Liverpool
I didn’t want Liverpool transfer negotiations to fall through so I told the manager a little lie
Maxi Rodriguez, who turns 42 today, became a Liverpool cult hero during his time with the club.
When Liverpool first welcomed Atletico Madrid to Anfield, back in November 2008, it was a match littered with narratives.
And none was bigger than Fernando Torres. Having signed from Atleti the previous year, and gone on to establish himself as one of the planet’s best strikers during his first season on Merseyside, a reunion with his boyhood club was the main talking point when the Champions League group-stage draw was made.
Alas, the Spaniard would miss the Anfield match with the same injury that had ruled him out of the first game between the sides at the Vicente Calderon two weeks earlier.
Meanwhile, Madrid’s ranks included former Reds Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, as the duo made their Anfield returns, Manchester United old-boy and Liverpool tormentor Diego Forlan, as well as previous Rafa Benitez targets Simao Sarbrosa, Sergio Aguero and Tomas Ujfalusi.
Reds boss Benitez had famously tried to sign Simao, who scored in the first meeting between the two sides in the Spanish capital, in the summer of 2005, only for Benfica to pull the plug at the 11th hour when the Portuguese winger was at the airport, despite having already agreed an £8m fee, in fear of supporter backlash.
Liverpool had also been in talks to sign Aguero from Independiente in 2006, only for Benitez to decide against buying the then-18-year-old, believing it was too big a risk spending a significant figure on the teenager at the time. Aguero would sign for Atletico instead that summer in a €20m deal. As for Ujfalusi, he would later claim he rejected the Reds’ advances in the summer of 2008 in favour of a move to Atleti.
But for all the former players, foes and targets involved in the 1-1 draw at Anfield, that night perhaps started to sow seeds in minds and open the door to one future Liverpool transfer.
Atletico captain Maxi Rodriguez had opened the scoring in front of a vocal Kop, as he experienced Anfield for the first time, with his first touch taking him past a static Jamie Carragher with ease before he fired across goal, beyond Pepe Reina, into the bottom corner.
The La Liga outfit would have to settle for a share of the spoils, however, and could perhaps feel aggrieved at having to do so after a controversial last-minute Steven Gerrard penalty earned Liverpool a draw.
Fourteen months later and Maxi would be playing at Anfield again, this time alongside Gerrard and Co as he became Benitez’s final senior signing.
With funds low on the red side of Merseyside as Liverpool navigated the final year of Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s doomed ownership of the club, the Argentine joined on a free transfer in January 2010, with one eye on preserving his place in the national squad ahead of the 2010 World Cup having found his game-time suddenly limited at the Atleti.
His signing was seen as something of a coup, especially given Liverpool’s financial plight at the time, with Benitez delighted to be able to strengthen his squad with a player of such quality during what was a disappointing season.
“We were looking for players with character and a good mentality,” the Spaniard said at the time. “He has played for Argentina and Atletico Madrid and is a player with personality.
“He can play in three positions – on the right, left or as a second striker – and is someone with a very positive mentality, which is what we are looking for.
“He is comfortable on the ball, can pass and keep possession. He is good at getting into the box and scoring goals and a good finisher. Every year he gets five to 15 goals from the right side of midfield.
“I know he was not doing as well as he did in the past at Atletico Madrid, but he is doing really well with Argentina and wants to impress for the World Cup.”
Benitez continued: “Rodriguez will be a different kind of player for us and also competition for Dirk Kuyt on the right side, along with Nabil El Zhar and Yossi Benayoun.
“He will give us the opportunity to manage some of the other players and rest them if necessary to keep the level of the team. He knows Mascherano and Torres and he can provide a lift for some players.
“I think he will adapt to English football because he is a clever player and takes up good positions on the pitch. It is a question of adjusting to the pace of the game and he will need some time, but with these players around it will be easier for him.
“I have been talking with him and he is really pleased and ready to come here. I have told him what we are expecting from him and he is ready for the challenge.”
Yet Maxi would later admit he had to tell a ‘little lie’ to his new manager to ensure the transfer went through, and one that nearly came back to bite him on the backside.
“Rafa told me that it was very important for everyone to speak English in the dressing room,” he revealed. “He asked me if I knew how to speak the language and I said, ‘yes, of course, stay calm’. Of course, I didn’t want the negotiations to fail so I told a little lie.
“When I arrived in England, there was a press conference and Rafa told me he would speak first and then I would continue. That was when I grabbed him and said, ‘look Rafa, I need to confess something to you. I don’t know English. The only thing I know is how to say hello’.
“Rafa said, ‘you’re a son of a b****’. But we were both laughing and afterwards I learned how to speak English.
“I was very good at Atletico. I was the captain and I knew the city very well. But English football drove me crazy and I wanted to play there.”
Benitez’s prediction would ultimately be proven right as Maxi took his time to adjust to English football before delivering on his goalscoring promise. Unfortunately for Benitez, it would come after poor performances cost him his job.
Featuring 17 times in his first-half season at Anfield, Maxi registered one goal and three assists as Liverpool finished a disappointing seventh, while he was cup-tied as the Reds suffered a Europa League semi-final defeat at the hands of his former club Atletico.
Still securing his place in the Argentina squad for the World Cup, and featuring in all five of their matches as they suffered a quarter-final defeat at the hands of Germany, Maxi would secure cult hero status back at Anfield under new managers Roy Hodgson and later Kenny Dalglish.
He famously scored hat-tricks against Fulham and Birmingham City in the final weeks of the 2010/11 season to finish the campaign with 10 goals from 35 appearances and earn his own chant on the Kop in the process.
Game-time admittedly became somewhat limited in his final season at Anfield, but he still scored two memorable strikes in away victories over Chelsea and played his part in Liverpool’s League Cup success and run to the FA Cup final.
Allowed to return to Argentina and his first club Newell’s Old Boys following Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as Reds manager, despite having a year left on his contract, Maxi departed Anfield with 17 goals from 73 appearances and the one winner’s medal.
He sent an open letter to fans following his Reds exit as he shared his honour at being able to play for the club. “Before signing for LFC, I just saw the club as one of the greatest institutions in football,” he wrote. “After my time here I can confirm that this is not just a great club but also a great family.
“I have tried to give everything every day that I was wearing the LFC crest. It has been a great honour to defend this shirt during two and a half years. I am returning home with a suitcase full of great memories, good friends within the team and also within this great family that works every day in the club.
“Thanks a lot for your support. You can NOT imagine what a great honour it was for me when the Kop sang, ‘Maxi, Maxi Rodríguez runs down the wing for me da da da da dada…’ Hasta la vista.”
Maxi’s Liverpool career might not have been the longest or the most successful, but he certainly made his presence felt, both on the pitch and in the hearts of fans. And the start of his Reds journey really began at Anfield in November 2008, on a night where he actually didn’t run down the wing for them.
*A version of the story was first published in October 2021.
Liverpool
James Tarkowski breaks silence on ‘bizarre’ Luis Diaz offside incident after Everton’s loss to Liverpool
The final Merseyside Derby of the season certainly didn’t lack any controversy, as both sides will feel frustrated with decisions made.
It was once again a fiery derby at Anfield as the history between Liverpool and Everton was there for all to see on Wednesday night.
February’s fixture at Goodison Park was no doubt a hard game to beat but once again the Derby proved to be the best fixture in the country.
Arne Slot was left impressed with Everton as the encounter certainly wasn’t a whitewash by any means with Everton having some golden chances.
Nevertheless, it was Liverpool who took home the bragging rights, but this certainly wasn’t an affair without errors, one on which James Tarkowski has spoken out on.
James Tarkowski on Luis Diaz incident which affected Everton
It’s a bit ironic for Tarkowski to talk about errors after his poorly timed challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
In what was a decision which caused uproar, Tarkowski’s tackle was deemed ‘reckless’, but the centre-back avoided a red card.
But the defender shifted the focus on Liverpool’s goal, as in the build-up, Luis Diaz could be seen in an offside position.
VAR checked and cleared, which left Tarkowski scratching his head in a post-match interview.
“I was unaware he [Diaz] was offside, so he’s made me lunge for the ball. He’s affected my decision,” Tarkowski said.
“For some reason, whatever that may be, they decided to give them a goal, which is bizarre.”
PGMOL make decision on major error in Liverpool vs Everton
With these two errors both involving the Everton centre-back, it will be interesting to see how these decisions are treated further down the line.
Experienced referee Mark Clattenburg said Liverpool’s goal was offside, as the verdict seems to be pointing more of the way to Everton’s side of the story.
Well, the PGMOL haven’t revealed whether they made a mistake just yet, but have done with Tarkowski’s ‘reckless’ tackle.
The Times first revealed that the PGMOL made a mistake with Tarkowski’s tackle and believed he should have been red-carded.
https://x.com/_pauljoyce/status/1907715464794382673?t=YTUN49-BNzWI0Ma89zmMXg&s=19
Although Evertonians might agree with this verdict, both the fanbase and David Moyes will want answers on why Diaz’s goal stood.
Liverpool transfer news: Torres set for return as Richard Hughes opens talks
Liverpool have a rich history of strikers and but few come close to the quality the Fernando Torres possessed.
The Spaniard would link up with Steven Gerrard on countless occasions, stepping up when required and putting the finishing touches on statement performances in Europe.
When he left for Chelsea, the Reds pivoted over to Luis Suarez who became the club’s talisman, before Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez took on the responsibility.
However, with Jota and Nunez now struggling to deliver, it should be to no surprise that Liverpool are looking to reinforce their attack.
But while Fernando Torres is now involved in management, Liverpool are exploring different ways to bring the mighty ‘Torres’ shirt back to the hallowed Anfield turf.
Liverpool interest in a move for Ferran Torres
From time to time, the iconic Fernando Torres might make an appearance on Merseyside to play in the club’s legends charity match, however in this instance, the ‘Torres’ touted of a move is Barcelona’s finest Ferran Torres.
According to Fichajes, the forward is one of Barca’s more disposable players who might be sold to clean up the club’s accounts and to put them back on a level footing with financial fair play.
The asking price for the 25-year-old is around ¢40m and Liverpool are one of the clubs who are interested in a possible move, alongside Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Despite regularly sitting on the sidelines as Robert Lewandowski’s understudy, the Spaniard has 13 goals and three assists to his name this season, showcasing that he has the ability to deliver when called upon.
Torres had previously played at Anfield when he was a member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, although things quickly didn’t work out.
However, after nearly four seasons playing for one of Spain’s premier teams, a move back to England might be an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong, now he is more equipped to succeed.
Liverpool will of course have other players in their shortlists who are perhaps higher up the list than Torres, but he is about to enter the prime of his career and around £32m would be a relatively risk-free transfer decision compared to the £150m rumoured cost to acquire Alexander Isak.
The report acknowledges that Aston Villa are the team that is most likely to get a deal over the line, with Unai Emery having already ‘given the green light to the operation’.
But when Liverpool come knocking, it can be an incredibly difficult to decline a club of the Reds’ stature and the prospect of regularly competing for the Premier League and Champions League might be too enticing to ignore.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans think they’ve caught what a Liverpool player ‘said’ to Trent Alexander-Arnold moments after the win over Everton.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was spotted with one player after Liverpool’s win over Everton.
Fans think they’ve spotted what one Liverpool player ‘said’ to Trent Alexander-Arnold following their big win over Everton.
Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 on Wednesday to move 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Diogo Jota scored the only goal of the game as he slotted past Jordan Pickford in the 57th minute, with David Moyes bemoaning the decision to allow the goal to stand.
The Reds secured a win and bragging rights over their cross-town rivals without first-choice right-back Alexander-Arnold, who was ruled out of the fixture following the injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Arne Slot deployed Curtis Jones at right-back, having played in midfield this season.
Jones delivered a stellar performance in defence as he helped his side keep a clean sheet.
After the result, the 24-year-old shared a warm embrace with Alexander-Arnold, who was in attendance at Anfield despite his injury.
And Alexander-Arnold immediately went to Jones, who had a conversation with his fellow Scouser.
They could be seen having a chat before the 26-year-old bursts out laughing.
Fans think Jones told Alexander-Arnold that he’s ‘taking his position’ amid the Liverpool star’s proposed move to Real Madrid.
https://x.com/asim_lfc/status/1907539421139751142?t=qcx0Upp2utG10S84Sz6IbQ&s=19
One X user wrote: “I bet Curtis said ‘I’m taking your position’ and they both start laughing.”
A second tweeted: “You could tell he was super invested in Curtis’ performance.”
A third added: “That’s his PR telling him to do all that, his head is gone long time back.”
Of course, Alexander-Arnold is out of contract this summer and seems to be close to joining Real on a free transfer.
He has spent his entire career at Liverpool, having graduated from the club’s youth academy.
Alexander-Arnold has made 349 appearances across all competitions, but this season appears to be his last in a Liverpool shirt.
Liverpool
‘I’m going to be quite ruthless…’: Neville on Curtis Jones’s chance of being a Liverpool right back
One of the surprise choices for Liverpool against Everton was that Curtis Jones was given the chance to start the game at right back, with Gary Neville sharing his thoughts.
Speaking on ‘Gary Neville Podcast’, the former full back said: “I’m going to be quite ruthless here, answering this question [on whether Curtis Jones has a future at right back].
“Look, there’s no doubt there are games where Curtis Jones could play right back.
“I think [Arne Slot] may even play Quansah on Sunday at Fulham, just purely because [it’s] away from home and the idea of doing a lot more defending, you’re going to get a lot more pressure.
“But I think the idea that Curtis Jones can play full back, I think remains to be seen.”
It was a competent performance from the Scouser who was playing out of position against a side that never really tested him fully.
A clean sheet and a victory in the Merseyside derby is the perfect way to demonstrate that you did play well and our academy graduate can certainly argue this case.
Curtis Jones may see a future at Liverpool as a right back.
With Conor Bradley injured, the decision was whether to play Jarell Quansah or our No.17 at full back, with Arne Slot clearly siding with the more offensive option.
As some supporters let their feelings about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s apparent decision to leave the club known, the other local lad could see a pathway into the side via his current teammate’s position.
We saw how the pair interacted with each other after the full-time whistle and it’s clear that there’s certainly a bond in place between them, despite all the paper talk.
The Sky Sports pundit didn’t see enough from the 24-year-old to say this could happen but we will only know if this is seen as a viable option, if he keeps getting played there.
Liverpool
David Moyes makes very honest Anfield claim and names two things Liverpool were much better at
Everton suffered a 1-0 loss against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
David Moyes rued Liverpool’s goal being allowed to stand as Everton’s unbeaten run came to an end.
The Reds earned a 1-0 triumph in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. Diogo Jota netted the only goal of the game in the 57th minute but it was controversial. Everton were adamant Luis Diaz should have been flagged offside for standing in an offside position when visiting captain James Tarkowski tried to clear Ryan Gravenberch’s pass. The ball fell to Diaz, who assisted Jota’s intervention.
Still, Moyes felt that the Toffees were second-best throughout the encounter. The visitors did have chances, though, with Beto having goal disallowed for offside in the opening period and spurned a gilt-edged chance.
But Everton could not go 10 Premier League games unbeaten and prevent fierce foes Liverpool from restoring a 12-point lead at the summit of the table. But given the Blues earned a 2-2 draw against the champions-elect at Goodison Park in Febuary, Moyes believes the gulf between the two outfits may not be as wide as he first thought.
The Everton manager said via the club’s website:“There are lots of things I’m happy with. The two games we’ve had against a team who at the moment are leading the Premier League [have been close]. And right up to the end, we were still in with a shout of getting something out of the game.
“Their goal is offside, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a mistake by the linesman or VAR or the referee, whoever you want to say. It’s quite easy to read as well, it’s not even a difficult one, if you ask me. But not surprised that decision at Anfield you don’t get.
“We had one or two good opportunities. Probably the bit where we were getting ready to make the opportunity to make the chance to score, we didn’t complete the final pass and we didn’t really make it as well as we should have done.
“But, look, I have to say, I think the players have done an awful lot of good stuff tonight. They’ve tried to stick up against a side who are a top side at the moment. Liverpool played much better tonight, much more aggressive, tougher than the first game. Maybe we’re just beginning to get a bit closer to them generally, and I think that over the two games the results have shown we’re not as far away maybe as we think we are.”
Moyes did, however, admitted Everton skipper Tarkowski could have been given a red card early in the game. The defender was issued a booking for challenging Alexis Mac Allister with excessive force. VAR checked the incident and did not recommend on-field referee Sam Barrott to review the decision.
On the incident, Moyes told reporters at his post-match press conference: “I thought at the time it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game, I mean you people are all asking for it and when you get it you want him sending off. You’ve got to be careful what you wish for, you know?
“I thought it was a brilliant tackle. But since I’ve seen it and I’ve come back in, I think that we could have been lucky that he didn’t get a red. It looked high. But it depends on the era you watch your football in. “To me, I thought at the time it looked a brilliant, brilliant tackle, and I think it probably was. It was the follow-through which looked worse.”
Liverpool
“Premier League Responds to James Tarkowski Controversy as Ex-Referee Slams VAR on Live TV”
The Premier League responds to the controversy surrounding James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby, releasing a statement to clarify why the Everton defender was not sent off.
The decision, which saw Tarkowski escape with just a yellow card, has sparked debate among pundits and fans alike.
Early in the first half at Anfield, Tarkowski lunged in to win the ball but followed through with a high challenge, catching Mac Allister on the leg. The Liverpool midfielder was able to continue, but concerns were immediately raised over the severity of the tackle.
A VAR check followed, but the officials upheld the on-field decision, allowing Tarkowski to stay on the pitch with only a caution. The subsequent free-kick, taken by Dominik Szoboszlai, narrowly missed the target, keeping the score at 0-0.
https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/1907513057711902934
Ex-Referee Slams VAR Decision
On commentary for Sky Sports, Gary Neville described Tarkowski as “very lucky” to avoid a red card, labeling the challenge a “potential leg breaker.” Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, speaking in the Sky Sports Soccer Special studio, echoed Neville’s concerns.
Commentator Peter Drury later confirmed: “We hear that Mike Dean, who is on the panel with Sky Sports News tonight, has concurred with you, Gary. He’s said that, in his view, it should have been reviewed and it should have been a red card.”
Premier League Issues Official Statement
The Premier League responded to the growing criticism with an official statement via its Match Centre Twitter account. The statement read:
“The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow-through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”
Despite the Premier League’s explanation, the decision continues to divide opinion. Everton nearly took the lead in the first half through Beto, who struck the post, while another effort was ruled out for offside after a close call involving Virgil van Dijk.
With VAR once again at the center of controversy, the Premier League faces renewed scrutiny over the consistency of officiating decisions in high-stakes matches.
Liverpool star commits future to his current club, signing a new five-year contract that puts an end to speculation over a summer move.
The Reds had been monitoring Gomes closely, but with this deal now in place, they will need to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
It’s shaping up to be an incredibly busy summer for Liverpool, with both arrivals and departures set to define the transfer window.
The club faces crucial decisions regarding three of their biggest stars—Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—who are all entering the final months of their contracts. By July 1st, they will be free agents unless new agreements are reached.
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club, but questions remain over others in the squad. Ibrahima Konaté, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarrell Quansah, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz have all attracted interest from other clubs.
Whether due to contract uncertainties or concerns over playing time, their futures remain up in the air.
On the incoming front, Liverpool are keen on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but any deal will require lengthy negotiations.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is another target, though his club won’t let him leave cheaply. With so many moving pieces, the Reds risk a drawn-out summer window.
A Contract is Signed
One transfer saga, however, is officially over. Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, shutting down any potential move to Anfield this summer.
Liverpool had been actively tracking the Brazilian, believing he could fill a key role in their midfield.
Recent reports suggested that the Reds were engaged in discussions to explore a deal. However, with Gomes committing to Wolves, Liverpool will have to reassess their options. While this may be a setback for now, the club is likely to continue monitoring his progress.
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club—but in this case, it’s a player they had hoped to sign, not one of their own. For now, Gomes remains out of reach, and Liverpool will have to shift focus to other targets as they shape their squad for the future.
Liverpool
What Sky Sports cameras picked up Trent Alexander-Arnold doing near the end of Liverpool 1-0 Everton
Liverpool moved a big step closer to winning the Premier League title on Wednesday with a narrow win in the Merseyside Derby.
The Reds knew a big night lay ahead having had a chastening week prior to the March international break.
In retrospect, a Merseyside Derby was the perfect way for Liverpool to bounce back and send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
It was not a pretty win by any means but the Reds got the job done, Diogo Jota’s second-half goal winning the game.
Jota has been in the spotlight of late having had a torrid time in-front of goal recently. But the Liverpool striker has had nothing compared to the attention heading Trent Alexander-Arnold’s way during the past two weeks.
With Alexander-Arnold looking likely to join Real Madrid, the right-back has become a divisive figure at Anfield. And with injury ruling him out of Wednesday’s game, he was spotted watching on from the stands during what could be his last ever derby as a Liverpool player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoys Merseyside Derby
Given all the noise around him recently, you could not blame Alexander-Arnold for wishing to keep his head down and stay as in the shadows as possible.
However, the 26-year-old was watching on at Anfield on Wednesday, spotted sitting alongside Joe Gomez as the Reds recorded a big win.
With Liverpool winning 1-0 and the clock ticking deep into the six minutes of injury time, Sky Sports cameras panned to Trent watching on.
The right-back looked completely at ease, and smiled a slightly mischievous smile as the cameras hit him.
Without Trent or Conor Bradley, Arne Slot chose to field Curtis Jones in an unorthodox right-back position.
While the Liverpool academy graduate did well, Alexander-Arnold’s spot in the team should be secured if and when he makes it back from injury.
How did Curtis Jones do at right-back?
It remains to be seen exactly when Alexander-Arnold will be back in action for Liverpool. In the meantime it was at least nice to see him at Anfield for this one.
The way Trent embraces Curtis
#LFC pic.twitter.com/VS9E2ulqYI
— Asim (@asim_lfc) April 2, 2025
On the pitch, right-back has become a slight problem position for Slot as the end of the season comes into view.
Bradley is Alexander-Arnold’s natural successor, but with Northern Irishman injured and Jarell Quansah not a right-back, Slot turned to Jones.
On the whole, the Scouser did a good job. As you’d expect, he looked assured in possession and was rarely troubled defensively either.
One crucial intervention late on stopped a dangerous ball into the box and on the whole Jones can be pleased with his night’s work.
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