TLW

Liverpool have identified three central defensive options to replace Dejan Lovren if the Croatian leaves the club in the summer.The 30 year-old has made 184 appearances across all competitions in his six season stint at the Reds but he is out of contract next summer.With Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez the preferred pairing in the heart of the defence at this present time, opportunities seem limited for the veteran to be a first team regular and therefore he may look at other options to continue his career.It is for that reason that Liverpool have a contingency plan and The Mirror via Spanish publication (AS) reports that Michael Edwards has identified three targets.They are Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid, Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig and Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan.Gimenez is described as an individual is an aggressive, proactive centre back who's virtually flawless in the air, quick off the mark and difficult to knock off the ball. His high level of anticipation helps him clear danger often, and his preferred style out of defence is to go long and seek teammates with lofted balls.The Uruguayan international has had an injury interrupted season which saw him only be a bit-part player in the Champions League last 16 tie against the Reds.While the 25 year-old is tied to the Madrid club until 2023 and has a release clause of €120 million there is belief that a cut-price deal could be in order with Diego Simeone sticking with a Steven Savic and Felipe partnership.The other two options are younger with Upamecano 21 and Bastoni 20.The scouting report on Upamecano says he is a is a strong and willing tackler with a solid aerial presence and very capable with the ball at his feet. The French U/21 international is seen as one of the best young defenders in Europe and a major reason behind Leipzig’s very impressive campaign in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.He also doesn’t lack any confidence In his ability, saying just last month.“As I said, first I focus on RB Leipzig and then about what I intend to do, but there are clubs that love me. “I will speak well with my agents and my parents at the end of the season. "And we will make the right decision."The buyout clause could be a stumbling block (€92 Million) but again there is a thought a lower fee could be agreed to.Lastly Bastoni is seen as one of the brightest stars of Serie A and his development has seen Inter manager Antonio Conte prefer him to veteran Diego Godin. His strengths lie in his front foot defending and positioning along with his technical ability.Along with youngster Sepp van den Berg who was signed last summer, it is good to see the club casting the net far and wide looking for extra quality and depth in the key defensive positions.

Liverpool are a number of clubs monitoring promising French defender Evan Ndicka.The 20 year-old currently plays at Eintracht Frankfurt after coming through the ranks at Auxerre.Ndicka who has represented his country at the various youth levels is on the radar of Valencia and Sevilla and Sky Sports reports that Liverpool and Arsenal are also looking closely at the youngster.Ndicka mainly plays as a Central defender but is more than comfortable playing at left-back and it is that flexibility which could interest the Reds as they search for a capable backup to Andy Robertson.The defender has made 14 starts and one substitute appearance in the Bundesliga this season. On a wider note, there is a level of uncertainty of when the transfer window will be opened due to the fact that domestic leagues may be still completing the current season.The window is due to re-open on the 18th of June. Sky Sports also report that FIFA are reviewing the situation with regards to player registrations, with the possibility that players such as Adam Lallana could run out of contract at their club before the season restarts. One possibility been mooted is players in the position of Lallana and reserve goalkeeper Andy Lonergan be given rolling contracts on a week by week basis.It is just one more issue that Football has to confront in a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

Liverpool could be bqck in competitive action in early June according to a fresh report.The Covid-19 outbreak has swept through the world with alarming ferocity putting pay to any traditional conclusion to the Football season.Countless meetings involving key Football power-brokers have taken place in the last few weeks deciding what the next move will be.Everyone associated with Liverpool have been watching developments incredibly closely with the Reds only two wins away from winning the league. While there have been those with vested interests who wanted the season to be voided, that was never going to be a likely scenario with so much at stake.The statement from the Premier League this week provided much comfort when it clarified that the current season would be extended indefinitely.The Telegraph(via the Echo) reports that a “tentative" plan will see matches resume again after June 1st with action taking place behind closed doors.It could see the campaign finished within six weeks of that date - allowing for the 2020/21 season to begin around August 8th.As well as games taking place in empty stadiums, the Telegraph suggests "the presence of emergency crews within the ground" would need to be sanctioned by the Government.The report implies that this is only a target at this stage and things could rapidly change.However the moving of Euro 2020 to next year gives leagues across Europe some vital flexibility as they aim to complete the current season.It has been a case of so close, yet so far as we wait for positive news on this unprecedented situation.Hopefully this proposed step moves us one one step closer to claiming the ultimate prize.

Jadon Sancho is the player who would be a perfect addition for Liverpool according to former Reds and Everton player Don Hutchison. The Borussia Dortmund forward is one of the hottest prospects in Europe with a number of clubs interested in signing the 19 year-old former Man City youth player. But for Liverpool to secure his services, they would have to let go one of their prized assets in the front three.Hutchison says while he wouldn’t sell by choice, if it came to that scenario that player could be Mo Salah. The Mirror reported the Scottish international as saying: "I think if you're going to sell anyone and you had to sell one - don't get me wrong, I wouldn't sell any if I was Jurgen Klopp - but if one was to go and you offered Mo Salah for someone like Jadon Sancho, I maybe would take that swap.However he was unequivocal in his belief that Sadio Mané shouldn’t be the man sacrificed.“I wouldn't [accept £140m for Mane], I wouldn't. While Hutchison says Salah is an incredibly talented player, he identified a few flaws in his game.“When we were talking about the Champions League just before the Atletico Madrid game, you watch Mo Salah and the guy does genius things but he does the most basic things so bad it's untrue.“He can't pass a ball five yards, he seems to keep playing this ball where he tries to nutmeg everyone from whatever side he's on, if he's coming off the right flank onto his left, tries to play it to a striker through a body of players that's never, ever on.“And you watch him and go: 'Surely this has been coached, surely Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff have tried to coach Mo Salah,' and he does the basic things really badly."Yet his numbers are frightening and he scores a ridiculous amount of goals in the Premier League and the Champions League."

Jürgen Klopp has opened up on his role to not only be a great manager, but a life mentor for his players.Klopp is well renowned for his ability to be incredibly protective of his players whenever they come in for any form of criticism.Just because a training session has concluded or the final whistle has blown at the end of a Premier League match doesn’t mean that Klopp loses interest in what transpires in the everyday lives of his players.Speaking on the In the Duffle Bag podcast (via the Echo) before the enforced break, Klopp detailed what this type of his management contains.“The players know pretty much all about me, about my wife and my sons… It's important to know who you are working with and it's important to know why somebody is determined and motivated.“Where are you coming from? Are you out there to earn money, which is fine, or are you here to make your family proud, or are you here to make a whole country proud?“There are so many different things... I think I need to know them. That makes a relationship. “They can talk to me and it’s always important.”Klopp mentioned about how players want to know about how he dealt with being a parent at a young age. “A lot of players asked me for advice about life.“I was a young father, so I had the problems they had now twelve years before, when I was 20/21.“I learned how life changes when you become a father. “So that's what prepared me to have that kind of experience, to make the next step to be the coach or manager.“It felt really natural for me because it was overnight. Sunday, I played. Monday, was the manager.”We have seen over time how easy it is for managers to fall out with players, but Klopp says it is all about striking the right balance.“I'm the boss,“I say who plays, I say when we train, I say what we do and training, I decide all these things.“But in between these decisions, I can be their friend. “I always explained it like this... I'm a friend of my players, but I'm not their best friend. “I'm not the guy who understands everything but I try to.”Klopp won wide praise for his level headed words in relation to the postponement of the Premier League season due to the Covid-19 outbreak.“It's football. It's a game.“So it's not that serious actually, it's just a game. “There are more important things in life.”It is just one aspect of what makes Jürgen the person that he is and despite his outstanding ability and success as a manager, staying grounded his one of the main things he believes in. “Everyone should be humble because why shouldn't you be humble? “What reason do you have to feel like something special?”“The boys (players) have a special life in all in all parts. “They earn a lot of money, but they cannot go out without anybody watching them.“Every week the whole world is watching them and they’re still very young. What they need is faith and trust.“They have to realise it's possible to make the biggest mistakes ever in public and life goes on as long as you have the right people around you.”Despite taking such a worldly view on matters such as politics and the global health crisis, he knows the responsibility he has to be Liverpool manager.“We are Liverpool, so that means we have to be successful.“So that's what everybody expects... “You don't have to convince any player and tell him. By the way, don't forget, you are Liverpool and we have to do more.”

Like many children from South America, Roberto Firmino was football mad from a very young age.And like many of these children, he was born into a life where danger lurked around every corner.Basically Football was the truest form of escapism from a life without any luxuries that most of us take for granted.Firmino was born in late 1991 in Trapiche da Barra, a township in the borough of Maceio which is the largest city of the coastal state of Alagoas.When you think of Brazil, you think of smooth sand, crystal blue waters and sun kissed residents.The reality is much, much different.The neighbourhood of Firmino was situated near a polluted lake in a poverty-stricken shanty town.Violent crime was a every day part of life. A far cry from playing in front of the Highest Premier League attendance. Despite this, all a young Bobby wanted to do was kick a round ball in the back streets emulating his hero.Bruno Barbosa dos Santos a childhood friend of Firmino told the BBC how his mother was very wary of letting the youngster out onto the street’.“It has always been violent here and Roberto's mother was very protective of him.“He was football mad, but it was difficult for him to be let out, so he would jump over the wall to come play with us in the street. “One time he fell and had to get stitches in his knee. He still has the scar."The throwing of stones on the roofs of houses was usually the call-out that a game of street football was imminent.Friends also found a stepladder for Firmino to sneak out without his mother’s knowledge.Another old friend Dedeu, said even in his younger days, Firmino had that trademark grin that Liverpool fans love to see and true determination to succeed.“He was quiet and timid - he just smiled - but he was football crazy. “Even when he didn't have a ball, he'd be doing keepie-ups with an orange. “His dream was to be a professional, but where we live it's very difficult to achieve these things. That's why I am so happy for him. "He deserves all his success."Jose was a street vendor in the neighbourhood who sold bottled water and it was the only source of income for the Firmino family.But he said young Bobby had grand plans for his nearest and dearest.“His dream was to get his mother, father and sister out of here."The young lad who idolised Ronaldinho and Ronaldo honed his craft on a concrete pitch which was lined with discarded waste.His headmaster at the Escola Estadual Professor Tarcisio de Jesus, Ari Santiago confessed that the school needed a change of approach, a sense of positivity for youngsters to ‘dream big’ especially with the violent death of some students.That was when he started a school football team and as you can expect, a 14 year-old Firmino was at the heart of it. “He was a very quiet boy, very calm, but always asking for a ball. “I remember the balls were only available to the kids at certain times, but he would come and smile and make the sign of the ball with his hands. “Sometimes I gave it, sometimes I didn't.“It was hard to say no to that smile."The talented Firmino won a contract with CRB (Clube de Regatas Brazil) and the club youth coach Guilherme Farias was instantly impressed.“What immediately caught my attention was the quality of his game. “Roberto was quiet, but the way he struck the ball was exceptional. I took him to the field and within three plays, I stopped him and said: 'Get your papers ready, you're coming to play for us.'"One of Firmino’s true trademarks is his workrate, basically doing what very few forwards like to do.The unfashionable things like tracking back, tackling and winning the ball for teammates.This hard work element of his make-up was undoubtedly ingrained in him from his early days where he travelled hundreds of miles for youth tournaments and never complained despite a battered body and also learned the discipline needed to become a deep-lying midfielder.It was in 2008 at another trial at Figueirense Under-17s where coach Hemerson Maria believed he was in the presence of something special. “Generally trials last a maximum of one month, but depending on the player it can be less: two weeks, 10 days, etc.“Roberto's trial lasted only 30 minutes - he was exceptional. "He practically did nothing wrong, showed immense technical quality, and to top it off scored two bicycle kicks. “Afterwards, everyone was talking about him and I realised we had a very special player on our hands."It was then where Maria decided to move Firmino closer to the attacking part of the pitch.While homesick, Firmino was determined to make the trial a success and told friends he will only return home when he was successful.Despite his talent on the pitch, Firmino was a quiet lad, so much so that Maria was calling him by the wrong name (Alberto) for two weeks and was not corrected.Firmino’s long time friend Luciano Lopes who was the best man at his wedding, relayed a humorous anecdote. “Soon after I took Roberto to Figueirense, I got a call from the base coordinator asking if he was mute, because he was so quiet. “I called him and said: 'Roberto, you have to speak, ask for the ball, talk to the staff.' “He didn't say anything, he just laughed.”While he was shy, on the pitch his talent shone. Europe, and more specifically Marseille called in 2009 but it was an ill-fated experience.His journey to the south of France involved a stopover in Spain and it was there where things quickly went downhill. Despite the fact Firmino was only changing flights, immigration at Madrid-Barajas Airport accused him of trying to enter the country without prerequisite paperwork and he was deported in tears.While there was obvious disappointment, Firmino was undeterred and he eventually got his trial with the French club.However, they refused to pay his 1m euro (£860,000) release clause.It was a decision which club officials have since said was a clear mistake.Firmino returned to Figueirense and won a number of personal accolades and got his team promoted from Serie B.A big move to Europe was finally settled when he moved to German club Hoffenheim where he spent five seasons and steadily improved season upon season and claimed the Best breakthrough player award in the Bundesliga ifor the 2013/4 season.Those performances led to his Liverpool move for just under £30 million and the rest they say is history, earning a number of individual accolades along with team and international honours since joining the Reds.He has never forgotten his formative years and in July 2018 he returned to his former school in Trapiche, taking with him 500 food hampers for local families, as well as toys and a trampoline for the children. He has also made making monthly financial contributions to a hospital in Santa Catarina, and donated £60,000 to pay a family's medical bills, showing the kind spirit he has in spades.Despite all this, Firmino seems to be somewhat underrated and understated in his homeland.For instance in the Museum of Sports at Estadio Rei Pele, among the bronze busts of Alagoan heroes Mario Zagallo and Dida, there is nothing to commemorate the superstar who was, literally, born just down the road.But in the township where he learned his trade there is no doubt as telecommunications worker Sergio Araujo says:“Roberto is the best Brazilian player in the world right now,“He would never say it, but I will: “Neymar is not fit to lace his boots."

Phil Thompson believes that Liverpool could do with a player of the creative mindset of Phillippe Coutinho as he assessed what Jürgen Klopp could be looking at in the summer transfer window.Coutinho, a much loved figure in his time at the club left in somewhat acrimonious circumstances in January 2018, although the silver lining was that it led to the signing of Virgil Van Dijk.While Coutinho long craved a moved to Barcelona, the old adage that ‘the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence’ was certainly true in this case as the Brazilian simply was a bad fit for the Catalan giants.Things had quickly turned for Coutinho from being widely adored to being public enemy number 1 for the unforgiving Nou Camp crowd.In one home game against Getafe at the tail end of last season a visibly upset Coutinho was comforted by teammates.It was the clearest sign that the technically blessed midfielder needed to look for a new club, for his mental well-being than any other reason. After being linked with a return to the Reds as well as Man United, he signed a season loan at Bayern Munich and has said it is a move which sees him enjoying his Football again.Thompson, the highly decorated former Red turned Sky Sports pundit release that the re-signing of the Brazilian could prove difficult, but a player of a similar ilk is a must. The Mirror reported Thommo as saying:“I don't think the Philippe Coutinho one would ever come off again, to get him back, but it's that sort of player that we actually need to unlock packed defences”Thompson also believed there were a couple of areas which needed to be looked at.“I still think we need another striker and maybe a little bit more back-up for Andy Robertson."We're not too bad at centre-back, and I would like to think we are well-blessed in midfield.”

Dejan Lovren could swapping life on Merseyside for North London with both Arsenal and Tottenham interested in the veteran defender.The Mirror (via Sky Sports) reports that both clubs are looking for defensive reinforcements and Lovren is the sort of player who could add valuable leadership.The Croatian who has made 14 appearances this season has been linked to the Serie A during the last few transfer windows, but Jürgen Klopp was very keen to keep the 30 year old as defensive cover. Lovren still has over a year to run on his current contract, but it is believed much like Adam Lallana he will be on the lookout for a new club this summer in the quest for more playing time.Lovren is the definition of someone who splits opinion in the fanbase.Some are very quick to point out his flaws as seen in his most recent outing against Watford where the Reds lost for the first time this season.While the team as a collective unit had a very rare shocker, it was the performance of the centre back which was forensically examined by all in sundry, with his direct opponent on the evening Troy Deeney even chipping in a few barbs for good measure. But there are others who see Lovren as the consummate teammate, someone who supports others, does not cause any fuss and is willing to play any kind of role when called upon for the club he truly loves.If Lovren does sign for either of the North London rivals, he will bring a impressive resume which includes being a starter in a World Cup and Champions League final.

Steve Nicol has once again produced a harsh critique on one of Liverpool’s best players in Mo Salah.There is little doubt the outstanding impact that the Egyptian star has made since been signed by the club in the summer of 2017.That was illustrated when he scored his 70th goal in just his 100th appearance against Bournemouth to put his name well and truly among Liverpool’s elite.But despite his outstanding feats, Nicol has regularly pointed out flaws in the game of Salah and has done so again.The Mirror (via ESPN) reported the highly decorated former Reds full-back as saying:“Winning is the deodorant of the game, but it covers all bad smells. Winning covers a lot of bad things.“You can say it with Salah. "Salah’s form this season, is there a guy that frustrates you more in the Premier League or anyone else with the things he does in a game?“Then all of a sudden he will produce something. “So you could say the same about him as well.“But again, he plays every game and why? Because they win.” In some quarters, Salah has been accused of being a selfish footballer, going it alone on too many occasions and wasting opportunities when teammates are in a better position.It has led to unsubstantiated claims that he does not get on with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and is looking to engineer a move to the continent.While Nicol did not use those words in this context, he certainly alluded to the fact that he is a dispensable part of the starting lineup.For the record, Salah has scored 16 goals and laid off six assists in the Premier League this season while adding another four goals and two assists in the Champions League.While not at his incredible level of a couple of years ago, it is a pretty handy contribution to a successful side.

Real Madrid are determined to land star Liverpool forward Sadio Mane in the summer transfer window according to reports.The Spanish giants and in particular their manager Zinedine Zidane have made no secret in their admiration for the superstar from Senegal.The Sunday Mirror says that despite the 27 year-old having three years to run on his current deal, Real are quietly confident that they can land their man by offering a change of scenery and a exciting challenge.It is thought any deal for Mane would be in the vicinity of £130-140 million.The joint winner of the Golden boot from the 2018-9 season (22 goals) has again been a key factor in the success of the Reds this league campaign with 14 goals along with 7 assists.His two goals were also a key factor in the Reds claiming the Super Cup against Chelsea in August. His reputation to produce in big moments led former Man United and England central defender Rio Ferdinand to say recently:"Mane’s been phenomenal. He’s the guy that normally scores first. “Out of the three strikers Liverpool have, he’s the one I would least like to play against.“He’s unpredictable, he’s sharp, he’s quick, he’s direct, clinical."Listen, they’re all great players but there’s just something different about him for me that I really, really love.”While Madrid are naturally keen to add a player such as Mane to their ranks, there has been no indication whatsoever that Liverpool would want to part ways with one of their star man.For his part, Mane seems very content in playing for a team who are in the midst of a very special era.

Virgil Van Dijk says the gloss of their looming Premier League triumph has not been erased despite the extraordinary circumstances that is happening before our very eyes.The statement on Friday that the Premier League has been put on hold for the foreseeable future due to the rapid spread of the deadly coronavirus was not a surprise to many, but it is a case of the most unfortunate timing for a club like Liverpool who are on the cusp of monumental moment in the clubs illustrious history.When success comes your way, there is always going to be those who are negative and look to take the shine from that achievement.The comments of West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady saying that the season should be null and void were rightly taken to task.Former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith was not so strong in his sentiment, but he believed that a asterisk would be attached to this season through no fault of Liverpool.In his piece for the Evening Standard, Smith wrote:If Liverpool do eventually get crowned, it’s going to prove a massive anti-climax, so I can’t help but feel sorry for the captain Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and all who deserve every plaudit going for a magnificent effort. “Their consistency of performance has been something to behold.“More generally, the club is run with fantastic precision. "The management, recruitment, attitude and ability have been fine tuned to an impressive degree. "After years of hard work, it has all come together in spectacular fashion.“Yet, the history books look set to include an important asterisk next to the 2019/20 season. "This period will be remembered for a virulent bug rather than the club that came out on top.”However Van Dijk disputed that theory saying it will be an extremely memorable moment.The Sunday Mirror reported the talismanic defender as saying:“Will it be an anti-climax? What do you think? “No! We should enjoy it even more because of the wait.“To win the league here is something that we can all be remembered for and will be remembered for.“We should just go for it and we are very close now. Just enjoy it.”“We don’t play for records, we play for trophies. "I have been here now almost two-and-a-half years and been very blessed and happy to have experienced two Champions League finals.“We won one of them and I was very close to the Premier League title last year and now very close to the Premier League this year."Obviously you want to deliver the Premier League to this club. "It has been so long I wasn’t even born and is something the club is definitely hungry for.”So let’s just go for it and see what happens in the next weeks and months and be positive.” Rightly seen as one of the outstanding players of this current era , Van Dijk is not someone to forget the hardships he has had to overcome to get to this moment.“I don’t take my personal journey for granted at all and it makes it special for me and my family and it will always be. It is why it is easy for me to deal with pressure.“I have been young and playing in lower league teams in Holland and coming to the Premier League and winning it will be outstanding.“The same goes for winning the PFA Player of the Year last year and UEFA Player of the Year.“Those moments will be up there are well, but that said I won’t take anything for granted.“Coming from where I have in football, through Willem 11 to Groningen and then on to Celtic before Southampton and Liverpool, of course it will make it mean more.When that magic moment finally arrives, Van Dijk knows who he will dedicate it to."My wife and kids, I guess They sacrifice so much day in and day out. "What they do for me and our life is incredible and are a big part of my success and I remind them every day of that.”

Liverpool fans can rest a little bit easier with reports emanating that there is is little opposition to the Reds been crowned champions for the 2019/20 season.The coronavirus crisis sweeping the world has put all major Football leagues on hold.The Telegraph (via Fox Sports) reports that although the date of April 4th was identified as the resumption date for the Premier League, sources say that is remarkably optimistic.“You tell me whether you think there’s the remotest possibility that anything in the science is going to tell us that it’s going to be safer to play on April 3 than now?”There is a growing belief that it will be almost impossible to re-start the competition in the months ahead, so you may ask what does that do to the final placings?With Liverpool a massive 25 points clear, common sense would think that they are more than deserving to raise the Premier League trophy, even in less than desirable circumstances.Although there has been a campaign that the league be voided and started from scratch, that leaves way too many questions unanswered and the Telegrqph reports “there is no desire from rival clubs to deny Liverpool the trophy.” The other main bit of business to be sorted out is promotion and relegation.This report continues to say that because of these exceptional circumstances, the league will be expanded to 22 teams with no relegation and the current top two teams in the Championship Leeds and West Brom being promoted.The League Cup will be suspended for a season to allow more space in the fixture list while five teams instead of three will be relegated in 2020/21.In terms of European qualification the reports suggests:“Champions League qualification would allow the teams who qualified for this season’s tournament to keep their places next season and then enter any additional sides currently in qualification positions into an expanded qualifying phase.“That would mean third-placed Leicester going into a qualifying round for the Champions League, with Liverpool, Manchester City – subject to the Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing – Chelsea and Tottenham holding on to their places in the tournament.“But Manchester United, Wolves and Sheffield United, who are all above seventh-placed Spurs, would no doubt object to this.”As you can see there is very few winners in this extraordinary situation but one individual with a voice of reason is our very own Jürgen Klopp.In a statement to the fans he said:“We don’t want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don’t want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy - just one - we do it no questions asked.“If it’s a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it’s no contest. Really, it isn’t.“The message from the team to our supporters is only about your well-being. Put your health first. Don’t take any risk. Think about the vulnerable in our society and act where possible with compassion for them.“Please look after yourselves and look out for each other."Simply put, Jürgen is a man we as Reds fans, and the game in general can be truly be proud of.