A round-up of all the important stories pertaining to English giants Liverpool from the past few days, as the Reds get set for Matchday 9 in the Premier League
Liverpool have had a glorious run so far in the Premier League, here we take a look at the round of the Reds’ news as they head into next round of fixtures.
Manchester United were fearful of Liverpool: John Aldridge
Liverpool legend John Aldridge lauded the performance of his former club against fierce rivals Manchester United, and said that the result will feed the side’s confidence. He also added that Jose Mourinho’s side were afraid of Liverpool and showed fear on Monday night.
Liverpool enjoyed possession on the ball throughout the match on Monday night as United put men behind the ball in a defensively well-organised display that restricted the Liverpool attack to just three shots on target. As a result, the possession stats read 65.1-34.9 in Liverpool’s favour, with United having their lowest possession on the ball in Premier League history.
Aldridge said in his Liverpool Echo column: “If there’s one thing Monday’s Anfield stalemate demonstrated, it’s that Manchester United acknowledge they are behind Liverpool. Jose Mourinho set up his side for one thing and one thing only—not to get beat. Their approach was as though they were afraid of Liverpool.”
“Matip adding an extra dimension to our play.”
Former Reds player Aldridge, meanwhile, added that he was impressed with Liverpool’s new German center back Joel Matip, as he helped keep the United stalwarts at bay on Monday night. Aldridge said that the German’s abilities on the ball add an extra dimension for the Reds recognizing a second half pass that nearly created a winning goal for Liverpool.
German center back Matip has settled in quickly to life as a Liverpool player, ever since replacing Ragnar Klavan in the heart of defence. With solid displays alongside partner Dejan Lovren, Liverpool’s defensive performances have been steadily improving, with their display against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co. being lauded by fans and pundits alike.
“I have been particularly impressed with Matip, who was my Man of the Match on Monday and kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic pretty quiet,” Aldridge added in his Liverpool Echo column. “He can also create chances out of defence, as he demonstrated with his pass for Emre Can in the second half. When teams play with one or even none up front, it gives a centre-back licence to go upfield. Matip is adding an extra dimension to our play.”
“Good things can happen if we embrace responsibilities”: Klopp
Liverpool manager believes his side can achieve great things if they enjoy the responsibilities coming their way. The Reds boss was unveiled as an ambassador for the club’s kit manufacturer New Balance at Anfield on Wednesday, and was speaking post the event.
Here’s what the German manger had to say: “For the players and for me, it’s a big honour working for this club and a big pleasure playing in this stadium where all these fantastic guys from the past celebrated their performances, their games and their victories. We know about the responsibility, but we should enjoy it. We decide how it should feel and if we are patient enough, I think a lot of good things can happen here.”
The club has enjoyed steady success ever since Klopp took charge, with their attacking verve taking them to two cup finals last season. And they have only gone from strength to strength this season, as they sit on 4th in the Premier League table on the back of a six game unbeaten run.
Mamadou Sakho continues training with the under-23s
French defender Mamadou Sakho continued to play for Liverpool’s under-23s and was in action against Manchester United as the young Reds eked out a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night. His third appearance for the under-23s in the past month, Sakho has represented the young Reds against Wolfsburg and Ipswich Town so far.
The Frenchman has been training with the under-23s ever since his public outburst on Snapchat, expressing his frustration on the lack of opportunities at the club. With manager Jurgen Klopp unhappy with the defender’s behavior, Sakho has been since training with the reserves instead of the first team.
“Mama is training with us and he’s working hard every day,” said Liverpool under-23s boss Michael Beale. “That’s the closest he’s looked to full fitness. A couple more games like that and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Agger has high hopes for the Reds
Former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has said that he has high expectations from the club this season, with the Reds going off to an impressive start in the Premier League. Sitting fourth on the table, and only two points behind leaders Manchester City, Liverpool have shown encouraging signs at the start of the season, and Agger believes that the only way is up.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Agger said: “It’s going well so far. To be honest, I have some expectations this year, especially after last year. Jurgen is looking good for the club, I think he’s doing well. He has some great ideas and the way he talks with the media, everything, I like.”
