Gregory Vignal has reflected on the ‘unbelievable’ feeling of scoring in front of the Kop for Liverpool Legends in their 4-2 win over Ajax on Saturday.

The Frenchman netted his team’s first goal of the afternoon, and it ignited a storming second-half comeback from 2-0 down.

Speaking exclusively to Empire of the Kop, the 42-year-old was delighted to find the net at Anfield and play his part in the fundraising fixture, with proceeds from the game going toward the tremendous work of the LFC Foundation.

Vignal said: “Great, superb, unbelievable. It’s a great feeling to score in front of the Kop for a good cause.”

The defender was introduced earlier than expected, having come into the game as a substitute for Fabio Aurelio, who unfortunately saw his involvement prematurely ended by injury.

The Frenchman didn’t have any update on the 44-year-old after the match, but is hopeful that the Brazilian full-back ‘is not too bad’.

That enforced substitution was indicative of a game in which the Liverpool players’ competitive instinct was clear to be seen in how they disputed some of the refereeing decisions today.

Vignal cited one foul which was given against him that he didn’t think was correct, insisting that he ‘played the ball’ as he protested in vain with his knees on the ground.

The 42-year-old signed off by highlighting the Reds’ determination to end the game with victory, irrespective of it not being a competitive fixture.

He stated: “We are winners. It’s always good to win. That’s why we are playing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a charity game, a friendly game. There is no friendly game for us! We are Liverpool so we have to win.”

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

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Gregory Vignal had only one thing on his mind after scoring for Liverpool Legends in their match against Ajax this afternoon.

The Frenchman pulled a goal back for the home side at Anfield early in the second half to make the score 1-2, finishing with a rocket of a shot into the bottom corner of the visitors’ net.

He then raced to the touchline to envelop Sven-Goran Eriksson in a heartfelt embrace, with the Swede taking charge of the LFC Legends today after being given the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream of managing the Reds, in the wake of his terminal cancer diagnosis in January.

It was a fantastic gesture from Vignal, whose goal sparked a comeback which’d eventually see Liverpool winning 4-2, with Djibril Cisse, Nabil El Zhar and Fernando Torres also netting for the men in red.

You can see the clip of the French defender hugging Eriksson below, via @empireofthekop on X:

Yes @Vignalgreg #LFC pic.twitter.com/uDKotBrHem

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 23, 2024

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Gregory Vignal never scored for Liverpool during his career with the Reds, but he came back to Anfield to net for the Legends team against Ajax this afternoon.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side were trailing 2-0 early in the second half when they launched an attack along the right flank.

Mark Gonzalez crossed the ball into the penalty area, and the French defender ran onto it at the edge of the box, crashing a brilliant first-time finish into the bottom corner of the visitor’s net in front of the Kop.

The best strikers in world football would be proud of that strike from Vignal, who can finally say that he’s scored at Anfield!

You can view Vignal’s goal by scrolling to 53:47 on the match clock in the video below, via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Liverpool fans around the world were shocked to see Jurgen Klopp announce that he would leave the club this summer, including one former player who is now looking to the future.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack, Gregory Vignal was asked who could replace the German at Anfield and said:

“Well, that’s a good question. Of course, everybody is talking about Xabi Alonso at the moment because he’s doing so well with Bayer Leverkusen. There’s a few other names as well, I think it’s a big question for the club and it needs to be the right man because it won’t be an easy job to be the next one after Klopp.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Liverpool legend sends six-word warning to Gerrard and Torres ahead of training session

“So, you need to take that on board, I don’t know who will be the next one. Hopefully, it will be someone who is a strong character, a strong shoulder. And a special style of play because when you are managing Liverpool, you must be a winner. So, it will be a tough one.”

It’s no surprise to once again see the name Xabi Alonso be mentioned in our hunt for a new boss and many will be hoping to see the Spaniard at Anfield.

There will no doubt be other names thrown into the ring before we see a new coach announced but it’s looking increasingly likely that the current Bayer Leverkusen man will be the standout candidate.

You can watch Vignal’s comments on Klopp’s successor via Empire of the Kop on YouTube:

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

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The Liverpool legends squad is assembling ahead of a game with Ajax and with all eyes on the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, one teammate has his eyes set on a training session meeting with the pair.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack, Gregory Vignal was asked about fears of a test in training against the ex-Red duo and provided the perfect comeback of: “A test for them as well!”

It seems then that the Frenchman will be trying to ensure that he can give a good account of himself at the AXA Training Centre, before playing at Anfield.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Liverpool Legend on playing for Eriksson at Anfield in Ajax Legends game

It was of course all said in good spirit, as old friends are reunited for the great cause of helping the LFC Foundation – who in turn help those in areas of high need and deprivation across the Liverpool City Region.

Add on that Sven-Goran Eriksson is also being handed a chance to manage the team, it’s set to be a really special occasion for all those inside the stadium.

It’s easy to forget why we all fall in love with football and moments like this weekend’s meeting will show why the sport can be much more than a game.

READ MORE: (Image) ‘Baffling’: Ex-Red questions decision for Fernandes to not be sent off against Liverpool

Everyone will have their heart set on seeing one former hero performing for the Reds one more time and it’s a real chance to roll back the years and relax for once, ahead of a tense title run-in.

Let’s hope that the Dutch visitors will be put to the sword by our former players too!

You can view the full interview with Gregory Vignal via our Substack!

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

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It’s not often that Liverpool fans can enjoy an international break but with a legends team at Anfield that will be managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, there’s plenty of reason to be excited.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack, Gregory Vignal said about his manager for the day: “It’s simply great, I think it’s fantastic for him. I spoke with Johan, his son, two days ago, what a chance to manage Liverpool Football Club.

“And I was listening to the message from Jurgen Klopp a few weeks ago too, I think he was inviting him to lead a proper training session with the first team.

READ MORE: (Image) ‘Baffling’: Ex-Red questions decision for Fernandes to not be sent off against Liverpool

“Sven is a big, massive Liverpool fan so I think it will be a big welcome tomorrow but maybe we’ll see him later on today at training too. I think it will be a special day for him.”

The Frenchman will be part of the side managed by the former England boss and it’s set to be an emotional day for many inside the stadium.

The 42-year-old will be hoping to play some minutes against Ajax and will be doing so among some very talented former players, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres looking to make an impact.

READ MORE: (Video) Van Dijk demonstrates brilliant leadership again after consoling distraught teammate at Old Trafford

It’s likely though that the day will be all about the Swede who is fulfilling a life’s ambition to manage the Reds and given his current health condition, it’s an occasion that is more than deserving of making headline news.

Let’s hope it’s a successful one for everyone in a red shirt, including our former left-back who was kind enough to share some time for a chat.

You can view the full interview with Gregory Vignal via our Substack!

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

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Liverpool and Manchester United’s legends are set to meet once again, following the Old Trafford match-up in May.

The squads for both teams are slowly taking shape and the Reds have announced that four more players will be part of the squad for the game at Anfield this month.

As reported on the club’s website: ‘Luis Garcia, Albert Riera, Stewart Downing and Gregory Vignal are the latest former Reds to join Sir Kenny Dalglish’s squad for the second leg of the Legends of the North showdown next weekend’.

READ MORE: (Video) Tyler Morton’s corner helps lead Blackburn to victory over Watford

The quartet will be playing alongside the likes of Fabio Aurelio, Jerzy Dudek, Steve McManaman, Martin Skrtel and Momo Sissoko, in a team that will be managed by Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Goals from Mark Gonzalez and Luis Garcia proved vital last time out and the Reds will be hoping to impress at Anfield in the rematch.

The real winners will of course be the charities involved and the brilliant work that takes place by the LFC Foundation will be greatly benefitted by this showpiece event.

One of the best ways to help is by going along and purchasing a ticket for the day. Tickets can be purchased online here.

You can view the confirmation of the four players joining the squad via @LFCFoundation on Twitter:

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Check out the latest players to join our squad for #LegendsOfTheNorth

— LFC Foundation (@LFCFoundation) September 15, 2022

EOTK Insider Opinion: 70% of Liverpool fans suspect he’s fallen out with Liverpool but… What is going on with Naby Keita?

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Despite leaving Liverpool in 2005, Gregory Vignal has kept a close eye on his former club and has a lot of compliments for Jurgen Klopp.

Speaking on The Kopite Podcast, the 40-year-old said: “It’s amazing, it’s unbelievable. When we are talking about Jurgen Klopp we are talking about management, leadership but what a man.

“I think his achievements are unbelievable and it was difficult in the beginning but the support from the board and the support from the fans has been amazing.

READ MORE: (Video) “We will see” – Kaka makes Champions League final prediction ahead of ‘special’ Liverpool & Real Madrid game

“The way he has transformed the squad and the way he has transformed the team, the way they are playing attacking football and the transition is unbelievable”.

The former Rangers Women’s coach went on to explain how the German’s style of play is used as an inspiration for his coaching style and it’s clear that he’s a big fan.

Few will disagree with the words of the Frenchman and who can argue with how brilliant our boss has been, since his arrival in 2015.

We’re now just five games from glory and let’s hope that the gaffer can add plenty of silverware to his CV this season and in the next four years of his reign.

You can watch Vignal’s thoughts on Jurgen Klopp (at 24:23) via The Kopite Podcast on YouTube:

EOTK Insider Opinion: Why Liverpool’s quadruple hunt could help their Champions League hopes despite Courtois’ Real Madrid advantage claim

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The Reds host Brum on Monday and unfortunately we are still plagued with injuries. Monday nights  have been unlucky for us in the past so we hope to break the duck and get a little bit of good luck, we need it badly.

Albert Riera (hamstring) is ruled out while Glen Johnson (calf), Fabio Aurélio (calf), Andrea Dossena (groin), Steven Gerrard (groin), Martin Kelly (ankle) and Fernando Torres (groin) are doubtful.

To add to Rafa’s worries Carragher & Degen are suspended. However both Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger should be available and  probably Stephen Darby or Daniel Ayala will also feature. Alberto Aquilani should make his Premier League debut however most likely Rafa will start him on the bench.

Former Red Gregory Vignal is expected to start for Birmingham

It will be though but we will prevail, time for Anfield to roar again;
Come on Reds, Y.N.W.A.

Kickoff is at 8PM (UK Time)

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According to the Daily Mail Torres is ruled out for 3 weeks  more…
(The good news is that he does not require surgery, we are going to miss him though)

However he was training at Melwood right after the Daily Mail write up more…
(So who is not telling the truth?, Pinocchio please stand up.)

And some reports are now saying that he might play against Brum more…
(I will take that, be careful Nando don’t make it worse.)

Aurelio might also play more…
(This is great news, we need you Fabio)

Glen Johnson is hoping for a change of luck more…
(Just so you know Glen, it is not normally like this.)

Ancelotti has already written us off for the Premiership title more…
(Now this made me smile. Carlo you out of all people should know better, NEVER WRITE LIVERPOOL OFF)

Gerrard is excited about the prospects in the LFC academy more…
(Stevie knows best)

More talk on Barca wanting to sign Masch more…
(Go away Barca, he is ours.)

Ngog is eyeing more goals more…
(Keep it up David, the Man Utd fans know who you are now:-) )

And Cisse tips Ngog for glory more…
(It is always nice to see older players mentoring younger ones)

According the Daily Mail H&G will spend money on players in January  more…
(I will believe it when I see it)

Gregory Vignal regrets his early Anfield exit more…
(Hopefully he does not punish us on Monday)

The Royal British Legion have thanked the Reds for the fund-raising efforts more…
(This comes a day after the London Based Liverpool-Hating News-Media Mafia attacked Liverpool, Man Utd & Bolton for not having the poppies on the shirts.)

I will not publish this column tomorrow as I am going to be stranded at the Kennedy Space Center overnight. Believe it or not they do not have public internet at the Space Center!! Will be back with the column on Monday morning. Have a nice weekend, YNWA.

The post Sat 7th Nov 2009 News, Rumours and Rants appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Sotiris Kyrgiakos : The Greek defender is on the verge of signing for Liverpool.

Ryan Crowther : The young winger has left Liverpool on mutual consent after he could not break into the first team.

Steven Taylor : The Newcastle captain is being linked with Liverpool.

Gregory Vignal : The former Liverpool player wants to return to the Premiership. Corrected, My French translation was messed up, LOL! The former player was convinced to return to the Premiership after meeting Cantona.

Nemanja Vidic : Well had to drop this in there, he is being linked with Barcelona. I am gutted, first they take away Ronaldo, Neville is injured and now Vidic, they are going to leave us with no players to hate. We love watching Vidic being sent off, come on Fergie keep him.

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