We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, as the Reds continue their training camp in Marbella.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Good news on Gini Wijnaldum and further details on Dejan Lovren’s race for fitness
Will the Croatian be fit for the visit of Bayern Munich?
- Pepijn Lijnders’ praise of Fabinho’s Liverpool role is fantastic
“He is like a lighthouse, he controls it”.
- Liverpool fans have their say on Klopp’s tactics
“4-3-3 every time”, “4-2-3-1 has got us a chance”.
- Watch Alisson’s long-awaited guitar session with Liverpool musician Jamie Webster
The goalkeeper has the voice of an angel!
- Liverpool U18s reach FA Youth Cup quarter-finals with victory over Wigan
Another productive night for Glatzel and Duncan.
- QUIZ: Test your knowledge of the Liverpool squad in ‘I have played with…’
Prove yourself as a knowledgeable Red.
Werner remains “on Klopp’s radar”
Timo Werner remains a genuine summer transfer target for Liverpool, according to the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce.
With Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi set to depart Anfield at the end of the season, reinforcements will be required and Werner is perfect for Jurgen Klopp‘s style of play.
Speaking during an Echo Q&A on Thursday afternoon, Pearce said he believes the RB Leipzig forward is of interest to Klopp, but said nothing is set in stone:
“Timo Werner is certainly on Klopp’s radar but whether that leads to anything it’s too early to say.
“Liverpool will certainly have to bolster their attacking options in the summer.”
Werner is expected to leave Leipzig once the 2018/19 campaign reaches its conclusion and he feels like an excellent possible addition to Liverpool’s squad.
Liverpool Fans the “Biggest” in the World
In an interview with LiverpoolFC.com, Alisson has called Reds supporters the best in the business, admitting the atmosphere he played in for Roma last season played a part in him joining:
“It’s difficult to play against Liverpool. The quality of the team is amazing. And then the 12th player, outside the pitch, that is the supporters.
“Last year, I can remember about the semi-finals that they played against us, it was difficult. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. It was incredible.
“I like to play with supporters of the other team shouting, talking to me, [it gives me incentive]. But here was something different.
“When I signed, when I wanted to come here and I knew about the interest of Liverpool, yes, for sure [that experience was a factor].
“We players, we want a team that wants you, a team with quality with a good manager and with great supporters. I think here at Liverpool you have maybe the biggest supporters in the world.”
Liverpool’s fans can play such a key role during the remainder of the season, making Anfield even more of a fortress as Klopp’s side try and clinch Premier League and Champions League glory.
The atmosphere at home to Bournemouth last Saturday was excellent, especially for a Saturday 3pm kick-off, and the players delivered off the back of it.
Lijnders on Salah as a No.9
Pepijn Lijnders is having a great influence as part of Klopp’s backroom staff, thriving as the German’s assistant.
Speaking to Goal, the Dutchman outlined why Mohamed Salah has often been used a centre-forward this season, on his way to 20 goals in 34 appearances:
“First of all, Mo has the ability to create from the inside. That differentiates him from many others of his type. He’s a real goalscorer.
“So, to have him in the last line as high as we can, with the speed he has, the goal threat he has, it makes it easier for us to create a freer role for Bobby.
“For Mo, it’s really good to understand the game in that way, to be the point. For him it’s great. He’s closer to the goal, he can use his speed more, he’s more where we want him to be. That’s a natural development for him.”
Salah returned to the right-hand side against Bournemouth, excelling in a 4-3-3 formation as he did in 2017/18, so it will be interesting to see how Klopp utilises him against Bayern Munich and Man United next week.
Neuer Will Play Against Reds
On Tuesday it was reported that Manuel Neuer was winning his race to be fit in time for Bayern’s trip to Anfield next Tuesday.
The 32-year-old has confirmed that he will be available, having overcome an injury known as ‘skier’s thumb’.
“We’re all positive about it,” Neuer told ESPN. “I think I’ll be between the posts.”
It is a huge boost for Bayern, ahead of what promises to be a mouthwatering two-legged contest against Liverpool.
The Bundesliga champions’ only current injury concerns are Arjen Robben and Corentin Tolisso, with the latter definitely out with cruciate ligament damage.
Alaba Not Scared of Salah
Liverpool’s aforementioned clash with Bayern will see an array of world-class talent on show.
Should Klopp go with a 4-3-3 system, Salah will take up a right-sided role up against the immaculate David Alaba.
While the Austrian left-back appreciates the threat Liverpool’s No.11 will pose, he told Bild that he isn’t fazed by the pace he possesses:
“Salah’s one of the best players in the world.
“He’s fast, but I’ve played against other fast players such as Mbappe. I know from experience that it is crucial that I use my strengths.”
Bring it on!
Tickets On Sale for Sean Cox Match
Tickets for the upcoming charity match in aid of Liverpool supporter Sean Cox are now on general sale.
The game between Liverpool and Republic of Ireland legends takes place on Friday, April 12, with the likes of Robbie Fowler, Ian Rush and potentially Jamie Carragher taking part.
Ticket prices start from €20 (£17.60) for adults and €10 (£8.80) for under 16s, while a family ticket consisting of two adults and two children costs €70 (£61.60).
Cox is continuing his recovery from life-threatening injuries, following an unprovoked attack prior to last season’s Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Roma.
His wife, Martina, has said that he is making positive progress.
