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Tag: Roy Keane

Virgil van Dijk massage to Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson following ‘rubbish’ Roy Keane comments.

Virgil van Dijk has expressed compassion for Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson following Scotland’s defeat by Germany.

Virgil van Dijk offered a beautiful message to Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson following Scotland’s defeat by Germany.

The Tartan Army were humiliated 5-1 by the host nation in the opening encounter of Euro 2024, dealing a serious setback to their chances of reaching the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Robertson, Scotland’s captain, disclosed he had been carrying an ankle injury since March before of the game and spoke to the media after the crushing defeat. His words, however, drew criticism from Manchester United veteran Roy Keane.

“Andy Robertson mentioned a game plan,” the Irishman explained on ITV. “It’s all well and good to have a plan, but they weren’t proactive enough; you need to be aggressive in football.

“Being aggressive is a necessary component of dealing with opponents that are far stronger than you. I enjoy seeing skilled athletes, and the German player’s talent was impressive; but, you’ve got to smash people [smacks hands]. Do things the correct way.

“It’s pointless to talk about ‘we had a game plan’ after a game; Andy Robertson is just trash coming out.

“You knew what was at stake before the game; you’ll be angry tomorrow; actually, you should be angry all the time.

“They boast about making history, and they are making history by playing so poorly and disappointing their manager and fans. Football is a brutal game, yet they didn’t lay a glove on them.”

Van Dijk, on the other hand, has written a compassionate message to his Liverpool teammate ahead of captaining the Netherlands in their first match against Poland on Sunday.

“Germany made a very good impression,” he stated. “We played against them during the last international break.

Certain players can make a difference; yesterday [Friday], that was the case. “The red card did not help Scotland, but Germany is in a fantastic position right now and playing at a high level.

“I think Robbo will be alright; he is the captain there. It’s never easy to cope with situations like that, but I’m convinced he’ll be OK and lead the Scottish nation to greater success.”

More news……

Alisson Becker Liverpool transfer decision following’massive’ offer.

Alisson Becker has rejected a “massive” offer to leave Liverpool and join Saudi club Al-Nassr this summer, according to Football Insider.

Al-Nassr is looking for a new custodian, but the Brazil international has declined an offer to join the Saudi Pro League club.

According to sources, the Middle Eastern club is now looking to recruit Juventus custodian Wojciech Szczesny, 34, whenever the transfer window reopens.

Alisson, 31, is still Liverpool’s number one custodian and has a contract until 2027.

After rejecting down a move to Saudi Arabia, Alisson seems set to stay at Liverpool.

There have been numerous changes at Liverpool recently, with Arne Slot succeeding Jurgen Klopp as manager, and Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes joining behind the scenes.

However, after rejecting a summer move to Al-Nassr, Alisson appears to be staying in Merseyside for the time being.

The Brazilian has been Liverpool’s uncontested first choice since arriving for £67 million from Roma in 2018.

During his time with Liverpool, the goalkeeper has made 263 appearances and kept 114 clean sheets, 11 of which came in his 32 games last season.

Caoimhin Kelleher, 25, has been Alisson’s backup for the past few years, but he might leave Merseyside this summer if a good offer is made for his services.

According to Football Insider, the Irishman intends to seek a transfer away from Anfield in order to obtain more regular first-team football abroad.

James Trafford, 21, has been highlighted as a potential successor after Football Insider reported on May 27 that Liverpool and Newcastle are ready to compete for the Burnley custodian this summer.

June 16, 2024
“Get a life!” An hero of Liverpool FC slams Roy Keane over Virgil van Dijk’s remarks following the Manchester United match

After Sunday’s 0-0 Premier League tie with Liverpool, the former Man United midfielder called Virgil van Dijk “arrogant.”

Following Roy Keane’s altercation with Virgil van Dijk at Manchester United, former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has encouraged Keane to “get a life.”

After a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Sunday, Keane took issue with Van Dijk, the Liverpool defender, saying that United were “buzzing” to leave Anfield with a point. The Dutch defender maintained that Liverpool was clearly the better team on the day and that just one team was attempting to win the match.

After the game, Keane called Van Dijk’s remarks “arrogant” on Sky Sports and brought up the difficult times Liverpool had previously faced. The analyst also made a subtle jab at Jurgen Klopp’s team by pointing out that they had only won one Premier League championship in the previous thirty years.

Van Dijk responded to the criticism in a composed manner, but legendary Liverpool player Thompson was not impressed. Reacting negatively to Keane’s remarks, he told the former United player to ‘get a life’.

Thompson told talkSPORT, “I just think he was giving his opinion. I don’t think he was arrogant.” “As Gary [Neville] expresses his viewpoint, so does Roy. It was by no means haughty. It was, in my opinion, frustration.

“It seems like you’ve come off that game feeling incredibly frustrated, even though you know you dominated and Manchester United only had that one chance with [Rasmus] Hojlund. There was no conceit in it.

And Roy Keane talking about people’s arrogance—come on, please, do me a favour. I also adore Roy.However, when I played that back to him, he continued to repeat the word. Please, Roy, have a life!

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Liverpool ready to recall centre-back in January following ZERO loan games

In the January transfer window, Liverpool is anticipated to complete the first of possibly numerous recalls, bringing an early stop to Rhys Williams’ Aberdeen loan.

Despite the fact that Liverpool committed to loaning out 17 players prior to the summer deadline, several of those players have not had a successful season thus far.

James Balagizi, James Norris, and Fabio Carvalho are expected to be the subjects of choices as the January transfer window draws near and teams may resume doing business.

After a difficult half-season contract with Celtic, Nat Phillips is probably going to return, and Luke Hewitson’s contract at Stalybridge Celtic is also about to end.

The 22-year-old centre back Williams has found this season to be extremely disappointing because he hasn’t played for Aberdeen in the first team.

His transition suffered an early setback due to a serious back injury that expanded to his calves, despite his hopes of being a first-choice starter.

Williams has not been included in the Scottish Premiership matchday squad since his recovery, and he has not been used as a substitute in any of the team’s five Europa League group matches.

His one game was in August when the Aberdeen U21s lost to Peterhead in the Scottish Challenge Cup. He is currently scheduled to return to Liverpool.

The Mail claims that the Englishman is “considering recalling” by the club, but there is extremely little chance that this will happen.

After Joel Matip suffered a season-ending injury, it is speculated that Williams might return to “ease the burden” on Jurgen Klopp’s defensive lines.

However, there is little likelihood that he will make the first team, especially if Phillips returns to Merseyside following a challenging time with Celtic.

It is more likely that Williams, who was a key player in the injury-plagued 2020–21 season but has since fallen in the standings, will look for a fresh loan.

A similar decision might be made for Norris, who is having difficulty getting minutes at Tranmere, and Carvalho, whose stint at RB Leipzig appears to be coming to an end due to his inability to fit into Marco Rose’s plans, may have his loan extended.

Due to a hamstring injury, Balagizi is currently out of commission for three League One games; as a result, his time at Wigan could come to an early conclusion.

December 21, 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
Roy Keane compares Liverpool to Man Utd, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Chelsea in the top four competition.

Liverpool secured a hard-fought point in Sunday’s Premier League opener after being held 1-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It was an action-packed game as both teams were denied a goal and Liverpool had to register a second-half VAR penalty.

It’s been just one game and the Reds have already had heart-pounding drama. We can only expect this season to continue as it started, with many twists and turns, especially when it comes to fighting for the top 4.

Last season, Liverpool struggled to maintain consistent form and failed to qualify for the Champions League. They finished fifth after the last game of the season, which was canceled by Manchester United and Newcastle, both certainly another challenge.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Roy Keane admitted he sees another triumph for Manchester City at the top of the table, but says there is “a lot of competition” when it comes to battling for a top-four finish.

“I said before, unless they really drop out and get seriously injured or lose that hunger, other teams have a chance, but I don’t see anyone competing with Manchester City. I think United will be in the top four, look at L ‘Arsenal have improved, look at Newcastle, Villa will respond well [to defeat].

“Liverpool, Chelsea – there’s a lot of competition, but for a lot of these teams it’s the top four and that includes United. Newcastle are definitely in contention for the top four. I think they’ve gotten stronger, their recruiting has been great.”

Immediate rivals Liverpool have strengthened considerably in the transfer market this summer, making plenty of signings. The Reds got off to a good start after signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but the sudden departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left Jurgen Klopp struggling to sign replacements for the now decadent and worrying midfielder.

More news…….

Trent Alexander-Arnold has confessed he cannot be the leader that James Milner was and has urged other Liverpool stars to fill the void.

Milner, 37, has now left Anfield for Brighton after a fantastic eight years at the club. He moved to Merseyside in June 2015 after five seasons with Manchester City. The Leeds-born ace won two Premier Leagues, an EFL Cup and an FA Cup with the Citizens.

And he added the 2018-19 Champions League to another Premier League triumph with the Reds. The former England winger also won both domestic cups with Liverpool but has now joined the Seagulls.

Milner left his contract this summer and signed a one-year contract with Amex with an option for an additional 12 months.

Since Jordan Henderson also left the club, Virgil van Dijk took over the captaincy.

Alexander-Arnold was named vice-captain. But the Englishman believes it will take a concerted effort to replicate the effect Milner had in the dressing room. “I play a role in making sure I live up to the standard every day,” she told the Daily Mail. “By losing Milner, you can’t replace him immediately. A lot of people will be needed. Others have to step forward.

“We have to make sure that the way he has continued to push us forward is replaced.”

Liverpool’s midfield will look very different in 2023/24. Fabinho, Naby Keita, Fabio Carvalho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the departures of Henderson and Milner.

Carvalho’s departure was on loan to RB Leipzig for a year, while Roberto Firmino has also left.

There are newcomers too, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister now on board.

Alexander-Arnold aware of Liverpool’s role
Liverpool fans are hoping for a return to the form they played regularly in the Champions League until last season.

Nine defeats in the top flight have left them well off pace and in fifth place. That just means Europa League for the Anfield faithful.

They will open the season at home against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Alexander-Arnold will be one of the players Klopp will look to when the chips run out.

The man with 20 England caps knows he won’t have the same impact as Milner.

But he hopes to have qualities that can provoke a reaction from his teammates. “I am aware of myself. I know I will never be a James Milner,” he added.

“I will never be that kind of leader, but the leadership qualities that I have have to be demonstrated and they have to be seen, heard and used in an effective way for the team.”

“I have to keep pushing forward to try to achieve the things that I want to achieve.”

Alexander-Arnold could well be used in Klopp’s midfield this season. Last season he was used several times in the hybrid position. Gareth Southgate has also propelled him higher up the pitch for England and it could be that the future of the Liverpool man lies on the right side of midfield.

August 15, 2023