Marko Grujic has a ‘genuine chance’ of breaking into the Liverpool first-team next season, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.

Grujic is currently plying his trade at Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin for the second year in succession as he looks to force a way into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

Though he has not had an outing for the Reds since the first half of the 2017/18 season, he remains confident.

And Pearce maintains that Klopp has high hopes for the Serbian international.

Speaking on regards to Grujic’s future at Liverpool, @JamesPearceLFC says: "Klopp rates Grujic highly. He has a genuine chance of being part of the LFC squad for the 2020/21 season." [@TheAthletic]

The future is bright. pic.twitter.com/sFUiNzfSRF

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) September 26, 2019

Liverpool have plenty of midfield options, but Grujic is a very talented player capable of competing for a spot.

And the possible departures of James Milner and Adam Lallana in the summer could open the door.

Grujic will have to perform especially well to catch the eye, though, with Hertha set for a tricky campaign after losing three of their opening five games.

You’d suspect that, rather than loan him out yet again, Klopp would sanction a lucrative sale if he doesn’t find a place for the 23-year-old in 2020/21.

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Chris Wilder has declared that if Liverpool are to get three points at Sheffield United on Saturday, it will be ‘over the dead bodies’ of his players.

The Reds have made a perfect start to the new campaign and top the table by five points, with Saturday’s opponents sitting in tenth.

They were favourites to go down this season but Wilder has consistently refused to make up the numbers.

The Blades have already come from two goals down to salvage a draw at Stamford Bridge last month.

Wilder understands that the club’s supporters will be excited to welcome the European champions so soon after their return to the top flight, but doesn’t want that sense of anticipation to spill over into admiration.

“I don’t want our players to look at them all starry-eyed,” he said, as quoted by the Independent.

“Of course, playing the best team in Europe at Bramall Lane was always going to be one of the fixtures to look forward to when we got promoted back to the Premier League.

“It’s a reward for the supporters, who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and the challenge for us now is to make sure this becomes a regular fixture in the Premier League.

“But I don’t want the players speaking to their players before and, ‘can I swap shirts and any chance of signing this?’. And they won’t.”

The 52-year-old, who oversaw a smash-and-grab victory on Merseyside against Everton last weekend, has told the visitors to expect a real battle

“We are playing them on a level playing field in the Premier League and we deserve to be here. Of course there’s enormous gaps between the both clubs at the moment and we’re trying to make that gap a little bit closer.

“I don’t want Liverpool to come here into our backyard and go, ‘well, thanks very much that’s the easiest three points we’ve picked up all season’. If they do win, I want it to be over our dead bodies.”

Many promoted teams would almost write-off this fixture, acknowledging that their season-defining points are likely to come elsewhere.

But Wilder’s different approach is in some ways refreshing, and Jurgen Klopp will be very wary of complacency going into this one.

The post ‘We won’t look at them starry eyed’ – Fired-up Wilder warns Reds appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Lazar Markovic had a pretty miserable time while on Liverpool’s books, but he’s starting to find form again back in his homeland.

Markovic only made 34 appearances for the Reds across what was technically four years as our player, scoring just four goals and failing to win many admirers among the fanbase.

After four spells on loan, he was able to join Fulham on a free transfer and then sealed a move back to Serbia with Partizan Belgrade over the summer.

And the switch already looks like it could be perfect for the 25-year-old, who has bagged three goals in his first two matches.

If you needed any sign that his confidence is coming back, look no further than this outrageous piece of skill.

Markovic left his man wondering what solar system he was in with a delightful turn and flick, and the cross at the end of his run should have resulted in a goal:

WOW!!! The magic of Lazar Markovic#FkPartizan#Liverpool pic.twitter.com/EKZh5QH3Sz

— Sports data sets (@Sport_Data_sets) September 25, 2019

The winger could line-up against Manchester United in this season’s Europa League, with the two teams set to face each other in Group L in around a month’s time.

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Mohamed Salah’s relationship with the Egyptian FA has been pretty fractious of late, and it seemed to take another turn for the worse this week.

Salah deleted any mention of the national team from his social media profiles after apparently being snubbed by the manager and captain in the FIFA Best awards voting.

He then put out a tweet affirming his love for the country with a (slightly) veiled dig at its footballing authorities.

Egypt have since claimed that manager Shawky Gharib and skipper Ahmed Elmohamady did in fact vote for Salah, and did not understand why their votes had been counted.

Now though, as reported by the Echo, FIFA have insisted that they twice warned Egypt, to no avail, that their original voting forms were invalid and that they would not count without rectification.

Maybe this was the result of simple miscommunication, but it still seems bizarre.

Salah wound up finishing fourth overall, with Virgil van Dijk second to Lionel Messi.

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Leicester City midfielder James Maddison says one of the players he is seeking to emulate is ex-Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho.

Maddison was linked with the Reds after shining for Norwich in the Championship in 2017/18 but went onto join the Foxes.

Those rumours have resurfaced now, though, with the 22-year-old’s form increasingly impressive.

Even this week, pundit Noel Whelan urged Liverpool to swoop for the Englishman.

Maddison’s goal contributions from midfield – he has scored eight and set-up nine since arriving in the top-flight – would be a valuable asset, filling the void left by Coutinho’s departure.

And intriguingly, he says that Brendan Rodgers wants him to emulate the Brazilian, his import at Anfield.

“I’ve seen more of Wayne Rooney because, watching him, I was a bit older and understood more about the game,” he told The Athletic, via Football365, when asked about his footballing influences. “He dominated the Premier League for years; an unbelievable player.

“More current era, there’s David Silva who’s like a fine wine, getting older but better and better.

“And, of course, Philippe Coutinho, who was at Liverpool when I was in the lower divisions. He was outstanding.

“The manager and I have spoken about that role he played in his team, and how sometimes he used Coutinho as a No 8 and other times, off the left in different games.

“He had the skill set to do well in those roles and now he’s getting me to play there. But I believe I have the versatility to mix it up.”

Maddison has bags of promise and could find another level surrounded by world-class team-mates.

It would be a hugely exciting signing, but the price tag would almost certainly be eye-watering.

Leicester demanded £80million for Harry Maguire over the summer, and will probably ask for even more in this case.

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Arsene Wenger has seemingly thrown his name into the mix as a potential Manchester United manager, a scenario Liverpool fans would probably welcome.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s days at Old Trafford look numbered after a stuttering start to the season.

And Wenger, out of work since leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2017/18 season, has alerted the Red Devils to his availability and interest.

He appears to have been plotting ways to guide them back to the top.

“Manchester United is a dream job for any manager,” he told beIN sports, as quoted by the Echo, after United were taken all the way to penalties by League One Rochdale in the League Cup.

“At least, any manager with courage and confidence. Yes, they need – in my opinion – four first-team players. But around those players, I see a squad that is capable of challenging.”

“They aren’t as far away as people think.

“The team have no pattern of play, no pattern of pressing. There is a team there, but it needs to be coached and developed. Like I said, four players and they can be challengers. For everything.

“Like I said, Manchester United is a dream job. For any coach. I have confidence, I have courage… and you’re right, I have ideas.”

Though Wenger purports to have a master plan, there could certainly be more daunting combinations from a Liverpool perspective.

The Frenchman, who once played a part in revolutionising the English game, began to look hopelessly out-of-touch in his final few years at The Emirates.

If United get their next appointment wrong, whenever they come to make it, it’s certainly feasible that Liverpool could climb back above them in the overall title stakes within the next decade.

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Steven Gerrard admits he was ‘flattered’ when Jurgen Klopp named him as a potential successor, but is hopeful the German sticks around for many years yet.

It seems inevitable that one day, club legend Gerrard, currently in charge at Rangers, will take the reins at Anfield.

And FIFA coach of the year Klopp suggested this week that he expected the former captain to be in the running when he departs.

But Gerrard seems happy to wait for that opportunity if it means Klopp staying put for another five or ten years.

“I was surprised and flattered at the same time,” was Gerrard’s response, as quoted by Sky Sports.

“But when you read the quote really carefully, like I have, it said, ‘if I get sacked tomorrow’ he thinks Steven Gerrard should be the next Liverpool manager.

“Jurgen Klopp’s not getting sacked tomorrow. I don’t want him to get sacked tomorrow. He’s doing a fantastic job.

“I’m a Liverpool fan. I’m sure every Liverpool fan on the planet endorses what I’m saying here. We want him to stay for many, many years and bring as much success to our club as possible.

“But yeah, it was very flattering at the same time.”

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer struggling badly at Manchester United and Frank Lampard’s eventual fate in the Chelsea dugout unclear, Liverpool will be keen to ensure Gerrard has all the necessary credentials before they consider offering him the job.

But let’s hope that a decision to be made in the distant future. Klopp is still in the process of building what could be a dynasty.

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Joe Gomez isn’t hiding his frustration at sitting on the bench, but has vowed to keep working hard in training to force a way back into the team.

Gomez and Van Dijk formed what looked set to be a long-term partnership before the Englishman’s season was all but ended by a leg fracture in December.

Joel Matip replaced him in the side and has found the form of his life over the past few months, largely keeping a fit-again Gomez on the bench.

The 22-year-old has only one start at centre-back this calendar year.

Happily, though, Gomez is looking to channel his frustration into motivation, and is waiting to seize his opportunity when it comes.

Asked following the win at MK Dons if it had been hard to take spending so much time on the bench, Gomez told the Evening Standard: “Yes, definitely. Obviously I have not been playing and obviously every footballer wants to be playing.  

“At the same time I understand that we are the European champions and the lads are doing very well at the minute so all I can do is keep my head down, keep working hard in training and keep waiting for the right time. 

“Until then, I have to keep working hard. You cannot sit there and be down. You have to stay positive and do yourself justice when the time comes. 

“You need to show the good attitude otherwise you will do yourself harm.”

Gomez can’t dispute the excellent form of the incumbent pairing and is hopeful that observing Van Dijk, the best defender on the planet, closely can help him go up a level.

“Credit to them, they are doing unbelievably well – as well as the whole team – and as I say, I understand.

“Obviously it is frustrating for me at the same time because I want to be playing but it is what it is. I have to keep working hard.

“We have a great set of lads to learn from – Virgil as well, who I learn from every day.”

Patience is key for Gomez, who looks likely to be a consistent starter in the long-term given that he is six years Matip’s junior.

Matip is undroppable right now, but we shouldn’t forget just how good Gomez was prior to his injury. He and Van Dijk shipped only six league goals as a pairing from the start of the campaign until early December.

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LFC have been failed in their efforts to trademark the word ‘Liverpool’ for football products and services.

The Intellectual Property Office rejected the attempt, stressing the ‘geographical significance’ of Liverpool relative to other UK towns and cities whose names have been trademarked by football clubs.

The decision has been accepted and will not be appealed.

This was welcomed by supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly, who insist ‘Liverpool’ should be free from ownership.

They also accused the club of ‘stealthily’ looking to maximise profits with too little regard for those affected.

“SOS were clear at the outset that the word ‘Liverpool’ is not for FSG or anybody else to own – it belongs to the city of Liverpool and its people,” read their statement.

“We should all be allowed to use it freely, however we see fit, without fear of legal letters dropping through our doors. 

“LFC have enough legal remedies from their current  trademarks to address any issues they may have. Any more is unnecessary.

“Without fan activism this issue may not have ended like this. Without fan involvement there would be no challenge to the corporate greed within football.

“SOS remain vigilant to the stealth of the club in their relentless pursuit of money at any cost.”

Club CEO Peter Moore, for his part, claimed that they held the interests of supporters at heart.

He says the input from those who opposed the move was welcome.

“It should be stressed that our application was put forward in good faith and with the sole aim of protecting and furthering the best interests of the club and its supporters,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we accept the decision and the spirit in which it has been made.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to reiterate our thanks to all those who engaged with us throughout this process, most notably independent traders and local football clubs.”

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Napoli are becoming familiar opponents for Liverpool, having met the Reds four times in little over a year when you factor in pre-season friendlies.

And it seems one of their players in particular has caught Jurgen Klopp’s eye.

Surprisingly, it’s not their talismanic skipper Lorenzo Insigne.

No, according to reports in Italy, we’re instead keen on Spanish central midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

23-year-old Ruiz moved to the Stadio San Paolo from Real Betis last summer and has gone on to establish himself as a consistent starter.

He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 45 appearances thus far.

And his impressive displays earned him a first Spain call-up over the summer.

Calciomercato, via SportWitness, name the Reds as a likely party in an ‘international auction’ next year.

They say Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are also interested – stern competition indeed.

His reported valuation is around £53million.

Liverpool are well-stacked in the midfield department and have Marko Grujic potentially joining their ranks next season, but it’ll nonetheless be interesting to see if or how this story develops.

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Ki-Jana Hoever is eyeing a start against Arsenal in the next round of the Carabao Cup after opening his Liverpool account against Arsenal.

Hoever’s powerful header from James Milner’s cross doubled Liverpool’s lead in the second half at Stadium MK.

He became the youngest defender to score a goal for the Reds.

And the Dutchman wants to be rewarded with a first Anfield outing when Arsenal visit in Round Four next month.

“You hope the manager starts you in the next game again and gives you minutes,” he told liverpoolfc.com. “That’s what you are hoping for the next game.”

The 17-year-old credited the more experienced players in the camp for setting an example.

Clearly, Jurgen Klopp has instilled plenty of confidence among the up-and-coming academy crop, who believe they’ve fully earned their places alongside the established talent.

“I think that’s the perfect way to start learning how to play for Liverpool, how they want to play, with some experience in the team. I think it’s nice to have a few youngsters [in the team],” he said.

“You need to play your game. You are here because you can play good football so you need to show everyone and not try to hide, just show your talent and we all tried to do that.”

It’s worth starting the youngsters against Arsenal as it would be the biggest test of their abilities yet and an opportunity to truly make a name for themselves.

Dropping Hoever, Harvey Elliott or Curtis Jones after their impressive performances on Wednesday night would be very harsh.

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Fulham want Liverpool to pay them £7million in compensation for Harvey Elliott, according to Paul Joyce of the Times.

Elliott joined the Reds over the summer after rejecting a scholarship offer from the relegated Cottagers.

But no fee was agreed at the time and Joyce says there are no negotiations currently taking place.

It’s likely that the amount we have to pay will be decided by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

This may remind Reds of the recent dispute with Chelsea over Dominic Solanke.

According to the Echo, the Blues wanted £10million but Liverpool only intended to pay £3million, with the sum decided via tribunal around a year after he joined.

On the very early evidence, even the maximum £7million fee for Elliott could eventually prove to be a bargain.

The winger has earned plenty of praise, and generated considerable excitement, after shining on his competitive debut against MK Dons.

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Liverpool’s late October/early November fixture list is looking very interesting indeed after a League Cup tie against Arsenal slotted into the calendar.

The Reds’ reward for easing past MK Dons is a fourth-round meeting with the Gunners.

Here’s how the revised schedule, as posted by an excited supporter, is shaping-up:

https://twitter.com/_Ifcjay/status/1176974774351872000

So between October 20 and November 10, the Reds will face four big-six opponents and play two Champions League ties.

Liverpool will travel to Manchester United and Spurs within a week at the end of the month before a potentially youthful team plays host to Arsenal.

The culmination of this tricky but blockbuster run is an absolutely massive home game against Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp will have to extract every ounce of performance from his team in that one if they are to claim what could be a crucial victory in the title race.

By the time they face the champions, the Reds could have broken the record for consecutive Premier League victories.

As it stands, they are only three wins away from tying it.

The post ‘Oh my word’ – Arsenal draw adds to tasty Autumn schedule appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool’s young players really impressed on Wednesday night’s trip to MK Dons, and they also made history in the process.

Harvey Elliott, who lined-up on the right wing, became our youngest-ever starter in a competitive match.

The summer signing sets a new record at 16 years and 174 days.

Only Jerome Sinclair, a substitute in a League Cup third-round visit to West Brom in 2012 at the age of 16 years and six days, was younger when turning out for the Reds.

Elliott was twice denied by the crossbar in his efforts to mark his debut with a goal.

Had he found the net, he would comfortably have broken then 17-year-old Ben Woodburn’s youngest-ever scorer record, also set in the League Cup against Leeds United in 2016.

However, Ki-Jana Hoever was able to write himself into the record books with his second-half header.

Three players were younger than the Dutchman when scoring their debut goal – Woodburn, Michael Owen and Jordan Rossiter – but none of them were defenders.

He slots in above Raheem Sterling in the all-time ranks.

The post The two club records broken by Liverpool’s youth at MK Dons appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool fans have offered mixed reactions on social media after the Reds were drawn against Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

On the one hand, a home draw against a top side adds considerable excitement to the least prestigious domestic competition.

But on the other, some fear that the untested young players who looked so promising against MK Dons – the likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Rhian Brewster – might be left out of the line-up for such a tricky fixture in favour of established talent.

Below are a selection of the split opinions. Overall, excitement was probably the prevailing emotion.

A decent fourth-round draw for #LFC in that they can name a much-changed team again because Arsenal likely will as well, and being at Anfield probably makes them favourites to progress. Hopefully the young players who featured tonight will get another chance as a result.

— David Lynch (@dmlynch) September 25, 2019

Liverpool vs Arsenal. Be harder to start all the youngsters, now.

— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) September 25, 2019

Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Rhian Brewster licking their lips knowing they’ll get a go at the Arsenal defence.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) September 25, 2019

Big home draw

Going to be a real test for our youngsters against Arsenal's, who seemed to be seriously impressive against Forest.

— David Comerford (@Dave_Comerford) September 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/AndruConnell/status/1176972045189558273

Nothing changes, same team, great for youth players.

— H (@SinghIsLFC) September 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/MaubeN_/status/1176969043431088131

https://twitter.com/boardmanburner/status/1176969545757667343

I hate this rubbish. Why do we #LFC always get the difficult draws and ManCity get a stroll in fixture all the time? Unfortunately Klopp doesn't even seem interested in the Carabao cup. I fear genuinely for our Anfield records.

— Ven JB Jibiya (@Jibiya03) September 26, 2019

Announce trophy

— Max (@BR2K01) September 25, 2019

Man City get Southampton & we get Arsenal. Typical. Lol

— ʿNabīl نبيل (@Nabzii_7860) September 25, 2019

Harvey Elliot that is all

— beano* (@beano167) September 25, 2019

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