Klopp makes his future clear & Reds linked with new CB – Liverpool FC Roundup

February 15, 2021
This Is Anfield

Liverpool are preparing for a crucial Champions League match on Tuesday so our news focuses on Leipzig build-up and the latest rumours regarding the Reds.

Konsa linked but Upamecano is done

No longer will there be ‘Upamecano to Liverpool’ headlines – or not for a couple of years anyway – as he is now off to Bayern Munich.

However, the Reds have already moved on from that – the new name in the frame is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.

The central defender is on our radar, as well as Spurs’, over a potential summer move according to reports in the Athletic.

He’s due for an England call-up after an impressive season, suggests David Ornstein, and with just over two years left on his contract we’re keeping tabs with a view to a summer move.

There’s a Sven Botman update in there too, though the messages are mixed.

Klopp has zero plans to depart

Jurgen was questioned about weekend rumours over his ‘departure’ from Anfield in his pre-game press conference and had a pretty good reply ready:

“Did I get the sack or did I leave?!”

The boss made it quite clear that he has no plans to leave any time soon, thanked the fans for a brilliant banner outside Anfield showing support and said he’s full of energy to get us back to winning ways.

“I see it as a challenge, an interesting challenge. We will sort it by playing football, sticking even more together, by fighting with all we have and learning more than each season before – that’s the plan we have.”

Jurgen’s not having any of your nonsense, Twitterbook. Get off the keyboards and get behind the Reds!

Pros and cons for the players

Not too many positives in terms of players back from injury just yet, though Naby Keita is now in full training – but won’t feature against Leipzig.

Fabinho didn’t return to training on Monday so won’t be involved in the Champions League, while Milner also missed out
Hendo says the players take “full responsibility” for the recent results and implores everybody to stick together to come through this run stronger
And more rumours were given short shrift: a ‘fight’ between Alisson and Andy Robbo has been laughed off by the skipper

Quickfire LFC news

Here’s the fantastic show of support from fans for the boss after a tough recent time (TIA)

Dirk Kuyt says Klopp has “problems” with a Sky journalist and the two are at each other every time they meet post-game (SW)

Declan Rice says it was a “big lesson” trying to play in midfield against Thiago recently (Mirror)

And here’s every word from Jurgen Klopp‘s pre-match presser (TIA)

Around the Prem

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard will cost Arsenal £15m. Not bad, since playing Lacazette constantly costs them about £90m in missed CL fees every year (Express)

Bayern are going back in for Max Aarons of Norwich as they look to revamp their defence entirely (Mail)

Daniel Sturridge has been offered to Newcastle – it’s mad he still has no club! (90 Mins)

And not Prem-related, but possibly Reds-related for summer dealings: Marco Rose is leaving ‘Gladbach to take over at Dortmund at the end of the season (BBC)

Stupid VAR moment of the day

It could be any manager from any game, but this time it’s Hasenhuttl and Saints after their loss against Wolves.

“I don’t know what Mr Atkinson saw today, but they are not doing a good job at the moment. It is that simple. VAR is destroying the game, that’s right.”