So, without it explicitly saying, have SportsNet worked their way into Luke's new life in Liverpool? If so, I expect many more turns in this saga. Great graphic by the way 
It's sad not having the opportunity to manage someone like Virgil, but he's got quite a point there
From Russia to England, Luke Hendricks' life has changed dramatically over the last few weeks. Now the first South African manager of Liverpool, Hendricks is preparing his side for a brand new season.
This time on Luke’s Liverpool, new staff join the club including a familiar face as Hendricks’ assistant. Luke also assesses the squad he has inherited.
This is Luke’s Liverpool.
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A manager's backroom staff is of huge importance to him. For many they credit a large amount of their success to who they have behind them. When entering a new job, creating a coaching staff that enables your new team to thrive is of utmost importance, something Luke Hendricks has taken as a number one priority.
“The backroom team is vital. You have to trust the people around you and they need to trust in you. I was very fortunate to have a great group at CSKA and now I need to replicate that here.”
“I have obviously bought Oliver Bartlett, Anthony Colbert and Denis Bergkamp from CSKA with me. All three men are some of the best in the world at what they do, they are also people I trust. The majority of the CSKA staff weren’t prepared to up sticks at that point and that I can respect, I wish them well.”
“We feel as though we are an attractive destination, both for players and potential backroom staff. That is based on many things. The club's history, its potential and of course its resources. We know we have an advantage being who we are, compared to many clubs in the world and now we need to make the most of those advantages.” said Luke Hendricks.
Luke’s quest to create a backroom team began with the arrivals of David Platt, former Arsenal player and Manchester City, England and Nottingham Forest coach. The ex-striker is joined by ex-Birmingham captain Damien Johnson with Wally Downes also joining the coaching staff. The coaches aren’t the only staff members to join with a number of additions to both the medical and recruitment teams.
But the final member of staff to be appointed was a man who spent many years of his career at Liverpool as a player.
“Liverpool is a club I hold close to my heart. I spent six years here as a player and made over two-hundred appearances for the club. I was fortunate enough to score over fifty goals too, playing and scoring in the 2007 Champions League final, a game we unfortunately lost to AC Milan.”
“I love this club and I am delighted to be back. I only retired from playing in 2018, but I haven’t been out of the game yet. I feel as though the experience I got managing Feyenoord’s under 19s was excellent preparation for me and now I feel ready for this next step in my career.” commented Luke Hendricks’ new assistant manager Dirk Kuyt.
“Dirk is a player I had huge respect for. He always gave 100% effort and never backed down from a challenge.That is a trait I like to see in my players, with the need to work hard imperative. Since retiring, Dirk has done an incredible job with Feyenoords under 19 team, winning the last two Dutch Under 19s leagues back to back. He is someone I admire and I am excited to get to working with him.” Luke added on his new assistant.
With Luke’s staff taking shape, the manager spent time going through his squad with his new assistant.
“It’s thin, very thin. Realistically we have twenty-two first team quality players, as well as a few youngsters who could play in the cups for some experience. We need some additions, there is no hiding that.” Luke stated as he read through the numerous reports he had requested on his side. “I think the two areas that could do with the most work are on the left and in the center of midfield.”
“As much as the two most likely to start there are Dutch and players I know very well, I’d be inclined to agree, Luke.” Dirk Kuyt said “Memphis is a talented player, but he isn’t getting any younger and we could certainly find someone else there. The same can be said for Gini, he’s into his thirties now and has had more injuries in the last couple of years than he had in his entire career beforehand.” Kuyt finished.
“There is a kid in Brazil, Leonidas, we had an offer accepted and everything in place for him at CSKA, unfortunately he wasn’t certain on joining us there. I think he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world someday and he could possibly start for us this season despite being raw. I think he is our best bet in the middle.” Luke explained noting down to get his Director of Football Michael Edwards to take one last look at the youngster.
“That leaves us with around £100,000,000 with his release clause being £25,000,000. I’d expect his wage demands to be at most £60,000 again leaving us with a good amount in the budget at approximately £250,000 left.” Luke explained letting Kuyt know of the budgets they were working with. “Any suggestions for the left?”
“The one name that springs to mind is a big one boss. Ansu Fati. He’s an incredible talent at still only nineteen. I understand Barcelona may ask for a lot of money, more than we have, but it is surely worth a go?” asked the new assistant.
“Ambitious Dirk, I like it.” Hendricks replied, unable to hold back his smile. “We will take a look and see and I’ll talk over options with Michael”
As preparations begin on reshaping the squad, Luke had to turn his attention to the more immediate future, with his first pre-season friendly in charge of Liverpool.
Jack:I should have made it clearer, sorry. Yes SportsNet indeed are behind Luke's Liverpool. Thank you!
Tango:Well he hasn't left yet. It'll take a hefty offer for him to leave.
This time on Luke’s Liverpool, new staff join the club including a familiar face as Hendricks’ assistant. Luke also assesses the squad he has inherited.
This is Luke’s Liverpool.
A manager's backroom staff is of huge importance to him. For many they credit a large amount of their success to who they have behind them. When entering a new job, creating a coaching staff that enables your new team to thrive is of utmost importance, something Luke Hendricks has taken as a number one priority.
“The backroom team is vital. You have to trust the people around you and they need to trust in you. I was very fortunate to have a great group at CSKA and now I need to replicate that here.”
“I have obviously bought Oliver Bartlett, Anthony Colbert and Denis Bergkamp from CSKA with me. All three men are some of the best in the world at what they do, they are also people I trust. The majority of the CSKA staff weren’t prepared to up sticks at that point and that I can respect, I wish them well.”
“We feel as though we are an attractive destination, both for players and potential backroom staff. That is based on many things. The club's history, its potential and of course its resources. We know we have an advantage being who we are, compared to many clubs in the world and now we need to make the most of those advantages.” said Luke Hendricks.
Luke’s quest to create a backroom team began with the arrivals of David Platt, former Arsenal player and Manchester City, England and Nottingham Forest coach. The ex-striker is joined by ex-Birmingham captain Damien Johnson with Wally Downes also joining the coaching staff. The coaches aren’t the only staff members to join with a number of additions to both the medical and recruitment teams.
But the final member of staff to be appointed was a man who spent many years of his career at Liverpool as a player.
“Liverpool is a club I hold close to my heart. I spent six years here as a player and made over two-hundred appearances for the club. I was fortunate enough to score over fifty goals too, playing and scoring in the 2007 Champions League final, a game we unfortunately lost to AC Milan.”
“I love this club and I am delighted to be back. I only retired from playing in 2018, but I haven’t been out of the game yet. I feel as though the experience I got managing Feyenoord’s under 19s was excellent preparation for me and now I feel ready for this next step in my career.” commented Luke Hendricks’ new assistant manager Dirk Kuyt.
“Dirk is a player I had huge respect for. He always gave 100% effort and never backed down from a challenge.That is a trait I like to see in my players, with the need to work hard imperative. Since retiring, Dirk has done an incredible job with Feyenoords under 19 team, winning the last two Dutch Under 19s leagues back to back. He is someone I admire and I am excited to get to working with him.” Luke added on his new assistant.
With Luke’s staff taking shape, the manager spent time going through his squad with his new assistant.
“It’s thin, very thin. Realistically we have twenty-two first team quality players, as well as a few youngsters who could play in the cups for some experience. We need some additions, there is no hiding that.” Luke stated as he read through the numerous reports he had requested on his side. “I think the two areas that could do with the most work are on the left and in the center of midfield.”
“As much as the two most likely to start there are Dutch and players I know very well, I’d be inclined to agree, Luke.” Dirk Kuyt said “Memphis is a talented player, but he isn’t getting any younger and we could certainly find someone else there. The same can be said for Gini, he’s into his thirties now and has had more injuries in the last couple of years than he had in his entire career beforehand.” Kuyt finished.
“There is a kid in Brazil, Leonidas, we had an offer accepted and everything in place for him at CSKA, unfortunately he wasn’t certain on joining us there. I think he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world someday and he could possibly start for us this season despite being raw. I think he is our best bet in the middle.” Luke explained noting down to get his Director of Football Michael Edwards to take one last look at the youngster.
“That leaves us with around £100,000,000 with his release clause being £25,000,000. I’d expect his wage demands to be at most £60,000 again leaving us with a good amount in the budget at approximately £250,000 left.” Luke explained letting Kuyt know of the budgets they were working with. “Any suggestions for the left?”
“The one name that springs to mind is a big one boss. Ansu Fati. He’s an incredible talent at still only nineteen. I understand Barcelona may ask for a lot of money, more than we have, but it is surely worth a go?” asked the new assistant.
“Ambitious Dirk, I like it.” Hendricks replied, unable to hold back his smile. “We will take a look and see and I’ll talk over options with Michael”
As preparations begin on reshaping the squad, Luke had to turn his attention to the more immediate future, with his first pre-season friendly in charge of Liverpool.
Replies
Jack:I should have made it clearer, sorry. Yes SportsNet indeed are behind Luke's Liverpool. Thank you!
Tango:Well he hasn't left yet. It'll take a hefty offer for him to leave.
Look at that release fee, that's a steal for a player like him
C'mon Grêmio, we can do better than this
C'mon Grêmio, we can do better than this
Kuyt is back! I love it! As Tango said, to bring in Leonidas for that fee would be an incredible bargain, he's got all of the makings of a top-quality Premier League midfield enforcer. Get him in.
Leonidas would be a great capture for just £25m, and would afford you so much more flexibility to find the perfect left-sided player to bring in too. Great to see Luke reshaping the backroom staff too, as they obviously struggled last season, along with the playing group. Luke loves a camera it seems, and I wonder if that will lead to his downfall...
Another great update. Certainly be interesting to see if you bring back any other ex players to join the coaching staff. Also good to see you going after some exciting players as well
Liverpool Add Three on Deadline Day
Alphonso Davies, becomes most expensive Canadian player ever, for the second time.
Luke Hendricks has made three additions to his side on deadline day, with the arrivals of Alphonso Davies, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Leonidas all joining Liverpool. The three deals total £60,000,000 and Hendricks is said to be “thrilled” with the signings.
Newly appointed manager, Luke Hendricks left it to the final moments of deadline day before making his first additions at Liverpool. An initial focus was placed on adding to his backroom staff with the arrivals of Denis Bergkamp and new assistant manager Dirk Kuyt being the standout appointments. However, having played two friendlies before his early opening day fixture against Arsenal tomorrow, Luke has added to his side.
The first to arrive is that of Canadian star Alphonso Davies, who signs from Bayern Munich in an initial deal worth £12,500,000 potentially rising to £22,500,000. The young winger has been a name on many people's lips for six years now following his Vancouver Whitecaps debut in 2016.
Aged just fifteen, Davies made his MLS debut becoming the second youngest player to do so, behind Freddy Adu. Unlike Adu, Davies has continued to show his enormous potential earning himself a move to German champions Bayern Munich in 2018. Having just turned eighteen, Davies made his Bundesliga debut in January 2019 and continued adding to his first team experience in the next couple of seasons.
Davies saw a rise in his first team action in the Bayern Munich side in 2020/21 as he made fourteen appearances for his side, however, all of those were from the bench. His true breakthrough came last season. Sixteen league games, eleven of which were starts, scoring five and assisting three, Davies showed his talent at the top tier. Whilst impressing in the Bundesliga, Davies has also shown his ability on an international stage, making forty-two caps for his nation, scoring seven goals. The ability he has shown so far was enough for Luke Hendricks to take an interest, making Davies his first signing since joining Liverpool.
Links had been made between Liverpool and Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, but it’s believed Davies became the clubs number one option after realising the price they could sign him for.The pacey winger has reportedly signed a four year contract worth £90,000 a week and is expected to compete with Memphis Depay for the starting berth on Liverpool's left side.
Following Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich to Liverpool is center-back Armel Bella-Kotchap. Another of Bayern’s young talents had attracted the Liverpool boss’ attention with Bella-Kotchap exciting many in Germany as a future cornerstone of their national team defense.
Bella-Kotchap began his career at third tier, MSV Duisburg but was quickly snapped up by VfL Bochum in 2.Bundesliga. Another player to make his first team debut at a young age, Bella-Kotchap was given his Bochum debut at seventeen. He made four appearances towards the end of that 2018/19 season before becoming a first team regular in the following season.
In the 2019/20 season, Bella-Kotchap made thirty-one starts for his side, however, his side only managed a mid-table finish. Again the twenty year old impressed the following season, making a further thirty-one starts playing a major part in having the second best defense in the league. These standout performances saw German champions Bayern Munich make a move for the defender.
Paying £6,500,000 for the defender, Bayern fans were said to be excited about the arrival of one of Germany’s biggest talents. Standing 6”4, Bella-Kotchap showed he was good enough to be playing at the Bundesliga level, making five starts for the champions last season. Despite impressing, Liverpool’s bid of £7,500,000 with clauses eventually taking the fee to a high of £15,000,000 Bayern saw fit to sell the defender.
Born in France, but receiving twenty-one youth team caps for Germany, Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited about the defender. His combination of strength, height and speed, makes him a worry for any attacker and with some improvements, he could be the first name on the team sheet for many years to come.
The final arrival is a player Luke Hendricks is said to have been following for a number of years, dating back to his time with CSKA Moscow. Brazilian under twenty international, Leonidas joins Liverpool with much intrigue.
Having come through boyhood club Grêmio as an exciting talent, Leonidas received his first team debut in 2019, aged sixteen. Spending a couple of seasons as a rotation option, featuring twenty-two times from the bench between 2019 and 2020, Leonidas became a first team starter in 2021. Featuring in thirty-three games, the midfielder started thirty games, giving his fans just a glimpse of what was to come the following season.
His performances at Grêmio was enough to attract European club SC Braga to loan in the young talent for their final ten games of the 2021 season. Leonidas impressed in his five starts, scoring once and assisting another. His time in Europe seemed to only aid his development, with the nineteen year old making thirty more starts last season. In those thirty games, the creative threat showed his quality, assisting on fifteen occasions and scoring three goals.
His impressive performances in Brazil didn’t only enhance Luke Hendricks' attention, with Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur also taking an interest. However, Liverpool were the first to make a move for the midfielder and despite an offer from Tottenham, that also activated the players £25,000,000 release clause, Leonidas decided Liverpool was the best place to go.
Hendricks is said to be “thrilled” with his signings and said this when questioned on his latest arrivals.
Luke Hendricks:
“All three of them bring something the club didn’t have before and I am thrilled with the deals we have made. Alphonso (Davies) is a electrifying winger, who will use his pace to put any fullback in the world on the backfoot. Armel (Bella-Kotchap) brings a unique combination of pace, strength and ability on the ball, which is something special for a center-back. He is certainly the modern defender and I couldn’t be happier he has agreed to join us. Leonidas is another exceptional talent for his age with his passing ability at a level you don’t see for someone so young. He has a remarkable understanding of the game and I can’t wait to see him in action here. The three of them have a ridiculous amount of first team experience for their ages, with all of them making at least fifty appearances across their respective clubs. We can’t wait to see them add to those numbers here.”
Luke Hendricks begins his Liverpool career tomorrow as his side takes on Arsenal, in the opening day of the season.
Replies
Tango:And consider him stolen!
Jack:Had to do it when I saw he was there! What a bloke. Leonidas is going to be huge, I wanted him at CSKA and couldn't get him so glad we managed to secure him here.
Scott:Will keep that in mind
James:Very pleased to be getting Leonidas in at that price, he's an excellent talent who still has so much potential. Davies is the perfect player for the left and also comes in as a potential third choice leftback if something was to happen to Robbo and Ben. In regards to Luke, perhaps, I guess we will see.
Wolf:Kuyt is a much loved character at Liverpool and I am delighted to have him back!
Euan:Ex-Players are enjoyable to have on the staff, but they have to be good at what they do!
First Dirk Kuyt and now the infamous THERE IS BEAR CUM. Next addition to the staff will be Marco van Basten, I'm positive of that
And I pity this Alphonso guy, he's the best thing that has ever come from here since... Since... Anyway, it's a lot of pressure
And I pity this Alphonso guy, he's the best thing that has ever come from here since... Since... Anyway, it's a lot of pressure
A trio of fantastic additions that only further strengthen an impressive squad. Luke is glowing with praise for each of them and his judgement has been impeccable throughout his time at CSKA. I highly doubt he'll be proven wrong here.
Three super signings to start off with and you finally got your man with Leonidas after tracing him for so long! He's going to be a Scouse hero in no time
3 insane signings for the club: all of them being at great value! All 3 will play their part for you next season, and it wouldn't surprise me if Alphonso is the pick of the bunch performance wise. Leonidas is so good mentally for someone so young, and he should be able to handle the rigours of being thrown in the deep end while playing in a foreign country.
Well done, but is there still some moves for you to make!?
Well done, but is there still some moves for you to make!?
The Rescue
3rd June 1982
“...Nobody will ever stop...”
“...you should have fucking listened…”
I kept hearing phrases before fading back out of consciousness. One second I felt like I was coming around until it went black again.
“All the same you lot, all the same. You don’t listen and look where it gets you.” came the voice once more.
I was staying awake for a lot longer now. Able to comprehend what the man was saying to me. My head was pounding, as though someone was playing a massive drum right next to my ear. Slowly the feeling in my face was coming back, with the numbness subsiding to pain. I reached to touch my nose but my hands were tied to my back. I struggled for a few seconds, trying to free myself but I could barely move them until I realised why. The cold steel clasped around my wrists indicated I was in handcuffs.
Things were beginning to come back to me, piece by piece. I had been startled awake by the bright light of a torch beamed straight into my eyes. It was like staring into the sun, blinding almost. Then I remember screaming, lots and lots of screaming. The man shining the torch into my eyes then grabbed me, practically throwing me across the room and against the floor.
The man was powerful. His height matched his strength with the policeman standing at least double my height. Again he dragged me to my feet and arrested me, continuing to shout expletives at me. What didn’t make sense though, was the fact that the man currently attacking me with abusive language wasn’t the same as the one before. This guy sounded older, he also sounded worried.
Having been arrested, the guy dragged me out of the house, that's when I saw mum and dad. They were standing there next to a police car, also in handcuffs crying. Mum said she would find me. That’s the last thing she said. That along with telling me she loved me.
The last thing I remembered was seeing the man's face as he threw me into the back of a police van, before his balled up fist stuck me.
My mind was still racing, with my thoughts and memory only being stifled by the consistent pounding in my head. That’s when we stopped. Abruptly. As if the man driving had no idea where he was actually stopping.
When the back doors opened my earlier suspicions were confirmed. It wasn’t the man from before. It was someone older, shorter. Someone who although physically seemed weaker than the previous officer, this one seemed powerful in rank.
“Get up. Turn around.” the officer demanded.
I hesitated. I may have had my awareness back to a slight degree, but I was still slow. Too slow for his liking.
“I said get up.” the officer repeated pulling his gun from it’s holster.
The gun sped up my reactions as I stood quickly as I realised the severity of what was happening.
“Out of the van.” he instructed once more. “Now get onto your knees and turn away from me.”
The grass was wet with the night's dew present. The middle of winter breeze chilled me to the bone as my half torn pajamas were unable to combat the cold.
“Stop moving.” demanded the officer as he began to take off the cuffs from my wrists. “Now, you are going to say thank you to me for sparing you your life. You don’t deserve it you little shit.” called the officer.
With the cuffs off of my hands I felt a large boot strike me dead in the kidneys as I once again crumpled to the floor in pain. The force of the boot left me in a ball, frozen stiff,with the only bit of warmth being the fresh blood trickling down my face from my broken nose.
What felt like hours passed. A few cars had passed and despite my best efforts none were stopping. Not for a random person covered in blood with ripped pyjamas. Especially not in Apartheid South Africa in the early hours of the morning. I was walking, in no particular direction, but I was walking. By walking I mean a stumble forward before hitting the ground every few minutes as my body struggled to deal with the beating I had taken.
Then it came, the noise of another car. I stopped, almost begging it either stopped to help me or sped up and hit me to put me out of my misery. I felt like a sick dog, in need of being put down. As the headlights came around the corner, the car slowed, screeching to a halt next to my badly beaten body.
“Please, please help me,” I pleaded with the man sitting in the car.
“What the fuck has happened to you?” the man asked, looking genuinely concerned.
“The police. They raided us. I don’t know where I am but I need help, please.” I begged with the man in the car.
“Get in, kid. I can’t stop anywhere as I won’t make it in time before the cops stop me, but I will take you with me.” the man explained, “You are going to have to help me in return. Do you understand?” he questioned.
“Anything, I just don’t want to die” I cried, stepping into the passenger side of the car.
“What’s your name kid?” the man asked as he began to pick up speed once more.
“I’m Jacob. Jacob Petersen.”
Replies
Tango:I was very confused initially and very pleased you linked that video
He certainly has a large amount of expectations on his shoulders, so far he seems like he is managing just fine. Scott:You are right, Luke's praise seems to come with good performances so hopefully that happens once more here with these three.
Jack:I agree, he could really become a massive player for the club with his ability clear already, still 19 he has a lot more development to improve further.
James:Davies was a bargain in my opinion. He has so much talent and at the price we got him it was an easy decision. I agree with Leonidas, he looks like he could be a real force and won't have any issues with adapting.
Can safely say there will be no more movements in this window!
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