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Even Klopp is 'overwhelmed' by remarkable Liverpool – The Warm-Up

May 18, 2022

Wednesday’s big stories

Liverpool continue to do other-worldly things

Liverpool are two games away from a quadruple. To repeat, Liverpool Football Club are two games of association football away from potentially winning four trophies in one season.

Premier League

‘What can I say?’ – Klopp hails ‘outstanding’ Liverpool as title race goes to final day

9 HOURS AGO

Two wins do not guarantee the quadruple as they need an assist from former player Steven Gerrard, whose current employers, Aston Villa face Man City – a point ahead of Liverpool – in the last game of the season while the Reds welcome Wolves to Anfield.

However, to be two games away from winning a quadruple is a remarkable achievement; to actually achieve it – in the modern era – will be beyond remarkable. Re-remarkable, if you will?

Tuesday night’s win against Southampton – after making nine changes – meant they are still the only side yet to lose a Premier League match in 2022, remaining unbeaten in 18 matches this year – winning 15 and drawing three. Their only reverse this calendar year was a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the second leg of their last-16 tie they won 2-1 on aggregate.

It is genuinely other-worldly stuff. So much so in fact, that it has left Jurgen Klopp overwhelmed.

“Outstanding, what can I say about this group? It’s been overwhelming, it’s been really touching what the boys did,” he said after their latest comeback win.

“I told them after the game in a little analysis, the situation is pretty much a crime, that [Takumi] Minamino doesn’t play more often, that [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain is in outstanding shape but is not part of the squad very often.

“How they didn’t play for a long time, Curtis [Jones] didn’t play for a long time and all these boys deliver and deliver and deliver and it’s unbelievable.

“Making nine changes and this kind of performance is absolutely exceptional I have to say. Really happy, we keep going.”

The Warm-Up will finish as it started: Liverpool are just two games away from a potential quadruple. Two games. Remarkable.

‘Absolutely exceptional’ – Klopp hails Daniels’ bravery in announcing he is gay

‘He’s shook up, bleeding, angry’

Nottingham Forest were beaten at home for only the second time this season on Tuesday night, going down 2-1 to Sheffield United in their Championship play-off semi-final. That result sent the two-legged tie to penalties.

There, the brilliant Brice Samba made three penalty saves to add to his excellent collection of saves during the match, as evidenced below.

It would take an astonishing turn of events for Samba not to be the sole story after a performance of such brilliance.

Alas, that astonishing turn of events was forthcoming. Because someone – inexplicably – decided to, in the midst of a pitch invasion, headbutt Billy Sharp.

“It’s assault. We’ve seen one of our players attacked,” said Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom afterwards.

“He’s shook up, bleeding, angry. It’ll be dealt with.

“There will be something done about that. We’ve seen what’s happened, we know what’s happened.

“There’s a prison sentence there without a doubt.”

Nottingham Forest are making a first trip to Wembley since 1992, and one of English football’s great and storied clubs are on the cusp of a return to the top flight. Yet, that, alas, is not the story.

Ronaldo joins a gym

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined a gym. The Cpase health club in Knutsford to be precise. And it surprised locals too.

IN THE CHANNELS

Here is Robbie Savage being Robbie Savage. Fair play.

HAT-TIP

“Anger, resentment and mockery. Andreas Christensen’s name is provoking a lot of negative emotion among the Chelsea fanbase as his 10-year stay at Stamford Bridge draws to a close.”

Simon Johnson details how Andreas Christensen’s contract talks collapsed and why he is on the brink of a move to Barcelona.

COMING UP

Hold up, the Europa League final is taking place before the Europa Conference League final? Scandalous.

Anyway, Andi Thomas will be here to pick through the remnants of Eintracht Frankfurt against Rangers.

Premier League

Matip the hero as Liverpool send title race to the wire

13 HOURS AGO

Premier League

Klopp: Salah, Van Dijk to miss Southampton but ‘no doubt’ for CL final

YESTERDAY AT 21:57

‘What can I say?’ – Klopp hails ‘outstanding’ Liverpool as title race goes to final day

May 17, 2022

Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his relentless Liverpool side, who came back from behind to beat Southampton 2-1, salvaging all three points on the South Coast.

The win means the much-anticipated title race goes down to the final day of the season, where Manchester City now require a win at home to Aston Villa to secure the Premier League title.

Klopp made nine changes to his side with Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk among the players absent, as a second-string Liverpool side fought back from behind after going a goal down after 13 minutes.

Premier League

Klopp: Salah, Van Dijk to miss Southampton but ‘no doubt’ for CL final

YESTERDAY AT 21:57

Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp branded his Liverpool group as “outstanding”, as the Reds keep their quadruple hopes alive.

Outstanding, what can I say about this group? It’s been overwhelming, it’s been really touching what the boys did.

“How they didn’t play for a long time, Curtis [Jones] didn’t play for a long time and all these boys deliver and deliver and deliver and it’s unbelievable.

“Making nine changes and this kind of performance is absolutely exceptional I have to say.

Really happy, we keep going.

Nathan Redmond opened the scoring for Southampton, before Minamino and Joel Matip completed the comeback for the Reds.

‘Absolutely exceptional’ – Klopp hails Daniels’ bravery in announcing he is gay

Talking about his special group of players, Klopp said: “I ask for a lot to be honest, and I’m not sure if that’s ok [laughs].

“I saw them enjoying the game, I saw them really playing football against a side who was obviously ready to go for us, to press us.

“I’m really proud of the boys, it’s so big this second part of the season since January.”

Premier League

‘UEFA, my friends’ – Klopp hits out again at scheduling

YESTERDAY AT 13:03

The Emirates FA Cup

Klopp ‘master of making Liverpool underdogs’ – Tuchel

14/05/2022 AT 08:58

Premier League LIVE – Everton v Brentford

May 15, 2022

Follow the Premier League live Football match between Everton and Brentford with Eurosport. The match starts at 4:30 PM on May 15th, 2022.

Catch the latest Everton and Brentford news and find up to date Premier League standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

Football fans can read breaking Football news headlines, interviews, expert commentary and watch replays. Keep up with what’s happening in the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from football to tennis, cycling, snooker and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Serie A LIVE – Napoli v Genoa

May 15, 2022

Follow the Serie A live Football match between Napoli and Genoa with Eurosport. The match starts at 2:00 PM on May 15th, 2022.

Catch the latest Napoli and Genoa news and find up to date Serie A standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from football to tennis, cycling, snooker and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Mahrez misses late penalty as Man City held at West Ham to take title race to the wire

May 15, 2022

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates scoring his side’s second goal with team mate Manuel Lanzini during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on May 15, 2022 in London, United Kingdom

Image credit: Getty Images

Opinion: Signing Kante would be another gamble for United, but Ten Hag should take it

May 15, 2022

Rumours suggest that Erik ten Hag is prioritising the signing of N’Golo Kante from Chelsea – a fine player but one who represents another gamble.

United have not fared well with their signings of veterans. Edinson Cavani has given the club one good half-season, before cutting a frustrated figure unable to properly influence the game. Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived, promptly showing why he was better suited to life playing MLS in Chicago. Nemanja Matic is well liked, it appears, but he offers nothing on the pitch. Alexis Sanchez was an absolute disaster.

You can make an exception, of course, for the exceptional Cristiano Ronaldo. But for the most part players arrive at United and then start or continue their decline. It is not a phenomenon unusual to the club, but under Alex Ferguson, he generally got his guesses right. Robin van Persie’s last hurrah won a Premier League and his new manager’s retirement, Laurent Blanc had a rocky start but a title-winning finish, and Teddy Sheringham helped lead the forward line to secure a treble.

Transfers

Man City give United boost in chase for De Jong – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 22:04

When things are going well, the mind can transcend the rigours of the body and a new setting can be invigorating, but a club in freefall can exacerbate those who are already physically tired and aching.

The gamble for United’s incoming manager is whether or not he believes he can not just arrest the club’s decline, but if he can improve the atmosphere to the point that he can give Kante a few more years of enthusiasm.

It is not clear how enthusiastic Kante is to remain at Stamford Bridge, after all.

Kante remains a regular in the first team under Thomas Tuchel, but there are rumours that he could be sacrificed in order to effect a rebuild. There is a logic to putting him up for the chop. He has a year left on his current deal, and the club are not yet able to offer him fresh terms as they are subject to restrictions stemming from Roman Abramovich’s ownership. That could soon be resolved, but the current policy is to offer players over 30 just a single-year extension. Overall, that makes sense in order to end up protected from expensive and aged mistakes, but Kante is a wonderful player. Indeed, he may still be committed to live in London, as Eurosport France’s Julien Pereira says: “RMC said he had refused a transfer to PSG this summer.”

For United, assuming Kante stays fit, it is clear where he would fit in. Matic was brought in as a holding player by Jose Mourinho, and Fred was used by both the Portuguese and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sit deep until Ralf Rangnick let him show more closer to the goal. Scott McTominay improves from one season to the next, but only a few really expect him to become an essential fixture in a title-winning side. There is a desperate need for a destructive player who can also move the ball quickly. Kante does both of those things.

With Paul Pogba also due to leave, there is a lack of experience in the middle of the park. Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Cavani will also be on their way.

However, Pereira hints at the beginning of a potential problem: fitness. “With Les Bleus, he is still essential for Didier Deschamps even if he has missed a lot of matches in recent months due to injuries,” he writes.

Edinson Cavani

Image credit: Getty Images

“[Monaco midfielder Aurelien] Tchouameni was impressive when he replaced him, and he is currently the best French midfielder.”

Ultimately, Ten Hag may see it as a risk worth taking. There is a lot of experience walking out of the club this summer, and a lack of players who know what it takes to win. The Premier League, Champions League and World Cup – Kante has them all and was instrumental in winning each of them. He has played for a team with limited means at Leicester, with the resources of Chelsea, and offered essential support to a fluid team with Deschamps’ France. If Chelsea are willing to let him go for a relatively small sum then it may be hard to turn down given reports of £150 million being the limit of United’s transfer budget.

Yes, it is a gamble, but when United have fallen this far they have little choice but to hope one of them finally comes off in their favour.

Transfers

United chase De Jong, Nunez and Richarlison ahead of Ten Hag arrival – Paper Round

13/05/2022 AT 05:48

Football

Garnacho stars as Man Utd beat Nottingham Forest to win FA Youth Cup

11/05/2022 AT 21:55

Premier League LIVE – Tottenham v Burnley

May 15, 2022

Follow the Premier League live Football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley with Eurosport. The match starts at 12:00 PM on May 15th, 2022.

Catch the latest Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley news and find up to date Premier League standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from football to tennis, cycling, snooker and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Tottenham up into fourth place with narrow win over struggling Burnley

May 15, 2022

Tottenham Hotspur leapfrogged arch-rivals Arsenal into the top four with a narrow 1-0 victory over a stubborn Burnley side who remain at risk of relegation in the Premier League.

Harry Kane converted from the spot on the stroke of half-time after Ashley Barnes was penalised for handball, a decision which proved decisive as Spurs took one step closer to Champions League football, while Burnley look nervously over their shoulders at the dreaded relegation zone with Leeds and Everton in action later in the day.

Spurs dominated the opening exchanges but were left frustrated by a resilient Burnley defence and inspired Nick Pope in the visiting goal. However, their resistance was broken right on half-time. VAR and referee Kevin Friend awarded Spurs a penalty with Barnes handling inside the box, putting the ball on a plate for Kane who made no mistake from 12 yards.

Premier League

Salah, De Bruyne, Son and Saka on shortlist for Premier League Player of the Season award

13/05/2022 AT 10:40

Burnley came out fighting in the second half and came within a lick of paint to an equaliser, with Barnes almost making amends with a long-range effort which struck the post. Spurs came closest to a second when Pope brilliantly denied Son from close-range, but the hosts held their nerve to secure a precious three points in their quest for the Champions League.

Spurs travel to already relegated Norwich City on the final day of the season next Sunday where victory will be the only thing on their minds. As for Burnley, they have a game in hand to play away at Aston Villa on Thursday evening, where they too will be desperate to win and boost their chances of survival.

TALKING POINT

Contentious VAR. This was the kind of game that was going to be decided on a moment of magic or a moment of controversy, it was the latter which prevailed. With just one replay, the consensus around the place was that referee Kevin Friend was going to point to the spot after looking for himself. The consensus was correct. Barnes’ arm did appear to be in an unnatural position, despite the vehement protests from the Burnley players and staff. When you concede a penalty to Spurs, there is typically only one outcome. Kane stepped up and could not have placed the ball anymore perfectly into the corner, leaving Pope rooted to the spot and Burnley reliant on Brentford and Brighton to do them a favour later today.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Nick Pope. If it wasn’t for Pope, Spurs could have been out of sight long before the penalty. He produced countless saves, some routine and some quite remarkable. Kane and Son, two of the most prolific finishers in the league, were left wondering how many more times they would have to bang their heads against the brick wall that was the Burnley goalkeeper. With performances like that, not only from Pope but from the team collectively, their chances of survival are still alive and kicking. However, defeat does leave them in a predicament and there is no shying away from that fact. The clock is ticking, the tension is rising, but the belief will remain unwavered based on the character shown by the Clarets today.

PLAYER RATINGS

Spurs: Lloris 6, Sanchez 6, Dier 6, Davies 6, Emerson 6, Hojbjerg 6, Bentancur 6, Sessegnon 7, Lucas 6, Son 7, Kane 7.

Subs: Rodon 5, Kulusevski 5.

Burnley: Pope 8, Roberts 6, Lowton 6, Collins 6, Long 6, Taylor 6, McNeil 6, Cork 6, Brownhill 6, Barnes 6, Cornet 6.

Subs: Lennon 5, Weghorst 5.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

45+7’ PENALTY TO SPURS!

A VAR check has taken place for a potential penalty to Spurs and referee Kevin Friend, after looking at the monitor, has pointed to the spot. The ball has struck Barnes’ arm which does appear to be in an unnatural position. Kane will step up for Spurs…

45+8’ GOAL! SPURS 1-0 BURNLEY (KANE)

Was there ever any doubt? Spurs take the lead with the final kick of the first half! The penalty guru steps up and buries the ball into the bottom left corner to give Spurs a slender advantage at the break. What a frantic end to the opening 45 minutes!

KEY STATS

Four of the last five matches between Spurs and Burnley have ended 1-0. Antonio Conte’s side on the right end of the result today (Squawka)

Including shoot-outs, Harry Kane has converted his last 23 penalty attempts in all competitions for Spurs since having an attempt saved against Liverpool by Loris Karius in February 2018 (OptaJoe)

Premier League

‘If I had to put money on it’ – Neville backs Spurs to beat Arsenal to fourth

13/05/2022 AT 08:07

Premier League

Tottenham turned up for the derby, Arsenal fell apart – The Warm-Up

13/05/2022 AT 07:20

Premier League LIVE – Tottenham v Burnley

May 15, 2022

Follow the Premier League live Football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley with Eurosport. The match starts at 12:00 PM on May 15th, 2022.

Catch the latest Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley news and find up to date Premier League standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from football to tennis, cycling, snooker and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Liverpool fans criticised after jeers and boos for Prince William and national anthem

May 15, 2022

Liverpool fans were condemned for booing Prince William and the national anthem ahead of the FA Cup final.

Liverpool took on Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, and the Duke of Cambridge was introduced to the players ahead of kick-off, as president of the Football Association.

The prince was jeered and booed by fans, who also offered hand gestures to appraise the royal of their considered opinion.

The Emirates FA Cup

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Boos then rang out as the national anthem was sung in front of Prince William, who is next in line to the British throne after his father Prince Charles.

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle after the event: ‘I utterly condemn any fans who booed Prince William at Wembley today.

“The FA Cup final should be an occasion when we come together as a country. It should not be ruined by a minority of fans’ totally shameful behaviour. In this year of all years – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – this is dreadful.”

Conservative MP and former Culture Secretary Karen Bradley added: “It is utterly unacceptable and disgraceful that fans booed Prince William. I would urge the FA to take all necessary action and pursue those responsible.”

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey opined: ‘We have the most wonderful Monarch and those fans who booed do not represent their clubs or our country”

Liverpool fans have a history of booing the national anthem, with the dislike of the song linked to their dislike of the Conservative government in the 1980s, which oversaw the Hillsborough disaster and ensuing cover-up, amongst other policies and actions.

The Emirates FA Cup

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The Emirates FA Cup

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