Liverpool recorded a 3-1 win over LASK last night after an early scare in the first half. Goals from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah ensured that the Reds began their Europa League campaign with a victory.
Jurgen Klopp made 11 changes from the team that defeated Wolves and there were plenty of talking points as both Ryan Gravenberch and Ben Doak made their first starts for the club, while fit-again Stefan Bajcetic returned to the team in an unfamiliar role. We’ll bring you all the analysis from the game in Linz.
In terms of the transfer rumour mill, Moises Caicedo’s agent has spoken about the Reds’ recent interest in the midfielder, while Liverpool are also said to be part of a growing battle for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.
Premier League: Ange Postecoglou opens up on Liverpool influence
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has opened up on the influence Bill Shankly’s trophy-sweeping Liverpool side had on his methods as coach during his formative years.
The Greek-born Australian, who took over at White Hart Lane in July, has been in management for over 25 years since beginning his career with South Melbourne in 1996.
Speaking to the BBC, Postecoglou said: “I always wanted to be a manager. I loved the game. I loved all of it, not just playing. I would get three-month-old Shoot magazines, Roy of the Rovers. I would read everything. I was a massive Liverpool fan, I loved Bill Shankly, I loved the boot room stories.
“I am comfortable walking into a room and talking to footballers. I am not comfortable going into a social setting and having small talk, but put me in a room with footballers and I am more than comfortable in that space.
“Some of it [his football philosophy] was dad. The teams you loved to watch, 1974 it was all about Holland, it was always the teams who excited. Even Liverpool in the 70s with the whole possession stuff. He always tracked me down that road.”
Anfield to Grenfell Run: Advocating for Change and Compassion
The Anfield to Grenfell Run is set to take place from 13th April to 20th April 2024, spanning from Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield to London. The primary mission of this journey is to implore the government and opposition to enact the Hillsborough Law, an essential piece of legislation aimed at fostering fairness and justice for those affected by tragedies such as Hillsborough, Grenfell, the infected blood scandal, and the Manchester bombings.
The run will commence from Anfield and pass through Hillsborough on the poignant anniversary of 15th April to pay our heartfelt respects to the victims. Its culmination will be at Grenfell Tower on 20th April, symbolising a journey from one tragedy to another, bound together by a shared commitment to justice and change.
Mik Parkin, the runner behind this endeavour and massive Liverpool FC supporter, will be joined by Claire Parkin, offering her unwavering support for this cause. We extend an open invitation to all runners and cyclists who wish to join in at any stage of the run, emphasising that every step counts in our collective pursuit of justice.
Mik took on a similar run in 2019 from his home in Sheffield to the Grenfell Tower raising over £3,000 for the Grenfell Foundation and then in 2020 (when this run was originally planned to take place but then the pandemic hit) he ran 10k locally every day in May covering the distance of the planned route and raised over £800 for the Grenfell Foundation and Alderhey Childrens Hospital.
Representing £10 for each mile of this epic journey, Claire and Mik aim to raise £2270 shared equally between these two amazing charities. Mik is a Retail Area Manager for the British Heart Foundation and would love it if he could encourage people to donate collectively a total of 2270 bags to their local British Heart Foundation charity shops.
Find out more information about Claire & Mik Parkin’s run on the following social channels:
LASK 1-3 Liverpool: Ryan Gravenberch injury latest
Ryan Gravenberch enjoyed quite the full debut for Liverpool against Lask on Thursday evening.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who joined the Reds from Bayern Munich on deadline day, was here, there and everywhere across the Raiffeisen Arena turg as Liverpool fought from behind with an impressive second half performance to win 3-1.
Gravenberch, however, after driving into the final third with real purpose in the latter stages of the contest, was withdrawn after appearing to sustain an injury to his legend.
However, Jurgen Klopp has already played down fears that the Dutchman has suffered anything other than cramp.
“He [Gravenberch] told me he had a cramp,” he told TNT Sports after the win over LASK. “I think that makes sense absolutely, it was his first start for a long while I think.”
Caoimhin Kelleher in awe of Liverpool’s attacking options
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Caoimhin Kelleher joked that he’s pleased he only has to face Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah in training after the trio all scored in the 3-1 victory over LASK.
In spite of falling behind to a sumptuous early strike from Florian Flekcer, the Reds turned the game on its head in the second half and secured all three points in their Group E opener.
What’s next for Liverpool?
After flying back to Merseyside on Thursday night, you’d imagine Jurgen Klopp will grant his Liverpool squad Friday off before returning to the AXA Training Centre on Saturday to prepare for Sunday’s Premier League clash against West Ham.
The Reds head into the contest sitting third in the Premier League and, along with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Arsenal, are one of four sides who still boast an unbeaten record.
Sitting sixth in the table, West Ham – who were also in Europa League action on Thursday night – have started the season strongly despite losing captain Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool ‘joined’ in Thuram transfer battle
Liverpool have reportedly been ‘joined’ by Juventus in the battle for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.
That’s accroding to 90min, whop claim that Bayern Munich, PSG ad Tottenham also ‘remain interested’ in the 22-year-old.
The Reds were previously linked wiith Thuram, son of former Juve defender Lilian, during the summer. However, it is said that Juve are currently leading the race for his signature.
Moises Caicedo agent makes transfer claim
Moises Caicedo’s agent has hinted that Liverpool were always unlikely to sign his client.
The Reds tabled a British record £111m bid for the young midfielder in the summer, which was accepted by Brighton, but a deal failed to materialise. Instead, Chelsea submitted an improved £116m offer and led Caicedo to join the west London club.
