Team News – The Empire of The Kop

‘Tantalising…’ – Liverpool journalist intrigued by Reds team news for Atalanta clash

Liam Togher — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:44:20 +0000

Jurgen Klopp has made it clear from his Liverpool team selection for tonight’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Atalanta that he doesn’t think this tie is irretrievable.

The Reds have a mountain to climb after losing 3-0 to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side at Anfield last week, but the German has opted for a strong starting line-up for the clash at the Gewiss Stadium.

One intriguing change in attack sees Cody Gakpo come in for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan and Diogo Jota among the substitutes.

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Reacting to the team news on the Liverpool Echo‘s live matchday blog, Paul Gorst stated: “I am surprised a little bit to see Cody Gakpo start, even though the Netherlands frontman has been in decent form of late. In full fairness, he has scored a decent number of goals in this competition this term. Only Darwin Nunez has more than Gakpo’s four.

“It’s a first start since early February for Trent Alexander-Arnold too. How they will need his creativity from deep tonight. Jota and Nunez in reserve is tantalising.”

Jota is still waiting for his first Liverpool start in two months, although he’s appeared off the bench in the Reds’ last couple of matches since returning from a knee injury (Transfermarkt).

Nunez drops out after a run of just one goal in six matches but he’s already had a telling impact as a substitute this season, coming on to score twice in the dramatic win at Newcastle in August and also getting the 99th-minute winner away to Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago.

The pair have scored 32 times between them in the current campaign, certainly a nice luxury to have in reserve if we need a goal or two during the second half tonight.

Hopefully the starting front three of Luis Diaz, Gakpo and Mo Salah can do the business and rescue Liverpool’s first-leg deficit, but having Jota and Nunez to call upon off the bench is indeed a tantalising prospect if it’s needed.

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Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs Atalanta: Nunez out as Klopp rings the changes

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:46:02 +0000

You could forgive Liverpool’s lineup for experiencing deja vu after Jurgen Klopp encouraged his Liverpool side to give their all in Bergamo and to ‘fail beautifully’ if they must fail at all.

It was a similar rallying call issued to the squad ahead of a fateful return leg in the Champions League against Barcelona back in 2019.

Winning will, arguably, be an even harder outcome to achieve coming up against Atalanta’s likely raucous home ground.

Yet, try Klopp’s men must to keep alive any hopes of a treble-winning campaign.

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Liverpool team news vs Atalanta

Alisson Becker is the man handed the task of patrolling between the goalposts in Italy.

The Brazilian international will be protected by a centre-back partnership consisting of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

The midfield selection will see Alexis Mac Allister joined on the pitch by Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah are the men entrusted with leading the line ahead of our impending encounter in Bergamo.

Give em’ hell, lads.

You can catch the full team news below, courtesy of @LFC:

How we line up to take on Atalanta #UEL

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 18, 2024

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Confirmed Liverpool lineup v Palace: Alisson returns among 5 changes, Szoboszlai remains benched

Liam Togher — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:04:00 +0000

Liverpool aim to banish the demons of their Europa League humiliation by Atalanta when they welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Reds have the chance to reclaim top spot in the division for a few hours at least if they can inflict defeat on the Eagles, who drew 1-1 in this fixture last season and were beaten by a stoppage time Harvey Elliott goal at Selhurst Park when the sides met earlier in the current campaign.

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Jurgen Klopp’s men have three consecutive Premier League away games coming up in the space of seven days after today’s match, so nothing less than victory will do if they’re to have any realistic hopes of finishing ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal.

Liverpool can lay down a marker to the Gunners, who play later on Sunday, if they get the job done against Oliver Glasner’s side at Anfield in the 2pm kick-off.

Liverpool v Crystal Palace team news

Klopp was questioned in some quarters for fielding a much-changed line-up against Atalanta on Thursday, with his decision to start with the likes of Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson on the bench backfiring as the Reds lost 3-0.

He’s made a few alterations again today, with five changes from the team which started that defeat.

Alisson Becker returns to the line-up after two months out through injury, and there’s two changes to the defence in front of him, with Conor Bradley and Robertson coming back into the starting XI in the full-back positions.

The midfield three remains unchanged from the defeat to Atalanta, with Salah and Diaz restored to the attack as Elliott and Cody Gakpo drop out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are among the substitutes once more, with Szoboszlai also remaining on the bench.

You can catch the full team news below, courtesy of @LFC on X:

Team news confirmed for #LIVCRY

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2024

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Journalist revels in ‘frankly ridiculous’ Liverpool team news for Atalanta clash

Liam Togher — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:43:07 +0000

From being forced to blood a series of academy youngsters during Liverpool’s injury crisis earlier this year, Jurgen Klopp now has an abundance of riches from which to choose.

The 56-year-old has the luxury of making six changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s Europa League clash against Atalanta, and the substitutes’ bench is further supplemented by three players returning from lengthy absences.

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Reacting to the LFC team news on the Liverpool Echo’s live matchday blog, Paul Gorst welcomed the ‘frankly ridiculous’ squad depth which is now avaiable to the German.

He posted (19:05): “Fair to say the selection dilemmas for Jurgen Klopp have been of a much different nature than in recent weeks and months. The strength of that bench is quite frankly ridiculous. Szoboszlai, Diaz, Salah, Alexander-Arnold, Jota, Robertson…There is ample in reserve should it be needed this evening.”

Team news is in for tonight's #UEL clash with Atalanta

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2024

It’s only been a few short weeks since Klopp fast-tracked the likes of Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell into the starting XI, such was the extent of Liverpool’s injury crisis.

The youngsters all stepped up commendably, but Reds fans will no doubt be hugely relieved to have a nearly fully-fit squad available once more, especially after being forced to do without so many big-name players throughout February and March.

Diogo Jota’s impending return finally gives us the luxury of having all five senior forwards from which to choose, and as soon as Trent comes back into the side, we’ll have one of our most lethal creative options pulling the strings once more.

Liverpool’s starting XI tonight is by no means a weak one, yet to have players like those two to call upon if needed – as well as Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai – is a testament to what an outstanding squad Klopp has when almost everyone is fit.

Truth be told, you could make a darn good XI out of our substitutes for this game!

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Liverpool fans will rejoice at seeing three names in particular among tonight’s matchday squad

Liam Togher — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:20:53 +0000

There’s an argument to be made that Liverpool’s substitutes’ bench for tonight’s Europa League clash against Atalanta is as interesting, perhaps even more so, than the starting XI.

Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the standout players who drop out of the line-up for this game, and three other names among the subs will also catch the eye.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Stefan Bajcetic all return to the matchday squad tonight after lengthy injury absences, with the former two having not played since mid-February and the latter sidelined since September 2023.

Team news is in for tonight's #UEL clash with Atalanta

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2024

Jurgen Klopp will ideally want to ease that trio back into the team rather than throwing them in at the deep end straight away, but their mere presence among the substitutes will have Liverpool fans rejoicing.

The dream scenario for the manager is that the Reds will be in a strong enough position by 70-75 minutes to be able to bring on the likes of Trent, Jota and Bajcetic to get some game-time into their legs ahead of forthcoming fixtures.

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Atalanta will be striving to ensure that isn’t the case, but even if this fixture comes a small bit too soon to give that trio a few minutes of action, their inclusion in the matchday squad illustrates that they’re fit enough to potentially be involved tonight.

With so many crucial games coming up in such a short timespan for Liverpool, Klopp will be mightily relieved to finally have a near fully-fit squad at his disposal after an injury crisis a few weeks ago which threatened to cripple our season but thankfully hasn’t.

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Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs Atalanta: Klopp favourite starts first game since February in strong XI

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:56:36 +0000

Liverpool are set to take on Atalanta in the Europa League against a flag-less backdrop.

This follows the club’s controversial decision to raise ticket prices, inviting a hefty backlash from fan groups, including Spion Kop and Spirit of Shankly (SOS).

We will pay our respects to the 97 with Hillsborough flags only at this weekends league match, as always with it being the closest game to the 15th of April.

— Spion Kop 1906 (@SpionKop1906) April 10, 2024

Jurgen Klopp said this on Spion’s decision: “The flags are not there but as long are the people are there, it’s all good. I understand the concerns and discussion, definitely. I understand where the supporters are coming from and they will find a solution, I’m sure.”

Elsewhere, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen take on West Ham, Benfica face Marseille and AC Milan play against Roma.

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Liverpool vs Atalanta team news

Caoimhin Kelleher remains between the sticks, as expected, ahead of Gian Piero Gasperini and his Italian top-flight outfit’s arrival.

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate partner up in the heart of defence for our Europa League quarter-final encounter.

A midfield three of Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones (his first start for the Merseysiders since Burnley in February) and Alexis Mac Allister has been selected.

Up top, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott have been given the nod by Klopp to line up at Anfield.

You can catch the full team news below, courtesy of @LFC:

Team news is in for tonight's #UEL clash with Atalanta

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2024

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(Video) Klopp announces unique comeback plan for returning injured midfielder

Peter Kenny Jones — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:54:12 +0000

It was a press conference full of injury updates from Jurgen Klopp but the manager has confirmed that he’s got a different plan for one man.

Speaking before the game with Atalanta, the German provided an update on Stefan Bajcetic: “Stefan is different a little bit because he was out for much longer, but he is now training with us for longer as well.

“But I think after the long spell he had without playing football it makes sense that we might give him a game at U21s and then let’s see how he deals with that.”

It’s probably a good idea to allow the midfielder to take some time before making a first-team return, after less than 90 minutes played in the last year.

Let’s hope a patient approach will mean we see more of the 19-year-old, a consistent basis, in the coming weeks, months and years.

You can watch Klopp’s comments on Bajcetic (from 19:45) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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(Image) Not just Trent, Jota, Bajcetic & Alisson; another injured player was back in training

Peter Kenny Jones — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:43:15 +0000

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’.

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:

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Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs Man Utd: Konate out as key man returns to starting-XI

Farrell Keeling — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:31:46 +0000

Liverpool fans will rightly feel some nerves ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s final visit to Old Trafford.

The Reds find themselves in need of a statement response following Arsenal’s convincing victory over Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday.

The Merseysiders were punished for not taking their chances last time out against Manchester United. The hope for the visitors is that they will be far more ruthless when called upon.

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Confirmed Liverpool team news vs Manchester United

Caoimhin Kelleher continues between the sticks ahead of Alisson Becker’s expected return from injury later in April.

Virgil van Dijk skippers the side ahead of our impending clash with United. Jarell Quansah partners the Dutch international in the heart of the backline.

Klopp has given the nod to Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo in the middle of the park.

Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz start up top in our pivotal league clash at Old Trafford.

You can catch the full team news below, courtesy of @LFC:

Team news confirmed for #MUNLIV

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 7, 2024

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Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs Sheffield Utd: Ryan Gravenberch starts in midfield tweak

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:31:36 +0000

Liverpool are officially in control of the Premier League title race following the aftermath of battles between the Reds and Brighton, and Manchester City and Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will return to the top of the table by two points over the Gunners, should they defeat Sheffield United this evening.

Only eight top-flight games will then stand in the way of the German tactician and his photo-finish at L4.

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Liverpool team news confirmed

Caoimhin Kelleher lines up in goal once again as Alisson Becker’s ongoing recovery efforts look set to take him deeper into April.

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate fill the heart of our backline for the impending clash with Chris Wilder’s Blades.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch form the midfield three at Anfield.

Up top, Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz are in place and ready to challenge the visitors’ backline.

You can catch the full team news below, courtesy of @LFC:

The Reds 🫡 #LIVSHU

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 4, 2024

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(Image) Alisson posts injury update to Liverpool fans; comeback is looming

Peter Kenny Jones — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:02:45 +0000

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: ‘’.

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:

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

Peter Kenny Jones — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:02:38 +0000

It seems that one injury is about to come to an end as one of Jurgen Klopp’s formerly stricken stars is with the squad for Liverpool’s game with Sheffield United.

Thanks to images circulating on social media, we can see that Curtis Jones was leaving the team bus as they arrived at their hotel before kick-off.

This will be a massive boost to the squad, particularly with the volume of important fixtures on the horizon.

Let’s hope that we see the Scouser getting some minutes at Anfield, as he tries to return to full fitness as quickly as possible.

You can view the image of Jones via @AnythingLFC_ on X:

Curtis Jones has travelled with the squad! pic.twitter.com/H3zelfEG17

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) April 4, 2024

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(Video) Alisson injury update as Klopp plots return of first-team players

Peter Kenny Jones — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:57:24 +0000

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.”

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:

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

Peter Kenny Jones — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:56:52 +0000

It seems like most of each press conference led by Jurgen Klopp is dominated with injury updates and that was the case ahead of Sheffield United.

The German spoke about Joel Matip is his most recent appearance: “Joel [is] running – he hates that! But he is able to run again, so that’s good.

“I think since he got injured this is the best moment because it was very painful in the beginning, very painful for him [but] he got through that and now he is pain-free. But, that now all takes time so I don’t think the season is long enough for him.”

It’s nice to hear that the lovable defender is pain-free and that he’s back running on the grass already, even though we won’t see him play under the boss again.

Our No.32’s future at Anfield will certainly be questioned this summer and let’s just hope he gets the chance for a proper goodbye too.

You can watch Klopp’s update on Matip (from 16:06) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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(Video) Klopp confirms midfield general ‘got a knock’ vs Brighton; could miss next match

Peter Kenny Jones — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:20:40 +0000

Liverpool fans had thought that our injury woes were behind us but Jurgen Klopp has added to the concern with a fresh problem.

Speaking with the press, our manager said: “Wataru, what a player, what a guy. He got a knock in the last game, so we have to see for tomorrow what we can do with him.”

It would be a massive shame if the captain of Japan was to spend some time on the sidelines, especially after a string of highly impressive performances.

Wataru Endo would be a big miss and let’s hope this ‘knock’ isn’t anything too serious.

You can view Klopp’s update on Endo (from 14:47) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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