TLW

Jamie Redknapp believes that Jordan Henderson has well and truly come to grips with the leadership role at Liverpool. The wearing of the captains armband at a club like Liverpool is a great honour, but with that comes immense responsibility.Everything you do on the pitch and the way you handle yourself is analysed to the nth degree.Henderson certainly would have been honoured to firstly play and learn from a icon like Steven Gerrard, and then take the mantle from him when the talismanic figure left the club.But he would also have prepared himself for the fact that the spotlight was to shine ever brightly, and as a player who had plenty of sceptics among the fan base, it would be an even greater challenge to prove them wrong.A player who knows what it is like to be in this position is Jamie Redknapp.The Daily Mail reported the former Reds midfielder as saying:“Henderson taking over the captaincy from Steven Gerrard was up there with the toughest of jobs in football. “It was like taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager. “No one will ever replace Gerrard, really. How do you follow the King of the Kop?“You don't want to follow the man. You want to follow the man who followed the man. The Sky Sports pundit touched on the tough road that the former Sunderland man has had to this point.“A lot of people might just see the letter 'C' alongside a name on the team sheet and think nothing more of it. " But I know what the pressure of pulling on that armband is like. “Henderson was under pressure. There was expectation on the England midfielder, and he got a lot of stick at times. He had his haters, but he has hushed them all."Henderson celebrated a milestone against Arsenal as it was the 100th time he had worn the captains armband for the Reds.Redknapp says that while lacking the natural brilliance of his predecessor, he makes up for in his workrate. “I have never been to watch my former side and left thinking Henderson did not have a right good go. “At the very least, he puts in a shift. You can always count on him to give his all.“He has not got Gerrard's X Factor in midfield, but who has? He was one of a kind. “But Henderson is still worth his weight in gold for what he offers Liverpool, on and off the pitch. “He does what he does brilliantly. He's not flash, he's not flamboyant. He just does his job."Redknapp believes that as unlikely as it once seemed, the England international can create his own legacy amongst some iconic leadership figures.“On June 1, he won the Champions League in Madrid after his team beat Tottenham. “That saw him become only the fifth Liverpool captain to lift the European Cup, following on from Emlyn Hughes, Thompson, Souness and his predecessor Gerrard.“Now he will want to become their first captain to clinch the Premier League.”And that would be one hell of a story in itself. View full article

Jurgen Klopp has given hope to the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Adam Lallana as the club braces itself for a heavy schedule of games in the next month.With the return of the Champions League as well as the League Cup, squad rotation will be required so that players stay fresh.Speaking ahead of the fixture against Arsenal on Saturday evening, Klopp said those on the periphery will get their chance.Liverpool Echo reported Klopp as saying:“Every year is the same and always in the same moment at the beginning of the season.“You want to have that, and if you don't have it then you have injuries from pre-season and that's the last thing you want.“ Still, I would say in this moment, Shaq didn't play enough, he is in a really good shape. “Adam didn't play enough, in a really good shape. Dejan didn't play enough, in a really good shape.“These are completely normal things. Some others might also say that they don't play enough.“But we have to prepare for a season. “At the start of the season without intensity, you try to get rhythm, you try to get stability at the beginning. It's not a moment where you change too many things.“Then it will happen automatically and in the next (few) weeks you have to (change things) and everything will be fine then. Klopp said he was happy to give his stars a couple of days off during the week after a busier than normal workload to start the season which has included the Community Shield and the Super Cup.“ I was really happy for the boys to give them the two days off. “We didn't plan it, but it's easier when you win so we didn't tell them beforehand.“Somebody needs to remind me that it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a day off!“I had Sunday off, Monday I was working. Sunday I watched football, the Chelsea v Leicester game. That was nice.”Klopp is not putting too much emphasis on a clash against a top six opponent as he rightly says that every game is important if you want to have ultimate success come the end of the season.“I had a couple of years ago a really good record in the mini-league then didn't pick up enough points in the other games.“Then last year the record was not bad but was obviously for people not good enough because we drew a lot.“ We have to get as many points as possible and we cannot decide where we get them. “We're Liverpool and every week we have to try to win, and that's what we will do.“I don't think this result on Saturday will be the decisive result of the season.” View full article

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the latest Liverpool player to commit his future to the Reds by signing a long term deal.The decision to sign the midfielder from Arsenal in August 2017 raised some eyebrows at the time and he went through the usual acclimatising period when joining a new club.The start of 2018 saw the England international truly come into his own and his drive from midfield pushed the Reds to the next level especially when they came up against elite opposition such as Manchester City.Just when ‘Ox ’was becoming a indispensable part of the starting lineup, he was cruelly cut down by a very serious knee injury in the first leg of the semi final tie against Roma at Anfield.So began a year of blood, sweat, and tears in the rehabilitation room as the 26 year-old played the role that no footballer wants to be be - a spectator.The team evolved further in his absence, perhaps not as dynamic, but certainly more pragmatic as they found ways to win and displayed the resilience that Oxlade-Chamberlain was showing in his rehab.The popular member of the squad took his first steps back to first team football at the tail end of last season, but it has been in the early part of this campaign where he has become a starting member once again. There was little doubt last season that the Reds missed his dynamism and drive from midfield, and speaking after signing the contract, Oxlade-Chamberlain was clearly looking forward to moving on the next phase of his career. The Official site reported Oxlade-Chamberlain as saying:“I’m really, really excited - it’s been in the pipeline for a little while, so it’s nice to finally get it done and just extend my time here, which I am really looking forward to.“I feel like I missed out on a year, which I obviously did, so it’s really exciting for me to be able to sign. “It’s something that I feel is an opportunity to give that year back and make up for lost time – and hopefully put in some good performances to make amends for not being around last year”“You’ve got to count your blessings every time you get an opportunity like this, you don’t get the chance to play for Liverpool Football Club every day. “I am really excited to be able to extend my time here.”You get a sense that the hard times that the midfielder has experienced has made him want to make the best of every opportunity, as well as respecting those who put their hard earned money into the club. “I can promise the supporters that I'll give them absolutely everything moving forward.“As a footballer, I think the least you can do is respect the fans, the club and who you play for and give them everything you can. “When you get the support back that you do, you can't really have any complaints. It's [Liverpool] a hard place not to embrace. It's such a full-on culture, so much passion from everyone that is associated with the club – it's really endearing.“There might be times where I have bad games and good games and moments where it's not so good, but I'll always work through those moments and give my everything to correct them and keep pushing this team for.Meanwhile, the manager was just as delighted to see Oxlade-Chamberlain commit to the club.“When I heard Ox had signed his new contract with us, I am sure my emotions were the same as every Liverpool fan hearing the news tonight – absolutely delighted.“We all know Alex’s story since he came to the club, and yes there have been disappointments as well as highs, but what has impressed me and everyone is his attitude to dealing with setbacks and his character.“That’s why none of us were ever in any doubt about him fighting his way back in the way he did. “To see him play almost the whole game at Southampton on Saturday was such a positive moment for all of us, especially him.And Jurgen has a request for the fans in relation to Alex.“Maybe this is the season we hear the Kop sing an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain song. " I can tell you it would mean a lot to me and the boys to hear that, let alone him!” View full article

Jurgen Klopp has said that it will not be a surprise when he calls time on his managerial career.The manager accepted an award for coach of the year by German publication Sport BILD earlier this week.Speaking via video link, Klopp was in his usual jovial mood when asked the question if he would like to be Bayern Munich manager one day.The Express reported Klopp as saying:“In the order I would like to do it. First national team, then Bayern, then back to BVB and then Liverpool for life.But then he took a more serious tone when addressing his future.“I have no idea [though] , I really do not know that.“I hope for now that the next two or three years will continue in the same way. "And then I will decide that.” Klopp said that he will know when the time comes to call it a day and it wont be a shock to anyone.“So just that I stop completely, is just possible,.“Everything is possible. “So just that I stop completely, is just possible.“Whether that is the case or not - I really do not know.“I’m just saying that (now) so you will not be surprised when it happens.”So while at this stage Jurgen is going nowhere, you do get a small inkling that he is the sort of manager who doesn’t like to outstay his welcome.He more than anyone, will know when the time is right. And whenever that time is, he will leave with the goodwill of every player, official and fan of Liverpool Football Club.Hopefully with a healthy list of honours to his name. View full article

Gini Wijnaldum saying picking up points is the most important thing in the early stages of the new season and the good performances will soon follow.Liverpool blew newly promoted Norwich away in the first 45 minutes of the season, but it is fair to say since then that they have struggled to reach that level, grinding their way to wins against Chelsea in the Super Cup and Southampton on Saturday.The Mirror reported the Dutch midfielder as saying:“ It is encouraging that we are getting results without being in top form.“It is important, especially at this time of the season, that you collect as many points as possible because basically, you have to improve during the season and that is what are trying to do and what we want to do.“But it is also important to collect as many as points until you are at your best. “It is really important that we have won the game at Southampton. The 28 year-old said that in today's football it is hard to play well for the full game.“I don’t think you always see a team play well for 90 minutes, we just have to make sure we win games.“You have to use your quality and your experience and still try to win the game. “That is more important than playing well over the whole 90 minutes because that is really impossible.”Liverpool will come up against a buoyant Arsenal outfit who have also won their first two games of the league season.Wijnaldum says it is hard to predict the final finishing order so early in a campaign, however he knows the Gunners will provide a stern test on Saturday evening.“It is difficult to say who will be up there but we must see how the season goes for them but also us.“Everyone says we will finish first or second but we must still show it and perform at the end of the season.“We have to make sure we deal with the situations and give everything we have. "They made some good signings but they were always a good team.” View full article

Jurgen Klopp has hailed the contribution of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Liverpool made it two wins from two to start the new season by defeating Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s stadium.The English international spent a large majority of last season on the sidelines recovering from a serious knee ligament injury sustained in the Champions League semi final clash against Roma in April 2018.Understandably the comeback had been carefully managed with each hurdle cleared viewed as a major success.Oxlade-Chamberlain played 45 minutes against Chelsea in the Super Cup where he was part of the front three alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane before being replaced Roberto Firmino at half-time.The 26 year-old ticked another box by making his second consecutive start against his former side in his more familiar position in midfield.Klopp was very impressed with what he saw as the Liverpool Echo reported:“Brilliant. It was different, he was outstandingly good. He felt the intensity and knew he was ready for it."The 45 minutes on Wednesday we can now say they helped for sure.“We had to make changes and it was important in the centre of the park especially that we were really there, ready for all these long runs and decisive things. “It was good to have these opportunities, and Ox was obviously not bad today. The man himself told the Official site what it meant to be back and be playing a meaningful role.“It was nice to be back out there. In a winning performance is always nice as well.“I had an alright game, a decent game but the main thing was I wanted to make sure I focused on the defensive duties and making sure I was putting in the work and had the legs to help the boys. “I’m glad we did that as a team.Ox also reflected on his journey back to this stage.“On a personal level, it’s nice for me, it has been a while since I started but I’m delighted that I could help contribute to the team because that’s what I’ve missed so much, being able to contribute and help this set of players to achieve things. “It was really nice to be back out there.”Much had been made of the short space of time between the game in Istanbul and the clash on the South Coast, but the midfielder was really impressed with the professionalism of the group.“The fixtures are there and you’ve got to go and win them. “We didn’t want to come off the pitch with any excuses as to why we didn’t get the right result.“We were under the cosh a bit at the end but we played some really good stuff in parts as well.“It was absolutely brilliant from the boys; after a big midweek, to come and do that at a tough place [shows] what we’re made of.” View full article

Joe Gomez says that Liverpool has developed an innate ability to outlast their opponents despite not playing at their highest level.The Reds were able to grind out results last season and became masters of scoring winners in the last 15 minutes of games.Joe Gomez spoke to the Liverpool Echo about the early stages of the new season, which has seen a similar trend emerge.“I think a defining factor, is even on days that aren't our best, we can still get a result and I think that is what probably got us so close to the Premier League title last season. "I still don't think we've been at our best so far this season. “We had good spells in the Community Shield and against Norwich, but there's a lot more we can improve on.“You can say you're going to compete, but actually winning and getting it over the line is a characteristic of a big team, and getting results is something that sets you apart. "I think we are getting there and it's obviously part of experience. “We have a lot of that in our team, but also us young players, again are involved in these types of games and hopefully we can use that to continue progressing. Liverpool were certainly made to earn their victory against the Europa League winners, but once again they were able to work their way through the challenges that came their way.“I think there a lot of things that we could have done better, both on a personal level as a team. “We had a few sloppy moments and we conceded two goals that could have been prevented. “(Winning) certainly helps, it would have been heartbreaking to lose on penalties again but it was a proper shift."They played some really good football and had the better of us first half and then in the second half we came out and credit to the boys. "Bobby came on and made a great impact and it was nice to win.”After his share of serious injuries over the past few seasons and then finding it hard to get his spot back on his return to full fitness, Gomez said it is nice to be a part of the starting lineup early in the new campaign.“It was nice to be involved and that is why you are at a club like this to win big trophies. "That is our aim this year. We have the feeling that we're a top team and we can win things. "There's that belief in the team and we want to carry that on." View full article

Last week, Adrian was signed by Liverpool as a free agent after being released by West Ham in the summer. There was little fanfare as it was expected that the experienced goalkeeper would be a rarely used back-up to Alisson.Just over seven days later, the Spaniard was the pride of the red side of Merseyside after saving the penalty which saw the Reds claim their fourth UEFA Super Cup after a thrilling win against Chelsea.The contest against the reigning Europa League winners was an entertaining one with scores locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and spot kicks were required after the extra time period.Oliver Giroud had put the Blues in front just past the half-hour mark, but Sadio Mane restored parity in the early stages of the second half.Mane then grabbed a double with a sublime finish to put the Champions League winners in front for the first time, but just over five minutes later Adrian was adjudged to have fouled young striker Tammy Abraham.VAR then had a look and went with the on-field decision. Speaking after the contest, Adrian was honest about his verdict of the incident.Liverpool Echo (via BT Sport) reported the hero gloveman as saying.“To be fair I tried to stop. The attacker was intelligent. He was looking for that. I think I touched him and he touched me. It doesn't matter.”When it came to the shootout, neither Adrian or his counterpart Kepa could barely lay a glove on the first nine penalties.But the decisive moment came when Abraham stepped up to the mark and the Spaniard was able to save his shot with his outstretched legs.You could excuse the veteran from pinching himself to make sure this was not just a dream.The charismatic keeper said it had been a week he would not forget in a hurry which culminated with his heroic performance.“Welcome to Liverpool! It was a crazy week but with [my teammates] it’s so easy playing at the back.“I’m really happy for the team to get the trophy. “I’m really happy to play for Liverpool and really happy for the fans because they enjoyed tonight. "It was a long game but at the end it was a great finish for us.Whatever he does for the rest of his time at the Reds, Adrian has made a contribution that will not be forgotten by those involved in what was another memorable evening in Istanbul. View full article

Jurgen Klopp showered praise on his new goalkeeper as Liverpool tasted Super Cup glory after defeating Chelsea 5-4 on penalties after being locked at 2-2 over 120 minutes.Adrian was the hero as he saved the tenth penalty of the shootout from Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham to cue joyous celebrations from the Reds as they secured their second piece of silverware in as many months.There was one man that the manager wanted to rightly give credit to.The Mirror(via BT Sport) reported the German as saying.What a story, ADRIAN! Like Rocky after he lost against Apollo Creed I think. “He kept his nerves. He is really loud in the dressing room already. It’s so good for him. I don’t think he’s won a lot in his life, so I’m really happy for him.“It’s an amazing story - I don’t know where Adrian was two weeks ago when we played Man City (and had a penalty shootout!).“When he came it was clear he needed time to get fit, I don’t know when he played his last game, but he was ready, and it is remarkable he was ready like that.”Klopp was also very keen to put the success in context.“I asked after the game again Milly and Hendo how do people view the Super Cup in England - they said no no, it’s a proper trophy, it’s on the wall at Melwood!“It’s really important. I didn’t know before the game how big it would feel and I know now it’s big.“It’s nice, really nice, but not about me, I am not just saying that - its about doing it for the people. We’ve had four opportunities to do it for them in the last few months and we did two, so that’s good.” View full article

Jurgen Klopp has completely dismissed any discussion regarding Liverpool prioritising one competition over the other this season.Earlier this week, there had been a report saying that the owners had told Klopp to focus on claiming the Premier League title along with retaining the Champions League trophy.Speaking ahead of the Super Cup against Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Klopp suggested that he will just take things as they come.Sky Sports reported Klopp as saying:“Unfortunately I am not good enough to decide that! I have to take what I can get. “That is how it is.“We didn't decide last year that we would go for the Champions League and ignore the Premier League obviously so we just try to win the next football game."That is [Wednesday] night and that is difficult enough. I am not a genius so I have to take what I can get.“Last year thankfully we won something, celebrated it, so now let's carry on."Liverpool will attempt to win their fourth Super Cup after successes in 1977 vs Hamburg (over two legs), 2001 vs Bayern Munich and four years later against CSKA Moscow. The German who has urged his squad to “stay greedy” in the hunt for more silverware, touched on the special location for their clash against the Europa League winners from last season.“I know about the special importance of Istanbul and what a special place it is for every Liverpool supporter. 2005, nobody will forget it.“We are different people though, team in 2019/20. That's a pretty good one as well." While the Reds cruised to victory in their first Premier League clash of the season, Chelsea crashed to a humbling 4-0 defeat against Man United on Sunday.However Klopp is certainly not taking anything for granted and is a big fan of the work of new Blues manager Frank Lampard.“We respect Chelsea a lot. If you saw the game against United and if you only saw the result you would have no idea how the game was. They played a good game."They are a really interesting team, with a good plan. Frank did an outstanding job last year [at Derby], changed the football there. “Now he is at Chelsea - his club - everything is fresh.“It is the first title they can win together. They will be 100% ready and we have to make sure we are ready as well be.The absence through injury of Alisson has been well documented, but another player that will be missing from the squad this evening is Dejan Lovren.There has been a deal of speculation that the Croatian is set for a move to Roma in a deal in the region of £20 million.However Klopp said that was not the reason why he had not travelled to Turkey.“It's because he is ill.“We will see what happens in general, not just in this window." View full article

Don't expect Liverpool to put a strong focus on the domestic cup competitions this season.The Mirror reports that the Fenway Group are desperate for Liverpool to win their first League title for 30 years, as well as attempting to retain the Champions League trophy.And therefore Jurgen Klopp has been told to put a lower emphasis on the FA and Carabao Cup especially with UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup also on the Reds football calendar this season. The traditionists among the fanbase and former players will shudder at the thought, as their view is that every piece of silverware is well worth fighting for.This is especially the case for a club like Liverpool who are blessed to have such a prestigious history.There are also those pundits who love to place the blame at the diminishing interest of these cups at the feet of the big clubs.However, the other side of the coin is that it is a new footballing landscape to 10 years ago let alone 20, and the money on offer for ultimate success is what plays in the minds of the owners. There is much more at stake than ever before and players cannot be expected to produce at a optimum on a game to game basis.Jurgen Klopp and the players themselves have regularly discussed the squad mentality that Liverpool currently have. This proposed policy will give the likes Rhian Brewster, Yasser Larouchi and (provided he remains on the books) Ryan Kent along with fringe first team players a chance to give the manager some food for thought with strong performances.While Klopp is undoubtedly is own man and quite rightly wont be dictated to, at the end of the day he will be well aware there is always a bigger picture at play. View full article

Simon Mignolet has spoken about the pride he had in representing Liverpool Football Club.While the goalkeeper was a somewhat maligned figure by fans and critics, inside the four walls of Melwood, he was unanimously admired by the manager and teammates alike.In a wide ranging interview with the Official site, the veteran who made over 200 appearances over six seasons, admitted there had been some difficult moments in his time at the Reds, but the good times are what he will remember with true happiness."Spending six years here, I wouldn’t have thought that was going to be the case when I started. So I’m happy about that, it’s been a great ride, with ups and downs as in any career, but I’ll only treasure the great memories and there are plenty of them."Obviously winning the Champions League, ranks as the highest. "That is why you come to Liverpool, to win trophies, so even though I didn’t feature I felt part of the team and I think the squad recognised as well my importance there in trying to push the team on to win that medal. "To do that was the best but there were other great moments also.Mignolet said the opportunity to be a Number one keeper again was a key reason why he signed for Club Brugge."Well over the last few years now I always thought and said that I want to be playing again, that I want to be back on the pitch. "They were the team that wanted me the most, that pushed the most to come and get me. "Like yesterday, I played the game and although it was a Champions League qualifier vs first leg(vs Dynamo Kiev) and you can’t really say it’s already won, I was on the pitch and kept a clean sheet. "We won 1-0 and the feeling afterwards, that’s what I wanted again. " That’s why we are football players, to have that feeling again [and] to be not only important in the dressing room and being professional and pushing the lads on - I wanted to be important again on the pitch and that’s the opportunity I’ve got now, and that’s why I grasped it with my two hands.While the Belgian has departed the Reds, the club will not be too far from his mind." I’ve always done that with my old teams. Sunderland and Sint-Truiden as well, I still follow the results on a weekly basis."I just have a look and see how they did, what the score was, and the Premier League I will always follow and will give a special vibe to my ex-teammates.The 31 year-old also believes that this squad has what it takes to pick up plenty more silverware in the seasons ahead." I think the experience of winning a trophy can only push them forward, make them even more hungry to win the next one and be eager to win the next one."With the quality inside this dressing room, I don’t think you have to be afraid. You have to challenge for every single thing – Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and, of course, in Europe – and I’m sure they will do that."Finally, Mignolet spoke about what his lasting memory will be of the club and the impact that the fans have."It's a big family, It’s a big club in the world, the biggest thing that always struck me the most is when you go abroad and see how the club is being followed. "Not only with the performances on the pitch but also the connection around it, the support it gets, the following it gets. I saw that again in America when I was there and that’s really special." To the fans I say, just stay who you are, basically! It’s [the message is] fairly easy. "I think if they can continue the support that they do at this moment in time and how they have been over the last few years then I’m sure more trophies will follow and the team will only perform better because of that." Thanks Mig for your service and good luck at your new club. View full article