Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah hinted at underlying tensions after he argued with manager Jurgen Klopp on the touchline during their 2-2 Premier League draw at West Ham.
Salah appeared to clash with Klopp as he was preparing to come on as a substitute in the 79th minute. Klopp later stated that he would not disclose the details of the argument.
The Egyptian forward seemed frustrated by something Klopp said to him, and he appeared to want to continue the altercation before teammates Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez intervened.
The draw all but ended Liverpool’s hopes in the title race, leaving them in third place. Their chances now rely on both Arsenal and Manchester City dropping points.
Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio were the heroes for West Ham United as they played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool at London Stadium.
Bowen, making his 200th appearance for the Hammers after returning from injury, opened the scoring just before half-time. He headed in Mohammed Kudus’ cross following a quick corner kick.
Liverpool responded quickly in the second half, with Andy Robertson finding the back of the net to equalize. The game took another twist when Cody Gakpo’s shot deflected off several players before going in to give Liverpool the lead.
However, West Ham fought back, and Antonio headed in a cross from Bowen to level the score at 2-2 with 13 minutes remaining.
The draw kept West Ham in the hunt for a top-four finish, while Liverpool missed an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Arne Slot is on the verge of becoming Liverpool‘s next manager, with a compensation deal worth up to £9.4m agreed with Feyenoord.
The Dutchman is set to succeed Jurgen Klopp, who announced his departure from Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Liverpool will now move forward to finalize a contract with the 45-year-old before officially appointing him.
The Reds have agreed to pay Feyenoord £7.7m (9m euros) plus a potential £1.7m (2m euros) in add-ons.
Slot guided Feyenoord to the 2022-23 Eredivisie title, and this season they have secured the Dutch Cup and are poised to finish second in their league.
His attacking style, personality, and ability to develop players are believed to be key factors in Liverpool’s decision to choose him as their new manager.
Slot took over as Feyenoord manager in 2021 and expressed his interest in managing in the Premier League when linked with Tottenham in 2023.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who recently led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, was also considered for the role at Anfield. However, the 42-year-old Spaniard announced in March that he would remain with Leverkusen for the time being.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim was another reported contender to replace Klopp, who has been in charge of Liverpool since October 2015.
Klopp, who was not involved in the recruitment process for his successor, praised Slot’s team’s approach to the game in a news conference on Friday.
“I like the way his team play football. All the things I hear about him as a guy say he’s a good guy,” Klopp said.
“I like that a lot – good guy, good coach and looking forward for the club if he is the solution. I’m more than happy, it sounds all really good.”
Asked about the job Slot would be taking on if appointed, Klopp added: “Best job in the world, best club in the world. Now it looks like [Slot is] helped by [Liverpool] not finishing on a high so there’s space for improvement.”
Virgil van Dijk is optimistic about the prospect of Feyenoord manager Arne Slot becoming the next coach at Liverpool, as the club seeks a successor for Jurgen Klopp.
Slot has emerged as the leading candidate for the position, with discussions regarding a move to Anfield already in progress.
While former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has expressed skepticism about Slot’s ability to transition from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, team captain Van Dijk seems to support his compatriot.
He told ViaPlay: “I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach.
But I read and hear that it is far from complete. We shall see. We will focus on that next season, but that is still a long way off.”
Liverpool faces a monumental challenge in finding a successor to Jurgen Klopp, who has achieved significant success during his time at Anfield. After failing to secure Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen, the club has now set its sights on Slot.
The Dutch manager, who has won both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Beker with Feyenoord since 2021, emerges as the top candidate following Ruben Amorim’s withdrawal from consideration.
While discussions between Liverpool and Feyenoord continue, the team, led by Van Dijk, aims to recover from their recent defeat toEverton as they face West Hamin Saturday’s early kick-off.
Jurgen Klopp emphasized that Liverpool’s Premier League title aspirations hinge on a “crisis” occurring at Arsenal and Manchester City following a 2-0 loss in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
With four games remaining, Liverpool finds themselves three points adrift of the top spot.
Everton secured their first home derby victory since 2010 with goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, effectively alleviating relegation concerns by establishing an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone.
The Everton supporters taunted their rivals by singing “You lost the league at Goodison Park” and Klopp, who will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, said his side were now struggling to stay alive in the title race.
“I don’t know why I need to answer the question, but I know how it works,”Klopp said. “You can see the table. We need a crisis at Arsenal and City, so they need to not win games as we haven’t done tonight. Arsenal and City must have a very bad moment.
“I can only apologise for today to the people. We should have done better but we didn’t. Our performance wasn’t good enough and I am very disappointed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ-XK7pKn9M
“We defended the first goal three times and handed it to Everton on a plate and the second goal could probably have been defended better.
“And for us, each miss gave Everton more momentum. We never had it, but we gave them more.”
Klopp added that his would have to recover physically and mentally, but that the second part is difficult when you lose a game like this.
“West Ham will probably be waiting for us [on Saturday] and rubbing their hands, hoping that we turn up on one leg, but we have to recover for that,” Klopp said.
The jubilant Everton supporters celebrated their team’s victory with fervent enthusiasm, staying at Goodison Park long after the final whistle to sing and applaud the players. Manager Sean Dyche attributed the win to the loyal fans who have endured a challenging season marked by two points deductions imposed by the Premier League.
“That win is for the people,” Dyche said. “We should be on 41 points and thestory’s different. But thats now three clean sheets in three home games. The challenge for the players is to go and do it again.
“We spoke about the desire and the energy of the team and the physical side of the game. The lads did it on Sunday and they’ll have to do it again. That’s the challenge.”
Despite the initial risk of a lower income, the Reds were attracted to Nike’s established presence and marketing expertise.
They had to overcome a legal battle with New Balance in 2019 to secure the Nike deal, arguing that New Balance’s marketing couldn’t match the proposed benefits.
However, it seems the partnership is nearing its conclusion.
Reports suggest that adidas has won the bidding for the next contract, which would run from the 2025/26 season to 2029/30, beating out competition from Nike and Puma.
While the potential adidas deal could bring in more annually than the Nike agreement, it falls short of Manchester United’s lucrative £90 million deal with adidas.
Liverpool has a storied history with adidas, having had kits from them in two previous spells, notably during the iconic shirts of the 1985-1996 period.
Sources close to Liverpool have revealed that the club has shifted its focus to Feyenoord coach Arne Slot as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp after cooling their interest in Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim.
Slot has emerged as the top candidate ahead of Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi in the race to replace Klopp, especially after top target Xabi Alonso opted to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Liverpool anticipates competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Slot’s signature, prompting them to continue assessing other candidates.
Klopp’s impending departure, announced in January, has spurred Liverpool’s CEO Billy Hogan and former sporting director Michael Edwards to adopt a “data-led” approach to finding his successor.
Slot, who guided Feyenoord to the Dutch title last season, has impressed the Liverpool hierarchy with his style of play, personality, and ability to work within the club’s structure.
Despite Feyenoord’s efforts to retain him, there is optimism at Anfield that Slot may be tempted by the allure of the Premier League.
Liverpool, currently second in the Premier League, are gearing up for a crucial derby against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday, with their managerial search ongoing.
Ruben Amorim appears set to stay at Sporting CP, ruling out moves toLiverpool or West Ham, according to reports from Portuguese outlet Record.
Both clubs had shown interest in Amorim to address their managerial vacancies, with Liverpool seeking a successor to Jurgen Klopp and doubts lingering over David Moyes’ future at West Ham.
Despite recent talks with West Ham during a trip to London, no positive outcomes were reached. Talks with Liverpool have reportedly stalled since last week.
While the Hammers offered a more lucrative financial package, Amorim is said to be “keeping his options open” and could consider opportunities outside of England.
Sporting Lisbon, under Amorim’s guidance, have had a successful season, currently leading the Portuguese league by seven points and contending for the Taca de Portugal.
With Amorim likely to remain at Sporting, Liverpool and West Ham may need to explore other managerial options. Potential candidates for Liverpool include Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s appearanceat Craven Cottage has sparked speculation about a potential return to the Premier League.
Rumors have surfaced suggesting that Liverpool is considering a significant summer transfer move for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus,with talks of a staggering £150 million deal in progress.
Kudus, who joined West Ham just eight months ago from Ajax, has reportedly attracted Liverpool’s attention with his impressive performances for the Hammers.
Since his arrival, he has made a notable impact, particularly under the guidance of West Ham manager David Moyes, contributing 13 goals across all competitions.
While Kudus’s potential transfer to Liverpool would undoubtedly be a blow to West Ham, it highlights his suitability for the Premier League and his aspirations to compete at the highest level of European football.
The speculation gains further traction with reports suggesting that Liverpool views Kudus as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, amid rumors of Salah’s move to the Saudi Pro League for a staggering £150 million fee.
Although West Ham is keen to retain Kudus,the allure of joining a prestigious club like Liverpool may prove too tempting.
Liverpool’sexit from the Europa League quarterfinals could serve as a catalyst for them to channel their energies into the pursuit of the Premier League title, according to manager Jurgen Klopp.
Despite securing a 1-0 victory in the return leg against Atalanta in Italy with an early penalty from Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s hopes were dashed as they bowed out 3-1 on aggregate after trailing 3-0 in the first leg at Anfield.
“Disappointed that we did not go through but not frustrated or angry. Now we can focus on the league and that’s what we will do,” Klopp told reporters.
“We have a few days to recover and then we play Fulham, which will be tricky but we will give our absolute all. That’s our competition now.”
Liverpool, currently in third place, find themselves tied with Arsenal at 71 points, but they lag behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, league leaders Manchester City sit at the top with 73 points.
When questioned about Mohamed Salah’s recent performances, manager Jurgen Klopp expressed no apprehension regarding the forward’s form.
“The penalty was super-convincing, a super penalty, then the next chance, that was obviously unlucky but it is not the first time he missed a chance like that,” Klopp added.
“I am not particularly concerned. That’s what strikers do, that’s what happens to strikers, its how it is.”
Liverpool’s hopes for securing the Premier Leaguetitle took a significant blow with their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, a match in which Jurgen Klopp pinpointed a crucial flaw in his team’s performance.
Eberechi Eze’s goal in the 14th minute at Anfield ultimately sealed the victory for Palace, as Liverpool struggled to breach Dean Henderson’s goal.
Despite the opportunity to leapfrog into the top spot if they had won and Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, Liverpool fell short. Klopp elaborated on the key issue behind their loss at Anfield against Oliver Glasner’s side.
Speaking after the match, Klopp said [via The Athletic]: “We had moments that didn’t end up in front of our goal, where we were just not together.
“Let me say it like that, if you press 80 percent, you better not press at all because it makes no sense. We were here and there. “Curtis (Jones) was really going for it, following through; besides that first line, which was too far away from each other, no one pulled; (Alexis) Mac Allister and Wataru (Endo) couldn’t do it; and the last line was too deep as well.”
Despite Klopp’s Liverpool being renowned for their exceptional pressing game, recent matches have highlighted a slight dip in this aspect for the Merseyside club.
Before succumbing to Crystal Palace, they faced a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home against Atalanta in the Europa League, drawing criticism towards the players’ dedication.
Now, with only sixPremier League matches left, Klopp’s team must maintain flawless performances and rely on Manchester City and Arsenal slipping up if they are to clinch the title in what could be Klopp’s final season in charge of the club.
Liverpool suffered a lacklustre performance as they were stunned 3-0 by Atalanta in a Europa League quarter-final, raising questions about Jurgen Klopp’s future in European nights at Anfield.
The defeat jeopardizes Liverpool’s hopes of reaching the final in Dublin, with Atalanta taking control of the tie thanks to Gianluca Scamacca’s brace and a late goal from Mario Pasalic.
Liverpool struggled to create chances and lacked coherence throughout the match, with the loss marking their first home defeat since February last year against Real Madrid.
Despite an early chance from Harvey Elliott hitting the woodwork, Atalanta took the lead in the first half through Scamacca. Liverpool started the second half brightly, but Scamacca struck again to extend Atalanta’s lead.
Klopp tried to rally the fans to lift the atmosphere at Anfield, but Atalanta remained dominant, with Pasalic sealing the victory late in the game.
The warning signs were evident from the start, with Atalanta threatening early on. Liverpool struggled to respond effectively, with Atalanta’s fluid attacking play causing problems.
Despite Liverpool’s efforts to claw their way back into the game, Atalanta continued to assert their dominance, leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Kylian Mbappe is anticipated to turn down Real Madrid’s offer and opt for Liverpool as his next destination after departing Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the widespread expectation of a free transfer to the Spanish giants this summer, former France and Arsenal player Robert Pires suggests that Mbappe should take a different path and consider a move to England.
Pires envisions Mbappe forming a formidable partnership with Mohamed Salah at Anfield, favouring this prospect over joining forces with players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Pires said to Le Media Carre: “I’m sorry, Kylian, but you weren’t the first player to say no to Real Madrid. I don’t know what decision he will make in the end, but I turned Madrid down because I had two other options.
I’m sure that if I hadn’t had the opportunity to going to Arsenal or Juventus, I would have gone to Real Madrid. That’s for sure.
“I would like to see him at Liverpool. It’s a great family club, there’s a good structure, no pressure and, the fans are level-headed… And I think a Salah-Mbappe partnership could be really explosive.
I think he is capable of rejecting Real Madrid.“Mbappe has denied claims he has already agreed to join Madrid from PSG this summer, while coach Luis Enrique has not given up hope of convincing him to stay at the French giants for at least one more season.
Sporting CP manager Rúben Amorim dismissed speculation about his future and emphasised that his primary focus is on winning trophies with the Portuguese club this season.
Despite being linked to the top job atPremier League leaders Liverpool amid Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure, Amorim remains committed to Sporting CP.
The rumors intensified after Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, reportedly the frontrunner to replace Klopp, reaffirmed his commitment to the Bundesliga club last week.
“The manager is clearly Sporting’s manager, Sporting’s manager and only Sporting’s manager,” Amorim stressed. “The players know how much they want to win and I want to win titles for Sporting. They are clear that everyone is focused on winning titles.”
Amorim dismissed reports suggesting that Sporting has identified a successor in 37-year-old Englishman Anthony Barry, who currently serves as the assistant coach at Bayern Munich and the Portugal national team.
“The only thing that annoys me is that they already had a replacement for me,” Amorim joked. “That’s what got me the most upset, even today I told Viana [Hugo Viana, Sporting’s director of football] to calm down because it’s not like that.”
Liverpool is expecting Xabi Alonso to remain at Bayer Leverkusen this summer and is exploring other options to replace manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 42-year-old Spaniard Alonso has been strongly linked with the role at Anfield since Klopp announced his departure. However, Leverkusen is on the verge of securing their first Bundesliga title and remains unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Bayern Munich‘s honorary president Uli Hoeness has suggested that a move for Alonso this summer is “probably impossible.” Alonso was also considered a candidate for the managerial position at Bayern Munich, where Thomas Tuchel will leave at the end of the season.
“[Alonso] is more inclined to stay at Bayer Leverkusen in view of their current successes, because he would not want to leave them behind,” Hoeness said.
Alonso, known for his elegant style in midfield, made 210 appearances for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009.
He departed Anfield to join Real Madrid, a club he has recently been linked with, before moving on to Bayern Munich, where he spent three successful years before retiring from playing.
Alonso transitioned into coaching, starting with Real Madrid’s under-14s in 2018. He then spent three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team.
In October 2022, Leverkusen appointed him as their head coach, marking his first role in first-team football. Despite taking over with the club in a challenging position, he guided them to a commendable sixth-placed finish in the Bundesliga in his debut season.
In his first full season in charge, Leverkusen, under Alonso’s leadership, currently sit 10 points clear of champions Bayern Munich with eight games remaining in the Bundesliga. They are also progressing in the German Cup, reaching the semi-finals, and the Europa League, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Luis Diaz’s father has sparked interest fromReal Madrid by suggesting that the Liverpool winger might consider a move to La Liga down the line.
Despite having a contract with Liverpool until 2027, the Colombia international has been the subject of transfer rumors, particularly with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly eyeing him as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
Now, his father, Mane Diaz, has hinted at the possibility of a future move to La Liga for the Reds’ star. Real Madrid, who have previously been linked with Diaz, could be enticed to revisit their interest following his father’s remarks.
Speaking to Cadena SER, Mane Diaz said: “When he left Porto I was not aware that there was anything positive with Madrid clubs. I heard things, but I never knew if there was anything else. With Liverpool everything was more precise.
“The directive was more precise for Luis to arrive there. It was hoped that he could come here [to Spain]. Radamel Falaco had already been there, James Rodriguez too… In the end it didn’t happen, but don’t give up hope yet. He is playing and the clubs are active.”
The 27-year-old is poised to make his comeback to Anfield following an impressive performance for Colombia during the international break. He is scheduled to feature for Jurgen Klopp’s team in a crucial Premier League match against Brighton on Sunday.
Liverpool’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have confirmed Michael Edwards has been appointed as the organisation’s CEO of football, with his initial challenge being to recruit new leadership for the Premier League club’s football operations.
Edwards was previously Liverpool’s sporting director and was credited with overhauling the club’s recruitment strategy and identifying Jürgen Klopp for the manager’s role in 2015.
He left the club in 2022, but will now return as part of the FSG wider setup, where he will be tasked with rebuilding the football operations team after Klopp leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.
FSG struggled to replace Edwards after he left, with both Julian Ward and Jorg Schmadtke lasting less than 12 months in the sporting director role after the 44-year-old’s departure.
But Edwards will now return and oversee a new era at Liverpool and he hinted that FSG could make a move to take over another football club.
Sources have told ESPN that Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes has been lined up to fill the vacant sporting director role at Liverpool at the end of the season.
Sources added that Edwards has been offered opportunities by Chelsea and Manchester United since leaving Liverpool but he rejected those advances in order to wait for the right opportunity.
Alexis MacAllister was adamant that his team should have been givena penalty in the dying moments of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Despite already converting a penalty earlier in the match, the Argentine believed he was fouled in the box by City’s Jeremy Doku, but neither the on-field referee nor the VAR official agreed, much to the surprise of spectators both at the stadium and watching from home.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Mac Allister said of the decision: “I think it’s a clear penalty. I cannot say much more.
“I think the ref did a very good job throughout the game, but I think he made a mistake in the last decision.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was furious with the decision after the game, saying in his post-match interview: “Isn’t it [VAR] there for making the right decision?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N5irSbefyc
This situation in all positions on the pitch is 100% a foul.And it is a yellow card. He hits the ball, but if the ball is not there, he kills him.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who now works as a referee analyst for Nottingham Forest, admitted in his column for the Daily Mail that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty.
He wrote: “The ball bounces up. Alexis Mac Allister moves towards it. Jeremy Doku’s foot is high. He catches Mac Allister in the chest.
“Outside of the box, this would have resulted in a free-kick every day of the week. Just because it happened inside the box does not suddenly transform it into a clean challenge when Mac Allister might be left playing connect the dots on his chest on Monday morning.
“Regardless of the magnitude of the match and the fact it happened in the 98th minute, this was an incident worthy of a penalty. “
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has emphasised the club’s cautious approach towards Mohamed Salah as the forward resumes training following a hamstring injury, just in time for Thursday’s Europa League match against Sparta Prague.
Salah’s comeback serves as a welcome reinforcement for the Premier League leaders as they gear up for the first leg of the round of 16 in Prague, followed by a crucial encounter against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
“Mo Salah has travelled with us, he’s trained for two days and is full of energy,” Klopp said in a news conference on Wednesday.
“We want to be careful, but this is a super intense period of the season. We want to use him. It’s just good news.”
Salah, who has scored 19 goals for Liverpool this season in all competitions, was injured while representing Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations. He has not played since Feb. 17 when he came off the bench and scored in a 4-1 win at Brentford.
“It was an unlikely situation where he had so long out, played an incredible game [versus] Brentford and then was out, that is how it is,” Klopp said.
Klopp clarified that the decision regarding Egypt captain Salah’s participation in the national team during the upcoming international break, particularly for a friendly against New Zealand, is not up to him.
“That will be decided by a different department. Let’s see how long he can play now,” he said. “It’s not up to me; we’re not involved.”
Additionally, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will be ready for selection. He recently made his return to action in the league after being sidelined for over amonth due to a hamstring injury.
Bayern Munich has expressed interest in signing Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, according to the Daily Mail.
The 29-year-old is reportedly the top choice for the Bundesliga side to replace Alphonso Davies, who is being linked with a €50 million move to Real Madrid in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich’s hierarchy has been actively gathering information on left-back options throughout the season in anticipation of Davies’ potential departure.
While they acknowledge that securing Robertson could be challenging due to his significant role at Liverpool, they are determined to ensure a suitable successor is identified.
Despite being set to captain Scotland at the European Championships this summer, Robertson has been in impressive form since returning from injury in January.
However, Chelsea has firmly stated that they have no intention of allowing the 20-year-old to depart. Colwill signed a six-year contract with the club last summer, and Chelsea believes he is content at Stamford Bridge.
Nonetheless, PSG and Liverpool are monitoring the situation, as Chelsea may need to consider offloading academy graduates to address their financial concerns.
The club is under pressure to stay in line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules — and academy players present “pure profit” in the accounts.
Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen (excelling on loan at Borussia Dortmund), Armando Broja (on loan at Fulham) and Trevoh Chalobah are all considered players who could depart to help fund moves for a striker, centre-back and left-back.
Last summer, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Brighton & Hove Albion expressed interest in Levi Colwill, with Brighton making multiple offers that were turned down. Since then, Colwill has emerged as a crucial player in manager Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup, starting in 19 Premier League matches.
Sporting director Luis Campos is spearheading PSG’s interest in Colwill. However, Lille’s Leny Yoro is their primary target, with plans to pursue a left-footed center-back in 2025.
However, competition from Manchester United could also be on the horizon, according to reports from The Telegraph.
Although Guehi is currently contracted with Selhurst Park until 2026, there are doubts about his contract renewal. This uncertainty might lead Palace to consider parting ways with the 23-year-old during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Liverpool is said to be interested in the English international, but Manchester United is also rumoured to be monitoring the situation closely.
The potential appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director at United could further bolster their pursuit of Guehi, especially considering Ashworth’s previous interest in the player during his time at Newcastle United.
In addition toManchester United and Liverpool, Chelsea, Guehi’s former club, could also pose a rival interest. The report indicates that Chelsea is rumoured to have a “matching option” for any potential approaches for the Cobham graduate.
With Thiago Silva expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, Chelsea might be inclined to consider bringing Guehi back to the club
Mohamed Salah marked his return from injury with a goal as Liverpool secured a crucial win against Brentford to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez opened the scoring with a stunning chip, followed by Alexis Mac Allister poking in a second goal at the Gtech Community Stadium. Salah, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations, made his presence felt with a well-taken goal.
Despite Ivan Toney pulling one back for Brentford, Liverpool sealed the victory with Cody Gakpo’s late strike. The win briefly extended Liverpool’s lead at the top to five points, but Arsenal’s later 5-0 victory over Burnley narrowed the gap back to two points.
However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faced injury concerns as Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were both substituted before halftime, adding to an already lengthy injury list that included Nunez, who was substituted at halftime.
“We have to see how much it costs us – we don’t know that yet,” Klopp said of the injuries.
“Curtis got a knock on the lower part of his shin, or above the ankle. We will see what that means. It was what he felt, but he was not 100 per cent sure. That Curtis cannot play on tells you that it must be something because he would have played on at all costs.
“Diogo looks probably the worst; I didn’t see it back but I heard the pictures didn’t look great as well, so we have to see there.
“Darwin, we took off because he felt really a little [something] but that was obviously today enough to immediately push the brake and that’s what we did, so we took him off.”
Liverpool’s typically reliable defensive duo, Virgil van Dijk (32) and Alisson (31), experienced a defensive breakdown against Arsenal on Sunday that resembled scenes from an amateur match.
However, manager Jurgen Klopp refrained from assigning blame. In the 67th minute, Van Dijk hesitated under pressure from Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, failing to handle a long ball forward.
Subsequently, goalkeeper Alisson rushed out but failed to make contact with the ball, allowing Martinelli an easy tap-in, resulting in a score of 2-1.
This turn of events deflated Klopp’s league-leading team, and Leandro Trossard’s stoppage-time goal sealed their second league defeat of the season.
“We were growing more into the game in the second half; we had our moments and then we conceded that goal,” Klopp said. “That doesn’t help. It just shows the boys are human beings.
“Today we were really human.”
Lacklustre Liverpool were nowhere near their best and their lead has now been cut to two points, while champions Manchester City are five points behind with two games in hand.
“In general, we can admit that Arsenal deserve the three points,” Klopp said. “The circumstances were a bit strange.
“They scored goals and were many parts better than us. We have to play better football; that’s clear.”
Van Dijk, usually a colossus for Klopp, held up his hand and took full responsibility for his part in Martinelli’s goal.
“Obviously, these things don’t happen too often in my career, but I will recover from them,” he said.
“It is a physical game and I am not looking for excuses. I should have made a better decision; it hurts for me.”
Arsenal secured an early lead courtesy of Bukayo Saka and displayed dominance, but their momentum was dampened just before halftime when Gabriel’s own goal handed Liverpool an equaliser.
However, Arsenal bounced back in the second half, capitalising on defensive errors from Liverpool.
This victory marked Arsenal’s third consecutive league win, placing Mikel Arteta’s team firmly back in contention in the title race. A defeat would have left them trailing by eight points, but their resilience has kept them in the mix for the title.
“It gives us momentum—three wins in a row—and the way we have done it we are back on it—really excited,” Arteta said.
“It was a huge game that was going to dictate where we are and where we’re going to be. What the players produced was phenomenal.”
Jurgen Klopp has praised Conor Bradley for his outstanding performance against Chelsea and shared that a Liverpool staff member spotted his talent.
The young player, who graduated from the Reds academy, scored his first Liverpool goal in a remarkable 4-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The 20-year-old played a crucial role, contributing two assists to set up goals for Diogo Jota and Dominik Szoboszlai. Bradley received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd when he was substituted in the second half.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp was questioned about his knowledge of Bradley’s ability and said, “What a great night, what an atmosphere, what a football game; it was a screamer. Yeah, I knew it for a while because in the left ear is Pep Lijnders and in the right ear is Vitor Matos. I remember Pep sat in my office and saying, ‘I’d put both hands in fire for him!’ I loved him from the first day; I didn’t need a lot of convincing.
“The thing is, Conor showed up extremely well in pre-season and did extremely well at Bolton [on loan]. Comes back, looks top in pre-season, wow, and then is out for five months [or] four months, [with] these kinds of issues that only young people have, but thank God then time can sort it out. At our age, it would not get better but in that age group, it gets better.
“He is incredible. The fans were already singing his name. He is flying and rightly so. He is working hard and he is a great footballer. People said in the summer we needed another right-back but we were very positive about Conor.”
Conor Bradley is experiencing his dream at Anfield and has been a standout performer for Klopp recently. He made a significant impact during the 5-2 victory against Norwich in the FA Cup, providing two assists, and also contributed to another goal in his league debut against Bournemouth on January 21.
Bradley’s exceptional form as a right-back may prompt Klopp to utilise Trent Alexander-Arnold more in midfield. However, the full-back will face a tough challenge when he travels to the Emirates to face fellow title contender Arsenal this Sunday in a highly anticipated Premier League match.
Spanish forward of Ghanaian descent, Nico Williams, is reportedly attracting interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal.
The two English Premier League powerhouses, looking to strengthen their squads, are said to be making preparations for a potential transfer move for the talented youngster.
Despite Athletic Club’s desire to retain him, Nico Williams, who has been in impressive form this season with five goals and eight assists, is being targeted by clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options.
The player’s future could hinge on the right offer, with bothLiverpool and Arsenal eyeing his services.
The manager showcased his skills this season with a strong comeback, reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League.
Despite the surprising nature of his decision, Klopp acknowledged that it might be a shock to many.
Regardless of whether he achieves victory this year or not, his decision is commendable, recognising the well-being of both himself and the club.
Jurgen Klopp
This perspective was recently shared by a Scottish pundit who has witnessed Liverpool’s transformation from a trophyless period to triumph.
The club had been without a Premier League trophy since its inception in 1992 until Klopp led them to victory in 2020. However, even the best have their limits, and Klopp is no exception.
Soccer can take a toll on even the most accomplished individuals. Pep Guardiola, for instance, recently criticised FIFA and UEFA for their congested schedules.
In contrast, Klopp’s decision to address his burnout in a different way has been praised by former Chelsea player Craig Burley.
Speaking to ESPN FC, Burley said, “I think it’s admirable.” “And I totally understand that it’s constant these days. And I think we’ve been preaching about schedules for players. But it’s not just the players; it’s the managers and the support staff.”
Since joining Liverpool in October 2015, Jurgen Klopp, the German manager, has faced the challenge of building strategies with limited resources.
Unlike other big six clubs, Klopp had to work with a modest squad and lacked the financial flexibility to make significant investments. In fact, he is recognised for having the lowest net spend among his rivals, amounting to approximately $322.8 million.
Despite these financial constraints, the 56-year-old manager successfully recruited key players like Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, who played crucial roles in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.
Klopp, who envisioned achieving a league title upon his arrival, acknowledges that sustaining this success for more than nine years has become overwhelming for him, leading to his decision to step down.
Last season’s disappointment one of the main reasons for Klopp’s exit
Last season was one of the worst in Klopp’s tenure at Merseyside. Liverpool finished 5th in the Premier League. This meant that they could not qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since Jurgen Klopp joined. Hence, rebuilding this season might have added to the energy depletion that Klopp was talking about.
Klopp recently said, “I realised that my resources are not endless. I preferred to give absolutely everything to this season and then have a break or to stop.”
Hence, Burley has acknowledged and empathised with the German talisman.
Jurgen Klopp has expressed uncertainty about taking on another managerial role following his unexpected decision to leave Liverpool on Friday.
However, he has clarified that he has no plans to manage a different club in England. Klopp, who has enjoyed 8½ successful years at Liverpool with seven major trophies, is currently leading his team’s pursuit of winning all four major trophies available in the ongoing campaign.
“If you ask me now if I will ever manage again,? I would say no.” Klopp said. “But you don’t know, obviously, as I’ve never had this situation. But I do know definitely I will never manage a different club in England than Liverpool. It is impossible.
“I will find something else to do. But I will not manage a club or country for at least a year.”
"I will never ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool" ❤️
Jurgen Klopp discusses his future after announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/Tn7LAE8auG
At the age of 56, Klopp took over as Liverpool manager in 2015, bringing new life to a team that had been struggling against top English teams. He achieved significant success, winning the Champions League in 2019—his inaugural trophy with Liverpool—and securing the team’s first Premier League title in 2020.
The unexpected announcement of Klopp’s departure on Friday surprised the football community, especially considering that he had signed a contract extension in 2022, originally set to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season. Bayern Munich’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, expressed his astonishment at Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool during a news conference on Friday.
“I have to digest that first. … Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world; he has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. It’s big news,” Tuchel said.
Last season marked Klopp’s most challenging period at Liverpool, as they ended fifth in the Premier League, failing to secure Champions League qualification. However, Liverpool has bounced back strongly this season, currently leading the Premier League table and still competing for success in the Europa League,FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Jurgen Klopp has expressed uncertainty about taking on another managerial role following his unexpected decision to leave Liverpool on Friday.
However, he has clarified that he has no plans to manage a different club in England. Klopp, who has enjoyed 8½ successful years at Liverpool with seven major trophies, is currently leading his team’s pursuit of winning all four major trophies available in the ongoing campaign.
“If you ask me now if I will ever manage again? I would say no.” Klopp said. “But you don’t know, obviously, as I’ve never had this situation. But I do know definitely I will never manage a different club in England than Liverpool. It is impossible.
“I will find something else to do. But I will not manage a club or country for at least a year.”
At the age of 56, Klopp took over as Liverpool manager in 2015, bringing new life to a team that had been struggling against top English teams. He achieved significant success, winning the Champions League in 2019—his inaugural trophy with Liverpool—and securing the team’s first Premier League title in 2020.
"I will never ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool" ❤️
Jurgen Klopp discusses his future after announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/Tn7LAE8auG
The unexpected announcement of Klopp’s departure on Friday surprised the football community, especially considering that he had signed a contract extension in 2022, originally set to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season. Bayern Munich’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, expressed his astonishment at Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool during a news conference on Friday.
“I have to digest that first. … Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world; he has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. It’s big news,” Tuchel said.
Last season marked Klopp’s most challenging period at Liverpool, as they ended fifth in the Premier League, failing to secure Champions League qualification. However, Liverpool has bounced back strongly this season, currently leading the Premier League table and still competing for success in the Europa League,FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Jurgen Klopp intends to rebuild Liverpool after a disappointing season
“I told the club already in November,” Klopp said. “I have to explain a little bit that maybe the job I do people see from the outside, I’m on the touchline and in training sessions and stuff like this, but the majority of all the things happen around these kinds of things. That means a season starts and you plan pretty much the next season already.
“When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore,’ and I was surprised myself by that. I obviously started thinking about it.
“It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously.
“For me, it was super, super, super important that I can help bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about. When I realised pretty early that happened—it’s a really good team with massive potential, a super age group, super characters and all that—then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome. It is not what I want to [do], it is just what I think is 100 percent right.”
The Reds (Liverpool) are reeling right now after their charismatic boss announced that he will walk away at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp saidof his decision to stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people at this moment.” That’s probably the understatement of the century.
Friday morning’s announcement has taken the whole world of football by surprise. Nobody saw this coming. Not now, not with Klopp’s construction of a second great team at Anfield going better than anyone envisaged.
Despite overhauling their entire midfield last summer, Liverpool are top of the Premier League and still in contention to win three cup competitions.
Klopp says he’s “running out of energy,” and that is understandable, given just how much he’s invested in the club since taking over in 2015.
Klopp only ever wanted to make the people happy His love of Liverpool is very real; it’s been obvious from the moment he arrived at Anfield. He’s always just got it. In the very best traditions of the club, he’s only ever wanted to make the people happy.
So, it’s not in the least bit surprising that he’s worn out and that his renowned work ethic has taken a heavy toll on him.
There’s also no denying that there were times last season when he both looked and sounded exhausted. Results weren’t going his way but there was an unusual level of agitation about him, a surprising sensitivity to certain lines of questioning.
Amid all of this, it was pointed out that he’d never done more than seven years at his two previous clubs in Germany, prompting talk that history was repeating itself on Merseyside.
Evoking memories of the ‘champions of everything’
However, Klopp has appeared refreshed and reinvigorated since returning for pre-season, visibly relishing the task of putting Liverpool back on their perch after a trophy-less and trying 2023-24 campaign.
His renewed optimism and belief has been reflected in the fantastic performances of his team. Liverpool 2.0 haven’t just represented a serious upgrade on last season’s side; they have been evoking memories of the ‘champions of everything’.
And how many sides in history have ever better represented a manager on the field? At their best, Klopp’s Liverpool are industrious, passionate and absolutely relentless.
Problems behind the scenes?
That’s why this decision is so surprising. Klopp has looked like his old self this season. There have been no signs of fatigue or frustration.
Of course, there will be rumours that there’s more to his imminent departure than tiredness. There will inevitably be talk of dissatisfaction behind the scenes.
Several key figures have quit the club over the past couple of years and there has been constant chatter about the Fenway Sports Group’s alleged reluctancy to seriously back Klopp in the transfer market.
But Klopp says that this is “the truth”and that he was left with no option but to walk away at the end of the season. He’ll never walk alone, of course.
A Liverpool legend Klopp will go down as one of the greatest managers in the club’s history, a true Liverpool legend. He took a club in utter disarray and transformed it into one of the world’s best—and without state support.
There were, of course, big money-buys along the way but Klopp worked wonders with nearly every player that arrived at the club. So many signings went to a whole other level on his watch.
But there was more to it than that. Anfield adored Klopp because of his character and the fans will be forever indebted to and enamoured with a ridiculously charismatic manager whose tactical genius is matched only by the warmth of his personality.
‘Let’s now really go for it’ The void he will leave behind will be almost impossible to fill and there is a legitimate fear that everything he has built at Anfield will come crashing down after he’s gone.
He’s determined to go out on a a high of course. “Let’s now really go for it,” he implored, and there’s no doubt that that call will be heeded by his players and the fans.
But even he knows that Liverpool’s rivals are greeting this news with glee: “The outside world wants to use this decision; laugh about it.” And that’s spot on.
Opposition fans know full well that Klopp has been the key to Liverpool’s success over the past nine years.
The day Liverpool fans had been dreading For that very reason, he’s earned the right to bow out on his terms. And he’ll receive one emotional send-off after another as the season draws to an end.
He may also get the happy ending he deserves. He’s already set up at least one more Wembley outing, with Liverpool set to play Chelsea in the League Cup final next month.
But while Liverpool fans will savour the chance to express their gratitude to Klopp, they’ll also be feeling extremely anxious right now about what comes next.
Nothing lasts forever, of course. Klopp pointed out that Liverpool and its fans have been through, and come through, far worse. This dreaded day was always going to come eventually, he said.
It’s just that nobody thought it would arrive so soon. This isn’t just a shock for Liverpool supporters; it’s a disaster.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
In a surprising announcement at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he will step down from his position as Liverpool manager at the conclusion of the current season.
Klopp, who assumed the managerial role in October 2015, succeeding Brendan Rodgers, has led Liverpool to victories in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure on Merseyside.
Klopp has now revealed that he will be stepping down at the end of the 2023–24 campaign, telling Liverpool’s official website: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it—or at least try to explain it.
Jurgen Klopp is convinced Mohamed Salah’s goalscoring form will return
I love absolutely everything about this club; I love everything about the city; I love everything about our supporters; I love the team; and I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take. It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy?
Jürgen Klopp announce he will LEAVE Liverpool at the end of the season 😱
“I have no problem now; obviously, I knew it already for longer that I would have to announce it at some point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again. After the years we had together after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth, and that is the truth.”
Klopp’s contract was due to run until the summer of 2026, but he added on informing the Reds of his decision to move on: “I told the club already in November. I have to explain a little bit that maybe the job I do people see from the outside, I’m on the touchline and in training sessions and stuff like this, but the majority of all the things happen around these kinds of things. That means a season starts and you plan pretty much the next season already. When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore’ and I was surprised myself by that.
“I obviously start thinking about it. It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super-difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously. For me, it was super, super, super-important that I could help bring this team back onto the rails. It wasall I was thinking about. When I realised pretty early that happened—it’s a really good team with massive potential, a super age group, super characters and all that—then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome. It is not what I want to do; it is just what I think is 100 percent right.”
Klopp has managed Liverpool for over 460 games, achieving an impressive win ratio of 60.7 percent. His successful tenure places him in esteemed company alongside managerial greats such as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley at Anfield. Klopp has the potential to conclude his time with Liverpool with additional medals, as the class of 2024 is still competing for honours in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League.
Liverpool secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final by holding Fulham to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory after the first leg advantage.
Luis Diaz’s early goal was equalized by Issa Diop, but Liverpool’s resilience in the second leg earned them the opportunity to face Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Wembley on February 25.
Fulham, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, started with determination, with Joao Palhinha’s volley and Antonee Robinson’s dangerous delivery, but Liverpool took the lead in the 11th minute. Jarell Quansah’s long ball caught Timothy Castagne off guard, allowing Diaz to beat him in the air and score past Bernd Leno at the near post. Diaz had another goal disallowed for offside, keeping Fulham in the game.
Raul Jimenez’s long-range shot tested Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Fulham couldn’t find the equalizer they desperately needed. Despite a five-minute flurry with attempts from Willian and Tom Cairney, Fulham couldn’t break through.
In the second half, Fulham continued to press, with Bobby Decordova-Reid hitting the post, and Liverpool weathered the storm. Ryan Gravenberch and Darwin Nunez had chances for Liverpool, but their efforts missed the target.
Fulham finally leveled the score in the 77th minute when Harry Wilson’s cross found Diop, who expertly finished to give Fulham hope. Despite a late push, Liverpool held on to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
In a Premier League clash, Liverpool secured a resounding 4-0 victory away to Bournemouth, extending their lead at the top of the league table to five points.
The match saw Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both score two goals each in the second half.
Despite missing top scorer Mohamed Salah, Liverpool dominated the game. Nunez broke the deadlock early in the second half, and Jota quickly added two more goals.
Nunez completed the scoring in added time, sealing Liverpool’s 14th consecutive unbeaten league match.
Mohamed Salah is heading back to Liverpool for treatment on a muscle issue he picked up while playing for Egypt.
The prolific scorer for the Reds is expected to be absent for his country’s next two matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, following the injury sustained during Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League, faced initial challenges in creating opportunities during their Sunday game against Bournemouth in the absence of Salah.
However, the team managed to secure a commanding 4-0 victory, with second-half braces from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota contributing to a five-point lead at the top of the league.
Klopp insisted after the game that it “makes sense” for Salah to fly back to Merseyside from AFCON and the Egyptian FA have confirmed the decision.
The Reds chief said: “That’s the plan. If that’s already decided 100%, I don’t know. But that’s the plan.
“However long he’s out, probably everybody sees it like this, it makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us or with our people.
“I spoke with him directly after, the night when it happened. He’s in contact with our doctor. I think he will be back.”
An Egyptian FA statement, posted on Liverpool’s official website on Sunday evening, later confirmed: “It was decided that the player will return to England after the Cape Verde match tomorrow to complete his treatment, with the hope that he will join the national team in the semi-final of the AFCON if we qualify.”
After consecutive draws against Mozambique and Ghana, Egypt is set to face Cape Verde on Monday evening in a crucial match as they aim to advance from Group B in the tournament.
The outcomes of this match will play a pivotal role in determining Egypt’s standing and qualification prospects in the competition.
Asked if Salah would go back to the tournament should his country reach the knockout stage, Klopp said: “I would say if Egypt qualifies for the final, if he’s fit before the final, then probably yes. “Why not? That’s clear. It’s the tournament.”
Liverpool has the opportunity to solidify their position at thesummit of the Premier League in their upcoming Sunday fixture against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, currently facing a challenging phase, aims to rejuvenate their title aspirations by hoping for a stumble from Liverpool as they confront Crystal Palace.
On a different note, the focus shifts to the lower end of the table, where Brentford’s Ivan Toney is anticipated to make a comeback in a crucial match against fellow struggler Nottingham Forest.
As we anticipate this weekend’s football action, AFP Sport highlights three key talking points.
Mac Allister’s mark of success
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is already contemplating a tattoo to commemorate what promises to be a memorable season as the formidable Reds vie for four major trophies.
Under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp, the table-topping Liverpool squad holds a two-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, and a triumph over Bournemouth on Sunday could extend that lead to five points.
Despite the absence of Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool has maintained an unbeaten streak in their last seven matches across all competitions. Their ambitious goals for the season include clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League titles.
Signed from Brighton in the recent off-season, Mac Allister has emerged as a pivotal player in Liverpool’s resurgence this campaign. The flamboyant Argentina World Cup winner is not only eager to commemorate his country’s victory in Qatar last year with a tattoo but also plans to add any silverware lifted by Liverpool this season to his body art collection.
“I want to get my tattoo about the World Cup first and then, of course, I will get something about Liverpool, because since the first day I felt a really good connection with this club and I’m really happy to be here,” Mac Allister said.
“(A trophy) would be nice! Maybe on my leg. Hopefully we can win something this year and get it done.”
Arsenal on the rocks
Experiencing only a single victory in their previous seven matches across all competitions, Arsenal finds themselves in an inconvenient downturn that poses a risk to their pursuit of their first title since 2004.
Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is set to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, confronted by a string of setbacks, including three consecutive losses against Liverpool in the FA Cup, Fulham, and West Ham in the Premier League.
Arsenal, once leading the table before Christmas, has encountered a troublesome phase marked by a detrimental combination of ineffective goal-scoring and lax defensive performances.
The ex-Liverpool captain has allegedly terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq, expressing a strong desire to leave the Middle East despite completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer in the summer of 2023.
Henderson is reportedly on his way back to England, with Ajax granting him permission for a permanent transfer, as confirmed by top officials at the Saudi Pro League club.
However, ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes that the Saudi saga has done irreparable damage to Henderson’s reputation and has urged other players to learn a lesson from the transfer.
Speaking on White and Jordan for talkSPORT, Murphy said: “There might be a thought in his mind that by doing that [paying way out], he kind of rights the wrongs of people accusing him of the greed and the money that he went for in the first place.
“I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about it. Depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.
“There might be something other people translate to their own lives. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”
Henderson now appears to be bound for Ajax, having agreed a deal in principle to join the Eredivisie side. It is believed that the midfielder might be offered an 18-month deal with the option of a further year by the Amsterdam outfit.
Speaking on the potential transfer to Ajax, Murphy added: “I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table.”
Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan also slammed Henderson for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, and subsequently making a U-turn when things did not fall in place.
“I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudis are very ambitious and they have every right to be,” he said. “They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him. Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face, he wants to grow the game. “The flip side of the question is, what does it make Jordan Henderson look like?
“Does it make him look like a man of substance? Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better? I don’t think it’s great either way; it proves the point that the Saudi League have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it. It also shows the indulged and pampered nature of the modern-day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it.
“I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.” Al-Ettifaq had no intention of allowing Henderson to leave and were initially adamant about holding on to him. However, the player’s representatives managed to convince the SPL outfit to soften their stance.Henderson looks all set for a fresh challenge with Ajax, who have recovered their form under interim head coach John van ‘t Schip.
VAR will not be in operation during theCarabao Cup semi-finals, a decision influenced by Middlesbrough’s participation to ensure a level playing field.
The EFL has opted not to implement VAR in the two-legged semi-finals between Chelsea and Middlesbrough, as well as Liverpool and Fulham.
In the first leg, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea will face the Championship side on Tuesday night, while Liverpool will host Fulham on Wednesday for the initial clash.
The decision not to use VAR stems from Middlesbrough’s lack of technology at the Riverside Stadium, as the Championship does not employ VAR.
To maintain fairness across the semi-finals, the EFL chose to eliminate VAR entirely rather than selectively applying it in three out of the four legs being played.
Speaking to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for the EFL said: “There will be no VAR used in the semi-finals because it was not possible for the technology to be used at Middlesbrough.
“It was decided it was fairer to not use it in any of the four semi-final games as a result.The FA took a different approach (in the FA Cup) but we felt this was the way to go.
“If it couldn’t be used in one of the games, it won’t be used in any of the four semi-final legs. “However, VAR will be used for the final regardless of who is playing in it, as the technology is already installed at Wembley.”
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wants a Premier League return six months after controversial Saudi Arabia move. the midfielder was heavily criticised when leaving Merseyside for Al Ettifaq in the summer, and Henderson’s costly contract may prevent any potential transfer in January.
Jordan Henderson wants to return to the Premier League this month but his Saudi club, Al Ettifaq, will not allow the England midfielder to leave cheaply.
Henderson made a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia in July to link up with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who had taken over as manager of Al Ettifaq a few weeks prior.
The 33-year-old cost Al Ettifaq in the region of £13m and they are reported to be paying him a weekly wage of around £350,000.
Results on the pitch have been indifferent, with Al Ettifaq winless in the Saudi Pro League since late October and languishing in eighth place, some 28 points behind leaders Al Hilal.
Al Ettifaq are aware Henderson has not settled. The midfielder is looking at other options, but any potential move would have to work for all parties. Assistant manager Ian Foster left the club in recent days and was appointed manager of Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
What Henderson said when he made Saudi move:
Speaking to The Athletic in September, Jordan Henderson said: “People will see this club come with loads of money and he’s just gone. “Yeah, I’m going.” When in reality, that just wasn’t the case at all. People can believe me or not, but in my life and my career, money has never been a motivation. Ever.
“So do I go somewhere to try something new, to grow the game that I love in another country, and grow the league into one of the best in the world? That excites me because I want to grow the sport all over the world. And that got me going, really.
“I think there was always going to becriticism regardless of what I did, whether I stayed, whether I went. So basically I had to make the decision on what was best for me and my family. “Now, when I was making the decision, the way that I tried to look at it was I felt as though, by myself not going, we can all bury our heads in the sand and criticise different cultures and different countries from afar. But then nothing’s going to happen. Nothing’s going to change.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insisted he is not paying attention to any talk Jordan Henderson could return to the club. Speaking after watching his side knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup to progress to the fourth round, Klopp laughed off the suggestion Liverpool could be a potential destination for Henderson. “He didn’t call me,” he said. “We actually spoke, but it was not about that, so really, I have nothing to say about that.”
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has shrugged off recent mockery about his hairline, revealing a fresh haircut after being subjected to jokes following his missed penalty in Monday’s 4-2 victory against Newcastle.
Despite the jests from onlookers, the 31-year-old forward has had a trim and showcased his sharp new style on Instagram.
Despite the missed penalty against Newcastle, Mohamed Salah showcased his prowess by scoring twice and providing an assist in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory.
Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, they will miss their star attacker in the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Salah, with 18 goals in 27appearances across all competitions, is Liverpool’s leading scorer this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mic384F1-s8
In the Premier League, his 14 goals place him second behind Erling Haaland, but Salah leads the charts for goal involvements with eight assists.
The Egyptian forward is set to join Egypt for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, starting with a match against Mozambique, followed by fixtures against Ghana and Cape Verde in the group stage.
Gunshots were heard first at a shop, then outside a cinema, and at a nearby property on Wednesday night. No one got hurt.
Gunshots were heard at the News and Booze corner shop at 8:30pm. People in the area call it Sangha newsagents.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the workers at a Showcase Cinema in Stonedale retail park were scared when someone threatened them in the entrance area, and then a gun was shot into the air.
Around 10:20pm, more gunshots were heard at a house on Malpas Road.
Leslie Garrett from Ternhall Road, Liverpool, went to court on Saturday and was kept in custody.
He is accused of having a gun with the intent to harm someone, having two guns to scare people, and trying to rob someone.
He is also accused of having bullets without permission.
Jurgen Klopp experienced a shift from delight to dismay during Liverpool’s significant Premier League victory, as he briefly misplaced his wedding ring in the post-match celebrations on Monday.
A sharp-eyed TV cameraperson played a crucial role in spotting the ring in the midst of the Anfield pitch. Klopp, visibly relieved, responded by kissing the ring in front of the cameras.
“I had a massive shock,” Klopp said, “but it’s back.” The incident occurred shortly after Liverpool secured a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United, elevating Klopp’s team three points ahead of Aston Villa in the standings.
After congratulating his players and moving towards the fans with applause, Klopp suddenly noticed the absence of his wedding ring. In a quest to find it, he thoroughly searched the grass around his location, even seeking assistance from a steward.
Fortunately, the person operating the camera for British broadcaster Sky Sports informed Klopp about the whereabouts of his ring, resolving the brief moment of concern.
“Oh my God, that would have been really awful,” Klopp said. “I lost it once in my life — I needed a professional diver because it was in the sea.
“From time to time, when I lose one or two kilos, it’s not the right fit anymore.”
Liverpool reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Burnley, thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Nunez, ending a 12-match goal drought, scored in the first half, while Jota sealed the win in the 90th minute.
Despite the comfortable victory, Liverpool had two goals disallowed and hit the woodwork.
Burnley struggled in the final third, with poor decision-making and turnovers. Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp praised the team’s performance, and the win puts them ahead in the league standings.
In a highly contested match at Anfield, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Liverpool. Gabriel’s early goal was nullified by a stunning strike from Mohamed Salah.
Despite both teams pushing for victory, they ended up sharing the points. Arsenal’s wait for a win at Anfield continues, stretching into a 12th year.
The early goal from Gabriel was the result of a perfectly executed training ground routine that exposed Liverpool’s high line.
The visitors were fully engaged, and while they left with a point, it was achieved in a different manner than Manchester United’s recent game at Anfield, where United showed no attacking intent.
Liverpool’s equalizer came from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s visionary pass that dropped over the head of Oleksandar Zinchenko, leading to Salah’s goal. Both teams had chances to secure the win, with thrilling moments and near misses.
The draw means that Arsenal moves a point clear at the top of the Premier League table for Christmas, but the Premier League’s top two clubs deservedly shared the spoils in this highly anticipated encounter.
Following a hard-fought draw against Premier League title rivals Arsenal, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp delivered unfortunate news for the team’s fans.
Gabriel had given the Gunners an early lead at Anfield, but Mohamed Salah equalized after 29 minutes, securing a point for Liverpool.
Despite the positive outcome, there was a downside as Kostas Tsimikas and Luis Diaz were both forced off due to injuries.
The draw allowed Liverpool to enter the Christmas period just one point behind the league leaders, but the setbacks in player injuries raised concerns for Klopp and the team.
Klopp, 56, said: “Tsimikas broke his collarbone at least. That’s really bad for us.”
Asked whether Diaz had also picked up an injury, he added: “I hope not. He has pain, it was knee on knee and in that moment we wanted to change twice and then he was down.
“He told me ‘little pain’. The physios were not too concerned but you never know.
"Anfield was outstanding tonight, I think everybody felt it. It was brutal. It was really nice to see what we can do all together." ✊
Mikel Arteta has issued a challenge for Arsenal to break a longstanding streak and secure a victory at Anfield for the first time in 11 years.
The Gunners, aiming for a Christmas Day lead in the Premier League table, will face Liverpool on Saturday.
However, Arsenal has not won against Liverpool away since September 2012, a 2-0 victory in which Arteta played in midfield.
While Arteta has overseen wins at Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham during his four years as Arsenal’s manager, Anfield has proven a challenging venue.
Next up is to leave Anfield with three points and Arteta, 41, said: “We have done it at Old Trafford, we have done it at Stamford Bridge and many other places where we haven’t done it for years.
“This is the next challenge. Go there and win. If you want to be at the top you have to go to those places and be dominant. That’s what we’re going to try to do.”
Arsenal held a 2-0 lead at Liverpool last season but was pegged back, ultimately settling for a draw.
Arteta added: “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. The two teams are in a really good moment, really good position, really strong position.
“They are going to be well placed to win it and to go for it. It’s going to be an intense match.
“You have to play better than them. You will silence the crowd if you are dominant and better than them.
“There are certain things we didn’t manage very well [last season] that we need to correct and be much better at because when they have that momentum and space they are a really dangerous team.
“We had some big, big situations after those moments when we could have killed the game and we didn’t. When you have the opportunity to do that, you have to do it.”
Liverpool secured their place in the semi-finals with a convincing 5-1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Following the draw that ensued, Jürgen Klopp’s team is set to face another Premier League side, Fulham, in the next round.
The first leg is scheduled to take place at Anfield, while the return match will be hosted at Craven Cottage.
The semi-final fixtures are set for the weeks commencing January 8 and January 22, with further details to be announced on Liverpoolfc.com in due course.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough is slated to face Chelsea in the other last-four clash.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s impressive first-half goal initiated Liverpool’s victory on Wednesday night, and Jürgen Klopp’s team went on to dominate the game in the second half.
Curtis Jones scored twice, and additional goals from Cody Gakpo and substitute Mohamed Salah secured a decisive win and a place in the last four against Fulham.
Liverpool started strongly, with Szoboszlai attempting the first shot within the first four minutes, but it struck Darwin Nunez. Elliott then narrowly missed the opening goal on 14 minutes, sending his effort wide from the edge of the box.
Szoboszlai’s powerful strike from outside the box found the net on 28 minutes, putting Liverpool ahead. Gakpo nearly doubled the lead just before half-time with a header.
In the second half, Jones scored his first goal of the season, slipping the ball past the goalkeeper from an acute angle. Liverpool made a triple substitution with Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Konate, and Gakpo added a third goal.
West Ham managed to score with a fine effort from Jarrod Bowen, but Liverpool sealed the victory with goals from Salah and Jones, securing their place in the last four.
Liverpool’s failure to score for the first time since April denied them the top spot in the Premier League as Manchester United secured a goalless draw. The result cost Liverpool a chance at a club record and allowed Manchester United to stem a recent defensive crisis.
Erik ten Hag’s United successfully kept Liverpool at bay, despite Jurgen Klopp’s team finishing the game with five attacking players. The goal drought for Manchester United on Liverpool’s home turf extended to 507 minutes, but they managed to secure a valuable point.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance and numerous attempts (34 shots in the game), they couldn’t convert their chances into goals. Mohamed Salah’s efforts were thwarted by a solid United defense and goalkeeper Andre Onana. The draw prevented Liverpool from reclaiming top spot in the Premier League.
In the last few minutes of the game, United’s Diogo Dalot received a controversial double-yellow card sending off. The result leaves Manchester United with just one win in six matches, while Liverpool, despite their dominance, couldn’t secure the victory they were seeking.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has been dealing with a bout of norovirus, characterised by vomiting and diarrhoea, leading up to the crucial match against rival Liverpool.
Rashford was absent from United’s recent fixture against Bayern Munich, where they faced an abrupt exit from the Champions League due to the illness.
Despite returning to training, his participation in the starting lineup remains uncertain as the club’s medical staff continues to monitor his health.
United, heading to Anfield for the first time since the previous season’s 7-0 defeat, aims to avoid a repeat of such humiliation. Rashford, who featured in the previous loss, is eager to make amends if his health allows.
The team enters the match as heavy underdogs, and their supporters hope to leave Anfield with at least their dignity intact this time.
With Rashford scoring just two goals in the current Premier League season, one of which was a penalty, compared to four at the same stage last season, the forward is keen on contributing to tomorrow’s game.
Despite a significant error by referee Darren England in the Tottenham-Liverpool clash, reports suggest that Premier League referees will still be permitted to officiate abroad.
The Telegraph indicates that match officials have received approval to continue freelancing in foreign countries, as an investigation found no direct connection between such activities and the contentious Liverpool offside goal incident.
This incident occurred during Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham in September, where Luis Diaz’s goal was inaccurately disallowed.
Subsequent revelations disclosed that the video assistant referees involved had officiated a match in the United Arab Emirates just two days prior.
In response to the Var crisis, the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. (PGMOL), in conjunction with the Football Association, has decided to reevaluate the policy allowing referees to oversee games outside ofFIFA and UEFA appointments.
Howard Webb, the head of PGMOL, said: “In terms of that specific trip out to the Middle East, there was no link found from that to the error. Of course, we know it created noise.”
Webb further revealed that there will be no blanket ban on the freelancing of referees but each request will be taken up by the PGMOL board and judged on its merits.
The former referee added, “Each request will be evaluated on its own merits. But we’ll only consider an approach from an overseas national federation on the condition that it provides a development opportunity for the officials and that it has no impact at all on their availability to serve the leagues we exist to serve.
“Any such request would need to be approved by the PGMOL board. That’s our position. We’ve had no more requests since that one. Nobody’s been out to do that.”
However, apprehensions have been raised regarding potential conflicts of interest, particularly concerning England and Cook, who have professional ties in the UAE, a nation with strong affiliations with Premier League champions Manchester City.
Conversely, Michael Oliver, despite Newcastle United’s connections to Saudi Arabia, was permitted to officiate in the Saudi Pro League, prompting discussions about the delicate balance between referee assignments and ownership associations.
While concerns persist, it’s important to note that there is no indication of a conflict of interest arising in the specific case of the Spurs-Liverpool match.
It is a customary practise for officials to oversee foreign matches, often on Thursday nights in competitions like the UEFA Europa League, before resuming domestic duties on Saturdays. In such instances, referees who have travelled are typically assigned off-field roles, such as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
