Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp has spoken out about Manchester City’s guilty verdict while Andoni Iraola is looking to add a Premier League star to his squad in the January transfer window
Liverpool will return to Premier League action in little over a week in what is sure to be a fiery contest against Manchester City.
Andoni Iraola’s outfit will become the first side to face the league leaders since they were found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations. Such a fixture appears perfectly timed given the Reds secured second place on two occasions during the seasons that City claimed the crown throughout the nine-year span between 2009 and 2018 – leaving fans dreaming of an extra two titles.
The international break is entering its third and final week as Alexander Isak has received a remarkable assessment regarding his campaign start. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has disclosed his position on football’s biggest current talking point. Here, the Daily Star Sport examines the latest developments emerging from Anfield.
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Isak delivering returns
It’s been a resurgence for Alexander Isak this term following an injury-plagued maiden campaign at Anfield.
The Swedish striker became Liverpool and the Premier League’s most expensive signing ever when they secured him for £125million last season but was hampered by fitness and form concerns and notched only four goals across 22 appearances in all competitions.
The 27-year-old has already equalled that tally this season purely in the Premier League, netting four times in five matches. Isak’s clinical finishing and improved displays have former Reds forward Emile Heskey convinced he’s finally demonstrating the form that prompted Liverpool to splash out a nine-figure sum for his signature.
“I’m not sure about what to add to his game because he is what he is,” Heskey told Rekatochklart.com. “I like his movement. He’s getting chances, and creating chances. You’re going to miss some anyway. I love the runs that he’s making. He looks sharper now, like he was when he was at Newcastle.
“That comes with games, the more and more you play. I like his movement, I like his runs. I think he’s coming back to his best now because people are seeing him making the runs now. The second goal against Ipswich where he made the run in behind for Cody Gakpo who passed it with the outside of his boot.
“If you go back a little bit, just before he makes that run for Gakpo, he’s made a run for Virgil (van Dijk) who doesn’t play it. He turns around and he’s like throwing his hands around and then he realises Gakpo’s got it, and he comes back onside and makes the second run.”
Klopp’s Guardiola verdict
Jurgen Klopp confessed his hesitation to comment on Manchester City’s conviction of serious financial breaches is due to the respect he holds for Pep Guardiola. Despite being found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges by an independent commission, the club maintains its innocence.
The two iconic managers have enjoyed a spirited rivalry over the years, with their former clubs battling it out in several exhilarating title races. Although Klopp once quipped that he’d join a parade if the Reds were retrospectively awarded titles, he conceded that he no longer shares this sentiment.
The German gaffer stated: “I haven’t given it much thought, even though I’ve seen it of course. I also know what I said about it in the past and how if there’s ever a parade I’ll be there, but it doesn’t feel like that anymore.
“My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football played at City during the time we played against each other… plus what an opponent they proved to be for us at the very highest level is far too great for me to be able to say anything now.”
Liverpool ‘favourites’ to land Premier League star
Liverpool have reportedly emerged as one of the strong favourites to sign Brentford winger Kevin Schade in the January transfer window, according to TEAMtalk.
The 24-year-old has scored three goals in the opening five league games this season and has continued his impressive form of recent years. The Germany international has caught the eye of Arsenal and others as his contract moves into the final 18 months.
Schade features mainly off the left of Brentford’s attack but has also enjoyed success on the right, which would give Iraola the perfect balance on either side, with Bradley Barcola also well versed in featuring on either wing.
Considering his contract situation, it’s been reported that Brentford have slapped a price tag of around £42-£51million on their star.