TLW

Jurgen Klopp says he feels a burden for the crippling slump in form which has seen Liverpool all but kiss their league title hopes away.

 

The Reds came into the clash with Everton knowing that they needed to build on the momentum of wins against Atalanta and Fulham if they wanted to keep go level on points with Arsenal who had demolished Chelsea the night before.

 

Under the German, his team have by and large risen to the task and played their hearts out from the first minute to the last, earning the name ‘mentality monsters’ for their never say die spirit.

 

So with everything on the line, Liverpool arguably produced the most soul destroying 90 minute display in the Klopp era.

 

The fact it came against Everton was great for the narrative writers who wanted to paint the picture of “little brother costing big brother the league.’

 

But that thought was largely secondary to those who hold this club close to their heart.

 

The key fact that in the heat of the title race battle, these players simply crumbled under the weight of expectations with the man who has help guide them to ultimate glory watching on helplessly.

 

As the weeks have gone on and closer to his departure. Klopp has shown signs of weariness and spoken in terms of a man that is in desperate need of a break from the game.

 

In the lead up to the clash at Goodison, he outlined his virtual disdain for the Derby despite only suffering one defeat to Everton in his Liverpool career.

 

Speaking ahead of the early kickoff against West Ham, Klopp again was more than forthcoming with his feelings over how things have quickly gone pear shaped as The Guardian reported.

 

 

“ I do (feel a burden). “It’s difficult to explain but I hated our game (against Everton). We were not even close to what we want to be. Somehow it happened that we didn’t see the positivity in the situation any more, that we have a good starting point, so let’s go and chase the others. But you can only chase in a positive way.

 

“You saw the game. It wasn’t the first [poor] one but it was the worst one. Crystal Palace wasn’t even close. I see two teams [Arsenal and Manchester City] who play really positive football and go for it. We can do that but we don’t in this moment. Who can I make responsible for that? It’s my job until the last day to make sure the boys feel that.”

 

The manager outlined his horror in what he was witnessing on Wednesday evening, his team virtually unrecognisable in every sense to what he is used too.

 

“The game was just horrible to watch. In Germany when the crowd is not happy with the team and think they are not fighting enough they sing ‘Wir wollen euch kämpfen sehen’ which translates as ‘We want to see you fight’. I was close to singing that! Never has one of my teams heard that ever. Never. I never heard them say my team didn’t fight because my team always went for it. And now, wow, how can that happen?”

 

The way that Klopp spoke in such a frank manner should not surprise anyone who has monitored him closely during his time at the club.

 

Basically he is like a guardian to these players, sure he may read them the riot act behind closed doors when they require it, but when it comes to the outside world, he would most happily take the blame than leave it with them to deal with.

 

It is just another element which what makes him so uniquely special and something so pure and honourable is impossible to replicate, so the squad will have to get used to another form of management when Arne Slot takes the reigns in the summer.

 

While the title dream is over, Klopp in is own way is giving his team another challenge to see whether they can rise to.

 

 

“We made mistakes before in other seasons but you have to fight against that.

 

But much more important is that you create a basis for most of the season until the finishing line is in sight and then you go for it. That should be the most positive thing. And we did that in the past, winning all the games [in the run-in] and now we can’t do it for a variety of reasons. Now we have to find a lineup, a way, to do much better at West Ham."

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Sander Westerveld believes Arne Slot will not be overawed by the challenge of following the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp.

 

The former Reds goalkeeper who made 75 appearances in a two and a bit season stint at the club is close friends with the man who has been identified as the next manager.

 

Westerveld and Slot played a season together at Sparta Rotterdam in the 2007/8  campaign and speaking to The Telegraph (per the Echo)  he believed  the 45 year- old had the ability to be a top-line manager.

 

“When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become. He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.

 

“I spoke to him this morning and he just said it is not a secret that Liverpool wants him but that he could not say anything. I hope it will happen."

 

 

The member of the 2001 treble winning squad said that the ability of Slot to work within a budget means that he would be well suited to the financial model implemented by Liverpool!

 

“The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool… When he signed for Feyenoord they sold the best player, Steven Berghuis, to Ajax and they didn’t have lots of money to spend.

 

Everyone said it would be difficult, but Arne said: “No, no, I will make this happen.” A year later he became the champion of Holland with this team and that is why I think there are similarities with Liverpool.

 

 

“Liverpool have a lot of potential in the squad, and we don’t have the money that Manchester City have to spend, so I think he will get all the potential out of the players.”

 

Westerveld said another benefit is the way that Slot looks to plqy his Football.

 

“He plays in the same style as Jurgen Klopp: sexy football, forward pressing and the percentage of ball recoveries in the opposition half is the highest in Holland. When he loses the ball, he wants the ball back in three seconds.

 

But while Klopp brought success to Liverpool on the pitch, what truly made him special was his ability to strike up relationships with his players and just as importantly the fanbase.

 

Westerveld believes that Slot carries a similar trait.

 

“His personality is perfect for Liverpool. He is a good fit because he is not only the manager of a team, he can manage a club and the fans.

 

“He is an intelligent guy, he is a good analyst and when you see his press conferences, he speaks good English and is very respectful.

 

“You will not see Arne being like Erik ten Hag was in his recent press conference. He is a respectful guy like Pep Guardiola and he is an ambassador for the club.

 

“You need to be a special coach to coach a special club and I think Arne is that.”

 

 

 

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It might be the fixture that divides a city but Jurgen Klopp admits that he will not miss everything that surrounds the Merseyside Derby.

 

With the time rapidly ticking down on the tenure of Klopp at Liverpool, questions often arise regarding what certain fixtures have meant to him during his time at the club.

 

With the games coming thick and fast and with Liverpool still in the hunt for a Premier League title, Klopp has often said there will come a time for in depth reflection, but at this stage he mind his focused on more important things.

 

Klopp comes into his 19th and final fixture against Everton having only lost game which came at Anfield behind closed doors during the Pandemic in 2021.

 

While Liverpool remain unbeaten at Goodison Park under Klopp, there have only been two wins to go along with five draws.

 

Speaking to the media ahead of the pivotal clash, the manager gave a insight into how energy sapping the occasion is (per the Guardian).

 

“Around the derby is just pressure.

 

“The pressure is higher so why should the joy be higher? You win it, great; but why should I miss the pressure around it? This time, when you’re really playing for something, that’s the pressure. But when you are both not in a great moment, it’s the one game you definitely have to win. That kind of pressure – why would I miss that? It’s not enjoyable.”

 

Klopp broadened his discussion to include the overall role of a manager, a true indication that his upcoming sabbatical from the game is vitally important for his own mental wellbeing.

 

“ Everyone else can only watch it and think: ‘Oh my God, it looks exciting.’ But somebody has to make the decisions, somebody has to do this, somebody has to do that. So many people always visit me around the games and say: ‘We will not see that any more or that any more,’ and I just want to tell them – I work all the time while you just watch the games.

 

"I’m constantly in it. Even when the game is over I can’t switch off. It’s not great to be in this situation all the time. Maybe other people enjoy that more than me. But that’s something I definitely will not miss.”

 

“I had my last European game last week [against Atalanta]. Yes we didn’t go through and you can make a big story of it being my last game but I just tried to figure out how I felt, and it was nothing. It’s not like I felt I would never have a European game again. If that would be the case, then I wouldn’t stop it.”

 

Klopp is the first to admit that it takes many contrasting styles to win a Football game and not every manager is blessed with a team full of technical quality, but that does not mean he enjoys the physical nature of some specific fixtures.

 

 

 "(The Derby) used to be [the most physical game],” he said. “At the beginning I remember I showed the players videos of [Jamie] Carragher in the derby and Stevie [Gerrard] where he got red cards – I love one, and respect the other a lot. That’s what people expect, that if you get a red card against Everton it’s fine. It’s not, it’s absolutely not, because we want to win the game and it’s the only reason why we go there.

 

“At the beginning there were a few situations where I thought it was over the top. Since then it has become a bit settled and I hope it stays like this because it should. At the beginning I thought: ‘Wow, that’s what they are allowed to do?’ and I didn’t get that.

 

"But I had to learn all these things over the years. Everything that makes it a really special football game, with all the ups and downs in a game and the good and bad, I’m fully in for it. When it goes over the top, I’m absolutely not.”

 

 

 

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Trent Alexander-Arnold admits things will be completely different once Jurgen Klopp departs the club but that does not mean that the team cannot challenge for honours next season.

 

For many young players who have come into the Liverpool lineup in the Klopp era, he is the only manager they have had in senior Football.

 

The lessons learnt under the German’s tutelage will keep them in fine stead for the rest of their career, but just like life in general, time waits for no-one and they as individuals and the team in general will soon move onto a new era.

 

It is always an uncertain time when a new manager comes in as they will have their own methods that they want to implement and some players will not suit that system.

 

While it is way too early to predict the incomings and outgoings during the upcoming summer transfer window, Alexander-Arnold is upbeat and optimistic personally about what lays ahead for this squad as he told The Overlap podcast per The Echo.

 

 

(Previously) I’ve been on the fence with regard to my feelings on a new manager coming in. It’ll be a completely different situation and it’s going to be weird to then turn up to pre-season, having to adopt a new playing style.

 

"Whereas now, without anything getting said to me, I know all the manager wants me to play, and I turn up to pre-season, I know to jump there, I’m to press there, but for this summer, my next preseason will have a completely different message.

 

“It’s going to be strange, but I think I like the idea of a new challenge for the team, the players and the club. The way I look at it is of course the manager is going to come in and change the way we play and it'll be a different type of culture and new messages.”

 

Despite the change in who is on the touch-line, the full-back says there is no reason why the standards would drop amongst the playing group, and that desire to keep pushing themselves to achieve ultimate success is ingrained in their psyche.

 

"As players, the mentality and eagerness to win - not the pressure, but the internal pressure on ourselves and the demands to win things and be in a title race next season no matter who the manager is - that's what we expect from ourselves.

 

"Of course results might not go our way but as long as that mentality is there - not that it doesn't matter who the manager is, but as long as the dressing room has got that desire that we're going to win, we're trying to win things, it's not a 'transition season', the manager comes and within his style of play is that winning mentality - that's how the transition needs to happen."

 

 

 

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Mo Salah has detailed how valued Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are within the Liverpool camp.

 

The two 24 year-old forwards  came to the club last season, a campaign which was marked by its inconsistency on a  overall team level.

 

Despite the fragile confidence level of the team, both Nunez and Gakpo performed adequately in their debut campaign (Nunez 15 in 42 appearances) while Gakpo arrived midway through the season from PSV when the Reds were suffering a true crisis of confidence and given those circumstances he produced a respectable 7 goals from 26 appearances.

 

Having that sort of introduction to a new league may have been a daunting one for some players, especially when the Jurgen Klopp era has been sprinkled with ultimate success. In a results sense, it has been a much smoother transition for the duo this season as the Reds have all to play for both in the league and in Europe.

 

 

In terms of personal development Nunez in particular has looked to harness an all-round aspect to his game and has produced 13 assists along with 18 goals in 45 appearances.

 

Meanwhile, Gakpo has scored 14 goals in the same amount of appearances, the main difference being that the Dutchman’s versatility quite often sees him played in various positions and has led to the question being asked just where can Liverpool get the best out of him, and indeed if he fits the way the way that Klopp wants to play.

 

And a fair bit of that impression has to do with personal traits, Nunez the Uruguayan street fighter, ‘captain chaos’ embracing the contest like it is a life or death situation.

 

 

Meanwhile Gakpo is much more laconic and languid and plays his own game at a much more serene pace, sometimes described as in slow or still motion.

 

But regardless of what we may think of fans, the only thing that matters is the impression he gives to the coaches and teammates.

 

Salah has seen plenty of players come and go during his time at the Reds, and speaking to Astro Supersport (per the Echo), said both of their output is highly regarded.

 

“Cody doesn't get credit because the fans I don't know if they really understand his game or not. But he is a very, very clever player. I admire the way he thinks, it's very, very good. He is young and wants to learn, he asks a lot of questions.

 

“Darwin is a key for us as well. The way he plays, the way he opens space for us, it's very good. But he doesn't get a lot of credit because once he misses a chance, opposition fans start to jump (on him) and Liverpool fans start defending him and he's inside that mess. But for me, he's one of the best players on the team."

 

To achieve the success that this team deserves for their efforts during this season, it has to be a whole lot more clinical in the final third that what we have seen in recent games.

 

And to that extent, the likes of Gakpo and Nunez have pivotal roles to play from now until the end of May.

 

 

 

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Caoimhin Kelleher has had to bide his time but he is now showing the footballing public the great qualities he possesses as a goalkeeper on a consistent basis.

 

There is often no middle ground being a keeper, you can either be the hero or the villain. where all fingers are pointed.

 

It is a harsh predicament and for those who are not yet established as a number one option, quite a cutthroat occupation as any mistake could quite easily see them lose their spot in the first team and in some cases there is no way back for them.

 

And for those who serve as backups to the senior keepers, there is lot of sitting idle on the bench on matchdays observing proceedings.

 

For those Liverpool supporters who have closely observed Kelleher since making his senior debut for the club in September of 2019, one thing has clearly stood out which is his unflappable nature.

 

No matter the occasion, be it playing under the bright lights at Anfield, on the European stage or at Wembley Stadium facing a penalty shootout in a Cup final, the emotional state of Kelleher emotional state never seems to change.

 

 

As the Irishman said (per the Echo) that is just in his nature.

 

“I don’t know why, it’s just my personality.

 

“I am quite relaxed off the pitch and on it, I trust in my ability - and I’ve always believed in the ability I have.

 

“I suppose I take that belief with me and try to show my personality out there. It’s important that you have the ability to stay level-headed as a goalkeeper because you need to make good decisions in a split-second.

 

“You need to be able to stay calm if you are to make those right decisions. I don’t get overly nervous for games. That’s just my personality. I’ve always been quite calm - and it’s worked out well so far.”

 

The hamstring injury to Alisson Becker has allowed Kelleher to get the run of games he has craved and vindicated his decision to stay with the Reds despite many clubs showing interest in the 25 year-old over the recent seasons.

 

“It’s obviously been really good for me to get this run of games. It’s what I have been working for, to get this opportunity to play a run of games and get that rhythm. There’s been the added bonus of winning the Carabao and now going for more trophies.

 

“I am playing football at the highest level, going for the major trophies - and that’s what every player wants to do. I am really enjoying myself. The feedback I get from Ali and the coaching staff has all been quite positive. They know when to talk to me and when to just let me do my own thing. I know they’re always there and always positive with me. They also leave me be.”

 

“There were obviously discussions (last summer) because I wanted to play as much as I can. It was clear that because of the circumstances I was in, that I had to stay. Obviously I got this big opportunity, which can always happen. The manager did say that anything can happen like that”

 

 

True to the personality of Kelleher, he is not looking too far ahead  in terms of the impending departure of the manager who has played such a role in his senior career, or a potential Europa League final in his homeland.

 

Instead his one and only focus is in his words ‘to right the wrongs” of three weeks ago.

 

“It’s nice for us to be going back so we can right the wrong of that defeat. It’s the sooner the better for us. Maybe in the second half we weren’t as clinical as we should have been. We made a lot of chances and should have put the game to bed - and when you don’t do that then anything can happen.

 

“There was a feeling that we should have had it won. We were also a bit disappointed in our overall performance so we want to go back there and do much better. You need to take your chances."

 

 

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Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk has spoken about the hurt that the squad felt after their heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Man United in the FA Cup.

 

Three weeks down the line and the league leaders are preparing themselves to meet their bitter rivals at Old Trafford once again and very keen to extinguish those bitter memories.

 

The cup defeat will arguably go down as one of the more infuriating in recent times as for most of the game, it seemed like the visitors were in control only for defensive sloppiness and lack of a clinical finish in the final third costing them dearly.

 

What added to the frustration from a fans point of view was that it was another game that this vastly superior outfit failed to clinch a victory at the home of their  beleaguered rivals.

 

But the beauty of Football is that it produces an opportunity to correct the record and that will occur tomorrow afternoon.

 

And going by comments from Van Dijk (per the Echo) they will carry that loss with them.

 

“Of course it is still fresh, it was very disappointing, losing is never good. Especially the way we lost that day, it's something that hurt in the 24 hours after the game.

 

“You want to go to Wembley, you want to go and play that semi-final, but we had to quickly switch to the national team.

 

“What do we need to do better? Win the game! They started the game well and got the crowd behind them and it gave them a push. Conceding the goal was disappointing but after that we controlled the game and scored two good goals and could have done better.

 

"But we kept them alive and they made use of it in the best way possible. That's credit to them but we are going there on Sunday to turn it around and make sure we get the three points.”

 

 

While the general consistency of Liverpool this season has been impressive, one thing they do need to rectify if they want to lift the league trophy is May is their record against other members of the current top six.

 

It currently sits at one win ( vs Aston Villa in Early September) four draws and two defeats.

 

With the fixture tomorrow along with games against Tottenham and Villa to come, it presents an opportunity to rectify that.

 

And you sense that is what Van Dijk is referring to when he mentions not focussing on the one opponent as to him and the team in general it is just one more hurdle on the way to potential glory.

 

“We want to win every game, that's the focus at Liverpool. We know how much it (Man United fixture) means and how big it is for the outside world but for us we are in a phase that we can't lose points so we are going there in order to get the three points.

 

“We have only one goal going there, to try and win the game, and we're going to give everything and we need everyone at their best. I think [composure] is key. In nervous moments, the crowd could get nervous, you want to rush things, that can be part of the game.

 

"The difference-maker will be being calm and making the right choices but still be full of aggression and going for it. I think we've been showing it already for a very long time that we have that quality and we have to keep doing it."

 

 

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Conor Bradley believes that his versatility is a reason why he can stay in the team once Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to full fitness.

 

The Northern Irishman has been one of the revelations of the campaign for the Reds making 18 appearances in all competitions to date this season and not looking out of place one but, be it at a packed Anfield, in the Europa League or at Wembley in a League Cup final.

 

While the brilliance of Alexander-Arnold is undisputed, there had been a fear that if he was out for a sustained period through injury, the field of back-ups in the squad was quite shallow.

 

Joe Gomez has shown to be a dependable figure when asked to play that role but he is a central defender by trade.

 

Calvin Ramsey was thought to be someone that could blossom into the role but unfortunately for him, successive knee injuries put pay to any momentum he would have wanted to build and presently he is barely making the bench on loan at Bolton.

 

Misfortune for one player is an opportunity for another and Bradley has grabbed his with aplomb from an outstanding season on loan at Bolton last season.

 

So well has his progress been that Bradley is now seen a very important member of the first team set-up.

 

The question was posed to the 20 year-old (per The Echo) whether there is a way he can keep his spot in the starting X1 once Alexander-Arnold returns from his own knee injury.

 

Yes, possibly,” . “Trent is an unbelievable footballer and I think he could play pretty much anywhere.

 

It is a difficult one (vying for the same position). It is a blessing in a way because I can learn so much off Trent. He has had a similar pathway to me coming through the academy.

 

“There are so many things I can take from him, the way he plays football, the way he conducts himself everyday and how hard he works.

 

“It’s difficult obviously coming into one of the best teams in the world and trying to break through and prove that you’re good enough to play every week.”

 

The academy graduate knows you have to be flexible enough to make the grade and he outlined where he thinks he could be of additional use to Jurgen Klopp in this pivotal time of the season.

 

“I think it is massive to be versatile. It helps the manager to pick you when he knows you can play in certain positions

.

“I played as a winger all the way up through youth football and when I was deployed to play there the other night for Northern Ireland, I really enjoyed it.

 

 

“It took me some time (to adapt). I was Under-18s when I got moved back and I didn’t really know what I was doing to be honest, but I think I’ve learned quite quickly how to play the full-back role.

 

“Obviously when you’re playing for Liverpool, you may as well be a winger when you’re playing full-back. You get so much of the ball, in so many attacking scenarios. You get a lot of joy playing higher up.

 

“I’m still learning my trade, but I think I’m a bit better than I was (at full-back), definitely. I enjoy the challenge of playing new positions and learning about them. It is really good and really important to learn about them and be good at them too.”

 

There seems to always be a certain time in a mind of a young player when he reaches that moment that sees him undaunted and unaffected by the big stage, where they deserve to stand alongside the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Mo Salah among others.

 

Bradley talked about that exact moment for himself.

 

 

“It was probably that (Chelsea at Anfield) game where I thought, ‘Right, I can do this’. I just need to be consistent with it and try and do things like that as much as I can. That was a big moment for me where I realised that this is possible for me and I can do it.

 

“My friends were over for the game so they were back at my apartment after the game and I just remember saying to them, ‘What’s just happened?’ It was like crazy. I just couldn’t believe what was happening to be honest with you.”

 

There are sacrifices you have to make especially when you graduate from the academy and aim to progress into senior Football.

 

For many young players, that means going on loan, and it can go one of two ways. While many struggle to adjust the highly physical nature of the Championship and League One, for others like Bradley, they thrive and it sets them on their way.

 

 

"That time (at Bolton) moulded me as a player. It is a tough, gruelling league, League One and for me to get 53 games under my belt was really good for me. To get a couple of goals and a couple of assists, too, was good for my confidence.

 

“It helped me to know I could play ‘men’s football’ and so coming back to Liverpool I was ready to go. It was just unfortunate that I got the injury, but when I came back, I was just focused on trying to do my best and luckily I have had some opportunities.”

 

 

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After our midweek stop at Wigan to check in on the excellent progress of Luke Chambers, TLW heads to Yorkshire to see how Fabio Carvalho is coming along at Hull City.

 

There is little doubt that the Portuguese U21 international has natural flair and talent, but for him it has been all about putting that together consistently.

 

It is something that the attacking midfielder was able to do during the 2021/22 season with Fulham where he played a major part in their promotion to the Premier League and was a member of the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

 

A move to Liverpool then eventuated and after a positive start highlighted by a dramatic late winner against Newcastle, it only went downhill from that point, so much so that he only made four appearances once the calendar ticked over into 2023.

 

That lack of momentum continued into the new campaign which can only be described as a horror loan spell at RB Leipzig where he made just 14 appearances with three starts. Indeed the biggest headlines he caused was when he claimed  in a interview that Jurgen Klopp “had used him in a wrong position on the left hand side instead of his preferred role as a Number 10”.

 

 

So a mid-season return  Liverpool eventuated and the 21 year-old was then sent to Hull where he joined Reds teammate Tyler Morton.

 

It has been a decision that has proven dividends with Carvalho thriving under the management of Liam Rosenior.

 

In recent days, Carvalho has mentioned that he will be back at Liverpool for pre-season training which will be under a new manager but also wanted to publicly state that there was no issue with Klopp saying that the manager “ Didn't have the greatest confidence in me, but he always helped me a lot and pointed out what I needed to do better and what I shouldn't do.”

 

Just like he did for Tyler a few months back, Ant Northgraves from @Hull_and Back provides an expert analysis on how Fabio has been progressing.

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Fabio has been a fantastic addition to the Hull City squad. It was clear when he first arrived that he hadn’t played much football, but soon got up to speed with the style of play and formed some strong connections with the attacking players in our squad.

 

I believe we’re still yet to see the best that Fabio has to offer, but considering that he has 4 goals in 11 games and isn’t at his best yet is only promising for us. He loves to pick up space in that “number 10” role, linking up with his teammates with clean, intricate passing and a keen eye for a shot.

 

 

We are asking a lot from him at the moment, as we’re struggling to play with a natural striker so Carvalho is often used as a “false 9” to occupy that focal point and score goals. However, he is playing that role very well at the moment.

 

If I was to be critical, he should have more assists to his name. 0 assists in all 11 games is a surprising stat, but I feel like it’s only a matter of time before he gets a few. Perhaps not having a striker to feed the ball to is the issue, but as long as he’s scoring goals then it isn’t particularly a concern.

 

 

Overall, in the short time that Fabio has been here he has been an absolute delight. He is more than happy to join in with the club’s community efforts, speaks well in interviews and seems to be really enjoying the atmosphere here at Hull City, seemingly forming some good friendships. He’s already been a big part of our play-off push and fingers crossed he is a part of a potential Wembley visit come the end of the season.

 

And a question to finish, Would you consider loaning him back next season?

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The latest edition of A View To the Future takes TLW to Wigan to check in on the progress of academy graduate Luke Chambers. The 19 year-old left-back may be only early in his senior career but he has already impressed many observers with his maturity and adaptability to play in various positions across the back four.

 

Chambers spent the second half of last season north of the border at Kilmarnock where he played a role in helping the Scottish Premiership club avoid relegation.

 

At the start of this campaign, the youngster got an invaluable taste of senior Football at Liverpool where he made four appearances including two starts in the Europa League against Toulouse and Union St Gilloise.

 

The youngster has also a deal of international experience at youth levels representing England from Under-15s all the way to Under-20 level which included being part of the being part of the U-19s squad that won the European Championship two years ago.

 

In January Chambers was sent to Wigan to get some consistent minutes under his belt and the outcome has been a truly positive one.

 

Jason Ford from Wigan Latics fan forum gives TLW readers a first-hand insight into the progress that Luke has made so far.

 

 

When Wigan Athletic secured the loan signing of Liverpool defender Luke Chambers in the January 2024 transfer window, it represented a coup for our League One survival ambitions. The 19-year-old left-back arrived at the DW Stadium with a burgeoning reputation after starring for England's youth sides.

 

Chambers joined the Latics looking to gain valuable first-team experience after making just four senior appearances for the Reds this season. But in the two months since, the teenager has grasped his opportunity with both hands through a series of mature, accomplished performances.

 

From his Wigan debut against Northampton Town, Chambers looked every bit the Premier League prospect. His positional discipline, reading of the game and defensive awareness quickly solidified a previously shaky backline. The England youth international also provided an attacking threat, making marauding overlapping runs and delivering quality crosses.

 

 

But it is Chambers' mentality that has truly captured fans' admiration. He plays each game with the tenacity of a time served player - throwing himself into crunching tackles, attacking every aerial duel, and demanding the utmost from teammates. His passion and determination are an inspiration.

 

That indefatigable spirit produced an instant heroic moment when he powerfully headed home a last-gasp equaliser to rescue a vital point in a crunch promotion clash against Bolton in March. It encapsulated Chambers' endless courage and character.

 

 

The teenager has seamlessly embraced the fabled resilience ingrained in Wigan's identity. With him patrolling the left flank, the Latics always feel they have a chance no matter the deficit or opponent.

 

Chambers' meteoric rise is testament to his exceptional talent and mentality. His long-term future undoubtedly lies at Anfield, where he has been tipped for big things after earning a new contract in 2022. But the youngster is already crafting legendary cult hero status among Wigan's fanbase with his tireless, warrior-like displays this season.

 

If Luke maintains this upward trajectory, tales of his heroics and impact during this loan spell will be forever etched into the folklore of this proud club. For now, he is simply seizing his chance to shine.

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Wataru Endo hopes he can be an example for the next generation of Japanese Footballers after realising his own Footballing dream.

 

The 31 year-old midfielder arrived in England with little fanfare as not much was known about him in this country despite plying his trade in his homeland and in Europe for well over a decade.

 

Last summer shaped as being transitional with a number of high profile senior departures with the emphasis on bringing in young talent.

 

When Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia turned down the Reds for Chelsea on the verge of the season kicking off, morale was pretty low among the fanbase and that didn’t improve much when Endo was signed not too long after.

 

 

By viewing his Footballing resume, it was clear he had talent and a level of responsibility attached to his name by being captain of his country, but the fact that Jordan Henderson and Fabinho had departed and another player in their early thirties was brought in as a replacement raised some questions.

 

It has been a common theme for new signings under Jurgen Klopp to take their time to adjust and this was certainly the case with Endo.

 

But once the defensive midfielder adjusted to the tempo, he has been one of the surprise packets of not only Liverpool’s season but the league in general, becoming a very important member of the starting lineup and he has become a fan favourite along the way.

 

Speaking as part of the Premier League series: Greatness comes from Everywhere’ Endo outlined his footballing dream per the Official site.

 

 

“To see someone like me come from a small club and play in the Premier League means a lot to the Japanese football world.

 

“ I dreamed of it, but I never thought I’d play for a team like Liverpool.

 

“It was nothing concrete, just a simple dream. I just knew I wanted to play in the Premier League someday, but now I find myself living that dream.

 

“I’m really pleased that I followed my dream and continued to work hard and that I was able to succeed in making it here, because I hope that my story will influence other children to do so in the future.”

 

Endo also spoke about how he developed his love for Football.

 

“I watched my father play football a lot, so that also inspired me to play, and I liked playing with my friends.

 

“As well as the J.League, I started watching a lot of Premier League matches and that is when I started to dream of playing in the Premier League one day.

 

“I believed in myself and my determination to succeed never waned.

 

“My father definitely inspired me the most. He’s not very talkative, but he always told me to think for myself and to act on my decisions, and to choose my own path in life.”

 

 But despite the great strides he has taken on a personal level throughout his career Endo still has boxes he wants to tick.

 

“Even when I achieve good results, I’m never satisfied, because I still want to improve as a professional footballer.”

 

 

 

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Joe Gomez has spoken about his overall pride in being recalled to an England squad for the first time in over three years.

 

The Liverpool defender has become one of the most versatile and dependable members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad this season, filling in across the back four and at times even in midfield.

 

With a number of senior departures last season Gomez is the longest serving  member of this squad, and the 26 year-old’s Liverpool’s journey has been littered with  euphoric highs and crippling lows.

 

International friendlies have a stigma of being somewhat unnecessary to the everyday fan, especially when you take into account the already overcrowding of the Football calendar.

 

But for someone like Gomez these upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Belgium hold a great deal of significance and satisfaction that is a true example of his mental strength. It was an accident at an England training session in November 2020 that saw his career cruelly halted once again  after previously overcoming  his share of injury setbacks.

 

An honest and raw Gomez spoke about what it meant to walk out onto that same training pitch where he sustained that season-ending knee tendon injury as the Mirror reported.

 

 

“Getting out in the warm-up (today) it was nice to close that chapter.

 

“It was the same pitch. We were doing an 11 v 11 when I got the injury. It was quite unique, it was a patella tendon rupture. I was by myself. I just went to play a pass. I planted my foot and then … it ruptured, it was quite gruesome. My kneecap was halfway up my leg. A lot of it is a blur because it was a bit painful.

 

“I left the training pitch in an ambulance. Leaving and not getting a chance to come back was tough to deal with.

 

“From that point, it was a massive part of my life, probably the hardest point in my career - just that moment because of how it happened. The last time I saw Gareth I was on the bed waiting for the ambulance. It was tough and it is a big part of my journey that I wouldn’t shy away from  because it has shaped me into who I am.

 

“I can always lean on it to keep perspective and see the positives. It’s definitely changed my application in terms of everything – recovery, gym work and so on. I’m at peace with what happened.”

 

There is every reason to think that the central defender by trade is having his best season of his career and while he wouldn’t say that for certain, Gomez is just enjoying playing a significant role in a successful side.

 

“ I’m really enjoying my football. Obviously we had a good phase at the club when we won the league and so on. But obviously this year has been different for me, playing in different places. It’s hard for me to judge. I was obviously younger and enjoying it then, playing centre-half mostly.

 

“I’m definitely enjoying it. It helps when the team is doing well and when we’re winning games – that plays a big part. Personally, I don’t know, I’m just appreciating the moment, I’m not really worrying about where I’ve been or where I’ve got to go, just being here now and embracing it is the main thing.”

 

He has been a player in the current Liverpool squad that you just want good fortune to come his way given his injury misfortune. And it seems that has finally occurred as Gomez is on the cusp of playing his most games in a season, a mark set in the 2019/ 20 season (43) and he is now just three appearances away from surpassing that.

 

One individual that the defender is forever grateful for is his manager, not only for making him a better player but a better person as well and always stating his case for higher honours too.

 

“I definitely didn’t ask him to do it (mention his name for a international recall).

 

“The gaffer at the club is the gaffer. He is one of a kind. I owe a lot to him. He has been probably the biggest influence on my career. It is nice to have that support from your manager. He has been a massive influence on me, not just as a player but as a person. It is special to play under him.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jurgen Klopp knew he had a major job to do when he first arrived at Liverpool and was more focused on building a pathway to success than reclaiming the mantle of most successful club in English Football.

 

That he has managed to do both is just another testament to the remarkable job that the German has done since coming to the club when it was clearly at the crossroads in October 2015.

 

A student of the game, Klopp knew all about the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Man United and Alex Ferguson’s phrase when he first joined the Red Devils. but he was much more interested in starting the process of building a successful team rather than focusing on the past as the Mirror reported.

 

 

“I know the famous phrase about the perch, but I had other stuff to do when I arrived here rather than think about Manchester United, to be honest.

 

“In my first year, Leicester won the league. In my second year, Chelsea won the league. Then Man City started winning the league. But there was nothing with Manchester United. That is not me. I don’t think about anybody else.

 

“If we face them, then yes. If we don’t face them, they can do what they want and I have nothing to do with that influence. I was made aware that Liverpool have now won most trophies because I was told about it - but then I forgot it!‌

 

“It’s important, absolutely. But as long as we can still win something, I don’t count trophies.”

 

On that point, the Reds currently have the edge in terms of overall trophies won (71-69) and will level Man United’s total of 20 league titles if they lift the trophy in May.

 

Reflecting on the first meeting, Klopp knew that he had build from the ground up.

 

“I think we lost our first game against United. Was it a goal by Wayne Rooney?  I thought we were better but they won the game. I do remember that.‌ But, for me, I can’t start the development (of a club) by thinking who is up there who I want to reach.

 

“I can only do it step by step - and they were probably far away. It didn’t ever hinder me because it wasn’t even in my mind. He (Ferguson) came from Scotland, I came from Germany, so it was a different place and different times.”

 

Moving on the present moment and Klopp says while his team will be deep in enemy territory as he prepares to take his side to Old Trafford for the penultimate time as Liverpool manager, they will have plenty of support with them for the FA Cup Quarter final clash.

 

“I always prefer home games but if we play away I have always preferred to do it in the FA Cup because you can take more people.

 

“The away crowd is a real crowd. Our fans will be on their toes and that’s important because we know Old Trafford can create quite a special atmosphere.

 

"In general it (Old Trafford) is a good place to go. It’s real football. It’s all or nothing because it’s the Cup and it will be decided that day.

 

“I am really happy that we aren’t going there with people saying ‘they have no chance.’ We have a chance but we must be really good.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sparta Prague manager Brian Priske conceded that his team were nowhere near the standard required to compete with Liverpool.

 

Already out of the tie after losing 5-1 at home last week, it was all about respectability for the Czech outfit heading into the second leg, however they were blitzed in the opening 15 minutes at Anfield conceding four goals in the opening 14 minutes and  Football. historians scrambling for their record books for the greatest aggregate scoreline in European club competition.

 

While the 21-0 scoreline registered by Chelsea against Jeunesse Hautcharage in the first round of the  1971/72 Cup Winners Cup and a year later by Feyenoord against Rumelage in the 1st round of the UEFA Cup was never threatened, this 11-2 aggregate win for the Reds was their biggest in over four decades equalling their result against Finnish side Oulun Palloseura in the first round of the European Cup in the 1980-81 season.

 

Just like last week, this tie served as the perfect tune-up for another big game on the weekend, this time it is against Manchester United in the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

 

Before that at lunchtime today comes the quarter-final draw for the Europa League which could see the Reds draw familiar foes in West Ham, Roma, AC Milan or intriguingly a clash with a team and manager that is taking all before them in Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

 

But according to the former Danish international and Portsmouth defender, there is no doubt in his mind about who they should be fearing the most as the Echo reported.

 

 

“We faced a world-class team, big respect to Liverpool how they played these two legs, how they approached the game,” he said. “They put in the pure quality they have. We are disappointed in the personal mistakes that we made both in the first game and definitely also here in first 20 minutes. But we faced a world-class team here again.

 

“We have never faced anything like this. Liverpool is a Champions League team and should be in the Champions League. They may be Premier League winners in two months. Big respect to the players of Liverpool and the coaching staff.”

 

While Sporta are certainly not without their own European pedigree, being part of this competition frequently over the past decade, Priske was unequivocal in not wanting to compare previous opponents to this Reds outfit.

 

“I hope people don’t measure the team on these two games – it’s a completely different level to what we’ve played against this season. We’ve played good teams like Rangers and Galatasaray but to Liverpool is just a complete new different level.”

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Ian Wright believes that the discussion surrounding the modern day success of Man City comes with an important caveat attached, that being the 115 charges that they have to answer to for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

 

Liverpool and Man City engaged in another chapter of their storied rivalry on Sunday afternoon, and as happens after so many of these games, there was plenty of talking points to come out of it.

 

Despite being undermanned, the Reds ability to put the reigning champions for a sustained period of time surprised and impressed many observers in equal measure, not least the Liverpool manager himself who said “there is no higher scale than playing the best football you can play against Man City, causing City the problems we caused them today.”

 

Then there was the dramatic finale when a seemingly stone-cold penalty appeal  was denied when Michael Oliver did not view Jeremy Doku’s high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister to be worthy of one.

 

So while the fixture ended all square for the second time this season and we are no clearer to knowing what it means in terms of the title race, another question has started to emerge.

 

 

With Jurgen Klopp departing at the end of this season, the clash on Sunday was the last time that the German and Pep Guardiola will come up against each other in the Premier League.

 

In terms of that competition, City won five, Liverpool four and  there were eight draws, and in a overall sense with also covers their time in Germany it is Klopp that edges it with 11 wins to 10.

 

As those figures state, there is certainly not a lot that separates them, however it is simplistic to go on wins and losses alone.

 

The vast riches that Guardiola has had at his disposal courtesy of the Man City ownership differs greatly to the way FSG does business and the way that Klopp has had to build his team basically from the ground up.

 

The matter of the pending breaches that Man City have to face is something that the mainstream football media have almost looked to tiptoe around and close their eye to and it has been left to investigative journalists to keep the topic in the forefront of people’s minds.

 

Ian Wright is one of the very few pundits to really address it in a public setting as he was speaking on the Sky Sports Monday Night Football program (per the Echo).

 

 

“I think when you look at the trophy cabinet that Pep [Guardiola] has done very well, but then you look at what Klopp has done to try and catch Manchester City and the way he has built that team to get them there.

 

“You have to say, yes, it’s been easier for Pep with what he’s done. But, Klopp has a lot of love, but it’s there for everyone to see in respect to the amount of trophies.

 

"But, we can’t speak about City without talking about the 115 charges around them. The one thing I would like more than anything else is for that to be gone so you can give the team and the manager the flowers they deserve because when you speak about them, it’s like there is an elephant in the room."

 

Wright went on to say on his record of trophies won as a basic measuring stick alone, he would say that Guardiola has done better.

 

While opinions will differ on ‘who is better, who has done better’, what is pleasing is that Wright has shone a light on this matter. Man City may be focussed on winning more honours, but their ultimate judgement is still to come, and this one will be away from the pitch.

 

 

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Mo Salah has admitted that there will come a time when he will leave Liverpool but he has not reached that point just yet.

 

It has been widely speculated over the last 12 months that the 31 year-old will join the list of big names that headed to the Saudi League.

 

Despite their unrelenting persistence, that has not transpired just yet although when Jurgen Klopp made the shock announcement in January that he was stepping down as Liverpool manager come the end of this campaign there was a prevailing view that would be the catalyst for a Salah move to eventuate sooner rather than later.

 

Speaking with Sky Sports, Salah admitted that player movement is a natural part of Football, however said at this point of time he is focused on the present and that the decision by Klopp has no direct impact on him.

 

“No, It's part of life now, that everything moves. Players have left already, very important players. The manager is also very important for the club and is leaving.

 

"One day I will leave the club, but no [Klopp leaving doesn't affect my future]."

 

 

The Egyptian superstar took us into the inner sanctum on that fateful day and said that it was as big a shock to the playing group as it was to the football community at large.

 

“ Usually we don't do meetings at 10.30am, as 10.30 is the report time," Salah added. "It's normally a 10.30 meet time and then 12 noon training. Then they said there was a meeting at 10.30am. I was like: 'What?'

 

“The manager's agent was there at the training ground and I thought: 'Oh, he's renewing his contract.

 

"And five minutes before the meeting, Virgil [van Dijk] said: 'Do you know what the meeting is about?'

 

"I said no. He said: 'The manager is leaving'.

 

"I said: 'Really, the manager is leaving? You serious? Why?'

 

“He said: 'No idea'.

 

“Then the manager came in and he just said it and it was weird because no-one knew before. There was nothing in the media. He didn't even prepare us for that, he just said it. That was a weird day for us and for the club."

 

There is a great level of positivity surrounding their fortunes of the club for the rest of the season despite the list of absentees through injury.

 

One of those players that has returned to full fitness just in time for the showcase fixture against Man City at Anfield today is Salah, and in keeping with the quality of the opposition, Salah often saves his best for them scoring 11 in 19 games (seven which have come in the Premier League.)

 

 

Salah spoke about what it takes to rise to the occasion in a fixture such as this.

 

"I just feel myself in that game, in the big games you just want to play and enjoy.

 

“I usually just have one defender against me, not two or three.

 

“The game is open and I just love the games where I can feel myself. The big players have to step up in the big games and show quality.

 

"It [City] is an unbelievable team and an unbelievable coach. They have dominated the league for a few years and we have always fought with them.

 

“You go to the game and you just feel like it's a six points game, not just a three points game.

 

"We have a good chance, we play at home, everybody will be excited, the atmosphere will be unbelievable as usual. We just have to focus on our game and try to win the game."

 

 

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Jurgen Klopp believes that whoever takes over from him in the summer is coming at the perfect time to write their own chapter at a wonderful club.

 

Despite being such a transformative figure during his tenure with the Reds, Klopp has never been one to take all the plaudits, insisting that he is just one person playing their part at a club in their quest for ultimate success.

 

When the shock news came that the German would be departing the club in the summer, the obvious questions by the fans was, what comes next, and who would be that person to take over from the iconic figure?

 

A daunting proposition to most, but as the man explained at his regular Friday pre-match press conference (per the Mirror, ) that timing is everything.

 

 

“I really think it is the perfect moment for a new manager and not the wrong one because we didn’t win everything, we left spaces. Go at City after Pep Guardiola and you need to be champion ten years in a row to achieve the same.”

 

Those who have been in the inner sanctum at Liverpool, be it former managers or players often describe it as a unique and special club.

 

There are many examples of that over the years and Klopp reflected on those who came before him and his own journey.

 

“The people here are different. The people gave Bill Shankly the chance, and what came after Bill Shankly, and they are all bigger than we are, and the people will understand in the end that this was a fantastic time and we all enjoyed it like hell.

 

“What a ride. But I am 100 per cent sure that what they learned over the years is if we trust and we push then everything is possible. This team will attract top class managers, 100 per cent.

 

“I came in at the right moment because it got lost a little bit and maybe I was the one who helped everyone to understand again how important it is. The club is special. Not because of the buildings – other clubs have nice stadiums – but because of the people.”

 

 

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Michael Edwards is in the frame for a return to Liverpool where he played such a pivotal part in setting up the club on the pathway to success.

 

Edwards left Liverpool in 2022 after 10 years and despite having many offers to join rival clubs including Chelsea, the 44 year-old has instead taken up a role as a consultant at the sports advisory business Ludonautics.

 

Edwards met with FSG in Boston last weekend as they conducted a meeting about what role he could possibly play in the post Jurgen Klopp era.

 

However as the Guardian reports, it will not be a return to the Sporting Director role with Edwards wanting a role that holds more control that covers a lot more areas such as Head of Football Operations.

 

 

If last summer was pivotal in shaping Liverpool 2.0 as Jurgen Klopp famously referred to it, this summer shapes as even more vital.

 

As we have seen in the modern era, even powerful clubs can quickly fall to insignificant status rather quickly if they do not get the off field appointments spot on.

 

Finding the right replacement for Klopp is naturally is the key job for the top brass, and with Liverpool having a fine season and still with a number of World Class talent and exciting talent coming through, it remains one of the plumb jobs for any manager wanting to challenge themselves at the elite level.

 

If Edwards agrees to a Liverpool return in the Head of Football Operations role, he would be the man that would lead the search for that along with finding a new Sporting director after Jorg Schmadtke filled the role temporarily last summer.

 

Xabi Alonso is the man firmly in the frame to fill the role, but it is believed that Liverpool are playing a much more respectful role in trying to bring him ‘home’  knowing that he still has his full focus in guiding  Bayer Leverkusen land their first Bundesliga, this is compared to Bayern Munich who are publicly courting the 42 year-old.

 

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Jordan Henderson has spoken once again about his departure from Liverpool and has admitted that it was the right time to leave the club.

 

In September last year, the man who captained the Reds to Premier League and Champions League success produced what could only be described as a train-wreck interview which included this eye-raising quote that  “at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay."

 

 Jurgen Klopp produced the perfect response, never one to embarrass a player he thought so highly of, but also putting the truth out there.

 

“Hendo said the truth. That's how it was. We had talks, I told him I wanted him to stay but we talked about maybe not playing regularly.  I cannot tell a player they can have 50 games because I don't know.

 

“So, in Hendo's ears and mind, he thought I didn't want him there. If I said Hendo would be the main man for me he would stay but I couldn't. That's why it's better he moved on. Not a bit of bad blood. Captain of best Liverpool team in the Premier League era."

 

 

Henderson was a player who certainly divided opinion as a player, but one thing couldn’t be doubted in his time at Liverpool was his leadership qualities and statesmanship-like standing on many issues away from the game.

 

That is why his decision to leave the club for the Saudi League went completely against the grain for what we thought we knew about the midfielder, and disappointed so many people in the process, and probably in many fans eyes, tarnished his legacy.

 

After an utterly disastrous move to Saudi Arabia, Henderson made a quick exit to Ajax and speaking ahead of their tie against Aston Villa in the Europa League said he know believes the right move was made as the Mirror reported.

 

“ It was the right time for me as a player but also for them as a team and for them as a club, as much as that hurt at the time. I was very emotional.

 

“Looking back in that period of time, looking back now, it is easy to see that it was the right decision made by the manager and the club.

 

"It was the best decision to freshen things up. If you look at Virgil Van Dijk becoming captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold becoming vice-captain, and how they've stepped up again this season, I think it has given them another lift.

 

“They have been two huge players for the team this season. I think it was the best thing for the club and the team and you can see that in the performances and how they've done, as much as that hurts me."

 

 

Henderson also offered great praise to the figure that he worked so effectively alongside during this golden era of the Liverpool Football Club.

 

“I'm so happy it's worked out for them so far and I've just got my fingers crossed it can be a fairytale end for Jurgen because he deserves it."

 

While Henderson was shocked like every fan was when the official news first dropped, knowing first hand how much a physical toll the job has taken on someone like Klopp, a man who puts his absolute heart and soul into it, he wasn’t overly surprised.

 

"I have spoken to him a little bit. When I found out, it was quite shocking news for everyone. But at the same time, I probably wasn't as surprised as everyone else was because he has been there a long time and the passion and emotion that he gives teams and the club, to do that for a long time must wear you out.

 

"It will give him an extra energy boost until the end of the season, we have seen that already and from the players as well. Hopefully that will get them over the line on a few trophies over the next few months."

 

 

 

 

 

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Trent Alexander-Arnold believes that the way that Liverpool have earned their success in the Jurgen Klopp era means more in a personal sense compared to the financial juggernaut that is Man City.

 

For the second time in three seasons, Liverpool are challenging on all four fronts. and having already one cup under their belt, it only gets more challenging from this point on.

 

And on Sunday sees yet another chapter in the great modern day rivalry that is Liverpool vs Man City.

 

And while nothing will be truly decided by the time the final whistle blows on Sunday, a win to either team will most certainly see them claim the favouritism tag for the title-run in.

 

The Reds have a couple of things in their favour, namely that they are playing at Anfield and the fact that they still hold the pole position, thanks to that precious 99th minute winner by Darwin Nunez against Nottingham Forest.

 

For their part Man City are doing what they seemingly do automatically which is click into gear once the new year comes around.

 

It takes a hell of a lot of mental strength to come up against a team with the immense financial power that Man City have in abundance.

 

Now that’s not to say that it money is the only thing that breeds success as you have to have a clear plan in how to spend it and bring in the right players of quality, but in the current landscape it most certainly helps your cause.

 

Liverpool have a different method in how they have gone about their quest to claim honours, and it is something that clearly resonates with the playing group if the words of Alexander-Arnold are to go by as The Mirror reported (per Four Four Two).

 

 

“It's tough. We're up against a machine that's built to win - that's the simplest way to describe City and their organisation.

 

"Looking back on this era, although they've won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs, financially.

 

“How both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we've done it, probably means more to our fans."

 

The right-back who is currently out with a lateral knee ligament injury knows full well about the overall strength of their title rivals, but sees no reason why the Reds cannot go stride for stride with them and come out on top come May.

 

 

"From the turn of the year, City switch it on and it's a difficult machine to stop,"

 

"But we've shown in the past that we've been able to do it and there's no reason why we can't go and match them this season. We're excited to be involved with City and know we're in a good position.

 

"I'm sure they'll be motivated, as are we. It's going to be an exciting end."

 

 

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A contradictory report, looks like Robbo may be staying put.

 

Liverpool plan to hold new contract talks with Andy Robertson this summer, sources have told Football Insider. 

It is believed that the Reds will sit down with the left-back, 29, to discuss a contract extension once they have appointed a new manager and sporting director.

 

 

Liverpool are set for another battle with the Egyptian FA after officially asking them to exclude Mo Salah from the March friendlies.

 

Salah had his African Cup of Nations tournament ended early after suffering a hamstring injury, and after a lay-off he returned to Liverpool action against Brentford on the 17th of February playing the second 45 minutes where he scored and produced a assist in the 4-1 victory.

 

However bad news was to come in the aftermath of that game when the winger sustained a muscular injury which was apparently linked to his original ailment.

 

There was always apprehension and caution attached in regards to how to bring Salah back to the playing fold, given how vital he is to the fortunes of Liverpool battling for honours on all four fronts.

 

It seems remarkable to think in the modern day of high-octane Football and especially the way that Salah plays the game, that this was his first setback with any sort of muscle strain or tear that he has had since being at the club.

 

But it is to his utmost credit in the professional way he prepares himself, that the 31 year-old has almost been an omnipresent fixture on the team sheet of Jurgen Klopp.

 

To highlight that further, in his first six seasons on Merseyside, Salah has averaged 36.33 Premier League appearances per season, and extending that to all competitions he has averaged 50.83 appearances per season, only once not passing the half century which was in 2019/20.

 

This campaign will be the second time, as even if he plays every possible game from here on in (currently on 28) he will fall one game short of the mark.

 

 

But by far the most important thing is getting Salah back on the pitch and in top shape once the big games come around, which basically starts this week with a Round- of-16 clash with Sparta Prague in the Europa League followed by a visit from reigning league champions Man City.

 

And hence why the letter was written to Egyptian officials, however the response gives the impression that they will make the decision and not Liverpool as the Echo reported.

 

“We have already received a letter from Liverpool to exempt Mohamed Salah from the upcoming camp due to his injury. We sent the name of Mohamed Salah among the professional players that we are requesting to include in the next camp a few days ago.

 

"It is our right to include any professional player as long as it is at the time of the international agenda, and the issue of whether or not to include him is in the hands of the national team’s technical staff, led by captain Hossam Hassan.

 

"It is still too early to decide the matter, and if Mohamed Salah plays any match in the time before the start of the camp, we will adhere to his inclusion, and he will be examined and his readiness determined by the medical staff of the Egyptian national team."

 

 

In 2021, Liverpool won the battle of wills with the Egyptian FA when they refused to release him for duty for the Olympic Games which they had every right not to given it was a non-FIFA sanctioned event.

 

But it is clear given that wording that there is no love lost and the Egyptian FA are determined to chalk up any win they can.

 

But let us hope the bigger picture is not lost in all this, and that is the fitness of one of the most important players in modern day Football.

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Jurgen Klopp has admitted that there is no time scale regarding a return to first team action for Alisson.

 

The Brazilian keeper last played for the Reds exactly a month ago in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.

 

He then missed the next game against Burnley with the flu before recovering from that and was set to play against Brentford on the 17th of February  before injuring his hamstring at the last training session.

 

From the moment he sustained that injury, Klopp indicated to say that it would not be a quick return from this setback, and speaking ahead of the fixture against Nottingham Forest, the manager went into a bit more detail as the Mirror reported.

 

“There is no real timescale on it, but it is a proper muscle injury. Different players recover differently. That is it pretty much. It is not a short one.

 

 

"It is not that he will be in contention for next week or something like that. We have to wait a few more weeks, definitely, for him. He is working in the gym, not on the pitch, it is a rather serious one but not a season-ending injury."

 

If there is a silver lining to losing the best goalkeeper in World Football, it means that it is giving an opportunity to Caoimhin Kelleher to get a number of games under his belt on a consistent basis.

 

The 25 year-old has made 17 appearances during this campaign which is already double the next highest amount of eight which came during the 2021/22 campaign.

 

There has often been speculation regarding the future of Kelleher and when he would decide the time is right for him to become a No 1 goalkeeper in his own right.

 

 

There is no question that he would be a major asset to most teams in the top flight with the latest example of that being in the past week with outstanding performances against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup win and again in midweek against Southampton in the FA Cup 5th round tie.

 

For a long time Klopp has spoken about the natural talent of Kelleher and has often said how lucky he is that the Irishman has decided to stick around as backup to Alisson.

 

And while there has been confirmed interest including today’s opponent Nottingham Forest, the German said the club was never interested in selling a valued asset.

 

“For me it was never a discussion, we spoke about it but for me there was no chance of him leaving so I was not interested in who was asking.

 

“It would have had to be proper price to give us a chance of doing something in a difficult market. It is not like other goalkeepers moving from A to B for £15m or £20m, that is totally unrealistic and nonsense in how I understood.”

 

Klopp says that Kelleher is the consummate team man and has never agitated for a move.

 

“With a goalkeeper it is slightly different, but it never reached a point where we had a discussion whereby it was, ‘you have to stay, shut up.’

 

“You would have to ask him exactly what he thought, but I think now he would be pretty happy with the decision he made in the summer.”

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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.

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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

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