Liverpool
‘Call me delusional’ – Pep Guardiola makes Man City claim and praises ‘amazing’ Liverpool midfielder
Pep Guardiola responds to Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Pep Guardiola admits some people will call him “delusional” after suggesting Manchester City’s performance in their defeat to Liverpool could be a turning point in their season. But the City boss admits the Reds were deserved winners as they extending their lead at the top of the Premier League.
An early Cody Gakpo strike and Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty earned a 2-0 win for Arne Slot’s side at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool are now nine points clear at the summit with champions Manchester City now a whopping 11 points behind.
And Guardiola said: “We congratulate Liverpool for a well-deserved victory. The first 15-20 minutes we experienced like many other times coming here in our prime. We suffered, they deserved the goal.
“After, we take the game. I know some people don’t like the line-ups but we cannot compete against Liverpool and many, many other clubs that are transitional teams.
“I love wingers but we wanted more control because we know when they lose it they immediately contact with Salah or Luiz or Gakpo or later Nunez. They are so fast, quicker, stronger than us in that position in a game.
“I have the feeling that from here we start to build something. Call me delusional but I have the feeling that from here we will start to build back to winning games and confidence.”
Guardiola added: “If today we give up when you come to Anfield, you go home with a terrible result. The team was there all the time, resilient in the bad moments knowing what was going to happen because we have experienced many times and that they could not drop and be negative.
“The last 15-20 minutes in the first half and the second half for the first 25-30 minutes the game was what we wanted without the threat that we expected to create with our passes. We didn’t create much. You have to play games to create chances and we don’t have it.
“Thank you to Bernardo (Silva), Manu (Nunes), Rico (Lewis) to play in a position that they’re not used to to fight against Gravenberch, his first control is amazing, and then the next line of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai and later Jones. We made an incredible effort.”
City have now lost six of their last seven games in all competitions and have been beaten four times in succession in the Premier League, extending their worst run under Guardiola.
“Our target cannot be talking about titles in November or December but we didn’t do it when we were top of the league,” said the City boss.
“At the end, we are not far away from Arsenal or teams there but Liverpool win all the games in the Champions League and in the Premier League have just lost one here. That means how good they are doing. All we can do is congratulate them and learn from Liverpool.
“I lived better before than now. Even the taste of the wine was better. But I am incredibly honest with myself and when we were winning a lot my perspective was that I am fortunate to live that and now I am not depressed that everything is going bad.
“It looks like what we have done in the past is easy, but I know with Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool that we beat, or Arsenal in the last seasons, how strong they are, but now we are not as strong as we were, that is the reality, for many, many, many circumstances.
“I want the team back, and the players back. It is important because now the training sessions are better and four or five players are coming back.”
After months of injustice, Isaac Kearney and his family have finally found relief after a long and painful battle against online impersonation.
A fake Facebook page titled “Isaac Kearney Fans” had been exploiting his name and image, deceiving people into sending money under false pretenses.
Isaac’s mother, distraught and determined to protect her son, took action by reporting the page to Facebook multiple times. Unfortunately, those reports were met with silence. Facebook refused to take down the page, stating it didn’t violate community standards. One fan even shared how his report was rejected with a similar response. It was disheartening.
After months of injustice, the pain deepened—not just for Isaac’s family, but for loyal fans who watched helplessly as the impersonation continued. That was until Melissa, a passionate fan and advocate, stepped in.
Melissa raised her voice on social media, calling out the injustice and urging fellow fans to take collective action. Her message sparked a movement. Fans rallied, and in a coordinated effort, they flooded Facebook with reports, demanding the removal of the fraudulent page.
Finally, after months of injustice, justice arrived.
Yesterday, Facebook took down the fake page. What the system failed to do, the people accomplished—thanks to unity, persistence, and one courageous voice that refused to stay silent.
To Melissa, to Isaac’s resilient mother, and to every loyal fan who stood up for truth—this victory belongs to you. It proves that even in a world of algorithms and bureaucracy, the human voice still holds power.
Jurgen Klopp will be back in Liverpool in May – and he may well be at Anfield for what could be Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s final game for the Merseyside club.
Jurgen Klopp may well be back at Anfield next month, but the former Liverpool boss will be hoping it’s not the last time he sees Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah representing the Reds.
Klopp is due to make his first visit back to Liverpool since calling time on his near nine-year spell as manager last summer. Having initially taken a break from football, the 57-year-old took up a new role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer in January.
The German will return to Merseyside as the guest speaker at the LFC Foundation gala dinner at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, May 23. Klopp was made an honorary ambassador for the club upon his exit, having supported the LFC Foundation throughout his time in charge of the club.
He may also make an appearance at Anfield, having been invited to Liverpool’s final game of the season, which takes place just two days later against Crystal Palace. Should the Reds secure the Premier League title over their remaining seven games, as expected, Klopp may well be there to watch his former side lift the trophy in person.
It’s not yet confirmed whether he will accept that invitation, although he has made it clear he will return to watch Liverpool’s celebrations. In any case, it might be his last opportunity to see some of his former charges playing for the club.
The former has revealed this week that “progress” has been made in his discussions with the club, giving some hope that he may extend his stay. Hopefully, both players will take on board Klopp’s advice to them.
Speaking during his unveiling at Red Bull back in January, Klopp made his feelings clear on the futures of all three of his former stars, having first been asked about Salah’s contract saga. “I hope he [Salah] stays,” Klopp said. “He is the biggest striker Liverpool has had in modern times. Obviously there were other good strikers.
Klopp was later asked about Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold: “I am so happy that I am not in charge of that situation and have to answer these questions. Why should I do that now? So, Good luck. From my point of view I would love all of them to extend their contracts. But I don’t know. They haven’t told me. I could text them now and ask.”
With just over a month remaining until the end of the season, Liverpool fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that at least Van Dijk and Salah can be convinced to stay at Anfield. If Klopp’s return next month can help to convince them, then here’s hoping he accepts that invitation.
Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) has failed in its attempt to join forces in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) venture.
FSG expanded their portfolio in January 2024 when spearheading a consortium to invest an initial $1.5 billion – potentially rising to $3 billion – in the PGA Tour. The Strategic Sport Group (SSG) is made up of sports team owners including FSG and minority stakeholders RedBird Capital Partners, Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta FC), Steven Cohen (New York Mets) and Thomas Ricketts (Chicago Cubs) and created the for-profit entity PGA Tour Enterprises.
SSG took advantage of a fracture in golf to invest. The formations of the PIF-backed LIV saw leading players, including major winners Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, make the move before John Rahm followed.
There have been discussions since June 2023 about a merger between the PGA and LIV. Talks have been held, with FSG principal owner John Henry reportedly travelling to Saudi Arabia and the Bahamas to meet with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. US President Donald Trump has discussed the matter with both parties at the White House.
The season’s first major takes place this week, with the Masters kicking off at Augusta on Thursday. Ahead of the famous tournament, the Guardian reports that the PIF has ‘failed in an attempt to persuade the PGA Tour to deliver serious concessions in exchange for a $1.5bn (£1.14bn) investment’.It is suggested that the LIV tour could continue to operate and Al-Rumayyan would become co-chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises alongside Joe Gorder. The PGA deemed ‘neither acceptable’.
Speaking at the Players Championship last month, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: “We appreciate Yasir’s innovative vision, and we can see a future where we welcome him on to our board and work together to move the global game forward. As part of our negotiations, we believe there’s room to integrate important aspects of LIV Golf into the PGA Tour platform. We’re doing everything that we can to bring the two sides together.
“That said, we will not do so in a way that diminishes the strength of our platform or the very real momentum we have with our fans and our partners. So while we’ve removed some hurdles, others remain. But like our fans, we still share the same sense of urgency to get to a resolution. Our team is fully committed to reunification. The only deal that we would regret is one that compromises the essence of what makes the game of golf and the PGA Tour so exceptional.”
Who do FSG own?
FSG boast an impressive sports portfolio. They have owned Liverpool since their £300 million takeover in 2010. In their time, eight major trophies have been won while Anfield has been expanded to a 61,000 capacity and £50 million spent on the AXA Training Centre.
Iconic MLB team the Boston Red Sox have been under FSG’s control for the past 23 years, while the firm purchased NHL outfit the Pittsburgh Penguins. FSG also own a 50 per cent stake in RFK Racing and bought the franchise Boston Common Golf in the recently-launched TMRW Golf League.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
There has been plenty of focus on Liverpool’s out-of-contract trio.
The futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been a significant talking point throughout the season. That is despite the Reds hurtling towards the Premier League title. While victories have been cherished, there has been concern in the background among supporters that their three chief players could depart at the end of their respective contracts in the summer.
Certainly, it appears that Alexander-Arnold will depart. The right-back has been in talks with Real Madrid over a free transfer. After last Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Fulham, Virgil van Dijk admitted that there has been progress over talks about extending his Anfield stay. That will be welcome news to fans. Salah, meanwhile, has fired 32 goals in all competitions has showed few signs of slowing down aged 32 throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
But if Liverpool are to continue to compete for silverware next season and beyond, they need a core group of players. This summer is set to be significant in terms of recruitment yet continuity will be important.
Another key player in the Reds’ run towards a record-equalling 20th Premier League title has been Ibrahima Konate. The France international has been van Dijk’s regular centre-back partner, with Liverpool conceding 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures this season.
Konate has been at Anfield since his £36 million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021. He has made a total of 126 appearances, scoring five goals and won three major trophies so far. Still aged 25, the former Sochaux defender is very much about to enter the peak years of his career.
Konate’s current contract culminates in June 2026 and there have been talks about penning fresh terms. Speaking before a Champions League victory over Lille earlier this campaign, he said: “It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool. Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation.”
The Parisian has been linked with several clubs across Europe. Konate is a boyhood Paris Saint-Germain fan and it was claimed by ESPN in February that he would be open to a return to the French capital to become a long-term partner for Marquinhos at centre-back.
In addition, Real Madrid have been suggested as a potential suitor. Los Blancos have had injuries to Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger this season.
Liverpool
‘I’m worried about Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – it would have been different when I was at Liverpool’
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are yet to make a decision on their futures as their contracts tick down, and one former Liverpool star is getting worried.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he’s worried about Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s form as uncertainty continues over their futures.
As things stand, both will become free agents in the summer as their contracts expire. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in the same boat, although the right-back looks to be nearing a move to Real Madrid.
What’s in store for Van Dijk and Salah is still unknown, although there may be an answer on the former soon, with the Reds captain revealing there has been “progress” on his discussions with the club. What’s more, he has hinted that an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
The defender has given his clearest indication yet that he could be set to remain at Liverpool beyond the end of the season, with talks continuing over a new deal for the 33-year-old.
Virgil van Dijk has revealed he and Liverpool have made “progress” in their negotiations over a new contract.
The Liverpool skipper is one of three high-profile figures who could walk away for free this summer – along with teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. The contract sagas surrounding the trio have dominated the news agenda this season, with Arne Slot repeatedly asked about their futures over the campaign.
He has tended to steer clear of those discussions, often stating there has been no update. Van Dijk, who stops to speak to the media after every game, usually deploys a similar approach, reiterating that he is calm about the situation and there have been no major developments.
As recently as last month, Van Dijk said he had “no idea” if he would remain at Liverpool beyond this season, and it makes Sunday’s change of tact so intriguing, perhaps suggesting a resolution could be reached soon. Asked about his contract situation after the 3-2 defeat against Fulham, Van Dijk replied: “There is progress, yeah.”
Pushed on the details of those talks and whether he’ll stay beyond the end of the season, the Dutchman said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. These are internal discussions and we’ll see.
Those remarks come just days after Van Dijk gave his clearest indication yet that he could stay beyond the summer.
“I can’t say more than there will be news in the upcoming weeks, whether it’s positive or not,” the defender said, when asked last week if he had played his final Merseyside derby. “I have no idea at this point, well I don’t know. I mentioned it many times before, I said I am calm.
“Like I said also many times before, you know I love the club, and the club loves me. I love playing for Liverpool. At this stage, I’m not really panicking whatsoever, so let’s see.”
Ensuring Van Dijk remains next season could be key ahead of what feels increasingly like a summer of major change at Anfield. Slot made just one signing last year – and Federico Chiesa is yet to start a Premier League game for the club since joining.
After 12 months in charge, several additions are expected this summer, with Jamie Carragher last week calling for six new arrivals ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Sorting out the futures of Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah will be the first assignment for Slot and director of football Richard Hughes, before attention turns to recruitment.
Van Dijk has played every minute for the Reds this season and looks set to collect a second Premier League winners’ medal of his career at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool
‘Arrogance’ – Paul Scholes picks out Liverpool star who may be responsible for ‘sloppiness creeping in’
Liverpool fell to a 3-2 loss against Fulham and were left to rue the defensive errors they made.
Paul Scholes has claimed that Liverpool have become ‘arrogant’ in the run-in towards claiming the Premier League title.
The Reds are 11 points clear at the top of the table. But their form recently has dropped and have lost three of their previous four games in all competitions. Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage – their maiden reverse away from home this season.
Liverpool conceded three goals in 14 first-half minutes in West London, with each being a defensive error. The Reds missed the chance to put more distance between themselves and second-placed Arsenal, with 11 points needed from the final seven games to claim the top-flight crown.
Captain Virgil van Dijk was at fault for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz’s third goal for Fulham, while the Liverpool centre-back got away with an error in the first half of the Merseyside derby win against Everton when Beto hit the post. Scholes, who won the Premier League title 11 times with Manchester United, believes that ‘sloppiness’ is stemming from van Dijk.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former England midfielder said: ‘It [the title race] could be prolonged. You’d expect them to beat West Ham and Leicester City. You just need someone a bit closer to them. Arsenal have to be kicking themselves because this was a real opportunity, obviously with Man City not having the quality you’d expect in the title race.
“If Arsenal were a bit closer it could have got a bit shaky for Liverpool. It still could if Arsenal win all their games – you can’t think Arsenal are going to win all their games especially with the two Real Madrid games coming up.
“But Liverpool are going to limp over the line looking at today’s performance. I sense a bit of arrogance about them as if “you shouldn’t be able to land a finger on us today. You shouldn’t be able to beat us,” and I think they’ve shown that in the last few weeks.
“A bit of sloppiness creeping in and I think it comes from the captain [Van Dijk]. I think he really needs to make sure that there’s a proper determination to get over the line as soon as possible.”
Liverpool head coach Slot defended the recent form of his skipper van Dijk after the game, however. Slot told reporters at his post-match press conference: “Van Dijk is not the first player to find it difficult to defend against Beto. And the one that played here today, you have to give credit to him also.
I still see a lot of things that Virgil does really well, but if you play 50-60 games a season, there will be moments, even for him, where you could have done better.”
Liverpool
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after shock Fulham defeat and know who they want to replace him
Liverpool fans want a player sold ASAP following their shock defeat to Fulham and know who they want to replace him.
Liverpool suffered just their second league defeat of the season as they were humbled by Fulham, who ran out 3-2 winners at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance. Ryan Sessegnon levelled proceedings before two quick-fire goals put the hosts 3-1 ahead before the break.
Alex Iwobi scored his side’s second before Rodrigo Muniz added a third.
Luis Diaz pulled one back in the second-half as the visitors were condemned to their second defeat of their Premier League campaign.
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after Fulham defeat
Liverpool’s first-half capitulation got fans online talking as they think it’s time to address ‘the elephant in the room’.
They also aimed their frustration at Andy Robertson, who was at fault for Iwobi’s goal.
He attempted a woeful cross-field ball before failing to clear his lines.
One X user wrote: “Well, that’s the nail in the coffin of Andy Robertson’s time as a starter at LFC.”
A second slammed: “It’s a f**king disgrace Robertson wasn’t replaced in the summer. Absolutely outrageous having to put up with this.”
A third added: “Robertson has genuinely been at fault for so many goals this season, all from mistakes.”
Liverpool fans know who they want as replacement
Liverpool fans already know who they want to replace Robertson, who has been at the club since 2017.
Supporters on social media called for Liverpool to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez this summer.
Kerkez has starred for the Cherries this season, producing heroics from the left flank.
The 21-year-old could slot in Liverpool’s backline from the start, having already proved he can operate in the Premier League.
One fan said: “Jesus Christ Robertson is so washed my god get me Kerkez ASAP.”
A second commented: “Give Bournemouth whatever they want for Kerkez. Robertson is worse than useless.”
Another wrote: “Robertson simply needs to be back up left back at most next season. Kerkez come on down.”
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