We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Friday, as Jurgen Klopp holds his pre-Man City press conference.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Pep claims Ederson will miss City’s trip to Anfield
Another injury blow for the champions.
- Henderson returns to training – but Klopp faces big call
Does he start the skipper Man City?
- Klopp plans to meet Sean Cox on Sunday
A special day for the recovering Liverpool fan.
- Boss urges all of Anfield to play its part vs. City
“Everybody in the stadium has to be in an absolutely top shape.”
- Wijnaldum explains how Liverpool’s mentality has changed
The Reds have a never-say-die attitude.
- Watch Klopp’s pre-City press conference
The boss was in good form at Melwood.
Henderson on his Career Turning Point
Jordan Henderson was nearly sold to Fulham back in 2012, as part of a swap deal for Clint Dempsey, just a year after he had moved to Anfield from Sunderland.
Reflecting on his decision to turn down an exit, Henderson described it as a “turning point” in his career:
“That was a crucial period in my career. Not only my Liverpool career but my career in general.
“I thought that moment was big, and it was a tough moment, but one that I feel helped me, looking back now.
“I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t have that moment. It was tough at the time but thankfully it worked out okay in the end.
“To be fair to Brendan [Rodgers], he was brilliant with me after that point; he helped me grow as a player and as a person, and I really matured under him.
“It was a blessing in disguise really.”
Henderson will never be without his detractors, but he has forged an impressive career since almost moving to Craven Cottage.
He replaced Steven Gerrard as Liverpool skipper and lifted the Champions League trophy last season—captaining the Reds to Premier League glory would arguably ensure legendary status.
Salah’s Sensible Approach to Title Talk
Mohamed Salah hasn’t been at his unplayable best this season, but he has still contributed eight goals in 16 appearances, as well as registering five assists.
The Egyptian will be a key figure when Liverpool and City lock horns on Sunday, in the biggest game of 2019/20 so far.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Salah has played down the Reds’ six-point advantage in the title race, saying nothing will be decided this weekend:
“They were talking about that [title race] in December last year when we were six or seven points ahead saying it was over.
“It’s not over, it’s three games. If you have a bad period you can be in trouble again.
“Even if we win it’s still a long way, it’s only November and way too early to talk about the Premier League.”
It is a wonderful opportunity for Liverpool to pull nine points ahead of their rivals, but things won’t truly take shape until the second half of the campaign.
City Concerned About Repeat of Bus ‘Attack’
City’s team bus was infamously pelted with bottles by a minority of Liverpool supporters back in 2018, prior to the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Anfield.
It became an incident that was ultimately exaggerated by City, although those guilty of throwing objects were rightly lambasted.
The Guardian are now reporting that the champions “have sought assurances from Liverpool of a safe passage to Anfield” this weekend.
They are believed to be concerned that a repeat of 2018 could happen, with the two clubs in “constant dialogue” regarding the issue.
Klopp said in his pre-match press conference: “All of us have to make sure that something like this will never happen again.”
Brewster Called Up by England U21s
Rhian Brewster has been called up for England under-21s duty, as he continues to push forward in his career.
The 19-year-old will hope to start for the Young Lions in their U21 Euro qualifiers away to Albania (Nov 15) and the Netherlands (Nov 19) this month.
Bizarrely, there is no place for Curtis Jones in any of England’s youth squads, despite an excellent start to the season.
The under-19s have had to cut their squad down from 23 players to 20, and while that may justify Jones’ exclusion slightly more, it is still a baffling omission.
However, James Norris, James Balagizi and Harvey Elliott have been named in the under-17s squad to face Denmark (Nov 15) and Czech Republic (Nov 19).
Reds Face Spurs in FA Youth Cup
Liverpool’s U18s clinched FA Youth Cup glory last season, beating City on penalties in a tense final.
The young Reds will be looking to retain their crown in 2019/20, and could win the competition back-to-back for only the second time in the club’s history.
Their third round opponents have been revealed, with Barry Lewtas‘ side facing a trip to Tottenham.
The tie has to be played before December 14, but the official date and kickoff time is yet to be confirmed.
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