Here’s our roundup of all the latest Liverpool news for Saturday, August 24th. Jurgen Klopp has his say on Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Klopp speaks out on Slot
Jurgen Klopp has given an interview to ESPN Netherlands where, unsurprisingly, the subject of Arne Slot came up. The two will forever be compared after the Dutchman replaced Klopp in the Liverpool hotseat this summer.
Klopp hasn’t talked all that much about Slot, other than saying he thought it was a great appointment a few months ago. Now, though, he’s had the chance to see some of the changes under the new boss – and he’s shared his opinion on the ‘new’ Liverpool team.
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Thomas Frank praises player and head coach
Arne Slot, Sepp van den Berg
Brentford manager Thomas Frank was full of praises for his latest signing Sepp van den Berg, as well as Liverpool boss Arne Slot, with the sides set to meet on Sunday.
In his press conference on Friday, Frank discussed his Dutch defensive addition ahead of the 22- year- olds return to Anfield in opposition colours.
Speaking to the media, Frank declared his admiration for Van den Berg, claiming “I think he is a great player with an even bigger potential. A good age for a young centre-back that played quite a significant amount of games in the Championship and in the Bundesliga.”
Jamie Carragher slams Zubimendi decision
Jamie Carragher has questioned the ambition of Martin Zubimendi after the midfielder rejected Liverpool to remain at Real Sociedad.
Liverpool made Zubimendi their number one target for the summer in a bid to fix their holding midfield issues. The Spaniard opted to stay in the Basque Country with his boyhood club and is set to agree a new deal with the La Liga side.
The Reds are yet to make a signing this summer with the transfer window slamming shut next Friday.
Carragher has now brought up the ambition of Liverpool’s primary target after recently being a part of Spain’s European Championship winning squad.
Reds request Koopmeiners update
Atalanta BC v Liverpool FC – UEFA Europa League Teun Koopmeiners of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring a goal later disallowed during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg football match between Atalanta BC and Liverpool FC. Bergamo Italy Copyright: xNicolòxCampox
Liverpool are running out of time but they’ve made a new request on a player they’ve watched all summer. They might still make something happen.
TeamTalk reports that Liverpool have not given up on a transfer for Teun Koopmeiners, even this late in the window. The Reds have consistently been linked with Koopmeiners all year but the player remains in Atalanta.
Juventus have been the favourites to snap him up for some time now. They’ve been unable to find a deal, however, and it leaves the door open for other clubs.
Because Koopmeiners is expected to leave. The Belgian isn’t training with Atalanta as a move this summer was considered a formality.
Scholes offers verdict on Gravenberch
Paul Scholes believes that Ryan Gravenberch will not be a long-term solution to Liverpool’s number six problem.
At the beginning of the transfer window, the defensive midfield role was an area for improvement for Arne Slot’s side, especially after Wataru Endo was not considered to be part of the new head coach’s plans.
However after failing to secure top target Martin Zubimendi who opted to stay at boyhood club Real Sociedad, it seems highly unlikely the club will not fulfil the role.
Leverkusen star could transform Reds
Piero Hincapie Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié has been the talk of the town in Xabi Alonso’s residence of Leverkusen, with the youngster attracting the attention of clubs across Europe.
And it’s expected the 22- year- old could soon make a name for himself in Merseyside.
The Ecuadorian defender has been closely linked with a move to Liverpool over the summer and is reportedly being monitored by the club, as per Football Insider.
But who is Hincapié, and how important could he be to Arne Slot’s reds?
Journalist reveals Slot’s secrets
Arne Slot at a Liverpool press conference
Arne Slot’s decision to substitute Jarell Quansah at half-time last weekend has been a topic of debate all week with many praising the Dutchman’s ruthlessness.
The new Liverpool head coach explained his decision to introduce Ibrahima Konate was because his side didn’t win near enough duels in the opening half against Ipswich Town.
In Slot’s last two seasons at Feyenoord, he went into the interval either drawing or trailing 34 times and in 16 of them games he opted to make a substitute at half-time (or earlier).
The Liverpool boss isn’t shy of altering his team at any moment if he believes it will give them the edge in a game and it’s refreshing to see that a bold move like this on his Premier League coaching debut has been applauded.
