Five bad things will  ‘definitely’ happen if Michael Edwards accepts FSG role after Liverpool talks in US

Five bad things will  ‘definitely’ happen if Michael Edwards accepts FSG role after Liverpool talks in US

Liverpool is close to agreeing a deal to get Michael Edwards back involved with the club after talks were held. Five things ‘definitely’ happen if he returns.

Jürgen Klopp signs a contract extension and chats with Sporting Director Michael Edwards and Mike Gordon FSG President and Liverpool F.C owner at Melwood Training Ground on December 13, 2019 in Liverpool, England.
Michael Edwards has been approached over a return to Liverpool. (Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The search for Jürgen Klopp’s replacement is nothing if not complicated. It would have been a gargantuan task at the best of times, but Liverpool has made things even more difficult by pursuing a wider structural reshuffle.

The search for a permanent sporting director is ongoing at the same time, after Jörg Schmadtke departed at the end of the January transfer window. His tenure was always going to be temporary, but Liverpool now finds itself searching for someone who will play a vastly more influential role in the immediate future direction of the club, presumably playing a part in appointing Klopp’s successor.

It’s no secret that the ideal candidate is Michael Edwards. The post has not been truly settled since he left it in the summer of 2022, and Liverpool would ideally bring him back — except he has made it plain that he would not be interested in a return in the capacity of sporting director.

READ MORE: Liverpool next manager latest as Xabi Alonso agent responds amid brutal Bayern Munich claim

READ MORE: Liverpool injuries and possible return dates including Ibrahima Konaté as 10 could miss Man City

But Liverpool is so keen to get him back on board, FSG has proposed some kind of higher, more overarching role. Meetings in the US were recently held to that end (according to Sky Sports). Now, The Athletic has outlined that a deal is close that will see Edwards take on a role with FSG. Richard Hughes, who announced he would be leaving Bournemouth earlier in the week, would become Liverpool’s sporting director.

That speaks volumes about how highly Edwards is rated, and Liverpool would certainly be getting a world-class operator if it could pull this off — but the clock is ticking. Here are five things that ‘definitely’ happen if he does rejoin the club.

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One thing that’s become increasingly clear since Edwards’ name was first floated is that he will not come back to Liverpool in the same capacity. It’s only natural that Klopp grew in power at the club as his stature increased, but even though that dynamic is likely to reset under a new manager, simply being sporting director no longer seems to appeal.

According to the Telegraph, the most likely proposal is some kind of head of football operations position. That would give Edwards overarching influence over analytics and recruitment, although he would delegate to a sporting director (likely Hughes) on a day-to-day basis.

Given his hit rate in the transfer market over his first spell at Liverpool, few would have any qualms with empowering Edwards further. Clearly, FSG rates him extremely highly, as the latest meeting proves once again.

Richard Hughes links intensify
Should Edwards arrive, appointing a new sporting director would be high up his list of priorities. One would assume that Edwards himself would take on a lot of the responsibility in terms of choosing the next manager, reducing the urgency of finding a Schmadtke successor to a certain extent, but at the same time it’s not a position Liverpool will want to leave vacant for too much longer. The transfer window is mere months away.

Links to Richard Hughes would be sure to intensify. Currently at Bournemouth, there was recently an intriguing announcement that he will leave the club at the end of the season — and he has a strong relationship with Edwards. According to the Mail, the pair are ‘close’, while Edwards also rates Hughes as a ‘top transfer operator’. It all just makes a lot of sense.

Analytical approach continues
Edwards or no Edwards, it’s a pretty safe bet that Liverpool and FSG will stick to the data-led principles that have served them so well over the years. But getting in one of the true industry leaders would certainly double down that approach.

Most obviously, that would impact transfer market dealings. But given a more overarching role, it remains to be seen how Edwards would use the data to level up the club’s operations across a variety of departments. Maybe this slightly different challenge will be part of what tempts him back into the fold.

Contract situations resolved
Liverpool has three key stars who are about to enter the final year of their respective deals: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. That situation isn’t too alarming just yet, but there will need to be some progress once the relevant backroom appointments are in place.

This is particularly interesting because of reports that Edwards grew frustrated with some of the renewals handed out towards the end of his tenure. Per the Telegraph, Klopp became ‘the most powerful voice’, and there were ‘robust discussions’ about the merits of new deals for older players.

But that doesn’t necessarily spell bad news for Salah and Van Dijk. Ultimately, Edwards will want to go where the numbers take him — and with both still demonstrably key performers for Liverpool, it would be no surprise to see new contracts sorted quickly.

Manager search speeds up
It truly does speak volumes that FSG is still working hard to get Edwards back. It will be fully aware that it is running the risk of losing ground in the new manager search in the process. By pure coincidence, lots of top teams are on the lookout for new managers, with more advanced notice than usual. Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all know they have a vacancy to fill.

The standout candidate is clearly Xabi Alonso. Only Liverpool will know what steps it has already taken behind the scenes, but it seems unlikely that it will make a firm approach without first having a sporting director (and a potential new position above that) in place.

The threat of Bayern Munich, another former club, is particularly alarming. Clearly, Liverpool believes that Edwards is worth the wait — but if he does come back, expect the manager search to shift into higher gear once he is in place.

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Fans bring smile to Salah’s face with 100kg cake
NX NX
6 years ago

Mohamed Salah celebrating his birthday in Russia [Twitter]

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah might have had a forgettable 26th birthday as his team lost to Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Friday, but a group of fans from Chechnya brought a smile to his face with a 100kg cake decorated with a golden boot.

Salah, who scored 44 goals for Liverpool last season, injured shoulder ligaments in the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid on May 26 and was not risked in Egypt’s 1-0 Group A loss to Uruguay in Yekaterinburg.

READ: Liverpool’s Salah receives Golden Boot, becomes Europe’s top scorer

Egypt’s talisman, who is expected to play in their remaining group games with Russia and Saudi Arabia, was presented with the two-tier cake in the colours of the national flag on the team’s arrival at their training base of Grozny early on Saturday.

Salah smiled and hugged his teammates as they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ in English and Arabic before blowing out the candles and heading to his room.

Egypt take on hosts Russia in St Petersburg on Tuesday

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Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville disagree on Liverpool vs Man City prediction
The latest Liverpool news as the two pundits have given their thoughts on the weekend’s standout game in the Premier League as the Reds host Man City at Anfield on Sunday.

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ByAmie WilsonStephen KillenSenior Football Writer
19:00, 8 MAR 2024
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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have given their predictions for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Man City. (Image: The Overlap)
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Pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have different views as to how Liverpool’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City will go as the race for the title starts to reach its climax.

Jurgen Klopp’s side face the reigning champions at Anfield in Sunday afternoon’s hotly anticipated game. Ahead of the match, Liverpool sit at the top of the table but are just one point ahead of their opponents, although their goal difference is just slightly better.

Another team who will be watching the game in anticipation will be Arsenal. The Gunners are in third place, two points behind Liverpool, and will be looking to take advantage of any slip-ups from either team.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp gives Ibrahima Konate update and plays down new Liverpool injury for Man City

READ MORE: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk sends message to rival Erling Haaland ahead of Man City clash

The match could prove to be decisive in where the Premier League title ends up at the end of the season, but the two pundits do not agree as to how it could turn out after 90 minutes. Carragher does however feel that the match is a must-win for Liverpool to fuel the belief that they win win the league in Klopp’s final season in charge.

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“I feel as if Liverpool have to beat City at the weekend for me to sit there and go ‘I think Liverpool are going to win the league’,” he said on The Overlap Fan Debate. “ I think I will believe that if Liverpool go four points clear with 10 games to go.”

Neville then said: I think City are going to beat you (Liverpool) but I want Liverpool to win because I want the league to be opened up. I think City are going to win on Sunday, I think he’s going to come and put a right job in.”

However, Carragher believes that the game being played at Liverpool will have an impact on the result. “There’s been different City teams, have there been any better City teams than this? I don’t know,” he added. “You go to David Silva, (Sergio) Aguero and they never came and won.

“The Anfield crowd, this Liverpool team as well you’re going to see who is available and who can play. I think missing the goalkeeper is a big miss although the young lad has been brilliant.

“Pep does have a problem at Anfield. City’s record in general, forget about Pep and this team, Mancini, Pellegrini, the record at Anfield isn’t great.”

But Neville has picked out the key time in the game for City. “I think at Anfield, you’re going to win it in the first half, I always thought when we played in the first half, we had to damage them and make them realise that we were a real threat,” he said.

“If you go through that first half, they grow and grow then you’ve got a problem but if you hit them, hurt them. I think you’ll (City) win Sunday, I don’t know why, at the moment they’re reeling with injuries, scrambling through games like you wouldn’t believe – they’re literally scruffy as hell. They’ve got momentum and I think Sunday will be too much for them.”

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Steven Gerrard to return to Anfield as Liverpool decision made
Steven Gerrard will play for Liverpool once again in the Legends match against Ajax on March 23

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ByStephen KillenSenior Football Writer
17:14, 8 MAR 2024
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Steven Gerrard will return to Liverpool for the LFC Foundation charity match
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Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will return to Anfield for the annual LFC Foundation charity match.

The 43-year-old will line up alongside the likes of Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Jerzy Dudek to take on a team of Ajax legends featuring former Reds Jari Litmanen and Ryan Babel on Saturday, March 23.

Gerrard will play under former England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson, who will be in the home dugout after being installed as manager following a campaign from Liverpool fans, with the lifelong supporter fulfilling his dream after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp gives Ibrahima Konate update and plays down new Liverpool injury for Man City

READ MORE: Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed as Liverpool Legends manager as dying wish granted

In January, the demand for Eriksson to be in the dugout gathered momentum after the former England boss expressed regret at having never coached Liverpool across a decorated career that spanned over 40 years.” My father is still alive and is still a Liverpool supporter, and I’m a Liverpool supporter as well, I’ve always been,” he told Sky News.

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“So I always wished to be the manager of Liverpool, and that will not happen for sure, but I’m still a Liverpool fan.”

The Dutch giants are the latest visitors to Merseyside for the latest instalment of the charity match for the LFC Foundation. Recent charity matches with Manchester United and Scottish Premiership giants Celtic helped raise £1.45million for the LFC Foundation and this year, almost 55,000 fans have purchased tickets.

The match still has tickets available priced at £28 for adults, £8 for juniors and £18 for over-65s. They are available to purchase online here, while disabled supporters can visit the Accessibility Hub for full details.

John Aldridge, Ian Rush and John Barnes will also be in the dugout while treble-winning goalkeeper Sander Westerveld will also return to L4. The fixture will help raise funds for the LFC Foundation who continue to help change lives daily with various programmes.

This week both teams were confirmed with Sami Hyypia, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and many more. Ronald de Boer, Siem de Jong and former Arsenal striker Kanu are set to line up at Anfield.

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‘People will think I’m off my head’ – Harry Redknapp’s manager of season ahead of Man City and Liverpool bosses
Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and the race to replace the German is hotting up – but one former Premier League boss has a surprise choice

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ByRoss Gregory
18:00, 8 MAR 2024
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Harry Redknapp thinks Aston Villa could mount a title challenge (Image: PA)
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The big title showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend will go a long way to settling who is crowned Premier League champions this weekend. With both teams in great form, and Arsenal also breathing down their necks, it promises to be a thrilling end to the campaign.

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are widely accepted as not just the best managers in the country, but two of the best in the world. They’ve lifted Champions Leagues and several Premier League titles during their time in England, and while Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta may say different, it’s odds on that one will come out on top again this season.

But for former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp, their achievements have been eclisped by another top flight gaffer.

Redknapp named his top pick for Premier League manager of the season, and it wasn’t Klopp or Guardiola. “Manager of the season? Rob Edwards for me,” he shared about the Luton Town boss.

ALSO READ: I thought I knew football under Klopp – but Pep Guardiola changed everything

“I think he’s pulled off a miracle to even have Luton in contention of staying up at this point of the season. I love the way they go about things and the way they play – they really attack teams and have a go.”

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“Every match they play they’re in the game and they’re trying to win them, it’s a breath of fresh air what they’re achieving. Edwards has been brilliant for them – I don’t know him personally but he seems like a great lad as well.”

“Obviously you can give it to Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp, but they’re managing clubs who are meant to be challenging because they’ve got incredible players and fantastic squads. Edwards is doing a job down there on really limited resources with a tiny stadium and didn’t spend any money in the summer, so to even have them in contention at the moment to stay up in the Premier League is a miracle.”

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards applauds the fans after the Premier League match at Kenilworth Road (Image: PA)
Sunday’s clash at Anfield will be the last time Klopp and Guardiola meet in the Premier League. The Liverpool chief is stepping down at the end of the season to bring the curtain down on a remarkable rivalry between the two men.

While Guardiola’s contract situation means he may not be at City all that much longer, he will have a new foe in the Liverpool dugout next season. Xabi Alonso is one of the favourites. He won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and is doing really well as the boss of Bayer Leverkusen.

Ruben Amorim, who’s in charge of Sporting CP, is also thought to be a possible choice. Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton and Hove Albion and Julian Nagelsmann, who’s currently managing Germany, have also been mentioned.

Steven Gerrard is still being linked with the Liverpool manager’s job, despite his struggles as Aston Villa boss. And remarkably, Redknapp thinks he should be handed the reins.

He said: “I’m going to say somebody and people are going to think that I’m off my head, but I would give it to Steven Gerrard. I know people will say that he was a failure at Aston Villa and it didn’t go great there, but he’s a Liverpool man and was an incredible player for them.

“He’s got passion for the game and I used to listen to him speak when he was at Rangers and always thought he was going to be top drawer. I would love to see him manage Liverpool.

“Xabi Alonso would be a good choice as well but there’s every chance he will go to Bayern Munich – they’re a massive club as well who managed to get Harry Kane to leave the Premier League last summer. I know I’m probably not in the majority when I say it should be Steven Gerrard but I’ve still got belief in him – I don’t write people off.”

“You need the right players in order to perform well as a manager. Look at Unai Emery at Aston Villa – he went to Arsenal and was no good but has gone to Villa and is doing a great job. It’s a different club with different players and the circumstances are different – it just worked for him there. I’m in Steven Gerrard’s corner for this one.”

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Premier League | Gameweek 28
Mar 10, 2024 at 3.45pm UK
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Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola ‘accepts Anfield challenge’ against Liverpool
By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 08 March 2024

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is relishing a reunion with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and ‘accepts the challenge’ at Anfield in Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League showdown.

This blockbuster meeting represents the final time these two managerial masterminds will lock horns in the Premier League, as Klopp has announced that he will be stepping down from his post as Liverpool boss at the end of the season.

With 11 games remaining, Liverpool currently sit at the Premier League summit, just one point ahead of reigning champions Man City, who are bidding to win an unprecedented fourth successive title.

The competitive rivalry between Klopp and Guardiola has stretched across an 11-year period, beginning in Germany with the former managing Borussia Dortmund and the latter taking charge of Bayern Munich.

Klopp and Guardiola will meet for the 30th time in all competitions on Sunday, and the Man City boss is once again looking forward to testing his mettle against a fellow manager he admires greatly.

Discussing Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “I respect completely his decision. I spoke with him and I had the feeling he will be back sooner or later.

“He is a man who loves football. His passion is there. He explained perfectly the reason why [he is leaving].

“In the Premier League it’s the last time, but maybe in the FA Cup, we can find [each other] and we will see. Always it was a pleasure (to face Klopp) and Sunday will be too, but we will try to win the game.”

Asked about the difficulties of playing at Anfield and whether the atmosphere will reach new heights now that Klopp is leaving this summer, Guardiola said: “I don’t know, we will see on Sunday.

“The way his teams play football, always you learn. The way they play, the teams play. It will be nice because always it has been, and I accept the challenge.

Guardiola has suggested that Liverpool have slightly changed their style from last season, adding: “We have already seen some details about the way they attack [which] is different to previous seasons.

“The quality of some players makes the game different. The main parts are the same and we know it quite well, but the little details we need to adjust.

“At the same time, knowing that, we must look at the games we and they have played recently and see if we need to adjust something to be more comfortable with the players that we have to play on Sunday.”

The Citizens boss has affirmed that his team selection will depend on which players are available, with Jeremy Doku (muscle) and Matheus Nunes (finger) both to be assessed, while Jack Grealish remains sidelined with a groin injury.

“If we do something different, I am a genius and if we lose, I am an overthinking person,” said Guardiola. “My process is ‘which players do we have?’ – will Doku be ready? We will know tomorrow and then we know what we can do.

“The impact will be the same. The difference sometimes is the quality of the players – the little details… But the main pattern is the same. Make the game quick, contact with runners. It’s quite similar to when I met him in Dortmund when I was at Bayern.”

Klopp, meanwhile, has branded Guardiola as “the outstanding manager” of his lifetime, although he has played down the rivalry that has developed between them ahead of Sunday’s meeting.

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LIVERPOOLLiverpool injury news on Mo Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones and more…

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LFC injury update: Ibrahima Konate latest
NEWSLFC injury update: Ibrahima Konate latest
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Liverpool are still assessing the fitness of defender Ibrahima Konate ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Manchester City at Anfield.

The centre-back was a 51st-minute withdrawal in the 5-1 Europa League victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday night, requiring on-field treatment before going off at Stadion Letna.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Jürgen Klopp gave an update on the general state of his squad: “Yeah, fresh, Joe [Gomez] is fine – Ibou, I don’t know.

“Ibou was rather positive last night, he thought he made the right decision in the right moment saying it’s better I go [off]. But how we know, that doesn’t mean a lot unfortunately. He will get scanned, definitely, [but] so far I don’t have the results of that. All the others are fine.”

Asked about Mohamed Salah specifically following his return, he added: “Mo, there is nothing. He is fine.”

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‘Outstanding’ sporting director would prefer to join Liverpool over anyone else this summer Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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‘Outstanding’ sporting director would prefer to join Liverpool over anyone else this summer
Fri 8 March 2024 14:00
James Brooke
Liverpool appear to be getting closer to making some key appointments for the future.

As well as the ongoing search for a new manager, the Reds have been busy behind the scenes trying to secure a sporting director to oversee recruitment.

So far, the search has been kept relatively private. But having already tried to tempt him back once, it now looks possible that Liverpool are going to be able to hire celebrated former director Michael Edwards.

Edwards will seemingly be in a much more all-encompassing role than before if he does indeed return. That will mean that a sporting director is still needed. And recent reports have suggested that that man could be close associate of Edwards, Richard Hughes.

Hughes has just been announced to be leaving his role at Bournemouth at the end of the season. The 44-year-old apparently knows where he is heading next, with Roma joining Liverpool in their interest.

According to The Mirror today though, Hughes would prefer to move to Liverpool over anywhere else. Citing sources, they claim that Anfield is the former midfielder’s destination of choice this summer. However, any move could reportedly hinge of Edwards’ employment.

Hughes leaning towards Liverpool
Rewind several weeks, and plenty of Liverpool supporters will have never even heard of Richard Hughes. But from what has emerged in recent days, he sounds like he might be a good fit at Anfield.

Anyone who is close to and appreciated by Edwards is worth taking a look at. The former Liverpool analyst is one of the most respected voices in the game when it comes to recruitment.

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The warm words said about Hughes upon his exit from Bournemouth have also painted the picture of a man who’s very good at his job.

Cherries owner Bill Foley called his service to the club ‘outstanding’ in a glowing tribute on afcb.co.uk.

It seems like he may be ready to make that step up to Liverpool.

Richard Hughes
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
If Hughes were making that journey alone and as the main man, then there might still be some concern amongst the fanbase.

He may have done a great job at Bournemouth, but Liverpool is a different remit entirely. It’s a big jump to make. But with Edwards by his side, there would be faith from supporters that Hughes will be guided by a man who’s been there and done it.

There are a number of similar jobs opening up in the Premier League and across Europe at the moment. But with Edwards potentially at the helm and a new project to get stuck into, it’s no surprise that Liverpool is the most attractive.

With the end of the season in sight, this should all be wrapped up very soon. Unless anything comes out of the blue, it looks like Edwards and Hughes could be Liverpool’s new dream team.

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‘Everyone saw it’ – Czech media agrees on Liverpool ‘lesson’ after Sparta Prague thrashing
Liverpool beat Sparta Prague 5-1 in the Czech Republic to all but secure its place in the Europa League quarter-finals, with Czech media in agreement on the Reds.

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ByJames FindlaterContent EditorJoe RimmerHead of Football
12:30, 8 MAR 2024
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Liverpool players celebrate after Luis Díaz’s goal in the 5-1 win over Sparta Prague
Liverpool players celebrate after Luis Díaz’s goal in the 5-1 win over Sparta Prague (Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool secured a dominant 5-1 victory against Sparta Prague in the first leg of its Europa League last-16 tie, leaving a lasting impression on the Czech locals.

The Reds already look to have their place in the quarter-finals wrapped up ahead of the second leg at Anfield next week. A Darwin Núñez double plus goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Díaz and Dominik Szoboszlai have put Liverpool in a commanding position that should prove too great to overturn.

Sparta boss Brian Priske acknowledged the significant gap between Liverpool and his team when giving his thoughts on the game at full-time. It’s a sentiment shared by the Czech media.

READ MORE: Arsenal transfer decision confirmed as Liverpool should spot opportunity at Chelsea

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konaté injury reality is clear and Liverpool should take decisive and radical action

Tabloid Blesk described the match as an “unforgettable” spectacle, praising Liverpool’s performance: “Football in Klopp’s rhythm, a sea of chances, shots (thirty-two in total), six goals. Letná experienced an unforgettable match. Why not, after all, Liverpool arrived led by a legendary German coach. It was fun, a show, but… Sparta lost the first match of the round of 16 of the Europa League at home 1:5, and advancing to the top eight participants in the competition is a utopia.

“Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez. Did Liverpool come to Prague with a second set? Don’t be laughed at. The team led by Jürgen Klopp arrived for success and threw themselves into it.

“It must be said that Sparta accepted open combat. This resulted in a high score difference. The quality in the finish is on a completely different level. Everyone saw it. That’s probably why the team’s fans sang the Svěrák song:'”It doesn’t have to be happy, especially it shouldn’t be sad, let alone cry…'”

IDNES Sport commented: “This is how goals are scored, gentlemen. A lesson in efficiency, the Spartans agreed after the debacle. The immediate reactions of the home team after the 1:5 defeat were in a similar vein.”

“A lesson in productivity, efficiency,” Zeleny and Lukas Haraslin agreed. “The Spartans knew they didn’t have to lose by such a big margin. And that they had opportunities to put a different number on their scoreboard.”

Lidovky presented a gallery with the headline ‘The Spartans were not good enough for the giant. They caught a wild boar from Liverpool.’

Sparta Prague’s official website simply remarked: “We leave the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match at Letna with a defeat. The fate of the match was decided in the first half, in which Liverpool taught us a lesson in productivity.

“Spartans took a breath with a quick goal after the change of sides, but two more goals by the players in white jerseys prevented us from achieving a better result. The return leg at Anfield is scheduled for next Thursday.”

Liverpool.com says: There isn’t too much you can say in response to Liverpool when the Reds are as ruthless as they were last night. Although Sparta had some good chances in the first half, the gulf in class was clear to see.

Sparta did show though that they won’t back down, which should at least make next week’s second leg a good game to watch. We already know though who’s going through to the quarter-finals.

* 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 Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.

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What happened in post-match press conference as delighted locals question Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Moments you may not have spotted during Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Sparta Prague on Thursday

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ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
12:04, 8 MAR 2024UPDATED12:21, 8 MAR 2024
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Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp addresses a press conference on March 6, 2024 (Image: Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool took a confident stride towards the Europa League quarter-finals with a comprehensive success at Sparta Prague on Thursday.

Alexis Mac Allister’s early penalty was followed in the first half by a Darwin Nunez double before goals after the break from Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai saw the Reds cruise to a 5-1 victory. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s men have still only lost four times in all competitions this season and remain in the hunt for a quadruple.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at the Epet Arena.

PAUL GORST: Liverpool get new priority as Jurgen Klopp handed boost just in time for Man City test

IAN DOYLE: Liverpool concern quashed as Jurgen Klopp drops team news hints for Man City

Nunez targeted

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‘Spartans caught a wild boar from Liverpool’ – Czech media react to ‘unforgettable’ Europa League clash
Nunez may have been substituted shortly after the interval but that was still plenty of time for the Liverpool player to make a devastating impact on the game.

And, after scoring his second and Liverpool’s third of the night, it appeared some Sparta fans were keen on making an impact on Nunez himself. As he celebrated towards the corner flag, the Uruguayan was targeted by some missiles from crowd, one of which appeared to be a drinks container that glanced his shirt.

The referee had a word with Nunez immediately afterwards, much to the striker’s bemusement. Maybe the home supporters thought the forward was simply thirsty after all his hard work.

Klopp’s transfer vacation

Any keen observer of post-match press conferences against teams outside the supposed top tier of European clubs – okay, it’s a pretty niche group – would have seen the question coming a mile off.

And sure enough, a local Prague journalist asked Klopp whether there were any players from Sparta worthy of signing, to which the Liverpool boss had a clipped response.

“I retire in the summer,” he said, referring to his imminent Anfield exit. “Do I need to take him holiday?”

Grateful Sparta

As was the case throughout the Europa League group stage, the arrival of Liverpool in town was kind of a big deal for Sparta Prague.

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Indeed, after the press conference was finished, members of the staff at the stadium, including the glamorous media assistant who was handing out the microphone to the assembled hacks, were lining up to have their photo taken with Jurgen Klopp before the Reds squad dashed to the airport.

And the manner in which some of the Czechia scribes were delighted to have the opportunity to ask a question of Klopp spoke volumes. Pretty sure Sparta boss Brian Priske isn’t treated with quite such reverence.

No stopping for Szoboszlai

The promise of the first half for Sparta may have not materialised into anything substantially tangible, but nothing was going to stop their fans having a party.

That could be evidenced during injury time when the home support chanted their backing for the team as Szoboszlai cracked in Liverpool’s fifth with the last kick of the game.

Sparta’s following, though, carried on regardless as if nothing had happened. Expect them to be at full voice throughout the Anfield return next Thursday.

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Christian Falk outlines what Xabi Alonso’s agent did ‘immediately’ after contact from Liverpool
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Posted by Liam Togher2 hours ago
Christian Falk outlines what Xabi Alonso’s agent did ‘immediately’ after contact from Liverpool
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Christian Falk has revealed what Xabi Alonso’s agent did ‘immediately’ after he received contact from Liverpool regarding the Bayer Leverkusen manager.

The Reds are currently vying with Bayern Munich for the services of the 42-year-old, with both six-time European champions on the lookout for new coaches for next season amid the impending departures of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.

In his exclusive Fact Files column for CaughtOffside, the German football reporter pointed out how Alonso’s representative responded to the approaches from the Spaniard’s two main suitors.

FOLLOW Empire of the Kop on Instagram (@empireofthekop) HERE

Falk outlined: “Xabi Alonso is still Munich’s dream coach. But – despite many reports – there were still no negotiations between Bayern and Alonso.

“What speaks for it: When Liverpool contacted Iñaki Ibáñez, Alonso’s agent, the agent immediately communicated the Reds’ interest to those in charge at Leverkusen. That didn’t happen in the case of Bayern.

“FC Bayern is still waiting for a signal from Alonso as to whether he can imagine a move to Munich. As soon as that happens, they would start negotiations.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool fans the best is still to come from ‘wonderful’ Reds player

READ MORE: (Video) Michael Owen names the team he’d love to see Liverpool facing in ‘dream final’

When it was reported by Sky Germany earlier this week that Bayern had opened discussions with Alonso, that seemed to represent a hammer blow to Liverpool’s hopes of hiring the club’s former midfielder.

However, Falk’s update suggests that the Munich giants aren’t that far along in proceedings, and that Ibanez may even have given the Merseysiders a slight edge, given how he instantly communicated LFC’s interest to the Leverkusen board but didn’t do so for the Bavarian outfit.

Considering the plethora of reports which emerge every day about the 42-year-old’s future, and which prospective suitor appears to have the upper hand, ascertaining the truth can be a matter of judging between the various news lines being communicated.

What offers encouragement for Liverpool fans in this instance is Falk’s status as one of the most reliable reporters in German football.

It’s still far too early to jump to any great conclusions that Alonso will definitely be coming back to Anfield, but for now we can still remain positive that it could be a viable possibility.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

 

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MORE STORIES BAYER LEVERKUSEN CHRISTIAN FALK IÑAKI IBÁÑEZ LIVERPOOL XABI ALONSO
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Liverpool Sweating on Fitness of Ibrahima Konate vs Man City
BY
MATT SMITH
PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was substituted against Sparta Prague in the week, and Jurgen Klopp has provided an update on his fitness.

MixCollage-08-Mar-2024-09-22-AM-9787
HIGHLIGHTS
Ibrahima Konate’s injury status is uncertain after needing treatment against Sparta Prague, which could be a blow for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed his worries about Konate, but it’s positive news for Joe Gomez.
Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah have returned to action, providing a boost to Liverpool’s attacking options as they prepare for a key game against Man City.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was substituted against Sparta Prague in the Europa League this week, and Jurgen Klopp has provided a worrying update ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

Klopp has been forced to deal with a host of injury problems over the last few weeks, but he’s started to see a positive trend in terms of fitness. Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah have both returned to action, but it now looks like Konate has a chance of spending some time on the treatment table.

Jurgen Klopp Provides Konate Update
Konate Required Treatment Against Sparta Prague
The Reds secured an impressive 5-1 victory in the first leg of their Europa League tie with Sparta Prague, with the likes of Nunez and Salah given a chance to build up their fitness. Konate went down requiring treatment in the second half before being substituted, and Klopp has now provided an update on his fitness…

“We don’t know [yet]. Ibou said to me when he passed me in that moment, ‘I thought if I do another sprint then it could be bad.’ So, he said he should be fine, but we don’t know. Joey [Joe Gomez] is fine. We took him off, he played a lot of games so that was more rotation, precaution. Now let’s see what is with Ibou.”

With Joel Matip already unavailable, losing Konate ahead of a crucial game in the title race would be a major blow for the Merseyside club. It’s a short turnaround before their next fixture, so Klopp will be desperate for his injury to settle down in time for the Man City clash.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ibrahima Konate has missed 19 games through injury since signing for Liverpool in 2021.

Thankfully for Klopp, it appears that Joe Gomez will be fit enough to play, while Jarell Quansah completed 90 minutes against Sparta Prague. The German manager will have options if Konate is unavailable, but it would be a worrying blow nonetheless.

MixCollage-06-Mar-2024-02-57-PM-7418
RELATED
Ryan Gravenberch Could Return for Liverpool at End of March
Liverpool Injury Problems Improving
Szoboszlai, Nunez, and Salah returning
Salah and Nunez have been struggling with fitness issues over the last few weeks, but the key duo appear to be fit and firing once again. Against Sparta Prague, Nunez started the game and found the back of the net with two impressive strikes, while Salah came off the bench to get some minutes in his legs.

Dominik Szoboszlai returned against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last week, and he was given another opportunity to rebuild his fitness against Sparta Prague, coming off the bench to score in the final seconds of the game. The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch are still on the treatment table, but the situation is slowly improving at Anfield ahead of a crucial few months.

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