Fresh VAR figures expose real truth about Liverpool and referees

Liverpool have been named as one of the top three clubs in the Premier League to benefit from VAR decisions throughout the course of the 2022/23 campaign.

Since 2019, the English top-flight’s referees have been able to utilise video technology for the purpose of reaching correct decisions. Whilst that is the case in the most part, PGMOL and its officials are under more scrutiny than ever to carry out their roles as quickly and effectively as possible in order to come to the correct conclusions.

Now the season has ended, the total number of decisions for and against each club have been compiled by ESPN in order to produce an VAR net score table. Liverpool have found themselves joint-second on the list, equal with Fulham with a net score of five, and trailing only Brentford.

Liverpool’s score came as a result of 13 overturned calls split across their 38 fixtures – eight in their favour and five against.

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In addition, the Reds’ top four rivals Manchester United and Newcastle ended the season with net scores of zero and one respectively, whilst champions Manchester City achieved a net score of minus four.

On the surface of these results, many would be quick to point the finger and jeer ‘LiVARpool’ in the direction of Anfield, however in reality these results only serve to back what Jurgen Klopp has been arguing for a number of months now – Liverpool are not the beneficiaries of VAR’s correct decisions, but are in fact hindered more often than most by wrong ones made by Premier League referees.

The Liverpool manager’s most notable outburst followed Paul Tierney’s general decision-making made during Liverpool’s last-gasp victory over Tottenham in April, and was one that earned him a two-game touchline ban.

“We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us. He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.

“How he looks at me, I don’t understand it. In England nobody has to clarify these situations, it’s really tricky and hard to understand.

“What he said to me when he gave me the yellow card is not OK.”

Again, earlier in 2023, the German had some strong words to say following what he believed to be a foul on Ibrahima Konate by Bryan Mbeumo in the build-up to the Bees’ third goal en route to a statement victory in the capital.

Asked if he had spoken to the officials, he said: “Yeah, but actually that’s exactly the same as I would talk to my microwave, you get no response, really. It’s always the same.

“Before the season they gave us advice that the players have to be careful in these moments because the refs will have an eye on it. You see in these games pretty much everything is allowed, it’s always on the edge and they are using it.”

Whether this war of words continues before we witness genuine change, only time will tell.

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Liverpool kick-start talks with 22-year-old Chelsea, Manchester United target

Liverpool are in talks with Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone, a target for Chelsea and Manchester United, ahead of the summer transfer window

According to 90min, Premier League giants Liverpool are currently in talks with Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone ahead of the summer transfer window. The youngster is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a splendid season in the Bundesliga and appears ready to make the next step in his development. A move to the Premier League might not be easy but could become a reality given the number of English sides keen on his services.

Liverpool will be keen to rebuild in the summer and have little choice but to revamp their midfield roster. The squad lacked energy and drive in the middle of the park last season, costing them dearly in the UEFA Champions League and also in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Physically well-built and with energy to spare, the 22-year-old would make for an excellent addition to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield. His ability to drive forward with the ball adds another dimension to the Reds and is something they can benefit from in the long term.

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The Reds have already held talks with Kone’s camp and appear to be making their move to get the deal over the line. With Jorg Schmadtke having taken the reins of the club’s sporting director, Liverpool are well-placed to launch their summer upheaval.

They will face competition from both Manchester United and Chelsea, both of whom are also keeping tabs on the player. Erik ten Hag could lose Scott McTominay in the summer and could do with an infusion of youth in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, With Fred linked with a move to Fulham, there is every reason to believe Kone would be subject to some interest from Manchester United.

The same can be said of Chelsea, who will now embark on a new journey under Mauricio Pochettino. Having lost Jorginho, they might also part ways with Mason Mount and possibly N’Golo Kante, the latter on a free transfer.

With Mateo Kovacic reportedly in talks with Manchester City, the Blues could be in the same boat as Liverpool as far as a midfield rebuild is considered. Liverpool will do well to act fast and land the 22-year-old Frenchman before he becomes a household name. The quicker they act, the sooner they can land themselves a real star in the making.