Dominik Szoboszlai is nailed on to feature with Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott also in the frame. But for Mac Allister, he may have to settle for a place on the bench for the first time in his Liverpool career in the Premier League.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has already hinted he will bench Liverpool star who won’t be ‘disappointed’
Liverpool
I heard Arne Slot’s joke during Liverpool press conference before Carabao Cup final – it said everything
Liverpool face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
It was a quip that Jurgen Klopp made fairly regularly. And Arne Slot deployed a similar tactic.
“We play Newcastle in two days, people know?” joked the Liverpool head coach to those present at the AXA Training Centre.
Indeed, the Reds do face the Magpies. And it is not a regular fixture. It is in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The national stadium will be sold out and the first piece of silverware this season is up for grabs.
Given what is on the line, many might have expected Slot’s pre-match press conference to have more magnitude. But, in truth, it felt like a normal Premier League game this season. There were no faces who you rarely or have never spotted in the media room. There have been Dutch journalists before matches to quiz Slot on occasion. They did not make the excursion for his maiden cup final since leaving his homeland for Merseyside.
It was telling that there was not a raft of hands up all waiting to get an insight into Slot’s thoughts – during the broadcast section, at least – two days before the showpiece affair. The Liverpool head coach had already spoken to the press pack twice twice this week and conducted a plethora of interviews with other outlets. A lot has been said.
Granted, Liverpool head to Wembley against the backdrop of exiting the Champions League. But the Reds did not suffer a thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and went out in the best possible manner, with penalties the deciding factor.
No-one thinks that a kneejerk reaction is needed from the loss. There are few who feel Slot requires drastically altering his starting XI from the PSG loss. In earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup, there was an intrigue around fringe players such as Federico Chiesa and some of the youngsters including Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha. But with a trophy on the line, Liverpool will go as strong as they can.
At the beginning of the press conference, the subject of Virgil van Dijk was raised by Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor against the backdrop of the Liverpool captain’s comments that he had still not signed a new deal and anyone who said otherwise was lying. That question was pertinent given Van Dijk’s update and Slot would have been expecting it.
But to delve deeper into Van Dijk’s contractual situation or that of Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose respective deals also expire in the summer, could be left for another day. The subject of who’ll play at right-back against Newcastle was the main subject given Alexander-Arnold’s injury and, in particular, Jarell Quansah’s progress and how he will be able to adapt was more relevant. The concern of fatigue having played 120 minutes against the French side, was also expectedly played down.
After the PSG loss, much has been discussed about a potential revamp that will be needed in the summer transfer window. There are question marks around several players futures and their positions. Darwin Nunez missed in the shootout as his struggles continued and Diogo Jota’s form remains stuttering. Before a cup final, though, it did not feel entirely appropriate to explore such topics.
In truth, such a subdued press conference underlines that Liverpool are back at the very pinnacle. Wembley can rightfully be given the moniker Anfield South as it’s the fourth time in as many seasons that Kopites journey to the national stadium. There is significantly less pressure on the Reds to win compared to Newcastle, who have not claimed a piece of silverware since 1955. Still, Slot believes a victory will mean just as much to the Reds even though the Premier League title is their priority.
He said: “A final in this country is always special because there are so many strong teams in this country and this league. If you reach a final, it’s always a big moment for them but also for us because, in the end although we have two cups in this country, you can never take a final for granted. We don’t play every single season, every final so it’s definitely special for them and also for us.”
Liverpool face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. The Reds have received a major boost ahead of it, too.
Liverpool will attempt to secure their first trophy of the Arne Slot era this weekend as they face Newcastle United at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. The Reds are huge favourites at this stage.
They’d be favourites anyway, of course, but Newcastle are missing a few players for this one. Lewis Hall is out at left-back, while Anthony Gordon is suspended for it.
Essentially, their first-choice left flank is missing. Liverpool don’t really have any excuses but to win this one.
Not that Slot’s squad is flawless. Trent Alexander-Arnold, for instance, will miss the final.
He went off injured against Paris Saint-Germain and will not return for Sunday. It could well be a while before we see him again, in fact – if at all.
There are other concerns, too. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have both been missing for a little while now. That should mean Jarell Quansah starts at right-back but things aren’t that simple.
Ibrahima Konate also went off against PSG and without Gomez, Quansah is also in line to fill-in at centre-back. But it appears Slot has gotten a little reprieve there.
Ibrahima Konate is back
Konate has returned to training on Friday and is in line to face Newcastle. Now, it’s unclear just yet whether he’s fit enough to start the final but Slot will be able to make that decision, at least.
The alternative here was Wataru Endo at centre-back and Quansah at right-back. It’s a setup that just about works but is far from ideal when you’re up against Alexander Isak, arguably the most in-form forward in the country.
So we’ll cross our fingers that Konate is ready to start. Having him lineup alongside Virgil van Dijk would leave Liverpool as secure as they really can be against Isak and co. – throw in Newcastle’s own defensive problems and suddenly the Reds are overwhelming favourites to take home the trophy.
However, we all saw last year how that doesn’t necessarily work out. Chelsea should have been favourites to beat a severely weakened Liverpool team but failed to do so as the Reds delivered Jurgen Klopp’s final silverware.
But maybe that can be all Liverpool need in order to avoid complacency here. Konate’s availability puts them in an incredibly strong position.
Now they’ve just got to get the job done.
Isaac Kearney’s Unforgettable Surprise: A Special Dinner to Remember!
Some surprises create memories that last a lifetime, and young Isaac Kearney experienced one of those magical moments yesterday!
Isaac and his beautiful younger sister were in for a treat when their dad took them out for a special dinner at a wonderful restaurant. 
A Night of Pure Delight
From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement. The restaurant, known for its delightful ambiance and delicious meals, rolled out the red carpet for the Kearney family. The owner personally welcomed them, ensuring they felt extra special.
Isaac’s face lit up as he took in the surprise—this wasn’t just any dinner; it was a well-planned, heartwarming experience designed just for them. His little sister, equally thrilled, couldn’t contain her excitement as they settled in for what would be an unforgettable evening.
A Feast Fit for a King
The family was treated to a lavish spread of mouthwatering dishes, handpicked by the restaurant’s chef. From savory starters to a delicious main course and irresistible desserts, every bite was a delight. Watching Isaac and his sister enjoy their meals with wide-eyed wonder was a sight to behold!
A Moment to Cherish
But beyond the food, it was the joy and laughter that made the night so special. The thoughtful gesture from the restaurant’s owner turned an ordinary evening into a magical one. Isaac’s reaction? Pure happiness! His dad couldn’t have asked for a better way to see his kids so full of joy.
Isaac Kearney’s Unforgettable Surprise video below
This special dinner was more than just a meal—it was a beautiful moment of love, appreciation, and unforgettable memories.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer and that would tarnish his legacy with some Reds fans, including fighter Paddy Pimblett.
UFC star Paddy Pimblett said he is “very disappointed” by the prospect of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of season.
Alexander-Arnold’s current Reds contract is due to expire on June 30 and he has been free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since January 1.
The 26-year-old has not had much to say openly about his future, stating in September that he had no intention to let his talks with the Reds play out in public.
Some media reports in Spain have suggested that Madrid is extremely confident of landing Alexander-Arnold, and it would not be a popular move with Pimblett, who likened the right-back’s situation to Steven Gerrard’s when he was a player at the club.
“His older brother went to school with me for a year,” Pimblett told AceOdds.com. “He’s from West Derby, not far from where I’m from. I don’t understand why he’d leave us now. The best team in the world.”
“[Steven] Gerrard was playing in a team ten times worse and was carrying us on his own individually, and he never left. He might have had his head turned a little bit by Mourinho and Chelsea and some other clubs, but did he leave? No. So, I just hope he stays. It’s one of them like Klopp said. Klopp said to Coutinho, ‘stay here and you can be a legend – leave and you’ll just be another player.'”
Alexander-Arnold is one of three key players whose deals are set to expire in the summer, with the other two being Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, and Pimblett believes Van Dijk is the most important player to retain.
“I can’t see Mo Salah leaving. I can’t see Virgil van Dijk leaving,” Pimblett added. “But, the main one of the three to stay is Virgil, the heart of the team. I think Salah wants to break more records, and Virgil is gonna stay anyway. So, I think these two are staying.”
“Everyone’s like ‘oh, Liverpool are gonna be finished next season when they leave’. But everyone said we were finished this season when Klopp left. Yeah, so, let’s see what happens.”
Liverpool are nearing their potential options to replace Darwin Nunez as Viktor Gyokeres has made his transfer stance clear.
Anfield Watch exclusively revealed that the Uruguayan is among the potential attackers the Reds are open to selling in what is expected to be a major overhaul at the club this summer.
And as Nunez and others leave, Liverpool are now exploring their options to bring players in. One of those could be the brilliant Swedish forward, Gyokeres, who has been in great form since arriving at Sporting CP and who fits the profile of what the Reds need.
Gyokeres is a quick, athletic forward who is very much capable of scoring goals and he’s shown that at Sporting CP and at Coventry City.
Having that experience in English football also makes him an ideal candidate because he won’t have to acclimatise to the culture and the new environment.
And it seems like the Swede would also be open to a move to Anfield.
Viktor Gyokeres wants Liverpool transfer
According to a brand new report by A Bola’s newspaper edition, Portugal’s leading publications, despite interests from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Gyokeres has narrowed down his options.
They claim that he wants three clubs as his potential next destination. These clubs are Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
These would be his favoured destinations over a move to Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich.
Given City have just brought in Omar Marmoush and already have Erling Haaland it is moot whether they would be in the running to sign Gyokeres.
Arsenal, of course, could be genuine contenders but Liverpool would only need to show Gyokeres the Premier League table to highlight which club has the more enticing offer.
The 26-year-old has 48 goal contributions in 40 matches already so far this season for Sporting CP. In total he has 106 goal contributions in just 90 matches for the Portuguese side which is quite simply an astonishing record.
To put that into context, Gyokeres is currently averaging a goal contribution in the 90 matches he has played for Sporting CP so far every 68 minutes.
Considering Liverpool might also need to replace Mohamed Salah given he is yet to sign a contract extension with the club on his expiring deal at the end of the season, Gyokeres very much feels like the ideal option.
It feels like A Bola’s report is confirmation about the fact that he also very much desires a move to Anfield.
Now it’s just up to Richard Hughes to make it happen.
Sporting CP probably know they are going to lose their star man at the end of the season so negotiations shouldn’t be too difficult.
Liverpool were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with Darwin Nunez missing the decisive spot-kick for the hosts.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was quick to comfort Darwin Nunez following his penalty miss in the Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
The visitors secured a 1-0 victory over the course of regular time, thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s goal in the first half, with no further goals scored in extra time. This led to a penalty shootout, with PSG leading 2-1 when Nunez took his turn. The Uruguayan forward aimed his shot to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s left, but the Italian goalkeeper managed to deflect it with both hands in what was a heavily lauded performance. His face said it all.
Before the next penalty was even taken, Nunez seemed visibly upset as he returned to the halfway line. Curtis Jones also had his attempt saved, before Desire Doue extended PSG’s lead to an insurmountable 4-1.
As the PSG players and their traveling supporters erupted in celebration, Nunez looked heartbroken. However, Slot was right there, wrapping an arm around the striker and seemingly offering words of encouragement. It was a bold decision from Slot to place the under-fire Nunez second in the shootout order.
So it was no surprise to see the Liverpool boss immediately comfort the striker after his miss. Captain Virgil van Dijk was another who supported Nunez and Jones after the Champions League defeat.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, he said: “It was a very intense great game of football, I think to be part of it as well. It was totally there for Liverpool and what we showed in Paris and unfortunately we’re out on penalties and that is the reality.
“I think in the first half we created dangerous moments and they have the quality as well, and then it comes down to penalties. It’s part of football, I said to the guys, obviously, you can be disappointed because we’re out of the competition, but chin up and get ready for the next challenge, a beautiful one on the weekend.”
On the Reds performance, Van Dijk added: “I think we were pretty good today as well, and you want to go as far as possible, but we knew when we drew PSG it was going to be very difficult. We saw in Paris when we struggled but we won, and today we saw a very good Liverpool side but we’re out of the competition.
“Today from the first second and then extra time, when fatigue kicks in for both sides, it becomes more open but especially regular time, we showed a very good game. We can speak about the game for ages but we’re out of the competition, that is the reality.”
Liverpool
Hello Liverpool Fans! I Know You Were Broken by the Defeat to PSG Yesterday – But Isaac Kearney Has Some Funny Moments to Take Away Your Pain
Hello Liverpool Fans! I Know You Were Broken by the Defeat to PSG Yesterday – But Isaac Kearney Has Some Funny Moments to Take Away Your Pain
Liverpool fans, I know how painful last night’s defeat to PSG was. We fought hard, but sometimes, football can be cruel. Losing always stings, especially on the big stage. But don’t worry—there’s still something to smile about!
Isaac Kearney, our young gem, has been lighting up the internet with some hilarious moments that will surely lift your spirits. Whether it’s his cheeky skills in training, funny interviews, or unexpected bloopers, he’s here to remind us that football is meant to be enjoyed.
Watch the video below and let the laughter take away your pain!
Even in tough times, we stick together. The season isn’t over, and Liverpool never gives up. Let’s keep the faith and look forward to bouncing back in the next game!
YNWA!
Liverpool
PSG boss Luis Enrique gives honest verdict on Anfield atmosphere after knocking Liverpool out of Champions League
Liverpool were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after PSG bested the Reds in a penalty shootout.
The Merseyside giants were unable to make the most of the Anfield atmosphere as PSG rallied together to push Liverpool to penalties before Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones from the spot to send the French side through to the quarter-finals.
With Luis Diaz criticised for his performance for Liverpool coupled with Trent Alexander-Arnold coming off injured, it was a night to forget for the Reds, who head into Sunday’s League Cup final against Newcastle United at a low point.
And PSG manager Luis Enrique has now given his verdict on Liverpool’s performance and the Champions League Anfield atmosphere.
Luis Enrique praises ‘special’ Anfield and Liverpool after PSG win
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the full-time whistle, the former FC Barcelona manager shared his appreciation of Liverpool’s performance and noted that Arne Slot’s side also deserved to go through to the quarter-finals.
As well as praising Liverpool, Enrique revealed his pleasure at watching his PSG side win at Anfield, a stadium that the former Spain head coach lauded as ‘special’ given the European nights that have happened here in recent years.
Enrique said when asked about Liverpool and PSG’s performance at Anfield tonight: “I think both of the teams deserved to go to the next phase. We played better than them in Paris, they played better than us I think here.
“But I think my team showed – in a special place, a special stadium – great personality, great character. We tried to play our best but it was really difficult because they are so intense and the atmosphere was great.”
Liverpool will need to turn Anfield into a bigger weapon next season
Anfield is rightfully regarded as one of the hardest stadiums for any away side to travel to in Europe, with Jurgen Klopp turning the legendary Liverpool stadium into a real fortress during his tenure on Merseyside.
And whilst Slot has maintained that reputation, Liverpool have been caught out on a few occasions this season at Anfield, with the Reds’ one loss in the Premier League coming at home against Nottingham Forest.
With Liverpool now being eliminated from the Champions League at Anfield, Slot will be wise to try and transform the staidum into an even bigger weapon next season, something that could be done through supporters creating a hostile environment.
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