Premier League latest - live: Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool team news as Erik ten Hag reacts to takeover talk
Another big weekend in the Premier League is fast approaching, with eight matches on Saturday and a further two on Sunday. The top end of the table sees new leaders Manchester City away to Nottingham Forest, while Arsenal - without a win in three now - travel to Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta has addressed Arsenal’s fixture congestion, while Pep Guardiola may again be asked to speak on the financial issues surrounding Man City just as much as the on-pitch matters which saw his side reclaim top spot in midweek.
Elsewhere, Newcastle host Liverpool with Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klopp having seen their teams clash last time they met - the Reds winning that game deep into stoppage time - and at the bottom of the table, managerless Leeds head to Sean Dyche’s Everton, while Graham Potter will hope his Chelsea team can find a first win in four against Southampton - also without a boss at present.
Follow all the latest Premier League news and build-up from our press conferences live blog below:
Premier League latest news and press conferences
Jurgen Klopp on facing Newcastle
Erik ten Hag addresses takeover rumours
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal can still win the league
Manchester City don’t have momentum says Guardiola
Sean Dyche challenges Everton
Lallana out for “months” with “big injury” - Roberto De Zerbi
Sean Dyche challenges Everton to work ‘hard and smart’ in relegation battle
18:45 , Ben Fleming
Sean Dyche is hoping his Everton side will find the right balance in their crunch clash with fellow strugglers Leeds at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Toffees go into the match in the bottom three, one place and one point below their managerless opponents, who are without a win in the Premier League since early November.
It will be Dyche’s third match in charge after a dream start with victory over Arsenal and a more sobering 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Monday.
Sean Dyche challenges Everton to work ‘hard and smart’ in relegation battle
Patrick Vieira demands sharper cutting edge from misfiring Crystal Palace
18:30 , Ben Fleming
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira wants his side to be more ruthless as they look to kick-start their Premier League campaign against in-form Brentford.
The Eagles head to west London without a win in their last seven games through all competitions.
After slipping to defeat at Manchester United, Palace were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton last weekend on what was another frustrating afternoon in front of goal at Selhurst Park.
Patrick Vieira demands sharper cutting edge from misfiring Crystal Palace
Antonio Conte calling Cristian Stellini ‘three times a day’ during Tottenham leave
18:20 , Ben Fleming
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is already eyeing a return to action despite being told to rest by doctors following his recent operation.
The 53-year-old is currently in Italy and will not be on the touchline for Sunday’s visit of West Ham after he encountered a setback following surgery to remove his gallbladder on February 1.
Conte was back at work eight days after his medical procedure and present for the defeats at Leicester and AC Milan but now faces a period away.
It means Cristian Stellini will again step up and take on first-team duties but he has already had his boss in his ear expressing a desire to return.
Antonio Conte calling Cristian Stellini ‘three times a day’ during Tottenham leave
Fantasy Premier League tips gameweek 24: Joao Felix, Ben Mee, Jack Grealish and more
18:10 , Ben Fleming
Following an eventful round of fixtures last time out, we’ve picked out five key players for consideration in your team who could score highly in Fantasy Premier League gameweek 24.
No double-gameweeks this time, meaning we must pay a little more attention to the fixture list.
Fantasy Premier League tips for GW24 including Felix, Mee, Grealish and more
Man pleads guilty to attacking Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale in north London derby
18:00 , Ben Fleming
A 35-year-old man has pleaded guilty to attacking Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the north London derby last month.
Joseph Watts appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court where he admitted kicking Ramsdale at the end of the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 15 January, as well as throwing four coins on to the pitch.
Watts, of Dalston in Hackney, east London, appeared in person to confirm his name, age and address. He pleaded guilty to assault by beating, going on to an area adjacent to the playing area, and throwing a missile on to a football playing area.
Man pleads guilty to attacking Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale in north London derby
Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa
17:45 , Ben Fleming
Just over a month ago, the murmurings began. A 2-0 away win at north London rivals, Manchester City suffering a derby defeat the day before. Eight points the gap. They couldn’t, could they?
Skip forward to Wednesday night, as Erling Haaland fired home City’s third, and Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League was no more.
If a month feels a long time in today’s unrelenting footballing world, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad will now appreciate that better than most.
There can be no period of reflection, no time to lick the wounds. Arteta must rouse his troops immediately. Just three days on from that crushing defeat lies Saturday’s tricky encounter away against Aston Villa, a team now managed by his predecessor Unai Emery.
Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa
Liverpool and Newcastle have it all to prove in Premier League’s frosty rivalry
17:30 , Ben Fleming
With a bit less injury time at Anfield, Newcastle might still be the Tyneside Invincibles. As it is, their longest unbeaten run in the top flight has amounted to a remarkable response to unwanted late drama. Fabio Carvalho’s August winner for Liverpool came in the 98th minute and, 17 league games later, it is still the case that no one has beaten Newcastle; or no one except Sheffield Wednesday in an FA Cup tie anyway.
Include Carabao Cup encounters and Newcastle have played 27 matches against their Premier League peers this season and lost just one. Keep that run going for another 10 days and, barring defeat on penalties, they will end a 54-year wait for major silverware.
Liverpool and Newcastle have it all to prove in Premier League’s frosty rivalry
Manchester United takeover latest
17:15 , Ben Fleming
Potential bidders have until 10pm this evening to register interest in buying Manchester United after the Glazers put the club up for sale in November.
So far Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the only person to announce publically an intention to put in a bid but bids are expected from Qatari, Saudi and American groups.
For all the latest, you can follow along on our live blog below:
Manchester United news as takeover deadline nears – live updates
17:05 , Ben Fleming
Graham Potter refused to blame bad luck for Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal despite seeing his team score just twice in their last five matches.
The Blues fell to a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday with a host of chances going begging at Signal Iduna Park.
Only Crystal Palace in the Premier League’s top 12 have scored fewer goals than Potter’s side, with the lack of a recognised striker again made achingly clear as they drew a blank in Germany, their seventh scoreless outing in 12 games.
But Potter would not be drawn into lamenting his team’s lack of fortune, instead highlighting the progress that has been made following the club’s £315million January recruitment drive.
“We can always do more, and do better,” said Potter ahead of the visit of the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Graham Potter refuses to blame ‘luck’ for Chelsea’s lack of goals
Guardiola: Title race is still in Arsenal’s hands
16:55 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola insists Arsenal remain in control of the Premier League title race despite losing top spot to his Manchester City side in midweek.
City, the defending champions, took over at the summit after beating their rivals 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
After trailing by eight points last month, City appear to have momentum but Guardiola is refusing to get carried away.
“Arsenal still have a game in hand, so nothing has changed much,” said the City manager ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola sends Premier League title message before Nottingham Forest trip
Gary O’Neil looks ahead to Bournemouth vs Wolves
16:45 , Ben Fleming
After a bright start to live on the south coast, Gary O’Neil finds himself deeply embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Bournemouth are 19th and without a win since 2023 - a run that spans nine games in all competitions.
O’Neil was speaking ahead of his side’s fixture against Wolves on Saturday.
He said: “They have a lot of good players. I was surprised at where they were before going on a good run - with the players and the quality they have I wouldn’t have expected them to be down the bottom with the attacking quality they have in their group.
“It will be a tough game but one we can be competitive in and build on. We hope to make sure that, with hard work, we take some more points.”
On team news: “Marcos Senesi had a bang on his back but trained a few times. He seems to be OK and has come through most of the tests and checks fine.
“David Brooks is still out, Lewis Cook is still out. Junior Stanislas trained so all fine on that. Lloyd Kelly is still out. Apart from that, as we were from the match before.”
16:35 , Ben Fleming
David Moyes spoke of the difficulty of managing while absent from the touchline ahead of West Ham’s trip to face Tottenham, who will be without their boss Antonio Conte on Sunday.
Conte revealed on Thursday he will not return to work until he is fully recovered from his recent gallbladder surgery, and has remained in Italy to recuperate.
In September 2020, Moyes was absent from the West Ham dugout for four matches when he contracted Covid-19, and expressed his sympathy for his opposite number’s situation.
“It’s really difficult,” the Hammers manager said.
David Moyes sympathetic as Antonio Conte forced to miss key Premier League clash
Manchester United appoint new director of football operations
16:25 , Ben Fleming
David Harrison is joining Manchester United from Everton as director of football operations.
The Red Devils have made a number of appointments at Carrington recently, including Andy O’Boyle as deputy football director.
O’Boyle’s role sees him focused on football strategy and performance, with Harrison focusing on operational aspects at the club. Both report to football director John Murtough.
Manchester United appoint new director of football operations from Everton
Roberto De Zerbi provides Brighton fitness update
16:15 , Ben Fleming
At Brighton’s press conference before their game against Fulham on Saturday, boss De Zerbi provided an update on several key players:
“Adam Lallana has a big injury and we will lose him for a long time. Danny Welbeck is also unable to play. Levi Colwill could be back next game.”
“Adam’s injury is to the same part of leg. I think he will miss months.”
Thomas Frank: ‘We are allowed to deam'
16:05 , Ben Fleming
Brentford have continued to impress this season after their 13th-place finish last year. The Bees are unbeaten in their last 10 league games and are fresh off an impressive 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates. Speaking at his press conference ahead of his side’s fixture against Crystal Palace, the Brentford boss was tight-lipped about his team’s ambitions for the season.
He said: There’s no target. We are allowed to dream and we are pleased with where we are.“We have an almost fully fit squad, players in form, and players full of confidence. We are in a top place, but we need to do everything we can to keep this up.”
On the game against Palace and Wilfried Zaha’s absence: “There are always key players in every team. Zaha is a top player for them but when other players come in, the dynamics change slightly and others step up. When I look at their individual quality, with Olise and Eze, I think it is huge.”
Rodgers on Maddison contract talks
15:55 , Ben Fleming
James Maddison has remained the fulcrum of Leicester City’s attacking output this season with the attacking midfielder notching up nine goals and five assists in 16 games as well as a call-up to England’s World Cup squad.
The 26-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his contract and, at his press conference today, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers addressed a potential extension.
Rodgers said: “It’s a conversation we’ve been having with his representatives for a while, so nothing’s changed there. For me, it’s about making sure he’s playing at the best level he can, and thankfully he’s doing just that.
“I won’t be begging for a player to stay. This is a great club, great facilities and they have to understand that. But it’s a short career, so I understand what they think.”
Rodgers provides Leicester fitness update
15:45 , Ben Fleming
Leicester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Manchester United. Ahead of the fixture, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed the fitness of several key players.
On James Maddison and Jonny Evans: “James is fine. He’s trained well. [Evans is] still a bit of time away. We were hoping he’d be back but he’s still struggling a wee bit with his thigh.”
On midfielders Youli Tielemans and Boubakary Soumare, who missed Leicester’s win against Tottenham last weekend: “Both are good. Bouba’s trained all week. Youri is back in training too, so both are available for the game. Everyone’s clearing up now. The squad’s looking strong.”
Emery on Mings new contact
15:35 , Ben Fleming
Speaking to the media ahead of Aston Villa’s lunchtime kick-off against Arsenal, boss Unai Emery spoke on central defender Tyrone Mings who signed a new contract today.
He said: “I am very happy with him, his commitment is great and his performance is great.
“He is in the best moment in his career and I think the supporters love him.
“He is in the squad for tomorrow, he trained today and yesterday but we will assess tomorrow morning whether he can play.”
Stellini provides Conte update
15:25 , Ben Fleming
Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte will miss Spurs’ game with West Ham with the Italian still recovering from gallbladder surgery. In his press conference today, assistant coach Stellini provided an update on Conte:
“We don’t know the time. The doctor has an idea but really it’s a feeling from Antonio. That surgery was not easy, it was an emergency surgery and maybe he underestimated this.
“Antonio not 100% is not Antonio, and this creates stress.”
“We have a call every day, many times in a day, probably three times, and every time he wants to come back.
“He needs to take it easy again. He comes back soon but not like he hopes.”
Paqueta not available for West Ham against Tottenham
15:15 , Ben Fleming
West Ham head to Tottenham on Sunday and David Moyes has been speaking to the media about his squad’s fitness ahead of the London derby:
“Lucas Paqueta is not going to be available. Nayef Aguerd has a chance, but we’re not sure if he’s ready or not.
“Gianluca Scamacca is back training, but he’s not ready to be selected yet. I might be able to get him involved, but minutes will be limited.”
Lopetegui: ‘No room for complacency'
15:05 , Ben Fleming
Wolves have made an impressive start to life under new manager Julen Lopetegui. Ahead of their fixture against Bournemouth, the Wolves boss spoke to the media about his start:
“We have no room for complacency. We haven’t done anything yet. We have in front of us the need to win a lot of points and to catch a lot of teams.
“We have to be ready, we hope our fans will be close to us and we are going to feel their support because we need it. All together, it will still be hard but more possible.
“We always put the focus in our daily work. We believe in the players and they have to show this quality. They have to be ready for each match because each match is going to be a very hard challenge.”
Eddie Howe ahead of Liverpool clash
14:55 , Ben Fleming
Eddie Howe is making no apologies for being a bad loser as he prepares to go head-to-head with one of the “very, very best of all time” Premier League managers.
The Newcastle head coach will send his team into battle with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Saturday evening still smarting at the 2-1 defeat they suffered at Anfield in August, courtesy of Fabio Carvalho’s strike eight minutes into stoppage time.
Klopp was less than magnanimous in victory that night, complaining over the Magpies’ game-management, and has since taken aim at their new-found spending power, prompting a stern defence by Howe.
The 45-year-old, who has made a point of insisting his team is not there to be liked but to win, said: “We are not here to do anything other than try to win the game we are competing in, and to not be the team that everyone looks at and thinks, ‘Good losers’. That’s not what we want to be.
Eddie Howe defends Newcastle ‘mentality’ ahead of visit of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool
Ten Hag addresses takeover rumours
14:45 , Ben Fleming
Erik ten Hag and his players are following the ongoing takeover talk but the Manchester United manager says there is no chance of their focus wavering as they fight on four fronts.
The Glazer family completed their controversial leveraged takeover at Old Trafford in 2005, with initial success on the field drying up after Sir Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago.
November’s announcement that the Glazers were conducting a strategic review brought hope to frustrated supporters, with the sale of United one option being considered.
Friday has been described as the soft deadline for initial offers for United and comes in the midst of a frantic schedule, creating background noise that Ten Hag says will not distract the team.
“We are following it,” Ten Hag said. “It’s our club and of course we are committed. But we are focusing on football, on training and our way of play, on games. That is what we are focusing on.
Erik ten Hag reacts to Manchester United takeover talk
Potter addresses Mount and Aubameyang issues
14:35 , Ben Fleming
Graham Potter spoke ahead of Chelsea’s fixture against Southampton on Saturday with the Chelsea boss addressing problems surrounding Mason Mount’s contract and the playing time of striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“[With Mason], it is always complicated. It is best to leave it between Mason and the club; he has been fantastic to work with, an important player, of course I hope it gets resolved quickly.”
“Pierre knows the situation but he’s part of the squad, he’s an important player. He’s worked hard and nothing is set in stone; his attitude has been really good and we will make an assessment going forward.
Viera wants to see ruthless streak in his Palace side
14:30 , Ben Fleming
Crystal Palace remain winless in the League since the start of 2023 - a six-game run that has seen them pick up three points.
Ahead of their game against Brentford on Saturday, Palace boss Viera outlined what he wants to see change from his side:
“We created chances in recent games but haven’t taken them. You have to take them. We have to improve our quality in the final third.
“We are working hard and well for it. Looking at the last couple of games, we competed well. We need to do more to win, be more ruthless and score more goals. The chances are there.”
Southampton interim, Ruben Selles: ‘I want to be the manager.'
14:25 , Ben Fleming
Following the collapse of Jesse Marsch’s move to Southampton to become their new manager, interim manager Ruben Selles remains in the dugout for their weekend game against Chelsea but wants the job full-time:
“Yes, I want to be the manager.
“If you ask me three or four months ago I would say yes I am as capable to do that as any other. But it is not my decision and that is OK for me.
“I just do everything I can. I have the team now, we are working really hard to do our best. Those are my skills. The people who run the club will make a decision, but, of course, I would be more than happy to do the job.”
“I am an honest person. I like to be very clear on what I do. I have built myself up to be here today. I have been through all the levels of football, not just in England but in the rest of the world.
“I am very proud of every single club I have been. I have a lot of personal experience in coaching hours, so I think it is a natural thing for me.”
Sean Dyche challenges Everton to work ‘hard and smart’ in relegation battle
14:19 , Michael Jones
Sean Dyche is hoping his Everton side will find the right balance in their crunch clash with fellow strugglers Leeds at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Toffees go into the match in the bottom three, one place and one point below their managerless opponents, who are without a win in the Premier League since early November.
It will be Dyche’s third match in charge after a dream start with victory over Arsenal and a more sobering 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Monday.
He said: “Over the two games – of course the derby is a different importance, I’m well aware of that – taking three points, I think most people would go, ‘OK, that’s a reasonable start’.”
Sean Dyche challenges Everton to work ‘hard and smart’ in relegation battle
Guardiola: ‘I still have the feeling that Kevin and Jack can do more.’
14:15 , Ben Fleming
Speaking ahead of Man City’s match against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola was full of praise for Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish but challenged the duo to continue to get better.
“They can do better - that would be the best word. I know the demand we will have ahead of us to the end of the season against tough and aggressive opponents. We need the players who have the feeling that we can do better.”
The pair both scored in City’s 3-1 win against Arsenal.
‘Momentum is winning 10 games in a row, we haven’t done that’
14:10 , Michael Jones
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, spoke ahead of their Premier League match at Nottingham Forest, about going top of the table above Arsenal and whether they’re building up momentum to win the title.
“They [Arsenal] have one game in hand so nothing has changed much. We are just thinking about Nottingham Forest.” said Guardiola,
“Momentum is winning 10 games in row and that didn’t happen to us this season. We need to be ready mentally against a team that have lost just one game in six.
“They are playing at home with the crowd and I have a lot of respect for the manager - for what he has done this season.”
Is Qatar really buying Manchester United?
14:02 , Luke Baker
It was around the turn of the year that the Raine Group, who are handling the sale of Manchester United, approached Qatari state investors over whether they would be interested in purchasing the club. Sources with knowledge of the discussions say the response was initially lukewarm, in part because they thought it was a “fishing expedition” and there was doubt about how much the Glazer family owners really want to sell. This is one of the questions that clouds this week, and could yet ensure that Friday isn’t as decisive a day in the history of England’s biggest club as has been built up.
It is at least bigger than Thursday’s match against Barcelona, which is saying something about why the situation is where it is. As historically resonant as this fixture at Camp Nou is, it’s also a Europa League tie that used to be a Champions League tie, which has played its part in making the Glazers wonder over whether now is the time to sell.
There are only a few things in this whole process that can be said with certainty right now. As first reported by The Independent as far back as August, the Glazers are interested in a sale but want £5bn for the club.
Is Qatar really buying Manchester United?
Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa
13:50 , Luke Baker
Just over a month ago, the murmurings began. A 2-0 away win at north London rivals, Manchester City suffering a derby defeat the day before. Eight points the gap. They couldn’t, could they?
Skip forward to Wednesday night, as Erling Haaland fired home City’s third, and Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League was no more.
If a month feels a long time in today’s unrelenting footballing world, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad will now appreciate that better than most.
There can be no period of reflection, no time to lick the wounds. Arteta must rouse his troops immediately. Just three days on from that crushing defeat lies Saturday’s tricky encounter away against Aston Villa, a team now managed by his predecessor Unai Emery.
Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa
Arsenal team news
13:43 , Ben Fleming
Thomas Partey was missing from Arsenal’s 3-1 midweek defeat to Manchester City. Ahead of the Aston Villa match on Saturday lunchtime, Arteta provided an update on the midfielder’s injury:
“He had some discomfort in a little muscle. We have to assess him this morning to see how he is.”
On Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus: “Emile will be training today so if he is fine, he will be in the squad. Gaby [Jesus] is still not there.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta calls for protection ahead of ‘very difficult’ Aston Villa trip
13:40 , Luke Baker
Mikel Arteta has called for the Premier League to offer all clubs the protection of not being forced to kick-off early on a Saturday having played on a Wednesday night.
Champions League teams do not have to play in the 12.30pm slot on a Saturday if they have played in Europe on the Wednesday night.
However, Arsenal will kick off at Villa Park just 63 hours after the full-time whistle blew in their 3-1 loss to title rivals Manchester City.
Speaking in 2020, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp fumed in an interview with BT Sport after his side had been held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton in the early kick-off having faced Atalanta in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta calls for protection ahead of ‘very difficult’ Aston Villa trip
Can Arsenal bounce back from poor run of form?
13:32 , Luke Baker
Arsenal have taken just one point from their last three league games which has seen them lose first place to Manchester City. Mikel Arteta was asked what is to come for his side as they look to reignite their title challenge:
“It is normal that you want to get maximum points, which we didn’t in the last few games.” he said, “We have to look at ourselves. We have to be more efficient - with amount of play and situations we generated we haven’t had enough points. That is down to us, we have to improve on that because we want to win more games.
“So we are highly motivated for tomorrow’s game because we want to perform well and win the game.
“It’s an opportunity. We have talked about it for a few months now - the position that we are in, the way the team is playing and all the things we need to continue to do to continue to be there.
“We have seen where the level is. We want to be at that level. We are in that journey together.”
Mikel Arteta seeking to regain top spot
13:25 , Luke Baker
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Premier League games, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, spoke about dropping down to second place after losing to Manchester City.
As part of his media duties ahead of their match versus Aston Villa tomorrow, Arteta said: “I know the right things we have to do to continue to be there [at the top]. We have seen where the level is and what we have to do to be at that level.
“There are a lot of positive things to take, for sure, from the season so far [and Wednesday night’s defeat at home to Manchester City].
“We know that the level of efficiency has to be good with every single game to beat them [City] at the end. We are highly motivated to do that.
“The minimum is today that they need to train exceptionally well - that is the minimum. You have to give credit to a team when they beat you, but when you analyse the game again, I think we lost it.”
Jurgen Klopp on 18-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic
13:20 , Luke Baker
“We judge every game whether he is ready. So far, there are no signs that he isn’t okay to play.
“There are long breaks between the games at the moment. How it is with three games, I don’t know. We have other games as well. He played exceptional [against Everton], not just because he’s 18, but he was exceptional.
“We had senior players not available for a long time; they are options now. Long may it continue. Top talent. Super player, he has played well. He has been a joy to work with. The mix of Serbia and Spain is a good one for football.
“He is an intelligent boy. His dad and Thiago’s dad played together for Celta Vigo, so Thiago took him under his wing a little bit. He has a great bunch of players around him.”
Jurgen Klopp on Newcastle
13:17 , Luke Baker
“Eddie Howe has done an exceptional job, absolutely exceptional. The financial possibilities they have, or will have, are exceptional, but it is not because of that, not at all. He arrived in a difficult situation, they stayed comfortably in the league, now the team is unrecognisable.
“He’s improved players like [Miguel] Almiron, I always liked him but the way they are playing suits him. Callum Wilson is a fantastic striker, Bruno Guimaraes is massive for them. But he’s turned them around and they are a proper threat.”
‘This is a massive game’ says Klopp
13:15 , Luke Baker
Liverpool are hoping to move up the Premier League table and get themselves back in contention to challenge for the Champions League spots.
The Reds are currently ninth in the table but could jump as high as sixth if they defeat Newcastle tomorrow. This is an incredibly vital match for Liverpool as Newcastle currently sit fourth so a victory for them is effectively a six-point swing in their favour.
“This is a massive game.” said Jurgen Klopp, “If you want to reach something this season, we have to chase everybody, especially those who are ahead of us in the table.
“It will never be easy, but we have to try. It’ll be tough; Newcastle are the best defence in the league, lost just once to us, we needed a late goal. They are very consistent and that is the first step to success.”
Jurgen Klopp gives Liverpool team news update
13:13 , Luke Baker
Ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Newcastle Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, says he has no new injury concerns: “Same squad [as against Everton in their previous match].
“Nothing has happened on the injury side. Thiago is not available and Calvin [Ramsay] has had surgery and Luis [Diaz] is not available.
“[I think] Virgil van Dijk is available. Yesterday, he looked ready. Today he will look the same, and we’ll make a decision.”
Premier League latest news
13:12 , Luke Baker
Stick with us as we bring all the latest news from the Premier League today with a slew of manager press conferences ahead of the weekend
