TLW

John Barnes believes the integrity of the Premier League must be upheld meaning that Liverpool have to complete the season to be classified as winners of the league.The Belgian Pro League became the first in Europe to cancel their season, and in doing so they declared Club Brugge as the winners.Brugge are currently 15 points clear of Gent but the main difference is that it is a 16-team league and there was just one game of the season remaining when it was halted.In terms of the Premier League, the Reds legend said all fixtures must be honoured no matter how long it takes to overcome this global nightmare that is the Covid-19 pandemic.The Mirror (via BonusCodeBets) reported Barnes as saying:“A lot of people are looking at it quite binary saying: ‘Liverpool should just be given the league title’ because they’re 25 points ahead. “But for the integrity of football it is important that the season must be finished.“You can’t just award Liverpool the league title without promotion or relegation taking place. It’s wrong."You have to honour the league which means that the bottom three have to go down, the top three have to come up from The Championship, bottom three go down from there and then the same with League One.“It’s not a binary choice to say give them the championship and we’ll sort everything else; you can’t do that! I don’t see why you cannot finish the season."Even if we play football in three months, six months, 10 months’ time or even a year. "We have nine games to play and these must be honoured – we then start the next season two or three months later. The former England international says the football calendar may well have to be turned on its head due to this unique situation."Obviously in an ideal world you’d like to start the season in August and finish in May, but in these unprecedented times we may have to start playing again in August and finish in October, two months off until next season in January or maybe February.“Maybe we scrap the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions’ League so we all catch up, that way we can get the way back to August and play from then until May next season."It’s opening up a can of worms to try and start over again, and I don’t see why we are so worried about the following season. “Completing this season is the most important thing to do."For the integrity of football all the way down, it is so important the season is concluded.” View full article

Jurgen Klopp is once again in the sights of the key stakeholders in German Football to manage the national team.Klopp has regularly been linked to take over the reigns of the National team and the Mirror reports that there is a growing enthusiasm within the corridors of football power in his homeland to line up Klopp as a successor to Joachim Low.And more significantly, the report says Klopp himself is believed to see managing the national side as a natural development. In December, the much loved manager signed a contract extension until the end of 2024 and there is no get-out clause attached to that deal.The German sees this role at Liverpool as his last in club management and it is a sign of how much he loves the club that when positions at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have become available, he has not been tempted in the slightest.It goes without saying that Liverpool are thrilled with the progress that Klopp has made during his tenure where he has built a culture of success, and doing so with eye-catching Football and in a humble fashion.At the press conference after he signed the contract extension, Klopp said that whenever he does depart, “he wants to leave it the club in a very good place”. The powers-that-be at the club feel that Klopp can build a lasting legacy in the same way that Alex Ferguson and Arsenal Wenger did at Man United and Arsenal.Low has been in the role of German team manager since 2006 and has had many good moments in that time with the World Cup success in 2014 undoubtedly being the pinnacle.However in more recent times, Low has experienced tougher times which has included a dismal 2018 World Cup campaign where they were eliminated at the group stage.That poor form continued in the Nations League when they were relegated from League A to League B after failing to win against France and the Netherlands.However they were spared the humiliation after UEFA decided to increase the number of nations in League A from 12 to 16, meaning the four nations who should have been relegated will now remain in League A. Germany did find their form in qualifying for the now postponed Euro 2020 winning seven of their eight games and the international tournaments as viewed as the true litmus test for Low.While there is a number of young up and coming managers in German Football, it appears that Klopp only has to say the word and the job will be his. View full article

Despite the halt to the Premier League season, transfer rumours never stop and the latest snippet of news regards another left-back being linked to the Reds.Football 365 (via Spanish publication Sport) reports that PSG star Layvin Kurzawa is on the radar of Liverpool as they search for specialised cover for Andy Robertson.The evergreen James Milner has deputised many times in the role during the tenure of Jürgen Klopp, but in doing so, it takes away some of the strengths he offers in the middle of the pitch.Youngsters Yasser Larouci and Adam Lewis have made appearances in domestic cup and pre-season games, but they are both viewed as options for the long term.Kurzawa was strongly linked to Arsenal during the January transfer but he stayed put at the French champions with manager Thomas Tuchel very keen to keep hold of him. The 27 year-old has a deal of experience in a domestic sense having also played for Monaco, in European competition for PSG and also on the international stage where he has won 13 caps for France. He also brings a winning pedigree to the table having been part of three title-winning squads with PSG as well as a number of domestic cups.With his contract ending in the summer, Liverpool will be able to sign Kurzawa on a free transfer.In terms of his strengths, Kurzawa looks to have a nice blend between attacking and a defensive sense.In possession, he tries to drive forward with the ball, a trait highlighted by his 1.47 progressive runs up the pitch per 90 minutes this season.He likes the ball at his feet with Kurzawa averaging 2.8 successful dribbles per 90 minutes meaning that he does not turn over the ball easily. Kurzama also has a passing success rate of 87% during the 2019/20 season.Despite being comfortable in possession, Kurzawa is not a playmaking full-back in the way that Robbo and Trent are, although to be honest, not many are in the modern Football landscape.An area where Kurzawa could struggle in a Jürgen Klopp side is his defensive positioning and concentration.This is along with a lack of confidence in his own ability which many close observers believe is a key reason that he has been in and out of the PSG side this season. That last part makes him sound like a Alberto Moreno clone, but in truth we are not looking for a world beater in this position, just a player that can give Andy Robbo a breather every now and then.With that all said, being able to sign Kurzawa could be a pretty savvy move. View full article

Gary Lineker is the latest Football luminary to have his say over the halted Premier League season.Opinions differ over whether the 2019/20 season should continue, or be voided with the Covid-19 outbreak currently sweeping through the country.Naturally some people have vested interests concerning their reasoning, but speaking as someone not directly involved, Lineker believes that the season should be concluded which will give Liverpool the opportunity to win the title in their own right.The Mirror via Talksport reported the Match of the Day host as saying:I think ideally we’d like to finish the season, I think that would make sense.“But this whole situation is so fluid and much more important than anything, it’s difficult to know when it’s going to go away.“We could be able to play again by June, it might have calmed down enough, whether that will be behind doors, which is not really what football’s about, but it would help to finish the leagues.“That’s the thing everybody would want to happen, except perhaps some supporters who really don’t like Liverpool.“I think that would be the fairest thing." The Premier League is currently on hold until the end of April, but with the virus still incredibly prominent, it appears certain that date will be changed when the Premier League, PFA and EFL meet tomorrow.Many clubs in the lower leagues are doing it especially tough in this unprecedented time. Lineker said that the powers that be need to find the starting date that suits all parties.And he also believes that this season can intertwine with the new campaign.“The one thing I’ll say at the moment is the players are having their rest now and it’s not the rest they would want, it’s not the holiday they would want, but once they get back and have a couple of weeks training to start the season again, they certainly wouldn’t need another pre-season between the seasons. View full article

Xherdan Shaqiri could have played his last game for the Reds with Sevilla keen on the services of the Swiss star.The Mirror reports the team who are currently placed third in La Liga, are reportedly ready to test Liverpool's resolve this summer with a £28million offer.The proposed fee documented in the report would see Liverpool more than double their money on the original fee that they paid for the attacking midfielder from Stoke City in the summer of 2018.The much travelled 28 year-old has struggled for game time this season due to increased competition for places as well as a ongoing battle with muscle injuries.When Shaqiri does get onto the playing arena, it is clear that he makes a difference to the team with his vibrancy and his creative mindset. He also plays with a joyful demeanour which the supporters in particular feed off.But the truth is that we have not seen it often enough with his last start coming in the World Club Cup in the middle of December.Jürgen Klopp has displayed sympathy for the predicament of his player saying in January:"It’s not cool, absolutely not cool.”“But maybe there are different reasons, for sure. Shaq is a very special player in different departments. “His physique is different to all others I ever saw, his muscles are unbelievable."For his part, Shaqiri has been understandably frustrated that his lack of playing time but understands he is part of a big squad."We have a big, talented squad, and many have to wait for their chance."I have never had a problem with the coach." View full article

West Ham has emerged as a possible new home for Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Loris Karius.The German has been on loan at Besiktas for the last two seasons, but despite the thought that a fresh start away from the intense gaze of Anfield would see him thrive, it has been anything but a smooth ride with Karius making his fair share of poor errors and publicly berated by his former manager.Besiktas has made it known that they are not interested in paying the £7.25m that it would require to make the move permanent.In a new development, The Mirror (via Voetbal) reports that the Hammers have registered an interest.The East London outfit have had their fair share of issues between the sticks this season with Number 1 Lukasz Fabianski missing a number of months with an hip injury. While his deputies, Roberto, Darren Randolph and David Martin are not thought to be good enough, and manager David Moyes has identified the position as a key one to strengthen and believes he can get the 26 year-old for a cut-price feel around £4.5 million. However, this is competition for his services with Belgian side Anderlecht and Sporting Lisbon of Portugal also thought to be monitoring the situation.Where Karius next ends up next in his Football career is uncertain, what seems ever more likely is that the keeper has made his last appearance for the Reds. View full article

Jürgen Klopp believes by all working together, the world will be a much better place in the aftermath of the global health emergency that we are all living through.It is often in the time of crisis where we often see the best of people wanting to help out each other and it has certainly been the case in terms of this global Covid-19 outbreak.The catchphrase “‘We are all in this together’ has been often seen across social media platforms and conveyed by global leaders.In terms of Football, Klopp who is an great humanitarian in his own right, has been widely praised by his view that Football and the fortunes of his own team be put on the back burner as we deal with something much more important.The Mirror (via the Official site) published his poignant views on the current situation.“In the future, in 10, 20, 30, 40 years, if we look back and the conclusion is that this was the period when the world showed the biggest solidarity, the biggest love, the biggest friendship or whatever, that would be great, that would be really great.“So in the moment when you go through a phase or a period like this it’s not possible to see that, especially not for the people who are ill, but there will be a point in the future, a moment in the future when we look back and hopefully then we can see it like this.“Because that’s the solution for it - we all have to be disciplined, we all have to work together, we all have to take care of each other and that’s the solution for this problem.”Klopp maintained his line that 'Football is not the most important thing in the world', but said for people to see the players return to the pitch, they have to be disciplined in their everyday life.“We said it now often enough, and I think everybody knows, football is not the most important thing in the world. One hundred per cent not. “In this moment it’s clear what is. “But the only way to get football back as soon as possible, if that’s what the people want, the more disciplined we are now the earlier we will get, piece by piece by piece, our life back. That’s how it is.“We have to be disciplined by ourselves, we have to keep the distance to other people. “We can still do some things, not a lot, but we have to just calm down a little bit with things. “Yes, outside the economy has to carry on, that will start again. But the lower the number will be when we go out again, the number of people infected, that’s what I understand."There will be a moment when other smart people find a vaccine for the virus. But until then, we have to make sure we do the best possible for all the people out there. “You hear now more and more it’s not only the elderly and weaker - it’s not only that, there are younger people involved who can die of it as well. "It’s not about that, it’s about just, show heart and a bit of sensibility and do the right thing: stay at home as long as we have to.It was clear that Klopp got a tingle of excitement when he discussed a return to competitive action . “At one point we will play football again as well, 100 per cent. I couldn’t wish more for it because of a few really good reasons, how you can imagine. “I can’t wait actually, but even I have to be disciplined and I try to be as much as I can.”The German spoke about how he is spending his time away from the cut and thrust of Football management.“ I watched a few movies – I watched the Taken trilogy again! "To be honest, that’s how it is – you do a lot of things you usually don’t do. "I’m still in that period. Two weeks is long but it’s not that long.Klopp said although this time in life is extreme in its severity and seriousness, it is also important to maintain a lighter side of life and he has enjoyed his players doing so.“I tried the (Tiktok) dance of Ox! Not as bad as you probably think! “It’s very important in these times that we all show we take this situation seriously, but we are human beings. "You have to keep your own mood up and you have to keep the mood up for other people. "If the boys do anything on Instagram, as long as it’s in a legal frame I’m overly happy about it – it just shows they are still cheeky and all that stuff. “I like it, I like it a lot. I like the line-ups they do. “All these things are really funny. It’s good.”It has been said many times before, but in desperately tough times like this, it just highlights what a special individual Jürgen is and how lucky we are to have him as our manager. View full article

Liverpool are looking closely at a player who is seen as one of Spanish Football’s most exciting prospects.20 year-old Ferran Torres has come through the youth ranks at Valencia and made his senior debut for Los Ches at 17 years of age.In that time, he has already made 90 first team appearances. The youngster has had a breakthrough campaign scoring six goals in all competitions including two goals and two assists in the Champions League.And in doing so, he became the first player born in 2000 to net a Champions League goal for a Spanish club.Torres is viewed as a versatile attack minded player who can play on either flank, as a winger and has a tremendous vertical leap which can see him play as a centre forward.But while these are all attributes that will interest the Reds, the Mirror reports they will face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona while Man City and Juventus are also sniffing around.The young talent has represented his country at the various youth levels and is reportedly close to earning a cap at the highest level. Former Valencia manager Marcelino was someone who had no doubts over the ability of Torres. “All of us within the club were sure that we were looking at a very high-level footballer.“It was only a matter of time before he exploded, because it was clear this player had to play. “He still has a significant margin for improvement, but for me, he is one of the revelations of the season."While Valencia are hoping they can persuade the youngster to extend his stay, the likelihood is that he will be on the move.There is debate about any transfer fee that will be set.Valencia are protected by a release clause, which has been reported in the Spanish media as being as high as €90m.That is unlikely to be true though, with the player signing his current deal on his 18th birthday - which would mean a much lower release clause than suggested.If this youngster than have even half the career of another F. Torres, then he will have done very well indeed. View full article

Clubs from the upper echelon of the Premier League have launched a bid to stop Man City playing in the Champions League while the appeal over their two year ban is ongoing.The Daily Mail reports that eight of the current top 10 placed clubs in the Premier League have submitted a joint application to the Court of Arbitration for Sport which will hear City’s appeal against their punishment from UEFA for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.The only two teams not on the list are Sheffield United and naturally City themselves.It is believed the group have written separately to the same law firm who have in turn sent them an application backed by all to the arbitration body.If Man City request their punishment is “stayed” (in other words not served) while their appeal is ongoing, the other clubs will strongly reject that premise. For their part, Man City have not requested that measure take place.City have a firm belief that this is a calculated attack by some of the most powerful clubs in the country.An unnamed source did little to reject that view by saying:“For too long, City have been able to get away with breaching the rules at the expense of at least one other club that has been unable to get into the Champions League.“The fear is that they will be able to delay any punishment and — should they win the appeal — get off scot-free, which would be outrageous."There is a thought that with the current Covid-19 global outbreak sending football calendars into turmoil, the case over City’s two year ban will be delayed and they could well start the new season in the Champions League. View full article

Raheem Sterling has publicly revealed that he still has a deep love for the club that he began his senior career with.The Man City forward was once a loved figure at Anfield after coming to the club as a 15 year-old from QPR.It was clear that the youngster had talent but like many in that position, he needed someone to guide him through the ups and downs of being a professional.That individual was Brendan Rodgers who initially used the tough love approach, but from there the relationship blossomed and peaked spectacularly in the 2013/4 season where Sterling was a pivotal member of the squad which went heartbreakingly close to ending the title drought. As the performances of the team crumbled after that bitter disappointment, Sterling seemingly looked to greener pastures where he believed his career goals could be fulfilled.While the usual suspects on the continent were mentioned, he eventually signed for Man City in a deal close to £50 million.While no one would begrudge a player a move if they do not want to be at the club anymore, but the way Sterling and his advisers handled his exit a lot to be desired.It led to a lot of acrimony whenever Liverpool played City and in truth, was probably the birth of a fierce rivalry between the two teams which has escalated several levels in the years since.Sterling conducted a Q and A session on the account of his management agency and the question was put to him whether he want to play for the Reds again.His answer as reported by the Echo is as follows:Would I ever go back to Liverpool? To be honest with you I love Liverpool.“Don’t get it twisted, they are always in my heart. “It’s a team that has done a lot for me growing up so…"It is a fascinating response especially when you take into account the European ban hanging over the head of City.The Echo ran a poll asking the readers whether they would take Sterling back but it is clear the resentment for the individual is still high with over 70% saying No.However when it is all said and done, it is nice to know that Sterling still respects the club that gave him an opportunity which to his credit he grabbed with both hands. View full article

Premier League players are firmly against the plan to play games behind closed doors.The Mirror reports that players from all divisions in England have spoken to their representatives at the Professional Footballers Association about their displeasure of the plan.There was a belief that the Premier League has mapped out a plan to resume games from as early as May 2nd, especially as they were under pressure from TV companies to fulfill their contracts or they will risk losing money running into the hundreds of millions of pounds. Some of the reasoning behind the players concerns include:* Fearing for their own safety amid strict Government warnings over social distancing.* It could put their own families in jeopardy if they then become infected* Extra strain would be placed on emergency services with ambulances, paramedics and security would be needed at a time when they are already being stretched to the limit* They do not want to play in empty stadiums with loyal fans being locked outWith the players so strong in their view, there will undoubtedly be some strong discussions taking place behind the scenes.The PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “Players do have concerns and understandably so. It would not be our preferred option but everything has to be considered at the moment."There is also a fear that the new season will kickoff behind closed doors with no one knowing when this Covid-19 outbreak will ease. View full article

Trent Alexander-Arnold says that Jürgen Klopp is an genuine individual who treats every player the same, whether you have played a senior game or are one of stars of the squad.Klopp is renowned for his outstanding ability to connect with players in a football sense as well as a humanistic level. The right-back says told GQ (via the Mirror) that he finds it hard to identify one special quality of the German.“ His man management... as a person, as a manager. Just unbelievable."And while some people think that his habit of hugging his players on the pitch as slightly over the top , the England international says it is entirely genuine. “He’s the same person, because I feel as though in those interviews, when you see him on the camera, you can see that he’s a loving person.“You can see that he’s someone who cares about the people around him. “He cares about his family, he cares about his players, he cares about his staff. He treats everyone as equals.“He treats the captain the same as he would a young player. “People probably have a conception of him as maybe being very emotional, heart on the sleeve. "Which he is to an extent, but he knows how to control it in ways that are beneficial to everyone around him.“He knows what needs to be said and what tone it needs to be said in, at the right time."The 21 year-old has come a long way under the tutelage of Klopp and has a lot to thank him for.It is just one of the reasons why he couldn’t dream of playing for another Football team.“It’s not something I’ve ever thought about. I’ve always loved Liverpool.“ I’ve always supported them. I’ve always played for them. So, yeah, still now, I wouldn’t sit there in my room and daydream about playing somewhere else.”But he does respect the general values of another city, that being Barcelona.“I’d say my favourite other team would be Barça. "I feel as though they’ve got kind of the same values and beliefs as Liverpool.“In Liverpool, everyone’s got the same beliefs, the same drive to succeed, the same hard-work ethic, the tenacity. "The passion in what they believe in is a massive thing in this city.” Trent also says another special feature is that Liverpool fans are very quick to make those players who come from other parts of the world as one of their own.And in turn, the players are able to buy into the culture of the club.“ I think it’s well known here that the fans are special and they love the players more than anything, but it’s not just about the fans.“It’s whether you fit the city and the environment that you’re living in, whether the people accept you, if you feel at home, if the family feel at home. “I think Liverpool is probably one of the easiest in that regard, because as soon as you come in you are accepted – you know that.“So (even if you are not born here) the players understand what the club is about, the history, this tradition, the values of the club. “I grew up with it. I understood it from an early age. I was taught it throughout my childhood, whereas they weren’t. "But they get it.” View full article