Gary Neville’s comments comparing Man United and Liverpool’s midfield options haven’t aged well Marcus Chan

Gary Neville’s comments comparing Man United and Liverpool’s midfield options haven’t aged well
Marcus Chan

 

Published 7:49, 30 October 2023 GMT
| Last updated 8:38, 30 October 2023 GMT

Gary Neville’s comments comparing Manchester United and Liverpool midfield options have not aged well after the Manchester derby.

On Sunday afternoon, Manchester City arrived at Old Trafford looking to inflict further damage to United’s already poor start to the 23/24 season.

During what was an utterly dominant display, a brace from Erling Haaland and a goal from Phil Foden sealed a comfortable 3-0 win.

On the back of the result, ex-Red Devil Neville’s comments about United and Liverpool’s midfield options have resurfaced. You can watch the footage below.

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Gary Neville claims Jurgen Klopp would swap Liverpool’s midfield for Man United’s
Credit: YouTube/@TheOverlap
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During pre-season, Neville claimed that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp would swap his midfield for United.

Neville said on The Overlap: “When you look at the actual players, let’s take United as an example; Fernandes, Mount, Casemiro, Eriksen. I think that Jurgen Klopp would swap his midfield now for United’s…”

Liverpool underwent a major summer midfield overhaul after losing the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Naby Keita.

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The Anfield club in turn brought in the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo.

Despite Neville’s claims, Klopp’s new midfield has hit the ground running straight away as Liverpool currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

0 seconds of 1 minute, 20 seconds
Image Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, the performances of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen have all been picked apart due to their torrid start to the campaign.

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Captain Bruno Fernandes was heavily criticised after the defeat against City, former United midfielder Roy Keane said: “Today having watched him again I would take the captaincy off him 100 per cent.

“I know it’s a big decision, obviously they changed the captaincy with Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material.”

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Featured Image Credit: The Overlap

Topics: Liverpool, Gary Neville, Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp, Football
Marcus Chan
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OPINIONWhat Rasmus Hojlund said to Erik ten Hag after conceding penalty in Man United moments missed vs Man City
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund gave away a contentious penalty against Manchester City in the first half of the Reds’ derby defeat

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ByJack FlinthamSenior Football Writer
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Rasmus Hojlund and Erik ten Hag shake hands after the Manchester United forward is substituted against Manchester City (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s run of victories ended abruptly against rivals Manchester City in a disappointing defeat at Old Trafford yesterday.

After starting the match well, City took control on 26 minutes when Rasmus Hojlund was adjudged to have fouled Rodri in the area. Erling Haaland converted the spot kick comfortably.

Haaland grabbed his brace shortly after the interval when he headed home Bernardo Silva’s cross at the back post. With 10 minutes remaining, the Blues wrapped up the three points as Haaland turned provider for Phil Foden to tap home.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs City

READ MORE: United are going backwards with Ten Hag decisions

Following a disappointing defeat, MEN Sport has taken a look at moments you may have missed during the derby defeat.

Hojlund’s excuse to Ten Hag after penalty
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher agreed the decision to award a penalty against Hojlund for the foul on Rodri was harsh and it was clear on the pitch that the Dane agreed. After Haaland had scored the penalty, the 21-year-old was seen speaking to his manager about the decision.

It appears the striker was claiming he was merely shielding as Rodri attempted to run onto the cross. However, VAR did not see it that way and chose to award the spot kick.

United heroes in attendance
As always, there were plenty of United heroes in attendance at Old Trafford for the derby. Among the usual suspects were two players who starred under Sir Alex Ferguson: Patrice Evra and Ji-sung Park.

What United would have given to have had Evra and Park on the pitch instead of in the stands as they struggled to close the gap between themselves and City.

Ten Hag’s reaction to the referees
After VAR chose to give City a controversial penalty in the first half, several United players took the opportunity to argue the decision with referee Paul Tierney at full-time. Instead of joining in with the argument, Ten Hag simply went to shake hands with the match official.

In his post-match interviews, Ten Hag refused to comment on the penalty call and clearly didn’t want to voice his opinion to the referee either.

Erik ten Hag shakes hands with referee Paul Tierney
Follow the MEN’s United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast

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Absolutely scary :ESPN pundit says it was frightening how Liverpool player was against forest yesterday

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
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Steve Nicol says ‘phenomenal’ Liverpool player was frightening yesterday

Jordan Harris
Mon 30 October 2023 6:15, UK
Steve Nicol has labelled the performance of Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool in their win over Nottingham Forest scary, and suggested that he is frightening.

Nicol was speaking on ESPN after the Reds beat Forest 3-0 at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s side moving back to within three points of the Premier League summit.

There has been no question that Dominik Szoboszlai has been an unbelievable signing. The Hungarian has taken no time at all to find his feet at Anfield.

Steve Nicol amazed by Dominik Szoboszlai in Liverpool win
In fact, there is been an argument that Szoboszlai has been the best player in the Premier League this season. But he definitely stole the show against Steve Cooper’s side on Sunday.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The 23-year-old set up two of the goals. And he ended up providing four key passes over the course of the game – according to Whoscored. It was also noted that Szoboszlai seemed to cover every blade of grass during the victory.

And Steve Nicol suggested that Szoboszlai, once again, stood out to him with his display in another impressive victory for the Reds.

“I’ve got to say, and once again, Szoboszlai is absolutely scary,” he told ESPN. “The guy’s so smooth it’s frightening. And he always makes great decisions, he always picks the right pass. The guy, so far, has been absolutely phenomenal. And long may it continue.”

Reds could have found a star for the next decade
Liverpool have found yet another young player who could be a stalwart of the side for the next decade. Nicol used the word ‘frightening’. And that seems to be exactly the right word to describe the Hungarian based on the start he has made in the Premier League.

He already has experience of being a leader. And he is establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for Klopp.

Liverpool are still probably a couple of signings in the right positions away from being the force they previously were. However, they are heading in the right direction at a rapid rate.

Six of the starting lineup on Sunday were 25 or younger. And there were several other young players on the bench who came on and made an impact.

Liverpool have definitely got a bright future ahead. And Szoboszlai is going to be a key part of that future.

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Liverpool fought for Diaz, Klopp says, after Colombian’s father kidnapped
Reuters
October 30, 20235:09 AM GMT+1Updated an hour ago

 

 

[1/2]Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v Nottingham Forest – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – October 29, 2023 Liverpool’s Diogo Jota holds up a shirt in support of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz as he… Acquire Licensing Rights Read more

 

Oct 30 (Reuters) – Liverpool were “fighting for Luis Diaz” in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at home on Sunday, manager Juergen Klopp said, as authorities in Colombia search for Diaz’s kidnapped father.

Kidnappers tried to seize both of Diaz’s parents near their home in Colombia on Saturday but his mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said. Authorities are trying to rescue Diaz’s father.

The forward was absent from Liverpool’s team against Nottingham Forest in light of the incident.

Klopp told reporters that the Colombian international wanted to go home but he did not say if he would.

“I don’t want to make the game bigger than it was but it was definitely, we tried to help Lucho with the fight we put in,” Klopp said, referring to Diaz by his nickname.

“Obviously, we want to help but we cannot really help so the only thing we can do is fight for him and that’s what the boys did.”

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota held up Diaz’s number seven shirt to show support for him after scoring the first goal of the match as the 2019-20 champions stayed fourth in the table with 23 points from 10 games.

The Colombia Football Federation has appealed to the kidnappers to release the father of the 43-time international.

“We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Luis Fernando Diaz, to release him now, without conditions,” the Colombian FA posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Football is peace. Lucho, we are with you. Colombia is with you.”

The Colombian police have announced a reward of 200 million Colombian pesos ($48,300) for information leading to the rescue of Diaz’s father.

Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; editing by Robert Birsel

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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So sad Luis Diaz both parents confirmed died today

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‘Why do I have to listen to you?’ – Gary Neville argument with Jamie Carragher after Man United defeat
Manchester United trail Liverpool by eight points in the Premier League after 10 matches played and the pressure is showing for some pundits

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ByTom CavillaFootball Trends Writer
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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville went head-to-head in the Sky Sports studio on Sunday evening after Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Erik ten Hag’s side failed to lay a glove on their local rivals and already find themselves 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur before we have even reached November.

Pressure is building on the United boss, who has now lost half of his 10 league fixtures this term despite spending close to £200million on new signings in the summer transfer window.

Carragher questioned the tactics of Ten Hag in his Telegraph column this week, which the Dutchman bit back at during his pre-match press conference, and doubled down on his argument the Red Devils do not possess a clear identity after being picked apart by City.

READ MORE: Luis Diaz parents kidnapping: everything we know so far as reward offered

READ MORE: Liverpool have new guaranteed starter as three players complete transformation

Kicking off this debate with Neville on Sky Sports, the Liverpool legend began: “None of us here can still explain what Manchester United try to do, in terms of how they play. He’s [Ten Hag] been here now nearly 18 months, we’ve seen Unai Emery come in at Aston Villa, [Ange] Postecoglou at Tottenham. That doesn’t mean you win every week but, when you go to the games, you know what you’re going to see. We still don’t know what we’re going to see at Manchester United. You tell me how they play with the ball.”

Responding to this remark, Neville answered: “No. And Carra, to be honest with you, I can’t disagree with you. Those managers you are talking about come into stable environments. They [United] have currently got a guy over their heads a guy all over the news, [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] who is going to own 25% [of the club].”

Interjecting to stop Neville going any further, Carragher said: “No, Gary. No.” Unhappy with this, the former United right-back snapped back: “Listen to me. Why will you not listen? Why do I have to listen to you, but you won’t listen to me?”

“Go on,” added Carragher, reluctantly.

Neville continued: “Imagine you’re in a football club and the news is there is a guy [Ratcliffe] that will come in and wipe out the whole football department. Imagine what is going on in and around Ten Hag, it is toxic. I know you can say ‘carry on’, but imagine what’s happening. Jim Ratcliffe is going to come in with Dave Brailsford and they are going to sweep out the football department and they will all get moved away. That’s what’s happening.

“I honestly believe this toxicity that exits at this club eats alive every manager that comes and every player. Harry Maguire was going to go to Manchester City, Mason Mount to Liverpool. They come here and it’s a graveyard for them. Are we going to keep blaming the kids in the class or are we going to blame the headteacher?”

“So you can’t analyse anything Erik ten Hag does?,” questioned Carragher in response to the above claim. Neville, growing in frustration, remarked: “Of course you can.”

Going back to his questioning of Ten Hag, Carragher replied: “Everything goes back to the ownership…of course it’s not right and the supporters are not happy. What you’re talking about is a style of football. What he’s [Ten Hag] doing on a training pitch Monday to Friday has got nothing to do with Jim Ratcliffe coming in. What does he want those players to do? When they’re building out from the back and we see every top team do it, what are Manchester United trying to do with the ball? They are playing underdog football and they have done since he came in.”

Neville attempted to cut in at this point, but was quickly stopped in his tracks. “Gary, let me finish,” said Carragher in a shut down of his fellow pundit. “You just spoke before. You play counter-attack and a lot of long balls. No other top team plays like that. That’s nothing to do with what’s going on above him. What is he doing on the training pitch? You can’t see it!”

Concluding this conversation, Neville added: “Carra, I completely agree with you. They have allowed another manager to dictate policy and tail-wag the dog on recruitment. They brought eight players in from a league that Erik ten Hag thinks he trusts. They did the same with Ole, Jose, Van Gaal. The problems are above it. I’m not saying he’s not culpable for the mistakes he makes.

“I don’t like the football at all, I have no idea what the repeated patterns are that they are trying to put in place. The bigger picture at Manchester United is we’ve seen great managers, with great reputations, and great players and just die in front of our eyes. Why is that? How do we answer that question?”

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Liverpool Star Luis Diaz’s Parents Kidnap A Horrific Reminder Of How Players Are Targets
Zak Garner-Purkis
Contributor
An investigative journalist who also writes about European soccer.
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Oct 29, 2023,03:52pm EDT

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Diogo Jota of [+]
OFFSIDE VIA GETTY IMAGES
As Liverpool first goal against Nottingham Forest went flying into the net at Anfield the iconic number 7 shirt was held aloft for everyone to acknowledge.

Heartbreakingly it was not because the current wearer of the jersey, made famous by Kenny Dagleish and Kevin Keegan, Luis Diaz had scored, the reason was truly horrific.

In the hours before kick-off, the 26-year-old Colombian international had learned his parents had been kidnapped

Reports first emerged overnight and developed as the day went on claiming Diaz’s mother and father had been stopped by gunmen on motorbikes as they drove home.

Gradually, it was learned that Diaz’s mother had been rescued, but there were concerns about his dad’s safety.

“In a padlock operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father,” Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro tweeted.

In a statement, the national federation urged the authorities to act with speed.

“The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation that the parents of our player Luis Díaz are going through,” the association said.

“From the FCF, we express our solidarity with him and his entire family, and we call for the relevant authorities to act as quickly as possible to resolve the situation.”

Explaining what efforts were underway, the Colombian Attorney General’s office said a specialist team had been dispatched.

“From the moment when Colombia’s General Prosecutor’s Office learned of the kidnapping of the parents of Colombian player Luis Díaz in the Barrancas area of La Guajira, a specialist team of prosecutors, CTI (Technical Investigation Team) officials and investigators from the police and military have been taking urgent action to locate these individuals, clarify the chain of events and identify the culprits,” they explained.

Before the 3-0 win over Forest Jurgen Klopp revealed his reaction to the shocking news.

“We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Díaz,” the German said.

“It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before, it’s a new experience I never needed.”

The whole horrible scenario is a brutal reminder that regardless of the levels of superstardom Premier League players these days possess, beneath all this spectacle there are human beings with families.

But perhaps worse than that it also demonstrates how soccer can make people a target for those with evil intentions.

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If Diaz’s parent’s kidnapping were a one off that would be terrible enough in itself.

But the sad reality is that he joins a long list of elite professionals who’ve been placed in this awful situation.

As money flooded into the sport in the 90s, more and more players became targets for criminals because of their wealth.

It could often be the case that those who’d risen from the humblest of beginnings were at the greatest risk, particularly in countries, such as Brazil, where kidnap was already a method of extortion favored by those with bad intentions.

The first case which caught the global media’s attention was the 1994 kidnap of the father of Romario who was at that time the best player in the world.

Romario appealed for help from the Brazilian public and ultimately, months before that year’s World Cup, his dad was released.

The kidnappers in that case were branded “inexperienced” but their choice of target would prove to be the start of a trend.

By the early 2000s, the kidnapping of relatives had become one of the things talented Brazilian players had to worry about.

As Angelo Herrera, a sports journalist, explained after striker Robinho’s mother was taken in 2004.

“In Rio, just as much as in Sao Paulo, kidnap is a really worrying thing for players,” he said.

“It isn’t the first time something like this has happened with a football player.

“You’d think that because he was from a poorer background the kidnappers might not have done something like this, but they obviously knew exactly what they were doing and that he was going to be sold for all this money,” he added.

Targeted In The UK
A gash is seen on the face of Manchester City’s [+]
IKIMAGES/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
In the UK, criminals have also targeted soccer players, and many high-profile stars have been attacked or threatened at knifepoint during robberies.

Frank Lampard, for example, has been targeted multiple times, twice whilst he was with his pregnant partner.

Delle Alli was beaten during a 2020 robbery and held at knifepoint, while Joao Cancelo was also beaten during a break-in two years ago, to name just two others.

Last year, whilst playing for England at the World Cup in Qatar, Raheem Sterling was delivered the horrific news his home had been raided by thieves whilst his wife and young children were alone.

Sterling, who was in the process of beefing up his personal security before the break-in, said he “beat himself up” over the incident.

Learning of the robbery at Sterling’s sparked fears for other players, England teammate Kelvin Phillips explained.

“Once one player goes through it, there is always a thought in the back of your mind that it might happen to you,” he said.

Everyone is hoping Diaz’s father will be returned safely, but the terrible reality is he won’t be the last famous soccer player who is a victim of an awful crime.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Zak Garner-Purkis
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Zak Garner-Purkis is Investigations Editor at Express.co.uk. Always on the… Read More

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Footballer Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued after kidnapping, but his father is missing
Liverpool striker Luis Diaz’s parents have been kidnapped in Columbia. His mother has been rescued but his father remains missing.
A man in a red football uniform next to a ball
The parents of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz have been kidnapped in Columbia. His mother has been found but his father remains missing. Source: Getty / Joe Prior

KEY POINTS
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp led team’s emotional Premier League win in support of Luis Diaz amid family crisis.
Diaz’s absence due to his parents’ kidnapping in Colombia triggered an outpouring of solidarity from Liverpool.
Colombia’s president reports rescue of Diaz’s mother, father still missing.
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp says the team felt they were fighting in their Premier League win over Nottingham Forest to show their support for Luis Diaz because of the striker’s personal plight.

Reds forward Luis Diaz did not feature in the Premier League clash at Anfield after reports that his parents had been kidnapped in Colombia, with Klopp saying the player had returned home to be with family members.

Liverpool confirmed an “ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz” earlier on Sunday and Colombia’s president said Diaz’s mother “has been rescued” but his father remains missing.
READ MORE

Spain’s football chief Luis Rubiales resigns after World Cup kiss scandal

Diogo Jota raised Diaz’s jersey aloft to support his teammate during Liverpool’s win over Forest.

After the 3-0 victory, Klopp said: “The game preparation was the most difficult I’ve ever had in my life. I didn’t expect that, I wasn’t prepared for it.

“I don’t want to make the game bigger than it was, but, definitely, we tried to help Luis with the fight we put in because obviously we want to help and we cannot really help.
“So the only thing we can do is fight for him – and that’s what the boys did.”

But Klopp said: “How can you make a football game really important on a day like this? It’s really difficult. I’ve never struggled with that in my life.
“We heard late last night about it. We spoke to Luis, he wanted to go home …Then we got the news with his mum, which is fantastic, and since then nothing really.

“We are obviously the first people to get involved and we try to have knowledge of everything as much as we can, but we don’t want to disturb in any way the important people there, we just want to support, that’s it.”

Liverpool said in a statement that they were supporting the player.
“Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia,” said the statement.

“It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”

Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “In an operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father.”
READ MORE

An Italian fugitive on the run for 11 years was caught after his love of football ‘betrayed’ him

Liverpool signed Diaz from Porto in January 2022 in an initial £37.5 million ($A71.8 million) deal that included a potential extra £12.5 million ($A23.9 million) in add-ons.
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3 min read
Published 30 October 2023 7:13am
Source: AAP, SBS
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Sports Home English Premier League News Premier League Manchester City Crush Manchester United As Liverpool Show Support For Absent Luis Diaz
Premier League: Manchester City Crush Manchester United As Liverpool Show Support For Absent Luis DiazManchester City underlined the vast gulf in quality between themselves and Manchester United on Sunday as Liverpool showed their support for absent team-mate Luis Diaz, whose parents were kidnapped in Colombia.Agence France-PresseUpdated: October 30, 2023 12:20 AM ISTRead Time:3 min

Premier League: Manchester City Crush Manchester United As Liverpool Show Support For Absent Luis Diaz
Premier League: Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday.© X (formerly Twitter)
Manchester City underlined the vast gulf in quality between themselves and Manchester United on Sunday as Liverpool showed their support for absent team-mate Luis Diaz, whose parents were kidnapped in Colombia. Old Trafford paid tribute to late United great Bobby Charlton ahead of kick-off, with supporters unfurling a banner that read: “The finest English footballer the world has ever seen”. But memories of past glories failed to translate onto the pitch, with the home team thoroughly outplayed by the champions, who did not have to get out of second gear in their 3-0 win.

Champions City made most of the early running and were awarded a penalty after VAR spotted a foul on Rodri by Rasmus Hojlund as the ball was crossed into the area from a free-kick.

It was the first spot-kick Manchester City have ever been awarded at Old Trafford in the Premier League in the 27th meeting between the teams.

Erling Haaland stepped up to tuck home from the spot, his 12th goal of the season in all competitions.

City goalkeeper Ederson saved a Scott McTominay pile-driver before Andre Onana produced heroics at the other end when Haaland appeared certain to head home.

But the Norwegian forward made no mistake just after the break, thumping home a header from Bernardo Silva’s cross.

Phil Foden made it 3-0 with 10 minutes remaining after he was set up by Haaland.

Liverpool tribute

Earlier, Liverpool swept Nottingham Forest aside by the same scoreline.

Goals from Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez before the break and Mohamed Salah’s second-half effort ensured Jurgen Klopp’s side maintain their 100 percent home record in the Premier League this season.

Jota held aloft Diaz’s number seven shirt after scoring — the Colombian did not feature in Liverpool’s squad following the kidnapping incident in his home country.

Colombia President Gustavo Petro said on Saturday that the winger’s mother had been rescued but the search remained ongoing for his father.

“Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home,” Jota told the BBC. “It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you.

“He was going to play. I played instead of him, and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out.”

Liverpool finished the day fourth in the table, behind leaders Tottenham, Arsenal and City.

High-flying Aston Villa, in fifth spot, won their 12th consecutive home game in the Premier League, beating struggling Luton 3-1.

Unai Emery’s side made light work of their opponents, with goals from John McGinn and Moussa Diaby giving them the upper hand before Luton captain Tom Lockyer put through his own net.

“For me it is still a long process here and I will want to work to improve as always,” Emery told Sky Sports.

“Of course I am happy but still being serious, serious in the way I want to build here and improve more.”

Brighton lost further ground after their sparkling start to the season.

The south coast club took a 1-0 lead through Evan Ferguson, but Fulham levelled through midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal of the game as Everton beat West Ham 1-0 to give themselves breathing space above the relegation zone.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Comments
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FootballManchester CityManchester CityManchester UnitedManchester UnitedEnglish Premier LeagueLiverpoolLiverpoolGet the Latest World Cup 2023 Updates and check out World Cup 2023 Schedules.Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more sports updates. You can also download the NDTV Cricket app for Android or iOS.Show full article Comments
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Premier League
‘The only thing we can really do is fight for him’ – Jurgen Klopp on the kidnap of Luis Diaz’s parents
Tough build-up for Liverpool as they beat Nottingham Forest at Anfield

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Kevin Palmer
Today at 19:02

 

Liverpool showed their support to Luis Diaz during a comfortable 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Quickfire goals from Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez before the break and Mohamed Salah’s second-half effort helped Jurgen Klopp’s side maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Premier League this season.

Jota held aloft Diaz’s number seven shirt after scoring, with the Colombian not featuring in Liverpool’s squad following reports his parents had been kidnapped in his homeland.

Liverpool’s latest victory – their eighth in a row in all competitions at Anfield – was their seventh from 10 league games this campaign and lifted them back to within three points of leaders Tottenham.

Forest rarely threatened and, although they hit the woodwork through Anthony Elanga’s late volley, they were forced to defend in numbers as their winless league run was stretched to six matches.

Yet it was the situation around Diaz that was dominated Klopp’s thoughts after the game.

“How can you make a football game really important on a day like this? It’s really difficult. I never struggled with that in my life,” said Klopp.

“It was always my safe place, sometimes my hiding point as a player or as a coach. You are allowed, during these 90-odd minutes, to focus just on that.

“And it was impossible, absolutely impossible to do that. So it was clear we had to give the game an extra sense and it was fighting for Lucho.

“The preparation was the most difficult I ever had in my life. Didn’t expect it, was not prepared for it. I don’t want to make the game bigger than it was but it was most definitely we try to help Lucho with the fight we put in because obviously we want to help.

Read more
Liverpool show support for Luis Diaz as they breeze past Nottingham Forest
“We cannot really help so the only thing we can really do is fight for him and that’s what the boys did.

“Then the boys pulled out the shirt and I was not 100% prepared for that to be honest. It was really touching, but wonderful as well.”

Klopp went on to reveal the chain of events around Diaz, as Liverpool swept into action on Saturday evening.

“We heard last night, late, about it. Then we spoke to Lucho,” he stated. “Wanted to go home. Sent people with him, had people there to take care. There is part of his family there as well. It’s why they want to be together. It’s absolutely understandable.

“Then we got the news about his mum which is absolutely fantastic. Since then, nothing really. They are working on it but it’s some distance.

“We are obviously not the first people that get informed but we try to get knowledge of everything, as much as we can, but we do not want to disturb in any way. We are not the important people there. We just want to support, that’s it.”

Jota also spoke about the situation around Diaz, as he confirmed the winger left the team hotel when the news broke.

“Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home. It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you,” said the striker.

“He was going to play. I played instead of him and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out. It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen. We can just support him and show him we’re with him.”

Read more
Liverpool show support for Luis Diaz as they breeze past Nottingham Forest

 

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Luis Diaz responds after Diogo Jota’s Liverpool celebration following kidnap of parents
Luis Diaz has thanked his team-mates as Diogo Jota performed a touching tribute to the Colombian – who missed the game due to his parents being kidnapped in his homeland

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ByWill SchofieldSports Reporter
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Luis Diaz has thanked his team-mates for their tribute (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Luis Diaz has responded to his Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who showed support for the Colombian when he netted against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The parents of the Colombian forward were kidnapped on Saturday evening, with his mother now safe but authorities in the South American country still searching for his father. And Diaz wasn’t part of Jurgen Klopp’s side on Sunday.

Jota netted the opening goal of the game, and he immediately raced towards the sidelines to grab Diaz’s shirt and hold it up. Liverpool shared the snap on social media, and Diaz responded with a love heart and raised hands emoji.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota shows love for Luis Diaz after parents’ kidnap with Liverpool celebration

READ MORE: Luis Diaz misses Liverpool’s match vs Nottingham Forest after parents’ kidnap ordeal

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Speaking ahead of the game, Klopp admitted: “We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz.

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“It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”

What do you think of Diogo Jota’s act towards his team-mate’s family? Let us know in the comments section below

Luis Diaz with his parents who were both kidnapped in Colombia (Image: Luis Diaz Instagram)
Liverpool will continue to support Diaz, and a club statement read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.

“It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”

The Reds are looking to be back to their very best, and Klopp’s side dismantled Nottingham Forest at Anfield with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez also finding the net.

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Jurgen Klopp ‘worried’ for Luis Diaz with Liverpool star’s kidnapped dad still missing
Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father remains missing in Colombia.
By SAM SMITH
13:48, Sun, Oct 29, 2023 | UPDATED: 14:08, Sun, Oct 29, 2023
0
Liverpool FC Training Session And Press Conference – UEFA Europa League 2023/24

Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father remains missing in Colombia (Image: Getty)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he is worried about Luis Diaz’s father after the winger’s parents were kidnapped in Colombia. Diaz’s mother has been found but his father remains missing after the pair were taken hostage by gunmen on motorbikes in Barrancas.

Cilenis Marulanda, Diaz’s mother, was rescued by police, Colombian president Gustavo Petro has announced. However, Colombian army resources have been deployed in search of the 27-year-old’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz.

Diaz was due to play for Liverpool in their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Manager Klopp revealed that he had to be pulled from the squad after learning overnight of the player’s situation.

Liverpool said in a statement on Sunday morning that the player’s welfare is paramount. Meanwhile, Klopp has expressed ‘worry’ over Diaz’s circumstance.

“We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz,” Klopp explained to the BBC. “It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night.

“I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”

In a statement on Sunday, Liverpool said: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.

“It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”

President Petro confirmed in a tweet early on Sunday morning that Diaz’s mother had been rescued. “In a padlock operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father,” he tweeted.

The Colombian Aattorney General’s office also said in a statement: “From the moment when Colombia’s General Prosecutor’s Office learned of the kidnapping of the parents of Colombian player Luis Díaz in the Barrancas area of La Guajira, a specialist team of prosecutors, CTI officials and investigators from the police and military have been taking urgent action to locate these individuals, clarify the chain of events and identify the culprits.”

Diaz has subsequently been left out of Liverpool’s matchday squad to face Forest. A January 2022 signing from Porto, he has made 58 appearances for the Reds, scoring 14 goals including two this season.

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TODAY’S PAPER

Sunday, 29th October 2023
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Luis Diaz misses Liverpool’s match vs Nottingham Forest after parents’ kidnap ordeal
The Liverpool star is not featured in Liverpool’s squad as they take on Nottingham Forest at Anfield due to the kidnapping ordeal of his parents in Colombia

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ByFasika ZelealemUS Sports Reporter
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Liverpool midfielder Luis Diaz poses for a photo with his parents
Luis Diaz with his parents who were both kidnapped in Colombia (Image: Luis Diaz Instagram)

Luis Diaz will miss Liverpool’s match vs Nottingham Forest following the kidnap ordeal of his parents.

Luis Manuel Diaz after Cilenis Marulanda were both kidnapped on October 29 in Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia. The Liverpool forward’s mother was recently freed after a police and army blockade managed to find the kidnappers.

The search had continued to find Diaz Sr, who was not with Marulanda when she was freed. General William Salamanca who is the Director General of the Colombian Police Force was seen on social media calling the Liverpool star to inform him of their efforts to rescue his father.

READ MORE:Liverpool star who quit Reds because of Jurgen Klopp is now a manager

READ MORE:Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad ‘rescued after shootout that left two dead’ with mum also safe

However, recent reports understand Diaz’s father has been found after a huge shootout took place that left two people dead. Local reports from the La Guajira region understand Diaz Sr was freed after a police rescue mission resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers. It’s believed the kidnappers were on their way to Colombia’s border with Venezuela, where they may have been intending on smuggling him into the country.

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The horrendous ordeal means that the 26-year-old will not take the field for Liverpool in their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest today (October 29) as he’s been left out of the squad with Diogo Jota taking his place in the starting lineup.

Diaz is not in the squad in Liverpool’s clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The player’s parents were believed to be snatched when the unidentified armed motorcyclists managed to track down the truck both were inside, before intercepting and boarding it, moments before they were taken away. When a police blockade helped find Marulanda, General Salamanca said: “We are pleased that you are free again, madam,” he said. “I congratulate them [the authorities] for the reaction of all the police officers dedicated to the cause.”

When news of the kidnapping first emerged, Liverpool released a statement in the early hours of the morning that read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.

“It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.” Liverpool will now be without one of their most important players in their battle against a 15th-placed Nottingham Forest where a win for the Reds would see them leapfrog Manchester City into third place, just three points off leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

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