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
‘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.”
Liverpool suffered only their second Premier League defeat of the season after a 3-2 loss against Fulham.
The Reds were completely outplayed in west London as Marco Silva’s side fought back from Alexis Mac Allister’s fantastic opener for Liverpool to secure a famous win at Craven Cottage, with Arne Slot’s side simply not at the races.
With Alisson Becker once again missing for Liverpool due to concussion protocol, the Anfield side were not at full strength with Trent Alexander-Arnold also recovering from injury, with Fulham all over the Reds despite going a goal down.
And former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison was left fuming by one moment from Andy Robertson after today’s loss against Fulham.
Andy Robertson criticised after ‘horrendous’ error leading to Fulham goal
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Scotland international was very critical of Robertson after the Liverpool defender gifted Alex Iwobi the chance to fire Fulham ahead after a poor clearance at the back.
With Liverpool looking to replace Robertson next season, the former Hull City man did not cover himself in any sort of glory this afternoon against Fulham, where the defender was a real weak point for the Reds in their surprise loss in the English capital.
And for Hutchison, Robertson’s role in Iwobi’s goal was a real embarrassment for the Liverpool defender, who was simply not at his usual best this afternoon as the Scottish defender gifted the Cottagers a golden ticket to a big result.
Hutchison said: “Horrendous goal to concede. What on earth has Andy Robertson seen playing that in to midfield? He gives the ball straight to Alex Iwobi, now Liverpool are under massive pressure. There might be a little deflection on the way through, off Robertson’s chest, but he shifts it well to hit the target.”
Liverpool were shown today why Andy Robertson needs replacing
Robertson will go down as a modern Liverpool legend, with the left-back playing an instrumental role in the Reds winning everything they did under Jurgen Klopp and forming arguably the best fullback pairing in Premier League history alongside Alexander-Arnold.
Yet nothing lasts forever in football, and Liverpool were shown today why Robertson needs replacing in the summer, with the defender simply no longer in the world-class bracket of players that the Reds are expecting from every position.
Indeed, Robertson’s legacy at Liverpool is all-but assured already, and moving on from the Scotland international is the right decision this summer as the Anfield side prepare to overhaul the squad in a big way in the off-season.
Fulham and Liverpool fans witnessed a bizarre opening 45 minutes at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers looked likely to be the Reds’ 23rd victims of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign after Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead with a brilliant strike in the 14th minute – before a wild 14 minutes of action ensued.
Once Ryan Sessegnon equalised in the 23rd minute, the floodgates opened as Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz added a second and third – ruthlessness Marco Silva would have been hugely impressed by, albeit not so much for Arne Slot.
In fact, Fulham could have even scored four goals in the first half – although VAR let the west Londoners down.
Richard Keys feels VAR should have penalised Caoimhin Kelleher
Just minutes into the game, Ibrahima Konate put Liverpool in danger with a loose touch in the box, which Andreas Pereira pounced upon.
The Reds somehow escaped unpunished, although Caoimhin Kelleher – who Spurs are fans of – did clean the Brazilian out just after he released the ball with a messy challenge, which Richard Keys feels should have earned Fulham a penalty.
Writing on X (previously known as Twitter), the beIN SPORTS pundit opined: “That is some goal (by Mac Allister) – but surely Fulham should’ve had a pen when Kelleher fouled Pereira? We’re waiting for the matchday centre to tell us ‘it didn’t meet the threshold’.”
https://x.com/richardajkeys/status/1908872048048218500?t=t7zuj05s9JJrxgHfh7IUuQ&s=19
It was a very risky challenge from the Republic of Ireland international – and he was fortunate that Chris Kavanagh and those in the VAR booth felt it deserved no punishment.
What the Premier League Match Centre actually said about Caoimhin Kelleher challenge
Keys – who recently hammered Jamie Carragher – alluded to what the Premier League Match Centre would argue to try and wriggle out of the situation, so let’s see what they actually said on the matter.
Also writing on X, the official Premier League account posted: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
https://x.com/PLMatchCentre/status/1908871544702460095?t=BFPw937afHKjiSzfOF-PRQ&s=19
We cannot understand how the Liverpool No.62 diving into Pereira can be deemed as a “coming together” – although the Cottagers saw justice served regardless after taking all three points.
The home side had two early penalty appeals reviewed during Sunday’s clash at Craven Cottage.
The Premier League has explained why Liverpool were not penalised during two contentious moments early in their match against Fulham.
Fulham had strong claims for a spot-kick within the opening minutes after Ibrahima Konate’s error in the box handed possession to Andreas Pereira.
Pereira first collided with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as he attempted to round him, before Rodrigo Muniz clashed with Virgil van Dijk while chasing the rebound.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh decided against awarding a penalty for either incident—a decision backed by VAR official Matthew Donoghue.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
Liverpool entered the fixture 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, boasting an unbeaten run of 26 matches in the competition.
Liverpool
‘This Is Who I Want As Our Striker, Not Isak’ ‘He Is A Beast’ Fans React As Sky Claim Liverpool Want 28 Goal Poacher
Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to Sky Sports.
The website claims that the Reds have been watching the Nigerian international for “some time”.
While plenty of fans on X would be keen on their club signing Osimhen, not everyone believes that the Merseysiders would make a concerted effort to secure his signature:
https://x.com/T_T_guy/status/1908227186638664052?t=_l0YhoktsE2BMKb7GxAxLg&s=19
https://x.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1908218675380830550?t=GQQLN2IC2qgIUoD4uubSdg&s=19
https://x.com/NanaEwusie10/status/1908219721012351157?t=78ls7zNI7ev5cNnOYUywnQ&s=19
https://x.com/Clyde694/status/1908222907441877044?t=vRPpeqhGuzRiJjEz_CjtaA&s=19
https://x.com/salah_ftbl11/status/1908226792822816913?t=EnMY_nvAzj3pd-RVdFYfbw&s=19
Osimhen has been in excellent form
After leaving Napoli for Galatasaray on loan last September, the 26-year-old has found the back of the net on a regular basis.
Osimhen has scored 28 goals in only 32 appearances. That strike rate is seriously impressive, although you do have to take into consideration that he is playing in the Turkish Super Lig, which is not the highest standard of competition.
Even so, he has also scored 30 goals in Serie A before so there shouldn’t really be any concerns about his ability.
Liverpool can sign him for a reasonable fee.
Of course, his wages will be quite high and there could be competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and maybe even Arsenal, but he could prove to be a great addition for Arne Slot’s side.
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