Liverpool

‘A problem’…Graeme Souness says Liverpool have a player who could cost them games this season

Published

7 months ago

December 9, 2023

‘A problem’…Graeme Souness says Liverpool have a player who could cost them games this season

Lee Connor
Sat 9 December 2023 10:05, UK
Graeme Souness has suggested that Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold might actually cost the Reds at times this season.

Alexander-Arnold has been widely praised for his performances for Liverpool this season. Playing mainly as a right-back still, Trent has stepped into midfield from that position and even started games in the middle of the park as well.

His efforts in the final third have once again won plaudits. But as usual, defensively, there remain question marks over Alexander-Arnold.

And writing in his latest column for the Daily Mail, Graeme Souness believes that it could actually cost Liverpool against good teams if they play Trent in midfield.

Souness says Alexander-Arnold a problem for Liverpool
Commenting on the Liverpool man, Souness admitted to being concerned about his performances against better sides.

“His defensive skills are not at that same level. Even at right back — a position from which you can often see every other player on the pitch, except your goalkeeper, and have more time to sense danger — he is not always able to anticipate the threat and respond to it in time,” Souness said.

“Against the weaker teams, when Liverpool are dominating the ball, that new midfield role will be perfect for Trent. But against the better teams, I feel there may be a problem for him and his team. In that central part of the pitch, everything is happening faster than anywhere else and your thought processes need to be that much quicker. If you’re not calculating what will happen at full back, where there is more time, then you will certainly find it difficult to do so in the centre — against the stronger sides, at least.”

More to come from Trent
Souness does have a point about adapting to midfield against the very best but so far, Alexander-Arnold looks like he would have no issue in doing that adapting.

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He has been so good for Liverpool and England recently that the narrative about his lack of defensive ability is quickly being shut down.

Trent is so effective in the final third that Liverpool and Klopp seem willing to allow for those odd lapses in defensive concentration.

Ultimately, Trent is a key player for Liverpool and a big part of them doing so well this season. Whether it be in midfield or at right-back, he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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Alexis Mac Allister ditches girlfriend Camila Mayan for her ‘close friend’

TANISHQ SHARMA
Author

Updated – 07 Jun 2023 07:30 AM

Credit: Twitter

After winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, many Argentine players received big offers from clubs across Europe and one such player is Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as Premier League giants Liverpool are adamant about bringing the 24-year-old to the Anfield by the end of this week. However, days after winning the world cup, the midfielder is alleged to leave his ex-girlfriend for her best friend.

Alexis Mac Allister played a crucial role in Argentina’s world cup-winning run in Qatar last year. Since then, the midfielder became a fan favourite and is expected to move to Liverpool, who will be looking to sign the midfielder for around £55 million.

Also read: Joao Felix’s ex-WAG spotted with McLaren F1 star Lando Norris; sparks dating rumours

While a move to Merseyside looks almost completed, fans will be expecting high performance from Allister. However, one person’s expectations have been damaged as days after winning the World Cup with Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister ditched his ex-girlfriend Camila Mayan, who opened up on the incident and revealed what broke her heart the most. Despite breaking up last year in December, Mayan still has pictures with the midfielder on her verified Instagram account.

While talking on the Argentinian television show Intrusos, Mayan opened up on the Argentine midfielder leaving her for Ailen Cova and said, “It was a betrayal.” She added, “Everything that happened, I could have never imagined even in my worst nightmare. I would never have imagined so many negative things about such a close person.”

After leaving Mayan, Allister alleged to start a relationship with her ‘close friend’ Ailen Cova. Allister and Cova were also spotted together at the former’s Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez’s wedding last month. Allister also shared an Instagram story with his girlfriend Ailen Cova from Lautaro’s wedding ceremony in Lake Como.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who had a below-par season according to their standards, finished the 2022-23 Premier League season in the fifth spot behind Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United. After losing a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season, Jurgen Klopp’s men will feature in the UEFA Europa League 2023-24 while the addition of Alexis Mac Allister might be able to resolve the Reds’ midfield issues.

Alexis Mac Allister
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Liverpool Stun Man Utd As Klopp Orders Major January Signing Of £88m Star Seen As Successor To Fading Anfield Force
Liverpool stun Man Utd as Klopp orders major January signing of £88m star seen as successor to fading Anfield force
James Marshment 05 Oct 2023 10:26 AM
Antonio Silva of Benfica is a transfer target for Liverpool and Man Utd
Antonio Silva of Benfica is wanted by Liverpool and Man Utd

Liverpool are reportedly planning to hijack Manchester United plans to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva with Jurgen Klopp seeing the teenage defender as a long-term successor to one of his trusted Anfield lieutenants.

The Merseysiders spent the summer window just gone hastily rebuilding their midfield after stalwarts Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were tempted to Saudi Arabia and joined the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in leaving Anfield. In their place came £145.2m worth of new talent with Dominik Szoboszlai the pick of the bunch and Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Waturu Endo also signing for Liverpool.

However, there can be no escaping from the fact that Klopp – whose scouting team has succession plans in place for all their big-name stars on the off-chance they depart – also went into the summer window wanting to bolster his central defensive options too.

Indeed, Klopp was very much intent on finding a long-term replacement for the ageing Joel Matip, whose better days appear to be behind him. The 32-year-old has been at Anfield since a 2016 free-transfer move from Schalke and was one of Klopp’s first signings at the club.

Making a total of 193 appearances for Liverpool, Matip is now in his eighth season with the club and has proved an influential figure in the success enjoyed on Merseyside.

However, there were signs last season that Matip’s better days are behind him. And with his deal expiring in summer 2024, there were reports emerging that Liverpool would be open to his sale if a reasonable offer came in and the club were able to settle on a replacement.

IN DETAIL: The Liverpool players who are out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 season

Liverpool keen to beat Man Utd to Antonio Silva deal
As it went, Liverpool did not field any offers for Matip, while their focus on reinforcing their midfield meant the hunt for a new defender was ultimately placed on ice.

But according to the Daily Mail, Klopp and Co are ready to beat down a path in the January window to the signing of highly-rated Benfica teenager Silva.

The 19-year-old defender has excelled in recent times, earning comparisons in his homeland to one of their other recent defensive exports in Ruben Dias.

Appearing on 52 occasions already for Benfica, and having won five caps for Portugal, Silva has a huge €100m (£88m) exit clause in his contract.

And while that arrangement is not due to expire until summer 2027, Benfica are keen to reward him with a new deal that elevates that release clause to an even higher plane and therefore makes it harder for his suitors to make a power-grab for his services.

However, he has been scouted intensely by Liverpool in recent weeks, who plan to watch him in action for his country in the upcoming international break.

To that end, the Reds are reportedly eager to launch a move for his services in the winter window and strengthen their defence going into the second half of the campaign.

Man Utd also keen on Antonio Silva
However, Liverpool will seemingly not have it all their own way in the chase to sign Silva.

Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk revealed he is also being watched closely by Manchester United, who have the teenager on their list of three defenders they would like to sign as a successor for Harry Maguire.

Alongside Silva, United are also pursuing Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, while Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo also remains an active target, having identified the Frenchman during the summer window.

Reports in Portugal, though, claim Erik ten Hag would most like to sign Silva with the teenager’s ceiling seen as higher than the other two options.

Indeed, Silva boasts a formidable record in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season. He boasts a 94% successful pass ratio and averages six successful duels, four tackles and four clearances for every appearance he’s made so far this season.

United have a good recent track record of buying outstanding talents from Portugal too, with Bruno Fernandes inspiring a rise in fortune upon his arrival back in January 2019.

As a result, a fierce battle could ensue between the two north-west giants over the 6ft 2in defender.

However, Ten Hag’s prospects are likely to rest first on his ability to move on the unwanted Maguire. The England defender’s £200,000 a week deal at Old Trafford does not expire until 2025 and moving him on has proved far harder than Ten Hag would have liked.

DON’T MISS: Erik ten Hag sack talk at Man Utd prompting player ‘fragility’ fears as iconic striker claims axe could fall

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By Pete O’Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Dec, 2023 | 7:30am
Sources: Liverpool three-man January signing list revealed

Liverpool have shortlisted three potential signings ahead of the start of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is a top target for the Merseyside club, while Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio and Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo are also being monitored.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (8 December) that Liverpool will prioritise signing a new centre-back in January after Joel Matip’s knee injury.

The Merseyside club released an official update on their club website on Wednesday revealing that Matip has suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.

With the 32-year-old facing months on the sidelines, Klopp is eager to bolster his defensive reinforcements with a new defender in January.

Lacroix, 23, is understood to be a long-term target for Liverpool with Klopp a big admirer of the French defender.

He has already made 113 total appearances for Wolfsburg despite his age and has started in every Bundesliga match in the 2023/24 campaign when available.

Inacio is another defender being watched by Liverpool’s recruitment team with the 22-year-old quickly becoming a key player for Sporting and the Portugal national team.

He has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Sporting this season, including all 12 league fixtures.

Beraldo is the third name on the list and the youngest option for Liverpool at just 20 years old.

He broke through into Sao Paulo’s first team in 2022 and has become a mainstay in the first team with 24 appearances in the 2023 season.

It is understood that Sao Paulo are open to offers for the young defender this January.

In other news, Liverpool set to offer new Joel Matip deal

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OPINIONPep Guardiola just accidentally summed up the big difference between Liverpool and Man City
Liverpool and Man City have to operate differently in the transfer market. Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp summed it up nicely in their press conferences today.

ByMatt AddisonLiverpool.com Editor
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Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been speaking about Kalvin Phillips. (Image: Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

It was not the best of weeks for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. Never before has one of Guardiola’s sides failed to win five league matches in a row but if they don’t win against Luton on Sunday, that first will come true.

So could there be changes in his side? New signings Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovačić were picked to come on as substitutes midweek but struggled against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, $57m (£45m/€52m) man Kalvin Phillips was completely overlooked.

“I don’t know what will happen to Kalvin Phillips,” Guardiola said during his press conference today ahead of facing Luton. “He has good character; I’m so sorry I have not picked him. I visualize my team and select a team and I struggle to see him.”

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp transfer is proving a masterstroke as Liverpool has what Pep Guardiola wants

READ MORE: Manchester United deal delayed as André could be set for rival after Liverpool links

In that sense, then, it is hard to feel for the position that the Manchester City boss finds himself in. While he and his players might be in a mini-rut, Phillips was a player brought in for a big fee who has been completely wasted.

A little bit like spending $126m (£100m/€116m) on Jack Grealish, that feels a little bit underspoken about. Guardiola struggles to see a game in which Phillips could be selected.

Compare that to Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. While the Reds have a lot more resources than most, there is also a lot more scrutiny placed on the deals that are done. If a $57m signing was left to rot and not given a chance, you suspect that would be bigger news.

Perhaps the closest thing to that at Anfield was Naby Keïta, but that was only through injuries. When he was fit, he was often selected. Klopp remained patient for a lot longer than many would have been.

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Instead, every penny is scrutinized considerably more at Liverpool, where the margin for error is substantially smaller. Just today, for example, Klopp bemoaned the suggestion that a center-back might be required after Joël Matip’s ACL injury.

“I really don’t understand it,” he said during his pre-Crystal Palace press conference. “Just bringing in a player, finding the money for it — as if we have endless money — we always talk about it.”

It is one thing, of course, to spend money for the sake of it, and quite another to replace a player who is injured and out of contract at the end of the season anyway. Liverpool should certainly be looking to find another option with Matip set to be missing for so long.

But Guardiola’s purchase of Phillips looks increasingly like it fits into the former category: a signing for the sake of a signing. A year and a half on from Phillips leaving Leeds United, he, more than anyone, sums up the difference in resources between Liverpool and its Premier League title rival. The respective press conferences of Guardiola and Klopp today summed it up nicely.

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Five players who could join Liverpool in January

Suraj Radia
7 Dec 2023 20:43 GMT
4 min read

© ProShots
Liverpool have enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side sitting in second place just two points behind leaders Arsenal.

It represents an encouraging return to form after a disappointing season which saw Liverpool finish outside the top four for the first time in seven years.

Article continues under the video
However, with Liverpool picking up injuries to key players across the campaign and finding themselves embroiled in a title race once again, Klopp may be hoping to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

FootballTransfers takes a look at five players who could be on the move to Anfield next month.

Jeremie Frimpong

© ProShots – Jeremie Frimpong (right) has been in fine form for Leverkusen.
Liverpool have been buoyed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performances this season but Klopp only has Joe Gomez to turn to as a senior backup to the right-back and opting for some depth could prove beneficial in the long-run.

The Reds have been long-term fans of Jeremie Frimpong and the Dutchman is believed to have a €40 million release clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, making him an attractive target.

Frimpong has 22 goal involvements in the Bundesliga since the start of last season and the 22-year-old would be a natural alternative to Alexander-Arnold as an attack-minded wing back who can step up into midfield.

Goncalo Inacio

© ProShots – Liverpool could target a left-footed centre back like Goncalo Inacio
Klopp’s January transfer plans may have been reworked over the past week after the news that Joel Matip will miss the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

It has left Liverpool light at centre-back and could fast track plans to sign a long-term successor to Matip, with the club believed to have a defender high on their priority list for next summer.

A whole host of players have been scouted but Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio remains a favourite of Liverpool’s due to his ability as a left-sided centre-back who has an appealing release clause of €60m, making a transfer fairly simple if it was affordable.

Khepheren Thuram

© ProShots – Khephren Thuram has been a long-term target for Liverpool
Liverpool’s midfield was unexpectedly revamped in the summer as the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left the club and, while summer arrival Alexis MacAllister and Wataru Endo have proven effective, Klopp’s side are still lacking that extra bit of quality at the number six spot.

Although Andre was long considered a target, Liverpool’s interest on the Fluminense midfielder is believed to have cooled, however Nice’s Khephren Thuram is still thought to be admired.

The Frenchman was wanted by Liverpool during the summer but his price tag of €50m was considered excessive, however with his contract due to expire in 2025, Nice may consider a cut-price deal while Thuram’s value is still thriving.

Donyell Malen

© ProShots – Donyell Malen could be available for transfer in January
Although perhaps a lower priority than the defensive side of the pitch for Liverpool, injuries to the likes of Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota have left Liverpool treading a thin line if more forwards were ruled out.

There may also, quietly, be one eye on a potential successor for Mohamed Salah if the Egyptian is once again pursued by Saudi sides in 2024, meaning a wide player could be targeted over a striker.

Donyell Malen is another player who Liverpool have watched for a long time and the 24-year-old has netted four times this season, while Dortmund are believed to be willing to cash in on him for around €30m, making his transfer an intriguing option for the Reds.

Archie Gray

© ProShots – Archie Gray has been integral to Leeds this season
While the priority will undoubtedly be on securing depth for the remainder of the season, Liverpool will always consider good opportunities for youngsters if they arise.

Leeds wonderkid Archie Gray has been a breakout star this season in the Championship, starting 16 times in midfield as well as at right-back in shades of former Liverpool hero James Milner.

The 17-year-old might cost a pretty penny but he has proven his ability to perform under pressure and could provide crucial minutes right away, while also securing Liverpool one of the best youngsters in the country.

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Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal, Dortmund, Liverpool, Nice, Archie Gray, Diogo Jota, Donyell Malen, Gonçalo Inácio, Harvey Elliott, James Milner, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Khéphren Thuram, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wataru Endo

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‘Surprised’… Jurgen Klopp shocked after what he heard about Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk last night

Shamanth Jayaram
Thu 7 December 2023 21:15, UK
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he was surprised that Virgil van Dijk’s goal against Sheffield United last night was his first of the season.

The Reds were made to work hard at Bramall Lane by Chris Wilder’s men yesterday. It was a really difficult game, but goals from their skipper and Dominik Szobszlai sealed the three points. Klopp was a happy man after the full-time whistle.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp shares what surprised him about Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk last night
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world.

The Dutchman is one of the biggest reasons why the Reds have been so successful since he joined them in 2018, and he continues to deliver the goods even to this day.

Van Dijk’s brilliance isn’t just limited to his own box – he is a massive threat at the other end of the pitch too, especially in set-piece situations.

He has scored 20 goals for the Reds in all competitions over the years, and last night’s strike against Sheffield United was his first of this campaign.

When Jurgen Klopp heard Van Dijk hadn’t scored this season before last night, he was shocked.

He said, as per Liverpool’s official website: “All offensive players are invited to score goals, all of them.

“Virg scored, I heard, [it was] his first goal [of the season]. I was a bit surprised, I thought he scored already but maybe it was a different competition or last year, I don’t know. But set-pieces are a massive help in tight games. They were really good today.”

Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Van Dijk could help Liverpool win the Premier League title
Liverpool had a season to forget last time out. They finished fifth and failed to qualify for the Champions League after a truly disappointing campaign.

This season, the Reds are back and are definitely in the title race.

Jurgen Klopp’s attack is as frightening as ever with Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez all firing, while their midfield, despite the lack of a top-quality number six, hasn’t fared too badly either.

The main man once again, however, will be Van Dijk at the back. If he can play at his best level from now until the end of this season, Liverpool will have a great chance to become the Premier League champions again.

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What former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius did as Newcastle players clash with Everton at final whistle
Newcastle players reacted angrily to a resounding 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park

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ByConnor O’NeillSenior Football Writer
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Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United points an accusing finger at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on December 7, 2023
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United points an accusing finger at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on December 7, 2023 (Image: Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Everton and Newcastle United players clashed in the immediate aftermath of their Premier League game at Goodison Park.

The Blues moved out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Eddie Howe’s side at Goodison. Second-half goals from Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Beto secured all three points for Everton.

However, in the immediate aftermath of the full-time whistle being blown by referee Tim Robinson, both sets of players appeared to clash as Everton celebrated. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, who was on the bench for Newcastle, first appeared to have some sort of coming together with James Tarkowski.

EFC RATINGS: Dwight McNeil and two others shine in Newcastle win

AS IT HAPPENED: Everton v Newcastle United live

The Everton vice-captain was being dragged away by his team-mates before Joelinton came rushing in and had to be pulled away by members of the Newcastle coaching staff. Then, as Fabian Schar made his way off the pitch, he clashed with Everton kit man Shaun Doran and had to be pulled down the tunnel.

Jordan Pickford was also involved in melee before he was pulled away. The Everton players then went to celebrate their second home league win of the season in front of the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street, while Howe’s side gathered in front of their fans in the corner of the Bullens Road end.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Blues forward James McFadden said: “It is a hard-fought, well-earned victory for Everton. A brilliant result against a Newcastle side that ran out of steam at the end of the game.”

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By Matthew Chadder

7th Dec, 2023 | 5:40pm
In The Money: Tottenham to benefit from handy cash injection after FA announcement

Tottenham fans will hope to see their team advance far in the FA Cup this season and end a long-stretching trophy drought, while the financial benefits of a healthy cup run could also prove lucrative.

It has been 15 long years since Spurs last lifted a trophy and the club’s supporters will be desperate for a nice day out at Wembley this season and the chance to see their team pick up some long-awaited silverware.

Ange Postecoglou’s side missed the opportunity to do just this in the Carabao Cup as they were eliminated in the second round of the competition, losing a penalty shoot-out against Fulham at Craven Cottage after a 1-1 draw, and fans will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself in the FA Cup, which is set to get underway for top flight sides next month.

The third-round draw for the competition has been made and it is a favourable one for Tottenham as they will host Premier League strugglers Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This offers the north London side a great chance of qualification to the fourth round and with limited fixtures this season due to the absence of any European exploits, this is certainly a competition the club could go far in should they take it seriously.

Not only would a positive cup run be welcomed with open arms by the supporters, but recent developments suggest the board could also stand to benefit in the form of some lucrative cash injections.

The FA has already confirmed the prize fund for this season, with the winners taking home a total of £3.9million for their troubles, with £3million of that for winning the final two rounds.

As well as the prize money which is up for grabs, there are also other ways in which Tottenham could stand to benefit financially by being involved in the competition.

As confirmed via Spurs’ official website (7 December), the third-round clash with Burnley has been scheduled for Friday 5 January at 8pm, with the game set to be televised live on ITV1.

According to the Blackpool Gazette (16 October), any games which are selected to be televised from the third round onwards attract revenue of £100,000 and above.

This means the further Spurs go in the competition, the more chances they have of televised matches, especially if they’re drawn against rival Premier League sides. In addition to this, home draws could also prove lucrative through gate receipts and sales of food and drink in the stadium, which could be worth in the millions for Levy and the club.

A deep run should therefore certainly be a priority for Spurs due to its appeal to both supporters and the board.

In other Tottenham news, a BBC pundit has suggested one Spurs star should come straight back into the team for the clash with West Ham on Thursday night.

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In The Money: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy must now surely be worried about £13.4m+ upfront payout
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Jurgen Klopp left fuming after what Amazon Prime presenter says to him following Liverpool vs Sheffield United
Wed 6 December 2023 22:00
Dylan Walsh
Jurgen Klopp was left fuming on Amazon Prime after clashing with presenter Marcus Buckland after Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Sheffield United.

The Reds manager was asked about Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League game against Crystal Palace, taking place on Saturday at 12:30pm.

As we know, Klopp is not so keen on the early Saturday kick-off, and the Liverpool boss was not pleased when Buckland brought up the time of the match, passing it off as a joke.

Buckland said: “You mention Jurgen you have had to shuffle your pack. Had some injury problems. All these games, you are still going strong in Europe, in the League Cup, FA Cup, you go to Crystal Palace – your favourite kick off time at the weekend.”

Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
As you can expect, Klopp was not pleased with this tone, with the Red bossing hitting back: “That’s great, that’s really great to make a joke about that.”

Buckland replied: “You still have the passion and enjoyment, it’s constant isn’t it, day in, day out?”

Klopp answered back: It is constant. I go home, I don’t know when we arrive, 1 or 2am whatever. We play again. We have two sessions – tomorrow and Friday.

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“So it’s fine to recover. So Crystal Palace played tonight so it’s absolutely fine. But I realise you don’t understand it is as well and you work in football so why should I try to explain again? You can make a joke, you’re completely ignorant. Football is entertainment. I understand.”

As you can expect, Buckland was sweating at this point, with the presenter saying: “It’s just one of those issues that come up. I’m not trying to be disrespectful.”

Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Klopp immediately replied: “You were already. All good, you can say what you what, just I cannot say what I want.”

With Buckland trying to save the situation, the presenter said: “Well listen it has been a success tonight, moved within two points of the leaders and we wish you every success at the weekend as well.”

Finally, Klopp got away with the last word, with the Liverpool manager saying: “You will tell that to Crystal Palace as well.”

Jurgen Klopp right to hit out after Liverpool kick-off comments

Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Kick-off times have been a touchy subject when it comes to Klopp, and Buckland knew better than to joke with the Liverpool manager on the topic.

Whilst the opening comment was made in a tongue-in-cheek manner, the presenter should have respected Klopp and his opinions on the matter.

And as a result, the Amazon Prime presenter was burnt live on air, with Klopp coming away with the final laugh and word on the matter.

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Watch Video Szoboszlai goal against Sheffield United was concelled

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Forget Van Dijk: Liverpool’s 90-touch engine ran the show vs Sheffield United
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Posted by Farrell Keeling5 hours agoFollow @farrellkeeling

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Dominik Szoboszlai capped off an industrious performance against Sheffield United with a late goal to seal a win against the hosts.

It wasn’t necessarily a game that would have been pleasing on the eye of the neutral but the Hungarian was nonetheless critical to allowing Liverpool a foothold in Yorkshire.

In stats compiled by Sofascore, the former RB Leipzig man recorded 2 key passes and offered a strong defensive performance with 10 out of 17 duels (aerial and ground) won.

🧮 Dominik Szoboszlai stats vs Sheffield United 🧮

1 goal
90 touches
2 key passes
89% pass rate [58/65]
7/12 ground duels won
3/5 aerial duels won
4 tackles
1 interception
1 clearances

[@SofascoreINT] pic.twitter.com/b9jmyvgclF

— Farrell Keeling (@farrellkeeling) December 6, 2023

READ MORE: Liverpool injury list may be about to get bigger as 24-year-old limps off during Sheffield United clash

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has made £180k-a-week Liverpool ace play like John Stones, says Callum Wilson

The beating heart of Liverpool’s midfield?
The credit for the final goal of the game has to surely go to Darwin Nunez after some remarkable determination to win back possession.

That said, Szoboszlai’s ongoing brilliance in the middle of the park has singled him out as perhaps the most reliable operator in the middle of the park.

What an impact the 23-year-old has made on this Liverpool side following his transfer away from the Bundesliga!

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 14 Review 🤩: HOLD Trippier? The long-term view, Zinchenko’s time to shine? Eject your Villans?

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