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Arne Slot: All you need to know about Klopp’s potential replacement

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Liverpool’s mandated search for a gaffer with Jurgen Klopp’s expected departure at the end of the term continues.

Spanish legend and the champion of Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s remarkable season is definitely out of the running having penned a new contract with the club side.

Among names picking attention in recent time has been that of Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi and even German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Recently, the wildcard pick has been Feyenoord Rotterdam’s Arne Slot and is now regarded by some quarters as the leading contender.

Arne Slot (Photo Credit: NRTC Library)
Arne Slot in managerial action by the sidelines during an Eredivise game (Photo Feyenoord Rotterdam)

The 45-year-old Dutchman has had an impressive time with the Eredivisie outfit since coming aboard in 2021 as replacement for Dick Advocaat.

So far, he’s taken the Dutch league title, piping Ajax in the 2022/2023 season, the KNVB title this season and also making the inaugural UEFA conference league final where they lost to As Roma.

The man

The Dutch gaffer started off as an attacking midfielder in his playing days seeing respective stints with FC Zwolle, NAC Breda, Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle racking up 100 goals in almost 500 matches.

His introduction into the managerial fold began at the latter end of his career with PEC Zwolle. On retirement in 2013, he was recruited as a youth coach for around a year and proceeded to Cambuur as an assistant coach.

With the club facing troubled times in the Eerste Divisie, Slot and Sipke Hulshoff were appointed on an interim basis in 2016 and led the club from 14th place to 3rd place narrowly missing out on promotion and making the KNVB cup semi-final.

A year later, he joined AZ Alkmaar as an assistant and took up the job on a full in 2019, becoming the first manager in the club’s history to rack up 19 points in his first 8 games. 

Slot took over the Feyenoord Rotterdam coaching role in 2021 and has won both the domestic league and cup titles.

Slutty Ball

In over four years, Arne Slot has made rounds as one of the most highly sought after young European managers. Slot’s Feyenoord emphasize high-action attacking football with remarkable pressing structures. 

His set-up is tailored to dominate possession and dictate play for the better part of the game giving the opposition little to no reaction time. 

Photo Feyenoord Rotterdam

Slot requires high intensity from his teams claiming in that regard, you can win your opponents in two ways. By being better than them or outrunning and outworking them on your bad days.

His preferred shape is the 4-2-3-1 with two deep lying playmakers and reliance on wingers with playmaking abilities.

In the defensive block, these wingers join a makeshift 4-4-2 with the double pivot, while the number 10 joins the press in a 4-4-1-1 structure to ensure flexibility in approach.

Stylistically, Slot’s Feyenoord are similar to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. In terms of pressing, staying the most successful of any team across Europe’s leading seven leagues, with the Dutch based outfit bettering only Liverpool in this respect with 722 interceptions to 706.

Feyenoord also tied with Liverpool for the most points won from losing positions this season (62).

Player development

Slot has not been one to shy from incorporating the younger generation. In fact, a large chunk of his league winning outfit were aged 24 or under. 

The introduction of young full back Quilindschy Hartman to the senior set-up from Jong Feyenoord following Tyrell Malacia’s departure to Manchester United.

The 24-year-old Mats Wieffer garnering interest from Europe’s top sides came on in summer 2022 to come sit at the base of his midfield.

Topman Santiago Gimenez is arguably one of the biggest beneficiaries of his gaffer’s style with lethal showings in front of goal since his arrival from Cruz Azul.

Quinten Timber, Calvin Stengs, Igor Paixao and Newcastle loanee Yankuba Minteh are but a few that have also seen an upturn in their game in the while.

Lutsharel Geertrudia closing in on two centuries of appearances for the club and Slovakian David Hancko are the big components of his aesthetically soothing build up play. 

Interest

Slot has triggered concern from England in recent times tipped to replace Jesse Marsch when Leeds showed the exit doors in 2023 and amongst a host of names in consideration for the Spurs job before Ange Postecoglou.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutch coach did admit that he has ambitions of managing a premier league team. In conversation, he remarked: “My next step will not be a club in Holland. If that is my next step, then I’ve failed completely. The normal next step will be to go abroad and I’ve always said the best league in the world is the Premier League”

Jurgen Klopp’s departure after almost a decade of remarkable work spells Liverpool have to get their next managerial appointment right in this period of transition.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker are nearing the tailend of their respective careers, while the likes of club vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboslai and Alexis Mac Allister are starting to establish their prime.

Over to you and your data analysis, Michael Edwards.

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What Arsenal, Liverpool losses mean for the Premier League title race

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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Heading into the Premier League matchday 32, both Arsenal and Liverpool occupied first and second positions respectively with 71 points apiece.

However, both teams lost their matches over the weekend. While Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace in a Sunday afternoon fixture, Arsenal suffered defeat at the hands of Aston Villa later in the evening.

Liverpool lost by a lone goal to Crystal Palace at Anfield in their English Premier League clash on Sunday. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images via Optus Sports)

Arsenal and Liverpool have now dropped to second and third on the log respectively as Manchester City sit in first place.

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What does the defeat of Arsenal & Liverpool mean for the Premier League title race?

Well, straight to it – what it means is that the race is now even more open than ever before.

Considering the antecedents of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, they are now favourites. Six matchweeks of the Premier League season are remaining and it remains delicately poised at the top of the table.

Liverpool’s loss to Palace at Anfield sums up a difficult and disappointing one week for Jurgen Klopp and his charges.

Liverpool’s defence was left sleeping when Eberechi Eze rolled the ball into the net for Crystal Palace’s match winner. (Image: Mid-day)

Following a 2-2 draw against Manchester United last Sunday, Liverpool were embarrassed with a heavy 0-3 bashing by Atalanta at home. This means the Reds did not win any of their last three matches, registering consecutive home losses in the process.

Eze shines at Anfield

Eberechi Eze was left completely free in the box and coolly slotted in Tyrick Mitchell’s cutback in the 14th minute. That goal on Sunday afternoon saw the Eagles go back home with maximum points.

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze’s first half strike was enough to break the hearts of Anfield Faithfuls. (Image: Sky Sports)

Few minutes after Eze’s opener, Jean-Phillippe Mateta failed in his bid to add to his seven league goals. Virgil van Dijk’s costly slip allowed Mateta run through on goal but his goal-bound chip was brilliantly cleared off the line by Andy Robertson.

In response, Wataru Endo saw his wonderful shot hit the crossbar before Luis Diaz’s volley was saved by the applaudable Dean Henderson.

The English goalkeeper was on hand to keep out Darwin Nunez’s strike early in the second half.

Mateta had a superb chance to score again, his close range shot was dealt with by the returning Alisson Becker.

Delight for Palace, unwanted record for Reds

Interestingly, the victory is Crystal Palace’s first in six games. Also, the side were winless in their 13 previous Premier League outings with Liverpool.

Trent Alexander-Arnold buries his head in his shirt after Liverpool’s Premier League loss to Crystal Palace. (Image: Eurosport)

For Klopp’s team, it is their first home loss in 29 league matches.

Bailey, Watkins gun down Arsenal at Emirates

At the Emirates, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scored late goals three minutes apart to condemn Arsenal to their first loss of 2024.

Leandro Trossard’s effort from a Gabriel Jesus’ cross was well saved by the leg of Emiliano Martinez. At the other end, Youri Tielemans saw his fierce shot hit the crossbar, then the post.

Aston Villa celebrate a goal against Arsenal in their English Premier League game at Emirates. (Image: TimesLIVE)

However, despite both teams’ efforts to break the deadlock, it was Villa who drew the first blood. Bailey netted an 84th-minute opener before Watkins scored his 19th league goal to secure the three points.

Arsenal & Liverpool fumble in Premier League

City, third on the table before the matchweek, had trounced Luton Town 5-1 on Saturday. Losses to Arsenal and Liverpool was just perfect for Guardiola’s team.

Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins scored a beauty of a goal against title hopefuls Arsenal on Sunday evening. (Image: Evening Standard)

If there’s one thing the Spanish gaffer knows how to do well, it is his ability to pounce on and utilise opportunities whenever they arise, just like he – and his team – did last season when Arsenal bottled the Premier League title.

A look at the remaining fixtures for each of the three teams indicate Manchester City relatively have the easiest route to winning the league. The away fixture against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs poses to be the toughest test to come – on paper.

Meanwhile, Arsenal look to have the most difficult run of fixtures. The Gunners face Chelsea at home and travel to play both Tottenham and Manchester United.

Following a disappointing Premier League loss to Aston Villa, Arsenal must remain focused in their remaining six games if they are to win the 2023/24 league title. (Image: Fotomaç)

Liverpool still have a home fixture against Spurs still to come and a visit to the Villa Park.

Only two points separate City and both Arsenal and the Reds. Depending on results in the coming weeks, that gap will either be widened, shrinked or there’ll be a total usurping of the Cityzens.

We’ll be here (or there) to see how it unfolds. Fans are set to witness yet another enthralling and dramatic finish to a Premier League season.

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Atalanta return leg: A revisit of some of Liverpool’s notable greatest comebacks

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Gianluca Scamacca’s brace rounded up by Mario Pasalic’s strike was more than enough for the Italian club, Atalanta to leave Anfield road the most dejected it has been over a very long period of time.

Three precious goals for Atalanta ahead of the return leg at the Gewiss stadium in Italy and with the away goal rule have been scrapped, it would be wild to totally write off Jurgen Klopp’s outfit with the rich history of Liverpool FC across continental and domestic inclinations when they’ve been initially pegged down.

Club captain Virgil van Dijk has already remarked “there’s no point going to Italy if we don’t believe”.

Liverpool players concede against Atalanta

Ahead of the return leg with Atalanta’s Bergamo Calcio, we take a look at some of Liverpool’s greatest comebacks

Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund

In 2016, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw with his former club Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park in Germany. 

Dejan Lovren following his stoppage time winner against Borussia Dortmund in the 2016 UEFA Europa League

The second leg required whole to play for either side to progress. The German outfit got off to the brightest start possible with two valuable away goals in the opening ten minutes to secure them a comfortable leverage. Clutch Belgian forward, Divock Origi struck one back for the reds only for the long serving Marco Reus to negate that with a sublime finish.

Trailing 4-2 on aggregates, Klopp’s side showed substance to find two more goals to tie the game. With a seeming exit as a result of the away goal rule, the reds pushed more and got the dividend of their result. Croatian central defender Dejan Lovren at the death of time in the 91st minute powered in a bullet header to send Anfield into a frenzy.

Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

FC Barcelona found the advantage early on in the two-legged UCL semi-final tie having taken a 3-0 win at Camp Nou. Perhaps to this day, the club would still rue the flurry of missed chances which could have extended their lead in that tie.

The scoreboard during Liverpool’s comeback win against FC Barcelona in the 2108/2019 UEFA champions league

In the pre-match interview for the return leg, Jurgen Klopp emphasized that only with that set of players did they have a chance to stage a comeback. 

The game started off on the strong foot with Jordan Henderson clumsily finding his way into the 18-yard box to muster a shot on goal. Divock Origi converted the rebound for the game’s first goal.

Liverpool headed into halftime with a 1-0 victory. Gini Wijnaldum replaced the injured Andy Robertson after the break as Liverpool sought to mount an offence. The Dutch midfielder found 2 goals in quick succession to tie the game for Liverpool.

With Lionel Messi and Barcelona still trying to find a way back into the game, the teenage Trent Alexander-Arnold produced the famous “corner taken quickly” moment for Origi to convert yet again for the team’s fourth. Assuredly this game remains one of the most remarkable of the Jurgen Klopp tenure.

Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan

There are not enough excuses to give when you make a champions league final and go down 3-nil in just the first 45 minutes of play. 

Trophy presentation for Liverpool’s 2005 UEFA champions league triumph.

The 2005 UCL final or more popularly the miracle of Istanbul pitted a stuttering Liverpool side against a star-studded AC Milan outfit.

The legendary Paolo Maldini converted Andrea Pirlo’s delivery in the opening minutes while Hernan Crespo doubled up with a brace in the opening half.

With the array of stars on offer for AC Milan in the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Andriy Shevchenko, Brazilian great Dida, it was expected they would comfortably round the game up.

The next half of football was a different affair. Steven Gerrard found the back of the net with a well-drilled header in the 54th minute to kickstart their comeback.

Vladimir Smicer added a voluptuous long range strike and Xabi Alonso put another in from the rebound of his missed penalty. 

The game proceeded to shootouts and Jerzy Dudek’s heroics delivered Liverpool an European title on that cold night in Turkey.

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Europa League: Liverpool walk tightrope after Atalanta thrash Reds 3-0 at Anfield

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Gianluca Scamacca scored twice in Atalanta’s massive 3-0 away victory against Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

The Bergamo club will take a huge advantage back home after completely tearing Anfield apart. Liverpool’s loss to Atalanta in the Europa League on Thursday was also their first at Anfield in 14 months.

Mario Pasalic (L) and Gianluca Scamacca (R) scored as Atalanta walloped Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the Europa League. (Image: Football Italia)

Atalanta came close to breaking the deadlock when Mario Pasalic’s shot hit the face of Caoimhin Kelleher for a great save to deny the Croatian.

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Liverpool had chances to score but missed golden opportunities. Darwin Nunez, in his attempt to chip Juan Musso, misplaced his kick when left one-on-one with the Argentine goalie.

Harvey Elliot’s wonderful curling effort hit the crossbar, then the post, before a crucial clearance was made.

Scamacca scores double

The breakthrough eventually came in the 38th minute when Scamacca converted a cross from Davide Zappacosta. Teun Koopmeiners also missed a one-on-one chance as he was denied by Kelleher.

Atalanta’s Italian forward Scamacca was a handful for Liverpool’s Centre backs in their Europa League match on Thursday night. (Image: Football Today)

At the resume of the second half, Jurgen Klopp sent on Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Andy Robertson. They replaced Elliot, Curtis Jones and Konstantinos Tsimikas respectively.

Nunez was guilty of missing another chance in the second half, following a beautiful cutback from Cody Gakpo, before the Uruguayan was substituted for another South American Luis Diaz.

On the stroke of the hour mark, Atalanta doubled their prized lead as Scamacca grabbed his second. He was left totally unmarked in the box as he met an incisive cross from Charles De Ketelaere before taking a first time finish.

Scamacca slotted in a cool first time finish for his brace and Atalanta’s second against Liverpool in the Europa League. (Image: The Guardian)

Pasalic wrapped up the emphatic victory after he converted a rebound in the 83rd minute. Kelleher had saved Ederson’s close effort before Pasalic met the loose ball and wasted no time in making it 3-0.

Mario Pasalic reels away after netting Atalanta’s third against Liverpool (Image: Getty Images/Copyright: 2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)

This was Liverpool’s first Anfield loss since a 5-2 trouncing at the hands of Real Madrid in February 2023.

WHAT NEXT?

Liverpool has a home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, April 14, at 2pm (WAT/GMT+1/BST).

Meanwhile, Atalanta return to Serie A action next Monday with a home clash against Hellas Verona.

Liverpool and Atalanta compete in the return leg of this Europa League quarter-final tie next Thursday at the Gewiss Stadium.

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Liverpool’s EPL title challenge suffers setback after Manchester United draw

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Liverpool missed the opportunity to go top of the Premier League table after an entertaining 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

United failed to register an attempt on goal in the first half while Liverpool recorded 14, showcasing a commanding performance.

Manchester United and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (Image: Alice Abrahams on X)

Jurgen Klopp’s charges had Luis Diaz’s goal as the only tangible reward for their dominance before the break.

Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai saw his effort saved by Andre Onana. The former RB Leipzig man also missed other opportunities.

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United’s poor display in the first period gave little hope for the fans but the team responded well after resumption.

Kobbie Mainoo scored his first goal at Trafford in the entertaining draw between Liverpool and Manchester United in the EPL. (Image: Alice Abrahams on X)

Five minutes into the second forty-five, Jarell Quansah, in his attempt to pass to his teammate, gave the ball away, allowing Bruno Fernandes pounce and launch a first-time shot from distance.

The ball sailed into the net, flying past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who was just at the edge of the box.

The Red Devils seem resurrected and came alive, obviously gingered by the goal. Seventeen minutes after the equaliser, Kobbie Mainoo scored a spectacular curling effort.

The Reds failed to convert their many chances and were dealt with by the Red Devils.

He received a pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, turned and flung the ball into the top left corner, leaving Kelleher helpless. It was the 18-year-old’s first Premier goal at Old Trafford.

Liverpool fail to go top of the EPL table after fumbling against Manchester United

However, Liverpool pulled back six minutes before the end of normal time. Egyptian winger Mohammed Salah netted from the spot after Wan-Bissaka fouled substitute Harvey Elliott.

Mohamed Salah equalised from the spot for Liverpool against Manchester United (Image: Liverpool FC on X)

The Merseysiders are level on points with table toppers Arsenal with 71 points.

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Search for Klopp’s successor: Amorim or De Zerbi to bring the magic to Liverpool?

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Earlier in the year German gaffer Jurgen Klopp announced he’ll be parting ways with the club on the red half Merseyside.

His arrival in 2015 has seen a trophy laden tenure — ending the club’s 30-year wait for a premier league trophy in addition to the UEFA champions league and domestic club exploits.

Initially coming as a shock to the entire footballing world, the club has now begun to make preparations for the post-Klopp era.

German coach, Jurgen Klopp (Photo Liverpool)

Former sporting director Michael Edwards will return to the club in a bigger capacity, while Richard Hughes and Pedro Marquez additions to the new look set-up have already been confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Unarguably, the biggest question will be who comes into the dugout as the Jurgen Klopp replacement.

Assistant coach, Pep Ljinders also confirmed he’ll leave the club and having been linked with AFC Ajax, it’s almost certain he’ll not be in contention.

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That said, Liverpool FC have a massive race against time as they look to confirm who’ll be in the managerial role before the end of the season.

Domestic choice — Roberto De Zerbi

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Italian manager has been a name linked with the club side. The former Sassuolo manager since his arrival on the shores of England has more than passed the eye-test.

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi (Photo official bhafc)

Taking off where Graham Potter left off, he introduced his fluid football to the Seagulls base. Infact, his debut season saw him go winless against Liverpool on three occasions. 

Described by Pep Guardiola as “one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years,” De Zerbi has done phenomenal work with Brighton.

De Zerbi’s biggest attribute is probably how he fuses the most complicated patterns into basic tenets for his players. 

The Italian prioritizes versatility, off the ball shape, possession and structure in his demanding style of play.

A move to Merseyside should they trigger his rumored €15 million release clause will be a considerable upgrade in the quality of players he has on offer to execute his approach. However, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona continue to monitor his situation as both Thomas Tuchel and Xavi Hernandez will depart over the summer.

Overseas recruitment — Ruben Amorim

Even before news of Xabi Alonso’s contract renewal at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a name around the Liverpool footballing faithful has been that of Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim.

Sporting CP Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim (Photo Sporting CP)

His name was reportedly in the running for the Tottenham Hotspur job before Ange Postecoglou took over at the North-London base.Regardless, the Portuguese manager is more than deserving of a big move in the near future.

The 39-year-old totally revamped Sporting CP and won their first league title in almost two decades. His free-flowing offensive football and high pressing volume is one which mirrors the current Liverpool side and coming as the Jurgen Klopp replacement will not be unfounded.

Asides that, just like Klopp, he remains popular amongst Sporting CP’s  fanbase and is also heavy on player development. A testament is the phenomenal work done with Sporting CP’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres who made the move from Coventry City and has been instrumental in this campaign’s charge for both domestic and continental glory.

Should Liverpool trigger his €20 million release clause, Anfield will likely enter a new phase with his preferred 3-4-3 setup.

The wild choice

The Jurgen Klopp replacement will definitely see Liverpool FC go across the vast expanse of football to get the perfect name.

Head Coach of the German national team, Julian Nagelsmann

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is also a potential name. Although his inclinations with the German national team makes it more than complicated.

Should the search for a decent manager pan out with many other teams also in search of a gaffer, convincing Pep Ljinders to stay on perhaps an interim basis should also be a considerable piece of business.

As the Liverpool FC management continue the search for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, the club is enthralled in a 3-way title race with Arsenal and Manchester City domestically while also keeping an eye on continental triumph in the Europa league to give the befitting farewell tour to their much revered gaffer.

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Biggest winners and losers from the FA cup last round

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The semi-finals of the 2023/2024 FA cup as announced on Sunday will see a tie between Manchester City and Chelsea while Manchester United will take on championship side Coventry City for a place in the final. 

Here, we take a look at the biggest winners and losers over the quarter-final rounds.

Jurgen Klopp

The German gaffer will depart the club side this summer and having kickstarted the send-off campaign with the Carabao cup, this title seemingly looked like the next.

Liverpool gaffer, Jurgen Klopp (Photo Liverpool)

Liverpool fell to a 10th minute Mctominay goal and despite three goals from the Merseyside end, it was not enough to secure a victory at Old Trafford.

ALSO READ: Can Arsenal win the 2023/2024 Premier League?

Engulfed in a quadruple charge two seasons prior, this campaign has ended in another unsuccessful attempt in that regard.

Liverpool still have the UEFA Europa league to fight for as well as the three-horse premier league title race with Arsenal and Manchester City.

Erik’s tricky Reds

Erik Ten Hag’s side against Liverpool in the quarter-final looked to have breathed a new breeze of fresh air into their gameplay.

(Photo Manchester United)

Impactful subs and improved tactical onus led them to an unexpected victory against Liverpool. With the season’s run-in now enroute, it would be essential to build on such a massive win to end the season on a high note.

Important goals for forwards Antony and Amad Diallo are also big takeaways from the win against their rivals.

Mark Robins and Coventry City

The championship outfit produced one of the most interesting upsets in the tournament to secure a ticket to Wembley.

Coventry City forwards Ellis Simms and El Hadji Wright (Photo Coventry City)

Mark Robins’ side were already 2-1 down headed into stoppage time with two quick fire goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno setting Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead.

Drama ensued in the final 3 minutes of added time as Ellis Simms completed his brace and El Hadji Wright finding the winner at the death.

A big win for the club side which just recently made the playoffs last season and despite losing Viktor Gyokeres and Gus Hamer in the previous summer. Robins side have had an exciting season thus far and most certainly will leave everything on the field for a place in the final.

ALSO READ: Bright Osayi-Samuel attacked by pitch invader in Turkey

The Blues

With mounting pressure on Mauricio Pochettino, a semi-final place comes at the right time as Chelsea will seek to salvage whatever is left of their season.

Noni Madueke and teammates celebrating his 98th minute strike against Leicester City (Photo Chelsea)

With the top four increasingly out of reach and no European football on the horizon currently, a title will be the worthy morale boost as the club side continues their rebuild under Todd Boehly.

Rayan Ait-Nouri

The left full-back single handedly got Wolves back into the game against Coventry City. Finding a goal for himself and then creating one more for Hugo Bueno for what should have been a supposed game winner.

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri (Photo Wolverhampton Wanderers)

As it stands, Gary O’Neil’s side are out of the tournament and with Pedro Neto now ruled out of the season, a mid-table finish is all that’s left on the horizon for his club side.

The defender however continues to command interest and might likely find a move over the summer window.

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The three horse race: Who will win the English Premier League title?

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

A lone point is all that separates the top three of the English premier league as it stands. The 2023/2024 season is currently going through one of the most remarkable title races in the competition’s history.

An Arsenal side yet to gaze this trophy since the invincibles campaign, the Merseyside reds seeking to give a befitting farewell gift to gaffer Jurgen Klopp and of course defending champions Manchester City.

Sunday evening’s draw between Liverpool and Manchester City was all Mikel Arteta’s side required to return to the league’s foremost spot.

Alexis Mac Allister grabbing the game equalizer against Manchester City at Anfield (Photo: Liverpool FC)

While Jurgen Klopp and Josep Guardiola have been engulfed in title races for the better part of half of the last decade, the onset of Arteta’s rejuvenated Arsenal adds extra spice on this occasion.

Last season, the North-London side’s ask for a league trophy despite a surreal campaign was cut short by the Cityzens.

Despite spending 248 days at the top of the Premier League table in the 2022/23 season – remarkably going clear by eight points as at late January, the club somehow lost the title before the season’s final matchday.

Klopp is not left hanging by the Spanish gaffer’s battle axe missing out on the much coveted prize via a single point on multi occasions in 2018/2019 as well as 2021/2022 as the club raged on to attain an impossible quadruple.

The inexperienced one

Arsenal’s fall from grace last summer looked more an issue of seeming inexperience rather than quality or cohesion.

The club totally went off-track with William Saliba’s injury in the title run-in. Dropping important points both on the road and at the Emirates to their own detriment.

Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Gabriel Malghalaes in Arsenal training (Photo: Arsenal)

The manager who has taken the trophy as a member of the backroom staff since his time at City brought in familiar faces Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to help transcend a first one in full managerial honours in the summer of 2022.

ALSO READ: Ranking Manchester United’s summer transfer signings

Over the last, squad leader Granit Xhaka ‘s departure coincided with the arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya properly bolstering the squad.

The onset of some tricky teams come the club’s last 10 fixtures will set another antic as to whether Mikel Arteta’s CV can stand the test of time.

The motivated one

Liverpool FC arguably have the most to play for amongst all three teams. The longest serving PL manager and club gaffer Jurgen Klopp has announced he’ll finally make his exit from the club this summer.

Having already secured the carabao title against Chelsea in February and still actively enroute in the FA cup and UEFA Europa league, the reds are more than inspired to send the manager off on a flying start.

Liverpool head coach, Jurgen Klopp (Photo: Liverpool FC)

The recent tie to Manchester City paints a picture as to why the German is much revered — Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah who were plying their trade in the third level of English football just last season were trusted with starts in an all important title deciding game against the Cityzens.

Even without seven first team players, Liverpool handed Manchester City the performance of their life. For spells, they looked to have them by the scruff of the neck and bar some wasteful finishing, the club might have taken all three points.

That’s why to many, it’s the personality of the manager and the trust he instills in his players that’s had the biggest effect on his gameplay ahead of tactics.

All the more reason these players will look to give the perfect departing gift to Jurgen and Urla Klopp.

The serial title winner

If not famous for anything else hypothetically speaking, you definitely cannot brush off the Manchester City upsurge after the winter window.

Manchester City gaffer, Pep Guardiola and star forward Erling Haaland (Photo: Manchester City)

Particularly when Kevin de Bruyne returns from injury in a title run-in, City leave nothing in their wake as they go all out. The most experienced and of course victorious of the three sides in the title race will look to pull yet another one out of the playbook.

Howbeit, seeming a little bit difficult from the usual — two teams are sandwiched in this quest with Arteta’s team full on form since the turn of the year and Klopp’s outfit properly motivated despite their injury crisis.

With all three teams having interesting fixtures in their final contingent, Guardiola would miss the services of sweeper goalkeeper Ederson Moraes who went off injured against Liverpool.

Ortega Moreno might not be able to provide width as an extra centerback like his colleague, but definitely can come up with the really important saves to keep them in the title challenge.

All to play for the three teams and it’s left to see which can show enough substance to run out champions come the season’s conclusion.

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Jurgen Klopp: 5 football signings who made the German coach have a great time at Liverpool

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Liverpool have confirmed that head coach Jurgen Klopp will depart the club side at the end of the 2023/2024 league season.

Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp (via Liverpool echo)

The German came into the managerial role in October 2015 as the replacement for Brendan Rodgers. Since then, he’s enacted his style of play by constantly chopping the squad season by season.

ALSO READ: Jurgen Klopp shocks football world, set to leave Liverpool

In a period of remarkable success for the reds, here is a list of Klopp’s top 5 signings.

5. Andy Robertson

Signed from already relegated Hull City in 2017, Robertson came into the Liverpool XI and made the left side of defense his.

Liverpool full back, Andy Robertson (Photo credit Liverpool.com)

Famous for his marauding of that flank, Robertson has gone on to make the second most assists by a defender in PL history. A tally only bettered by teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Robertson and Trent have heavily influenced our offensive full backs are valued in the game today. A large chunk of Jurgen Klopp’s playstyle over the years.

The past 7 years have reflected how much of a bargain the £8 million pounds paid for the Scottish skipper has been.

ALSO READ: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announces he’s leaving the club

4. Sadio Mane

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane made the switch to Merseyside in the summer of 2016 from Southampton FC.

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane (Source Liverpool.com)

Mane quick grew to be one of Klopp’s favourites with his agility and tenacity useful in the German’s gegenpressing style. A third of the prolific front three joined by Mo Salah and Bobby Firmino.

His unsuccessful stint at Bayern Munich emphasizes how much of a vital cog he was to that successful phase of the Liverpool team.

Scored in the 2018 final loss to Madrid, won a penalty the next year’s edition and picked up a premier league golden boot along the road.

3. Alisson Becker

The Brazilian shot-stopper joined from AS Roma in the summer of 2018 for £66 million. A smart piece of business in reinvesting the money made from the sale of Philippe Coutinho to FC Barcelona.

Brazilian and Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson Becker. (Photo credit The Times)

Alisson has evolved into arguably the best goalkeeper in the game over the years since his arrival.

Ali Becker has taken the Lev Yashin award, premier league golden gloves, fifpro nominations and the Copa America asides major honours with Liverpool in his time in Merseyside.

2. Virgil van Dijk

The club skipper was the other expense for the rest of the Coutinho transfer fee. Virgil arrived from Southampton for £75 million in the winter transfer window of 2018.

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk (Source The Independent)

In a period where the transfer followed heavy criticism, van Dijk has more than justified that price tag. Finishing second in the Balón d’or, a remarkable feat for a defender and also taking the PFA player of the year award along the road.

A Jordan Pickford horrific challenge was expected to have slowed down his career but the Dutch center-half has returned from injury stronger and as resounding as before.

1. Mo Salah

The Egyptian forward continues to shatter goal scoring records on all fronts. The earlier years saw him take up a lethal goalscoring role in the squad.

Mohamed Salah displaying accolades he picked up with Liverpool ( Photo credit Liverpool.com)

However, these latter years have seen a shade of Salah that doesn’t just score but creates loads of chances.

His contract extension came at a period where the Liverpool faithful began to expect this tactical onus of Klopp 2.0.

He has won the golden boot on multi-occasions and picked up accolades on both individual and team level.

The Egyptian skipper has had successful time at Merseyside metrics wise and is a close call in the quarters of the greatest Premier League winger of all time.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announces he’s leaving the club

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

‘It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again‘- Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool head coach, Jurgen Klopp (Source Liverpool.com)

Jurgen Klopp ended Liverpool’s 30 year wait for a premier league trophy in 2020. While also adding the UEFA champions league, Carabao cup, FA cup and Club world cup to the Merseyside outfit.

Jurgen Klopp celebrating the 2019 UCL triumph with Liverpool (Photo credit Liverpool.com)

It certainly comes at disheartening news to the Merseyside outfit who are still challenging for a quadruple on all fronts.

Klopp who his currently the longest serving manager in the league will end almost his decade long stay at the club having replaced Brendan Rodgers in 2015.

Sporting Director Jorge Schmadtke who came in over the summer also joins Klopp in departures. Assistant manager Pep Ljinders will also leave to chase a managerial career. Peter Krawatiez and elite development coach Vitor Matos round up the exit spree in the backroom division.

In response to the news, president of Fenway Sports Group Mike Gordon reacted that till the end of the German’s tenure, it will be a business like approach.

He said: “First and foremost, on behalf of John Henry and Tom Werner, I would like to state our profound appreciation for Jürgen. It goes without saying that we will be hugely saddened to lose not just a manager of such calibre, but a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude and affection.

Jurgen Klopp apologizing to Liverpool fans during their poor run of form in 2023 (source This is Anfield.com)

At the same time, we fully respect his wishes and the reasons why he has decided the current season will be his last at Liverpool.”

Liverpool are currently top of the premier league log. The reds will face Chelsea in the final of the Carabao cup next month while still competing for the FA cup and Europa league as the run-down to Jurgen Klopp’s time cedes.