Liverpool fans react as Real Madrid eye Klopp

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Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to a shock transfer rumour, as reports claim Real Madrid are eyeing a summer move for Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp is Real Madrid’s number one target to take over in the summer, according to The Independent.

The European champions were knocked out of the Champions League by a rip-roaring Ajax performance on Tuesday night, and sitting 12 points off Barcelona in the league it seems like only a matter of time before Santiago Solari is sacked, though the aforementioned report claims he could be kept on until the summer simply to steady the ship.

According to the report, Klopp is on a shortlist that also includes Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Juventus boss Max Allegri, but the Bernabeu outfit want someone to usher in a new, high-energy, exciting era for the club, so that probably rules the defensive-minded Allegri out.

Klopp has been at Liverpool since October 2015, and has reached three finals in that time, though all three ended in defeat.

The German has completely transformed the Anfield club into genuine title contenders once again, and the Twitter reactions down below say pretty much exactly what you’d expect them to…

Weekend roundup: Andrew Robertson’s brilliant display vs Tottenham Hotspur in quotes

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The pendulum has swung back towards Merseyside after an enthralling encounter at Anfield saw Liverpool score a last gasp winner to claim three points against Tottenham Hotspur.

It is moments such as Toby Alderweireld’s calamitous and desperately unfortunate own goal that naturally induce one thought across the psyche of the footballing world: lady luck is willing Liverpool to end their Premier League hoodoo.

To completely credit fortune for the victory would do Liverpool a major disservice, but it seemed otherworldly forces were at play as the ball somehow squirmed over Hugo Lloris’ line in the final minute of regulation time.

But the foundations of Liverpool’s victory were laid in the form of a handful of fine individual performances, most notably from Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson.

The latter provided an immaculate cross for Robert Firmino to gobble up and give the Reds the lead inside the first quarter of the game, and he continued to threaten all afternoon while simultaneously nullifying Tottenham’s endeavour to penetrate the right flank.

Robertson has established himself as a firm favourite amongst the Anfield faithful since he stepped into the first-team to replace Alberto Moreno, and that reputation seems to snowball with every passing fixture.

It was a performance which naturally drew gushing praise from the British media, so we’ve rounded up a handful of the best quotes from the weekend to summarise the Scotland international’s influence.

Phil McNulty – BBC’s Chief Football Writer

McNulty is not renowned for sensationalist superlatives or unnecessary hyperbole, so the extent of his gushing praise for Robertson speaks volumes about how highly he impressed on Sunday, via BBC.

‘At a time when Scotland’s international reputation is at a low ebb after a heavy defeat in Kazakhstan and a scrambled win in San Marino, the small consolation is that they possess a player who is a real jewel in Liverpool’s crown.

‘He was outstanding against Spurs, so good there was even a debate among experienced Liverpool watchers as to whether the modest 25-year-old is now on course to make himself one of the club’s finest left-backs.’

McNulty later went on to add: ‘Robertson is the epitome of Liverpool’s relentless optimism and self-belief, alongside the class and calm of Virgil van Dijk and those three celebrated forwards.’

As McNulty alludes to, Liverpool’s front-three often steal the limelight but there is certainly substantial evidence to suggest that it’s the defensive unit who are most deserving of the plaudits this season.

The former Hull City man has established a heroic reputation at Anfield in little more than eighteen months, and serious debate over his long-term credentials to enjoy legendary status on Merseyside is far from misplaced.

James Pearce – Liverpool Echo

The highly-respected Liverpool Echo journalist awarded Robertson an 8/10 for his performance, a rating which was only topped by Van Dijk, who was awarded a chart-topping 9/10.

Here’s what Pearce had to say about Robertson, via Liverpool Echo: ‘Made the most of the space Tottenham’s formation afforded him first half and put in a brilliant cross for the opener. Blocked a certain goal for Eriksen after the break.’

Just as Eriksen looked set to slam home into a gaping goal, the ever dependable Robertson was there to block a thundering effort that would surely have left Alisson statuesque.

Moments on which games so often hinge typically belong to Robertson.

Chris Shaw – Liverpoolfc.com

One of Liverpool’s club correspondents, Chris Shaw, was particularly eager to emphasise the brilliance of Robertson’s cross for the opening goal, via Liverpool’s official website.

It was a special ball worth mulling over and Shaw did exactly that.

‘Andy Robertson’s potential influence on the match was clear from the earliest stages as Liverpool switched possession to either flank as quickly as possible.

‘And the Scotland captain took full advantage of just such a cross-field pass to provide a sublime assist in the Reds’ opening goal for Firmino.

‘Robertson placed his delivery from the left channel in the perfect spot for his teammate to move between defenders and plant a firm header beyond Lloris.’

Intriguingly, it was also revealed that Robertson is now closing in on a Premier League record, with the full-back now just two assists short of Andy Hinchcliffe’s record of 11 (1994-95) provided by a defender.

Don’t bet against him surpassing that number in the final weeks of the campaign.

Opinion: Newcastle should ignore pundit’s advice to sign Aaron Mooy

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Aaron Mooy should leave Huddersfield at the end of the season and Newcastle would be a good landing place, claims Australian football pundit Simon Hill.

What’s the word?

As reported by Chronicle Live, Hill expects Mooy to leave Huddersfield this summer if, or when, the Terriers get relegated.

The Yorkshire outfit currently sit 13 points from safety with just nine games left to play, so it seems likely that a few of their players will jump ship to stay in the top flight this summer.

And Hill, speaking on a Fox Sports podcast, sees a future in the top tier of English football for his compatriot.

“Maybe somewhere like a Newcastle. Let’s be honest, he’s not going to go to Man United or Man City or Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea etc. but I think that next tier down of club is a possibility.”

The aforementioned Chronicle report claims a deal would likely cost in the region of £20m, so should the Magpies make a move this summer?

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Is he worth it?

There’s no question Mooy is an incredibly talented player, as it has been clear both in Australia’s World Cup squad and in Huddersfield’s short stay in the Premier League that he is suffering for a lack of quality teammates.

That said, the midfielder is 28, and shelling out close to £20m for his services this summer would be a massive risk.

He has scored just twice and provided no assists in 21 Premier League appearances this season, and his performances have actually gotten worse from the last campaign.

Spending big money (in Mike Ashley terms at least) for a player who is regressing rather than improving, in a position where the Magpies actually have some decent depth, would be completely foolish and would force the club to neglect other positions in more urgent need of upgrades.

Newcastle should ignore Hill’s advice and focus on signing another winger and a left-back before they go about strengthening the midfield, where Rafael Benitez already has five decent options to choose from.

Lee Bowyer says Karlan Grant could have fired Charlton to promotion

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Charlton might have been in sensational form in recent weeks – the Addicks are unbeaten in seven as of their stalemate with Bristol Rovers – but Lee Bowyer thinks that it could have been even better if they had retained the services of Karlan Grant in January.

The striker joined Huddersfield town having chalked up 14 goals and five assists in 28 appearances and is already making his mark in the Premier League – the speedster scored two lovely strikes in the Terriers’ loss to West Ham last week.

In light of the ex-Addick’s double, Bowyer has made a fascinating prediction about how Charlton’s 2018/19 season could have ended if Grant was still at The Valley:

“I know we’d be top two if he was still here. We were only a few points off second when he left. Since he has gone we have drawn a few games.

“If he’d played for us on Saturday [at Bristol Rovers] then we’d definitely have created more chances and he’d probably have taken one of them or set one up for Lyle [Taylor].

“He’s been a massive loss, you can’t deny that.

“The kid causes problems and scores goals. That’s what he does. He did that for us.”

Indeed, when the 21-year-old departed for the John Smith’s Stadium, Charlton were in a much better position than they are now. As it stands though, they could still seal promotion to the Championship via the playoffs.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

Regardless of the form the Addicks are in and whether they can keep it up until the end of the campaign, the playoffs are highly unpredictable and they could still be playing third tier football next season even if they storm through their final games.

Has Grant cost Charlton automatic promotion? Let us know in the comments below, Charlton fans.

Matchday musings: Newcastle United

A big game is to be held later today at the Vitality, with Newcastle United looking to go level on points with Bournemouth after what has been an unbelievable turn around from Rafa Benitez and his men. The run can’t end now, right?

Finally, it looks as though the Spaniard and his squad are on the same page and performing the way a Newcastle side should be. The Toon Army will be travelling down south with all the confidence in the world after their incredible come back last week against Everton. Indeed, it truly was a Premier League classic.

Still, Benitez must answer questions against an Eddie Howe side who are looking to build off their solid 0-2 away win against Huddersfield, in what is a huge game for the Magpies. Win, and that might just be survival guaranteed.

With that in mind, we take a look at a couple of changes the gaffer could make.

Drop Matt Ritchie 

Matt Ritchie has been suffering from a run of poor form of late, and after being subbed against Everton before the magic began, missing a penalty. To be honest, he has looked the shadow of his former self lately, largely because he’s been performing two roles at once.

Not having scored since the memorable 2-1 win over Manchester City, the Magpies will need to look elsewhere in the squad until the Scottish international can get back to being devastating in the final third.

Start Kenedy 

Despite struggling to get a real foothold in the squad this season, Kenedy will be looking to his past performance against Bournemouth earlier this season to inspire him. Grabbing his only assist this season against Bournemouth in the 2-1 home win, he will be hoping that a start would help provide the same sort of lift to bring all three points back to St. James’.

Newcastle fans will be remembering the form of Kenedy towards the end of last season, a form that lifted the Toon up and helped pave a way for survival. Is it too late for the 23-year-old to push on and recapture that same late-season form?

دي بروين يغادر معسكر بلجيكا إلى مانشستر سيتي

أعلن الاتحاد البلجيكي لكرة القدم عودة النجم كيفين دي بروين إلى نادي مانشستر سيتي، حيث لن يشارك أمام منتخب آيسلندا في دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

ويلتقي المنتخبان يوم الأربعاء في الجولة الرابعة من المجموعة الثانية في المستوى الأول من البطولة المذكورة.

وشارك دي بروين في مباراة الأمس أمام منتخب إنجلترا في الجولة الثالثة، والتي انتهت بخسارة بلجيكا بهدفين مقابل هدف.

ولم يستكمل لاعب الوسط اللقاء، حيث خرج في الدقيقة 73، وأثار المدرب روبيرتو مارتينيز القلق حول إصابته (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وتسبب الاتحاد البلجيكي في إثارة المزيد من القلق لدى مانشستر سيتي، حيث أكد أن دي بروين لن يكون متاحًا للمشاركة في مباراة بعد الغد.

وأكد الاتحاد البلجيكي، عبر حسابه الرسمي بموقع “تويتر”، أن دي بروين عاد إلى مانشستر سيتي حيث إنه ليس لائقًا لمواجهة آيسلندا.

يُذكر أن مانشستر سيتي سيواجه آرسنال يوم السبت القادم، في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette return means Unai Emery has no excuse

Heading into the second leg of a European tie 3-1 down is no easy challenge for any team, but on Thursday night, that is the exact task Arsenal must overcome.

After breezing past one big challenge on the weekend in the form of Manchester United, Unai Emery must do the same thing in midweek when Stade Rennais roll into town.

The Ligue 1 side swept the Gunners aside last week at their home ground and now it’s all to play for in north London with Arsenal desperately looking to overturn what potentially could be a dangerous outcome for the club.

Thankfully, there is some good news going into the crunch game on Thursday as Alexandre Lacazette is set to return (as per Sky Sports) to the Arsenal team after his initial three-match ban was reduced to two matches, making him available for this game.

The weekend’s result showed just how important Lacazette’s presence on the pitch is for the Arsenal first-team, and his inclusion in the squad now midweek means Emery’s men now have a serious chance of overturning their 3-1 deficit.

Indeed, the Frenchman both assisted Granit Xhaka’s opening goal and won the penalty that allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to slot in the winning goal to send Arsenal into the top four of the Premier League table.

So, his impact on the game Thursday night could be the difference between progression to the Europa League quarter-finals or European embarrassment in a competition the Gunners were strong favourites for.

In the competition this season the former Lyon striker has been one of the Gunners’ key players, scoring the goal that sent Arsenal into the knockout round of the Europa League in a 1-0 against Qarabag. Clearly, he’s the man Unai Emery can rely on.

Arsenal fans, do you think Lacazette will make an impact on Thursday?

He’s got it all there: Aston Villa fans discuss winger Anwar El Ghazi

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Aston Villa’s play-off hopes have gathered momentum at just the right time with the club winning their previous five games in the Championship.

In recent wins over Middlesbrough and Blackburn one man, particularly, has stood out; Anwar El Ghazi.

As a result, Villa fans have been discussing the player, reacting to a tweet on the club’s official Twitter account.

There was a mixed response to the player, with some absolutely loving the displays the winger has turned out of late; saying he was on fire and that he’d been amazing.

However, other fans of the Villans were a bit calmer in their response. One claimed he never gets enough credit whilst another added that he needed to find consistency.

Despite that, some supporters urged the club to sign him permanently.

El Ghazi is currently on loan at Villa Park from Lille after arriving in the summer.

The Dutchman has managed a goal and an assist in his last two games which has taken his tally for the campaign to four assists and five goals.

Here’s the best of what Villa fans have been saying.

Take us up: Aston Villa fans react to Jack Grealish’s pre-match message

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Jack Grealish has revealed via his official Twitter account that he is raring to go ahead of Aston Villa’s return to Championship action this weekend.

The Midlands outfit will be looking to put their fifth straight Championship win on the board when they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Grealish has been in outstanding form since returning from injury and the Villa supporters are hoping that the 23-year-old will put in another impressive performance against Rovers.

There continues to be speculation surrounding the future of the attacker, which is not a surprise when considering his talent.

Grealish is currently leading his side’s charge up the table, however, and he will be fully focused on helping his team secure at least a playoff spot in the coming weeks.

To be honest, the Villa fans absolutely adore the 5 ft 9 ace and a selection of their Twitter reaction to his post on social media can be seen below:

Arsenal fans react on Twitter to Gedion Zelalem sale

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Arsenal fans on Twitter have been left dumbfounded as it was announced that academy product Gedion Zelalem had departed the club on a free transfer.

The 22-year-old has moved to MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City, bringing a six-year association with the club to an abrupt and unfulfilled end and leaving many fans frustrated.

When the midfielder became the youngest Gunners player in FA Cup history in January 2014 by making an appearance against Coventry City, there was much excitement among Gooners, who believed that the club had a genuine talent on their hands.

The belief that Zelalem would one day break through and become a first-team regular is clearly one that was still held by fans up until he moved on to his native USA on Monday.

However, the relevant internal parties at Arsenal seemingly felt something different and have allowed Zelalem to switch North London for Kansas.

Check out some of the best reactive Tweets from the Emirates faithful, below…

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