Fixture changes, Firmino talk and United build-up
We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Friday, with Jurgen Klopp holding his pre-Man United press conference.
Bobby & Mo’s Telepathy
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have often been devastating in tandem during the past two seasons, making Liverpool one of Europe’s best attacking teams.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Salah said the language barrier between him and his teammate is no issue, such is their telepathic understanding:
“He doesn’t talk English much to the players but we talk together maybe everyday.
“In the game I think we played together for one year. He gave me, I think, the most assists of the team and I gave him the same. We play close to each other, we know how to play.
“I think when football players play with each other they know how to play.
“It doesn’t matter about the language, it doesn’t matter how to talk to each other. But we know each other, we expect the movement from each other.”
Both Salah and Firmino are looking to score their first-ever goal at Old Trafford this weekend – let’s hope they click alongside one another.
Spanish Press Talking Sh**e
According to AS, via Sport Witness, Barcelona are eyeing up a summer move for Firmino.
The Catalan club are said to be weighing up potential replacements for former Reds striker Luis Suarez, who at 32, is past his best.
It’s claimed that Firmino is one of the options being discussed, with his tactical nous singling him out from others such as United pair Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, who have been “discarded”.
It would be a crushing blow to lose the 27-year-old, but don’t read too much into it. He appears to be loving life at Anfield.
Carragher on Importance of United Game
Liverpool’s trip to United is a game of huge significance, with a victory for the Reds priceless in their quest for glory.
Writing in his column for the Telegraph, Jamie Carragher believes the mental boost it would give Klopp’s men cannot be downplayed:
“Any lingering doubts about going the distance will be erased if Liverpool achieve positive results against Manchester United and Everton.
“Nothing will be taken for granted against any other side, but they will feel the two biggest hurdles have been overcome.
“Coming off the pitch at Old Trafford with a win would make Klopp’s players more certain everything is possible.”
Liverpool’s last three wins at Old Trafford were in 2004, 2009 and 2014…
Grujic Admits Father’s Concerns
Marko Grujic joined Liverpool in the summer of 2016, making 14 appearances prior to moving to Hertha Berlin on loan, where he is thriving.
The Serb has revealed to ESPN that his father was hesitant about his son heading to Anfield, such were the expectations at a club of such stature:
“My dad was a little bit scared of the size of the club because Liverpool were rocking and Klopp was playing a really intense game.
“He just said: ‘You’ve just played 20 games in the Serbian SuperLiga, I’m not sure you’re ready for that step, to jump into Liverpool.’
“He was a bit paranoid. But then we made a deal together and we are both saying it was good decision.”
Grujic’s form in Germany has impressed many and he could return to Liverpool this summer, even though Hertha want to keep him on loan for another 12 months.
UEFA Youth League Draw
Liverpool U19s will face Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Youth League last-16 next month, following Friday’s draw.
The Reds will take on their Croatian opponents in a one-off tie on either March 12 or March 13, with the date soon to be confirmed.
Barry Lewtas’ side will visit either Chelsea or Montpellier in the quarter-finals, looking to eventually go one better than last season.
Liverpool reached the quarters in 2017/18 when Steven Gerrard was in charge, losing 3-2 on penalties to Man City.
Friday Night Football
Liverpool’s four Premier League fixtures in April have been rearranged for TV coverage.
Proving that match-going fans are secondary, the Reds’ trip to Southampton will be on a Friday night, April 5.
Given the long trip south on a working day, Liverpool are offering free coach travel for fans.
Meanwhile, the home clash with Chelsea is pencilled in for Sunday April 14, but could change if the Reds progress past Bayern in the Champions League.
That fixture will be on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
Finally, the trip to Cardiff is now on Sunday, April 21, while Huddersfield make the trip to Anfield for another Friday night game, on April 26.