Category: Liverpool

'It's the opposite' – Klopp responds to Guardiola claims

May 9, 2022
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says it certainly does not feel like everyone is supporting his team in the Premier League run-in, after claims from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola that all neutral football fans would rather see the title go to Anfield.

Speaking to beIN Sports after City went three points clear at the top of the table with a 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle, Guardiola said, “Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.”

“Of course because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition. Not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all,” he continued.

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Despite taking control of the title race with three games remaining, Guardiola was keen to make his point, saying, “Liverpool are alongside [Manchester] United as the most important team in terms of titles, legacy, history, dramas for many, many things”.

Responding to the Spaniard’s comments, Klopp said, “I live in Liverpool. Here a lot of people want us to win the league that’s for sure. But even here it’s probably only 50%.”

“I don’t know which situation Pep was in. Getting knocked out of the Champions League is difficult enough to take. But then Liverpool made it to the final. You say what you say. I have no idea if the country is supporting us. It is not the feeling I get when we go to other places, it’s actually the opposite,” he said.

Klopp admits managers sometimes make strange comments when put under pressure following a match. He knows he has been guilty of the same thing, saying, “As a manager I had this experience recently. I have said things, would I say it again? No.

“I said Tottenham play how they play but are still only fifth. It felt good at the moment but it is probably wrong.”

After what has been an incredible battle to be crowned Premier League champions, Liverpool and Manchester City now head into the final straight, with just three games standing between them and their fate.

‘Gerrard can be my successor’ – Klopp backs Villa boss for Anfield return

City are three points ahead, and their rampage against Newcastle makes them four goals better off in terms of goal difference. Guardiola’s side head to Wolves and West Ham, before finishing the season at home to Aston Villa. Whereas, Liverpool have the FA Cup final sandwiched between top-flight visits to Villa and Southampton, before taking on Wolves at Anfield on the final day.

Despite slipping further behind with their draw against Tottenham, Klopp is telling his players to take a different viewpoint.

“It’s very easy to describe our situation. We can say we drew, they won. Or we can say we were six points behind and they lost and we won. The rest is the same and we would be feeling now like we are flying,” he added.

“As human beings we decide by ourselves how we see it. I try to help the boys to see like me and would invite everybody else as well. Let’s assume we won the last game and they lost. It doesn’t make the Villa game a little bit easier at all. It just gives you another perspective.”

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Klopp and Pep are totally fine, promise! – The Warm-Up

May 9, 2022

MONDAY’S BIG STORIES

Klopp and Pep are fine

They’re fine! They’re like, totally cool with it. Seriously, water under the bridge, agree to disagree, it’s nothing. Honestly. Can we just move on now?

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

YESTERDAY AT 09:22

We’re sure Jurgen Klopp isn’t still thinking about the draw that hampered Liverpool’s title bid or Tottenham’s supposed negative football which earned them a point at Anfield on top of the six they collected against Manchester City this season.

Look, even in his own words Klopp has said it’s “fine… whatever… absolutely fine”.

Except, well, he’s anything but fine with it, taking issue with Tottenham’s 36 per cent possession (let’s hope he didn’t see Newcastle’s tally 10 minutes into the second half at City on Sunday…) and stating that “this kind of football” is not for him, featuring “world-class players” who “block all the balls” (how dare they) and deploy “smart” tactics which “makes it not easier for us” – err, isn’t that the point?
But apart from that, he’s all good, who wants the quadruple anyway, and over in Manchester so is Pep Guardiola. He’s like totally not hung up on the Champions League or anything. Seriously, he’s just super buzzed their Premier League lead is now three points with three to go.

Just see for yourself!

See! Fine.

“One week ago, nobody even…everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone,” he said, although that wasn’t quite the question.

“Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in Europe, not in [the] Premier League, because they’ve only won one in 30 years, but it’s not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.”

No problem at all, says Pep, so that settles that.

Anyway… both interviews were a nice little ‘After Eight’ to the main feast of weekend action, and while City look increasingly likely to beat Liverpool to the title, we can still look forward to a north London derby with extra edge – a place in the Champions League if Arsenal win – on Thursday, and a relegation battle where one points separates three sides.

Maybe that magic 40-point mark won’t be quite the case? Let’s see…

Kerr blimey!

Eight months ago Arsenal Women lay down the gauntlet, beating Chelsea 3-2 on the opening day of the WSL season and then winning their next five games by an aggregate of 20 goals to nil.

It meant Chelsea had some catching up to do, and a shock loss to Reading in December then had them trailing by four points in the 22-game season.

Cue the comeback, an unbeaten one at that, while costly draws for Arsenal – as well as a surprise defeat to now-relegated Birmingham City – saw them lose their grasp on a title that Chelsea would go on to win on the final day yesterday, by just the one point, with manager Emma Hayes calling it “by far and away the best one”.

They did it the hard way, too, overcoming a 2-1 half-time deficit to Manchester United before sealing a 4-2 win. They largely have Sam Kerr to thank, with the FWA Footballer of the Year somehow trumping her equalising goal…

… with an even more stunning second…

“Hallelujah!” Hayes proclaimed, as Golden Boot winner Kerr cut a delirious figure during the title celebrations.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are left picking up the pieces of a near-miss, while their next fortnight – and trophy prospects next season – will be dominated by the choice of Vivianne Miedema, who is yet to decide her future amid reports linking her with Barcelona.

“I really want to win titles,” Miedema told BBC Two yesterday. “This year I haven’t won anything. If I feel like the club is moving in that direction then maybe I [will] stay another year or two years.

“I’m speaking with the club and Jonas [Eidevall]. I will have a couple of weeks holiday and will then make a decision.”

That would be a massive loss, and a sign that the WSL still has some way to go to keep its best players – particularly if the all-conquering Barca come knocking.

IN OTHER NEWS

Hate for Hodgson

Is there a relegation etiquette? Well, there are certainly some expectations, and Roy Hodgson certainly did not meet them on Saturday, opting to applaud the Crystal Palace supporters but skipping the walk over to the Watford fans as “they were a bit too far away” at Selhurst Park.

That, plus the smiles with Wilfried Zaha and some of his other former players, did not entirely go down well with Watford’s supporters… who found it a little distasteful given the little fight their side showed in going down.

To be fair, though. Hodgson was Watford’s third manager of the season and was appointed in January, so despite being paid to care that’s as far as it stretches, really, and given he’s off in the summer he just couldn’t bother caring anyway.

Oh, and pretty funny this chap predicted it all last week!

IN THE CHANNELS

What in the-

RETRO CORNER

Whatever comes of the Todd Boehly era, we’ll just have to wait and find out. In the meantime, it’s 12 years to the day since Chelsea wrapped up their third Premier League title with an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan.

COMING UP

A relatively quiet night of football but there’s a taste League One play-off second leg as Sunderland take their 1-0 lead to Sheffield Wednesday. There’s also Fiorentina v Roma in Serie A if you fancy.

Champions League

‘No team fights like Real, historic night will be remembered for years’ – Inside Europe

05/05/2022 AT 12:34

Champions League

‘It’s their history!’ – Guardiola after Madrid stun City

05/05/2022 AT 07:17

Klopp and Pep are totally fine, promise! – The Warm-Up

May 9, 2022

MONDAY’S BIG STORIES

Klopp and Pep are fine

They’re fine! They’re like, totally cool with it. Seriously, water under the bridge, agree to disagree, it’s nothing. Honestly. Can we just move on now?

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

YESTERDAY AT 09:22

We’re sure Jurgen Klopp isn’t still thinking about the draw that hampered Liverpool’s title bid or Tottenham’s supposed negative football which earned them a point at Anfield on top of the six they collected against Manchester City this season.

Look, even in his own words Klopp has said it’s “fine… whatever… absolutely fine”.

Except, well, he’s anything but fine with it, taking issue with Tottenham’s 36 per cent possession (let’s hope he didn’t see Newcastle’s tally 10 minutes into the second half at City on Sunday…) and stating that “this kind of football” is not for him, featuring “world-class players” who “block all the balls” (how dare they) and deploy “smart” tactics which “makes it not easier for us” – err, isn’t that the point?
But apart from that, he’s all good, who wants the quadruple anyway, and over in Manchester so is Pep Guardiola. He’s like totally not hung up on the Champions League or anything. Seriously, he’s just super buzzed their Premier League lead is now three points with three to go.

Just see for yourself!

See! Fine.

“One week ago, nobody even…everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone,” he said, although that wasn’t quite the question.

“Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in Europe, not in [the] Premier League, because they’ve only won one in 30 years, but it’s not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.”

No problem at all, says Pep, so that settles that.

Anyway… both interviews were a nice little ‘After Eight’ to the main feast of weekend action, and while City look increasingly likely to beat Liverpool to the title, we can still look forward to a north London derby with extra edge – a place in the Champions League if Arsenal win – on Thursday, and a relegation battle where one points separates three sides.

Maybe that magic 40-point mark won’t be quite the case? Let’s see…

Kerr blimey!

Eight months ago Arsenal Women lay down the gauntlet, beating Chelsea 3-2 on the opening day of the WSL season and then winning their next five games by an aggregate of 20 goals to nil.

It meant Chelsea had some catching up to do, and a shock loss to Reading in December then had them trailing by four points in the 22-game season.

Cue the comeback, an unbeaten one at that, while costly draws for Arsenal – as well as a surprise defeat to now-relegated Birmingham City – saw them lose their grasp on a title that Chelsea would go on to win on the final day yesterday, by just the one point, with manager Emma Hayes calling it “by far and away the best one”.

They did it the hard way, too, overcoming a 2-1 half-time deficit to Manchester United before sealing a 4-2 win. They largely have Sam Kerr to thank, with the FWA Footballer of the Year somehow trumping her equalising goal…

… with an even more stunning second…

“Hallelujah!” Hayes proclaimed, as Golden Boot winner Kerr cut a delirious figure during the title celebrations.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are left picking up the pieces of a near-miss, while their next fortnight – and trophy prospects next season – will be dominated by the choice of Vivianne Miedema, who is yet to decide her future amid reports linking her with Barcelona.

“I really want to win titles,” Miedema told BBC Two yesterday. “This year I haven’t won anything. If I feel like the club is moving in that direction then maybe I [will] stay another year or two years.

“I’m speaking with the club and Jonas [Eidevall]. I will have a couple of weeks holiday and will then make a decision.”

That would be a massive loss, and a sign that the WSL still has some way to go to keep its best players – particularly if the all-conquering Barca come knocking.

IN OTHER NEWS

Hate for Hodgson

Is there a relegation etiquette? Well, there are certainly some expectations, and Roy Hodgson certainly did not meet them on Saturday, opting to applaud the Crystal Palace supporters but skipping the walk over to the Watford fans as “they were a bit too far away” at Selhurst Park.

That, plus the smiles with Wilfried Zaha and some of his other former players, did not entirely go down well with Watford’s supporters… who found it a little distasteful given the little fight their side showed in going down.

To be fair, though. Hodgson was Watford’s third manager of the season and was appointed in January, so despite being paid to care that’s as far as it stretches, really, and given he’s off in the summer he just couldn’t bother caring anyway.

Oh, and pretty funny this chap predicted it all last week!

IN THE CHANNELS

What in the-

RETRO CORNER

Whatever comes of the Todd Boehly era, we’ll just have to wait and find out. In the meantime, it’s 12 years to the day since Chelsea wrapped up their third Premier League title with an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan.

COMING UP

A relatively quiet night of football but there’s a taste League One play-off second leg as Sunderland take their 1-0 lead to Sheffield Wednesday. There’s also Fiorentina v Roma in Serie A if you fancy.

Champions League

‘No team fights like Real, historic night will be remembered for years’ – Inside Europe

05/05/2022 AT 12:34

Champions League

‘It’s their history!’ – Guardiola after Madrid stun City

05/05/2022 AT 07:17

'I don't like this kind of football' – Klopp slates Spurs' tactics

May 8, 2022
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hit out at Spurs’ tactics following the two sides’ 1-1 draw at Anfield that derailed the Reds’ title hopes.
Klopp – who levelled a similar accusation at Atletico Madrid in 2020 – said he “doesn’t like” the style of football Antonio Conte’s men put forward on Saturday night and urged them to contribute more to the spectacle.

He also suggested that the two sides’ respective fixture load played a part in the result, and that – in his view – it highlighted why Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple this term has historically been so difficult to achieve.

Premier League

Klopp and Pep are totally fine, promise! – The Warm-Up

6 HOURS AGO

Klopp, who saw Luis Diaz cancel out Heung-min Son’s second-half opener, said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that [defensive football], I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they [Spurs] are world-class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against us they had 36, 38 per cent possession [35% was the reported figure].

“But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Fine, whatever. fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t.

“I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.

Harry Kane and Son were completely rested, that is why it [the quadruple] is so hard.

“That is why it is so unlikely, there is a reason nobody has done it in this country.

“I would love to sit here and say [Manchester] City will drop points but I can’t see it. I wish I would think differently about it but I can’t see it. But we will see what happens.”

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

Spurs boss Conte revealed he had focussed on his team’s defensive rigour in the lead-up to the game, and hinted that to set up a more expansive team would take time.

He said: “I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection.

“At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.

“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.

“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”

Premier League

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

06/05/2022 AT 12:16

Transfers

‘We have made a deal’ – Confusion reigns over Carvalho’s future at Fulham

03/05/2022 AT 13:26

'I don't like this kind of football' – Klopp slates Spurs' tactics

May 8, 2022
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hit out at Spurs’ tactics following the two sides’ 1-1 draw at Anfield that derailed the Reds’ title hopes.
Klopp – who levelled a similar accusation at Atletico Madrid in 2020 – said he “doesn’t like” the style of football Antonio Conte’s men put forward on Saturday night and urged them to contribute more to the spectacle.

He also suggested that the two sides’ respective fixture load played a part in the result, and that – in his view – it highlighted why Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple this term has historically been so difficult to achieve.

Premier League

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

06/05/2022 AT 12:16

Klopp, who saw Luis Diaz cancel out Heung-min Son’s second-half opener, said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that [defensive football], I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they [Spurs] are world-class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against us they had 36, 38 per cent possession [35% was the reported figure].

“But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Fine, whatever. fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t.

“I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.

Harry Kane and Son were completely rested, that is why it [the quadruple] is so hard.

“That is why it is so unlikely, there is a reason nobody has done it in this country.

“I would love to sit here and say [Manchester] City will drop points but I can’t see it. I wish I would think differently about it but I can’t see it. But we will see what happens.”

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

Spurs boss Conte revealed he had focussed on his team’s defensive rigour in the lead-up to the game, and hinted that to set up a more expansive team would take time.

He said: “I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection.

“At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.

“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.

“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”

Transfers

‘We have made a deal’ – Confusion reigns over Carvalho’s future at Fulham

03/05/2022 AT 13:26

Ballon d’Or

‘Salah and Mane are your standouts’ – Crouch tips Liverpool duo for Ballon d’Or glory

03/05/2022 AT 10:23

'I don't like this kind of football' – Klopp slates Spurs' tactics

May 8, 2022
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hit out at Spurs’ tactics following the two sides’ 1-1 draw at Anfield that derailed the Reds’ title hopes.
Klopp – who levelled a similar accusation at Atletico Madrid in 2020 – said he “doesn’t like” the style of football Antonio Conte’s men put forward on Saturday night and urged them to contribute more to the spectacle.

He also suggested that the two sides’ respective fixture load played a part in the result, and that – in his view – it highlighted why Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple this term has historically been so difficult to achieve.

Premier League

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

06/05/2022 AT 12:16

Klopp, who saw Luis Diaz cancel out Heung-min Son’s second-half opener, said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that [defensive football], I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they [Spurs] are world-class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against us they had 36, 38 per cent possession [35% was the reported figure].

“But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Fine, whatever. fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t.

“I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.

Harry Kane and Son were completely rested, that is why it [the quadruple] is so hard.

“That is why it is so unlikely, there is a reason nobody has done it in this country.

“I would love to sit here and say [Manchester] City will drop points but I can’t see it. I wish I would think differently about it but I can’t see it. But we will see what happens.”

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

Spurs boss Conte revealed he had focussed on his team’s defensive rigour in the lead-up to the game, and hinted that to set up a more expansive team would take time.

He said: “I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection.

“At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.

“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.

“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”

Transfers

‘We have made a deal’ – Confusion reigns over Carvalho’s future at Fulham

03/05/2022 AT 13:26

Ballon d’Or

‘Salah and Mane are your standouts’ – Crouch tips Liverpool duo for Ballon d’Or glory

03/05/2022 AT 10:23

Liverpool held by Tottenham as Spurs dent Reds' Premier League title hopes

May 7, 2022

Liverpool’s title hopes were dented after Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Tottenham.

The Reds knew a win would send them two points clear at the top of the Premier League table above Manchester City. Although a draw moves the Merseyside club into first, City – who have a game in hand – can go three clear with a win over Newcastle on Sunday.

For Tottenham, the result means Antonio Conte’s side stay in fifth and a point behind Arsenal having played a game more than their north London rivals.

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

5 HOURS AGO

In an open first half where Liverpool dominated possession, the hosts came closest to scoring through Virgil van Dijk. In the 38th minute, he rose above Cristian Romero and Eric Dier to power a header towards goal only for it to crash off the bar.

But two minutes before half-time, Tottenham had a great chance of their own. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg unleashed a fierce drive on goal from 25 yards out which had the better of Alisson but came off the post.

Tottenham drastically improved in attack in the second half and they took the lead through Son Heung-min in the 56th minute.

Kane played in Ryan Sessegnon in plenty of space down the left flank before squaring for the South Korea international to apply a simple close-range finish for his 20th goal of the season.

Liverpool responded positively and it was Luis Diaz who got the equaliser. His shot from outside the box took a huge deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur and deceived Hugo Lloris as it flew into the bottom corner.

Mohamed Salah came close to getting a winning goal in the 89th minute with a curling shot from outside the box, but a deflection off substitute Davinson Sanchez took it off course.

And in the final moments of the match, Harry Winks crossed for Hojbjerg who had a free header from point-blank range at the far post, but he elected to square it to Kane and it was intercepted.

TALKING POINT – Have Liverpool handed Man City the title?

Liverpool have just three Premier League games left against Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A) and Wolves (H) knowing they will likely have to win them all if they are to win the title.

If there is one weakness in Liverpool’s team it is the space left when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes up in attack. So perhaps it was no great surprise Tottenham’s goal arrived through a Sessegnon assist after he was left in far too much space down Liverpool’s right flank. Liverpool’s next three opponents will likely look to exploit the same weakness again.

Any dropped points from now on will likely spell the end of their title charge. City’s remaining four games are Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), West Ham (A) and Aston Villa (H).

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ben Davies

Davies put in an excellent defensive display to contain the threat of Mohamed Salah cutting in from the right flank.

The Wales international’s timely sliding block to deny the Egyptian’s goalbound effort in the 72nd minute was a pivotal moment in the match.

PLAYER RATINGS

Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (5), Konate (6), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (5), Fabinho (6), Henderson (5), Alcantara (7), Diaz (7), Mane (6), Salah (6)

Subs: Tsimikas (5), Jota (6), Keita (N/A)

Tottenham: Lloris (6), Romero (5), Dier (6), Davies (8), Emerson (6), Bentancur (6), Hojbjerg (7), Sessegnon (6), Kulusevski (6), Son (6), Kane (6)

Subs: Sanchez (N/A), Winks (N/A), Bergwijn (N/A)

KEY MOMENTS

38′ – OFF THE BAR! Alexander-Arnold’s corner is met by Van Dijk, who towers above Romero and Dier with a powerful header and it cracks off the woodwork! That is Liverpool’s best chance of the game so far.

43′ – OFF THE POST! Tottenham’s best chance of the game so far! Hojbjerg gets plenty of space and drills a shot towards the bottom corner of Liverpool’s goal from outside the box. It beats Alisson but it smashes off the post!

56′ – GOAL! TOTTENHAM LEAD THROUGH SON!! This could be a pivotal moment in the title race and Tottenham’s pursuit of a top-four spot! Kane brings the ball down outside the box and lays it off to Sessegnon, who is in plenty of space, and he can simply square it across for Son to tap it in!

74′ – GOAL! LIVERPOOL EQUALISE THROUGH DIAZ! What an important goal for Liverpool and it’s Diaz who gets it! Diaz drops a shoulder and smashes a low shot on goal from outside the box. It takes a huge deflection off Bentancur and flies into the bottom corner! Liverpool are level!

90+4′ – BIG CHANCE SQUANDERED BY SPURS! Winks’ cross to the far post finds Hojbjerg free at the far post, but instead of attacking it he tries to square it for Kane and Liverpool can clear!

KEY STATS

Premier League

‘We should have tried’ – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

YESTERDAY AT 09:35

Champions League

‘Where are these tickets?’ – Klopp questions UEFA’s Champions League final plans

YESTERDAY AT 16:18

Liverpool held by Tottenham as Spurs dent Reds' Premier League title hopes

May 7, 2022

Liverpool’s title hopes were dented after Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Tottenham.

The Reds knew a win would send them two points clear at the top of the Premier League table above Manchester City. Although a draw moves the Merseyside club into first, City – who have a game in hand – can go three clear with a win over Newcastle on Sunday.

For Tottenham, the result means Antonio Conte’s side stay in fifth and a point behind Arsenal having played a game more than their north London rivals.

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

5 HOURS AGO

In an open first half where Liverpool dominated possession, the hosts came closest to scoring through Virgil van Dijk. In the 38th minute, he rose above Cristian Romero and Eric Dier to power a header towards goal only for it to crash off the bar.

But two minutes before half-time, Tottenham had a great chance of their own. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg unleashed a fierce drive on goal from 25 yards out which had the better of Alisson but came off the post.

Tottenham drastically improved in attack in the second half and they took the lead through Son Heung-min in the 56th minute.

Kane played in Ryan Sessegnon in plenty of space down the left flank before squaring for the South Korea international to apply a simple close-range finish for his 20th goal of the season.

Liverpool responded positively and it was Luis Diaz who got the equaliser. His shot from outside the box took a huge deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur and deceived Hugo Lloris as it flew into the bottom corner.

Mohamed Salah came close to getting a winning goal in the 89th minute with a curling shot from outside the box, but a deflection off substitute Davinson Sanchez took it off course.

And in the final moments of the match, Harry Winks crossed for Hojbjerg who had a free header from point-blank range at the far post, but he elected to square it to Kane and it was intercepted.

TALKING POINT – Have Liverpool handed Man City the title?

Liverpool have just three Premier League games left against Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A) and Wolves (H) knowing they will likely have to win them all if they are to win the title.

If there is one weakness in Liverpool’s team it is the space left when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes up in attack. So perhaps it was no great surprise Tottenham’s goal arrived through a Sessegnon assist after he was left in far too much space down Liverpool’s right flank. Liverpool’s next three opponents will likely look to exploit the same weakness again.

Any dropped points from now on will likely spell the end of their title charge. City’s remaining four games are Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), West Ham (A) and Aston Villa (H).

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ben Davies

Davies put in an excellent defensive display to contain the threat of Mohamed Salah cutting in from the right flank.

The Wales international’s timely sliding block to deny the Egyptian’s goalbound effort in the 72nd minute was a pivotal moment in the match.

PLAYER RATINGS

Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (5), Konate (6), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (5), Fabinho (6), Henderson (5), Alcantara (7), Diaz (7), Mane (6), Salah (6)

Subs: Tsimikas (5), Jota (6), Keita (N/A)

Tottenham: Lloris (6), Romero (5), Dier (6), Davies (8), Emerson (6), Bentancur (6), Hojbjerg (7), Sessegnon (6), Kulusevski (6), Son (6), Kane (6)

Subs: Sanchez (N/A), Winks (N/A), Bergwijn (N/A)

KEY MOMENTS

38′ – OFF THE BAR! Alexander-Arnold’s corner is met by Van Dijk, who towers above Romero and Dier with a powerful header and it cracks off the woodwork! That is Liverpool’s best chance of the game so far.

43′ – OFF THE POST! Tottenham’s best chance of the game so far! Hojbjerg gets plenty of space and drills a shot towards the bottom corner of Liverpool’s goal from outside the box. It beats Alisson but it smashes off the post!

56′ – GOAL! TOTTENHAM LEAD THROUGH SON!! This could be a pivotal moment in the title race and Tottenham’s pursuit of a top-four spot! Kane brings the ball down outside the box and lays it off to Sessegnon, who is in plenty of space, and he can simply square it across for Son to tap it in!

74′ – GOAL! LIVERPOOL EQUALISE THROUGH DIAZ! What an important goal for Liverpool and it’s Diaz who gets it! Diaz drops a shoulder and smashes a low shot on goal from outside the box. It takes a huge deflection off Bentancur and flies into the bottom corner! Liverpool are level!

90+4′ – BIG CHANCE SQUANDERED BY SPURS! Winks’ cross to the far post finds Hojbjerg free at the far post, but instead of attacking it he tries to square it for Kane and Liverpool can clear!

KEY STATS

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‘We should have tried’ – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

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'We should have tried' – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

May 7, 2022

Ralf Rangnick has revealed plans to sign a striker in January was turned down by the Manchester United board, which included targets such as Luis Diaz, Dusan Vlahovic and Julián Álvarez.

The United boss looked to bolster his attack after losing two forwards. Anthony Martial was loaned to Sevilla, and a few days later Mason Greenwood was arrested on January 30 on suspicion of rape, assault and threats to kill and suspended indefinitely.

Rangnick presented a number of key targets to the United hierarchy, including now Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, who has hit the ground running on Merseyside and has been considered one of the best January signings of all-time.

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VILLARREAL, SPAIN – MAY 03: Luis Diaz of Liverpool runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Qu

Image credit: Eurosport

But the interim manager had his plans turned down, before he was told the market was closed.

“I still believe that we should have tried in those 48 hours,” Rangnick explained.

“The board [at the time] sees it the same way – they agreed – but they also spoke to the scouting department at the same time.

“Maybe we should have tried to sign a player in these 48 hours since we knew Mason wouldn’t be available and Anthony Martial had already left on loan… But we didn’t.

Maybe I should have pushed even more in order to get this additional striker.

“The answer at the time was: ‘No, there is no player on the market that can really help us.’”

A few days after Diaz joined Liverpool, neighbours and bitter rivals Manchester City announced the signing of Álvarez River Plate asa long-term successor to Sergio Aguero, whilst Vlahovic joined Serie A side Juventus from Fiorentina.

Dusan Vlahovic of FC Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC v FC Juventus on May 6, 2022 in Genova, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Image credit: Eurosport

Diaz has slotted almost perfectly into the already mouth-watering Liverpool front line, scoring five times and assisting a further three since arriving at Anfield, whilst Vlahovic has scored seven since arriving in Turin.

Manchester United, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League – five points adrift of the Champions League spots with two games to go – have relied solely on 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to produce the goods in front of goal.

The former Real Madrid man has scored 24 times for the Red Devils this season, and with his time surely running out at Old Trafford, Rangnick – who will soon to be take up a consultancy role at the club – was eager to begin planning for life after the Portuguese forward.

“There were a few: Díaz who is now at Liverpool, Álvarez who will be at Man City in the summer, Vlahovic who at the time was with Fiorentina.

“So those are just three of them that come across my mind now. The answer was no and that was it. We were still in three competitions: the FA Cup, the Champions League, at the time were fourth in the league.

“I spoke to the board and told them: ‘Shouldn’t we at least speak and analyse and find if we can at least get a player, on loan or a permanent deal?’ In the end the answer was no.

Maybe they didn’t want to do any winter [business]. Forty-eight hours is 48 hours.

“It might have been at least worth to try and internally discuss it. We didn’t.”

There were doubts among the Man United board of Rangnick’s time frame of 48 hours to find a suitable replacement, especially considering the club’s policy of only signing a player in January who is a target for the summer, another factor that precluded a search for a forward.

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'We should have tried' – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

May 7, 2022

Ralf Rangnick has revealed plans to sign a striker in January was turned down by the Manchester United board, which included targets such as Luis Diaz, Dusan Vlahovic and Julián Álvarez.

The United boss looked to bolster his attack after losing two forwards. Anthony Martial was loaned to Sevilla, and a few days later Mason Greenwood was arrested on January 30 on suspicion of rape, assault and threats to kill and suspended indefinitely.

Rangnick presented a number of key targets to the United hierarchy, including now Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, who has hit the ground running on Merseyside and has been considered one of the best January signings of all-time.

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VILLARREAL, SPAIN – MAY 03: Luis Diaz of Liverpool runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Qu

Image credit: Eurosport

But the interim manager had his plans turned down, before he was told the market was closed.

“I still believe that we should have tried in those 48 hours,” Rangnick explained.

“The board [at the time] sees it the same way – they agreed – but they also spoke to the scouting department at the same time.

“Maybe we should have tried to sign a player in these 48 hours since we knew Mason wouldn’t be available and Anthony Martial had already left on loan… But we didn’t.

Maybe I should have pushed even more in order to get this additional striker.

“The answer at the time was: ‘No, there is no player on the market that can really help us.’”

A few days after Diaz joined Liverpool, neighbours and bitter rivals Manchester City announced the signing of Álvarez River Plate asa long-term successor to Sergio Aguero, whilst Vlahovic joined Serie A side Juventus from Fiorentina.

Dusan Vlahovic of FC Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC v FC Juventus on May 6, 2022 in Genova, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Image credit: Eurosport

Diaz has slotted almost perfectly into the already mouth-watering Liverpool front line, scoring five times and assisting a further three since arriving at Anfield, whilst Vlahovic has scored seven since arriving in Turin.

Manchester United, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League – five points adrift of the Champions League spots with two games to go – have relied solely on 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to produce the goods in front of goal.

The former Real Madrid man has scored 24 times for the Red Devils this season, and with his time surely running out at Old Trafford, Rangnick – who will soon to be take up a consultancy role at the club – was eager to begin planning for life after the Portuguese forward.

“There were a few: Díaz who is now at Liverpool, Álvarez who will be at Man City in the summer, Vlahovic who at the time was with Fiorentina.

“So those are just three of them that come across my mind now. The answer was no and that was it. We were still in three competitions: the FA Cup, the Champions League, at the time were fourth in the league.

“I spoke to the board and told them: ‘Shouldn’t we at least speak and analyse and find if we can at least get a player, on loan or a permanent deal?’ In the end the answer was no.

Maybe they didn’t want to do any winter [business]. Forty-eight hours is 48 hours.

“It might have been at least worth to try and internally discuss it. We didn’t.”

There were doubts among the Man United board of Rangnick’s time frame of 48 hours to find a suitable replacement, especially considering the club’s policy of only signing a player in January who is a target for the summer, another factor that precluded a search for a forward.

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