BAD NEWS:Liverpool ex player confirmed dead today 

Ex Liverpool player Coutinho confirmed dead today

Ex-Liverpool players feel club have got good fee for Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho is off to Barcelona
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho is off to Barcelona

Former Liverpool stars felt their old club had done decent business in netting £142million for Barcelona-bound Philippe Coutinho.
A deal was agreed on Saturday for the Brazilian, who had made clear his desire to move to the Nou Camp back in July when the Reds turned down a £118million bid from Barca.

The fee is a British record and makes Coutinho the second most expensive footballer in history after his compatriot Neymar.

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson questioned the logic behind making the move mid-season, given Coutinho will be ineligible for Barca in the Champions League.

“It’s hard to get my head around what Philippe is going to gain because he can’t play Champions League football for them, they are running away with the league, and he’s got the World Cup at the end of the season,” Thompson said on Sky Sports.

“Will he play regularly every week at Barcelona? I’m not too sure. Philippe could have carried on (at Liverpool). He could have been playing in the Champions League.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to play every week, to play at the highest level with Liverpool. So I do scratch my head wondering.

“But it’s a fantastic deal. The money is quite astonishing money, which will be more than welcomed.”

Ex-Reds striker Stan Collymore said Luis Suarez’s move to Barca three-and-a-half years ago was much more of a loss to Liverpool, given their other attacking options in the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

He said on Twitter: “Naive that anyone thought Coutinho wouldn’t go in January. ‘Get your head down and if we get the right dough in Jan, you can go’. Great £ for a player many Reds would have driven to Barca for £60m a year ago. A tenth of the loss of Suarez.

“#LFC attacking options are way more robust than when Suarez left, so add that fact to the contribution of Coutinho and Suarez to the team and there surely can’t be any argument as to which loss is bigger and by how much? Suarez was irreplaceable!! Reds have Mane and Salah now!”

Michael Owen is also encouraged by the strength of the rest of the Reds forward line.

He tweeted: “Sad to see Coutinho go but he’s given @LFC great service and it appears to be a good deal for all parties. He will be hard to replace but there is loads of quality in the squad to push hard for the rest of the season.”

Jamie Carragher urged Liverpool to spend their windfall more wisely than when they invested the Suarez money.

He tweeted: ” Disappointed Coutinho has gone, never thought he’d turn into the players he’s become when I first played with him, but he’s been a great @LFC player these last few years. 142 million though! Just need to use the money better than we did when Suarez left!!”

Former striker John Aldridge feared Liverpool would now be forced to pay top dollar for reinforcements.

” Looks like Coutinho has gone folks €160million.Hard to get someone,unless we pay the premium,now everyone knows we’ve got the £££€€€,” he said on Twitter.

Joey Barton claimed Liverpool had got the better deal.

“Personally, I think Liverpool have got the better of the deal,” he said on Twitter. “A lot of money that for Coutinho. Makes you wonder what the likes of Kane, Hazard and Salah must be worth?”

And Frank Lampard also felt Liverpool had got a “good” deal.

“The player doesn’t want to be there it seems, he wants to move on so it’s going to happen at some stage,” he said on BT Sport.

“They managed to up the bid to £142million in six months, I think it was less than that in the summer, and I think Liverpool are quite flush in that area. They need to bolster around that if they’re going to be a full team.”

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Liverpool players ‘pick who they want to replace Jurgen Klopp’ as Xabi Alonso overlooked
Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after nearly nine years in charge of the Anfield club, with the German citing exhaustion as a driving factor in his decision

Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season
Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season (Image: PA)
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ByJake PoldenSports Agenda Editor
12:17, 17 Mar 2024UPDATED12:21, 17 MAR 2024
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Liverpool players want Jurgen Klopp’s number two Pep Lijnders to replace the German as boss – not current favourite Xabi Alonso.

That’s according to talkSPORT duo Alan Brazil and Dean Saunders, who claim they have behind-the-scenes information that the Reds squad are keen for Klopp’s assistant to take the reins to reduce disruption.

Klopp rocked the footballing world in January when he announced he would be walking away from Liverpool at the end of the season after nearly nine years in charge of the Anfield club.

The German cited exhaustion as a driving factor in his decision to quit, adding that he believes Liverpool are in a good place for a new boss to come in and hit the ground running.

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Discussing what’s next for Liverpool, Brazil said on talkSPORT: “I am told the players wouldn’t mind the number two, Pep taking over.” Saunders added: “I heard that as well. At least Lijnders knows what’s going on there. It’s difficult, who do you give the job to? That club is that big.”

Lijnders joined Liverpool back in 2014 and initially worked alongside Brendan Rodgers. Klopp kept him on when he took the reins in 2015, but three seasons later the Dutchman left Liverpool to manage NEC in the Netherlands.

After a year in his homeland, Lijnders returned to Anfield in 2018 and played a key role in Liverpool winning both Champions League and Premier League titles.

It is unclear what the future holds for Lijnders beyond this season, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso ahead of him in the pecking order to replace Klopp in the Liverpool hot seat.

The Liverpool players are a fan of Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Ljinders
The Liverpool players are a fan of Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Ljinders ( Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC)
Lijnders has also suggested he wouldn’t want the top job at Liverpool, and that he will leave the club with Klopp. He said: “Nobody will replace Jurgen. I was clear, to be honest, when we had the talk a long time ago – for me it was clear and it made it easier for me.

“We knew in the summer, ‘OK we are going towards the end of this project’. It’s too much about me… we play in a final in 48 hours. I understand, so I think I have given answers in interviews.

“I always got offers and my heart says yes, but my loyalty to Mike [Gordon] and Jurgen said no. So we agreed to finish this project together and it is the right way to do it.

Xabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp ( Image: Stefan Brauer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
“They will find a new coach with ideas and I am excited to manage to find the right club. But until the last final of the season, I am focused on Liverpool and that is why we have agents, no?”

Alonso, who played for the Reds between 2004 and 2009, has guided his Leverkusen side to the top of the Bundesliga – seven points clear of Bayern Munich with a game in hand.

But the Spaniard is also attracting attention from Bayern, who are in the market for a new boss come the end of the season after announcing Thomas Tuchel will step down.

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Alonso has been coy about his future when quizzed on Liverpool and Bayern Munich’s interest in him. “Right now I’m assuming that [I’ll be Bayer Leverkusen boss next season].

“Right now I’m the coach and that’s certain. Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say. We’ll see. It’s normal that there are questions, but this is not the right moment to talk about that.”

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‘Best I’ve seen’ – Phil Foden sends Liverpool and Arsenal title warning as Man City run continues
Manchester City is now unbeaten in its last 22 games after beating Newcastle. Liverpool and Arsenal remain ahead of City by a point in the Premier League table.

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ByLiam PrendervilleContent EditorKieran Horn,Oliver King
10:30, 17 MAR 2024
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Phil Foden helped Manchester City into the semi-finals of the FA Cup by beating Newcastle (Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images))
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Phil Foden believes the current Manchester City squad is one of the most talented he has been a part of as Pep Guardiola’s side battle it out with Liverpool and Arsenal for the title.

City secured its place in the last four of the FA Cup on Saturday night as two goals from Bernardo Silva secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle. The victory extended its unbeaten run to 22 matches in all competitions, with City’s last defeat coming to Aston Villa back in December.

There is now just one point separating the top three in the Premier League with Arsenal leading Liverpool on goal difference, following last weekend’s draw between the Reds and City at Anfield.

READ MORE: Mike Dean responds to ‘sarcastic’ Jurgen Klopp swipe over controversial Liverpool decision

READ MORE: Three things on Richard Hughes’ checklist if he becomes Liverpool’s new sporting director

Foden has been a key player in this winning streak, scoring 18 goals and providing ten assists over the 2023/24 season. He believes there is plenty of talent within the City squad to go all the way again this term.

“It’s one of the best squads I’ve ever seen. At this stage of the season we’re going to need everyone. I’m really happy with it. I’m just playing with a smile on my face and hopefully I’ll continue to do that,” he told BBC Sport after the win over Newcastle.

On the FA Cup success, he added: “I thought we controlled the game really well. We had a lot of the ball and tried to find the right moment to attack, and I think we did that really well. We were always talking about [winning more trophies]. The hunger’s still there. We’ll keep going.”

With Kevin De Bruyne out of action, Foden has stepped up, impressing both in a central role and out wide. After a 3-1 victory over Manchester United, Pep Guardiola had high praise for the 23 year old.

“Right now, he is the best (in the league),” said Guardiola. “To be world class you have to win games. He’s winning games. Always he scored goals but now he’s winning games. When you do this you reach another level as a player.

“He will already be a legendary player because at his age, the games played, the minutes, the goals scored, the titles won and he is from here and that is why the connection with the fans is unbelievable. He is the player of the season. With all respect for the incredible players but no-one has been so decisive for us as him this season.”

City and Liverpool could still meet in the FA Cup this season, should the Reds beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Liverpool.com says: This City squad won the treble last season so there is no getting away from how talented it is. The fact that Liverpool is ahead of it – albeit by one point – in the Premier League table is testament to how well Klopp and his players have done this season. If the Reds do end City’s domination this season, it will be one almighty achievement.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Manchester Evening News by clicking here.

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Full Liverpool squad to face Man Utd – as eight players out and one doubt for FA Cup tie
Liverpool team news ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final against Man Utd.
By Will Rooney
Published 17th Mar 2024, 03:00 GMT
Liverpool’s squad warm-up. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s squad warm-up. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Liverpool bid to reach the FA Cup semi-finals when they make the trip to Manchester United (15.30 GMT).

The Reds can take another step closer to winning four trophies this season, with an exciting finale in store. Last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side second in the Premier League table only on goal difference. Meanwhile, they eased into the Europa League last eight earlier this week with an 11-2 aggregate victory over Sparta Prague.

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Liverpool will be favourites against United at Old Trafford given the balance of power that has shifted. The Red Devils have been unable to restore their position to the Premier League elite and sit just sixth in the table.

However, United held Liverpool to a goalless stalemate at Anfield in December and they cannot be underestimated. What’s more, Klopp’s men continue to have injury issues.

The Liverpool manager has confirmed that Curtis Jones (ankle), Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota (both knee) are making progress but won’t be back until after the international break when speaking at his pre-match press conference. Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic – who has been limited to only two appearances this season – is expected to be back in team training following the hiatus of the campaign.

No.1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a ‘serious’ hamstring injury. There is also doubt whether Thiago Alcantara (hip) and Joel Matip (knee) may play again this term while Ben Doak continues his comeback from knee surgery he had in December.

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What’s more, Klopp is expected Ibrahima Konate to again be absent against United. The centre-back has missed the previous two games. Liverpool were set to assess Konate’s fitness again.

But Ryan Gravenberch, who has been sidelined since suffering ankle ligament damage in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea last month, is back in training and expected to be on the bench.

Potential Liverpool players available against Man Utd
Goalkeepers: Kelleher, Adrian, Mrozek.

Defenders: Bradley, van Dijk, Gomez, Quansah, Konate, Nallo, Robertson, Tsimikas.

Midfielders: Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Gravenberch, Clark, McConnell, Nyoni.

Forwards: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo, Diaz, Gordon, Musialowski.

Related topics:FA CupPremier LeagueEuropa LeagueJurgen KloppManchester City
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Karim Benzema Ittihad 2024Getty
Harry Sherlock
Feb 22, 2024 20:10+01:00

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Karim Benzema’s blushes spared! Ex-Real Madrid forward heads into his own net in horror own-goal but Al-Ittihad recover to win AFC Champions League clash
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Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad nightmare has gone from bad to worse, as the France legend scored an own goal in the AFC Champions League on Thursday.

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Benzema was picked to start up front as Ittihad took on Uzbekistani side Navbahor in the second leg of their round of 16 tie on Thursday. The first game ended in a 0-0 draw but Benzema inadvertently gave Navbahor the lead in the second by sending a header beyond his own goalkeeper at a set-piece. Ittihad, though, recovered, as a strike from Abderrazak Hamdallah and a Toma Tabatadze own goal gave them a vital win.

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It has been reported that Benzema is currently unhappy at Ittihad and he was linked with a shock move within the Saudi league, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, in the January transfer window. The former Real Madrid star was also linked with Manchester United, although the Red Devils quickly distanced themselves from those rumours.

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Once Thursday’s AFC Champions League tie is finished, Benzema will gear up for this weekend’s clash with Al-Wehda. They are currently fifth in the Saudi Pro League, a massive 22 points off leaders Al-Hilal.

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Liverpool owners FSG explore buying MLS club – Exclusive..

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are exploring the possibility of buying an MLS club, sources have told Football Insider.

The US-based owners have already said they want to develop a multi-club network that can enhance their ownership of the Premier League giants.

It is understood that FSG believe there is a big gap in the US market, where a European sporting approach can be introduce to an American franchise.

Traditionally the MLS clubs’ strong areas are athleticism and data-based knowledge but they lag behind European elite clubs in terms of coaching and player development.

FSG are already stakeholders in Liverpool, the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins and Nascar’s RFK Racing – they are now looking to expand their sporting portfolio into the MLS as well as buying clubs in other regions.

Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Man City are part of the City Football Group investment portfolio, which also owns New York City FC, while Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke’s holding company also includes the Colorado Rapids.

News of a potential takeover deal follows the announcement that FSG have struck a deal with Michael Edwards to return to Liverpool in a football CEO role.

The 44-year-old left Liverpool in 2022 after 10 years with the club and he is set to return in June to oversee all football operations.

In his return statement, Edwards revealed one of his priorities will be enhancing FSG’s football club portfolio, and he is already laying the groundwork for the first multi-club ownership deal.

FSG could explore options for a majority takeover deal of an MLS club, but new rules introduced in 2021 mean minority investments upwards of £16million ($20million) are also allowed.

According to Sportico, the new rules were voted through as the MLS was “hoping to make minority sales easier, allowing owners to access capital.”

In other news, Arrival date of new Liverpool chief revealed after breakthrough in talks

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LIVERPOOL FC NEWS
Opta supercomputer predicts Liverpool’s chances of winning Europa League
Ewan Ross-Murray
2 HOURS AGO
EWAN ROSS-MURRAY
Liverpool faced little resistance in the last 16 of this season’s Europa League.

Having breezed through the group stage, the Reds set up a knockout tie with Sparta Prague and secured comfortable passage to the final eight after an 11-2 aggregate victory over the Czech champions.

The Reds now have their toughest test in the Europa League this season as they prepare to face Italian side Atalanta in the quarter-final – a team that Liverpool beat 5-0 and lost 2-0 to in the 2020/21 Champions League group stage.

If Jurgen Klopp’s men can dump out the Serie A side, a semi-final against either Benfica or Marseille awaits, with Liverpool handed the more favourable side of the draw.

Jurgen Klopp
OPTA SUPERCOMPUTER PREDICTS LIVERPOOL’S CHANCES OF WINNING EUROPA LEAGUE
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Despite Liverpool being strong favourites in most people’s eyes for this year’s trophy, there are some extremely talented teams left in the competition.

Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen – who are unbeaten in 37 games this season – will face West Ham United, while Liverpool’s 2005 and 2007 Champions League final opponents Milan face Roma in another exciting quarter-final match-up.

Naturally, Opta have crunched the numbers for this season’s Europa League and fed them into the fabled supercomputer, with the Reds’ chances of winning the title having now been predicted.

According to the stat experts, Liverpool are undeniably the favourites for the tournament, with a 34.5% chance of winning the competition for the first time under Klopp.

They have a 73.5% chance of reaching the semis and a 56.5% chance of making the final – the highest percentages of any team remaining in this season’s Europa League.

Leverkusen are not too far behind with a 23.5% chance of winning the competition and a 44.9% chance of reaching the last two, where they could, of course, face Liverpool in the showpiece event in Dublin.

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool vs Sparta Prague
Milan are next favourites with a surprisingly low 13.9% chance of winning the trophy – the Italian side beat Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain in this year’s Champions League – while Benfica (7.8%), Atalanta (6.6%) and Roma (5.7%) have slim chances of being crowned champions.

Despite winning the Europa Conference League last season, West Ham have been given just a 4.3% chance of winning, with Marseille technically the underdogs with a mere 3.7% chance of glory.

Given Liverpool’s impressive performances this season and the fact that they would likely be among the favourites for the Champions League if they were in the competition, it’s unsurprising to see Klopp’s men given such good odds of lifting the trophy.

However, statistics are no guarantee of success, and Liverpool will be pushed all the way by some top tier European sides.

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