TODAY had the sort of feel of an international break in football news terms. A sort of void between the game just gone against Crystal Palace and the focus beginning to switch towards Sunday’s game against Watford.
Say what you like about how a lack of European football can benefit the team, I liked the fact that I could watch the Reds play twice a week. For that reason, among many others, I can’t wait for us to be back in the Champions League next year.
Fairclough: Matip A Great Addition
Former Liverpool forward David Fairclough – well before my time – has been saying nice things about Joel Matip today. Loads of others are, as well. He’s dead good, isn’t he? I like the fact that he’s brought a calming presence to a defence which has been prone to moments of severe head loss in recent years. And the aforementioned former Reds forward agrees.
He told the club’s website: “I think Matip has really come on and he has gradually become a firm favourite amongst the Liverpool supporters.
“Everybody who watches Liverpool can’t help but notice how calm Matip is. He is a big, imposing figure who has added height and strength to the side. He handles himself extremely well and he doesn’t get ruffled. He is getting stronger and stronger.”
Is right, Big Joel.
Sadio Is Senegal’s Mane
The news that many Liverpool fans won’t be happy to see. No less because it makes his impending Reds absence, due to an African Cup of Nations call-up, all the more likely.
But, in case you weren’t aware, Sadio Mane has been called up to the Senegal squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Sake, Sadio…
Can Backs Karius
Emre Can and Loris Karius. The Reds own mini-version of the cast of Dreamboys. They’re good mates, as well. Imagine being their mate, be mad that. And Emre reckons his mate will prove himself at Liverpool.
He said: “He’s a great lad and a very, very good goalkeeper. It’s a little bit different here from the Bundesliga but he’s well aware of that. I think he’s been doing very well so far and the fact that he kept a clean sheet recently against Manchester United is a big thing.
“As soon as I saw him [at Liverpool], I said that he just had to play with the confidence that he played with in the Bundesliga, because I saw a lot of his matches with Mainz and could only say positive things about him. I saw that he’s a very good goalkeeper.”
Stick with the lad. He’ll be sound.
Fitness Egg Shade
Something very ironic happened today, and there’s a chance you might not have realised. Frank de Boer was sacked as Inter Milan manager after just three months at the helm, having criticised Jürgen Klopp’s attempts to quickly implement his style upon his arrival at Anfield.
His exact words after being appointed Inter boss were: “I remember Klopp taking over at Liverpool last October and tried to immediately impose his high-pressing style which he used at Borussia Dortmund and it resulted in several injuries, nine in fact. Sometimes it is better to slow down.”
He also said, on the subject of taking time to implement his style: “We’ll see my Inter after four months, that’s the norm.”
He’s Ray the Fitness Egg’s mate as well, of course. Sacked after three months… So. Much. Irony.
Shame about Frank de Boer. But on the bright side, he'll be really well-rested. Periodisation triumphs again.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 1, 2016
Today’s Highlights
NEWS – Jamie Carragher: Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool Are The Real Deal
LISTEN – Tuesday Review: Crystal Palace 2-4 Liverpool (subs only)
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“We’ll see my Inter after four months, that’s the norm.”
I remembered this quote immediately after reading news of his sacking.
Maybe now him and Ray the Egg can sit down and periodise themselves a plan for future employment.