Alisson Becker – The Empire of The Kop https://www.empireofthekop.com Blog about Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the Kop from true supporters for supporters worldwide. Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:22:53 +0100 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 95610221 Why Klopp had to tell off Alisson Becker in the first-half vs Atalanta https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/why-klopp-told-off-alisson-first-half-atalanta/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/why-klopp-told-off-alisson-first-half-atalanta/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:39:33 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253186 Alisson Becker had to be reminded of his position during Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Atalanta. Ian Doyle posted on X (formerly Twitter) during the tie in Bergamo, spotting Jurgen Klopp telling off his No.1 for staying too far away from goal. Alisson that far out of his goal that he's in the centre-circle as […]

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Alisson Becker had to be reminded of his position during Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Atalanta.

Ian Doyle posted on X (formerly Twitter) during the tie in Bergamo, spotting Jurgen Klopp telling off his No.1 for staying too far away from goal.

The Merseysiders lead 1-0 at the Gewiss Stadium, courtesy of Mo Salah’s penalty opener, as things currently stand.

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Alisson’s return a huge boost

Caoimhin Kelleher’s contributions in this period shouldn’t be forgotten. The Republic of Ireland international played a key part in ensuring we made it to this stage in the knockouts.

Alisson prior to the clash vs Atalanta – (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

That said, it simply can’t be argued that Alisson is a class above most ‘keepers in world football. His return to the first-XI, first slotting back in against Crystal Palace, could prove to be the difference between additional silverware and Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour having the wind knocked out of its sails.

Now then… just the small matter of one of the potentially great comebacks in Europe we need to progress to the semi-finals.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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(Video) Alisson well and truly back as he pulls off incredible save; didn’t know it’d be offside https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/alisson-save-atalanta-liverpool-offside/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/alisson-save-atalanta-liverpool-offside/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:24:48 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253188 Alisson Becker is playing just his second match tonight since returning from a hamstring injury which sidelined him for two months, but Liverpool fans certainly don’t have to worry about the goalkeeper being rusty. Shortly after the Reds took an early lead against Atalanta through a Mo Salah penalty, pulling back one of the three […]

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Alisson Becker is playing just his second match tonight since returning from a hamstring injury which sidelined him for two months, but Liverpool fans certainly don’t have to worry about the goalkeeper being rusty.

Shortly after the Reds took an early lead against Atalanta through a Mo Salah penalty, pulling back one of the three goals they require to cancel out the first-leg deficit, they were almost caught out at the other end.

After Gianluca Scamacca flicked the ball on to Teun Koopmeiners, the Dutchman put in a low cross towards the edge of the six-yard box. His compatriot Virgil van Dijk got a leg to it but looked like he was about to turn it into his own net until the Brazilian stopper somehow adjusted his footing and got back to claw it away from danger.

The offside flag then went up for an infringement earlier in the move, but Alisson wasn’t to know that when he miraculously reacted to stave off a real scare for Liverpool. That’s why he’s the best goalkeeper in the world, bar none!

You can view Alisson’s stupendous save below, taken from beIN SPORTS’ match coverage and shared via @AlmedaDufo75613 on X:

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(Video) Alisson: injury comeback ‘was really hard’ but now ready to be ‘part of the fight’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/alisson-injury-comeback-fight/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/alisson-injury-comeback-fight/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:50:44 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253164 Liverpool fans can’t help but be impressed with what Caoimhin Kelleher did whilst in the team but the return of Alisson Becker from injury is huge. Speaking about finally returning after an eight-week lay-off, the Brazilian said: “It was really hard for me. I am a guy that when I am at home, injured or just […]

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Liverpool fans can’t help but be impressed with what Caoimhin Kelleher did whilst in the team but the return of Alisson Becker from injury is huge.

Speaking about finally returning after an eight-week lay-off, the Brazilian said: “It was really hard for me. I am a guy that when I am at home, injured or just resting, I don’t like to watch football because I get too excited and I want to play!

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp wary of ‘exceptional’ Atalanta ‘handful’ ahead of second leg

“I want to be part of every game. But I knew that wasn’t possible for me, so I tried to make the best of the treatments, the recovery. I spent a lot of time on a bed having treatment, spent a lot of time inside the gym working to be strong when I come back, to be in a good shape, maybe better than I was before.

“This is how I feel. It was eight weeks pretty much working double sessions every day, sometimes three sessions, so it was really hard for me.

“And, of course, seeing the team fighting for titles, I have a lot of desire to be part of that, to be part of that fight. Thank God I am here and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp resurrects inspirational failure quote ahead of improbable European clash

This frustration from our No.1 will now need to be transferred into positive performances on the pitch and given his impeccable track record, there’s no reason to doubt this will happen.

Let’s just hope that the 31-year-old can keep a clean sheet in Italy as the job at hand is already tough enough, without the prospect of conceding any more goals.

You can watch Alisson’s comments on his injury return (from 10:39) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Jamie Carragher names four Liverpool players he’d like to see starting second leg v Atalanta https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/14/carragher-liverpool-team-selection-atalanta/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/14/carragher-liverpool-team-selection-atalanta/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2024 08:01:56 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252951 Jamie Carragher has sought to clarify what he meant by advising Liverpool to go with a ‘second string’ line-up for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta. The Reds’ European involvement is dangling by a thread after they lost 0-3 at home to the Serie A side last Thursday, leaving them with […]

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Jamie Carragher has sought to clarify what he meant by advising Liverpool to go with a ‘second string’ line-up for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta.

The Reds’ European involvement is dangling by a thread after they lost 0-3 at home to the Serie A side last Thursday, leaving them with a huge mountain to climb for the return fixture in Bergamo later this week.

The Sky Sports pundit advocated for a much-changed line-up to be fielded in Italy in deference to the Premier League campaign, although he’s insisted that he wasn’t calling for a virtual under-21 team to be put out against the Nerazzurri.

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Speaking to the Liverpool Echo on Saturday, Carragher clarified: “When I said ‘second string’ I wasn’t talking about the kids. I meant, you know, give Trent [Alexander-Arnold] a game, give Diogo Jota a game, Curtis Jones, maybe the goalkeeper [Alisson Becker] plays.

“When you’ve got to play four away in 10 days because they’ve got to go to Atalanta on the Thursday and then Fulham on the Sunday, I was just thinking playing your best team and trying to give it absolutely everything and it might not be enough, because it is going to be tough.

“Then you go to Fulham and you’re not at your best and it doesn’t go well at Fulham, you are then falling behind in the league. The Premier League title is so much bigger than the Europa League. We all want to win both but we have put ourselves in a difficult position but we have still got ourselves in a great position in the league.

“We’re in a better position in the league than we are now in the Europa League, so for me I just think the league is too important, especially if we win against Crystal Palace. Fulham is much more important than Atalanta and even getting through.”

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There’s logic to Carragher’s suggestion that Jurgen Klopp may be best advised to play the percentages and field a much-changed line-up next Thursday, given the scale of the task that Liverpool face in Europe amid a Premier League title charge where there’s no room for error.

The German was questioned over the alterations he made to the team for the first leg, with his decision to start with Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai on the bench backfiring as then Reds sunk to a heavy defeat.

However, considering the spate of injuries with which we’ve had to contend earlier this season, it makes sense for the manager to utilise the enviable squad depth that he now has, especially with such a hectic period of crucial fixtures coming up.

Obviously we want to see Liverpool excelling on all fronts, but if a European exit on Thursday is the price to pay for winning every Premier League match (and ultimately the domestic title) until the end of the campaign, most fans would probably sign up for that right now.

Klopp could still go with a reasonably strong team against Atalanta and make a few alterations for the Fulham clash three days later with what he’d consider to be the ‘best’ starting XI available to him.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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(Image) Not just Trent, Jota, Bajcetic & Alisson; another injured player was back in training https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/10/not-trent-jota-alisson/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:43:15 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252756 Liverpool fans have been rejoicing as we saw the like of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic and Alisson Becker back in training but they weren’t the only ones. Taking to his Instagram account, Ben Doak uploaded an image of himself back on the grass alongside a caption of: ‘Almost’. READ MORE: (Video) Konate and Gakpo’s training love-in […]

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Liverpool fans have been rejoicing as we saw the like of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic and Alisson Becker back in training but they weren’t the only ones.

Taking to his Instagram account, Ben Doak uploaded an image of himself back on the grass alongside a caption of: ‘Almost’.

READ MORE: (Video) Konate and Gakpo’s training love-in will warm Liverpool fans’ hearts

It’s a great boost to be able to have the Scot back in the squad, as it could add for some respite for the attacking players in Europa League competition.

It’s unlikely we’ll see much of the teenager in the Premier League but he should be given some minutes, if able to play again in the coming weeks.

You can view the image of Doak via his Instagram account:

🚨 EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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Neil Jones shares huge news coming out of Liverpool this afternoon https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/09/jones-shares-huge-news-coming-out-of-liverpool/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:16:30 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252721 Liverpool fans could all do with some positive news following the disappointment of a draw at Old Trafford. Neil Jones has the perfect remedy, sharing details of the Reds’ latest injury boost on X (formerly Twitter). The EOTK Insider columnist relayed a tweet from @LFC showcasing the return of Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Stefan […]

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Liverpool fans could all do with some positive news following the disappointment of a draw at Old Trafford.

Neil Jones has the perfect remedy, sharing details of the Reds’ latest injury boost on X (formerly Twitter). The EOTK Insider columnist relayed a tweet from @LFC showcasing the return of Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Stefan Bajcetic to team training.

The Merseysiders are set to next take on Atalanta in the Europa League before also welcoming Crystal Palace to Anfield this Sunday.

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Huge boost for Liverpool’s title push

As admirably as the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher and Conor Bradley have performed, there’s no question these are massive returns for Jurgen Klopp.

With only goal difference separating ourselves and Arsenal, in second and first place respectively, such an instant injection of quality could be a difference-maker down the line.

Let’s hope they’re all able to get involved in a jam-packed April of fixtures as soon as possible!

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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Liverpool in line for triple injury boost ahead of upcoming fixture as return date mooted https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/09/trent-jota-alisson-injury-return-dates/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:47:07 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252709 Liverpool could soon be set for a massive injury boost, with three players believed to be nearing their respective comebacks. According to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp could welcome back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota for the second leg of the Reds’ Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta on 18 April, with all three […]

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Liverpool could soon be set for a massive injury boost, with three players believed to be nearing their respective comebacks.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp could welcome back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota for the second leg of the Reds’ Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta on 18 April, with all three having been sidelined since mid-February.

In further good news on the injury front, Stefan Bajcetic is in line to resume training with the senior squad next week, having not featured for LFC in nearly seven months.

READ MORE: (Video) Mo Salah insists that two of his Liverpool teammates are vastly underrated

READ MORE: Liverpool fans set for ‘crazy’ chase as UEFA announce Europa League final ticket details

While the ideal scenario would be for Liverpool to build a handsome enough lead in the first leg against Atalanta this week so that Klopp wouldn’t need to go full strength for the reverse fixture in Italy, it’d be quite the fillip if Trent, Alisson and Jota were all fit for the trip to Bergamo in nine days’ time.

There’s a good chance that the former two in particular may be held back for the Premier League visit to Fulham the following Sunday. Although Conor Bradley and Caoimhin Kelleher have performed commendably over the past two months, it’s likely that both would revert to the bench when the vice-captain and Brazil number one regain full fitness.

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The latter half of April sees a frantic period of four away matches in 10 days, so squad rotation will be paramount during that spell in order to give LFC the best possible chance of lifting two more trophies this season.

If Trent, Alisson and Jota are all available once more for that relentless run of fixtures, it could make a monumental difference to Liverpool’s pursuit of glory on the domestic and European front. In the meantime, we just need there to be no-one added to the injury list as the crunch games come thick and fast.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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(Video) What Alisson Becker did just before Liverpool’s 3-1 win v Sheff Utd has just emerged https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/07/what-alisson-did-just-before-sheffield-united-win/ Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:19:01 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252549 Alisson Becker has been a big miss in Liverpool’s defence – mind, Caoimhin Kelleher has done a sensational job standing in his place in recent months. That hasn’t stopped the Brazilian from showing his support in alternative ways, as is most certainly demonstrated by his involvement in the Reds’ famous pre-match tradition ahead of the tie with […]

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Alisson Becker has been a big miss in Liverpool’s defence – mind, Caoimhin Kelleher has done a sensational job standing in his place in recent months.

That hasn’t stopped the Brazilian from showing his support in alternative ways, as is most certainly demonstrated by his involvement in the Reds’ famous pre-match tradition ahead of the tie with Sheffield United.

The former Roma shotstopper was spotted belting out You’ll Never Walk Alone loud and proud before Jurgen Klopp’s men went on to secure a 3-1 victory over Chris Wilder’s men.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of LFCTV (via @superszbo):

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(Image) Alisson posts injury update to Liverpool fans; comeback is looming https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/04/alisson-posts-injury-update/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:02:45 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252441 Alisson Becker is arguably the most important player in Jurgen Klopp’s squad that is currently unavailable and he’s provided supporters with an update on his fitness. Taking to his Instagram stories, the Brazilian posted a picture of himself during his recovery at home and alongside the emoji: ‘⏳’. READ MORE: (Image) Injured Liverpool midfielder spotted with first-team […]

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Alisson Becker is arguably the most important player in Jurgen Klopp’s squad that is currently unavailable and he’s provided supporters with an update on his fitness.

Taking to his Instagram stories, the Brazilian posted a picture of himself during his recovery at home and alongside the emoji: ⏳.

READ MORE: (Image) Injured Liverpool midfielder spotted with first-team squad ahead of Sheff Utd

It showed that there’s still some time to go until we see our No.1 back on the pitch but few can argue that Caoimhin Kelleher has filled the void expertly.

News from inside the AXA Training Centre is that our No.1 was in training on the day of the Sheffield United game and all focus is now centred on getting the stopper back after the Manchester United match.

You can view the Alisson update via his Instagram account:

🚨 EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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(Video) Alisson injury update as Klopp plots return of first-team players https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/04/alisson-injury-update-klopp/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/04/alisson-injury-update-klopp/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:57:24 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252429 Jurgen Klopp is hoping to have several injured players back as quickly as possible for the title run-in and Alisson Becker is certainly near the top of his list of priorities. Speaking with the media, our manager confirmed: “Ali is with the goalkeeper coaches, so I just see them through the fence, but that looks good […]

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Jurgen Klopp is hoping to have several injured players back as quickly as possible for the title run-in and Alisson Becker is certainly near the top of his list of priorities.

Speaking with the media, our manager confirmed: “Ali is with the goalkeeper coaches, so I just see them through the fence, but that looks good as well. I think in his mind as well, next week parts of team training.”

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp rules loyal servant out for rest of the season despite fitness boost

News from inside the camp is that the Brazilian is in training on the day of the Sheffield United game and all focus is centred on getting the stopper back after the Manchester United match.

For now, we’re in the very capable hands of Caoimhin Kelleher who has been impervious since his return to the side.

You can view Klopp’s update on Kelleher (from 0:37) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

🚨 EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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Liverpool reporter hints at projected Alisson return date as Klopp’s injury list begins to clear https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/28/alisson-return-date-liverpool-injury-latest/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:45:49 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252205 Liverpool’s injury list is gradually beginning to clear somewhat after a torrid couple of months on that front. Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai already returned to action before the international break, while Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota could all be back over the next fortnight. FOLLOW Empire of the Kop on […]

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Liverpool’s injury list is gradually beginning to clear somewhat after a torrid couple of months on that front.

Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai already returned to action before the international break, while Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota could all be back over the next fortnight.

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Reporting for The Athletic on Thursday afternoon, James Pearce also signalled good news over Alisson Becker, who’s missed nearly two months with a hamstring injury.

Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper is eyeing a return for mid-April, which means he could potentially be back for the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on the 14th of that month, or the Europa League quarter-final second leg away to Atalanta four days later.

READ MORE: Tribute to Larry Lloyd: One of Shankly’s favourites and a man who would ‘kick his grandmother for a fiver’

READ MORE: ‘Definitely’: David Ornstein shares what he’s now hearing about Liverpool & Ruben Amorim

When news of Alisson’s injury came to light just after the defeat to Arsenal in early February, amid Jurgen Klopp’s assertion that it was ‘rather serious’ (Evening Standard), Liverpool fans may have been banging their heads off the nearest wall in frustration.

Replacing one of the world’s best players in that position is no mean feat, but Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up commendably over the past couple of months, most notably with a heroic performance in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea.

Indeed, the Irishman has performed to such a standard that the question has even been floated in some quarters as to whether he’ll keep his place in the team after the Brazil international is cleared to return.

As outstanding as the 25-year-old has been, it’s hard to imagine Klopp voluntarily leaving Alisson on the bench for the run-in to the season, except possibly for Liverpool’s Europa League fixtures.

In just a couple of weeks’ time, the Reds manager will be faced with one of the most pleasant selection headaches in English football when selecting between his main two goalkeepers. It may well have some of his Premier League peers looking on with deep envy.

🗓 Back with a bang: All to play for in April as Liverpool hope to line up glorious Klopp send-off

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(Video) “Not that long” – Klopp provides injury update to fans in training session https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/28/klopp-provides-injury-update/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:30:59 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252083 Jurgen Klopp hasn’t yet had the chance to speak to the media after the international break but he has spoken with some fans who were lucky enough to attend a training session. Speaking about Alisson Becker, the German said: “Ali, two-and-a-half, three weeks, it’s not that long any more”. READ MORE: Liverpool fans respect for Steven Reid […]

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Jurgen Klopp hasn’t yet had the chance to speak to the media after the international break but he has spoken with some fans who were lucky enough to attend a training session.

Speaking about Alisson Becker, the German said: “Ali, two-and-a-half, three weeks, it’s not that long any more”.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans respect for Steven Reid will be sky high after Tierney’s x-rated report

There were also updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip too, as we await the return of some key players.

Let’s hope that ahead of the Brighton game, there’s no new issues to contend with – thinking mainly of Andy Robertson after his concern for Scotland.

You can watch Klopp’s fitness update via @LiamWhittle5 on X:

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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‘Sort it out’ – John Aldridge urges Richard Hughes and FSG to do one thing ‘ASAP’ at Liverpool https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/26/aldridge-fsg-plea-liverpool-contracts/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:42:09 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252022 John Aldridge has urged the Liverpool hierarchy to get moving ‘ASAP’ on securing the futures of four crucial players at Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah all see their current contracts expire in June 2025, with the former reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid, while Alisson Becker is tied down until 2027 […]

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John Aldridge has urged the Liverpool hierarchy to get moving ‘ASAP’ on securing the futures of four crucial players at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah all see their current contracts expire in June 2025, with the former reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid, while Alisson Becker is tied down until 2027 (Transfermarkt).

In his latest column for the Liverpool Echo, the former Reds striker even said that whoever is appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor must want to work with that quartet, or else they’re not the right manager.

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Aldridge wrote: “A new manager comes in, they need to sort those contracts out as soon as possible to make sure these players are part of his plans. You don’t want to, all of a sudden, lose the manager and then lose four world class players. It’s as easy as that. You tie them down or you do whatever needs doing.

“You get the manager in place, you see the structure he wants. As soon as he says those players are good, you tie them down. I can understand why they have waited, but I would have tied them down before the manager came in.

“If a new manager comes in and doesn’t want Trent Alexander-Arnold, you don’t want the manager. A manager comes in and doesn’t want Alisson, then you don’t want the manager. If he doesn’t want them four players then you don’t want the manager in my opinion!

“It’s awkward for the owners, but they’re starting things in place with the structure now. But they need to sort out things with these players as soon as possible because we’ve got enough on our plate to replace the best manager in football.

“We need to sort that out ASAP. The owners need to sort it out. I don’t know what the plan is but it needs looking into.”

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READ MORE: (Video) Sven-Goran Eriksson struggled to hold back tears during YNWA prior to LFC Legends match

It’s virtually impossible to imagine that whoever Liverpool hire as their next manager wouldn’t want to keep Trent, Salah, Van Dijk and Alisson, who currently comprise 80% of Klopp’s leadership group at Anfield (along with Andy Robertson).

You can understand why Aldridge is eager for the trio whose contracts are approaching their final year to have their futures sorted at the earliest opportunity, with each passing month that it goes unresolved weakening the club’s position.

As the columnist mentioned, it’s a big enough blow for the Reds to lose one of their greatest managers this summer without the concurrent risk of seeing several core players moving on also.

It’s understood that CEO of Football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes are both very keen to sort out Trent’s future as a priority (Graeme Bailey, HITC), so that should soon be resolved hopefully, even with the duo simultaneously stepping up the search for Klopp’s successor.

The next two months could be pivotal for Liverpool both on and off the pitch, with two trophies still to be won and multiple contract situations requiring attention, not to mention the massive decision over the club’s next manager.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Four Klopp signings could have joined Bournemouth instead if Richard Hughes had his way https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/21/four-klopp-signings-could-have-joined-richard-hughes/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:40:26 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=251826 It’s intriguing to talk to managers about the signings that failed to materialise and the players their club held interest in. In Richard Hughes’ case – doubly so! Paul Joyce reported that the Bournemouth technical director ‘targeted’ Andy Robertson and Harvey Elliott, whilst identifying fellow Jurgen Klopp signings in Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker […]

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It’s intriguing to talk to managers about the signings that failed to materialise and the players their club held interest in.

In Richard Hughes’ case – doubly so! Paul Joyce reported that the Bournemouth technical director ‘targeted’ Andy Robertson and Harvey Elliott, whilst identifying fellow Jurgen Klopp signings in Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker as ideal options.

“There should be little sense of trepidation for Richard Hughes as he prepares to officially take over as Liverpool’s sporting director at the end of the season,” the Times reporter wrote.

“After all, there were times during his tenure as Bournemouth’s football administrator that he found himself on the same wavelength and displaying the same vision as those already in situ during one of Anfield’s golden periods.

“Hughes targeted Andrew Robertson at Hull City, Fulham’s Harvey Elliott and pushed for Charlton Athletic’s Joe Gomez during his time on the south coast, while also identifying Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk and Roma’s Alisson as signings that, in an ideal world, he would have pursued.”

Due to the financial constraints down on the south coast, of course, the Cherries could never be too ambitious with their moves in the market.

That said, it’s encouraging to hear of our incoming sporting director having as strong an eye for a player as Michael Edwards.

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READ MORE: Good news for Liverpool fans as Richard Hughes’ unsuccessful Bournemouth transfers explained

READ MORE: Next Liverpool manager: Hughes’ contacts could see 44-y/o manager slide ahead of Alonso

Another golden era for the next Liverpool manager?

That will be the hope of an entire fanbase mustering the emotional strength to say goodbye to one of the greatest managers in Liverpool’s history.

Much like Hughes, it’s worth noting that whoever next comes in through the doors of the AXA training centre will have a world-class framework in place waiting for them.

If our new sporting director can build on his good work with Bournemouth and spearhead a new era of incredible signings, we’ll be in very good shape indeed.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Injury update: When will Alisson Becker return for Liverpool? https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/15/injury-update-when-will-alisson-return-for-liverpool/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:04:50 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=251552 Alisson Becker is now expected to feature again for Liverpool come mid-April. This update was shared by James Pearce on The Athletic following Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Manchester United press conference. The Brazilian international joins Stefan Bajcetic on the sidelines as one of several long-term absentees in 2023/24. The former Borussia Dortmund boss also confirmed that Ibrahima […]

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Alisson Becker is now expected to feature again for Liverpool come mid-April.

This update was shared by James Pearce on The Athletic following Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Manchester United press conference.

The Brazilian international joins Stefan Bajcetic on the sidelines as one of several long-term absentees in 2023/24.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss also confirmed that Ibrahima Konate would be touch-and-go for availability at Old Trafford this weekend.

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READ MORE: ‘I’m expecting’: Ex-Red explains why Man Utd will make life especially difficult for Liverpool in FA Cup

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp’s next managerial job may already be planned out for him

How many games could Alisson Becker miss?

If we’re talking about a mid-April full return date, it’s entirely possible that our No.1 could miss as many as six fixtures across all competitions.

Between March 17 – April 14, we face:

  • March 17: Manchester United (FA Cup – Away)
  • March 31: Brighton (Home)
  • April 4: Sheffield United (Home)
  • April 7: Manchester United (Away)
  • April 11: Atalanta (Europa League – Away)
  • April 14: Crystal Palace (Home)

Given the calibre of talent we’re without currently, that’s not an entirely daunting fixture list.

Due respect, of course, will be paid to each cup competition and opponent amid our pursuit of three extra potential pieces of silverware this season.

Get Alisson fit in time to face the remainder of the campaign by that point and we’re looking in a very strong position to finish the season on a high.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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