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What Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola did together at the end of Liverpool’s match against Manchester City tonight.

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What Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola did together at the end of Liverpool’s match against Manchester City tonight.

Liverpool and Manchester City battled out a 1-1 draw in an intense game at Anfield this afternoon.

The Reds began the match looking slightly depleted against a full-strength City. And they were soon 1-0 down, John Stones poking home a well-worked corner from Kevin De Bruyne.

But Liverpool roared back. An early second-half penalty from Alexis Mac Allister levelled things up and from there the Reds were rampant. Luis Diaz should have scored to win the game perhaps, but it was still a hard earned point. So, a point a piece in the end.

Heading into the game, the narrative was on Jurgen Klopp’s final Premier League match-up with Pep Guardiola. And after the game, Sky Sports cameras captured the two old rivals embracing each other on the Anfield touchline for the last time.

It was a long embrace, too. The pair hugged and exchanged some words for perhaps a little longer than usual. Mutual respect through the roof from two titans of the game.

Klopp and Guardiola share final embrace

Of course, it may still not be the last time we see Klopp and Guardiola share a touchline for Liverpool and City.

There’s still a chance that the two teams could meet in this seasons FA Cup. Being either a semi or a final, that could be one heck of an occasion.

But unless that does not come to pass, this is the last time the best two coaches of a generation will face each other.

It has been some battle between them. Obviously, Guardiola has come out well on top in terms of trophies won, but Klopp has had his number more times than any other manager.

In truth, today should probably have been another to add to that catalogue. Amidst a raucous Anfield atmosphere, Liverpool could easily have won it.

But with 10 games of the season still to play, a point is still a good result for the Reds.

Had it gone to either team, maybe this embrace between Klopp and Guardiola wouldn’t have been quite so pleasant.

But for now, you can only imagine that Pep is pleased to finally see the back of his old adversary.

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Richard Hughes appointment could see Liverpool bring in ideal Andy Robertson heir

By all accounts, it is looking likely that Liverpool’s next sporting director will be Richard Hughes. A close acquaintance of Michael Edwards, Hughes, has conducted some impressive work at Bournemouth over the last few years.

He will arrive at Anfield as part of the recruitment team reshuffle, which is expected to see Edwards also return to the club. Undoubtedly, Edwards’ return is the more exciting arrival at Anfield out of the duo.

However, Hughes could prove to be a shrewd appointment as well. Over the course of the last few season, he has shown an excellent eye for talent while at Bournemouth. Some of his best acquisitions include Nathan Ake, Dominic Solanke and Aaron Ramsdale, among others.

Last summer he also beat Liverpool to the race of a young full-back, who was on the club’s radar as well.

Milos Kerkez could be Andy Robertson’s heir

Last summer, Milos Kerkez was on the radar of a host of clubs from Europe’s top five leagues. The likes of Benfica and Lazio both actively pursued him. But Rousing the Kop understands Liverpool were also interested in the then AZ Alkmaar defender.

At the time, though, it was Bournemouth who won the race for Kerkez’s signature. The deciding factor was the amount of playing time offered to Kerkez by the Premier League club. It is understood Hughes also played a key role in attracting the Hungarian international to Bournemouth.

Now given the fact that Liverpool already had Kerkez on the club’s radar, and Hughes is set to join the club, his name may end up on the club’s potential transfer shortlist once again.

Kerkez has done very well since arriving in the Premier League. He has settled in and become Bournemouth’s first choice left-back. Already he is on the radar of clubs like Chelsea.

This summer may come too soon for a move to Anfield though. However, in the long-term with Hughes and Liverpool both clearly admirers, if Kerkez continues to develop, this could be a transfer that the club could explore. Especially since Andy Robertson is set to turn 30-years-old this year – and sooner or later Liverpool will have to find an heir to his throne. Could Kerkez be the solution? Only time will tell. But appointing Hughes could be a step in that direction for Liverpool.

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‘Unbelievable’… Harvey Elliott says Liverpool have a player who is ‘massive’ for the club

Liverpool couldn’t have prepared better for Manchester City today than a 5-1 victory at Sparta Prague. The Reds ran riot on a frosty evening in Prague. Jurgen Klopp’s side played some really impressive attacking football, and dismantled their opponents on numerous occasions.

The star of the show without a doubt, was Darwin Nunez. He already took most of the plaudits for his 99th minute winner against Nottingham Forest. And he continued his starring role in this game, scoring two sublime finishes.

The first was an excellent strike from outside the box that came out of nowhere and looped into the top corner. The second was a magnificent goal that saw Nunez volley the ball into the back of the net at the first time of asking.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Harvey Elliott was full of praise for the Uruguayan forward.

Harvey Elliott on Darwin Nunez

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the game, Harvey Elliott was full of praise for Darwin Nunez, and described him as a ‘massive’ player for Liverpool.

“He is massive for us,” Elliott said when asked about Nunez. “Not just for the weekend, but for any game for Liverpool. He is a massive player, hence the price tag and why Liverpool brought him in.”

Elliott also added that he thought Nunez was an unbelievable talent. Someone who now is really starting to have the confidence and playing some of his best stuff for Liverpool.

“He is an unbelievable talent, and he is only going to get better and better. He is showing glimpses of his goal scoring ability and we are all so happy for him. He just needs to keep going, keep the confidence going.

“You know he has always had the skill and the quality. I think just sometimes it was a confidence thing. Now he is showing it. He scored a vital, massive goal at the weekend, and now he has come up with another great performance and two goals here [against Sparta Prague],” Elliott added.

Elliott’s praise for Nunez comes at a time when the Uruguayan has really started to deliver for Liverpool. Nunez has scored five goals in his last four games for Liverpool in all competitions. He’s really stepped up in the absence of players like Mohamed Salah to become Liverpool’s most important player during the period.

Now Liverpool will hope he continues this kind of form heading into the big game against Manchester City today.

 

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