Michail Antonio to Liverpool

The latest Liverpool FC headlines as Michail Antonio’s comments backfire and Liverpool suffer setback in hunt for midfielder.

Michail Antonio makes embarrassing podcast decision after bold Liverpool comments backfire

West Ham forward Michail Antonio was a no-show on this week’s Footballer’s Football Podcast after his Liverpool predictions went wrong.

Antonio sent social media into a frenzy last week after stating the Hammers would win at Anfield on Sunday – the match ended 3-1 in Liverpool’s favour – and said his team would finish higher in the Premier League standings.

And so the 30-year-old went missing, leading to a quick response from fellow striker and co-host Callum Wilson.

The Newcastle United No.9 joked about Antonio’s performance against the Reds and played down any suggestion he was not dodging the show because of prior commitments.

Antonio sent social media into a frenzy last week after stating the Hammers would win at Anfield on Sunday – the match ended 3-1 in Liverpool’s favour – and said his team would finish higher in the Premier League standings.

And so the 30-year-old went missing, leading to a quick response from fellow striker and co-host Callum Wilson.

The Newcastle United No.9 joked about Antonio’s performance against the Reds and played down any suggestion he was not dodging the show because of prior commitments.

Liverpool ‘dealt blow over exceptional midfielder’ and other transfer rumours

Liverpool have been handed a setback relating to reported target Exequiel Palacios of Bayer Leverkusen.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Anfield close to deadline day however in the end efforts were focused on Ryan Gravenberch instead.

The Athletic reported the Bundesliga club – managed by former Red Xabi Alonso – wanted to keep hold of their World Cup winner and it now appears they will do just that as a new contract has just been announced.

Elsewhere the Reds interest in Bruno Guimaraes has been speculated upon, as has the intentions of Saudi Pro League clubs with regard to Mohamed Salah.

Post match conference – Jurgen Klopohl

Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his players as they won 3-1 for the fourth consecutive game against Leicester.

Here are four key points from the manager after he reflected on his side’s relatively comfortable progression in the League Cup.

Coming from behind again

The Reds are making a habit of conceding first this season, but it doesn’t seem to concern the boss too much.

“It will probably be a headline that we are 1-0 down again but [it was] a completely different goal to all the others again,” insisted Klopp.

“Could we have defended better in the first moment? Maybe yes and then the last pass was really good and then the finish is a good finish.

“It happened like that, but it happened and it’s all about the reaction.”

“Super signs” from dominant performance

Liverpool produced an emphatic reaction to going a goal behind and had 29 shots throughout what was a dominant display at Anfield.

Klopp was pleased with the goals that were taken, but he was equally happy with the chances that were created.

Szoboszlai’s performances make it look as though he has been a part of the Liverpool midfield for years, to an extent that made the boss say he “forgot what I thought when he came.”

He continued: “Easiest step into the team dressing room wise, stuff like this, and he is a very naturally confident boy.

“Long may it continue.”Klopp beamed when he referred to his midfielder as “skipper” when he was asked about Curtis Jones‘ performance in the hybrid role at right-back against Leicester.

The manager revealed he told Jones on Tuesday that he was going to wear the armband against the Foxes and joked that he “sold the right-back idea with the captaincy.”

He continued: “The way he executed it was super special, wow.”