We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, as a relatively quiet week at Anfield rumbles on.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Klopp’s message to fans after Liverpool’s Premier League setback
“We will not give up,” says the boss.
- The key changes that are aimed to produce the next top stars for Liverpool
Alex Inglethorpe explains the plans he has put in place.
- The qualities that ensure Alisson is at forefront of modern-day goalkeeping
What a signing the Brazilian has been.
- In-form striker’s next step to securing LFC future continues to elude him
He’s scored six in seven games this year.
- Why claims Liverpool have ‘bottled’ the title race are ridiculous
Richard Jolly on the claims that Liverpool have buckled under the pressure.
- Klopp’s big gamble in the title race – and games that can ensure it pays off
Will a more conservative approach come back to haunt the Reds boss?
The Latest on Ox & Brewster
Speaking to the the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool U23s manager Neil Critchley has discussed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s expected return to action in Friday’s trip to Derby County:
“It’s a possibility, yes. Obviously he’s been training with the first team now. That has been spoken about.
“I think it will depend on how he goes during this week, in terms of his training. As the manager has previously said, there’s no rush.
“We’re not getting him back for a particular game. We have to do the right thing by him.
“If that situation arises on Friday, then it will be fantastic to see Alex back on the pitch.”
It will be the 25-year-old’s first competitive football since last April, when he damaged his cruciate ligament against Roma.
Critchley’s update on Rhian Brewster wasn’t quite as positive, however, with the U23s boss adding:
“He’s bright and bubbly. He’s looking forward to stepping up his training, but he’s still a few weeks away at the moment.”
Brewster has, however, returned to full training at Melwood, which is a major step forward for the 18-year-old.
Bayern Trio Return
Bayern Munich have been boosted by the return of three key players, ahead of next Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Liverpool.
Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Leon Goretzka all trained on Tuesday, according to Sport1, giving Niko Kovac more options in midfield and attack.
David Alaba and Kingsley Coman were both absent, however, while Corentin Tolisso is a long-term absentee.
It promises to be a great occasion at the Allianz Arena, as Jurgen Klopp aims to knock out his old Bundesliga adversaries, following the 0-0 draw at Anfield in the first leg.
New Rabiot Talks Claim
A report in Paris United claims Liverpool are in talks with Adrien Rabiot’s representatives.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been linked with the Reds for a while now and the story refuses to go away, ahead of the expiry of his contract in July.
Man City and Tottenham are also thought to be in the same situation as Liverpool, but Bayern Munich’s interest has come to a halt.
Rabiot wants £8.6 million a year in wages, or £165,000 a week, with a signing-on fee of up to £12.9 million.
Liverpool Linked With Striker
According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are considering a summer bid for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez.
Luis Suarez reportedly believes his international colleague would be a superb signing for his former club, even suggesting they make a move for him.
Celta are relegation-threatened following a dismal Liga campaign, currently sitting in 17th place with 12 matches remaining.
Gomez, who has nine goals and five assists to his name this season, is very keen on a switch to Anfield—at 22, he would be an exciting long-term capture.
Grujic up for Award
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5BquPxP_nk
Marko Grujic has enjoyed an excellent spell on loan at Hertha Berlin this season, growing more influential by the game.
The midfielder’s efforts have been recognised with a nomination for the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award, given to the best young player in Germany’s top flight.
Grujic has already been up for the prize in both December and January, highlighting what a productive three months it has been.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka and RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams are also nominated, as selected by German legend Lothar Matthaus.
Critchley Frustrated by Everton Defeat
Liverpool’s U23s were beaten 2-0 by Everton on Monday night, as the Blues won the mini-derby at Anfield.
Critchley was disappointed with a number of aspects of his side’s play during the defeat, not least their defensive shortcomings, as he told LiverpoolFC.com:
“There were so many situations we could have done a lot better in defensively, one-on-one.
“We gave away too many silly free-kicks as well and didn’t deal with balls into the box. Set-pieces were a problem for us.
“At the other end, we threatened to do something but huffed and puffed in the final third.
“There were some good situations and good moments—moments where you thought something might happen but, unfortunately, nothing did happen.
“And that was due to a lack of quality, poor decision-making and at times not enough desire to actually shoot at goal.”
The loss leaves Liverpool fifth in Premier League 2, while Everton top the table and look strong favourites to be crowned champions.
Fan Comments