Jamie Carragher makes Liverpool and Luis Suarez admission after Vinicius Jr racism row

Jamie Carragher has advised Benfica to apologise over the alleged racist abuse towards Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, drawing on Liverpool's mistakes during the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra incident

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/carragher-vinicius-jr-suarez-benfica-33450644

Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk upset as captain replacement emerges

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said that the entire squad was left 'gutted'.

source https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2172776/Liverpool-news-Van-Dijk-Szoboszlai-injury

Former Liverpool striker makes fresh claim over Arne Slot future - 'Now is the time'

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey urges the club to stick by Arne Slot and challenges everyone at Anfield to "stand up and be counted"

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-liverpool-striker-makes-fresh-33444901

‘We will see…’ – Alexis Mac Allister’s dad speaks out amid bombshell Man United rumours

Carlos Mac Allister has spoken out amid rumours linking his son Alexis with a shock move to Manchester United.

Earlier this week, The Mirror claimed that the Old Trafford hierarchy have been eyeing a raid for the Liverpool midfielder, who Red Devils co-owner Jim Ratcliffe would be interested in snapping up if the 27-year-old were to become available.

Fabrizio Romano subsequently downplayed the likelihood of such a transfer coming off, saying that while he expects Michael Carrick’s side to be ‘really busy’ in terms of midfield recruitment in the summer, he’s ‘not aware of anything really concrete or really strong’ regarding the Argentina international.

Carlos Mac Allister addresses latest rumours involving his son

Mac Allister senior spoke exclusively to WinWin and insisted that Alexis’ only priority is to extend his current contract at Anfield, rather than going anywhere else.

He stated: “Alexis is only thinking about Liverpool at the moment. We are waiting for an offer to renew his contract. We will see what the club’s plan is.”

When asked if the Reds midfielder would consider moving overseas if no agreement can be reached on Merseyside, Carlos replied: “We’ll wait and see what happens with the renewal. That’s all.”

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

When will Liverpool begin renewal talks with Alexis Mac Allister?

This isn’t the first time that the Liverpool midfielder’s dad has felt obliged to publicly denounce transfer speculation involving the Reds’ number 10 – it’s not even the first time this month.

Only a fortnight ago, he made similar comments to above in addressing rumours of renewed interest from Real Madrid, against whom the 27-year-old scored our winning goal in a Champions League clash in November.

There would appear to be no major hurry for the relevant parties to thrash out a contract renewal, given that Mac Allister’s current deal runs to June 2028, although Carlos’ comments would suggest that Alexis is keen for Anfield chiefs to make the first move.

The Argentine will be aware that Dominik Szoboszlai – who also joined Liverpool in 2023 and has a similar contract length to the ex-Brighton midfielder – has begun negotiations with the Merseyside hierarchy over a prospective extension, and he may duly be wondering when the same will happen with him.

Realistically we don’t have to worry too much about Manchester United’s reported interest, as LFC surely wouldn’t countenance selling a key player to their biggest rivals, although the 27-year-old might be keen for renewal talks to commence sooner rather than later.

His father would most likely appreciate that, too, so that he doesn’t have to keep publicly shooting down transfer rumours surrounding our number 10.

The post ‘We will see…’ – Alexis Mac Allister’s dad speaks out amid bombshell Man United rumours appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

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Liverpool latest: Trent Alexander-Arnold future update emerges as Man Utd plot major transfer

Former Liverpool player Alexander Arnold excelled for Real Madrid at the weekend but he faces an uncertain future

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-man-utd-trent-madrid-33441955

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool return verdict reached after Chelsea and Manchester United 'approaches'

Jurgen Klopp has been back in the news this week and that's been enough for some people to ponder a return to Liverpool for the former boss

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-return-verdict-33443104

Liverpool have five games to make Premier League statement as two players near return

The Liverpool squad will return to the AXA Training Centre today after some well earned rest and ahead of a key period for the Reds

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-five-games-make-premier-33442108

Report: Federico Chiesa could yet be handed World Cup lifeline despite two-year Italy exile

Federico Chiesa could potentially be recalled to the Italy squad for their World Cup play-off in March, despite not playing for his country in nearly two years.

The Liverpool forward has been capped 51 times by the Azzurri, but the most recent of those came in their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 16 at Euro 2024, two months before he joined the Reds.

Current Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has maintained that, while he’s constantly kept in touch with the 28-year-old, it’s been the player’s decision not to return to international duty in recent months rather than his.

Gattuso remains open to calling up Chiesa next month

According to a report from Calciomercato, the ex-AC Milan midfielder met with the Azzurri’s England-based players for dinner in London recently, with Chiesa among those in attendance.

It’s claimed that Gattuso remains open to calling up the Liverpool forward for the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland in March despite previous rejections, and the two men have maintained a positive relationship.

However, the Italy coach is insistent that he’ll only select players who are all-in on their country’s mission to reach a first World Cup since 2014, having sensationally missed out on the subsequent editions in Russia and Qatar.

(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Will Chiesa be ready to end his two-year Italy exile?

Whereas many other coaches may have disregarded Chiesa for good after turning down previous call-ups, at least Gattuso seems willing to leave the door open for the Anfield cult hero, should he wish to end his two-year international exile.

The Azzurri boss is thought to have previously advised the 28-year-old to consider leaving Liverpool in order to boost his national team chances, with the forward being given just his fifth start of the season in the FA Cup win over Brighton last weekend.

Even if the Reds attacker indicates a desire to return to the Italy fold, it’d still be at the head coach’s discretion as to whether or not he’s selected, and our number 14 might be viewed as a gamble considering his sparsity of club minutes.

However, as we’ve seen at Anfield, Chiesa is capable of being the wildcard who conjures up a crucial late goal even if he’s not on the pitch for long, and that quality could be priceless for his nation in a do-or-die World Cup play-off series next month.

This may well be the Liverpool forward’s best chance of playing at the global showpiece, should his country qualify, and that might just persuade him to tell Gattuso that he’s ready to help the Azzurri to atone for missing out in 2018 and 2022.

It’s been nearly five years since he lit up Euro 2020 as Italy went on to lift the trophy. Could we yet see him attempting to inspire his nation to similar heroics in North America in the summer?

The post Report: Federico Chiesa could yet be handed World Cup lifeline despite two-year Italy exile appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

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Liverpool must now make clear transfer decision as Mohamed Salah hunger returns

In the second part of his weekly column, John Aldridge looks ahead to the Premier League visit to Nottingham Forest and has outlined Liverpool's transfer priority in the summer

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-must-now-make-clear-33433481

Ibrahima Konate Liverpool contract decision agreed after return to form and £60m transfer

Our ECHO panel have their say on what Liverpool should look to do over the future of Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract this summer

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ibrahima-konate-liverpool-contract-decision-33435930

Arne Slot comments raise hopes of Liverpool injury boost after cruel exit fears

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo faces a spell on the sidelines after the injury he picked up at Sunderland, but comments from Arne Slot suggest he could be back before the end of the season

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arne-slot-comments-raise-hopes-33429814

Liverpool sent Dominik Szoboszlai contract warning after Real Madrid transfer claim

Dominik Szoboszlai has been commanding the headlines after an impressive run of form with Liverpool this season

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-sent-dominik-szoboszlai-contract-33430375

Arne Slot faces difficult Cody Gakpo decision as Liverpool consider midfield change

Liverpool are next up against Sunderland in the Premier League with Arne Slot facing some selection posers

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arne-slot-faces-difficult-cody-33429401

Yan Diomande makes Liverpool admission as 'dream' transfer claim addressed

Yan Diomande is one of the hottest talents in Europe and Liverpool have been repeatedly linked

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/yan-diomande-makes-liverpool-admission-33430737

(Image) Liverpool fans may have wished VAR was in effect on Saturday as fairytale moment denied

VAR is the bane of many football fans’ existences, but Liverpool supporters may well have been wishing it was in effect at Anfield on Saturday night.

There were plenty of positives to enjoy from the 3-0 victory over Brighton as Kopites were treated to some delightful goals and a clean sheet as our passage to the fifth round of the FA Cup was effectively booked with a quarter of the match still to play.

Such was the Reds’ comfort in the closing stages that Arne Slot took the opportunity to bring on two teenagers in Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, along with handing a rare senior appearance to Calvin Ramsay.

Ngumoha has fair goal disallowed, and VAR wasn’t in use to overturn it

With 10 minutes of normal time remaining, a swift Liverpool counterattack saw Cody Gakpo pick out the 17-year-old winger on the left flank, and the youngster bore down on goal before firing past Jason Steele.

Unfortunately, he was denied his dream moment in front of the Kop as the offside flag had gone up, and with VAR not in effect at this stage of the FA Cup, there was no opportunity for the decision to be reviewed.

TV replays showed that Ngumoha was actually onside as the ball was played to him – the goal should’ve stood and the on-field call would almost certainly have been overturned if the video assistance was in effect (see screeenshot below from @sbzcomps on X).

Image via @sbzcomps on X

Ngumoha’s goal would’ve stood had VAR been in use

In the greater context, the disallowed goal didn’t really matter to Liverpool, who were 3-0 up at that stage and marching serenely into the next round of the tournament.

However, it’s wrong that the 17-year-old should be denied a goal in front of the Kop because of an erroneous decision by the assistant referee, and the lack of VAR to correct that mistake.

Many football fans and pundits seem to enjoy the absence of the technology prior to the FA Cup fifth round, and there’s no denying that its usage in English football over the past few years has often been infuriating.

On this occasion, though, it would’ve ensured that a fair goal for Ngumoha would’ve counted and he’d have had a moment to cherish at Anfield, to go along with his fairytale winner away to Newcastle last August.

At least the teenage starlet is set to have plenty of opportunities in the future to score at the Kop end and tick that landmark accomplishment off the list. It’s a shame that it didn’t happen on Saturday night, but it seems to be a matter of when and not if it comes for him.

The post (Image) Liverpool fans may have wished VAR was in effect on Saturday as fairytale moment denied appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

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Arne Slot makes feelings clear on Mohamed Salah's bold 'best in the world' claim

Arne Slot responded to Mohamed Salah claiming that Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the best players in the world at the moment

source https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arne-slot-makes-feelings-clear-33427114

6 duels won: Liverpool colossus had his ‘best 45 minutes for the club’ as Reds see off Brighton

One Liverpool player was deemed to have had his ‘best 45 minutes for the club’ in the first half of the 3-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday night.

The Reds cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup as they saw off the Seagulls at Anfield, with Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mo Salah grabbing the goals for Arne Slot’s side.

The Scouse midfielder’s opener shortly before half-time saw him get on the end of a sublime cross from Milos Kerkez, with the Hungarian capping his terrific performance tonight with a second assist in his last three games.

Kerkez had ‘his best 45 minutes’ for Liverpool tonight

In an collaborative article for The Athletic reflecting on Liverpool’s win over Brighton, Dan Sheldon was keen to highlight the 22-year-old’s contribution to a hugely satisfying result for the Reds.

He wrote: ‘Watching Milos Kerkez against Brighton & Hove Albion was a reminder of why Liverpool paid £40m to sign him from Bournemouth last summer.

‘The left-back was at his Bournemouth best in Liverpool’s win, a steady presence in defence and a constant threat on the overlap going forward. He exuded energy at Anfield, and got his just reward with a lovely first-time cross to set up Jones for the opening goal late in the first half.’

Sheldon added: ‘It may have taken several months for Kerkez to settle at Liverpool, but you could make the case that the first half was his best 45 minutes for the club, which will only further boost his confidence following a run of good performances.’

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Kerkez was superb for Liverpool all night

The Hungarian left-back had to endure some tough moments in his first few months on Merseyside, being substituted just 38 minutes into the win at Burnley in September and seeing Gary Neville liken his performances to those of a 10-year-old.

If the Sky Sports pundit was watching tonight’s match, it’s safe to say that he’d have had a rather more glowing assessment of Liverpool’s number 6, who not only set up Jones’ opener but also drew a fine save from Jason Steele in the first half and offered a constant threat from the left flank.

Paul Gorst awarded Kerkez 8/10 in his post-match player ratings for the Liverpool Echo, with the journalist proclaiming that the 22-year-old ‘is growing in stature by the week’ at Anfield, and the statistics from the Brighton game (as per Sofascore) back that up.

Pass completion	79%
Duels won	6
Tackles made	4
Clearances	2
Interceptions	2
Shots on target	1
Key passes	1
‘Big chances’ created	1

The Hungary international has had a tough act to follow in Andy Robertson, and a different head coach might well have listened to some external pleas to drop him in favour of the long-serving Scot after a tough few weeks in the autumn.

Instead, Slot kept faith in the ex-Bournemouth colossus and is now being rewarded with a series of increasingly mature and influential dispalys from a player who’s now proving to be a vital presence in this Liverpool team.

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