We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, as the Reds begin their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Liverpool officially confirm Buvac’s exit – and Klopp’s new assistant
Nine months on from his initial departure.
- Watch Ox take next step as Liverpool begin training in Dubai
Great to see such a key player slowly nearing a return.
- Salah’s 50 Premier League goals record is more impressive than we thought
He was claimed to be fourth-quickest, but…
- Klopp explains “bit of magic” in Firmino’s versatility against Crystal Palace
The Brazilian was shifted to a rare role late on.
- How Camacho has already made “most important challenge of his life”
Did you notice the youngster’s last-gasp impact against Palace?
- Klopp hails Liverpool’s “proper warriors” as he works through injury woes
The boss is proud of his team’s efforts against Crystal Palace.
- Babel on never reaching his full potential – and why he blames Liverpool
Honest words from the former Reds winger.
- How Liverpool’s loanees performed last week
Including Awoniyi’s dream comeback.
Firmino Wants to Develop Further
Roberto Firmino once again showed what a talismanic figure he can be for Liverpool, scoring in the 4-3 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
It was his 45th Premier League goal—the most by a Brazilian since the league’s inception in 1992—and although he is honoured to have broken that record, he says there is still more to come.
“I am proud of that, but never satisfied,” Firmino told Liverpool FC Magazine.
“I always want more, to grow and develop further every day with objectives and targets to achieve.
“I don’t want to stop here. I want to crack on and develop even further and make a name for myself.”
Firmino may sometimes come across as a laid-back figure, but he is a born winner who is vital to the success of this Liverpool side.
Kent “Settled” at Rangers
Ryan Kent has impressed throughout his loan spell with Rangers this season, leading many to believe he could remain at Ibrox permanently.
The Liverpool forward has hinted as much, admitting he has never felt more “settled” during his young career to date.
“I have bought into Rangers since I got here, it is an unbelievable club and the fans are brilliant,” Kent told Rangers TV.
“I think with the team we have now it is a really good squad but when you are playing in those games, the big derby games, it makes you realise what a big club it is.
“This is the most settled I have been at a club, I think just the way I have been welcomed into the team, the people I have got around me in regards to the coaches has made me feel really settled here.
“I am enjoying my football which is the main thing, I think when you are in an environment where you are comfortable then that is when you get the best performances out of your game.”
Steven Gerrard‘s men return to Scottish Premiership action for the first time in 2019 on Wednesday, with Kent hoping to play a key role away to Kilmarnock.
Lewtas Pleased for Jaros
Liverpool’s U18s are in FA Youth Cup fourth-round action on Monday night, as they take on Accrington Stanley in St Helens.
Manager Barry Lewtas is likely to start Vitezslav Jaros in goal and he has praised the youngster’s form and spoken of his pleasure at seeing him train at Melwood last week:
“He has been great this season and done really well for us. His distribution has been a real plus and we’ve got him playing out from the back.
“He can play longer passes into the No. 9, he can play over the top and he is calm in possession.
“He has done extremely well and for us as well, because of the way we play, we have been a bit open at times but we know we’ve got a goalkeeper who can keep us in games.
“He’s had plenty of work, maybe a bit too much, but it’s a great experience for him to go up to Melwood.”
Kickoff at the Totally Wicked Stadium is at 7pm (GMT)—keep an eye out for This is Anfield’s match report.
Why Salah Could Be a Target for Referees
Mohamed Salah is dominating the headlines right now, with his apparent penchant for going down too easily irking those of a non-Liverpool persuasion.
Writing in the Mail, referee Mark Clattenburg described the manner in which Salah goes to ground, claiming it isn’t working in his favour:
“One thing I have noticed is that when Salah goes down to try to win penalties, his hands go above his head.
“This is what officials look for when trying to see if a player has simulated.
“Usually, if you are knocked over, you put your hands straight out to break your fall.
“Until the introduction of VAR, if a player simulates, a suspension should follow—irrespective of the referee’s decision.”
While Liverpool’s top scorer clearly dived against Palace, it is worth noting that all of the penalties he has won this season have been fouls.
A narrative is building, and unfairly so.
Johnson Announces Retirement
Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old joined the Reds from Portsmouth for £17.5 million in the summer of 2009, showcasing his attacking quality during six years on Merseyside.
Though not always the most popular of figures as time went on, Johnson always gave his all, and played his part in Liverpool almost winning the 2013/14 Premier League title.
In total, he made exactly 200 appearances, scoring nine times.
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