Klopp makes Reds commitment & Haaland interest ‘genuine’ – Liverpool FC Roundup

March 9, 2021
This Is Anfield

Liverpool are preparing for their Champions League clash with Leipzig so we’ve got all the build-up there, plus rumour-mill chatterings on signings.

Reds one of several with “genuine” interest in Haaland

The entire footballing world would be in for Erling Haaland this summer if Borussia Dortmund indicate they’ll sell, that’s for sure.

So far, out of BVB has simply come a ‘no thanks’ message when it comes to the potential of his exit, but ESPN take a different view, suggesting the fact they could get well over €100m for him this summer – and only €75m next year due to his release clause – might mean they sell now.

That could be especially pertinent if they don’t get a top-four finish.

Liverpool are one of a number said to have legit desires to land the Norwegian striker, though we’re not placed at the head of the queue due to our drop-off this season and the fact we won’t have Champions League to offer (more than likely).

Rather than money, though, the report says Haaland will favour the “most enticing challenge and the most compelling story”.

Make it happen!

Jurgen rules himself out of Germany job

And if we sign Haaland, who better to make him world-class than a man who has already taken several other forwards to that level?!

Thankfully, we already have the boss in place for a few more years yet, with Klopp saying he’s ‘not available’ for the Germany job after being instantly linked with it on Tuesday, with news that Jogi Low is leaving.

Jurgen Norbert is staying right where he is, he wants you to know.

“I have three years left at LFC don’t I? It’s simple. You sign a contract and you stick to that contract. I stuck to contracts at Mainz and Dortmund.”

Let’s get this team back to winning ways and climbing back up the table, then worry about new signings for the best boss in the business.

Countdown to Leipzig

Two goals up, neutral territory, home leg, Leipzig in form…you know the drill by now. Here’s all the lead-up to the second leg.

Gini says the current run of form wouldn’t have happened if fans were in the stadium to give the players an extra boost
Bobby Firmino was absent from training but Ozan Kabak returned, in our last session before heading out for the Puskas Arena
And Leipzig boss Nagelsmann is hoping for a “crazy” comeback from his team and says they’ll be taking risks

Quickfire LFC news

A handful of really bad stats highlight how bad we’re faring at Anfield this year (TIA)

Kabak says he’s had a tough time adapting at Liverpool but is feeling better all the time (Independent)

Here’s every word from Jurgen’s pre-Leipzig press conference (TIA)

And French media say nothing has changed re: Mbappe to Liverpool, and label the saga a “sea serpent” for how it keeps reappearing in the news. Which, you know, they’re writing themselves. Weirdos (SW)

Around the Prem

The Prem may be cut down from 20 teams to accommodate a bigger Champions League fixture list (TIA)

Mbappe’s wages mean Man City won’t go for him, which is a bit weird considering they wanted €1m-a-week Messi last summer mid-pandemic (Athletic)

Real Madrid hope Bale’s upturn in form means they’ll be able to flog him more easily in the summer, because why would you want to play an in-form goalscorer you own (Mail)

And Man United are circling aimlessly and pointlessly around Kingsley Coman after he ‘turned down’ Bayern’s first offer of a renewed deal (Mail)

Weird Tweet of the day

Liverpool FC and the president of Namibia crossover? Ok then!

We the supporters of Liverpool @LFC have been walking alone for a while now. Sadly, we are becoming orphans because our team is dying.

— Dr Hage G. Geingob (@hagegeingob) March 7, 2021