Tag: liverpool

  • Premier League compelled to issue two VAR statements on Liverpool controversy against Southampton

    Premier League compelled to issue two VAR statements on Liverpool controversy against Southampton

    Premier League compelled to issue two VAR statements on Liverpool controversy against Southampton

    Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points with a hard-fought victory over struggling Southampton. The Saints proved to be a tough opponent, forcing Liverpool to come from behind to secure all three points.

    Mohamed Salah was the hero of the match, scoring twice to ensure the win against the relegation-threatened side. The Egyptian forward capitalized on a mistake by Alex McCarthy to equalize after Liverpool had trailed 2-1. He then netted a penalty following a handball by Yukinari Sugawara in the box.

    Dominik Szoboszlai had earlier given Liverpool the lead in the first half after Southampton’s defensive error. However, Southampton was handed a way back into the game when Andy Robertson was penalized for a foul in the box. Adam Armstrong’s initial penalty was saved, but he converted the rebound.

    A controversial decision by referee Samuel Barrott saw a penalty awarded after Tyler Dibling was brought down, despite Robertson seemingly making contact outside the box. The Premier League later issued a statement clarifying that there was “no conclusive evidence” the contact occurred outside the area.

    #SOULIV – 40’

    The referee’s decision to award a penalty for Robertson’s challenge on Dibling was reviewed and upheld by VAR, which concluded that there was no clear evidence to suggest the contact took place outside the penalty area.

    — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 24, 2024

    The statement read: “The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Robertson on Dibling is checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was no conclusive evidence that the contact occurred outside the penalty area.”

    After the break, Liverpool found themselves behind when Matheus Fernandes squeezed the ball past the keeper. However, two goals from Salah, including the penalty for Sugawara’s handball, put Liverpool back on top.

    The Premier League issued another statement regarding the penalty: “The referee’s call of penalty for the handball by Sugawara is checked by VAR, who confirmed that he deliberately moved his arm towards the ball.”

    #SOULIV – 81’

    The referee’s decision to award a penalty for Sugawara’s handball was reviewed by VAR, which confirmed that he intentionally moved his arm towards the ball.

    — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 24, 2024

    With the win, Liverpool moved eight points clear at the Premier League summit. They now look ahead to their Champions League match against Real Madrid before facing a crucial top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.

  • Alisson sums the two things that have gone wrong with Liverpool perfectly.

    Alisson sums the two things that have gone wrong with Liverpool perfectly.

    Alisson sums the two things that have gone wrong with Liverpool perfectly.

    Liverpool has not prevailed in any of their previous; Goalie Alisson sees two major issues that need to be resolved after three games in all competitions.

    Alisson, the custodian for Liverpool, has identified two crucial problems that the Reds must resolve in order to turn around their recent dismal performance.

    When Jurgen Klopp leaves his position as manager at the end of the campaign, Liverpool hopes to offer him a memorable sendoff. They have already won the Carabao Cup. But in recent weeks, their chances of winning two more titles have diminished.

    They are down 3-0 going into the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal matchup with Atalanta. They have surrendered points in their last two Premier League games, drawing 2-2 with Manchester United and losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

    To get back on track, Alisson thinks Liverpool just needs to “go back to keeping clean sheets and try to score the chances that we have” “[We have] had two bad results, [but] I think we cannot make the mistake to make these bigger than it is,” he emphasised in remarks made before of the second leg against Atalanta.

    Alisson sums the two things that have gone wrong with Liverpool perfectly.

    “As players for the LFC, we obviously cannot accept losing 3-0 at home. It goes without saying that we need to improve our performances, but to be more specific, we need to return to maintaining clean sheets and attempting to score from our clear opportunities in front of the goal.

    “I am saying it because I know the quality we have as a team and because I have a lot of faith in my strikers and defenders. Therefore, I believe we can resume winning games if we improve these kinds of things as a squad and do that as a defence and an offensive unit.”

    In addition, he acknowledged that Liverpool “need to do a much better job than we did in the first leg” to overcome a 3-0 lead and that Atalanta will be a tough test. Alisson continued, “They will be a difficult nut to crack.”

    They are a physically, tactically, and technically very physical side. Taking them on has always been an extremely difficult match. They play 11 on 11, man-marking everywhere on the pitch. If you are playing against a side that does this, you have to make sure you are prepared to work hard and run.

    It’s useless to even go out and play if you don’t accomplish it! They performed a fantastic job in the previous game, and it was evident that they had thoroughly studied us as a team in order to prepare the game.

    We had a poor performance as well. Although I believe this match may be very different from the first leg, we still need to perform much better.”

  • As Arsenal and Man City’s shortcomings were revealed, Liverpool realised how it might win the title race. 

    As Arsenal and Man City’s shortcomings were revealed, Liverpool realised how it might win the title race. 

    As Arsenal and Man City's shortcomings were revealed, Liverpool realised how it might win the title race. 

    Liverpool finally seen Man City and Arsenal lose last night. Although it wasn’t in the championship race, it provided a model for potential point losses.

    Normal. Liverpool will not be happy on a night when both Manchester City and Arsenal fail to win.

    It’s not just bad luck, of course. We’re at the business end of the Champions League, after all. It makes sense that these are some of the most difficult games to win.

    Even still, it was aggravating to watch Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, who had been battling for weeks to even get very close to their Premier League rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively, find ways to damage them. The games ended in 2-2 and 3-3 results, so it was undoubtedly an entertaining evening, but Liverpool gained little from it.

    As Arsenal and Man City's shortcomings were revealed, Liverpool realised how it might win the title race. 

    The fact that the ties are still so closely tied will undoubtedly please the Reds. Arsenal and Manchester City would not have been taking the second leg of a Champions League quarterfinal lightly, regardless of the first-leg outcome. However, they now have to prepare for emotionally and physically taxing reverse matchups. While navigating a potentially more lenient Europa League run, Liverpool will hope for a hangover effect in the Premier League.

    However, it needs to be seen if that benefit materialises. In particular, Manchester City is used to battling on several fronts and has proven it can combine a title challenge with European football. The squad appears well-equipped to handle the injuries, since Arsenal has had amazing luck with them this season.

    The fact that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have served as a reminder that Liverpool’s title challengers are human is perhaps more significant. At most, they may have even provided league opponents with a model on how to deal some damage.

    Arsenal’s next opponent is Aston Villa, where Unai Emery’s team is aiming for a top-four finish, which it might still require to guarantee Champions League participation since Bayern’s draw has kept the England vs. Germany matchup for an additional spot alive. In a similar vein, the former manager of the Gunners may attempt to harm his previous team.

    As Arsenal and Man City's shortcomings were revealed, Liverpool realised how it might win the title race. 

    Bayern looked most dangerous when it moved rapidly. Arsenal appears to quickly regain composure after moving forward in an attack thanks to Mikel Arteta’s excellent coaching, but daring, quick changes can still find opportunities to exploit gaps.

    This is how Aston Villa is supposed to play. Moussa Diaby moves very quickly, and players like Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins are also quite skilled. Arsenal might be unsettled if Emery can get his team to move the ball quickly from back to front.

    That the secret to harming Manchester City is similar may not come as a surprise. After all, Pep Guardiola taught Arteta the trade. Real Madrid counterattacked without hesitation, throwing the game into disarray.

    This has been Manchester City’s consistent point of weakness this season, far more so than Arsenal. It has mostly gotten away with it, but occasionally the jagged high line has looked like the struggling Liverpool system from the previous season, and clubs with enough bite can exact their revenge.

    Although it’s unlikely that Luton can adhere to this plan at the Etihad, Brighton will be the opponents in the following league game. Although Roberto De Zerbi’s team has occasionally appeared overly plodding in attack this season, they undoubtedly have the ability to go through the gears quickly.

    All three of the title candidates still have games left that could cause issues. Actually, it’s the Premier League, where all three teams have seven games that may prove to be challenging. Liverpool’s stalemate away at Manchester United undoubtedly disappointed them, but they are still very much in the running to win the title; the Champions League has just served as a reminder of their opponents’ shortcomings.

  • Daniel Sturridge says there is “no bias” in his title prediction as Liverpool battles Arsenal and Man City.

    Daniel Sturridge says there is “no bias” in his title prediction as Liverpool battles Arsenal and Man City.

    Daniel Sturridge

    Liverpool has had a fantastic recent run of results. Having played for both Manchester City and the Reds, Daniel Sturridge has expressed his opinions on the title fight.

    Liverpool’s victory versus Manchester United on Sunday would allow them to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League. On Saturday, the Reds’ opponents for the title, Manchester City and Arsenal, respectively, defeated Brighton and Crystal Palace, each with three points.

    Arsenal is currently ahead once more and has a superior goal differential after Mikel Arteta’s team kept another clean sheet. Now that the season is entering its last two months, Daniel Sturridge has given his forecast on the championship race.

    After rising through the ranks at City, he spent seven years at Anfield, where under Jürgen Klopp, he helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019.

    Before the game on Sunday at Old Trafford, Sturridge said to NBC Sports, “You can’t be sure who’s going to win the title, so everyone has got a bit shaky right now.” All three are in their element and everyone is aware of the stakes.

    “Man City’s background will be important, but Arsenal is also eager and wants it.” After what transpired in the previous season, most of these players are hungry and confident they can win their first title.

    “Liverpool hopes to repeat as Premier League winners in Jürgen’s final season. They did so recently.” In other words, each squad really needs the intangibles. Although Man City is trying to make history, the other two have a great deal on the line.

    When asked for his prediction, Sturridge responded, “I’m going to go with Liverpool.” It’s not prejudiced! My instinct is telling me that right now.”

    Arsenal manager Arteta was questioned about the title push that failed to materialise in the latter months of the previous season after his team’s victory against Brighton. You can see that we are older, especially with me,” Arteta said to Sky Sports.

    We had many difficult times together, and as a team, you grow. Although we also signed some amazing players, this is a positive time since the team is healthy and there is a positive vibe and enthusiasm all around. We’ve previously been through that, so I think that helps.”

    According to Liverpool.com, although the final stretch will be nerve-wracking, Liverpool has set itself up nicely to win the championship. Although Liverpool has more experience and is more motivated in Klopp’s last season as manager, City does have the experience. Sturridge was a player for both teams, thus he is impartial. Of course, Arsenal appears to be highly dangerous at the moment as well.

  • Barcelona, the biggest team in La Liga, has conceded defeat and believes Ruben Amorim is headed to Liverpool.

    Barcelona, the biggest team in La Liga, has conceded defeat and believes Ruben Amorim is headed to Liverpool.

    Barcelona, the biggest team in La Liga, has conceded defeat and believes Ruben Amorim is headed to Liverpool.

    Liverpool has received support in their quest to find the next manager to replace Jurgen Klopp.

    Ruben Amorim’s appointment to Liverpool this summer appears certain, since Barcelona is said to have lost interest in the Sporting boss. Due in part to the high cost of his services, the Catalan giants have moved on to other candidates to succeed departing manager Xavi.

    This summer, Liverpool and Barcelona find themselves in a similar situation as they must replace two well-liked departing managers. As club star Xavi takes a well-earned break and Jurgen Klopp draws a line under nine years on Merseyside, whomever takes the helm at Anfield or in Catalonia will have enormous shoes to fill.

    Both clubs were rumoured to be considering highly regarded head coach Amorim. But Barca are looking for a manager with a reasonable release clause and top-tier expertise.

    Amorim doesn’t belong in any of the groups. An interested party would have to pay £12.8 million for his Sporting contract, making him one of the most costly managerial hires in history.

    Sport claims that too many things are conspiring against Amorim, and that Deco, the sporting director, is now concentrating on other goals. According to the source, Barca think the Portuguese player is headed to Liverpool.

    In his first season, Amorim guided Sporting to the league championship, and the Portuguese powerhouses are expected to do it again this year. With a game remaining, they lead Benfica by one point under the 39-year-old’s leadership.

    This week, the likelihood of Liverpool appointing Amorim grew as word leaked out that Roberto De Zerbi had fallen further on the want list. It was originally thought that the Brighton manager’s outstanding job on the south coast was why the Reds were interested in him.

    Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, and Michael Edwards, the company’s CEO of football, are rumoured to be exploring other possibilities. The other big name in the running is Julian Nagelsmann, but it’s said that Bayern Munich is interested in both him and De Zerbi.

    A unpleasant diversion occurred in Liverpool’s search for a new manager last month when Xabi Alonso declared he would be staying at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard, who played for Anfield for five years of his career, was the clear favourite to succeed Klopp, the manager has previously acknowledged.

    In an attempt to cap off Klopp’s tenure at the club with a second league victory, the Reds are presently engaged in a fierce title fight with Manchester City and Arsenal.

  • Tottenham and Liverpool compete for Tosin Adarabioyo.

    Tottenham and Liverpool compete for Tosin Adarabioyo.

    Tosin Adarabioyo

    Tosin Adarabioyo, a 26-year-old defender for Fulham, is apparently a target for signing by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

    Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be available on a free transfer during the summer transfer window, is reportedly the target of a summer transfer move plot by Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, according to a Football Insider report. The 26-year-old defender is a target for Italian teams as well.

    The 26-year-old has experience playing in the Premier League, so the two clubs may find value in acquiring him. The former Manchester City defender may be able to fill Joel Matip’s shoes as Liverpool’s central defence needs more depth.

    The seasoned Liverpool defender’s contract expires in the summer, so the Reds need to find a suitable replacement. Thus, the Merseyside club has a chance to pursue the Fulham center-back.

    Adding a player who is accustomed to the Premier League can turn out to be a smart move. He may have an effect right away. Also, it would be wise business to sign him on a free transfer. Tottenham has already made some investments this season on a handful of good centre defenders. However, it looks like they’re not quite done.

    Tosin Adarabioyo

    They have found the Fulham star to be a great deal and are eager to add another excellent defender to their back four for the foreseeable future. Whether they can persuade the player to join them at the end of the season will be interesting to see.

    Adarabioyo will desire consistent, high-level football.

    At this point in his career, the 26-year-old Englishman will likely want to play frequently, and it’s unclear which of the two English teams can provide him the certainties he needs.

    There won’t be a lack of options in Adarabioyo come summertime. It will be intriguing to watch if he chooses to relocate elsewhere or stay in the Premier League. Italian clubs are willing to give him a way out at the end of the campaign.

    The defender, who is about to hit his prime, will undoubtedly want to join a team that can contend with the best in the league. Liverpool might be a desirable location for him to go. Next season, they’ll be able to give him Champions League football as well. Tottenham, meanwhile, is aiming for a top-four finish, though it’s unclear where they’ll end up.

    More news…….

    Liverpool wanted the UEFA Champions League draw, exactly as they got it.

    Liverpool sends scouts to see the £60 million midfield player against Arsenal. According to sources, Liverpool dispatched scouts to study Alan Varela, a £60 million transfer target, during Porto's Champions League victory over Arsenal last week. Since moving from Boca Juniors in his home Argentina to Portuguese club Porto in August, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder has drawn attention. Leading teams are allegedly keeping an eye on Varela's status in anticipation of a potential transfer at the end of the current campaign. Seven of the Argentine's twenty-eight outings for Porto have come in the Champions League. Porto qualified for the round of sixteen after finishing second behind Barcelona thanks to his assistance in winning four of their six group games. Prior to their second meeting at the Emirates on March 12, Porto leads Arsenal 1-0 from the first leg. A quarterfinal spot is up for grabs. "We achieved a fantastic outcome," Pepe declared. We need to be even more concentrated than we were today because it will be even harder in London. We must be faultless. Galeno's goal was crucial to our hopes of making it to the quarterfinals. We were aware that the game would be difficult. "We put on a great show and won with a great goal, but Arsenal has a lot of quality."

    The outcome of the UEFA Champions League draw will delight Liverpool. That ought to benefit the Reds.

    Indeed, it is true that Liverpool was left out of the UEFA Champions League draw, but that is sort of the idea. The Reds were aware of Atalanta, their quarterfinal opponent in the UEFA Europa League, but they will have been closely monitoring the elite league.

    Liverpool’s season was impacted by the draw, even if they aren’t vying for that specific title. But Arsenal and Manchester City, their two challengers for the title, certainly are.

    In their quarterfinal matchup, Arsenal faced Bayern Munich, and City faced Real Madrid once more. Two enormous ties, and two very challenging ones.

    Liverpool will have been pleased with their outcome because of this.

    THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW AND LIVERPOOL 

    Given the outcome of the draw, Arsenal and City will devote all of their attention on the two legs. Given that each team is up against a real challenger for the trophy, neither can afford to let up, much less shuffle their squad.

    And that causes them to have issues in the Premier League. For example, Arsenal’s matchup with Bayern Munich is against Aston Villa, who are currently in fourth place. It is going to be a nightmare leading their squad for all three.

    In between their Real Madrid matches, City plays Luton Town, a match they should win even if they have a subpar team. However, they go to play Tottenham Hotspur in one of their most challenging remaining matchups, three days after the second leg.

    Therefore, neither team’s circumstances in the Premier League are “ideal.” If each had faced virtually any other opponent, the situation might have seemed very different. If Liverpool had been drawn together, it is the only way things could have turned out better.

    The difference is that Jurgen Klopp will surely give the Premier League more importance than the Europa League, even if the Reds still have a tough assignment ahead of them—beating Atalanta.

    Title opponents of Liverpool won’t; instead, they’ll attempt to maintain equilibrium. And that might well result in the mistakes that everyone was seeking to avoid.

  • Liverpool wanted the UEFA Champions League draw, exactly as they got it.

    Liverpool wanted the UEFA Champions League draw, exactly as they got it.

    Liverpool sends scouts to see the £60 million midfield player against Arsenal.

According to sources, Liverpool dispatched scouts to study Alan Varela, a £60 million transfer target, during Porto's Champions League victory over Arsenal last week.

Since moving from Boca Juniors in his home Argentina to Portuguese club Porto in August, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder has drawn attention.

Leading teams are allegedly keeping an eye on Varela's status in anticipation of a potential transfer at the end of the current campaign.

Seven of the Argentine's twenty-eight outings for Porto have come in the Champions League.

Porto qualified for the round of sixteen after finishing second behind Barcelona thanks to his assistance in winning four of their six group games.

Prior to their second meeting at the Emirates on March 12, Porto leads Arsenal 1-0 from the first leg. A quarterfinal spot is up for grabs.

"We achieved a fantastic outcome," Pepe declared. We need to be even more concentrated than we were today because it will be even harder in London. We must be faultless.

Galeno's goal was crucial to our hopes of making it to the quarterfinals. We were aware that the game would be difficult.

"We put on a great show and won with a great goal, but Arsenal has a lot of quality."

    The outcome of the UEFA Champions League draw will delight Liverpool. That ought to benefit the Reds.

    Indeed, it is true that Liverpool was left out of the UEFA Champions League draw, but that is sort of the idea. The Reds were aware of Atalanta, their quarterfinal opponent in the UEFA Europa League, but they will have been closely monitoring the elite league.

    Liverpool’s season was impacted by the draw, even if they aren’t vying for that specific title. But Arsenal and Manchester City, their two challengers for the title, certainly are.

    In their quarterfinal matchup, Arsenal faced Bayern Munich, and City faced Real Madrid once more. Two enormous ties, and two very challenging ones.

    Liverpool will have been pleased with their outcome because of this.

    THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW AND LIVERPOOL 

    Given the outcome of the draw, Arsenal and City will devote all of their attention on the two legs. Given that each team is up against a real challenger for the trophy, neither can afford to let up, much less shuffle their squad.

    And that causes them to have issues in the Premier League. For example, Arsenal’s matchup with Bayern Munich is against Aston Villa, who are currently in fourth place. It is going to be a nightmare leading their squad for all three.

    In between their Real Madrid matches, City plays Luton Town, a match they should win even if they have a subpar team. However, they go to play Tottenham Hotspur in one of their most challenging remaining matchups, three days after the second leg.

    Therefore, neither team’s circumstances in the Premier League are “ideal.” If each had faced virtually any other opponent, the situation might have seemed very different. If Liverpool had been drawn together, it is the only way things could have turned out better.

    The difference is that Jurgen Klopp will surely give the Premier League more importance than the Europa League, even if the Reds still have a tough assignment ahead of them—beating Atalanta.

    Title opponents of Liverpool won’t; instead, they’ll attempt to maintain equilibrium. And that might well result in the mistakes that everyone was seeking to avoid.

    More news……

    Liverpool sends scouts to see the £60 million midfield player against Arsenal.

    Next Liverpool manager: A senior insider reveals a significant turn in the Xabi Alonso chase

    According to sources, Liverpool dispatched scouts to study Alan Varela, a £60 million transfer target, during Porto’s Champions League victory over Arsenal last week.

    Since moving from Boca Juniors in his home Argentina to Portuguese club Porto in August, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder has drawn attention.

    Leading teams are allegedly keeping an eye on Varela’s status in anticipation of a potential transfer at the end of the current campaign.

    Seven of the Argentine’s twenty-eight outings for Porto have come in the Champions League.

    Porto qualified for the round of sixteen after finishing second behind Barcelona thanks to his assistance in winning four of their six group games.

    Prior to their second meeting at the Emirates on March 12, Porto leads Arsenal 1-0 from the first leg. A quarterfinal spot is up for grabs.

    “We achieved a fantastic outcome,” Pepe declared. We need to be even more concentrated than we were today because it will be even harder in London. We must be faultless.

    Galeno’s goal was crucial to our hopes of making it to the quarterfinals. We were aware that the game would be difficult.

    “We put on a great show and won with a great goal, but Arsenal has a lot of quality.”

  • ‘Desire’ to play for a different club is acknowledged by Alexis Mac Allister

    ‘Desire’ to play for a different club is acknowledged by Alexis Mac Allister

    According to Alexis Mac Allister, there is a "desire" to play for a team other than Liverpool in the future. In the summer, the midfield

    According to Alexis Mac Allister, there is a “desire” to play for a team other than Liverpool in the future. In the summer, the midfield player relocated to Anfield.

    Although Alexis Mac Allister only moved to Anfield in 2023, it’s obvious that he intends to play professionally before hanging up his boots. If it’s feasible, Mac Allister, who joined from Brighton, would like to go back to Boca Juniors.

    The midfield player joined Brighton in January 2019 after beginning his playing career at Argentinos Juniors. He was sent back to Argentinos as part of that transaction, and the following summer, he finished a loan to Boca.

    It didn’t last long, though. In January 2020, Mac Allister was called up by Brighton, therefore his season-long loan became a half-season arrangement. They thought he could contribute to their first team, and for the balance of the 2019–20 campaign, the Argentine played in nine Premier League games.

    This indicates that Mac Allister, who backed Boca as a young player, only appeared on the pitch 20 times. Between 1992 and 1996, his father performed there as well as Alexis’s brother Kevin. As a matter of fact, the two brothers were simultaneously on loan at Boca.

    Therefore, Alexis looks to have unresolved business and appears to be hoping to visit Boca one last time before his career ends.

    In Argentina, Mac Allister told TyC Sports, “I don’t like to promise that I will return because the reality is that there is still a long way to go, but anything can happen.”

    “It’s evident that I have the desire, especially since my stay in Boca was brief. However, only time will tell if I will have that opportunity and they grant it to me.”

    Hence, nobody should anticipate that happening very soon, although the 25-year-old does have an eye towards a career after Liverpool.

    More news…….

    Tottenham is in the lead to sign a target from Liverpool.

    Teun Koopmeiners is a midfield player, and Tottenham has apparently been interested in bringing the Dutch international to North London.

    Spurs have failed to sustain their performances after an amazing start to the season under new manager Ange Postecoglou, as they have dealt with multiple injuries to important players.

    Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin were added in the January transfer window to increase the depth of their squad, but there will undoubtedly be more additions in the summer.

    The top player on that list is Koopmeiners, a midfielder for Atalanta who has drawn interest from multiple Premier League teams.

    Spurs and Liverpool are in the “front row” for the 25-year-old, according to a report from the Italian publication Calciomercato.

    However, the article claims that Atalanta will be looking to pay the “best possible price,” using Rasmus Hojlund’s high-profile transfer to Manchester United as an example of a prospective fee. As a result, he might not come cheap.

    This season, Spurs’ midfield has been the key to their success; James Maddison, a recent addition, has chemistry with Yves Bissouma, Papa Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur when healthy.

    Koopmeiners’ addition to this well-established midfield will enable them to contend on all fronts.

    They will be more competitive on all fronts in the upcoming season with Koopmeiners joining this already solid midfield, especially if they manage to secure Champions League football.

  • “Exciting, emotional football!” – Xabi Alonso’s managerial contributions are outlined.

    “Exciting, emotional football!” – Xabi Alonso’s managerial contributions are outlined.

    Given his accomplishments and his willingness to let his players play, I believe the players would warm up to him right away. He offers those guys on the pitch a great deal of independence and accountability. Players at Leverkusen seem to relish competing for Alonso, and I don't think that's the case anywhere else.

    “Exciting, emotional football!” – Xabi Alonso’s managerial contributions are outlined.

    Xabi Alonso is one of the front-runners to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and Bundesliga analyst Dan O’Hagan provided us with a thorough analysis of the Spaniard’s background.

    It will be unusual to see a new manager in the dugout come August, since Klopp is expected to retire at the end of the season.

    Given the incredible improvement he has made with Bayer Leverkusen in just 18 months, leading them to the top of German football, Alonso is the clear choice in European football for the position.

    Sam Millne talked about Alonso’s tenure as Leverkusen manager and what he may offer Liverpool with Bundesliga pundit Dan O’Hagan (@danohagan).

    Is he worthy of consideration for the Liverpool position?

    Indeed. I witnessed his Leverkusen debut game last season, when they soundly defeated Schalke 4-0. His style of play was impressive right immediately.

    And while it was a little hit or miss the previous season, they have been, in my opinion, the best team playing in Europe this year. They are the only squad that has never lost in any of the three main league competitions.

    Anywhere would be a good place for Alonso’s style of play. It is flowing, contemporary, high-tempo, thrilling, emotive, and full of goals.

    Naturally, Klopp leaves a tonne of gigantic shoes to fill at Liverpool, but Alonso might be the coach’s personality and playing style that the team needs.

    It goes without saying that Klopp leaves gigantic, enormous shoes at Liverpool to fill, but Alonso might be the type of coach and player big enough to step into those enormous shoes.

     

    How does he organise his team?

    According to Alonso, he is not a big believer in formations. Although the official record for this season is 3-4-3, it has changed three, four, or five times already in games.

    It could be a back three or a back four. It moves so naturally. He has athletes with intelligence and adaptability.

    Under Alonso, systems are mostly meaningless because they dominate the game’s tempo and have so much possession of the ball that they effectively control the game regardless of the system.

    Leverkusen has an extremely laissez-faire atmosphere with little formal organisation.

    How fast has he made progress?

    After Jurgen Klopp departs Liverpool in the summer of 2020, Cesc Fabregas, a former player for Arsenal and Chelsea, has shared

    They were in the bottom two when he took command, although they had ended in the European spots the previous season, thus they had made progress all season. However, he never took over a bottom two squad.

    That being said, this season has been amazing from the beginning as they have truly built upon the foundations he created in the prior one.

    The number, the kind, and the source of the objectives. The two wide players he has this season—Alex Grimaldo on the left and Jeremie Frimpong on the right—have produced amazing goals and assists for wing-backs.

    He made improvements in the areas he could have done better throughout the summer. They have transformed from, in my opinion, an underperforming but excellent group to, this season, without a doubt, the greatest team in Germany.

    Any worries?

    One thing that raises questions in my mind is that, as this is only his second season leading a senior first team in a top division, Alonso isn’t quite the whole package yet.

    He spent a few years playing in Spain’s third and second divisions with Real Sociedad’s B team, and prior to that, he was a member of Real Madrid’s under-14 squad.

    My only concern is that he might just need to spend one or two more years at Leverkusen in order to potentially win awards and gain experience.

    Is he a man-manager as well as a skilled tactician?

    Big players at big clubs these days, I believe, respect those who have medals, and Alonso undoubtedly has every medal in existence.

    Given how recent his career has been, the players will have seen Alonso play, so they will naturally have a good understanding of who he is, what he’s accomplished, and how to treat him with respect right away.

    Given his accomplishments and his willingness to let his players play, I believe the players would warm up to him right away.

    He offers those guys on the pitch a great deal of independence and accountability. Players at Leverkusen seem to relish competing for Alonso, and I don’t think that’s the case anywhere else.

  • Liverpool and Manchester United are vying for the 44-year-old Premier League boss.

    Liverpool and Manchester United are vying for the 44-year-old Premier League boss.

    Manchester United is considering hiring Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Brighton, as their next manager.

    Manchester United is considering hiring Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Brighton, as their next manager.

    The Telegraph claims that Manchester United is keen to appoint the 44-year-old Italian as their next manager, but they will have to fight with Liverpool for his services.

    De Zerbi has done an outstanding job at Brighton since taking manager, and the Seagulls have pleased with their play and performances.

    The fact that Manchester United is interested in employing him is not surprising. The Italian, who is among the top young managers in the game right now, is expected to draw interest from Barcelona and Liverpool, two other teams that will be losing managers at the end of the current campaign.

    Erik ten Hag’s failure to get the greatest performance out of his team this season is preventing Manchester United from making the Champions League. The Red Devils may let him go if the club doesn’t perform much better before the end of the season.

    De Zerbi

    Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Man United has been frantically searching for a player, and De Zerbi might be the one.

    After Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced that he will be departing the team at the end of the current campaign, the Reds are now searching for potential successors.

    It would be prudent for Liverpool to appoint the 44-year-old Italian manager as well. It will be interesting to see who of the two teams succeeds in winning him over.

    Compared to Man United, who are still in the process of rebuilding, Liverpool has a considerably more advanced project and is therefore in a better position to qualify for the Champions League.

    Another manager may be departing Brighton shortly for one of the “Big Six” teams, following Graham Potter’s departure for Chelsea.

    More news……..

    Liverpool has Jeremie Frimpong on their radar.

    Jeremie Frimpong

    According to sources who spoke to Football Insider, Liverpool is one of the teams keeping an eye on Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong’s condition.

    Aston Villa is interested in the 23-year-old, and if they qualify for the Champions League, they may make him a realistic target, according to a report published by Football Insider on Tuesday, January 9.

    After his outstanding Bundesliga achievements for Leverkusen, Frimpong is rumoured to be coveted by both Man United and Arsenal.

    The growing interest in the Netherlands international ahead of a potential transition at the end of the 2023–24 season is known to Xabi Alonso’s team.

    The Netherlands international is expected to become available through a release clause valued at approximately £35 million later this year.

    Throughout the 2023–24 season, Frimpong—a former star for both Celtic and Man City—has played only on the right flank of a 3–4–3 formation. He is under contract in Germany until June 2028.

    In his 22 appearances in all competitions this season, he has managed seven goals and ten assists.

    After signing with Leverkusen in January 2021, the right-footer has played 117 games for the team, scoring 18 goals and dishing out 30 assists.

    Liverpool is considering promoting Trent Alexander-Arnold to a more regular midfield position while they contemplate making a move for a new right-back.

    In recent seasons, Alexander-Arnold’s backup has been Joe Gomez, a traditional center-back.

    The 23-year-old is also being sought after by Arsenal and Manchester United, who may enter the hunt for his signature during the summer transfer window once concerns about Financial Fair Play are allayed.