would be worth its weight in gold for their development.
     
    Klopp has seen many things in his decades long tenure in the game, but even he was at a loss to explain what he had just witnessed as the Echo reported.
     

     
    “Come on, what we see here today is so exceptional.
     
    “We might never see it again. Not because I’m on the sidelines but because these things don’t happen in football. I got told there’s an English phrase you don’t win trophies with kids. I didn’t know that. Yeah…
     
    “In more than 20 years it is easily the most special trophy I have ever won. It is absolutely exceptional. Sometimes people ask me if I’m proud of things and it’s really tricky, I wish I could feel pride more often. But tonight is an overwhelming feeling... Oh my god, what’s going on?
     
    "I was proud of everyone involved in everything here, I was proud of our people for the way they pushed us, I was proud of the staff for creating this kind of atmosphere surrounding where these boys can just do what they are best at. I was proud of our Academy, I was proud of my coaches, I was proud of so many things. It was completely overwhelming.”
     
    The unique factor of the academy kids playing their role in the Cup final really struck a chord with the German.
     

     
    “Seeing the faces after the game of the kids, Jayden Danns... Can you create in football stories which definitely nobody will ever forget? It’s so difficult because this happened before, this happened before... this tonight, if you find the same story with Academy players coming on against a top, top side and still winning it, I’ve never heard of it.”
     
    Mauricio Pochettino created headlines and raised plenty of eyebrows with his pre-match comments imploring officials not to fall for the narrative of Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool.
     
    Anyone that watched this game would have said that the Argentinian had nothing to worry about on that front, and Klopp did not mince his words about what he thought about Chris Kavanagh’s performance.
     
    “We had a ref who was not up to the level of the game, that didn’t help one team or the other, it was just ‘what did he see? What is that?’. There was no common sense again, for refs it’s something I’m not sure they teach or ask for it, it’s just not there.”
     
    After such an emotional high, there is not much time to celebrate this phenomenal triumph with a home midweek FA Cup tie against Southampton, and Klopp says he has some thinking to do regarding who exactly plays.
     

     
    “You see tired players. I have no clue who can play on Wednesday (at home to Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round) because we have players on the pitch until the end of the game who had problems. We asked Harvey and Lucho to stay up front and not go back any more.
     
    “I have no idea who can play on Wednesday but for tonight it is a night I will never forget. If nobody else sees it like that no problem apart from me. It’s a really nice memory forever.”
     
     
  • What a day! The Reds secured a tenth League Cup with a dramatic extra time win over Chelsea at Wembley to keep us on course for a glorious end to the Jurgen Klopp era.
     
    A true captain's goal from Virg averted the drama of a shoot out, following another topsy turvy final in which fortune favoured the brave. However, it was the Reds Academy graduates rising to the occasion against the billion dolla blues that will live long in the memory.
     
    Chris Smith is joined by Julian Richards, Paul Natton and TLW Editor Dave Usher to celebrate a win that sits proudly amidst the pantheon of our all-time great final triumphs.
     
     
  • Andy Robertson has given Conor Bradley a major tick of approval as the young Northern Irishman fits in seamlessly into the Liverpool starting line-up.
     
    A revelation at League One outfit Bolton Wanderers last season, Bradley has shown that he is not overawed in the big step up in quality, playing in front of packed stadiums and filling the role of a World Class talent in Trent-Alexander-Arnold.
     

     
    Today against Chelsea is the kind of fixture that any Footballer dreams of, a Cup final at Wembley Stadium, let alone an academy graduate that will be making his 17th senior appearance for his club.
     
    The usual discussion after the closure of recent transfer windows revolved around the lack of a back-up for Alexander-Arnold who would keep him on his toes and possibly be the catalyst for a full-time midfield role shift for the 25 year-old.
     
    Jurgen Klopp implemented the inverted role at the tail end of last season for the England international which has had its successes but also put added pressure on  the Reds defence at times.
     
    A misfortune in terms of a lingering knee ligament injury for Alexander-Arnold has allowed Bradley to build confidence and the 20 year old has been one of the most and impressive  players in the last month as Liverpool aim to keep their pole position atop the Premier League table.
     
    One teammate  who has been watching on with a level of pride is Robertson, a player who is never shy in handing out advice to the next generation of talent.
     
    Like everyone who has watched Bradley this season, he is impressed with every facet of his game as the Echo reported.
     

     
    “For now, Conor has shown he can do it at the highest level. He's got a lot of hype around him but now it's shown he can do it every single week. Before every game he plays and during training, that's what I say to him - it's all good being the new kid on the block and things like that, but with that comes expectation. And he's dealt with that unbelievably well.
     
    “His consistency so far has been top class and he has got to keep going like that. That's what makes you a really, really good player, when you can do it week in, week out in every single game. That's what I'm trying to drill home with him, because the skill he has, the ability to play football, the athleticism is there to be seen. But he has got to prove he can be consistent."
     
    And Robertson believes that Bradley is far from content with his progress to date.
     
    “He is a hard worker, he is a good lad, he listens to all the other lads and takes everything in his stride. He is the perfect young player, always in the gym working hard and working hard on the training ground. I believe he will have an unbelievable career, but from my experience it's about getting the consistency. That's the key message I give him."
     

     
    As a veteran of the Jurgen Klopp era, Robertson is well placed to assess where this squad is placed and is generally excited about those who are coming through the ranks, and that was highlighted on Wednesday evening against Luton.
     
    “With what's happened over the last couple of weeks, all of a sudden  (someone like) Conor has become one of the more experienced lads in the squad  "That's how quickly it can change.
     
    “Harvey was making his 100th appearance for the club against Luton on Wednesday, and he has become one of the more experienced players because on the bench there wasn't many appearances between the young lads. We have lost a lot of players but we have to go with the excitement of the young lads.
     
    "The lads who came on against Luton looked excited, and it reminded me of when I came on for my debut. You have no fear and are just happy to be there, and you can use that to your advantage, and that's what we are going to have to do."
     
     
  • Monday Feb 19:
     
    Klopp said something to the press on Friday in amongst all the Alonso stuff that I thought was a little odd. I didn't include it last week because there wasn't really anything to say about it, it was probably nothing. It was about Mbappe and the quote was 'Obviously, I'm not involved in that, but I can tell you I'd be surprised if all the top clubs were,' Klopp said. 'The top clubs I know, for most of them it will be tricky. Wages, signing-on fee.'
     
    The reason I thought it was odd is because the market will set the price. If Mbappe is a free agent he has to sign for someone and if nobody is willing to pay him what he's on at PSG then he has to either sign a new deal there or take the best offer out there. I expected him to rule us out, but why was he talking about how tricky it will be for the other big clubs?
     
    Then over the weekend I saw a report that Mbappe's people met with City before the announcement was made that he was leaving PSG. Is Klopp putting this out there so people will question how the fuck City can afford it, especially when they already have Haaland on close to a million quid a week (most of it off the books of course). You can bet your life's savings that meeting with Mbappe centred around some sort of ambassadorial role in Abu Dhabi while he makes 200k a week from City.
     
    The media are so culpable in this shit though. They'll report that City are the only English club that can afford him but they won't tell you how they can afford it. A club with no world wide fanbase to speak of, that has empty seats every home game (despite the books showing that they are selling out), that is already paying incredible amounts of money to its players, yet they can match what PSG have been paying Mbappe. And fucking nobody in the media says its dodgy because "they've got rich owners".
     
    Here's the thing though; it doesn't matter how rich your owners are. That's got nothing to do with how much a club is allowed to spend. Jeff Bezos could buy Luton Town but they wouldn't be able to sign Mbappe and pay him £1m a week, so how come no-one questions how City can afford it? You don't need to see the books to know they're cheating, you just have to look at the players and manager they have and the fact that they are able to attract and keep them when they aren't a big club. It's cheating in plain sight and it's still happening now despite the narrative that they've somehow now "gone legit". 
     
    I don't think Mbappe is going there but that isn't the point. The fact it's even seen as normal for them to be in there offends me greatly. He's going to Real Madrid though, it's an open secret and Konate even mentioned it on Saturday when he was asked about it. He just laughed and said "everyone knows where he's going".
     
    Nike probably won't be happy about him joining an adidas team though....
     


    Speaking of dumb, I see Gary Neville is now saying United will finish top four. Interesting that, he must think either us or Arsenal are dropping out because it was only a few weeks back he was telling us that Spurs were going to challenge City for the title. Honestly, this tit is king of the terrible takes yet is still seen as a serious pundit. Actually that's unfair, he's not the king, he's the prince of the terrible takes. That dope Rio is the king. Neville is wrong so often though I might start keeping track of all the stuff he says just for a laugh. You'd think he'd have learned to hold back after embarrassing himself last summer saying Klopp would happily take United's midfield over the new one he'd assembled. Soft get.

    Meanwhile, reports in Portugal suggest Jota will miss two months but he will be back before the end of the season. It isn't confirmed but it seemed quite reliable. Mixed feelings if this is true. It's good that his season isn't over but fucking hell, he's going to miss some of our most important games and it's proper shit for him and us as he's been in great form.
     
    I don't really see it as us having a front three anymore, we've got five and when we have all of them and we're able to use all five to rotate and make substitutions, we look damn near unbeatable as few teams can live with that firepower. As long as Nunez isn't injured we've still got four and that's good, but we're down to the bare bones in midfield at the moment. Trent, Dom, Thiago, Stef and Curtis all out, leaving us with just Endo, Macca, Grav and Harvey. I think McConnell is going to feature over the next week or so because we can't keep putting the same lads out there every game.
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