Michael Plant

Liverpool's stance on Luis Diaz makes sense - but it throws up pressing issue The winger's departure to Bayern Munich felt like a decision Richard Hughes couldn't turn down, but it does pose issues that Liverpool will now need to address in the transfer market

Selling Luis Diaz is probably the right decision for #LFC, but does throw up a few important transfer questions.

Danns omission from Liverpool pre-season tour explained following injury issues The teenage forward was one of three notable absentees from the Liverpool squad that flew to Hong Kong on Sunday ahead of two matches in Asia over coming weeks.

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.

Liverpool has good reason for holding firm on its $117M valuation of Luis Diaz The Reds have no plans to sell the Colombian winger this summer, but if a bid is to test that resolve from the Premier League champions, it will need to significantly increased on Bayern Munich's open...

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...

I signed Thierno Barry two years ago - Everton will have a lot of fun with him Exclusive interview with talent spotter Patrick Dippel, who signed Everton new boy Thierno Barry for FC Basel

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.

Liverpool deals with unimaginable grief as slow return to normality begins Arne Slot's squad is set to return to preseason training just days after the majority of the team attended Diogo Jota's funeral in Portugal. Somehow, Liverpool's group must try and cope with an unfath...

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

'I understand Liverpool's drop-off - but Arne Slot isn't free from criticism' The Reds have faltered over recent weeks, failing to win any of the three matches since being crowned Premier League champion; While some social media reaction has been an overreaction, Liverpool has ...

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

‘I heard Slot’s plans to replace Alexander-Arnold and message to current Red’ Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, and who will replace him at right-back, dominated Arne Slot's weekly press conference.

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

Slot addresses if Liverpool will let Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid early The defender confirmed he is set to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, but no news has emerged on which side Alexander-Anrold will join. But, as Slot admitted, everyone knows where the 26-yea...

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...

Slot addresses if Liverpool will let Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid early The defender confirmed he is set to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, but no news has emerged on which side Alexander-Anrold will join. But, as Slot admitted, everyone knows where the 26-yea...

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...

‘I heard Slot’s pre-Chelsea comments - Liverpool’s primary focus has changed’ Liverpool is clearly not going to be at full throttle over the next four games - as we move closer to the transfer market - and that's not necessarily a bad thing

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.

Premier League title will dispel Liverpool fans' biggest fear and Man City myth It has been a long five years, with plenty of lows along the way, since Liverpool's last title victory but the Reds have proved why they're back among the Premier League's elite

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.

‘I heard Slot’s Conor Bradley comments - he addressed biggest transfer unknown’ While Bradley has impressed as a back-up right-back, he could be cast in a different role next season. The Liverpool boss' mixed comments haven't made it clear whether he's ready to assume the role of...

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’s Arsenal criticism underlines key difference with Liverpool Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace means the race for first place could be over this weekend. That's mainly down to Liverpool's qualities, but also the Gunners' deficiencies.

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.

9 Liverpool players are fighting for their future - but only one is impressing There are plenty of Liverpool stars playing for their place in the team ahead of what looks set to be a busy summer - and one attacker is proving why he should stay on board

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

‘I heard Slot’s comments on Salah contract - Liverpool’s biggest fear is gone’ The Liverpool manager spoke openly about the team's chances of winning silverware in the next few years. Suddenly, that has gone from possible to probable following this week's news.

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...

Arne Slot's impact on Liverpool has waned - but the solution is clear An abject performance at Fulham raises more questions following recent losses against Newcastle and PSG, and the Liverpool boss needs to ensure the season ends positively

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.

'I'm not surprised by Alexander-Arnold but Liverpool made 'Grealish' error' As one drawn-out media story looks close to being concluded, it throws up several other questions for Arne Slot and his team to deal with in the immediate and long-term.

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.

‘I wanted to stay at Liverpool but Benitez forced me out - It still feels raw’ Yossi Benayoun spoke to Liverpool.com after Liverpool Legends faced Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday. He was reflecting on his time with the Reds and the reasons behind his departure.

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...

Gerrard stars, Crouch brings back the robot - talking points vs Chelsea Liverpool and Chelsea legends meet at Anfield, 20 years on from the infamous 'ghost goal' for a friendly game to raise funds for charity. It was Peter Crouch who stood out for the Reds.

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...

‘I’m making Liverpool history and I want to inspire next generation of women’ Saturday's legends game at Anfield against Chelsea will mark another positive step forward in the progression and development on women's soccer. It may just be a charity game, but for Natasha Dowie, i...

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.

'I heard Slot's subtle warning to PSG, Liverpool will be different under lights' Our reporter's first-hand account of the events at Kirkby and Anfield on Monday ahead of the Champions League second leg, as Liverpool trained and four press conferences threw up plenty of intriguing ...

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.

Arne Slot told referee 'if we don't win the league, I'll blame you' The full reasons for Slot's red card against Everton have been revealed in a detailed FA document, along with an explanation of why Sipke Hulshoff was dismissed and both Liverpool and Everton were fined.

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...

'I saw Liverpool star's response to recent setback - Slot will be impressed' James McConnell could have been playing in the EFL had things gone differently in January - instead the midfielder is still at Liverpool and impressing at Under-21 level... for now

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.

Eddie Howe gives Alexander Isak update as four fresh selection issues emerge Ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in two weeks' time, the Magpies have plenty to contend with.

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 0-1 Middlesbrough: Under-21s frustrated by inspired goalkeeper display The Reds somehow were beaten at home by Middlesbrough, who owed its success down to several impressive saves from Shea Connor.

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

Slot’s masterstroke ensured Man City win - but he can’t overlook Liverpool flaw The Liverpool will be feeling pretty pleased with himself on Monday morning but will know there was one area his side were lucky to get away with at the Etihad in the 2-0 win over Manchester City

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

Van Dijk: ‘I know Man City’s quality - they can hurt Liverpool’s title hopes’ The Liverpool captain has called for calm amid the team's recent run of results and is also not underestimating what a beleaguered Manchester City can offer on Sunday.

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
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