We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, with the Reds’ clash with Leicester on the horizon.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Watch Klopp’s pre-match press conference – Liverpool vs. Leicester
The boss discussed injuries, selection and more at Melwood.
- Klopp allays fears over Van Dijk’s fitness vs. Leicester
Positive news regarding arguably Liverpool’s most important player.
- Klopp concentrating only on Liverpool in title race
“I expect City to win every game”.
- One word which sticks out in praise of Hoever – and how it relates to Gerrard
The Dutchman’s mentality is spot on.
- Fighting talk from Puel as Leicester aim for “upset” at Liverpool
The Foxes boss has a good record against Klopp.
- The view from Leicester ahead of Wednesday’s clash
Chilwell, Maddison and Liverpool’s title hopes.
- Liverpool fans’ group kickstarts initiative to support Anfield community
Spirit of Shankly announce new scheme.
- All you need to know for midweek in the Premier League
Can Rafa dent City’s title bid?
Sane’s Message to Liverpool
The mind games are seemingly starting between Liverpool and Man City, as the pressure starts to grow in the title race.
Leroy Sane has told reporters that he thrives off the Reds’ relentless form and quality, claiming it spurs the champions on:
“I think it’s kind of more enjoyable because it motivates you to say we want to be first, we can put pressure on them and it makes you want to work harder.
“Liverpool have a lot of players with a lot of experience. Even last season, they reached the Champions League final, so they know how to do it.
“We all know what we did last season, we’re still doing it this season and we all know exactly what we have to do and that’s the important thing.”
City head to Newcastle on Tuesday evening, as Liverpool look for an almighty favour from Rafa Benitez.
Woodburn Interest Remains
Hull City were linked with a loan move for Ben Woodburn on Monday and Goal‘s Neil Jones has confirmed that it remains a possibility.
The 19-year-old returned early from his time at Sheffield United, and while Jurgen Klopp is cautious about loaning him out again, it is still likely to be beneficial.
Jones states that Woodburn is “keen” for another temporary move, but Thursday’s deadline will mean the Reds need to act swiftly.
The Welshman is highly unlikely to feature for Liverpool between now and the end of the season, while returning to the U23s would be a step backwards.
Chirivella Able to Leave
In the same report, Jones also claims that Pedro Chirivella can leave Anfield this month—either on loan or permanently.
The Spanish midfielder was expected to move on last summer but a deal with Rosenborg fell through at the last minute.
Swansea and Nottingham Forest are two clubs to have shown an interest in the past, but no concrete offers are in place.
The 21-year-old is the Liverpool U23s’ joint-highest appearance-maker this season, playing 21 times.
Mane on Benefits of Dubai Trip
Liverpool’s trip to Dubai allowed them to recharge the batteries and return home primed for their assault on the Premier League title.
Sadio Mane has also highlighted the importance of it helping boost team spirit, telling LiverpoolFC.com that it is “very important”:
“It was really cool. It was not the best weather ever, but compared to Liverpool it was much, much better! The four-day trip was very important for the team.
“Take the example of last year—we had new players like Mo and Virgil. Especially Virgil, he [grew] so close to everybody, it was very important for us and for him as well to be involved more in the team.
“After Dubai, it looked like he had already been with us here for three or four years.
“This year we had more new players than last year. It’s very important. Here, you don’t have time to go out together.
“This kind of [trip] helps us to talk about different things, not only football.”
Youth Cup Date & Venue Confirmed
The details for Liverpool U18s’ FA Youth Cup fifth round tie against Wigan Athletic are as follows:
Date: Wednesday February 13, 2019,
Kickoff: 7pm (GMT)
Venue: Swansway Chester Stadium
The young Reds are hoping to win the competition for the first time since 2007, when they defeated rivals Man United in the final.