Trent Alexander-Arnold is clearly a young man who loves football and that was very much on show during his in depth interview with Gary Neville.

Speaking on The Overlap, the Scouser was asked to name his three dream dinner guests and said: “I’d say; Stevie G, Zidane and probably Ronaldo I’d say.”

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold names ex-Liverpool transfer target as ‘best friend in football’

Naming all three is not really a surprise for someone who adores the game but perhaps links to a former Manchester United man may shock some.

Perhaps one day this meeting of minds could come to fruition although we’d all probably most like to hear the two boyhood Reds sharing their Anfield insights.

You can watch Alexander-Arnold’s dinner guest comments (from 13:14) via The Overlap on YouTube:

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The post (Video) Alexander-Arnold names ex-Man Utd man in dream dinner guests appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Bruce Grobbelaar has urged Liverpool not to consider Zinedine Zidane as their next manager, accusing the coach of having ‘never developed any players’.

The former Real Madrid boss is currently a free agent since departing his role in the Spanish capital in 2021.

“You look at all the managers around, people are throwing names into the hat, like Zinedine Zidane,” the former Reds goalkeeper was quoted as saying by The Irish News. “Zidane managed a team that was always there, he never developed any players.”

This comes amid reports that the Frenchman would be ‘tempted’ by such an opportunity, according to L’Equipe journalist Nabil Djellit (via Football 365).

READ MORE: Robbie Savage says LFC should sign Klopp replacement with 85.71% win rate

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Should Zinedine Zidane be anywhere near the top of the list?

Having led Madrid to three Champions League titles in a row between 2015-18, you can never completely discount Zidane when looking at major managerial roles.

That said, we’d be much more sceptical over the ex-Juventus footballer taking over the reins at Anfield compared to the likes of Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi.

We’re not suggesting the World Cup winner lacks quality as a coach, though we’re not necessarily sure he’d be the best fit for Liverpool the club or the city.

That’s just our suspicion on the matter, of course, and we’re open to alternative viewpoints on the matter.

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The post Bruce Grobbelaar tells LFC they can’t go for free agent manager who’s ‘never developed any players’ appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jude Bellingham’s ideal five-a-side team was heavily populated by Borussia Dortmund stars, with the midfielder going for fellow teammates Marco Reus and Erling Haaland, in addition to former BVB man, Jadon Sancho.

The main debate for the Liverpool-linked target, however, concerned picking between his two favourite midfielders of all-time – Zinedine Zidane and Steven Gerrard.

Mention of the Reds’ legendary No.8 is always likely to perk up the ears of supporters hopeful of the Anfield-based outfit bringing in such a marque signing in the summer.

Though all the talk coming out of Germany would appear to suggest that an early exit for Bellingham is unlikely, one might certainly wonder whether that appreciation for the now Aston Villa boss might work in Liverpool’s favour down the line.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Joe:

"I'm stuck between Phil Foden and Marco Reus."

"He'll keep it going for another 15 years, no doubt." @BellinghamJude picks his ultimate 5-a-side team, based on: Fearlessness, Intelligence, Vibe and Elegance pic.twitter.com/zdVhu8y8WM

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 21, 2021

The post (Video) ‘Him and Gerrard are neck and neck’ – Bellingham torn between ex-Red and former World Cup-winner for five-a-side appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Christian Falk has confirmed in a tweet that former Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, is being considered as a potential contender for the vacant hotseat at Old Trafford.

This follows from the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with ex-Real Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane, ruled out as an option to replace the Norwegian.

TRUE @ManUtd tried to get Zinedine Zidane for the job as new Manager. Zidane let United know that he is not available He is expected to become the next national-coach of France pic.twitter.com/SmcIruVBCk

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) November 24, 2021

TRUE Brendan Rodgers is on the list of candidates of @ManUtd for the new manager. He has a release clause for Champions League Clubs in his contract of @LCFC pic.twitter.com/KpVavtqS3K

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) November 24, 2021

It’s a potential switch that would likely unsettle a good number of the Red Devils’ fanbase, not to mention a few Reds given the Northern Irishman’s managerial history.

READ MORE: Liverpool may regret £6.5m sale as 24-year-old striker lighting up the Bundesliga with eight league goals in 12 games

On the Twittersphere, the possibility of Rodgers moving to Manchester has attracted a more mixed reaction from the Liverpool side of the debate, with some not quite feeling the same level of outrage as when Rafa Benitez took up a role with Everton.

The response is understandable in some respects given the lack of a trophy won and the far from ideal state in which the club was left prior to Jurgen Klopp’s induction.

With the former Swansea City manager unlikely to get a job at any other top four club in the near future, however, it’s a pathway that he could very well give some serious thought to.

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The post Christian Falk confirms ex-Liverpool man on United’s managerial shortlist as Zinedine Zidane move falls through appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Michael Thomas has made the case for Brendan Rodgers to be handed the Manchester United job over Zinedine Zidane should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be given the sack.

The Norwegian has faced increasing pressure from forces outside of Old Trafford following a poor spate of results, including a 5-0 demolition at the Theatre of Dreams at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.

This comes from Caught Offside, with the former Reds man telling the publication, “I think Brendan Rodgers would be a good fit for the club.”

“He plays good football, knows the league and has been in charge at a big club before so that shouldn’t faze him.

“Zidane is obviously a massive name and he has done quite a bit in his short managerial career. Zidane also adds to United’s pull as he is a man that attracts players by himself.

“I would personally go with Rodgers. I think that experience of managing in this league would be huge.”

The former Real Madrid boss has likewise earned his fair share of links to the role in question following his exit from the Spanish top-flight.

READ MORE: Dortmund chief puts possibility of Bellingham exit to bed in significant Liverpool transfer update

Given Zidane’s record in Madrid – not to mention the side’s relative struggles since his departure – it’s difficult to overwhelmingly agree with Thomas’ logic.

The Northern Irishman has certainly grown since his days in Merseyside and has undoubtedly improved Leicester City but there are still elements in his management that suggest a role with a traditionally top four outfit might be beyond his capabilities at this point in time.

From our point of view, we wouldn’t want to see a former Liverpool manager make the switch to Manchester and we’ll be hoping the ex-Celtic boss still holds the nearly season of 2013/14 close to his heart.

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The post Ex-Liverpool star makes the case for Brendan Rodgers to be given Man Utd job over Zinedine Zidane: ‘Would be a good fit’ appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has discussed the time he was handed a gift in a ‘Tesco bag’ from then Reds’ manager Gerard Houllier.

The 44-year-old, who was at Anfield between 1997 and 2004 before joining Charlton Athletic, explained that the then head coach passed him the ‘reward’ after being selected for the England squad.

“Gerard Houllier was my manager at Liverpool, as you know, and he had a major influence and friendship with Zidane from his days in France and kept in touch with him over the years,” the Match of the Day pundit said on talkSPORT (via the Daily Star).

“It was after I’d been called to the England squad. He called me into the office one day and he had a plastic bag, like a Co-op or Tesco bag or something, and he just threw it on the desk and said, ‘that’s for you’.

“I pulled out the shirt and it said ‘Zidane’ on it, it’s got the World Cup final badge on it. He said, ‘Zinedine gave me this after the final, but I want to give it to you’.”

The shirt was from the 1998 World Cup final that saw France defeat Brazil 3-0, with the former Real Madrid coach scoring twice.

Everybody knows how good Zizou was during his playing days and the Frenchman continued his impressive career when he entered management with Real Madrid’s first-team in 2016.

He was in charge of Los Blancos when they beat us in the Champions League final in Kiev but is now out of a job after Carlo Ancelotti replaced him at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this year.

The gift handed to Murphy stresses the generous nature of our former manager who sadly passed in December last year.

During his time on Merseyside, he led the club to a famous treble in the 2000-01 season, winning the League cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

The post ‘I was a bit in shock’ – Ex-Red Murphy reveals ‘reward’ he received from Houllier in a Tesco bag appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp appreciates that his team need to up their performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday night, but believes the 3-1 result in Spain means the Reds can “go for it” with little to lose.

It serves as a warning for Zinedine Zidane, who will be well aware of what happened when bitter rivals Barcelona travelled to Merseyside with a handsome lead in the Champions League.

Liverpool will no doubt be targeting a 2-0 win at Anfield, but will have to defend a lot better against Real Madrid on the second time of asking otherwise they’ll be forced to out-score the Spaniards on aggregate.

Take a look at our video below from Klopp’s press conference this afternoon – with credit to UEFA.

"When you're 3-1 down it looks like you don't have a lot to lose, so we will go for it."

Jurgen Klopp says #LFC haven't thrown in the towel, as the Reds prepare to take on Real Madrid #UCL pic.twitter.com/MSzWWC5w7P

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 13, 2021

The post (Video) Klopp sends warning to Zidane ahead of Champions League clash: “We will go for it” appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane held a press conference on Monday afternoon in which he was asked about speculation regarding Mohamed Salah.

Asked if he’d like to coach the Liverpool superstar one day, the Frenchman rebuffed, saying Salah isn’t his player and that there are many good players in both teams.

Speaking more specifically, Zidane said what concerns him about Salah right now is that he’s got to set up his team to play against him tomorrow in the Champions League.

Take a look at the video below – via the Liverpool Echo.

Zidane has responded to those Mohamed Salah transfer links… pic.twitter.com/V4PrubuPKQ

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 5, 2021

The post (Video) Zinedine Zidane responds to Mo Salah transfer speculation appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Guinea’s national side coach Didier Six has heaped praise atop the shoulders of Naby Keita, comparing the midfielder’s leadership ability with that of former French star Zinedine Zidane.

The 26-year-old Liverpool man has only recently returned to the fold at Anfield after being ruled out with an ankle injury following the 7-0 rout of Crystal Palace in December.

“In my opinion, Keita has magical feet, and I decided to give him the captaincy because he’s a true leader. He’s never abrasive with his team-mates,” the 66-year-old told FIFA.com. “The way he talks to them is very similar to the way Zidane deals with his players, and he communicates the message in a wonderful way.”

READ MORE: Opinion: Celtic should explore swap transfer with Liverpool to kick off summer rebuild

What role will Keita have to play for the season remainder?

As Keita has proven on numerous occasions prior to his latest injury struggles, he’s more than capable of making an impact in Liverpool’s midfield.

The return of Fabinho to the middle of the park does mean that the former RB Leipzig star is reliant on pushing out one of Thiago Alcantara or Gini Wijnaldum for a spot in the first-XI, though he’s a clearly fantastic option to have available to call upon from the bench.

In light of our injury crisis this term, we’d expect Jurgen Klopp to rotate his midfield slightly after the international break, though given the nature of our domestic campaign, the Guinea international may not get as many minutes as he might have earlier in the season.

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The post Guinea coach lauds LFC star with Zidane-like quality: “We always need his magic and battling spirit on the pitch” appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

It’s not often players are compared with the elegant greatness of Zinedine Zidane, and even less often that it proves a fair comparison – just ask Bruno Cheyrou!

But Kai Havertz, whose recent form with Bayer Leverkusen has been so good that his assistant manager has likened him to the Frenchman, is a future target for Liverpool – reckons Bild honcho Christian Falk.

Falk tweeted the news today, claiming that the Reds are one of many elite sides who could secure the Germany international either this summer (for us, almost impossible…) or next.

The @kaihavertz29 poker. At the table for a a transfer 2020 or 2021: @realmadriden @FCBarcelona @LFC @ManUtd @ChelseaFC and of course @FCBayern

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) June 4, 2020

Earlier in the week, Marcel Daum paid Havertz the ultimate compliment.

“Everyone is asking about Kai Havertz,” he told talkSPORT . “If you see him play, it tells you everything.

“For me, he has the elegance of Zidane. If you see his movement, he’s very elegant, he’s always calm, he has great passing ability.

“What a lot of people don’t see, because we watch him every day, is that he’s pretty fast. That’s a big bonus.

“He’s a great player; he’s scoring goals, he’s great in the air and he’s pretty fast. It’s up to him how far he can go.

“I can’t say he will be the best German player ever, but he has the talent and there are no limits. He’s displaying signs of Zidane.”

Those words are pretty extravagant, but if you’ve seen much of Havertz, they’re quite fair.

He has extra-ordinary technique, coupled with strength and speed – and can seemingly play in a number of attacking positions.

For us, he’d be most comfortable as a false-9, but we have Roberto Firmino in the role for now so despite Havertz’ potential, we can’t see the club going all out for the youngster just yet.

The post Liverpool on the ‘poker table’ for Kai Havertz, who is ‘displaying signs of Zidane’ appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool are reportedly set to offer Sadio Mane a contract which would see him end his career at Anfield. The club are said to be aware of interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid, as per Football Insider.

The Senegalese superstar’s current deal ends in the summer of 2023 – when he would be 31 – but the Reds are interested in keeping him at the club until he’s ready to hang up his boots.

Real Madrid were said to be interested in our No.10 last summer, before they splurged out on Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, but it seems their desire to lure Mane to the Spanish capital remains.

The same FI report claims Zinedine Zidane is a long-time admirer of the Liverpool star, but a new deal agreed by player and club would end the Frenchman’s hopes of getting his man.

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown question marks over the financial situations of even the biggest clubs in the world, with the Reds’ deal for Timo Werner under the threat of collapse.

But it’s believed that Mane’s star quality will force Liverpool to stump up the cash in any scenario to make sure one of the best players we’ve seen in the Premier League era stays with us.

The post LFC to offer Mane a contract which would see him retire with the Reds – report appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Real Madrid are one of the second placed-teams in the Champions League Groups who Liverpool may now draw in the Last 16.

The others are Atletico Madrid, Lyon, Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta.

When asked about the potential rematch of the 2018 Champions League Final, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane made a bold statement!

“If we play Liverpool, we will eliminate them,” he half-joked (via the Evening Standard). “We can’t do anything about the draw.”

After hearing this, even though it was tongue in cheek, we’d absolutely love for our name to come out of the hat alongside Real Madrid…

It’s not like we need revenge for what happened in Kiev, because we won the Champions League in Madrid last year, but it would be fantastic to see Mo Salah up against an ageing Sergio Ramos at Anfield.

Right now, we’re a much better, more consistent side than Real Madrid – and over two legs – we’d surely be considered the favourites.

Of the potential teams to face, Atalanta would probably be the easiest tie, followed by Lyon – but we’re not scared of anybody.

They’ll be scared of us.

The post ‘If we play Liverpool, we will eliminate them…’ Zidane goes hard on potential Champions League draw appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen starlet Kai Havertz next summer, with El Desmarque claiming the German prefers a move to Spain and the Bernabeu ahead of his other options.

As well as the Reds, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for the Germany international, who is still just 20 years old.

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Havertz is almost certain to move on next summer and the Reds should certainly be looking at him. With 20 goals last season, he has already shown his talent and despite his age, he is a mature and first-team ready player.

The reason he is said to favour a move to Madrid is because he sees more first-team chances there. As much as that says about the state of Real Madrid in contrast to the Reds at this moment in time, perhaps Jurgen Klopp can talk his fellow countryman around.

The post Report claims Real Madrid is the preferred destination for Liverpool target Kai Havertz appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jurgen Klopp says there is no chance of the Reds being in for Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale this summer.

Zinedine Zidane has already made it clear that he doesn’t want the Welshman at the Bernabeu anymore as he looks to free up a slot to sign Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, but so far the only offers for Bale have come from China.

Klopp says that Bale is an outstanding player – his overhead kick against the Reds in Kiev was enough to prove that, and he has scored a lot of others stunners over the years for club and country – but says the boss only wants players who are good for the team rather than individuals.

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed any talk of Liverpool making a move for Gareth Bale this summer. Calls Bale outstanding. Says Liverpool need a team rather than individuals.

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 24, 2019

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Bale’s wages and injury record are probably also in the equation, but it is interesting that he chose to pinpoint the ‘individuals’ issue.

Any player that the Reds sign must be perfectly suited to the team on and off the pitch, with extensive scouting work and background checks done, hence the very high hit rate when it comes to transfers.

It seems that Bale, despite his quality, doesn’t fit in with everything the Reds need.

The post Jurgen Klopp offers interesting reason as to why Reds won’t move for Real Madrid man appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Paul Ince says Liverpool should be signing Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale this summer, with the Welshman surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.

Via the Daily Mirror, Ince explained his reasoning: “If you look at [Liverpool’s] front three, they have played all summer so how much rest are they going to get before the season starts? Bale can play on the right, he can play left and he can play central.”

Bale has no doubt been a great player over the last few years; some of the runs he used to make with the ball at his feet and the goals he used to score have been unbelieveable – the Reds witnessed that first-hand in Kiev.

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Now, though, his injuries mean we should be going nowhere near him – and that’s before you think about the wages that it would cost the club to sign him.

For us, Ince, like many pundits, has just picked a top name without really thinking it through that clearly on this occasion. Bale currently earns £650,000 per week (no wonder Real want him off the books) and has reportedly been offered £1 million a week to head to China.

He certainly won’t be wearing a Reds shirt next season, and rightly so.

The post Paul Ince claims Reds should sign Real Madrid man – but he couldn’t be more wrong appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.