World of Sports : Liverpool

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Virgil van Dijk's agents respond on Barcelona approach about signing Liverpool star

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at July 12, 2019 0

LIVERPOOL center-back Virgil van Dijk’s agents quickly rebuffed an approach from Barcelona, it has been claimed.

The Mirror report that Barcelona made inquiries to the representatives of the Dutch center-back to find out whether or not he might be tempted by a move to the Nou Camp.

But it is claimed any chance of a big-money move away from Liverpool for Van Dijk - who is managed by Neil Fewings of the Wasserman Media Group - was shut down.

That will be welcome news to Reds supporters, with the 28-year-old has been a revelation at Anfield since his £75million move from Southampton 18 months ago.

The Netherlands international has transformed the club’s defense since his arrival, establishing himself as one of the best center-backs in the world in the process.

Van Dijk was crucial as Liverpool went on to win the Champions League last season, beating Tottenham in Madrid in their sixth European Cup triumph.

His defensive talents saw him named the PFA Player of the Year as the Merseyside outfit also lost just once in the Premier League and managed the best defensive record in the division, conceding 22 goals in 38 games.

Liverpool missed out on the league title to an imperious Manchester City side but Van Dijk will be crucial if the club is to end their 30-year wait for a championship next term - and he isn’t going anywhere says The Mirror.

His performances have even seen Van Dijk tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year, with Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi seemingly his biggest rival for the award.

Speaking before the Champions League final, Van Dijk declared to the club’s official website: “It’s my club definitely and I'm very proud to be wearing this shirt every day.

“But it's also one of the reasons when I came here - how everyone lives around Liverpool, lives and dies for the club, want to do everything for us, will be there in tough times.

“They will also be with us in the good times.

“I think this is a real football club and you don't have too many at this level that is living and breathing for a club like Liverpool.“It was a very important decision [for me] to make, but so far it has gone pretty well.”

And ESPN report that Van Dijk - the most expensive defender in the world - is keen to sign a new deal with the European champions.

Neither the club or the player are said to be in a rush to open negotiations but it is thought terms will be agreed without any issues.

Van Dijk is among the club’s top-earning stars on around £180,000-a-week, with Mohamed Salah thought to the best-paid of Jurgen Klopp’s squad on around £200,000-a-week.

The pair will not return to Klopp’s contingent until later this month, having been in international action for Holland at the UEFA Nations League and Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations respectively.

Barca Champions League Liverpool

Lionel Messi: What Barcelona star said to Milner after He was fouled

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at May 02, 2019 1

LIONEL MESSI riled Liverpool supporters when the Barcelona star showed the ugly side of his game in their 3-0 win on Wednesday evening.

As he danced past a host of Liverpool players down the right wing, he was finally tackled by a tenacious Andy Robertson.

And after being humiliated by a cute body feint, James Milner was keen to get revenge.

The veteran midfielder gave Messi a shoulder barge which sent him tumbling.

Messi was keen to make the most of it, rolling around on the touchline provoking an angry reaction towards Milner from the home supporters.

He then held up an imaginary yellow card to try and get Milner booked.

After, Lionel Messi turned to a nearby camera and smiled to toy with fans back home who could see what he was up to.

It created an iconic Champions League image and in the second half, Messi was about to back up his antics by letting his football do the talking.

After Liverpool came flying out of the blocks in search on a crucial away goal, Barcelona was clinical.

Luis Suarez kneed the ball onto the crossbar after a slick counter-attack.

The danger wasn’t cleared as Alisson and Robertson lay helpless in the crowded penalty box, Messi was on hand to calmly chest and slot home.

After being blocked off by Fabinho, Messi had sight of goal from 35 yards.

What followed was spectacular. He bent the ball around the wall and into the top left corner giving Alisson no chance.

It was his eighth goal directly from a free-kick this season and his 600th for Barcelona.

Lionel Messi: The Barcelona star fired a stunning free-kick past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson (Image: GETTY)

Barca Liverpool

Barcelona team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up to face Liverpool – Two key decisions

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at May 01, 2019 0

BARCELONA manager Ernesto Valverde has a couple of vital selection decisions to make ahead of his side's Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool tonight (8 pm).

The Catalan club host Liverpool at the Nou Camp for the first leg of their semi-final, having comfortably seen off Manchester United in the last round.

And Barcelona is in high spirits ahead of the match having secured yet another La Liga title last time out against Levante.

Valverde’s squad has an almost completely clean bill of health prior to the Reds’ visit, meaning some big decisions will need to be made regarding team selection.

Barcelona talisman Lionel is certain to start having been rested at the weekend, although the Argentine did come off the bench to score the winner.

Luis Suarez will keep his place up front while Valverde must choose between Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele for the final spot in the attacking trio.

Both started on Saturday but neither player has really nailed down a regular spot in the side, with the Barca boss preferring to regularly rotate his options.

Sergio Busquets should anchor the midfield while Ivan Rakitic is expected to be joined by Arthur in the engine room, with the Brazilian ahead of Arturo Vidal in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Valverde must also choose between Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto at right-back after rotating the duo this season.

Barcelona team news predicted line up Liverpool

Barcelona team news: Lionel Messi and his team-mates trained on Wednesday (Image: GETTY)

Semedo could get the nod due to his extra pace, although the Portuguese defender has started Barca’s last three La Liga matches while Roberto featured from the off in the previous European match against United.

Clement Lenglet is set to start alongside Gerard Pique in central defence at the expense of Samuel Umtiti while Jordi Alba will line up at left-back.

Rafinha is the only player ruled out through injury, while opponents Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The victors of the semi-final will face either Tottenham or Ajax at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on June 1.

Barcelona team news: Is this how Barca will line up against Liverpool? (Image: buildlineup.com)

Barcelona predicted line-up vs Liverpool – Champions League

(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur; Messi, Coutinho, Suarez

Barca Dembélé Liverpool Messi

Messi warns Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde not to start this player if He wants Barcelona to win Liverpool in today's game

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at May 01, 2019 0

Leo Messi has made clear his preferences for the eleven that the club will put against Liverpool. And he does not want Ousmane Dembélé, a player he accuses of being very irregular.

The French crack is very intermittent and, although in most crashes leaves more than one detail of great quality, he does not see it reliable enough to dispute the 90 minutes. He prefers to see it as revulsive.

To be part of the game, he likes Coutinho, a footballer who, despite having starred in a mediocre season, has reacted and left a good taste in his last performances.

In addition, the Brazilian is more hardworking and more combinative. That is to say, it brings more fluidity to the team than Dembélé, more destabilizing and individualistic. And in matches of this level, they need a more compact block than loose individualities . For that, Messi is already here.

To all this, we add the motivational factor that assumes that the '7' is facing his old team. They insist that the former's law take effect and that 'Couti' can be the protagonist to help the Barça team achieve its goal: reach the final of the Champions League.

And if it does well, it would recover part of its cache and then be sold at a better price.

Barca Champions League Liverpool Man City

Pep Guardiola warns Barcelona over TWO Reds stars in semi-final

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at April 30, 2019 0

BARCELONA have been told to stop two key Liverpool players in particular if they are to progress to the Champions League final.

The Catalan giants host Jurgen Klopp's men tomorrow night (8 pm) in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Barca will go into the game as betting favorites after securing the La Liga title over the weekend.

They are attempting to become just the fourth team to beat Liverpool this season, after Chelsea and Wolves defeated them in cup competitions, while Manchester City inflicted the only league defeat that the Reds have suffered.

And it has been suggested that Barca will take a similar approach to the game as City did, with high pressing and wide attacking.

However, ESPN pundit Gab Marcotti explained that Barca will have to take a different tactical approach, and cut off the attacking prowess of full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

Yeah, I don’t necessarily buy that,” Marcotte said of Barca copying City.

“Manchester City have the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane out wide, whereas Barcelona has Lionel Messi, who is an entirely different player.

“I think that the lesson to take from that is the importance of the midfield.

Manchester City are the only team to have beaten Liverpool in the league (Image: GETTY)

“Barcelona are going to feel that if they can starve Liverpool’s front men’s supply from the middle of the park and also pin back the full-backs of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson with Jordi Alba and Messi.

“Then, they can overload the midfield, dominate the game and pick their spots.”

Marcotti agreed with Klopp's claim that Wednesday night’s game might not be a classic Liverpool performance and suggested that instead, it could be a more cagey affair.

“They feel that they have an edge there, and Jurgen Klopp even said himself that we’re not going to see the crash bang wallop heavy metal football that we’re used to seeing from them,” he continued.

Barcelona have been told to stop Andy Robertson attacking (Image: GETTY“We might see a much more measured approach, this is a more mature team than last year, one which can pace itself, and that knows the tie is going to last 180 minutes.

“Even if they don’t do it at the Camp Nou, they will have chances to go and win it at Anfield.”

The return fixture will be played at Anfield on May 7, just days before their final Premier League game of the season against Wolves.

Barca Liverpool Salah Saurez

Luis Suarez sends a brutal message to Liverpool

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at April 29, 2019 0

LUIS SUAREZ insists he will show no mercy if he gets the chance to dump former club Liverpool out of the Champions League.

But he believes that whatever fate awaits the Reds against his Barcelona, the glory days are definitely returning to Anfield.

Suarez, 31, spent four years on Merseyside and admits the club will always have a place reserved in his heart.

But ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg showdown at the Nou Camp on Wednesday Suarez said if he gets the chance to pile on the misery he will not hesitate.

Liverpool will always be important for me - for giving me an opportunity, for playing a big part in my development, and of course for the amazing fans,” Suarez said.

“But this is a Champions League semi-final and all that will matter is helping Barcelona fight to get one step closer to another trophy.”

The Uruguay international played four seasons at Anfield between 2010-14 wearing the fabled No 7 shirt, scoring 69 goals in 110 appearances before leaving for Catalonia.

In his final season in a Red jersey, Suarez came agonizingly close to landing the Premier League in his final season under Brendan Rodgers, losing out to Manchester City.

In the penultimate game, the sight of the striker sobbing under his shirt as Crystal Palace’s stunning comeback from 3-0 down shattered Liverpool’s hopes become one of the most memorable images of the campaign.

Suarez says he is keeping his fingers crossed Jurgen Klopp’s current outfit can put things right and edge their gripping battle with City for this season’s crown.

Yet whatever happens over the course of the final two games, the striker feels it is only a matter of time before Liverpool regain their place at the summit of English football.

“Liverpool are now in a position where their future looks very bright again. The race is so tight in England this season it is impossible to say out of Liverpool and Manchester City who will be champions,” Suarez said.

“But Liverpool are now in a position where they will be challenging in the future.

“When we nearly won the title there was so much disappointment because I think there was a feeling that was our moment and we wouldn’t get another.

“But now Liverpool have the squad, the investment, the set up where this will not be a one offseason.”

Barcelona goes into the Champions League semi-final on a high having wrapped up a fourth La Liga title in the last five years with victory over Levante at the weekend.

And the Catalan giants are still in a with a shout of a domestic and European treble with their dates with Liverpool standing in the way of a first Champions League final since 2015 and with Valencia their opponents in the Copa Del Rey Final on May 25.

Suarez has made a significant contribution to that success, firing in 21 goals in the league and three in the domestic cup, he has so far failed to score in the Champions League this season.

Barca Champions League Liverpool

Jose Mourinho predicts who will win when Liverpool meet Barcelona in the Champions League

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at April 22, 2019 0

Jose Mourinho looks ahead to Liverpool FC's clash with FC Barcelona in the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho has claimed that Liverpool FC has a “50 percent” chance of beating FC Barcelona to reach the Champions League final.

The Reds booked their place in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition last week thanks to an impressive 4-1 win over FC Porto in Portugal.

Jurgen Klopp’s side is now looking to try and reach the Champions League final for the second successive season after they lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in last year’s showpiece.

Former Manchester United manager Mourinho feels that Liverpool FC have improved significantly since last season and he seems to think that they have a great chance of reaching the final at FC Barcelona’s expense.

Speaking in an interview with Russia Today, Mourinho said: “The reality is that Liverpool last season played the final, and this season they are in the semi-finals with, in my opinion, a 50 percent chance of being in the final,

“I think they are better [than last season]. I would say Barca without Messi, Liverpool is favorites. But Barca with Messi… Messi is Messi.”

Liverpool FC will host Huddersfield Town at Anfield in their next Premier League game on Friday night.

The Reds are aiming to try and win the Premier League and Champions League this season as they search for their first piece of major silverware since Klopp’s appointment at Anfield back in October 2015.

Liverpool FC will travel to FC Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday 1 May, before the return leg at Anfield six days later.

Barca Coutinho Liverpool Suárez

Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp sends message to Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho ahead of Champions League

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at April 18, 2019 0

The former Anfield favorites will return with Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Liverpool will come up against former Anfield favorites Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Reds secured their place in the last four of the competition with a 4-1 away win against Porto, completing a 6-1 aggregate success.

They will now face Barcelona in a mouthwatering semi-final following their thrashing of Manchester United on Tuesday.

Suarez and Coutinho have both not played against Liverpool in a competitive match since their moves from Anfield to the Nou Camp.

Coutinho left in a £140m deal in January 2018 while Suarez ended his stay on Merseyside in the summer of 2014.

Both are likely to feature in the two legs, fitness permitting, and Jurgen Klopp was asked about the proposition of taking on two former Liverpool stars.

"Honestly, the only thing I am thinking about is Cardiff on Sunday," the Reds boss said.

"For these two boys, it is very special, because they are Liverpool legends.

"But I don't think it will be a friendly game, we have to fight and work and they will do that as well.

"It is a wonderful game, Liverpool vs Barcelona in the semi-finals. Now let's try to do the best there and we will see what happens.

Barca also faces the unenviable task of trying to stop Lionel Messi with the Argentine scoring twice to down United at the Nou Camp.

On coming up against the Barca skipper, Klopp added: "Thank God I don’t have to think about that tonight. I have a few nights.

"No one has so far managed it but we will try. We have a few jobs before that."

Ajax Barca Juventus Liverpool Man City Man Utd Spurs

Messi's sends a message to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Champions league

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at March 16, 2019 0

Messi did not hesitate to react to the draw of the Champions League, which has paired Barca with Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who has been charged to PSG.

Barca, in case of overcoming their tie, something that is taken for granted, would be measured against the winner of Liverpool-Oporto, Jürgen Klopp having the poster clear favorite.

Piqué, Leo, Luis Suarez, and company hope to overcome the duel against the 'reds', more aware of their options to boost the Premier League than the Champions, and since the Camp Nou and imagine playing the grand final in the Metropolitan Wanda.

A final that, with almost all the odds, will play against Manchester City or Juventus of Turin. That is, against Pep Guardiola or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The English side will face the Tottenham of Mauricio Pocchetino. In principle, there should be no problems to overcome the combined London, which is going through a blip of negative results but could overcome Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.

The 'Vecchia Signora', on the other hand, will be measured at Ajax, revelation team, who will arrive with morale through the clouds after humiliating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. An intense duel in which the Allegri depart as great favorites.

But CR7 and company do not trust each other. They will have to give everything to overcome those of Amsterdam, who play a colorful and offensive football that puts in trouble all the rivals, as demonstrated against Madrid and Bayern Munich. In addition, the role of victims comes as a glove.

If they overcome their respective eliminatory, Ronaldo and Pep would be in semifinals. And whoever wins, against a Messi who has already sent a message to both: see you in the final.

Sparks will fly.

EPL Liverpool Man City

Jose Mourinho offers advice to Jurgen Klopp on how to beat Man City to Premier League title

Ifeanyi ifeakachi at March 05, 2019 0

Jose Mourinho has advised Jurgen Klopp to be ‘honest’ with his Liverpool players if they are to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title. The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager believes the German should deliver it straight to his under-performing squad, who have drawn five of their last seven matches in all competitions. Their latest 0-0 draw with Everton saw them slip off their perch at the top of the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s defending champions taking a slender one-point lead.

Mourinho believes the title race is still wide ‘open’ and offered some advice to Klopp on how to handle this difficult situation. ‘It’s never easy and of course, the personality of the manager is very important,’ he told BeIN Sports. Klopp reacts to Everton draw Play Video Loaded: 0%Progress: 0% Play Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration Time 6:42 Fullscreen Jurgen, I don’t know him personally well enough like I do some other managers, but it looks from the outside that he’s a positive person – happy guy that has some contacts with the players, he’s very tactile. He’s very supportive. I think he’s going to make them believe what we also believe: that’s it’s open. It’s not closed. The city is not championed: it’s open. ‘He’s trying to prepare them and I think the best way to prepare sometimes is to be really honest. To be honest.