Representing A Continent

A potential move on the cards but I suspect the mob that track every move of Luke's won't be deterred. It is a great opportunity to further any ambitions that Luke may have though. The harsh reality may be that he is fairly restricted at Moscow.

Following his sides Champions League Final loss on penalties against Real Madrid last night, Jurgen Klopp has today left Liverpool Football Club following the end of his contract. The German’s outgoing comes, having spent nearly seven years at the Merseyside club.

In news that has been coming, Jurgen Klopp has today stepped down from his role at Liverpool having struggled for form throughout the season. Despite reaching the Champions League final for the fourth time in five years, his team only managed a seventh placed finish in the league this season.

Klopp who was born in Stuttgart had a successful playing career of his own, featuring mainly as defender for FSV Mainz 05. Having played in over three hundred games for the club, following his retirement, Mainz hired the German as the clubs new first team manager. Three seasons into his management career, Klopp led his side to promotion to the Bundesliga, a magnificent achievement for a team that just two years earlier had been close to relegation. Despite staying up in their first season, Mainz struggled and were relegated in 2006/07. Klopp stayed at the club who had given him his chance as a professional, but unable to get promoted straight back up, the now 55 year old resigned from his post.

His resignation caused many links to some of Germany’s biggest clubs, with champions Bayern Munich expected to sign the manager. Klopp’s achievements had bought a large amount of praise and he was considered one of the world's brightest managerial talents. Despite the interest from the champions, Klopp was announced as Borussia Dortmund in 2008.

Having taken over at Dortmund, who had finished the previous season in thirteenth, Klopp went about building his team to his liking. The arrivals of Mats Hummels, Kevin Großkreutz and the promotion of Mario Gotze and Nuri Şahin from the clubs academy saw Dortmund rise to 5th in the league in Klopp's second season. Then, in his third full season, Dortmund topped the league for the first time in nine years. The signing of Robert Lewandowski then led his side to back to back titles the following season, with many seeing Klopp as one of, if not the best managers in the world.

Klopps early success was halted by Bayern Munich though, with the German giants able to sign many of Dortmund’s key players. The likes of Lewandowski, Gotze and Hummels all left to join Bayern, with Klopp's team unable to deal with the loss of such key members. Two second place finishes were seen as acceptable, but following a horrible start to the 2014/15 season, Klopp announced he’d be leaving the German side at the end of the season.

Klopp initially planned on a long break from the sport but upon the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, he was offered the vacant manager role at Liverpool which he accepted. In just his first full season at the club, Klopp managed to guide Liverpool to just their second top four finish in the past seven years something that was matched the following season.. The 2018/19 saw Liverpool come close to their first league title finishing second. However, that couldn’t be built upon dropping down to fifth in the 2019/20 season.

Last season however, Klopp cemented his place in Liverpool history as he became the first manager since 1990 to win a Premier League title at the Merseyside club. With a combination of big signings and academy players, similar to his style at Dortmund, Klopp added the league title to his Champions League win in 2019. The 2021 title win was mainly down to the ability of £103,000,000 signing Paulo Dybala with the attacking midfielder scoring fifteen goals in thirty-four games.

This season however, Klopps side couldn’t find that same league form. Falling to seventh, the Champions League final was assumed to be Klopp's swansong at Liverpool and unfortunately for him they fell short. The German said his final goodbyes to the club following the game and with Liverpool now in a period of transition it is going to be interesting to see who takes over at the club.

It is believed that the two favourites for the job are former captain Steven Gerrard, who is currently managing Wolves, or current CSKA Moscow manager, Luke Hendricks.

Replies

Tango:It'll be sad if Luke does end up leaving but sometimes opportunities have to be taken.
MidKnightDreary:A very good point...
Jack:There you go have another
Scott:The fact that they now have SportsNet as a way in to Lukes life could be a way of allowing Luke to leave Moscow. However, it'll be interesting to see if they have any views on Luke's potential movement.

Liverpool Football Club have today announced that South African manager Luke Hendricks will replace Jurgen Klopp as the clubs new manager. Hendricks is reported to have signed a three year contract at £155,000 a week.

Luke Hendricks has been confirmed as the latest manager of Liverpool Football Club ahead of the 2022/23 season. The thirty-six year old arrives on the back of a second Russian Premier League title in a row at CSKA Moscow.

Hendricks had a fruitful career having started at Cape Town Spurs academy as a young boy, in his hometown of Cape Town. His club merged with fellow Cape Town side Seven Stars and with the backing of Ajax Amsterdam, new side Ajax Cape Town was formed. A winger with pace and tricky skills, the player was tipped for big things from a young age and was given his Ajax Cape Town debut in December 2004 aged 18.

However, it was his performance in his first start in March 2005 against Kaizer Chiefs that sparked interest in the player. Following the game, then Ajax manager Danny Blind is said to have called Hendricks with the intention of signing the winger. That deal was completed in June 2005, with Luke arriving at the Dutch club making his first move into Europe.

Luke spent two years at Ajax, with the South African showing glimpses of promise, in particular his performance against PSV in the Super Cup bringing his side the trophy. However, not enough was shown for the winger to stay a part of the clubs plans, with Hendricks allowed to move to Zenit St. Petersburg in the 2007 summer window.

Once again, Hendricks began in a bright light at his new club, helping his side to the UEFA Europa League in 2008. His assist to set up the winning goal against Rangers bought Zenit their first European trophy in its history. It was the UEFA Super Cup where Hendricks made a name for himself though. His performance against Champions League winners Manchester United, brought much attention to his ability with clubs in Europe’s major leagues taking notice.

But Andrey Arsharvins ability kept Luke out of the side with the South African seeing limited game time. It was only when Arshavin was sold to Arsenal in 2009 when Hendricks began to shine, starting all but two of his sides league games in the season leading into the 2010 World Cup.

It was in that home World Cup for Luke though where injuries began to become a problem. In his country's final group stage game against France, a game in which Luke had starred scoring the eventual winner, a nasty collision saw Luke stretcherd off the pitch with an achilles tendon rupture. Having had surgery, a falling out between Hendricks and club chairman Boyra Uys, a feud that was only just beginning, saw Luke sold to CSKA Moscow.

It was at CSKA where Luke saw out the remainder of his career spending seven years at the club before his enforced retirement. In those seven years, Hendricks helped the club to three league titles, two Kubok Rossii titles and two SuperKubok Rossii titles. With Luke quickly becoming a fan favourite, on March 7th, Luke played the final game of his career.

With Luke’s rivalry with Zenit St. Petersburg, well known already the game, like normal was a feisty one. Brazilian, Maurício, made a two footed challenge on Luke, with the tackle landing just below the wingers kneecap. It ended Lukes career and it was later revealed that Boyra Uys paid Maurício a ‘bonus’ for the career ending tackle.

Hendricks quickly moved into a managerial role, with CSKA Moscow offering him the role of the Under 21s manager. In his first season with the team, Luke guided the side to the Russian Under 21s League title pushing him into contention for the first team job. In 2019 Hendricks was announced as the CSKA Moscow first team manager and since then he has gone on to break numerous records at the club.

In his first season CSKA finished second in the league, behind champions Spartak Moscow. It was the following year where Luke’s ability was shown, with his team winning the title by an astonishing fifteen points, breaking the league’s thirty game season, points record. They also won the Kubok Rossii title and Super Kubok Rossii proving Luke’s quality as a manager.

This season, CSKA retained their league title, winning it with four games to spare, and beating Spartak Moscow to secure the title. It was in the Champions League where Luke impressed though, guiding his side through a group of Benfica, København and Chelsea. Having secured progression into their first knockout stage of the Champions League since 2009, CSKA drew Juventus. Despite losing, many were impressed by the young manager's side and it has resulted in Liverpool giving the manager an opportunity.

Hendricks was quick to release a statement to the CSKA Moscow fans stating he was ‘sad’ to be leaving but ‘excited for future opportunities’.

Luke Hendricks:

---

“Firstly I would like to say thank you. Thank you to Evengy Giner and the board of directors for supporting me at a very tough time in my life back in 2010. They gave me the chance to prove myself after a tough injury and I am very pleased with what we achieved. They then gifted me my first chance at management and I believe we had a great time once more. Once again, I am very grateful for the faith you showed in me as both a player and manager.”
“Secondly, to the players, both who I played with and those I had the privilege to manage. Those who I played with, we had many great years winning titles in a group I will always see as some of my closest friends. To those I have been lucky enough to work with in the last three seasons, thank you. You gave me everything, every day each and every season. I couldn’t have worked with a better selection of players and you deserve every success that is going to continue coming your way. Continue to work hard, continue to showcase your abilities and the titles will continue to flow.”

“Finally, to the fans. The people who made everything so worth it. You have supported me from the very moment I arrived. I felt the love and support early on as you defended me against some vile abuse at times. Your love and appreciation is something I will always hold dear to my heart.”

“It brings me great sadness to be leaving this amazing club but I am excited for future opportunities we both have apart. You will continue to be successful as the club is set up magnificently with excellent owners. “

“I love you all and thank you.”

Hendricks joins a Liverpool side who is expected to lose a number of their key players. The likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Paulo Dybala are all said to be keen to leave the club in order to play Champions League football next season. Dybala is also said to have had an offer accepted from Real Madrid before Luke’s arrival.

With a number of players expected to be moving, a transition period is expected at the club despite expectations said to be remaining high.

Looks like you have a big task of turning not only results around but getting the players on board too. Good luck

So you've gone from this:


to this:


Ffs, you leave CSKA for... 7th placed Liverpool :'( Whilst I can understand the desire to move, with the rebuild required you've almost taken a bit of a backwards step in a way. Hopefully Luke can teach Liverpool how to play football again, as it appears they've forgotten.

#LukeOUT Best of luck in your new role

An emotional farewell to a club that Luke has served well, both as a player and as a manager. An opportunity to manage one of the best clubs in the world, Liverpool, cannot be ignored.

A Brief Personal History

Growing up in South Africa in the 1990s and early 2000s, four main football teams dominated the TV screens. Leeds United, who were led by national hero Lucas Radebe. They were a side who challenged for the title numerous times, especially in the early years of the premier league, whilst making it to the Champions League semi-finals in the 1999-00 season. Manchester United, who were at the peak of their powers come the start of the Premier League era, with their memorable treble in 1999. Arsenal, who under Arsene Wenger were becoming a true force in the league, battling United for many titles and winning their own in 1998, 2001 and the invincibles season in 2004. The final team who dominated the TV screens when I was a boy was the one I felt the most genuine connection to. Liverpool.

A club who had dominated both England and Europe in the 70’s and 80’s winning eighteen first division titles and four European cups. The final first division title had come in 1990, with the arrival of the Premier League two years later coinciding with Liverpool's drop off in success. Despite this, it is a club clouded in history and a side I always loved watching. It had been a dream to one day play for the club, something that never materialised, but when the opportunity to manage them came about, it was something I couldn’t turn down.

Liverpool Football Club - Recent History

Following the final league title won by Liverpool in 1990, the club managed to win just thirteen trophies up until 2020. Among those were two UEFA Champions League’s, three FA Cups and four Carabao Cups. It wasn’t anything to be upset about for most clubs, but for a side that had been so dominant and won so many first division titles, it wasn’t enough.

That first Premier League title has since come, with Liverpool winning the Premier League and UEFA Europa League double in 2020/21. That season had also seen the side finish as runners up in the FA Cup, with Jurgens team seemingly reaching heights of the once great side. However, it wasn’t consistent, with Liverpool falling to seventh in the table last season, with the club in need of transition.

Squad Overview

Goalkeepers

Having spent many seasons with uncertainty in who was the clubs best option in goal, things have changed. The club is blessed with one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the way of Alisson, whilst Loris Karius is an adequate backup.

Alisson


Brazil’s number one goalkeeper joined Liverpool in 2018/19 in what was a world record fee paid for a goalkeeper (quickly surpassed by Chelsea’s signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga). Since then he has missed just two games in the past four seasons for the club. Last season was arguably Ali’s worst at the club, conceding thirty-seven in thirty-eight games league games and keeping just eleven clean sheets. Despite this, I still have faith in the keepers abilities, which were on show in the Champions League Final against Real Madrid. In that game he made eight incredible saves, and ensured his team was in with a chance all the way through. There is no doubt in my mind he will be the number one keeper at this club for a while yet.

Loris Karius


A man who had been harshly criticised in my opinion early on in his Liverpool career. It was clear the German hadn’t had his best game in the Champions League Final in 2018, but the abuse he received following that game was heartbreaking. Loris had impressed before that game that season, winning the number one shirt from Simon Mignolet and was looking a good level keeper. However, the 2018 final had clearly seen his confidence levels take a hit and since a loan to Beşiktaş , Loris has seen his role become that of backup at the club. I believe he is as good a backup as you are likely to find and for now, he will stay as the number two.

Defenders

The defensive side of the club was once a worry for many, with the side leaking goals regularly. But the arrival of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018, saw a turnaround. Now blessed with one of the best defenses in the country, the club is looking positive in that regard.

Fullbacks

Trent Alexander-Arnold


“The scouser in our team” the Liverpool faithful sing passionately, and that he is. Trent has come on leaps and bounds since Jurgen Klopp gave him his first team debut in 2016. The right-back became the club's youngest captain in the modern era, aged just twenty (and ten months). The England international is known as one of the most creative players in the squad and he will of course maintain his spot in the first team for many years to come, hopefully under myself.

Max Aarons


Trent’s backup comes in the form of another English international, Max Aarons, who joined the club for £38,500,000 in 2020. Since then Aarons has made thirty-two league appearances for the club but he is unlikely to see many starts due to Trent’s superior talent. Max is a great backup to have and if he remains content with playing that role, he will be a great asset to the club.

Andrew Robertson


Robbo, as he is affectionately known to the Liverpool fans, was quick to become a fan favourite following his £8,000,000 move from Hull City in 2017/18. Since his arrival, the Scottish international captain has shown an intense work rate with a wicked left foot, accumulating a number of assists from his left hand side. Once again, Robbo will be maintaining his spot as our number one left back, despite seeing a drop in his gametime last season.

Ben Chilwell


The drop in Robertson’s game time came due to the arrival of Ben Chilwell from Leicester in a £40,000,000 move last eason. Chilwell, another hard worker, is England's starting left-back and has clear talent, however, the move strikes me as a strange one, with Robertson a much better player in my opinion. I will likely use Ben as a backup to Robbo as it seems as though Ben is happy enough to be a role player in the squad. Like Max Aarons on the right, he will be a competent option off the bench.

Center-backs

Virgil van Dijk


Joe Gomez


Virgil’s partner at the center of the defense will come in the form of Joe Gomez, with their partnership being forged over a number of years. Joe arrived in 2015, as a left back from Charlton, but was quickly converted into a centre back. He spent numerous years as a rotation option following a horrific knee injury he suffered in 2016. He finally made the first team spot his own in 2020/21 and despite Liverpool's drop off, he seemed to be one of the more impressive members of the team last year. Joe is still young at twenty-five and will maintain his spot at the back with Virgil.

José Giménez


Another big money signing that came into the club last season was that of José Giménez, with the Uruguay international signing for a mammoth £63,000,000. The move is another head scratcher for myself with much cheaper backup options being available. José is an obvious talent, but he will not be playing much football from what I can see and I’d be open to offers coming in for him to cut our losses. There are certainly other areas of the squad that needed that money to be spent rather than at the back, which I think could have been a contributing factor to last season's downfall.

Becir Omeragic


Becir is a sign that the recruitment ability is still very high at this club, with the twenty year old a great signing on a free. What Klopp initially did very well at Liverpool was finding value for money with the likes of Robbo coming in. I think following the title win the signings of Ben and José moved away from what had bought the club success. I will be looking to go back to the finding value for money and only spending big when it is needed. Becir is a great young player who could be a very good backup option this season. I look forward to seeing his ability up close.

Midfielders

The midfield is arguably the weak link of the side, with no real standouts especially in defensive and central midfield. The attacking midfield have many key men but further back is somewhere that may need strengthening.

Defensive Midfielders

Ismaël Bennacer


Ismaël joined the club initially as a backup to Fabinho, signing from AC Milan in a deal worth £42,000,000. However, with the Brazilian kicking up a fuss following Liverpool's failure to qualify for the Champions League, he has since moved on to rivals, Chelsea seeing Ismaël as his natural successor. Ismaël is a very talented player, with great anticipation and passing ability. However, he may see his playing time limited due to my wishes to go slightly more attacking and employing an attacking midfielder rather than a defensive one.

Majeed Ashimeru


Majeed is an interesting player, he is good all round but isn’t exceptional at anything, rounding out as an average player in my book. The club spent £15,500,000 on the Ghanian international last season and he started just six games. Once more I wouldn’t mind moving him on as I don’t see him playing much of a role here and if we can make somewhat of a profit on him I will be very happy.

Central Midfielders

Naby Keïta


Naby is another crowd favourite at the club following his arrival from RedBull Leipzig in 2018. Having been one of the team's key men in the previous two seasons, Naby featured just twelve times in total last season with only six of those being starts. It was surprising to me to see just how little game time he received last year, with his creativity a major factor behind Liverpool's title win in 2020/21. Naby is likely to be my starting midfielder however, I do think we need to strengthen in this area and will be looking to do so in this window.

Georginio Wijnaldum


Another vital member of that title winning squad was Georginio Wijnaldum, a player close to his 200th appearance at the club. Gini, as he is more commonly known, is another member of the club whose exceptional work rate is valued very highly by the fans. A hard worker and someone who is known to keep the ball well, Gini is a very talented player. However, now into his thirties, age isn’t on his side and Gini may need replacing soon enough. Again we will be looking for his replacement this summer, with a focus on someone able to keep the ball as well as he can.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain


The final central midfielder at the club is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was actually listed for transfer before my arrival. I have since taken him off that list as Ox has a number of attributes that differs from the rest of the current options. His flair and ability to do the unexpected is something every side needs in my opinion. Many a time he has taken a shot from a long way out that has flown into the net against a side the team was previously struggling to break down. With Ox at the club, we always have the option of bringing him off the bench to completely change a game, again he is someone I am excited to be working with.

Wingers

Mohamed Salah


Mohamed Salah, a signing who many scoffed at when he first joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017. Having failed to make his mark in English football whilst at Chelsea, many deemed Salah a flop before he had kicked a ball but he made an immediate impact, scoring thirty-two goals in thirty-six premier league games in his debut season. Since then he hasn’t quite hit that tally but the Egyptian has continued to be a class above for the Liverpool team. Mo is up there as one of the players I am most excited to be working with and despite his age, I think he can continue to play at the highest level for many a year yet.

Florian Thauvin


Back to the incredibly weird transfer window Liverpool had last season, Florian Thauvin arrived from Marsille for £41,500,000. The transfer was another large layout for a player who only made seven starts last season despite being at his peak. Florian did impress in those games though as he managed five goals and three assists in his twenty-six appearances. Despite this, I think I will be moving Florian on, again at twenty-nine he is reaching the end of his career and we need to make as much as we can off of him. We have a number of talented youth players in our ranks who I believe are ready to make the step up.

Memphis Depay


Another strange deal that occurred last season for Liverpool was that of Memphis Depay, who arrived as Sadio Mane’s replacement. Mane, who left Liverpool to join Barcelona for £104,000,000 had been impressive on the left following Salah’s arrival and Depay took over the left hand role upon his arrival. Memphis, a former Manchester United player, has begun his Liverpool career at an acceptable level, scoring six in his nineteen starts for the club. As previously mentioned with Ox, Depay is a player who is expected to do the unexpected and therefore I will be giving him this season to prove himself, he is in need of a good season to avoid being sold next year.

Harry Wilson


Harry Wilson has been at the club since he was a young boy, with the Welsh international having to be patient for his chance in the first team. Harry finally got his chance in the title winning season in 2020/21 and he looked good for the most part. Again he was impressive last season but upon my arrival Harry is listed for transfer. Unlike Ox, I am going to wait to evaluate Harry before making a decision on taking him off that list due to the fact he is in his mid twenties and will be expecting more first team football soon enough. I like the look of him but it may be time to cash in on the left winger.

Attacking Midfielders

Paulo Dybala


Paulo Dybala, arguably the clubs most creative player, joined Liverpool in a club record deal of £103,000,000 two seasons ago. Since joining, he has been highly impressive, scoring twenty-four goals in seventy games whilst assisting ten times as well. Paulo is another member of the squad who has requested to leave this summer, with an offer immediately welcoming me from Real Madrid. I will be speaking to Paulo today in order to gauge his feelings with the aim of ensuring his services for another season at the very least. If we can’t convince him to stay, the offer will still be rejected with the club needing to break even on the deal at the very least. The current offer of £72,000,000 rising to £92,000,000 is still a fair way off our valuation.

Strikers

Liverpool are a club that have seen some of the worlds greatest strikers in the Premier league era, the likes of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez are just a few names that come to mind. Now the club holds a different sort of striker as well as one of the brightest talents in the world.

Roberto Firmino


Roberto Firmino, a striker who tends to create more than he scores himself, a trait many rival fans love to laugh at. However it is a trait valued very highly here with the likes of Mo Salah and Dybala able to do the scoring. Bobby, is however, getting on in age and he may be phased out of the squad this season with the arrival of a highly talented youngster entering the team on a more regular basis.

Erling Haaland


Erling Haaland, touted as a future world class striker was possibly the only good piece of business Liverpool conducted last season. Arriving from RedBull Salzburg for just £22,500,000 the Norweigan international scored twelve goals in twenty-six appearances last season, with just five of those being starts. At just twenty-one years of age, Erling has a very bright future ahead of him and with some additional work, he may be the world's best player in a few years time. This pre-season is going to be a shootout between himself and Bobby to see who gets the starting role to kick off the season.

Youth Squad

Liverpool are a club that are known to put a large emphasis on it’s youth squads with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Carragher and current captain Trent Alexander-Arnold just a few names in recent history to have come through at the club. The academy is once again filled with talent with a number of names seemingly ready for first team football.

Florent da Silva


Florent was signed in 2019 in a deal worth £6,000,000 from French side Lyon. Since then he has spent time on loan at League One side Shrewsbury before a good season at the Under 23s level last season. Florent isn’t yet ready for the first team and I will be looking to loan him out to hopefully a Championship side. His potential is clear and we need to ensure he reaches the levels he can.

William Kayembe


Belgian starlet, WIlliam Kayembe is another incredibly talented young player, with the striker signing for Liverpool in 2020 from Belgian side Royal Charleroi Sporting Club. Already a very good finisher, William has physicals any player in his prime would be happy with whilst his mentals and the rest of his technicals are developing nicely. William is another one who isn’t quite at first team level yet, however, he will be invited to train with the squad whilst playing in the Under 23s games.

Harvey Elliott


A player who’s development I believe has been hampered by the club, Harvey holds the record for the youngest player to play in a premier league game. He was touted for moves all across Europe following his contract ending with Fulham but he decided to join Liverpool in the 2019/20 season. He is a player I am keen to get the most out of with him being moved straight into the first team to hopefully improve his physical ability against much stronger players than he is used to playing against. I believe there is still a difference making player in Harvey and I am keen to make that clear.

Ryan Fraser


Ryan looks like he has the potential to become the most talented player to come through the clubs ranks in many a year. An attacking midfielder, Ryan has already standout attributes for a top division player. His passing and technique matched with his impressive vision makes him a passing threat every time. Ryan is certainly a player we need to throw everything at to ensure he reaches his best, and to give him every opportunity at being a star in the future.

My thoughts

This is a club that can’t be finishing anywhere outside of the top four. It should be challenging for league titles year in, year out and anything else is unacceptable.It isn’t the largest squad with some additions needed for sure to beef it out but we have many talented players here and with a couple of additions I am aiming for the title once more this season. We have a massive season ahead, but I am ready for it.

Replies

EmprexI think the getting the players on side is going to be the main bit. This squad is easily good enough if they want to be.
James:I don't think it's much of a rebuild to be honest. It's 100% a team that underachieved massively. They clearly have talent it was just a case of not knowing who to play at times I think and not having the consistency within the side. A couple additions and we are a title contender 100%.
Scott:That was the thinking. CSKA was a great time and it would have taken a massive move like this for Luke to move, especially after the lack of security threat last season. But when a team who has just lost on penalties in the Champions League final comes knocking offering to pay five times what you were on, you have to take it.

I genuinely think just this current squad has the ingredients for success, it's just a matter of selection and tactics as well as belief. Lucas Radebe also needs to come in as a coach - I don't make the rules.

There are definite improvements to be in some areas but there is obvious quality. Haaland and Dybala alongside Mo Salah and Firmino looks terrifying. I definitely agree that this side should be qualifying for Champions League every year. A league title isn't even out of the question with that team.

4th July 2022

Luke Hendricks today held his first press conference as the latest manager of Liverpool Football Club.

South African born manager, Luke Hendricks, has today been presented by Liverpool as the clubs new manager following the resignation of Jurgen Klopp. Klopp, who has recently taken over at German side Borussia Dortmund in an emotional reunion for the two, guided Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 2020/21. However, last year was a disappointing one for Liverpool and now Luke Hendricks has been given the reigns to take Liverpool back to the top.

Below is a full transcript of the press conference held earlier today.

---

Welcome to Liverpool Luke, I’d like to begin by asking what it means to be announced as the latest manager of Liverpool Football Club and becoming the first African manager of the club?

Good Morning, thank you for the welcome and I am delighted to be here.

It is a dream come true to be honest with you. Liverpool is a massive club, whose brand is known around the world, and that is no different back home. Growing up they were one of the four teams always on the Television and I would take any opportunity to watch them play. To now be the clubs manager is something that brings me great pride and I am excited to get started here.

When did the club first get in contact with you and did you have any knowledge about the role being open before Jurgen Klopp departed?

I was first contacted by Liverpool around a month ago, when they first invited me to interview for the role. I was obviously made aware of the interest when the club got in contact with CSKA in order to speak to me so I knew then there was a possibility. Before Jurgen left, I think everyone knew he was contemplating it having achieved so much here, but no the club had never contacted me until after he had left.

So for what reason were you at the Champions League final?

Well, first and foremost I am a fan of the game. When the world's biggest club final is being played and you have the opportunity to go, you’d take that opportunity right. It had nothing to do with Jurgen potentially leaving or the club being in contact with myself. I was just attending the game as a football fan. Hopefully I’ll be there again soon enough, but this time as the manager of this great club.

You became well known for your attacking style of play whilst at CSKA Moscow. Is that something we are likely to see here, or is the added competition in the Premier League going to see changes to your usual style?

I think if you go back and watch some of the footage from the games over the last few seasons, we attacked some of Europe's biggest sides. I think of Benfica in the group stage game at home this past season, I think of Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid last season. I think football should be played in a particular way with the main aim to score goals and win games.

We of course will alter our tactics for every game depending on the opponent, that is something that has to happen at every level of the game. Any manager can throw out it’s best players and say go and play, the best need to be able to form a tactical identity before being able to adapt to the situation unfolding. The basic principles will remain the same, yes but we will always be ready to adapt. We will look to take the game to our opponents with the aim of winning every game possible.

Do you believe this squad has enough firepower about it having failed to score seventy plus goals in a league season in the last two years?

I believe so yes. I couldn’t quite believe it when I saw the club had only managed to score fifty-eight league goals in the season they won the league, that was pretty extraordinary. I am certain though, that with the players we have here we can be breaking that seventy goal mark quite easily. The likes of Roberto Firmino, Paulo Dybala, Memphis Depay, Mohamed Salah and young Erling Haaland are just a few of the attackers we have at our disposal, I am certain we will be just fine.

In Jurgen’s final season at the club, alot of criticism was fired towards himself and Michael Edwards for their recruitment. What are your thoughts on the last seasons incoming and outgoing players and will Michael be staying on in his Director of Football role?

I’m not sure if you are looking at me to bash firstly Jurgen, a very well respected man at this club as well as Michael Edwards, someone I am excited to get working with but I won’t be doing that. Jurgen has recently returned to Dortmund and from everyone here we wish him the best of luck. Michael will remain in his role without a doubt because he is one of the best in the world at what he does. I look forward to seeing him prove many of you wrong.

Both men are superb at their jobs and they bought in the players they thought the club needed. In terms of outgoings, like you, I do not know what led to them so I will not sit here and claim to know more than I do. The club sold the players at a price they found fair and now we move on.

Can we expect to see you bringing anyone into the club anytime soon?

Everyone that is here at the moment will first be given the chance to demonstrate their ability. I am not the type to sign anyone and everyone. Every deal that does happen will be carefully considered and they will be expected to play an important role at the club.

Of course that could mean instantly whilst some arrivals may be bought in to be developed and used in the future. While I don’t know if we will be making any deals this window, I can assure the fans that the squad I have at the end of the window will be sufficient in achieving my aims, I am certain of that.

What are those aims? Do you expect to be battling for the title once again this season?

I am in football to win games and titles. I have said it before, I don’t understand anyone who is in it for anything else. So that being said, the obvious aim is to be winning titles. We know it won’t be easy with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea already spending £300,000,000 between them. But we think we have a squad capable of challenging and if needed we will make some additions ourselves. I am looking forward to what is going to be a massive challenge but I will always set my expectations high.

Finally Luke, we are led to believe that SportsNet, a streaming service that created a documentary on you and CSKA Moscow last season, will be doing similar here at Liverpool. Can you make any comment on that for us?

SportsNet did indeed create a fly on the wall style documentary on us at CSKA last season, it was great fun and those who have begun watching it I believe have enjoyed it up until this point. I can’t comment on anything other than what has happened in the past and if anything was to be announced it would come from the club itself.

Thank you very much for your time, I will see you all soon.

---

Luke Hendricks now has four days to prepare his side for the second game in their European tour where they will play Swiss side Aarau, having seen his new side defeat Monaco 3-1 from the stands on Saturday. He will then be returning to France to play Dijon in the clubs final pre-season friendly.

Liverpool's Premier league campaign kicks off with a mouthwatering match against fellow title contenders, Arsenal.

Replies

Jack:I agree, the squad is more than capable overall. Some signings were strange, but the team is of good quality and with some consistency I think we can challenge. I did look at Radebe but he is currently working at Chiefs and I couldn't take him away from them again!
Scott:It was a strange season for them last year. To get to the final of the Champions League but fall to 7th in the league. I think it was a lack of consistency with team selection and nobody really certain of their role, that will be key to Luke taking them back to title contention I believe.

Just been catching up on your story. Been a great ride with loads of twists and turns along the way while in Russia but Liverpool will be a great move for Luke

Can tell how delighted Luke is to be there just from his answers. Interesting to see that Seb will be evaluating the current squad rather than getting a batch of new players. As for SportsNet, it'll be intriguing to see if they find a way to worm their way into the inner workings of Liverpool.

Luke had plenty of success in Russia and will be keen to prove his worth in a league often hailed as the "greatest league in the world." As mentioned, some of the money being thrown around by other clubs will make winning the title a challenge but CSKA continued to out-do Zenit whilst paying significantly less. No reason why it can't happen here!

It was the right time to go to a bigger club and what a club have picked Luke up!

Only missing Mane plus massive signings like Dybala & Haaland, title contenders for sure!

Liverpool Football Club. A side draped in history and success. One of England and Europe’s most successful sides. Nineteen time Premier League winners, seven time FA Cup winners, and six time UEFA Champions League winners, Liverpool have a trophy collection many would be jealous of. However, a failed Champions League bid last season, losing to Real Madrid on penalties has seen the club move in a new direction.

With long serving and club icon, Jurgen Klopp stepping down from his role as Liverpool manager, a new man has been handed the reigns. Luke Hendricks, the South African born manager, makes his first step into English football, taking charge of one of its largest clubs.

This is Luke’s Liverpool.


With speculation and reports linking Luke Hendricks to many of Europe's biggest clubs, his arrival at Liverpool has bought much excitement. It had been seven years since Liverpool last welcomed a new manager and the press room was full of journalists excited to get a close look at the new boss. Questions ranged from his past at CSKA Moscow, where Luke had turned the Moscow side into the dominant force in the nation, to his future at Liverpool.

Whilst it might not be what every manager wants to do, especially when arriving at a club for the first time, the opening press conference is a chance to get the fans on side and have them believe in the new manager's vision. With Luke finishing his media obligations, his real fun could begin, with directors Peter Moore and Michael Gordon showing Luke around his new home.

“Melwood was a historic place and somewhere we loved,” began Peter Moore “But with the increased success for the club as well as the modernisation in facilities, we had to move on. We were lucky to have Kirkby here already, with the youth teams training here. Since the move the place has been redeveloped massively, with new pitches in place for the first team and it gives one home to the entire club, allowing the youngsters a true pathway to the top” explained Moore as Luke was guided around the training grounds.

“They are superb. The pitches are immaculate, almost as though you could play a league game on them, the gym looks great, as does the canteen. The feel of the place is something I have never experienced before.” Luke said.

“It’s a great place to be, we are very pleased with how the plans were executed and I am sure this view out onto the pitches will be one you love for many a year to come.” added Michael Gordon as the trio entered Luke’s new office.

“It’s gorgeous. I am very impressed. I think the facilities alone give us a major advantage over many in this league and in Europe as a whole. I can’t wait to get going.” said a visibly excited Luke.

---

Despite the impressive facilities that Liverpool have at their disposal, last season was one of disappointment in the Premier League. A seventh place finish, saw the Merseyside club eighteen points off champions Manchester City and seven points outside the vital top four. Missing out on that spot means Liverpool won’t be playing in the most prestigious continental tournament in the world next season, causing some players to consider their options. It had been made clear to Luke that Paulo Dyabla, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were the three players who were considering their options more than anyone else.

“Good Afternoon boys. Firstly I would like to apologise for not being out there with you all today, I promise I would have much preferred that than being in interviews. I managed to catch a few glimpses of you and I am impressed. The ball is moving nicely and everyone seems to be in good shape.” Luke began as he addressed his new team for the first time.

“That is going to be vital this season. It’s a long season, we are going to be playing in a bare minimum of forty-six games. That I am expecting won’t be it either, I want to be challenging on all fronts this season. That is what I expect and in turn I expect you all to have those same aims too.I won’t lie to you, we are going to be working hard, very hard. I expect 100% effort from every single one of you, because I promise that you will be getting 100% from me.”

“I would also like to introduce you to some of the new members of staff we have joining us. Firstly, Oliver Bartlett and Anthony Colbert will be joining David Rydings in the fitness department. Both Ollie and Tony are great at what they do and I am sure they will work well together with David. Also joining us is someone I am sure you all recognize, Denis Bergkamp. He is a man with tons of history both as a player, winning many trophies and more recently as a coach. These three will join the team that you have all been working with since the return to pre-season and a few more will be joining us soon. For the meantime, I want everyone to get to know each other, as we are going to create history together.”

“Before I finish, I know that last year wasn’t exactly what was wanted and I understand that. I would like to state to you all today, I want us to be back competing for this league title. I don’t like not winning. But I understand that some of you won’t be happy missing a season of the Champions League. I ask any of you that feel you need a new challenge to come and see me before the day is out. Thank you” Luke finished.

---

“Come in” answered Luke to the knock at his door.

“Good afternoon boss, welcome to the club.” came the voice of Virgil van Dijk as he entered the room.

“Thank you, I am excited to be here. Take a seat Virgil” Luke said motioning to the leather seat on the opposite side of his desk.”What can I do for you?”

“Boss, I know it’s not what you want to hear on your first day here, but I am coming to my final few years as a professional now. I am thirty-one in a couple of days and missing the Champions League at this point of my career is something I can’t do. I need to go boss, I hope you understand.” the Dutch defender replied.

“You are right, it’s not what I wanted to hear. My plans had you at the center of it, your presence in the dressing room is massive and the fans adore you. I do however, understand why you feel you need to leave and for us to be successful we need everyone committed. Before I give you my two options, I do want to reiterate, I have every ambition to not just be finishing top four this season, but to be challenging for the league title once more. If that isn’t enough to convince you to stay, I guess I will have to let you go. I will need to be sufficiently compensated though, as you will understand. It’ll take a large offer but if anyone matches your value, we will allow it.” said a disappointed Hendricks.

With a shake of the hands, Liverpool's most expensive defender in history, made his way out of the room. Luke’s Liverpool had already taken a mighty blow.

Replies

Euan:Russia was successful but to prove to be one of the best you have to do it at a higher level. Liverpool gives Luke that chance.
Jack:Similar was done at CSKA, the squad was given a chance with only three coming in that year. It seemed to work for Luke and with the squad he already has avalible, it should be fine for the most part once again. Seems as though they have got into the club and in Lukes life once again.
Scott:A very good point. Luke has had success in doing things his way and he will be looking to do the same here at Liverpool. Any success here will be massive to his legacy.
OneMoreGame:After the failed move to Inter I think a move was always playing on Luke's mind. Liverpool have a great squad who Luke could really turn into a threat once more.