Selling Luis Diaz is probably the right decision for #LFC, but does throw up a few important transfer questions.
Posts by Michael Plant
Understand the decision to leave Jayden Danns out of Liverpool's pre-season tour squad was made as a precaution. Scans are currently showing no injury but #LFC feel the striker remaining at the AXA for the next two weeks is the best approach. He's expected to increase workload in that time.
Busy day of #LFC news. Bayern’s €67.5m bid for Luis Diaz turned down (details below), check on Alexander Isak’s availability, Jordan Henderson’s PL return & Colin Stewart joins as GK coach.
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
For @liverpoolecho.co.uk 🔵
Interview with Patrick Dippel about what Everton fans can expect from recent arrival Thierno Barry. Dippel signed the new #EFC striker for Basel two years ago and thinks he will bring ‘a lot of fun’ to the Premier League.
The Diogo Jota tributes continue to pour in at Anfield. Pictures don’t do justice to just how many mementos have been left; it would take about five minutes to walk from start to finish. Very poignant and moving. Stewards are reorganising the display as they’re running out of room.
Slowly, Liverpool is starting to return to some semblance of normality in the wake of an unimaginable loss. But players, staff and fans must be allowed to grieve Diogo Jota's death in their own time #LFC
There has been a clear overreaction (in some quarters) to Liverpool’s recent downturn.
Slot is correct to rotate & prioritise transfers at this stage, but perhaps his clear indifference to the final four matches could have been masked a little better. Some thoughts 👇🏼 #LFC
It would be an exaggeration to say Arne Slot implied Conor Bradley will be his first-choice right-back next season, but there were a few minor hints of his plans to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold. There do seem to be concerns about Bradley’s fitness levels, too #LFC
No news on whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will play at the CWC this summer, but Arne Slot all but confirmed the #LFC defender is Madrid-bound
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
No news on whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will play at the CWC this summer, but Arne Slot all but confirmed the #LFC defender is Madrid-bound
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
There were a few hints today that Arne Slot's focus has already shifted to what comes next. Referencing transfers, attracting players, squad rotation, and judging the points tally with four games left rather than at the end are all signs that the here and now isn't the priority.
When Liverpool lost momentum in the final months of the Klopp era, a friend of mine insisted #LFC couldn't compete with the likes of City & Real for top prizes. That myth has been well & truly dispelled under Slot. After 5 years, Liverpool is on the verge of clinching one of the big trophies again.
The big transfer question of the summer for #LFC could be whether to sign a back-up right-back or regular starter to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold (assuming he leaves, of course). Conor Bradley's role in that will be key and Arne Slot's comments today could be interpreted either way.
Mikel Arteta referenced Arsenal’s lack of consistency last night after the draw against Palace. That combined with their habit of letting leads slip has been the difference with #LFC this season & why the title race will likely be wrapped up before May.
It feels like several members of Arne Slot’s squad could be playing for their futures over the coming weeks. Of that group, Luis Diaz has really stamped his authority since the int break. Could he even force his way into next season’s plans? #LFC
Just a few weeks' ago, there was a feeling of uncertainly over whether Liverpool would be in a place to compete for the title next season. That's gone now with news of Salah's contract and expected accountment of Van Dijk. Even Slot said he expects more trophies to follow. #LFC
Virgil van Dijk yesterday confirmed he has made 'progress' on contract talks with Liverpool, but wouldn't be drawn into the nature of those discussions. Along with comments made last week, the signs look promising for #LFC
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
There has been an overreaction at times to recent #LFC displays, but no-one can deny there's an overall downward trend since the turn of the year. The stats back that up. None of the last six performances have been particularly impressive - it's a worrying pattern that needs to be addressed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold news throws up more questions than answers for #LFC and the club's next step. Sorting other contracts and signing a new right-back are clear priorities. Immediate reaction (online, at least) suggests it could be a difficult final few months as a Liverpool player for TAA.
Spoke to Yossi Benayoun at the weekend. He clearly still has a real sense of connection with #LFC & joked he wouldn't change team at HT in legends match v Chelsea. He also hasn't forgotten his disagreements with Rafa Benitez that resulted in 2010 exit.
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
Peter Crouch spoke of his son’s excitement at seeing him play for #LFC ahead of today’s friendly. So, safe to assume he enjoyed the two-goal contribution off the bench. Steven Gerrard also rolled back the years from midfield at Anfield.
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
It might just be a charity match, but Natasha Dowie’s inclusion in today’s #LFC legends squad marks another step forward for the women’s game. She spoke yday about not being able to play football at school but today lines up with Steven Gerrard in front of the biggest crowd of her life.
Arne Slot chose not to bite back when asked about PSG’s comments since last week. It’s not in his nature to stoke tensions, but Slot clearly doesn’t agree with certain views on the first leg & expects a different match tonight. Some thoughts on yesterday’s busy day of press conferences. 👇🏼 #LFC
Yeah basically. Less swearing in Slot’s version although they did agree on a few of the things he said.
Worth noting Slot and the FA have a slightly different version of events for the 'we blame you if we don't win the league' bit. Could have been 3-match ban for Slot had he not admitted guilt and apologised. Same for Hulshoff. All a bit unsavoury. #LFC
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...
James McConnell has returned to the #LFC U21s over the last two games and was the standout player yesterday v Middlesbrough. That might be expected, but Arne Slot will be pleased to see him dominate at his own age group.
Pretty disastrous day for Newcastle, who lose Antony Gordon for the Carabao Cup final, suffered three fresh injury issues & had to replace Alexander Isak late on. Plenty to keep an eye on over the next two weeks ahead of final v #LFC.
Liverpool U21s repeatedly denied by an outstanding performance from Boro keeper Shea Connor this afternoon at Kirkby. Made at least three incredible saves - even the home fans had to applaud. At the other end, a comical own-goal proved to be the difference. #LFC
There's no denying that Liverpool deserved three points yesterday, thanks to Arne Slot's tactical tweak. But it could have been very different had Man City exploited Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive deficiencies. #LFC
Spoke to Virgil van Dijk after the Villa game. He said Man City have the quality to challenge for the title again next season and is not concerned about Liverpool's recent dip in form. #LFC
www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc...