Two of Jurgen Klopp‘s player were not seen in training on Friday, and the club’s former sporting director is to return, but not directly to Liverpool.
Julian Ward returns for FSG
The club’s hierarchy and that of owners FSG continues to develop with news that Ward, who left his role as sporting director in 2023, is to return as a technical director.
National outlets such as the Telegraph, Mail and the Echo all report that Ward has been persuaded back by FSG’s new CEO of Football, Michael Edwards.
Ward is to be employed by FSG and, therefore, his role will extend beyond Liverpool, and that is likely to include the pursuit for a second club.
On this, former Benfica technical director Pedro Marques is also coming on board as Director of Football Development – so plenty to look out for on this front!
It’s a big development and feels a lot like the band getting back together, minus Jurgen Klopp, of course!
Robertson & Jota miss training
Liverpool’s players trained on Friday in preparation for Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, but two players were absent.
Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota were not pictured alongside their teammates, immediately raising doubts over their involvement at Villa Park.
Liverpool’s squad in training on Friday:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian, Mrozek
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Tsimikas, Bradley
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Jones, Endo, Gravenberch, Bajcetic, McConnell, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez, Gordon
Nothing has been reported yet regarding Robertson’s fitness, while Jota hasn’t featured since the 3-1 win at Fulham because of a hip issue and will not be expected to take any part on Monday.
5 things today: Alisson call-up & Quansah claim
- Alisson‘s season has been extended with a place in Brazil’s Copa America squad – can’t he just have the summer off!
- Klopp has hinted at a new centre-back order after Quansah’s surprise inclusion of late – should he start ahead of Konate at Aston Villa?
- Everton have WITHDRAWN their appeal against their latest points deduction – administration is now possible! Rivalry aside, that would be grim!
- Jordan Henderson could be SOLD after less than 6 months at Ajax – what a nightmare he’s had since leaving Liverpool
- Klopp will do “absolutely everything” he can to avoid a ban for his final Liverpool game. That would be so cruel on such a special day!
Latest Liverpool FC News
- Journalist Nicolas Saavedra says Darwin Nunez is “not urgently thinking about an exit” from Liverpool – Klopp has admitted he doesn’t expect him to leave! (Sport)
- Liverpool are working on signing a new centre-back this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. With Matip leaving, this is bound to happen, right? (The Debrief)
- Matt Beard has been nominated for the Barclays Women’s Super League Manager of the Season award – it’s richly deserved (LFC)
Other chat from elsewhere
- Erik ten Hag isn’t worried about being sacked by Man United because the owners have “common sense.” That would make us worried to be honest, Eric! (Sky Sports)
- Bayer Leverkusen have an all-time record of 49 matches unbeaten in all competitions. What a remarkable job Xabi Alonso is doing! (Sky Sports)
- Man City‘s first penalty in their 5-1 win over Wolves should not have been awarded, according to an independent panel. Well, what a surprise! (BBC Sport)
Video of the day and match of the night
Klopp conducted his penultimate pre-match Liverpool press conference on Friday and was in typically entertaining form:
Match of the night is Doncaster vs. Crewe (8pm BST), in the second leg of their League Two playoff semi-final clash.
The hosts won 2-0 in the first leg, putting them firmly in control of the tie.
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