We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, as the international break rumbles on.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Robertson ruled out of Scotland’s trip to Kazakhstan
The left-back will return for the San Marino game.
- Zidane’s return to Real Madrid means return of transfer rumours
Liverpool’s star man linked with a move to Spain.
- Switzerland release notes on Shaqiri injury
Some insight provided on Shaqiri’s fitness issues.
- Fans will love Alexander-Arnold’s comments on the title race
“It’s trying to embrace it, soak it all up and hopefully we’ll be successful”.
- How to watch Liverpool FC’s internationals on TV in March
Plenty of opportunities to watch Klopp’s men in action.
- Bridging the gaps, building Liverpool the right way & box-office Klopp
Si Steers believes the Reds’ success is about more than money.
- The Liverpool players called up for international duty in March
A total of 33 Reds will be representing their countries.
Klopp Delighted With Fulham Win
Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Fulham on Sunday was as nerve-shredding as it was important, as the Reds went top of the Premier League.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Jurgen Klopp said the eventual scoreline was actually better than if his side had held on to a 1-0 victory.
“As long as you are only 1-0 up, the door is half-open for the opponent.
“They used the one misunderstanding but then you have to stay in the race—and now it’s even better than winning 1-0.
“Like this is even better. I like it a lot.”
Klopp is right in his assessment, because the nature of the win will have given the players extra belief that they can go all the way this season.
James Milner‘s penalty could be a moment to look back on in May as a pivotal one.
Reds Linked With Jota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10DSADQ1Eck
According to the Telegraph‘s Jason Burt, Liverpool are expressing an interest in signing Benfica youngster Jota.
Tottenham and Arsenal appear to be leading the way for the forward’s signature, but the Reds will enter the race if he decides to leave Portugal.
The 19-year-old has caught the eye this season and was joint-top scorer at last summer’s Under 19s European Championships—a tournament Portugal won.
Capable of playing out wide or centrally, Jota would be an exciting acquisition, but his contract runs until 2022, meaning a sizeable bid would have to be made to prise him away.
FSG Miss Out on Award
Liverpool owners FSG have lost out to NFL franchise Oakland Raiders in The Alpha Award for “Best Transaction” in sport over the past year, at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (SSAC) in Boston.
The Reds’ capture of Xherdan Shaqiri for just £13.5 million was up for consideration, even though the Swiss has fallen out of favour at Anfield of late.
This award looks at statistical comparisons in terms of value, productivity and other tangible factors when analysing which trades or transfers were most impressive.
FSG’s other team, Major League Baseball side Boston Red Sox, were also in contention, thanks to their acquisition of J.D. Martinez from Arizona Diamondbacks.
The award went to the Raiders, though, who traded Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears.
Gerrard a Future Prospect for England Job
Steven Gerrard is one of a host of exciting young managers being watched for suitability for the England job in future.
The Liverpool legend has shone as Rangers boss this season in his first year in charge of a senior team, with a bright future predicted for him.
Speaking to the Times, former FA technical director Dan Ashworth claims Gerrard is one of a number of names being looked at to one day succeed Gareth Southgate, along with the likes of Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche:
“Whether they are in the system like Phil [Neville] and Aidy [Boothroyd], or out of the system like Steven, Frank, Eddie, Sean, that we have the right relationships with them.
“So, should the time come when Gareth moves on, we have a bigger and better pool of English coaches that are able and interested in taking the job.”
Van Dijk Shrugs Off Mistake
Van Dijk rare an uncharacteristic error at Fulham, leading to former Liverpool man Ryan Babel tapping into an empty net.
In an interview with Voetbal International, the centre-back said it is part and parcel of being a footballer:
“Mistakes happen in football. [To] me too, but hopefully not too often anymore. If defenders or keepers make a mistake, it is immediately punished.
“That is the risk of the profession.”
The big man even joked that he had only allowed Babel in to score to boost his confidence ahead of the international break, with the duo representing Netherlands.
Isn’t it great how unruffled he is?
