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Richard Hughes has been given ‘the Green Light’ on Liverpool Managerial Talks

Richard Hughes, the new sporting director of Liverpool, has been given “the green light” to begin working on projects at Anfield before the summer.

The “green light” has been given to Richard Hughes, the new sports director of Liverpool, by his current employers, AFC Bournemouth, to begin the process of selecting Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Anfield.

With Klopp’s announcement that he will be leaving the team at the end of the 2023–2024 season, the Reds are searching for a replacement manager.

Although Hughes’ appointment as the Merseyside giants’ new sporting director was formally confirmed on March 20, he will take up his new position on June 1.

As journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Xabi Alonso is still the “leading candidate” at Anfield, Richard Hughes, the next sports director of Liverpool, has been granted the “green light” by his current employers, AFC Bournemouth, to begin the process of selecting a manager to succeed Jurgen Klopp.

With Klopp out of the picture for the first time in almost ten years, the Reds are anticipating a summer filled with big changes. Since taking over in 2015, the current head coach has made it known that he will step down at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 campaign.

Hughes and Michael Edwards, the chief executive of football operations at Fenway Sports Group, need to appoint a deserving successor to the Liverpool icon. Leading lights in European football have taken notice of Alonso, who is having a fantastic season at Bayer Leverkusen, ahead of the summer.

Hughes’ hiring is confirmed by Liverpool
Liverpool officially announced Richard Hughes’ appointment as their new sporting director on March 20. After just six months at Anfield, Jorg Schmadtke departed his position at the end of the 2024 winter transfer window, and the 44-year-old takes his place.

Michael Edwards appointed Hughes, who will formally assume his duties at the AXA Training Centre on June 1st, ahead of the 2024–2025 campaign. The Scot, who is presently AFC Bournemouth’s technical director, must still play out the rest of the season with the club. Hughes expressed his gratitude on Liverpool’s official website after receiving confirmation of his appointment, saying he was “incredibly proud” to have been given the chance:

“I am so honoured to have been given this chance. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to work with Liverpool FC, a special team, in this role.

“I understand exactly what is expected of me in this role, as well as my obligations. Making wise judgements will be my responsibility in collaboration with Michael [Edwards], as I will be in charge of the football operations team that is now in place as well as the larger AXA Training Centre workforce.

It is anticipated that Hughes would appoint his first team member at Liverpool soon in order to assemble a squad that may surpass the accomplishments of the previous administration. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Mark Burchill, the chief scout for Bournemouth, will accompany the technical director of the Cherries to Anfield. The 43-year-old and Liverpool are set to sign a deal soon, but one has already been agreed upon. This indicates that Burchill, Edwards, and Hughes will be a part of the new team that is anticipated to usher in a new era for the Reds.

Ben Jacobs: Hughes has “jobs to do” prior to his start date at Liverpool on 1st of June.

According to Jacobs, despite Hughes’ official start date of June at Liverpool, the Reds and Bournemouth have a “very good relationship” that permits the new sporting director to start working on projects right now. The journalist believes Hughes has been given the “all clear” to begin the process of finding and selecting Klopp’s replacement. Telling GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs

“Everyone has been very open and honest, and Bournemouth and Liverpool have a great relationship.” Therefore, Hughes is free to start working on finding a replacement for Klopp, and Bournemouth is totally cool with that. Although June 1st is the official start date, he has work to do and will be transparent about it. Xabi Alonso is the main prospect for Liverpool. The sources don’t hide that. But it’s a meticulous procedure, as usual with Liverpool.”

Liverpool’s most recent pursuit of Xabi Alonso latest

According to Jacobs, who spoke with GIVEMESPORT on March 19, Hughes’ connection to Xabi Alonso’s agent may give Liverpool a small edge over Bayern Munich in the competition to recruit the manager of Bayer Leverkusen. The Cherries’ current manager, Andoni Iraola, who has the same agent as Alonso, was hired with assistance from the technical director of Bournemouth. The strong bond the two have developed may have an impact on the decision made by the 42-year-old head coach.

Uli Hoeness, the honorary president of Bayern Munich, recently told Ran Sport that Liverpool and the Bundesliga’s top teams are vying for Alonso’s services. With eight games left in the 2023–24 season, the former midfielder—who played for both Anfield and the Allianz Arena—looks to be leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first league title. He has helped the team open a ten-point lead over Bayern.

March 23, 2024
Report: Xabi Alonso response to Liverpool job after contact made

Xabi Alonso, a legend of Liverpool, has been linked to a return to Anfield ever since Jurgen Klopp made his departure known.

According to reports, Liverpool has gotten in touch with Xabi Alonso to gauge his interest in succeeding Jurgen Klopp after the German retires this summer.

The French publication Foot Mercato has confirmed this, chasing rumours that linked the Bayer Leverkusen manager to a reunion with his old team nearly as soon as Klopp declared his choice last month.

During his time at Anfield, Alonso was a hugely popular player. Under Rafa Benitez, his elegant midfield stylings were crucial to their victories in the 2005 Champions League, the 2006 FA Cup, and their most convincing Premier League run to date, which ended in a narrow loss to Manchester United in 2009.

After leaving the team that summer, Alonso spent his last seasons at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He then turned to coaching, beginning his managerial career with Real Sociedad B until joining Leverkusen in 2022.

The former Spanish international is currently leading the team to their first-ever Bundesliga championship after doing admirably in the role. After defeating Bayern of second place 3-0 on Saturday, Leverkusen leads the table by five points with 13 games remaining and an undefeated record.

It makes sense, then, that Alonso has played coy about the speculations that he is interested in joining Liverpool, stating only that he is content with his current position and committed to finishing the task at hand.

In Foot Mercato’s reporting, that position has been reaffirmed without specific quotations, implying that they have independently investigated the matter.

Although Liverpool leads the table by just two points above Manchester City and Arsenal—the latter of which has a game in hand—Jurgen Klopp is hoping to end his career on a high note.

Next weekend, Liverpool will play Chelsea in the League Cup final at Wembley before taking on Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round. Next Friday, they will also find out who their opponents are in the Europa League round of 16.

More news…….

‘Huge’ transfer kitty from FSG to be received by Liverpool’s new manager

The transfer budget that Liverpool will provide its next manager is enormous; only one Premier League team could match them.

Football Insider has been informed by sources that Liverpool plans to make significant summer window purchases in anticipation of selecting a new director of football and manager.

The Premier League’s Financial Fair Play regulations and off-field factors including as Jurgen Klopp’s departure are thought to have hindered the Reds’ ability to make significant purchases in January.

Just 17 permanent moves were completed in the English top division during the mid-season window, with FFP leaving its imprint on most clubs.

However, Football Insider has been informed by a reliable source that a “big spend” is anticipated as normal in the summer as teams aim to complete their primary business.

In terms of purchasing power, Man United is expected to challenge Liverpool after the INEOS-backed takeover was revealed last year.

Although teams like the Reds are likely to be cautious of FFP limitations, a robust summer transfer window is anticipated despite a quiet January.

Financial wizard Kieran Maguire also revealed to Football Insider on February 6 that Klopp’s successor at Liverpool will have access to a “huge” summer transfer budget.

Football Insider (January 28) disclosed that the Merseysiders have designated Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as their top target and are preparing to make a move for him.

With the addition of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch to their roster last summer, the Reds completely revamped their midfield.

Despite having played one more game than Man City, who are in second place, Klopp’s team leads the Premier League by two points.

February 19, 2024
The FSG ‘criteria’ for the next manager of Liverpool indicates that a clear favourite is emerging.

Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, is making sure his replacement can start winning in the summer, which may facilitate FSG’s decision-making process.

Much of Jurgen Klopp’s rule has been unparalleled, from ending the lengthy wait for a Premier League title to becoming global champions for the first time to, as of Wednesday, completing 200 wins as Liverpool manager in record time.

Even the way the German will now depart Anfield at the end of the current campaign marks a change for the team.

Since learning of Klopp’s intention to retire back in November, Fenway Sports Group has been in an uncommon and perhaps enviable position in their ongoing search for a replacement.

Naturally, three managers have departed Liverpool when it was solely owned by FSG. Nonetheless, it might be argued that current circumstance differs from previous ones.

Think back to past departures. The current owners fired Brendan Rodgers, Kenny Dalglish, and Roy Hodgson. Earlier in the Premier League era, Rafael Benitez, Gerard Houllier, and Roy Evans—who replaced the fired Graeme Souness thirty years ago—were also helped out. Evans was the first Liverpool manager fired since Phil Taylor in 1959.

A clear succession line had existed between the two sackings. Bob Paisley, Bill Shankly’s assistant, succeeded him, and he then turned things over to Joe Fagan, another bootroom lad. After Fagan left the club after two years, Kenny Dalglish took over as the first and only player-manager of the team.

More seasoned Reds supporters have compared the astonished astonishment following Klopp’s declaration last week to that which followed Dalglish’s departure in February 1991. But that’s probably where the parallels end. Both had given up on managing Liverpool for very different reasons, but the Reds were in a very different place as a team under Dalglish, still processing the fallout from the Hillsborough tragedy that had occurred less than two years earlier and ill-prepared for the Premier League’s impending transformation. Even though the team was still in contention for awards that season, they had grown accustomed to one another and needed a significant change soon.

In contrast, Liverpool has strengthened for the future with the influx of players over the last 18 months and the rise of a few Academy graduates. Several of the more experienced players left last summer. Whatever transpires between now and the end of the campaign, the groundwork is in place for the next person to step up and fight for honours right away.

That’s why it’s similar to Shankly’s bequest to Paisley and Fagan and Dalglish’s subsequent inheritance. Their immediate success—Paisley won the championship and UEFA Cup in his second season, Fagan won a treble in his first, and Dalglish won the double in less than a year—was proof that they took over winning teams.

However, this time there won’t be a replacement from within, highlighting the unique position that FSG hold at Anfield.

So what standards ought to be set for Liverpool’s next manager?

The success under Klopp would point to a model of someone who has won awards, won a lot of silverware, is willing to stick to a long-term plan, believes the Academy can produce players deserving of a chance to play in the first team, understands the financial model that FSG follows and won’t, at least not in public, question their stance.

There isn’t a single plausible candidate that fulfils every single need, and the number of candidates who satisfy even four of the five choices is minuscule. However, the foundation that Klopp and his coaching staff have built over the years implies that any adjustments made by the new manager would be limited.

Of course, there would be certain issues that needed to be resolved, especially if players like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah still hadn’t signed new contracts. Furthermore, a new manager will constantly want to leave his mark on a team as quickly as feasible. However, the new manager won’t have to supervise an overhaul for what may be the first time since Dalglish took charge in the summer of 1985.

Therefore, much experience in the hot seat is not absolutely necessary. And would help to explain why Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton, and Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting Lisbon, are among the front-runners. Alonso has a big edge because of his prior ties to Liverpool, in addition to his playing career at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He also has a good opportunity of adding trophies to his resume at the end of the season. He would be perfect in so many ways.

For FSG, Klopp was and still is the ideal manager of Liverpool. It is just not possible to find someone who is comparable, but he has made sure that the next best candidate will have an opportunity to succeed as Anfield’s manager.

February 4, 2024
Richard Keys makes an odd statement while Jürgen Klopp verifies a “very serious” injury to Liverpool.

Following a potentially critical injury sustained during Saturday night’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal, Kostas Tsimikas will be sidelined for a while.

Kostas Tsimikas, a defender for Liverpool, was thought to have broken his collarbone during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Tsimikas was struggling with Gunners winger Bukayo Saka for the ball when Saka nudged him to the ground. As he went down, Klopp collided with manager Jürgen Klopp.

Tsimikas was unable to continue after a protracted course of therapy, thus Joe Gomez took his place. After that, the Greek international had to visit the hospital; although his official prognosis is still pending, it looks like he will be out for a long.

BeIN Sports anchor Richard Keys oddly blamed Klopp for his defender’s injury in a post on X/Twitter, claiming that the defender was positioned too close to the pitch. Keys has already used the opportunity to voice his displeasure with Mikel Arteta, Klopp’s opposing number, for his touchline antics.

“It’s an irony that it’s Klopp — with Arteta in the other technical area — but that’s exactly why a coach being too close to the playing area is dangerous,” he stated. The German team is facing an increasing number of absences due to injuries sustained by Luis Díaz in the match at the top of the table and absences by players such as Thiago, Diogo Jota, and Alexis Mac Allister.

According to Klopp, “I thought it wasn’t really a problem because I had no pain,” following the game, as reported by the BBC. “He would be fit again, and I would gladly give him my collarbone. At that moment, I was all right. Although he stated, “No, it’s broken,” I assumed Kostas was as well.

After the game, Saka expressed regret for the incident, but Klopp stated that Tsimikas would be “out for a long time” due to a “really bad” injury. It’s unlikely that Andy Robertson will return for a few more weeks.

According to Liverpool.com, this was actually just an unlucky mishap of the kind that can occur throughout any game. Saka’s challenge was correctly called a foul, but there was nothing dangerous about it. Klopp was essentially standing inside his technical area and did nothing wrong. Every game, we witness players being dragged down in that way repeatedly with no long-term consequences.

Liverpool won’t be worried about whether the injury could have been avoided. Rather, the focus will be on coming up with a solution, as Tsimikas joins Robertson in the treatment room following the latter’s shoulder dislocation. If Klopp doesn’t push young players like Luke Chambers or Calum Scanlon into the Premier League spotlight, it might compel the right-footed Gomez to play a longer series of games at left defence.

More news…….

Liverpool transfer target may be hijack by PSG as agreement is close

According to one source, Paris Saint-Germain are nearing an agreement for Lucas Beraldo Liverpool target.

As Jurgen Klopp deals with escalating injury concerns, the 20-year-old defender has been mentioned as a potential target for the Reds prior to the transfer window reopening next month.

Liverpool has previously committed to adding one or more defensive players by 2024. But Joel Matip’s season-ending injury has only made the need for additional back-end players more pressing.

Prior to January, the Reds were linked to several centre backs. They were even tipped as the front-runners for Sao Paulo’s impressive South American centre back, Beraldo.

Santi Aouna claims that PSG will actually finalise a winter contract for the Brazil youth international.

The journalist from Foot Mercato stated on X: “PSG is optimistic that Lucas Beraldo’s arrival will be completed in exchange for a 20+5M Euro bonus. close coordination between the parties. Potentially scheduled for next week’s medical examination.”

According to Aouna, PSG is reportedly in advanced talks with Corinthians to sign 18-year-old midfielder Gabriel Moscardo, who has also been tangentially connected to Liverpool in recent weeks.

Although Beraldo may no longer be an option, it is unclear if Liverpool will make any additions the following month.

The likelihood of Liverpool bringing in a replacement for the injured Matip has been downplayed by manager Jurgen Klopp in public. And yet another story says the Reds are willing to negotiate ‘if the price is right’.

In addition to Piero Hincapie of Leverkusen and Leny Yoro of Lille, Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP is another centre back who has frequently been mentioned as a possible target.

Anfield Watch is aware that the Reds’ top objective for 2024 will be to strengthen their defence, even though a high-profile addition is probably more likely to come in the summer.

Despite Klopp’s remarks, Liverpool has experience signing players in January, having done so with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in the last two years.

December 25, 2023
Report: Joel Matip to get a new contract offer from Liverpool

Despite his advanced age, Joel Matip is a defender for Liverpool, and Football Insider has learned from sources that Jurgen Klopp wants him to sign a new deal.

The centre back’s contract expires at the end of this season, and he will be 33 when the 2024–25 season begins.

Additionally, it is thought that Klopp wants Matip to stay at Anfield despite Liverpool’s intentions to bring in a new senior center-back.

If another defence alternative becomes available, the former international from Cameroon will be moved down the ladder and will have to accept a backup role as part of any new contract.

Football Insider has learned via a reliable source that Klopp is a “huge admirer” of Matip and wants him to stay a Liverpool player.

This revelation might surprise some Reds supporters who thought he would retire from the team in 2024.

The centre back is currently out due to a knee injury he received during Sunday’s 4-3 victory over Fulham on December 3.

During the Tuesday, December 5, pre-Sheffield United press conference, Klopp stated that Matip’s injury is “not good” but that his scan is still incomplete.

Despite a possible long-term injury to the defender, Liverpool does not want to hurry into the market for a center-back in January, according to a report published by Football Insider on Monday, December 4.

Matip has so far in the 2023–24 campaign made 14 appearances in all competitions.

Prior to his injury, the centre defender had started the previous three Premier League games.

Since arriving at Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016, he has made 201 appearances and won the FA Cup, League Cup, Premier League, and Champions League.

Only one point separates Klopp’s team and the league leaders Arsenal in second place in the Premier League.

In other news, the £70 million aim for Liverpool might miss the remainder of the campaign.

More news……

Liverpool ready to make tremendous move for transfer of £45m midfielder

According to reports, Liverpool is going to put up a big fight to sign Nice midfield player Khephren Thuram, in a deal that might end up costing up to £45 million.

In an attempt to make multiple midfield changes, the Reds linked themselves with the Frenchman multiple times during the summer transfer window. However, a deal never materialised, as they signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch to replace departing stars like Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Nevertheless, Thuram is already being linked to Liverpool once more as Tutto Juve designates the Merseyside giants as significant participants in this trade drama.

They speculate that LFC might attempt to buy the 22-year-old for about £45 million. It will be intriguing to watch if they decide to prioritise adding yet another midfield player for January.

Thuram’s pursuers are Juventus and Inter Milan, but according to the source, Liverpool is now in the lead in the hunt for his signature.

Thuram appears to have a bright future as a player, so it will be interesting to see where he chooses to go for his next move. It would be great to see him play in the Premier League soon, though.

December 6, 2023
The four-word response of Jurgen Klopp after Roy Keane called Liverpool ‘bad champions’

Look back: Roy Keane hit out at Liverpool after they lost 4-1 to Manchester City in February 2021, with the Reds ‘apologising’ and calling them ‘bad champions’. Jurgen Klopp was furious.

If Jurgen Klopp doesn’t agree, the Liverpool manager isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

Whether it’s press conferences, TV interviews, footage from inside the club or rival managers on the sidelines, the Kop boss isn’t afraid to take charge.

The same goes for Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

So when Keane faced Premier League champions Liverpool after a 4-1 defeat by Manchester City at Anfield in February 2021, nobody expected Klopp to be snubbed.
After the game, Keane gave Liverpool and Klopp his blessing on Sky Sports. He slammed the German in his defence, calling Liverpool “wicked champions” and accusing them of being fooled by their own hype.

“We spoke before the game and they made a lot of excuses,” Keane said.
“For me they were bad champions.

“We might lose a football game … but I don’t understand this group. Looking at Brighton gives me a cozy feeling even on a weekday.
You can lose a match – and there are ways to do it. But I don’t see.

“Maybe they believed the hype of the last two years. We talked about some kind of regression, but they play for a big team in Liverpool.
Living up to their own hype, they beat teams like they won the league last year and pulled off a huge upset.

“After winning the league, I think the next challenge is: ‘Can we do it again?’ I heard about this team/group in interviews and even when they won last year.
“What’s next for Liverpool?” I was not impressed with the manager.
Not.

Let’s enjoy this and that.
“It’s been a long 30-year wait, but I’ve never heard a player say, ‘I want to do it again.’ This is the key.

Now, after winning last year’s race…
they’re talking about trying to finish in the top four.

ROY KEANE

Now, where are your top four goals?
“It’s a big club.
They have to get over (Virgil van Dijk’s) setbacks.
Isn’t that part of the game?
I think it would be good if the players were always ready.
Looking at Manchester City, it’s safe to say they don’t have two best players.

“They came to Liverpool.
They have a strong team. I know they are missing two centre-backs but they still have the best strikers on the pitch.” [They] still had their best goalkeeper, they still had the national team player.
After the match, Klopp said that the goalkeeper’s feet are cold!

Klopp’s response came shortly after.
But it was not the violent reaction the Germans expected.
You won’t miss his point.
“I’m going again!” he said.
“If I don’t get to see a really good football team win a football game again, I don’t know what will happen.
It really hurts tonight, but I’m starting again.

“If we only unite when we win, there is something wrong.
we’ll go again It’s a difficult time in a difficult season.
“We saw a lot of good things tonight and we have to continue to see that.”

Maybe Klopp was right that day, not him.
Liverpool bounced back from this defeat and climbed into mid-table, sitting third in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season.
Considering where they were, that was pretty respectable.

The following season, they won two domestic cups and reached the final of the Champions League, losing to Real Madrid.
And they ended the season with two defeats in the competition.

With 92 points, they are one point behind champions Manchester City. They left “again”.
Last season was certainly disappointing, but now it looks like a new team is back in the title mix after the summer renewal.

October 22, 2023
The Liverpool dressing room’s verdict on Jurgen Klopp’s rebuild during summer window

Liverpool signed players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch this summer to remind Manchester City and Arsenal of their title credentials.

Joel Matip believes Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0 has evolved into a different style – but the old mentality remains as strong as ever.

The defender, who was Klopp’s second signing at Anfield when he signed on a pre-contract eight years ago, believes his character – which is the manager’s trademark – can produce trophies again. The Reds have not won a major trophy since the 2022 FA Cup.

Speaking about Liverpool’s new look after a complete midfield reboot this summer, the veteran centre-back said: “It’s my eighth season (at Anfield) and the manager has tried to adapt our style during my time here .”

“It’s not the same football we played six or seven years ago, so he’s adapting.” But he still tries to do it his way and I think it works quite well.
All the new players have adapted well.
Overall, our start to the season isn’t that bad.

“But performance-wise, we’re not exactly where we want to be in the last 90-plus minutes.
In the end, we’ve turned things around a lot and it’s good to know we still have the quality to do that.”

For Matip, the new look of football, as Liverpool have evolved their passing style under Klopp, has already made an impression.
Speaking about new signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, he said: “Dom and Macca played almost all the time and did so brilliantly.

“You can see that both playing with the ball and against the ball their adaptation has been fantastic – they have never really looked new here.”

The defender also believes Klopp’s other summer midfield signings, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, have already shown promising signs despite being signed at the end of the transfer window with little time to adapt.

“Wataru and Ryan arrived later, but they have already shown that they can help us too,” he explained to the club’s official website.
“All the new players have done a fantastic job so far and I’m really looking forward to seeing them play.”

And he believes there is a real chance of glory this season with Liverpool already showing signs of battle on four fronts, including keeping pace with champions Manchester City in the title race.
“We have four competitions ahead of us and we want to be as successful as possible in each of them,” he explained.

“We want to give everything, but no one knows what will happen in the end.
We are just focusing on our next game and working hard to do the best we can there. This is my eighth season at Liverpool and I have always tried to do my best for the team.
When I am needed, I want to be there and show my quality.

More news……

Midfielder still a target for Liverpool in the summer transfer window.

Manu Kone, a midfielder for Borussia Monchengladbach, was initially reportedly a target for Liverpool during the summer and the Reds are reportedly still interested in him.

As Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left Anfield, the Reds ultimately moved for different targets on that occasion, bringing in four new players in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo.

Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in Kone, while Liverpool’s interest in the player also appears to be ongoing, according to Daily Briefing columnist Christian Falk, who posted from his account on X.

Falk asserts that Kone is still under the Merseyside giants’ radar in the passage below.

It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool keeps making the rebuilding of their midfield a priority, or if they decide to turn their attention to other areas of their roster next.

Since players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah aren’t getting any younger, they’ll soon need to be replaced with more long-term options.

However, Kone is a great talent and one that other major clubs will probably be vying for as well, so it is definitely worth keeping an eye on

October 20, 2023
Ryan Gravenberch offers Jürgen Klopp something other signings don’t as Liverpool 2.0 takes shape

Morgan O’Sullivan, a Florida-based Liverpool supporter, gives us his opinion on all the most recent Reds news in advance of Leicester, including how Jürgen Klopp’s revamped squad is performing.

Manchester City eliminated Liverpool from the Carabao Cup last year, but the club is back in the competition this year hoping to win back the trophy it won in 2022.
By defeating Newcastle United to claim the victory, Manchester United won it the previous year.

Prior to the match, we spoke with Florida-based Liverpool supporter Morgan O’Sullivan about the Reds, including how the newcomers are adjusting and how Jürgen Klopp’s 2.0 version of the team is taking shape.

Today’s Leicester City. Are you anticipating a team that is similar to the one that faced LASK and confident of victory?

Yes, hopefully we will ring the changes once more tonight. It’s amazing how a few successful games can alter a club’s entire culture.

From the disappointment of the previous season and the uncertainty of the summer, we have moved to a growing optimism about a title challenge this year.

We have options all over the field and young players who are developing at the same time, having previously been a club with a depleted midfield.

This ongoing evolution of our team gives us great hope for the current season and the years to come, if the changes over the summer were regarded as a revolution.

We should win tonight, but caution is advised because historically, Liverpool has viewed Leicester as something of a bogey team.

At Anfield today, Ryan Gravenberch should give us another look at what he can do for Liverpool. What do you think he has accomplished so far, and what do you hope he will accomplish in the future?

Gravenberch has so far displayed great energy and is able to move around the field with ease. He brings mobility to the team that some of our other signings might not have, and he ought to be a great addition. It will be interesting to see how he joins the team and whether there will be a gradual adjustment over the course of the season or if he will be thrust into the starting lineup right away after a few weeks.

So far, Dominik Szoboszlai has excelled.
How do you think he and Alexis MacAllister have performed as Liverpool players up to now?

They’ve both gotten off to great starts. Szoboszlai is the center of attention, but Mac Alister is progressively integrating himself into the background.

While not always performing at his peak, he has still given the team another dimension despite being asked to fill a few positions in the early going.

Both of the new signings should perform at an even higher level once the manager has figured out our ideal midfield, which I still believe he is still trying to do.

Any additional points to make?

We are back in the league cup tonight, and even though it is ultimately the lowest honor on the totem pole, it is crucial that we win because it will open up more opportunities for players like Gravenberch, Caoimhn Kelleher, Ben Doak, and others.

September 28, 2023
Responding to Jurgen Klopp’s complaint and challenging Liverpool’s decision, LASK’s head coach says it’s “not a big deal.”

Thomas Sageder, the head coach of LASK, responds to Liverpool’s 3-1 Europa League victory over his team at home.

When Liverpool defeated the Austrians 3-1 on Thursday night, LASK head coach Thomas Sageder questioned whether Liverpool’s second goal should have stood.

A Darwin Nunez penalty, along with goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, helped Jurgen Klopp’s team rally after falling behind 1-0 at the break.

The victory marked the start of their Europa League group-stage campaign.

Sageder questioned whether it was appropriate to give Liverpool a penalty after Diaz was brought down in the box, but he was more upset with a purported foul that occurred before the Colombian’s own goal.

We need to improve on a few things, he told reporters, “but we could compete against Liverpool.”.

“Every loss can be turned into a learning experience, and that is what I will tell my players.

“We actually anticipated their lineup to be that way. We paid no attention to names.
We learned that Liverpool is a top team in the second half.

To win balls and create situations was very difficult for us.

“I will have to check the penalty; I don’t know what it is.
I believe there was a foul against us prior to the second goal, but I will need to double-check it.
“.

Sageder downplayed Klopp’s complaints about the Raiffeisen Arena pitch in the meantime.

Perhaps Mr. Klopp is accustomed to different pitches, he suggested.
But I believe it was manageable and not a big deal.”

More news…….

Ryan Gravenberch and two others stand out in the Liverpool player ratings for the LASK matchup as winners and losers.

Liverpool player rankings, winners, and losers vs. LASK, a 3-1 victory for Jürgen Klopp’s team in Austria to kick off its Europa League campaign.

RAIFFEISEN ARENA, LINZ // Liverpool overcame a deficit to defeat LASK away on Thursday night to win its Europa League debut.

Florian Flecker spectacularly drove the ball home from long range to give LASK a startling advantage inside the opening 15 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half, Darwin Nez equalized via penalty kick; shortly after, Luis Daz gave the Reds the lead.
Just before the end of the game, Mohamed Salah scored the Reds’ first Europa League goal to secure the victory.

WINNERS

It is unclear if Ryan Gravenberch’s injury will keep him out for an extended period of time after making his full debut for his new team with an outstanding assist.
Luis Dáz scored the game-winning goal after winning the penalty kick that brought Liverpool back into the match.

LOSERS

Neither Wataru End nor Ben Doak were successful in claiming the right wing position for themselves in the Europa League.
Both players failed to make their case for starting more Premier League games in holding midfield.

PLAYER RATINGS

Caoimhn Kelleher received a 6/10.

The first shot, the only one he faced in the first half, was helpless in his hands.
got down well to block another attempt from range, this time from Havel, just before the hour mark.

Stefan Bajčetić (off 61′) — 5/10.

He was targeted by the LASK press early on and was a little sloppy with the ball in the first half due to his unfamiliar role.
Naturally, he didn’t appear to be entirely at ease when attacking down the right wing.
Booked.

Ibrahima Konaté (off 81′) 5/10.

made an amateurish attempt to block the cross that resulted in the goal-scoring corner and received a booking for his argument with the referee. as the game progressed, improved.

Virgil van Dijk 6/10.

Van Dijk outperformed most in a dull first period, making crucial blocks to stop ulj and Ljubii.

Kostas Tsimikas 6/10.

Tsimikas appeared to be Liverpool’s top creative threat in the opening period, but he ought to have passed the ball when given the chance to counter just before halftime.

(Off Wataru Endo (off 61′) 5/10.

End, who was only making his second start for the Reds, remained largely unnoticed.
In truth, there wasn’t much to write home about before he came off; this game was all about what he could offer in possession.

Harvey Elliott: 6 out of 10.

After perfectly placing a cross to find Nez, he might have been due an assist, but it was his pass to Bajeti that broke down the defense and resulted in the penalty.

(7/10) Ryan Gravenberch (off 75′) 7/10

While LASK struggled to stop Gravenberch fairly, he drew a lot of fouls and made a few errant passes before perfectly positioning Daz with a low cross.

In a two-on-one situation, he brought the ball forward and had the opportunity to score another goal, but he blundered. 15 minutes before the end, went down and hobbled away.

Ben Doak(off 61′) 5/10.

In the first period, Doak had one or two shining moments, but overall, the teen’s debut was disappointing.

Darwin Nez: 7/10.

In the first half, Nez missed headers from crosses from Elliott and was heroically saved by Lawal at close range after Van Dijk headed back across from a corner.
He confidently put his penalty into the side netting, and then his square pass led to Salah’s goal.

Luis Dáz: 7/10.

After a last-second challenge from Zeireis, Daz earned the penalty, converted the easy finish from Gravenberch’s cross, and made a strong defensive effort.

SUBSTITUTES.

Joe Gomez (on 61′) 6/10.

When he came on, he did a good job of staying defensive.

Dominik Szoboszlai (on 61′) 6/10.

brought some much-needed class to the team.

(On 61′): Alexis Mac Allister: 6/10.

Mohamed Salah (on 75′) 8/10

as soon as he was introduced, he appeared more energized than many of his teammates, and a dangerous shot was immediately blocked.
produced a clean finish through Lawal’s legs to score the goal.

Joel Matip (on 81′) — n/a

September 22, 2023
The club are now ready to sell Liverpool’s ‘enormous’ target for just £17million.

Torino are now reportedly ready to sell Perr Schuurs for just £17m (€20m) with Liverpool linked with the defender.

According to Football London, the Serie A side could enter negotiations to sell the Dutch centre-back for a bargain price of £17million, with Liverpool being one of several Premier League sides interested in Schuurs.

Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Tottenham have all been linked with the former Ajax star this summer, but given Jurgen Klopp’s need for a new defender, Liverpool’s interest could be the most interesting.

Midfield talk dominated the Liverpool rumor mill for most of the summer, but a defender could arguably be more important for the Reds at the start of the new season.

And Schuurs could be exactly that player, with the EPL Index hailing the 23-year-old as a “tremendous” player after establishing himself with Torino as one of Serie A’s best defenders. Moreover, this latest update could persuade Liverpool to sign Schuurs, who could be a dream defensive signing this summer given his style of play and age.

Liverpool must test the waters for Schuurs this week

Liverpool are slowly moving away from signing a defender in this window as Schuurs could now be available at a price that could make the Dutchman one of the bargains of the summer.

Athletic, strong and brilliant on the ball, Schuurs ticks all the boxes Liverpool are looking for in a new defender. Torino now cost the centre-back just £17million.

A deal may sound too good to be true for Liverpool, but the Reds must now do their utmost to sign Schuurs before next week’s deadline.

More news…….

Jürgen Klopp has just been offered 30 reasons by Cody Gakpo to continue Liverpool’s transfer overhaul.

Cody Gakpo has yet to come to grips with life as a midfielder. The Dutchman is a solid player but he has a big department to improve on.

Cody Gakpo faces a tough challenge this month in his first two rounds in the Premier League. Jürgen Klopp has so far taken four points from his duels against Chelsea and Bournemouth, and in those games he has used Gakpo as a midfielder rather than a striker.

The Dutchman was deployed as the number eight left wing in the two games, largely due to a lack of options in the engine room at the moment. Since Klopp approved the surprise departures of both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this summer, he has so far only replaced the pair with Wataru Endo, who only signed on the dotted line on Friday.

Additionally, Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajčetić are currently recovering from injuries, with Gakpo forced to play as a makeshift midfielder to fill his boss’s void. The 24-year-old talent performed admirably but seemed to have an obvious weakness in his game.

Simply put, Gakpo is not used to touching the ball often. As a striker, he was used to being involved in the last third before creating chances or scoring a goal for PSV Eindhoven – his former club – which explains why he sometimes found himself a little uncomfortable when he had to offer himself as a a factor constant. possibility of moving to Anfield. Against Chelsea in the opening weekend, he amassed a total of just 10 completions in 65 minutes before being replaced by Curtis Jones, who then completed 15 in just 25 minutes on the pitch. No player who started the game completed fewer passes than Gakpo, which is quite incredible considering his position in the center of the park.

Liverpool hosted Bournemouth at Anfield this weekend. Klopp again made the decision to use Gakpo as number eight – with Jones sidelined with an ankle problem – but despite the Reds winning 3-1, the same problem arose. The Dutch international had just 20 completed passes this time around, again the fewest for a player in the red. Gakpo has played a total of 127 minutes in England’s top flight this season and is averaging just 21 assists per 90 minutes. It’s far too early to judge numbers as the sample size is simply too small to be reliable, but its average is very low for a midfielder in a dominant team.

To illustrate, Dominik Szoboszlai has averaged 50 out of 90 successful passes in an identical role on the right flank, and it’s also worth noting that he’s a new signing, having arrived from RB Leipzig earlier this summer. Jones, who could return in the coming weeks, averaged 53 out of 90 assists last season in the Premier League.

Gakpo is generally a positive contributor and his ceiling is undeniably high, but if he is to continue playing in the middle of the park he will need to give the Reds more control by getting on the ball more often and finding his teammates with accurate passing .
.
Speaking to AD last season, Gakpo spoke about his gradual evolution to become more of a center-of-the-park midfielder.

“Guus Hiddink was the first to mention the change,” he said. \”He was at PSV for a while as a sounding board. I didn’t want to believe it then. And not even when Roger Schmidt later said the same thing to PSV. I was more stubborn than now and felt good on the left wing. But at the last World Cup I was already more central on the pitch and at Liverpool also permanently in the last six months. I’m just more excited to improve at that place in the near future.”

“He’s been playing number eight pretty much all preseason,” said his manager, Klopp, when asked about his performance this weekend. “Players can play in different positions in modern football. Not even Szoboszlai played in that position for his old club. The role suits him.

Klopp might be right, but based on his past performances, Gakpo seems like a striker who receives the ball less often but poses a real threat whenever he’s involved. He certainly has the quality to develop as a midfielder, but his obscurity perhaps offers a glimpse of Liverpool’s need to continue their top-flight rebuilding work.

The engine room renovation is nearing completion with the additions of Endo, Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister this summer. However, more reinforcements are needed if Klopp really wants to challenge on all fronts this season.

August 22, 2023