HockeyBhoy - Comments

Liverpool reunion for Jürgen Klopp?

Liverpool and their fans are set to be reunited with a familiar face and now foe after the draw for the semi-final stage of this season's Champions League was made in Nyon today.

Lying in wait for the Reds are arch-rivals Manchester United, and Jürgen Klopp. The German is set to be appointed by the Red Devils in the next few days after he confirmed that he was leaving his current role for a new challenge in a familiar surroundings following an interview in Spanish newspaper Marca. Klopp, 59, spent almost eight years on Merseyside before moving back to his native Germany in the summer of 2023 to take charge at Bayern München.

His stay in Germany lasted just one season where he picked up the German Super Cup before he was acquired by Real Madrid the following summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital. Klopp has a couple of La Liga titles to his name from this sojourn in Spain but it seems like United will be his next stop.

Current Reds chief Mark Duell had this to say on the draw:

The other semi-final pits Bayern München against Manchester City; and the games will be played the 27th and 28th April 2027 for the first legs. The second legs are set for a week later.

2026-27: April Summary (Cup Competitions, Part One)

After disposing of one German side in the round, we faced a second Bundesliga side in the quarter final. The objective was simple though, win but look to keep a clean sheet into the bargain. I made two changes from the FA Cup semi-final team as I tried to keep as many players as fresh as possible. Coming into the side were French starlet Karim Camara and Reiss Nelson at the expense of Rodri and Venegas. It was a tough decision to leave the in form Mexican out but with so many huge games ahead, I was trying to protect him.

Schalke had former Reds midfielder Emre Can in their side and the German was determined to come back to Merseyside and leave a winner as he went close on a number of occasions to opening the scoring. With 11 minutes to go, the majority of Anfield thought we had scored but Nelson's strike thudded against the woodwork with the visiting keeper beaten all ends up. It was poised on a proverbial knife edge, and just like the FA Cup semi-final three days prior, we had to endure a significant amount of time added-on. Then came the drama in the first minute of injury time, Tierney crossed from the left and Ginter was adjudged to have baulked Lukaku illegally. Penalty to Liverpool.

Cool as the proverbial cucumber, Lemar stepped up and blasted it beyond Nübel despite the keeper going the right way. The crowd went bananas, such a timely strike from the magic man once more. But Schalke could have grabbed a vital away goal minutes later when Ginter met a Samardzic corner kick with a towering header. Thankfully for us, it went over the bar instead of under it. A slender advantage to take to Gelsenkirchen in eight days time.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold , Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; de Jong, Camara; Nelson; Lemar, Woodburn; Lukaku. Substitutes: Heerkens (for Alexander-Arnold 62), Tielemans (for Camara 67), Fernando Almeida (for Woodburn 75), Robertson, Stevens, Salah, Rodri.
Booked: Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk
Man of the Match: Reiss Nelson (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,074

QUARTER FINAL STAGE SECOND LEG - Wednesday 14 April 2027



With such a fine margin separating the two sides, we knew we had to get a result in Gelsenkirchen to make the final four of this season's Champions League, we could ill afford thinking that the sole goal would be enough. We decided to match our hosts like for like with a 4-2-3-1 formation and play as if we wanted to win on the night as well as overall. Almost 5800 away fans were in the Veltins Arena as we took on the might of the home side, and after 19 minutes, those fans were celebrating a vital away goal. Lemar, scorer of the penalty at Anfield, played a corner to Lukaku outside the area and his pass into Trent Alexander-Arnold who in turn touched it onto de Jong and his low shot went through a forest of blue and red to nestle into the corner of Nübel's goal.

The team were told not to rest on this and try and kill their hosts off with a second, and this arrived just as the fourth official was preparing to show their board. Venegas swung in the left wing free-kick and de Jong planted home another header home from six yards out; he's becoming pretty adept at these. The silence from the home fans was deafening and the visiting fans started to do a conga in celebration. We had to face and repel increased home pressure in the second half but we did that when we needed to stand up and be counted.

The question was next, who would we get the semi-final draw?

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; de Jong, Tielemans; Woodburn, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Rodri (for Tielemans 50), Nelson (for Woodburn 70), Fernando Almeida (for Lukaku 79), Robertson, Stevens, Salah, Heerkens.
Booked: Tielemans
Man of the Match: Frenkie de Jong (Liverpool)
Attendance: 61,783



SEMI FINAL - Saturday 3 April 2027



We knew we would have to do the hard way if we were to make another FA Cup Final, and an absolute classic semi final ended with a dramatic winner. With one eye on the Champions League quarter final three days later, and also mindful of the Gooners threat, I adopted another new formation which had Rodri sitting in front of the back four, Frenkie de Jong as a central midfield playmaker whilst Ben Woodburn, Eduardo Venegas and Thomas Lemar supported the lone striker of Romelu Lukaku. It was a formation that I felt gave us the best chance of winning.

The teams put on an absolute clinic, and it was surprising that we went in at half time goalless. Ten minutes after the restart, the deadlock was broken though when some neat interplay saw Lemar feed Venegas who dug the ball out of his feet to pick his spot with a placed effort beyond Cuesta. Yet Arsenal responded in the way with their top scorer Wladimir on the mark; the Brazilian hotshot putting his side 2-1 to the good with a quick three minute burst between the 67th and 70th minutes. That first goal of his being a penalty awarded against Kieran Tierney who hauled back Emile Smith-Rowe as the England internationalist broke away - Tierney somehow escaped with a few stern words when I feared red was gonna be the outcome.

So time to dig into those reserves again if we wanted to progress, and the never say die spirit surely rose again as we made it 2-2 with seven minutes left to play. Lemar with the inswinging corner and de Jong headed in from six yards out. All to play for now, and it looked like we would be heading towards extra time as we entered deep inside stoppage time (not that we wanted it). Then the magic man came up with yet another magical goal in the fourth minute of five added on to send us through to the Final. Nothing seemed to be dangerous when Wladimir tripped Lukaku on the right hand edge of the box, a typical striker's challenge, but Lemar superbly curled his free-kick around the wall and into the top corner via the post, Cuesta no chance.

Tell me Ma, me Ma, I want no tea, no tea, because we're going back to Wembley! Tell me Ma, me Ma!

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; Rodri; de Jong; Woodburn, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Salah (for Woodburn 60), Camara (for Rodri 70), Robertson (for Van Dijk 87), Roberto Firmino, Stevens, Fernando Almeida, Gough.
Man of the Match: Wladimir (Arsenal)
Attendance: 90,000

We now face Watford in the showpiece Final after the Hornets defeated Burnley in the other semi-final; the Hertfordshire side winning that 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw after 120 minutes play. Central defender Leonardo Balerdi scored the winning kick whilst 18 year old reserve team keeper Cliff Worgan saved two Clarets penalties.

2026-27: April Preview

So here we have it, the penultimate month of season nine.

The month begins with the semi-final of the Emirates FA Cup, a trip back to Wembley to face Mats Gren and his Arsenal side. This is probably the draw we didn't want to face at this stage in the competition, but we always seem to lift our game when things are set against us. If we are to win the famous old trophy, we will do this the hard way and that means knocking out top notch London sides such as Chelsea, in the round previous, and now the Gooners. A trip back to the national stadium awaits the winners and a place in the showpiece finale against Watford or Burnley who contest the first semi-final.

Then it's a jump back into European competition as we play host to Schalke 04 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. Another step up in quality for me and the team, with a place in the final four awaiting the eventual winners. Virgil's suspension was thankfully for only a single game so we will have him back for this game, so we will have our top stars available to us. The objective will be simple mind: score goals at one end, and shut the door on the Germans at the other. Away goals helped us last round, we don't want to go to Gelsenkirchen knowing we will need a positive result there to progress.

Our Premier League progress comes next as Wolves visit Anfield in a game that both us want to win so much. Wolves want the points in the hope that it will propel then towards a top four finish, whilst we want to get back on the winning track after that 3-3 draw at West Ham. That result in the London Stadium did us more harm than good, it was a big help to United and City but for us it has made us those hopes of winning the league that much slimmer than it was. Then comes the second leg against Schalke 04...

Then if things were tough, comes a game that means so much, a trip down the East Lancs Road to Old Trafford to face United. United have just appointed Diego Simeone's successor as I type this preview, a certain German known as Jürgen Klopp. If the game wasn't as spicy as it was then this just adds more to it. United thumped us 4-0 at Anfield at the start of December which sparked the journey towards to the sacking of Christian Streich and my eventual appointment. It'll be nice to inflict this kind of beating back to the Red Devils but the appointment of Klopp just made this task that bit harder. I've never managed against one of his sides before so I'm going to go into this one completely blind.

Whatever we have to do to win, I'll be out to make sure revenge is certainly a dish best served cold, and give our fans their pride back.

The United game is the second of four successive away games as we finish April on our travels. We then have a quick turnaround before it's the long away trip down to the South Coast to face a Southampton side that can be equally brilliant or abysmal depending on how they turn up. This game was supposed to be in the middle of the month but our Champions League exertions mean it has been moved to this new face. We then finish this month with another hard away game, this time to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. The Foxes are tough to beat at any point of the season so if we can take points off them then all will be good. Then that leaves just two league games in May to finish off the campaign.

Oh and there might be a Champions League semi-final against whoever in there too. The games certainly come thick and fast, thank heavens we do have those international breaks. But if you want to manage at the top level then this is what you have to deal with, nothing is handed to you on a platter for sure.

2026-27: March Standings and Awards

We're still in the hunt mathematically for the title but we needed to be winning every game in March to really stay in touch with the Manchester duo. Drawing with Everton, and West Ham particularly have left us behind the eight ball so to speak.

Whilst I am pleased with the never say die spirit in the group, that draw at the London Stadium has really damaged our title ambitions. Both United and City have a game in hand on us and a chance to pull away from us and make what was potentially a three horse race, a two horse race. We're gonna need some major favours off others if we are to win our first league title since 1990.

In hindsight, I should not have made as many changes for the starting line up for the Palace and West Ham games but we have a massive April coming up and it was a chance for some of the fringe guys to show me what they can do and give me food for thought as they say. Unfortunately, the fans concern about Daniel Ballard seems at the moment, justified. The Northern Irish internationalist had an absolute stinker at the London Stadium. Hopefully he can turn a corner and become a mainstay next season and justify his £10 million price tag. One player that left us this month was Chilean Renzo Arioli who has joined IF Elfsborg of the Swedish Allsvenskan league on loan for the rest of the season. The Swedes also have an agreed £7.5 million fee at any time if they want to make this permanent.

Awards-wise, we won nada. The nearest we got something was a second place in the Goal of the Month thanks to Mateo Kovacic's stupendous effort in the derby against Never-ton. And that was as good as it was.

April is going to be huge make no bones about it.

2026-27: March Summary (Part Two)

Welcome to the second part which details how we fared in the Premier League for the month of March.

MATCHDAY 31 - Saturday 27 March 2027
LIVE ON


With a huge April ahead of us, I opted to ring the changes for the televised game against a Palace side that are fighting to stay up. We made five changes from the side that defeated Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup ten days ago, and to be honest I could have made more. Two of those changed personnel combined to open the scoring after just five minutes; Reiss Nelson wriggled his way in the penalty area before teeing up Roberto Firmino to beat Lee Mullen with a low shot at the near post. Four minutes later, we had a second. Andrew Robertson crossing from the left to the back post where Nelson volleyed across Mullen and into the opposite corner. Palace were posing a few questions and making us work hard for the points.

We should have put the game out of sight when we were awarded a penalty five minutes after half time when Hefti baulked Rodri whilst challenging for a Venegas free kick. In the absence of Thomas Lemar and Romelu Lukaku; Trent Alexander-Arnold assumed the responsibility but his effort was weak and easily saved by Mullen. That gave Palace the extra lift they needed to think they could get something out of the game, and with 19 minutes to go they got within one when Monreal brushed Van Dijk aside as if the legendary Dutchman was a complete noob before squaring the ball across the penalty area for Turnbull to sidefoot home via the post and an Alisson glove.

But we held on, yet it wasn't easy.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Rodri; Tielemans, Venegas; Nelson, Woodburn; Roberto Firmino. Substitutes: Camara (for Venegas 66), Fernando Almeida (for Woodburn 66), Lukaku (for Roberto Firmino 79), Tierney, McCarthy, Salah, Ballard.
Booked: Vallejo
Man of the Match: Reiss Nelson (Liverpool)
Attendance: 53,744

MATCHDAY 32 - Wednesday 31 March 2027


We began the month with a 3-3 draw in our Premier League campaign; we finished it the same and once more we had to come from behind to do with two late goals. There was one change from the side that won 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace four days previous, Jesús Vallejo was replaced by Daniel Ballard. The newcomer unfortunately looked all at sea in the opening half so much so that I ended his misery early by substituting him at half time. In fact, he made a mistake that led to the opening goal after 17 minutes with a loose pass to Martins and some swift passing saw the ball find its way to Mario César who had the simplest of finishes.

Four minutes later and the Hammers thought they had a second when Scot Simon Matthews prodded home a rebound but César was in an offside position when the effort was struck. Yet they did go at half time 2-0 ahead with a goal six minutes from the interval, Matthews pass in between Van Dijk and Ballard, Alisson was caught like a rabbit in headlights and César rolled in his second of the game into the empty net. Harsh words were exchanged at the interval, we had our unbeaten record under me seriously under threat. We got within one in the 56th minute when Venegas fed Ben Woodburn who shrugged off the attentions of Prokhoda first before squeezing an effort under Horn. Lifeline!

The Hammers regained their two goal lead in the 69th minute when Zambo Auguissa connected beautifully at the far post to a Masuaku corner to volley into the far top corner, Alisson no chance. Time seemed to be against us but like a never say die boxer, we picked ourselves up off the canvas to score twice in the final six minutes. First of all in the 84th minute, Galeno's defensive header from Mohammed Salah's corner landed at the feet of Andrew Robertson, yeah the left back was up there in the penalty area, and the Scot got his feet sorted before lashing the ball into the roof of the net. Then two minutes later, a cross from Alexander-Arnold was headed first time by Woodburn to spark absolute scenes. We had gotten out of jail somehow.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Ballard, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Rodri, Tielemans, Venegas; Nelson, Woodburn; Roberto Firmino. Substitutes: Tierney (for Ballard HT), Lukaku (for Roberto Firmino 66), Salah (for Nelson 71), Camara, McCarthy, Fernando Almeida, Vallejo.
Man of the Match: André-Franck Zambo Anguissa (West Ham United)
Attendance: 56,868

Harry Kane bagged three goals in the two games to take him to 94 international goals

Harry Kane inched closer to 100 international goals as the Spurs legend helped the Three Lions to a winning start in their European Championship qualifying schedule. The veteran, 33, showed that goalscoring is a knack when he netted in the games against Scotland and away to Austria.

The campaign began against the Auld Enemy on a cool March evening at Wembley, and it took Kane just eight minutes to get off the mark. After Ryan Sessengon swung in a left wing cross, Delé was pushed by John Souttar, leaving referee Felix Zwayer no hesitation to point to the penalty spot. Kane assumed responsibility, and placed his kick into the corner out of the reach of Robby McCrorie.

Two goals in four minutes just before half time swung this tense contest in England's favour. In the 38th minute, another Sessengon cross which was met by a looping header from Delé into the top corner. Then in the 42nd minute, an inch perfect cross from skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold and a booming header from Kane for 3-0.

Scotland competed well, and were rewarded with a Scott McKenna strike that arrowed home when the England defence didn't deal with a corner. It just proved to a consolation for David Moyes' Tartan Army as England were home and hosed by then. The game saw the introduction of Marseille's Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a 73rd minute substitute, a first senior cap for former Crystal Palace defender.

Henderson; Alexander-Arnold ©, Gomez, Rice, Sessengon; Cook, Dier; Harrison, Delé, Rashford; Kane. Substitutes: Foden (for Cook 55), Laycock (for Gomez 67), Wan-Bissaka (for Alexander-Arnold 73).

Three days later, the squad travelled to Vienna for their first away trip of the campaign. The Three Lions showed one change that started against Scotland, Wolves Anthony Davies chosen to partner Declan Rice in central defence after Joe Gomez picked up a knock against the Scots. Austria were vibrant and dangerous in attack, and it took them 12 minutes to open the scoring on a soaking Vienna night when Schopf's corner was glanced in at the near post by Friedl.

England drew level five minutes later. A twisting and turning run from Marcus Rashford saw the Manchester United drill in a low, inviting cross and Delé rammed home from close range. Yet Austria were back in front immediately, Ole Alderding's cross and a perfectly placed header beyond Dean Henderson by Marcel Sabitzer.

The Three Lions had to dig deep, and drew level again in the 42nd minute. Rashford swung in a free-kick and Rice powered home a header beyond Stankovic. Then just as the teams looked to go into half time level, England were awarded a penalty following Lamier's push on Delé. Kane stepped and produced yet another penalty right into the bottom corner.

Both sides gave it everything as the game continued to ebb and flow, and England thought they had a fourth in the 62nd minute. Alexander-Arnold with the cross from the right, and Delè volleying home. However, the Spurs man's celebration was muted for an assistant flag's for offside on Rashford. It looked harsh from everyone was stood from.

Duell also introduced yet another new face to international football in that second half, West Ham United's Martin Murray winning his first senior cap as a 57th minute substitute for Lewis Cook.

Henderson; Alexander-Arnold ©, Davies, Rice, Sessengnon; Dier, Cook; Harrison, Delé, Rashford; Kane. Substitutes: Murray (for Cook 57), Clark (for Dier 66), Laird (for Sessengon 72)

The Three Lions next game is on Wednesday 2 June 2027 when they face Italy in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League at the Emirates Stadium.

Will Virgil Van Dijk end his Liverpool career with scenes like this?

After seeing off one German side, Liverpool have to see off another one if they are to be in final four of this season's UEFA Champions League.

The Reds face Schalke 04 in the quarter-finals with Anfield hosting the first leg.

Reds manager Mark Duell took time away from his England duties to comment.


There's an all-English last eight tie as Manchester City take on Chelsea, whilst Premier League leaders Manchester United are paired up with Barcelona.

The first legs will be played on the 6th and 7th April, with the second legs on 13th and 14th. In other news, Dutch international Jeoren Heerkens and highly rated youth prospect Ged Whalley have signed new deals which will keep them at Anfield until the summer of 2031 and 2029 respectively.

2026-27: March Summary (Cup Competitions)

Having drawn 2-2 in Germany three weeks before, we knew that we were in the proverbial driving seat when it came to the second leg at Anfield. Two away goals in the bank. However, we went into the second leg without skipper Virgil Van Dijk, who was sitting out a one game suspension under the yellow card totting up procedure: Daniel Ballard stood in for him. The only other real change was at left-back with Kieran Tierney being replaced by Andrew Robertson.

Backed by 2703 vocal away supporters, the Germans took the game to us from the first whistle and took the lead on aggregate after just four minutes when Adnan Adlovic saw his initial cross headed out by stand-in skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold back to the winger who thumped the ball over Alisson from the acutest of acute angles. Anfield as a whole was stunned and we needed a quick response. We got it within a minute, Alexander-Arnold teeing up Eduardo Venegas to drill a low shot in the bottom corner and under Carreno. The stadium erupted. We were back in front on those priceless away goals.

Despite dominating the game, Borussia couldn't breach our back line again and when Adlovic's cross was claimed by Alisson after 93 and a half minutes - the final whistle sounded to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Who would we get next?

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold ©, Vallejo, Ballard, Robertson; de Jong, Venegas; Tielemans; Salah, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Kovacic (for Tielemans 60), Tierney (for Robertson 69), Adán (for Salah 78), Camara, Stevens, Woodburn, Heerkens.
Booked: Tielemans, Salah, Alexander-Arnold
Man of the Match: Eduardo Venegas (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,074



SIXTH ROUND - Saturday 3 April 2027



Chelsea and their newly appointed manager Diego Simeone welcomed us to a rain sodden Stamford Bridge with a place in the semi-final of the Emirates FA Cup at stake. I made three changes from the side that featured in the midweek Champions League and once more opted to tinker with my formation to try and out think the Argentinian. The Blues took the lead after 17 minutes when Alexander Isak latched onto a Jadon Sancho pass to fire low past Alisson. Two minutes later we suffered a blow when Thomas Lemar again limped off against this same opposition just as he had done in the Carabao Cup Final a fortnight previous.

We were being put under some serious pressure, and at half time, a few home truths had to be said to try and get some kind of reaction. We levelled matters three minutes after the restart when substitute Adán played in Frenkie de Jong who swivelled on the proverbial sixpence before beating Sosa high at his near post. Chelsea regained the lead ten minutes later when Sancho curled home a shot from just inside the penalty area. A huge response would be required to make the semi-final, and then we went out to stun the home crowd with two goals in as many minutes to eke out a lead.

After 62 minutes, Adán weighted a pass into Mohammed Salah whose shot was palmed into his own net by Sosa to level matters. Then Venegas played in Salah and the Egyptian maestro volleyed home to send 2081 away fans dancing with delight. Yet we had to endure a nervy finish Adán limped off with seven minutes to go and we had used all our substitutes by this point. Chelsea piled on the pressure after that, but we held firm to secure a return to Wembley and end Chelsea's final hopes of winning a trophy this season.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; Rodri; de Jong, Venegas; Salah, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Adán (for Lemar 19), Kovacic (for Rodri 54), Camara (for de Jong 80), Robertson, Stevens, Woodburn, Heerkens.
Booked: Van Dijk, de Jong
Man of the Match: Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)
Attendance: 41,631

England Head Coach Mark Duell has once more surprised us with his national team selection. The Three Lions chief has brought in two more uncapped players as the squad prepare for their qualifiers against Scotland and Austria later this month. Making their first appearances in the national are Marseille's Aaron Wan-Bissaka and West Ham United's Martin Murray.

There are also recalls for Jack Harrison of Rangers, Southampton's Ethan Laird and Olympiacos keeper Dean Henderson, the latter missed out on the last squad due to an injury 24 hours before the squad planned to meet up.

Duell had this to say:


The squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS:
Jordan Pickford (Everton, 63 caps/0 goals)
Jack Butland (Tottenham Hotspur, 54 caps, 0 goals)
Dean Henderson (Olympiacos, 1 cap/0 goals)

DEFENDERS:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, 97 caps/6 goals)
Ethan Laird (Southampton, 1 cap/0 goals)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Olympique Marseille, 0 caps/0 goals)
Ryan Sessengon (Manchester City 35 goals/1 goal)
Craig Laycock (Southampton, 7 caps/0 goals)
Joe Gomez (PSG, 76 caps/5 goals)
Richard Latham (Southampton, 1 cap/0 goal)
Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur, 131 caps/14 goals)
Anthony Davies (Wolverhampton Wanderers, 4 caps/0 goals)

MIDFIELDERS:
Declan Rice (Valencia, 43 caps/2 goals)
Dominic Clark (Manchester United, 8 caps/1 goal)
Lewis Cook (Leicester City, 42 caps/4 goals)
Phil Foden (RB Leipzig, 30 caps/1 goal)
Martin Murray (West Ham United, 0 caps/0 goals)
Delé (Tottenham Hotspur, 122 caps/28 goals)
Jack Harrison (Rangers, 1 cap/0 goals)

FORWARDS:
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur (139 caps/91 goals)
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United, 134 caps/60 caps)
Jadon Sancho (Chelsea, 56 caps/13 goals)
Emile Smith-Rowe (Arsenal, 14 caps/2 goals)

The game against Scotland will be played at Wembley on 19 March 2027 before the squad jet out to Vienna to face the Austrians three days later.

2026-27: March Summary (Part One)

MATCHDAY 29 - Wednesday 3 March 2027


Derby encounters can go either way, and this had everything. At a rain soaked Goodison, yes Everton have not moved, we dominated the game but had to rely upon two late goals to garner ourselves a point when we looked like losing the first game of my Anfield reign. We made the most terrible of starts when a flowing Everton move saw Salih Özcan, yet another Turkish-German, place his shot out of the reach of Alisson and send the Gwadlys Street end into raptures. In the 20th minute we conceded again, and it was horrible as Van Dijk put a weak header straight to Munir and he strode onwards before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner from distance.

We needed a lifeline, and got one in the 31st minute when Eduardo Venegas drove at the heart of the home defence before feedingThomas Lemar who took a touch before curling his shot beyond Pickford. More sloppy play led to a third Everton goal in the 64th minute, Venegas giving away cheap possession that ended up with Mohammed Elyonoussi lofting the ball forward, Vallejo completely misjudging a basic header, and Munir profited once more. It was certainly proving to be one of them nights, and the way we were playing then I couldn't see anything but defeat on the cards.

Eight minutes to go, another lifeline. Andrew Robertson picking up a short corner from Venegas to feed Mateo Kovacic (on as an early, early substitute) who took a touch before putting a brilliant effort top beans, Pickford no chance. Then we were given a real glimmer of hope when Özcan was sent packing for two yellow cards by Lee Probert, this time a trip on Kovacic under the official's glare. Put the pressure on, they will break was my message as the Toffees midfielder headed down the tunnel. Persistence paid off with two minutes to go, Romelu Lukaku who was once an idol in blue became an idol in red when he snaffled home his own rebound after Pickford parried his initial shot. Delirium, but we had made hard work of it.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; De Jong; Tielemans, Venegas; Salah, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Kovacic (for De Jong 10), Heerkens (for Alexander-Arnold 67), Camara, Stevens, Whalley, Roberto Firmino, Woodburn.
Booked: Lukaku
Man of the Match: Munir (Everton)
Attendance: 39,572

MATCHDAY 30 - Saturday 6 March 2027
LIVE ON


With City having been hammered 4-0 at Bournemouth, and United thumping West Ham 7-0 earlier in the day, we needed to stay in touch against a Watford side completely overperforming this season. Well, there's always one right? Anyway any ideas we had it would be easy, that went out of the window after just four minutes when the Hornets stung us with the game's opening goal. Will Hughes threaded the path into the path of Ryan Cassidy and the Republic of Ireland internationalist strode on and picked his spot. Horrible, horrible, horrible.

I was livid as the players trooped back to restart, some of my language was less than polite towards certain individuals. We needed to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and buck up otherwise the season could end quite nastily and rapidly for some of them. There is certainly no sentiment on my watch for sure. Eleven minutes before half time, we did draw level and a collective relief enveloped Anfield Stadium. Andrew Robertson sent a low cross into the six yard box which appeared to be trundling into the arms of Ferris until Lukaku anticipated a slight hesitation and tapped home. Three minutes later, and the game had been flipped as we went 2-1 in front. After probing pass after probing pass, the ball found itself at the feet of Lemar just inside the area and the Frenchman produced another curling finish which had Ferris rooted to the spot.

The game was as good as over in the 57th minute as we netted our third of the game. Some brilliant play by Lemar saw the French wizard drill in a low cross that Watford couldn't deal with, and Venegas arrived to smash home a first time effort from just outside the six yard box with once more Ferris left rooted. It was definitely game over six minutes later as goal number four arrived. You could call it a goal made in Belgium as Youri Tielemans sent fellow countryman Lukaku in the clear and and the big man got Ferris to commit before clipping a shot over him and into the gaping goal.

With the game won, young left-back Ged Whalley was introduced as a substitute. Yet another local talent, born in nearby Ellesmere Port, off the production line to make his first team début..
The charge continues.

Team: Alisson; Heerkens, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Kovacic; Tielemans, Venegas; Salah, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Alexander-Arnold (for Heerkens 65), Whalley (for Robertson 72), Rodri (for Kovacic 72), Camara, Stevens, Roberto Firmino, Adán.
Booked: Heerkens
Man of the Match: Thomas Lemar (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,074

Thanks fella, it's a surprising start that all has gone as well as it has done so far. Simeone has left United now...for Chelsea! So hopefully we can capitalise on that and your beloved City making a few mistakes in the PL whilst motoring on in the Cups.

I don't expect to win all four, but to have one in the bank after less than 25 games in charge is the stuff of dreams. I've now got a top club job so I'll be here a while unless they sack me. Barcelona, Real, Juve, PSG or Bayern would be the only five teams I'd consider leaving for if I did; otherwise Liverpool for the time being methinks.

Keep tuned in, and that goes for you all too.

2026-27: March Preview

So this is the latest batch fixtures we find ourselves with, a couple of massive Cup games sandwiched either side by two Premier League matches which will leave us just six games left to play in the final stages of the season.

We begin with a nice easy game, yeah I'm being sarcastic here, across Stanley Park to face our nearest and dearest...Everton or as the Anfield faithful keep telling me they're called "Never-ton". They've recently sacked Ole Gunnar Solsjkær and replaced him with Fernando Morientes who had a one and half year spell as a player here at Anfield in the mid 2000s. The Toffees are in no danger of probably getting relegated so to them and their fans then they'd love nothing more than a home win over us. Don't worry, the feeling is mutual.

After Everton, we host Watford three days later. The Hornets have really been a surprise packet this season, and find themselves in a Europa League qualifying spot as we go into March. They looked mightly impressive when I watched them a few weeks ago in my capacity as England manager, so here's hoping that we dent those aspirations and keep our own good form going. That said though Jesus, this fixture scheduling is absolutely brutal.

Then our next two games are in the Cups. The first one sees the second leg of the Champions League tie against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After a 2-2 draw in Germany, people will tip us as favourites to progress as away goals do indeed count. However, we will be without VVD for this second leg as his booking there means he has to serve a one match suspension. That leaves me a dilemma who play there. Now if I'd not agreed to the demands of Gomez wanting to go to PSG in January. Then it's another short gap before we encounter Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup quarter final at Stamford Bridge. They will be keen to avenge the Carabao Cup Final loss but we want to go to Wembley again, hopefully we can prevail and get the favourable semi-final opponent.

Thankfully there's a bit of a breather from domestic action after that, almost two weeks. But for a Club of our stature, time doesn't stand still. Our internationalists will be on their nations duties, as I will be in my dual capacity as England's Head Coach. I'll also be looking at getting a few reports in potential summer signings as I rebuild for life without Roberto Firmino and VVD for sure as probably the last campaigns of players such as Salah and Alisson.

The month closes out with a trip to Anfield from relegation threatened Crystal Palace, who are in dire need of points if they are not wanting to play Championship football next season. We then finish the month with a trip to the London Stadium and the apparent Academy of Football, in other words we play West Ham United. The Hammers could sneak into the Europa League places if they finish the season strongly, although we will of course have other ideas.

All we can do is make our results count, and hope some teams take points off both United and City in the PL whilst progressing in the Cups.

2026-27: February Standings and Awards

Sitting very comfortably placed with the Manchester duo in my sights. I'm only three points behind City and four behind United and we all have ten games to play. Was something that appeared to be a dream when I took over at Christmas; now becoming a possible reality for us? We've still got United to play back in M16 before the season is out. With them having drubbed us under the previous incumbent, I am hoping to put that particular record right.

Obviously, the highlight of those three wins out of three in February was the 2-0 win over City. Perhaps they will start to take us a bit more seriously now. Then to completely blow away Tottenham with a scintillating second half performance just three days after winning the Carabao Cup was sensational. I can't forget that the sight of Virgil Van Dijk lifting the trophy even more, my first ever major domestic honour and guaranteeing we will be in Europe no matter what next season.

We weren't great the Cardiff City Stadium in the final game but good teams always find a way to win right? The Bluebirds played like their lives were on the line, well they were as their 15 points away from safety with just nine to play. That said....

There's a monthly award heading its way to Anfield.


Youri's stunning strike which won us that game in South Wales was seen to be the goal of the month for February, and it's a well done for the Belgian internationalist and captain who has proven to be a very useful option to have since I recalled him back from Southampton last month. His contribution is immeasurable and I'm glad to have him on board.

Yet I didn't again make the top three for the Manager of the Month award despite having a 100 per cent record. That went to United's Diego Simeone and he didn't have that much of a testing schedule compared to me. Mats Gren of Arsenal and Hernan Crespo of Southampton rounded out the top three despite each of them of 75% win ratio; something definitely isn't adding up as regards this particular accolade. But I will succeed, sometime.

Onto the next month it is.

2026-27: February Summary (Cup Competitions)

Once we more dominated in the Emirates FA Cup, and for the second round in succession we had to come from behind to ensure our progression: this time into the last eight. Visiting Anfield on a wet February night were Championship side Reading, a side on the fringes of the promotion race. They made a flying start, we obviously did not, with goal after just 76 seconds. A counter attack saw Royals Dario Neblett picked out an unmarked Tasos Donis at the far post, and the on loan Stoke winger picked his spot past an exposed Alisson.

Midway through the first half, we levelled matters. The inspirational Eduardo Venegas, such an important player that Barcelona after him, picked out Romelu Lukaku and the big Belgian showed great composure to slot it under Hadzikic at the Kop End. We took the lead after 56 minutes, and once more Venegas had a hand in it. After Karim Camara was tripped on the edge of the penalty area, and it was very close to being a penalty, the young Mexican swung the set piece to the back post where Ben Woodburn saw his initial header saved by Hazdikic but the Welshman squeezed the rebound home.

The game was sealed in the 67th minute when Gribbin brought down Thomas Lemar as the Frenchman prepared to pass or shoot. The French genius picked himself up and produced a perfect spot kick into the corner despite Hadzikic going the right way. So the charge to another Final continues. This is whom Danish father and son goalkeepers Peter and Kasper Schmeichel gave us in our last eight tie:


Eeek...not them again!

Team: Alisson; Heerkens, Arioli, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Venegas, Rodri; Woodburn, Camara, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Adán (for Camara 64), Barker (for Woodburn 69), Roberto Firmino (for Lukaku 75), De Jong, Stevens, Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo.
Booked: Arioli
Man of the Match: Eduardo Venegas (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,074

Another new face bloomed in this tie was 18 year old winger James Barker. The Gateshead born prospect has the potential makings of a more than decent player if he keeps up his progression. Further to my proof, if they're good enough then they're old enough to play first team football.



FIRST KNOCKOUT ROUND STAGE - Tuesday 16 February 2027



So six days after disposing of Reading in the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round, we headed to Germany for Champions League knockout first leg tie, and with the Carabao Cup Final just five days after this then we hoped we would come out of the test with no injuries. With this leg away from home, I was hoping my first ever experience of European Club football, would be a positive one and we could grab an away goal or two to take to Anfield next month. That would be nice right? Leading the line for the German side was Dominic Solanke who never really got going at Anfield after a £6 million move from Chelsea in the summer of 2017. Less than 30 games in four seasons says everything. Now he was bound to score against us...

Mönchengladbach took the lead in the 26th minute, Adilovic playing in Fatih Özdemir, yes like Mesut Özil he's German with a Turkish father, and he outstripped our defence before smashing the ball beyond Alisson and into the roof of the net. Their lead lasted just three minutes when following a swift break of our own, Lemar slipping in Venegas and he coolly finished. We turned the game really on its head to score a second away goal in the 32nd minute and completely silence the home support whilst sending over 5000 away fans bouncing. Adán, on for a clearly unwell Salah, crossed from the right and Lukaku half volleyed home from about eight yards out. But the drama was far from over.

Early in the second half, we suffered a massive blow when Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off. Scans later proved to be pulled ankle ligaments and would rule him out for the remainder of the month and most importantly, the Carabao Cup Final. Gut wrenching for us and my England national captain, so we had to draft Jeroen Heerkens on as a substitute. Heerkens is an internationalist in his own right for Het Oranje but he's no TAA in my eyes.

For the final 19 minutes, I brought on Daniel Ballard as an extra defender and it looked it had paid off until they scored an equaliser just as the fourth official prepared to display their board. A shot from distance by Ahumada was brilliantly blocked by Van Dijk but the rebound went out to an unmarked Rysavy on the left hand edge of the six yard box and he thundered in the leveller right into the far bottom corner. A devastating blow, considering we had done pretty well to hold on. But two away goals are two away goals..

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; De Jong, Rodri; Salah, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Adán (for Salah 20), Heerkens (for Alexander-Arnold 56), Ballard (for Venegas 71), Camara, Stevens, Robertson, Tielemans.
Booked: Van Dijk, Tierney
Man of the Match: Frenkie De Jong (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,022

2026-27: February Summary

MATCHDAY 26 - Saturday 6 February 2027
LIVE ON


League Leaders City made the short trip westwards to Anfield in what I saw our biggest test so far. We had made such an improvement in the first full month so much so that I felt that I would be happy with a point from Thomas Tuchel's men. What I got was more, and a massive three points to brought us closer to the top two. Goals in the closing stages of each half did the trick and Alisson collected his 12th clean sheet in the Premier League this season.

It was a tough game with each side creating plenty of chances but neither getting that all important breakthrough. That changed three minutes from half time, a wonderful right wing cross from England captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and a powerful header from Romelu Lukaku that gave Ederson no chance at all. We clinched the points two minutes from time and it all owed itself to some tricky work from Mohammed Salah. The Egyptian wizard showed some superb close control to bamboozle the City defence before putting the ball on a proverbial plate to Adán who had made a near post dart, and the Spanish striker poked his shot across Ederson and into the far corner. A massive, massive result for us.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; De Jong, Rodri; Salah, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Tielemans (for Rodri 60), Adán (for Lukaku 78), Roberto Firmino (for Lemar 83), Woodburn, Stevens, Ballard, Heerkens.
Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,704

MATCHDAY 27 - Wednesday 24 February 2027
LIVE ON


You've heard of the saying, it was a game of two halves right? Well that was certainly true after the Tottenham game as we ran amok in the second half to record a result which cost Tottenham manager Frank DeBoer his job at the final whistle and kept our 100 per cent league record going since I took charge. We dominated the game from start to finish but trailed at the interval to a 20th minute strike from Hélder. The young Brazilian shrugged off the attentions of Virgil Van Dijk; and that's some feat in itself; to stun us and the Kop with a well taken effort that Alisson never saw until it had passed him.

A few choice words were said at half time and we took the game to Spurs who were playing Harry Kane wide on the left. We drew level in the 63rd minute when Youri Tielemans slid the ball into the path of countryman Lukaku who placed his shot under the advancing Jack Butland and into the corner. Spurs buckled after that and conceded a second eight minutes when Jeoren Heerkens stood a cross up to the far post and Ben Woodburn, in for the injured Thomas Lemar, planted his header home. Goal number three came in the 85th minute, Heerkens with another deep cross that Ricky Armstrong planned to head back to Butland but substitute Fernando Almeida anticipated it and nodded it into the gaping goal to send the Kop delirious.

We added the coup de grace in time added on, Almeida sped away down the right and his cross was flicked on by Lukaku into Woodburn who placed his shot beyond Butland for 4-1 and seal yet another three points. It also sealed De Boer's fate as Daniel Levy sacked him seconds after the final whistle.

Team: Alisson' Heerkens, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Rodri, Venegas, Tielemans; Salah, Woodburn; Lukaku. Substitutes: Fernando Almeida (for Salah 69), Ballard (for Van Dijk 78), Camara, Stevens, Whalley, Kovacic, Roberto Firmino.
Booked: Van Dijk
Man of the Match: Ben Woodburn (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,704

MATCHDAY 28 - Saturday 27 February 2027


Sometimes you don't have to win convincingly, sometimes a 1-0 win will do. And that was what we got in South Wales, when a single goal saw off a plucky Bluebirds side that had chances of their own to embarrass us. Just as the fourth official was about to appear, we scored what proved to be the game winner.

Andrew Robertson fed Tielemans at the edge of the box and the Belgian national skipper dug the ball out of his feet to curl a wonderful shot beyond the grasp of Sochor; and find the top corner. A fantastic effort that had everyone talking about it. The run continues....

Team: Alisson; Heerkens, Rodri, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Kovacic; Venegas, Tielemans; Fernando Almeida, Woodburn; Lukaku. Substitutes: De Jong (for Kovacic 62), Lemar (for Fernando Almeida 66), Roberto Firmino (for Lukaku 76), Camara, Stevens, Bunk, Vallejo.
Man of the Match: Youri Tielemans (Liverpool)
Attendance: 33,820

Two more youngsters made the bench for the Spurs and Cardiff games, Ged Whalley and Sebastian Bunk. Although neither of them got on to make their débuts, both are prospects who could break into the first team in the next couple of seasons if they apply themselves in the right way.

Frenkie De Jong: Scores the goal that wins the Carabao Cup for Liverpool

Dutch maestro Frenkie De Jong proved to be the match winner as Liverpool won the Carabao Cup Final for the third successive season by beating Chelsea 2-1 at a rain sodden Wembley this afternoon.

The midfielder struck with three minutes left when it looked like the teams were going to head towards an additional thirty minutes on the wet, strength-sapping, surface and ensured Reds new manager Mark Duell's first ever Wembley Final would end up a winning one. The England national team boss only took over at Anfield at Christmas time but has masterminded a real change of fortunes which has seen them move within six points of leaders Manchester City.

Liverpool dominated the first half, and had to cope with the loss of influential French playmaker Thomas Lemar in the first half. The creative Frenchman limped off with a tight Achilles after just 27 minutes play, an injury sustained in the opening minute. As of yet, the extent of it is not known but Liverpool and their fans will be hoping for good news when it has been assessed.

Yet despite their dominance, Liverpool couldn't break down the Blues until they got their breakthrough just as the fourth official prepared to show two minutes of added-on time at the end of that opening half. An inswinging corner from Mohammed Salah saw Chelsea skipper Andreas Christensen foul Adán in the box right under the referee's nose. In the absence of regular taker Lemar, former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku assumed responsibility from 12 yards and drilled the perfect penalty into the bottom corner despite Kepa going the right way.


Chelsea hadn't been in it but drew level in the 58th minute when Christensen turned from villain to hero for the London side. The Dane connected with a free-kick swung in by Houssem Aouar to power a header beyond the reaches of Alisson in the Liverpool goal and send the blue half of Wembley into raptures. We suddenly had a game on.

Both sides then had chances to go ahead after with Lukaku and Adán both going close for Liverpool, and Chelsea's Davinson Sanchez thudding a header against the crossbar with Alisson beaten all ends up. Liverpool's injury woes continued with five minutes to go, Kieran Tierney also limping off. The Scot seemed to be holding the back of his ankle as fellow countryman Andrew Robertson replaced him. Then came De Jong and his vital intervention in the 87th minute: Salah looped a free-kick into the penalty area and De Jong was given a free header from around the penalty spot to loop it over Kepa and into the corner.

Yet the Blues could have forced extra-time when Alisson skewed a clearance straight to Jagoba Alonso in the second of five minutes injury time. Thankfully for the Reds, the Blues top scorer lashed wide when he should really have scored. Liverpool resorted to dogged defending after that and held on for their twelfth win in this competition and third in a row.


As Liverpool skipper Virgil Van Dijk lifted the trophy, news broke that Roman Abramovich had parted company with manager Pal Dárdai, The Hungarian leaves Stamford Bridge after almost five years in charge, assistant Zsolt Löw has been placed in temporary charge.

Liverpool - Alisson; Heerkens, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney (Robertson 85); De Jong; Venegas, Kovacic (Camara 72); Salah, Lemar (Adán 27); Lukaku. Unused Substitutes: Rodri, Stevens, Roberto Firmino, Arioli.
Chelsea - Kepa; Jacoba Sanchez, Christensen © (Carter-Vickers 74), Davinson Sanchez, Vagnoman; Maier (Cusiance 57), Acosta; Martins, Aouar, Sancho (Isak 63); Alonso. Unused Substitutes: Lingard, Sosa, Mazzone, Dizdarveic.
Booked: Acosta, Aouar.
Man of the Match: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Attendance: 90,000
Referee: Lewie Nicholson (Northampton)

Thank you, I don't have much in terms of squad depth so the wheels could come off at any time. We shall see how things develop.

2026-27: January Transfer Window Summary

We began with the decision made by Club Captain Virgil Van Dijk on his future. Have I managed to talk him round? Well...

Alas not!

The skipper appreciated me wanting him to stay on but his mind was made up. Hopefully, we can make him leave on a high with yet more medals in his pocket. This meant we needed at least one, if not a couple of new central defenders. So we went shopping....

Incoming deals:

After the skipper announced his retirement at the end of the season, centre halves become priority. The first new face was Renzo Arioli, a 23 year old central defender signed from Bologna for £3.7 million.



Despite his tender years, Arioli has over 20 Under 21 caps for his native Uruguay. He started off his career in his homeland before joining the Rossoblu in the summer of 2024. Whilst he is not a big name, what attracted me to Arioli he has good mental abilities and tackling for someone who isn't 6 foot tall. He was also named in the Rossoblu's best XI last season despite only making a handful of appearances. He's one to keep an eye on.

The second newcomer was young full back Mark Stanko.



Stanko is an 18 year old American right back whom we signed on a free transfer from the Columbus Crew Academy. He already has 10 Under 21 caps for his nation, and looks a very good prospect we can develop. With Trent Alexander-Arnold now in his late 20s, I'm hoping this kid alongside Jeroen Heerkens will become first team regulars in the future. I'm also plan to have Stanko trained as a left-back so he is capable of filling in either full back position. Now that would be a luxury to have.

Our final permanent newcomer is Daniel Ballard.



A former Arsenal youth teamer, Daniel has made over 150 appearances for West Bromwich Albion since signing for them in the summer of 2022. He's also a full internationalist for his native Northern Ireland, and the Stevenage born defender (his Mam comes from Northern Ireland) now has 29 caps for his declared nation. A towering presence at 6'3, he's a defender that likes to defend. Some might say we've paid over the odds for him but he will be in the mix for selection as and when Van Dijk hangs up the boots.

Also coming back to Anfield on a recalled loan, is Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.



Tielemans had been on loan to Premier League rivals Southampton this season after being frozen out by the previous boss. With the amount of games coming up, we're going to need him if Frenkie De Jong, Rodri and Mateo Kovacic get injured. To have a 29 year old with nearly 70 international caps at your disposal, that's a nice option to have. He might not feature often but if the chance comes then I'm sure he will look to shine.

Outgoings:

The biggest departure from Anfield in this window was England internationalist Joe Gomez who has joined Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £60 million outlay.



Joe was a defender I didn't want to lose especially when Van Dijk announcing his retirement. However, the offer that PSG made was too good to refuse, and Joe was interested to talk with the French. I was kinda hoping he'd not agree terms but he did, and away he went across the Channel. He left with our best wishes, having made more than a massive impact in his time here. To get £60 million, leading to an extra £8 million in add-ons, for someone out of contract next summer is good business I think. I hope it doesn't come back to bite me on the arse.

Two more players left, albeit on loan.




After giving Sidney Guiste his début in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, I'm keen to see the Bootle born midfielder develop and think it will be best served with a half season loan to Brighton. The kid has potential no doubt, and if he impresses then who knows we might have another home grown talent making the first team soon.

The other departure was winger Patrick Roberts. He is not a first teamer and at his age, needs first team football. Stoke have given him that option and agreed to pay us £12.75 million if they want to make the deal a permanent one. That suits us down to the ground completely. It's up to the player to showcase his talents enough to make the deal happen.

2026-27: February Preview

Yet another month of league action punctuated by a series of Cup games, each of them as important as the other.

We begin February with a massive home game against Premier League leaders Manchester City. As we kick off, we start nine points behind Thomas Tuchel's men but we're a team in form and in confidence. Whilst City have led for the majority of the season, we have now built ourselves a platform in which to build on. Both sides have matchwinners a plenty in their squads, I'm just hoping that we don't choke and freeze on the occasion. To win this one will be huge, and depending on how United fare then we might close in further.

Then we continue our second assault on Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup as Reading of the Championship come to Anfield in a Fifth Round tie. It's another step up in quality of opponent for us so whilst the back ups have done well for us so far; we might have to field a much stronger side as we aim to get into the quarter finals. But we will assess who's available match by match as we have done so far. There's no Saturday game after the Reading game so our next game is my first ever Champions League encounter with a trip to Germany to face Borussia Mönchengladbach. Gladbach and Liverpool faced each other in the 1977 European Cup Final with the Reds winning that one 3-1 so a repeat would be nice especially in this case away goals proving vital.

After Germany, all roads lead to Wembley as we face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Final. It's my first ever domestic Cup Final since moving back to England to manage so it'll be a special occasion indeed. We recently hammered the Blues 4-1 in the League but this means nothing in a one off game like this. They will be itching to put the record straight and deny us a second successive Carabao Cup win. Whilst the board had this as a non-priority competition, I see it as important as any other. After all, a piece of silverware in the cabinet can only but please those upstairs more right?

We return back to league action for two more games to finish the month off. First is a testing home game against Tottenham who will be hoping a win might put them back into Champions League qualification contention again. Like most top teams, they have an abundance of quality in their ranks but I'm hopeful ours will be the better on the night. The month finishes with a trip to South Wales to face the Bloobirds who are in the relegation zone and struggling to get out of it. Hopefully the boys will step up to the mark and show why there's a noticeable difference in the teams, league position and ability wise.

It shapes up to be another cracking bunch of matches.

2026-27: January Standings and Awards

When I took over in December 2026, the Club was outside the European spots. Now look at where we are now!

We lie in third place, just four points behind second placed United but having established a gap of our own from fourth placed Watford and even more from fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur. We're still unbeaten since I took over, and that's a great feeling to have at the moment. Hopefully Mr Delcroix will be thinking he's made an astute appointment.

I'm just amazed how well it has taken off.

Whilst I have had not the biggest squad in terms of depth, everyone of them seems to have bought into the 4-2-3-1 formation I've decided to adopt. Goals are coming from everywhere, we're not reliant on just one player scoring goals. That's one of the things I've liked at all my teams so far, goals from all over the pitch. Now if Alisson scored one then would be something special and different. Perhaps if we have a penalty in the final game of the season and it means nothing to the result then I might let the Brazilian internationalist take it.

Awards wise, we again won nothing. Despite winning every single one of my games in January, I didn't get the Manager of the Month award. In fact, I didn't make the top three. That award went, for a second time this season, to Xavi who manages Wolves. Second placed were the Manchester duo of Thomas Tuchel (City) and Diego Simeone (United) and neither of them had a 100 per cent record. Something dodgy.

I will win it one day...

As for the player awards, the nearest we got was Eduardo Venegas getting second placed in the Goal of the Month for his superb free-kick against Chelsea. I think if Thomas Lemar's effort against the Geordies had been in the League as opposed to the Carabao then it would have been a serious contender.

Time to continue the rebuild..

2026-27: January Summary (Cup Competitions)

We began our Emirates FA Cup adventure with a home draw against League Two Leyton Orient. With so many games in the schedule in January, I decided to rest most of my star names for this tie and give chances to some lesser lights such as back up keeper Ertem Stevens and one of the forgotten men in Patrick Roberts who has had three loan spells at Celtic in his nomadic career so far. Stepping up their comebacks from injury at this time were Dutch duo Jeroen Heerkens and Club Captain Virgil Van Dijk. And it was a bit of a stroll to say the least.

The biggest surprise was that it took us 31 minutes to break their stubborn resistance, but it was a great goal though. Picking up a pass from Rodri, Eduardo Venegas charged into the penalty area unchallenged by a O's defender and picked his spot high into the centre of the goal with Ramsdale given no chance. We doubled the lead 19 seconds after half time, Reiss Nelson thudded a shot against the post but the ball rebounded into the net off the back of the legs of the luckless Ramsdale. Venegas then clinched a fourth round berth with the final goal in the 59th minute when he drilled a low effort home from just inside the area; again having been given time and space by the generous O's.

Team: Stevens; Heerkens, Warburton, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Rodri, Venegas; Roberts, Nelson, Woodburn; Adán. Substitutes: Roberto Firmino (for Adán 62), Fernando Almeida (for Roberts 67), Kovacic, Alisson, Gomez, Salah, Vallejo.
Booked: Robertson
Man of the Match :Eduardo Venegas (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,704

Making a Reds début alongside skipper Van Dijk in central defence was 21 year old Richard Warburton. Warburton, born in Childwall, is a product of our youth team and has been a constant figure in our Under 23 team this season.

FOURTH ROUND - Saturday 23 January 2027


Our opponents in the Fourth Round would be mid-table League One side Lincoln City. The Imps had earned the right to play at Anfield with a giant killing in the previous round when they beat our nearest and dearest, Everton, 1-0 at Goodison Park. We were hoping to not match this and make our way into the last sixteen. Like the previous round, I opted to give players such as Stevens and Roberts starts as well as an appearance for Frenchman Karim Camara who I have big plans for. Yet despite dominating the game, we went in at half time on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline. Garth Langagine scoring in the 28th minute and it was a terrible goal to concede: a harmless ball forward and for some unknown reason our central defender Jesùs Vallejo seemed to pause as if there was no danger and Langagine lifted the ball over Stevens to send the 2703 away fans dancing with delight.

Naturally the players were reminded this wasn't good enough at the break, and to stop giving Lincoln too much respect. Four minutes after the restart, we levelled when the referee deemed that Savin had been a bit too forceful in his challenge on Roberts and awarded us a penalty. It looked a bit harsh considering the conditions but if a referee is going to award your side a penalty then you take it. Romelu Lukaku stepped up and sent Pearce the wrong way with a perfect penalty into the bottom corner. We took the lead in the 64th minute with a simple set piece play straight off the training ground, Venegas with the corner and a near post header from captain Van Dijk.

Two goals in a minute put the tie beyond any doubt though. In the 74th minute Duhaney brought down Venegas and we had a second penalty of the afternoon. Once more Lukaku stepped up, and same place despite this time Pearce going in the right direction. Then almost straight after the kick-off, Ben Woodburn did a tremendous challenge and interception before releasing Roberts whose shot was parried by Pearce but straight to who else but Lukaku who tapped the ball into the empty net to complete a superb hat-trick. Banana skin avoided.

Team: Stevens; Heerkens, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; De Jong, Rodri; Roberts, Camara, Woodburn; Lukaku. Substitutes: Venegas (for De Jong 62), Lemar (for Camara 62), Alexander-Arnold (for Heerkens 69), Adán, Alisson, Nelson, Arioli.
Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,704

The fifth round draw was made on the Monday after, with John Terry and Frank Sinclair making the draw live. They gave us this, which is another winnable tie and a good chance of making the sixth round stage.




SEMI FINAL, FIRST LEG - Wednesday 6 January 2027
LIVE ON


A rainy night on Tyneside greeted us as we played Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. With away goals not counting, it was imperative that we came away with something. A win would be great but a draw would be also considered a good result in the hope we could finish the job at Anfield a fortnight later.

It was a tense affair with neither side wanting to give much away, and it was not until the 57th minute when the deadlock was broken. A right wing cross from the creative genius that is Thomas Lemar saw Mateo Kovacic rise highest above everyone at the far post to head past Vlachodimos. A huge goal indeed. Then with 13 minutes left, we got ourselves a bit of breathing space in the tie with a second goal. Some good inter-play by the boys saw the ball find it's way to Lemar who produced sublime skill to chip the keeper from around the penalty spot. Some player.

Wembley was within touching distance, we just needed to complete the job at home now.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Rodri, Kovacic; Nelson, Lemar, Woodburn; Adán. Substitutes: De Jong (for Rodri 57), Salah (for Nelson 66), Lukaku (for Adán 69), Vallejo, Stevens, Venegas, Heerkens.
Man of the Match: Thomas Lemar (Liverpool)
Attendance: 58,662

SEMI FINAL, SECOND LEG - Wednesday 20 January 2027
LIVE ON


With Wembley within our sights, we looked to finish the job against the Geordies but knew full well that one slip could prove to be costly, Because of the importance of the game, I decided that the strongest possible side would start the game in the hope we could grab the first goal and put the tie almost beyond doubt. Like the first leg, it was a close run affair but we had the better of the possession. With 27 minutes gone, we opened the scoring when a Venegas free-kick from wide left was connected to by a powerful header from skipper Van Dijk. The stadium erupted, we knew we had placed a firm foot into the Final.

I took a chance to give another of the youngsters a chance with still over half on hour to play. Sidney Guiste, born in Bootle, had been catching the eye in the Under 23's and internationally for the England Under 21's so it would be interesting to see how he adapted to the big stage as he replaced Rodri. And the kid didn't do too bad at all, he looked at home without being brilliant. Moments after his introduction, we thought we had gone 2-0 up on the night, 4-0 on aggregate, when Mohammed Salah lashed one into the top corner but a lino's flag quickly muted our celebrations. It was a harsh call indeed, and Mo was very upset it had been chalked off.

Eight minutes from time, we got that second goal to confirm our place in the Final. Guiste was fouled fully 30 yards out, and there was only thing on the mind of Lemar, a shot on goal. What he produced was sensational, a curling yet brilliantly executed free-kick that soared into the net at the Kop End. I couldn't resist doing a Mourinho down the touchline in celebration, it was a world class strike from a world class footballer. Newcastle were beaten now, and we had a Wembley date in the calendar.

Tell me Ma, me Ma, I want no tea, no tea because I'm going to Wembley. Tell me Ma, me Ma....

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; Rodri, De Jong; Salah, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Guiste (for Rodri 53), Fernando Almeida (for Salah 67), Camara (for Lukaku 74), Woodburn, Stevens, Vallejo, Heerkens.
Man of the Match: Thomas Lemar (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,704

Our opponents in the Final are these guys:

The Blues advanced by defeating London rivals Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate.

2026-27: January Summary (Part Two)

MATCHDAY 24 - Tuesday 26 January 2027
LIVE ON


Our penultimate game of the month saw us host an underperforming Chelsea side at Anfield with the Blues boss Pál Dárdai seemingly under pressure to deliver. I was expecting a tough game but what happened was that we produced probably the best performance under my short tenure so far, even eclipsing the 2-0 away win at Arsenal last month. We started with what was the strongest team I could feature, and were celebrating a goal as early as the fifth minute in the pouring rain on Merseyside. Romelu Lukaku played a nice ball to Eduardo Venegas at the edge of penalty area and the young Mexican drove at the heart of the Blues defence, twisting one way then the other, before lashing in his 11th of the season into the roof of Kepa's net.

We doubled our advantage in the 16th minute with a wonderful team goal. Some beautiful passing ended with Mohammed Salah playing in Trent Alexander-Arnold and the England captain took it in his stride before striking the ball across Kepa and into the far bottom corner. A stupendous free kick produced the third six minutes after the restart, former Blues loanee Mateo Kovacic was upended at the left hand edge of the penalty area and Venegas stepped up to superbly curl the ball around the wall and into the roof of the net again giving Kepa again no chance whatsoever.

Goal number four for us came seven minutes from time. Venegas tried to repeat his trick from the 51st minute but the wall repelled it but only to the feet of Adán 20 yards out whose fiercely struck effort hit the back of Davinson Sanchez and wrongfooted Kepa to nestle into the back of the net. The Kop was bouncing, in fact the whole of Anfield (bar the away end) was. Chelsea did pull a goal back in the 86th minute through Jagoba Alonso but a consolation it was, they had been ripped apart by some ruthless efficiency by my Reds.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Tierney; De Jong, Kovacic; Salah, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Woodburn (for De Jong 64), Arioli (for Tierney 71), Adán (for Lukaku 76), Nelson, Stevens, Rodri, Heerkens.
Man of the Match: Eduardo Venegas (Liverpool)
Attendance: 54,704

That game saw the début of a new Red, Uruguayan Renzo Arioli.

MATCHDAY 25 - Sunday 31 January 2027
LIVE ON


We finished the month with my first return to Deepdale since leaving for Anfield a month previous. It felt surreal walking into the away dressing room, but I didn't actually do a Ron Atkinson who in 1999 as Nottingham Forest manager: stepped into the home dugout in his first match at the City Ground against Arsenal. The home fans were kind, and as such I still harbour no bad feelings to them and their Club. We showed two changes from the side that destroyed Chelsea, Rodri replacing Kovacic who picked up a thigh strain in the closing stages of the Blues game which will keep him out for the next three weeks or so. I also opted to rest Kieran Tierney with an equally good replacement in Andrew Robertson.

In fact, it was Rodri who opened the scoring after just six minutes. A throw from Robertson was flicked into the path of the Spaniard at the edge of the box by Lukaku, and the midfielder made strides forward before curling the ball into the corner beyond Jasper Schendelaar. Despite the number of chances and possession in our favour, Preston weren't making it easy and were keen to impress my replacement there: Unai Emery. Two goals in as many minutes shortly after the hour did for them though. In the 61st minute, a long range effort from Rodri struck Swedish defender Helmer Andersson to wrongfoot Schendelaar for 2-0.

It became 3-0 and game over in the 63rd minute. Venegas had a free-kick parried by Schendelaar who then proceeded to deny both Salah and Rodri before the Egyptian scored with his second bite of this particular cherry. I applauded the home fans at full time, and even though we'd kept our unbeaten run going, I left Preston that day with a gut feeling that my old side will stay up and that would give me as much satisfaction as anything.

Team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Vallejo, Van Dijk ©, Robertson; Rodri, De Jong; Salah, Venegas, Lemar; Lukaku. Substitutes: Roberto Firmino (for Lukaku 68), Arioli (for Van Dijk 73), Woodburn (for Venegas 78), Adán, Stevens, Nelson, Heerkens.
Booked: Van Dijk
Man of the Match: Rodri (Liverpool)
Attendance: 20,830

2026-27: January Summary (Part One)

MATCHDAY 21 - Sunday 10 January 2027
LIVE ON


Our first game of the New Year saw us make the long trek to the South Coast to face a Bournemouth side managed by French footballing legend Zinedine Zidane, and as predictably they played football the way it should be played: neat passing football on the deck. Having played Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek, I opted to ring a number of changes to try and ensure the players remain fit and healthy. We took the lead in the 16th minute, Mohammed Salah with the right wing cross which was headed out by Goran Milas straight to Thomas Lemar who took the opportunity presented to him with an volley into the bottom corner and continue his goalscoring run. The Cherries equalised immediately, Danny Loader releasing Frenchman Luis Severino with a superbly weighted through ball and the striker finished with a sweet low shot past Alisson.

Buoyed by this, Zidane's Cherries took the lead themselves within four minutes of that equaliser. Steveroy Byers's shot cannoned off Joe Gomez and into the path of Loader who managed to get to the loose ball before Jeroen Heerkens and squeeze his effort home. We needed something and got back on level terms with just under two minutes to go to half time. A counter attack saw Salah find Spanish striker Adán who charged on and created space for himself to strike across the keeper from twelve yards. It was a massive relief for him as it ended a personal goal drought that had lasted over ten hours of play. Whilst I was happy, Zidane wasn't.

As we entered the final 14 minutes, the sides still couldn't be separated and people were thinking a draw was on the cards. However, two goals in a minute would change that and both came our way. In the 76th minute, another counter attack and another Salah assist. The Egyptian played the ball into Adán, brimming with confidence, and he finished superbly for his second of the game. Then as Bournemouth tried to respond we hit them for a fourth time; this time Adán created the goal with a pass into exciting Mexican prospect Eduardo Venegas who drilled home with confidence. Bournemouth made it a nervous finish when they scored a third in the second minute of four minutes added on at the end, Joel D'Alessandro with the goal. But we held on for a third successive league win.

Team: Alisson; Heerkens, Gomez, Vallejo, Tierney ©; De Jong, Kovacic; Salah, Lemar, Woodburn; Adán. Substitutes: Venegas (for Woodburn 62), Rodri (for Kovacic 72), Lukaku (for Lemar 85), Nelson, Stevens, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold.
Man of the Match: Adán (Liverpool)
Attendance: 18,961

MATCHDAY 22 - Wednesday 13 January 2027


January's heavy schedule continued with a midweek home game against a Fulham side battling against relegation. Once more I made a few changes to give players rest as much as I could do, and making his Liverpool début against the Cottagers was Spanish winger Victor Manuel Roqué. Roqué had done well for the Reserves so I felt he deserved a chance to display his talents in the first team so I could get a real good look at him as I plan to build for the future.

Predictably, we dominated with three times as many shots as our visitors. However, we left it late to secure a fourth League win in a row and that was with a winner in injury time. With the pressure building at the Kop End, Andy Robertson's intended left wing cross found its way to Venegas who fired across Blanco and break Fulham's hearts of a point but ensure delight in L4. It was his ninth of the season.

Team: Alisson; Heerkens, Gomez ©, Vallejo, Robertson; Rodri, Kovacic; Roqué, Venegas, Woodburn; Adán. Substitutes: Salah (for Roqué 64), Lukaku (for Adán 68), Camara (for Kovacic 89), Roberto Firmino, Stevens, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold.
Booked: Rodri
Man of the Match: Guiliano Japaz (Fulham)
Attendance: 52,593

MATCHDAY 23 - Saturday 16 January 2027


Our third league game in six days, yeah thanks a lot fixture planners, saw us travel to Pride Park to face Derby County. The Rams, like our previous opponents Fulham, are battling against the drop but for them an instant return to the Championship. I'm still seething that James Beattie, their manager, took my Championship Manager of the Year gong last season when he scarcely deserved it. So if my new Club could take three points on their home turf then that would be oh so sweet.

We took the lead with just four minutes on the clock, Ben Woodburn's shot was palmed away by Pigliacelli but straight to the red hot Venegas who lashed home the loose ball. We doubled it on the quarter hour, a cross from Robertson bounced its way to the far post where Salah had the easy task of firing into the empty net in front of him. Derby pulled one back in the 22nd minute when Scott Hirons picked up the pieces to stride unchallenged and fire home past an exposed Alisson. However, the Rams afternoon went sour three minutes when Lewis Baker went for an early bath for two yellow cards. Naughty boy!

The Hirons effort was one of just two efforts that Derby managed all game as we dominated them from start to finish. Yet it took an 88th minute goal to seal the deal so to speak. A Lemar cross wasn't dealt with properly by the home side and Romelu Lukaku volleyed home. It was the big Belgian's 14th of the season and his first under me after a few abject performances previously. Five league wins in a row and climbing the table in the right direction.

Team: Alisson; Heerkens, Gomez ©, Vallejo, Robertson; De Jong, Kovacic; Salah, Venegas, Woodburn; Lukaku. Substitutes: Alexander-Arnold (for Robertson 34), Van Dijk (for Heerkens 60), Lemar (for Woodburn 68), Fernando Almeida, Stevens, Camara, Adán.
Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku (Liverpool)
Attendance: 32,983

2026-27: January Preview

A busy first full month for me and the Reds with a League Cup semi-final, the start of our Emirates FA Cup challenge and five Premier League games. We're definitely going to need to dip into every single pore to ensure we come away with some success.

The first game of 2027 sees us entertain League Two Leyton Orient at Anfield in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round. After playing two games in three days, I'm leaning towards giving some of the fringe players a game in this one. It's a tie we will be expected to win, but we cannot afford to think the tie is a foregone conclusion before we kick off. We will be treating it as serious as every game we play, certainly not a shift in the way I approach games. Time to shine for some of the lesser lights.

After Orient we play the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, and it's a quick hello back to Newcastle. That first leg will be played at SJP, and it's imperative we keep the tie close or come away with an advantage. If we want to be at Wembley to defend this trophy in March then we need to overcome a tough opponent and as we found out in the recent league game, Newcastle can perform when the odds are against them.

The first league game of the month follows after that as we go to a Bournemouth side that could be drawn into a relegation scrap if they don't buck up their ideas and the others below them do. We then host Fulham at Anfield who are in a similar spot to the Cherries, in fact four of the five league matches are against sides in the bottom half of the league standings. Therefore we will be expected to win all of them. After Fulham, we go to relegation threatened Derby County before hopefully securing our place at Wembley when we have the second leg of the Carabao Cup against the Geordies.

Our hardest league game of the five then comes up as Chelsea come to Anfield before it's my first trip back to Deepdale since leaving for Anfield. Wonder what sort of reception they will give me? That's where the sentiment stops for me, as I want to leave with all three points to keep that European charge a rolling.

We're gonna need every fit body available to us as we continue to battle on all four fronts at present. Coming out of this hectic schedule will determine how we might finish the season.