Representing A Continent

Virgil is saying all the right things atm, but the fans shouldn't forget that he requested to leave the club after a single bad season. He can say it's due to him believing he "needed to be playing at the highest level in the Champions League", but it just shows what a fickle twat he is. I'm sure if there's a blip, he'll be asking to leave again. I hope there's no blip Leonidas on the other hand... what a player he has been! Well deserved call-up for the World Cup, and I bet he was over the moon to be a part of the squad that won it. For someone so young, he's already achieving so much. Let's hope it doesn't go to his head!

Also: it took me 8 seasons in-game to use a 'pressing forward' and 'segundo volante', so I'm sure in another 5 or so seasons I'll be willing to give the DLP/AP combo a go

Finally: only 2-0 against United!?!? #LukeOUT

Liverpool have today announced the signing of highly rated Dutch left-back Gwaeron Kassels. A deal worth £6,000,000, rising to £9,000,000 with clauses has been agreed between Liverpool and Ajax.

Having entered the new year sitting top of the Premier League, and still unbeaten in all competitions, Liverpool have today agreed a deal with left-back Gwaeron Kassels. The Netherlands under 21 international, is said to be one of the most exciting prospects coming through the renowned Ajax academy in recent years.

Despite being born on the outskirts of Rotterdam, Gwaeron Kassels signed for Ajax Amsterdam as a twelve year old boy. Since then the young player has shone at every level of the game, breaking into the Jong Ajax side aged sixteen.

A member of the famed Ajax academy, where players such as Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) and Frenkie de Jong (Baracelona) have been developed in recent years, Kassels is someone who was exciting many of the staff at Ajax. Rewarded with his debut off the bench in Ajax’s final game of the season last year, many were expecting the nineteen year old to receive further chances this season.

However, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag and the re-hiring of former manager Frank de Boer, the new manager favoured Nicolás Tagliafico. That saw a limited amount of game time for Kassels, starting just one game so far this season, with two further appearances from the bench. With his development seemingly stunting with the lack of gametime, the left-back requested a move, with Liverpool happy to match the Dutch clubs valuation.

Known to be an attacking threat down the left wing, as well as a sturdy option in defense, it is expected the newly signed defender will be third choice for the remainder of the season. With Andrew Robertson and Ben Chilwell ahead of him, Kassels may even find himself out on loan for the next few months, but with reports suggesting that Ben Chilwell set to move on in the summer, and Andrew Robertson edging closer to his thirties, it seems the move has been made for the future.

Despite being asked on his new signings role with the club, Luke Hendricks evaded the question, rather focusing on his excitement for the player.

Luke Hendricks:

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“His role is of no relevance, Gwaeron (Kassels) brings a lot of talent and energy to this team and that is what is important. We are very excited to have him here. He is a quick player who can pick a pass out as well as anybody. He’s still a young lad, but he brings us a new layer of depth in a position that is vital to us as a team. I am very happy with his signing and I look forward to seeing what he brings to us.”

Gwaeron Kassels joins a growing contingent of Dutch players at Liverpool with Memphis Depay, Ki-Jana Hoever and Sepp van den Berg already at the club, whilst Georginio Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk both signed new contracts with the club at the start of the month.

The news of the extended contracts comes as positive news for the fans of Liverpool, especially in regards to Virgil van Dijk. The Netherlands captain has been one of the key cogs in the Liverpool side ever since his arrival in 2018 following his then record breaking transfer. Having failed to qualify for this season's Champions League, it was reported van Dijk had requested to leave the club but with Liverpool's impressive season so far under new manager Luke Hendricks, the thirty-one year old has seemingly made a U-turn.

Both Wijnaldum and van Dijk adding a year onto their previous contracts, signing until 2024 and 2025 respectively. The news bought manager Luke Hendricks great delight when he was questioned on it earlier in the month.

Luke Hendricks:

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“It’s wonderful news, both are guys who have a great knowledge of what we want to do here and are both leaders in the dressing room. Their experience of winning titles at the highest level of club football is vital and will help the younger players. We are delighted to have them both here and we know that they will bring a lot to this club.”

Gwaeron Kassels becomes the second signing for Liverpool this month, with a clear focus on young talent being made. Tomás Fernández, a seventeen year old striker, was announced earlier this week, with the Argentinain joining in January next year.

Having come through the Vélez academy, much is being made of the striker, who stands at a lofty 6”8. A deadly finisher who is said to work incredibly hard for his team, the striker is set for a great future, with many South American journalists praising the youngster.

The deal for Fernández is reportedly £3,000,000 rising to £7,500,000 a tall figure for a young man. However, many in the media believe it is a fee that could be repaid and then some in the future.


Excitement is high at Liverpool at the moment, with Luke Hendricks' side winning all of their last nineteen games, including a 4-2 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final last night. With an FA Cup 4th Round tie against League One side Blackpool coming next for Liverpool, many expect to see a debut for Gwaeron Kassels.

Replies

Scott:I think Leo has been one of the more underrated stars of this team and thankfully Tite has noticed his impact. It's clear why Luke wanted him so badly in Russia. 100% that win over United put's Liverpool in a great place, it's a great result that only further boosts morale.
James:Depends on how you look at things I think. For a man coming towards his final years of his career and with his quality you can see why he'd want to play Champions League football as everyone's aim should be to play at the very best level for as long as possible. I think to have him appreciate Luke's time so far is massive and the fact he has extended his contract is brilliant news. Leo is a brilliant player, who has a great personality, I don't see it getting to his head!

Definitely like the look of Tomás Fernández, you've managed to get him for a great price You're building the team well, and one can only assume that an era of dominance is just around the corner for Liverpool. If only the fans on the game were as unbearable as the fans irl

Great win over United after the break for the World Cup, also Fernandez looks like future star!

Winning streak of 19 matches is amazing, keep it going!

Ones for the future. Both are exciting prospects and are bound to develop excellently under Hendricks's management.

Good to see both VvD and Gini extending their spells at Anfield.

Entering the new year top of the Premier League table, whilst unbeaten in all competitions, Liverpool are flying high. The January window allows a chance to add new talents to the club whilst games against Manchester City and Chelsea bring a large amount of excitement.

This is Luke’s Liverpool.


“Football is about winning” words that have been heard from Luke Hendricks numerous times, and that is exactly what his Liverpool side has been doing. Since back to back draws against Everton and Celtic in September, Liverpool entered the New Year with a fifteen game winning run.

Following Liverpool's great start to the season, paired with a strong run in the Champions League last season, a number of Liverpool players won awards at the end of year award ceremony. Mohamed Salah was named African Player of the Year, whilst Virgil van Dijk was named in the FIFA World Team of the Year. The Dutch defender was rewarded with a new contract taking his deal to 2025.

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“I am very happy to sign a new deal here. I think we have shown we are a side capable of taking on and beating the best, highlighted by our wins over Manchester City and Chelsea in the last two games to start the year. That’s our fifth clean sheet in a row and I am very pleased with what we are doing here.”

“I have been here now for five years and I look forward to the next two years at least here. It’s a club I am very proud to represent and I hope to show that throughout the remainder of my time here. It is a club I can see myself retiring at, as it has taken great care of both myself and my family since we moved in 2018.” commented van Dijk.

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Liverpool followed their 2-0 victory over Manchester City and their 3-0 League Cup win over Chelsea with a further three wins as they headed into their away game against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Liverpool 0 - 2 Chelsea

“It wasn’t good enough lads. I know it’s our first loss all season but it wasn’t good enough and we need to do better. We need to be turning those half chances into proper goal scoring chances, look at what Chelsea did. Two clear cut chances with two goals. That’s what we need to focus on today. Turning the half chances into clear cut chances and then those into goals.” called Luke as he addressed his players on the training pitch. “We saw in the analyst session this morning where we went wrong, now let’s put it right. It’s the first loss of the season, let’s use it as a wake up call.” finished the manager.

Losing two goals to nil against Chelsea saw a massive disappointment for Luke and his side. Just three days separated that loss, the first of the season in all competitions and their next game against Stoke City.

Stoke City 0 - 5 Liverpool

Haaland (8’)
Salah (21’ 26’ 45+2’ 51’).

“What can I say, we were exceptional. All game, it could have been more than five in fact. I’ve been told by the stats guys, despite conceding five, their keeper still made eleven saves today, that is a ridiculous number and shows just how good we were at creating chances.” Luke stated in his post match press conference.

“We focused on turning the half chances into clear cut chances and goals since the Chelsea game and I think it’s fair to say we did a good job of that. Mo showed the world why he is still such a good player. I know he received a lot of attention for a supposed lack of performances last year, but he has been outstanding all season. I am very happy today.” Luke finished.

Four goals from Mohamed Salah as well as a Erling Haaland strike saw Liverpool win in a five goal victory. The victory was the final game of the month, however, three days remained of the transfer window.

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“Afternoon Luke. Where do you want to start?” asked Michael Edwards, Liverpool's Director of Football.

“Let’s start with the outs, Majeed Ashimeru is gone, are we any closer with anyone else?” Luke responded.

“Yep, Majeed is gone to Brighton for £30,000,000 which we feel is a very good deal for a player who managed to get one cup game all season. It’s also a £11,500,000 profit which is good news. Even better, if Brighton ends up making a profit on him, we get 50% of whatever that profit maybe, so we feel we have done very well with that deal.” said Edwards. “In terms of other outgoings, the only other player who seems likely to leave is Neal Tribe, we have accepted an offer of £275,000 rising to £650,000 with another 50% future profit clause.”

“Another good deal then, Neal is a good player but he was never going to break into the first team. Obviously we also lost Rhian Brewster to Bristol City earlier this month, but Steve Bird has come back from his loan at Hamilton so that’s good. Max Aarons loan to AC Milan was a shame but he wanted first team football. I believe he’s started very well there as well three assists in three games. In total, what have we recouped from sales?” asked Luke.

“Yeah, so with the Majeed and Neal deals, as well as the £4,300,000 from the Brewster deal and the £67,000 from Kelleher to Swansea we have made just over £34,500,000. That takes this year's income from transfers to £92,000,000. Of course we still have over £86,400,000 in the budget. Is there anyone you are looking at bringing in?” enquired Edwards.

“I was looking at midfielders. I like Naby Keita but he was exposed big time in the Chelsea game, he made two massive errors that both led directly to their goals. I think we need a more defensively sound and composed player in there especially for the big games. I was thinking about Reuben Neves from Wolves. Any chances?” Luke replied.

“Only if you are happy to part with £71,000,000 for him. Manchester City from what I have been told will be paying his release clause and they are very keen on bringing him in.” said Edwards.

“No chance. He’s not worth that, and if City are in for him with the wages he will be offered that’ll put him above the likes of Virg and Mo I imagine. I’m satisfied with the squad, I’m not spending stupid money on anyone for the sake of it.” came the stern reply from Luke.

“In that case, it’ll just be Gwaeron Kassels coming in then, all in all a successful window I think Luke. Anything else?” asked the Director of Football.

“Not for now Mike, time to get ready for the summer then.” ended Luke.

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Despite title rivals Manchester City and Manchester United spending £71,000,000 on Reuben Neves and £45,000,000 on Marco Verrati respectively, Liverpool added no more players in the January window. With an FA Cup 5th Round game against Portsmouth and a League Cup Final against Manchester United to play in February, it’ll only be a matter of time to see if that was the wise move.

Replies

James:I am very excited about Fernandez's arrival, he gives us something completely different to the rest of the squad and with a bit of development could become a true great striker.
OneMoreGame:We finally lost but they happen, a great bounce back.
Scott:That's certainly the plan with them, the good thing about Luke being at Liverpool is, unlike at CSKA he will likely reap the benefits of the development for much longer than he did at CSKA.

Tearing it up, just need to make the most of those game(s) in hand on your rivals to set a bit of important distance. As for Fernandez, I like him already and I wouldn't want to mess with that 6'8" frame of his, Jesus

C'MON POMPEY! If they need Blagoja to take charge for a day, I'm sure he's available It's been a great season for you so far, although I'm shocked to see Brewster [or as Jack calls him: Poohster] only command a £4.3m fee. He just didn't develop? A big show of faith from you by not signing anyone during the window, bar Kassels of course, although passing on for Neves for £71m is very un-Seb-like!

Keep up the good work mate, looking forward to seeing if the lads repay you!

Still leading the charge at the top of the league where hopefully Luke's side can remain. I admire his reluctance to spend silly money in a market where it seems customary to do so, especially in the Premier League, competing alongside the likes of Manchester City.

He's always had a great eye for a bargain.

Great response after the loss to Chelsea and with only bottlers Arsenal chasing you maybe we will see the title again in Liverpool.

As James said shocked to see Brewster sold only for 4.3M as he is one of the brightest talents in Liverpool if he is given time, but it's cool that none of the rivals picked him up.

Welcome to our Live Coverage of the 2023 League Cup Final, between Manchester United and Liverpool. The two rivals will face off to decide who takes home the first piece of silverware this year.

13:30 - The two lineups are set to be announced in the coming half an hour, first let’s take a look at the two teams road to the final.

Manchester United


United kicked off the League Cup with a 4-3 penalty win over Championship side Burnley. It was a battle of the two defenses in the ninety, with neither side able to break each other down. United came out superior in the spot kicks to confirm their place in the next round.

In the fourth round, Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side played Tottenham Hotspur, taking home a 3-1 victory. Goals from Lucas Torreira, Ousmane Dembélé and youngster Amine Gouiri allowed them safe passage to the quarter finals.

Watford were once again no match for United, as Jadon Sancho, who cost the Red Devils £90,000,000 last summer opened the scoring with Ricardo Pereira and Dani Olmo also getting on the scoreboard.

In the shortened one leg semi final, Manchester United beat Leicester, two goals to nothing, with Ousmane Dembélé and Federico Chiesa getting the goals. Dembélé, United's top scorer in this competition, is of course out injured today following his cruciate ligament injury suffered in that semi-final.


Luke Hendricks began his English domestic cup run with a game against Wigan Athletic who are second in the Championship. Goals from French winger Florian Thauvin, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and youngster Ryan Fraser saw a convincing win.

The fourth round was less than convincing though, with Liverpool needing a late winner against a tough Bournemouth side. Alphonso Davies and Harry Wilson were the scorers, and Liverpool continued despite the worry that Bournemouth imposed on the league leaders..

The first away trip of the competition saw Liverpool face Chelsea in what was billed as a fascinating game between two of the country's brightest young managers. It was Luke Hendricks who got one over Frank Lampard though with a cruising three goal win, with Mohamed Salah scoring a brace and Kristoffer Ajer scoring an own goal to give Liverpool the lead.

The semi-final was another hotly anticipated affair, with both sides going full strength. Erling Haaland gave his side the lead, before Joe Gomez own goal gave Arsenal an equaliser two minutes later. The flood gates then opened though, with another Mohamed Salah brace whilst Paulo Dybala got in on the action. Arsenal scored late on, but Liverpool comfortably through to the final.

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14:00 - The lineups have been announced, with both teams seemingly going full strength for the final. Let’s take a closer look.


Firstly, a look at the Manchester United side today. David De Gea (Captain) leads his side from between the sticks as usual. In front of the Spanish keeper, Victor Lindelöf starts at right back, with the surprise exclusion of usual starter, Ricardo Pereira. Jonathan Tah, Harry Maguire and Raphaël Guerreiro make up the rest of the defensive line.

Moving forward, Lucas Torreira and Exequiel Palacios start in the center of the midfield. Both were signed last summer, for £82,000,000 and £11,500,000 respectively, the pair have formed a strong partnership since then with the manager keeping faith despite the winter arrival of Marco Verratti.

Attacking trio, Frederico Chiesa, Dani Olmo and Jadon Sancho, will be the creative force for United today. Sancho, who only joined the club in a £90,000,000 move from Dortmund two summers ago, is being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid at the moment. His fifteen goals and six assists, in thirty-one games in all competitions, shows the youngsters talent.

Amine Gouiri, another huge signing last season (£72,000,000) will start as Uniteds, striker. The French twenty-three year old will be looking to add to his eight goals in his last ten games. All in all this season, Gouri has a total of eighteen goals in just twenty-five matches, a phenomenal record.

On the bench, Maarten Vandevoordt will backup his captain as the second choice goalkeeper. Youth graduate, Sam McConville, who made his debut for Manchester United this season, will be a right-back option off the bench. Suso, Mason Greenwood, Felipe Anderson, Phil Jones and Vito are the other options for Ole. Vito, a £26,500,000 winter signing, could make his Manchester United debut today, after the eighteen year old moved from Brazilian side Palmeiras.



Liverpool line up in what has become a very familiar fashion over this season since Luke Hendricks took control back in July. Brazilain World Cup winner, Alisson starts in goal for Liverpool. The talented keeper has kept an astonishing twenty-three clean sheets in all competitions already this season.

A backline of Trent Alexander-Arnold (Captain) Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson has long been considered Liverpool's ideal back four, before Luke even arrived at the club. With the two creative fullbacks, Liverpool are known to give them freedom to go forward in the knowledge that the two center-backs are likely to sweep up any danger.

Naby Keita, who has seen a resurgence in his career under Luke Hendricks, having played fifteen games in all competitions last year, he has seen thirty-two games already this season. He starts in midfield with youngster Leonidas, a player who has impressed everyone this season since his summer move.

Ahead of them is club top scorer, Mohamed Salah and another impressive summer signing, Alphonso Davies who take up the flanks. In between them is Paulo Dybala, a man many have suggested is what makes the team click. In his thirty-three games in all competitions this season, he has scored twelve and assisted fourteen, he is likely to be the key man today for Liverpool.

Starting up front, Erling Haaland, another man who has seen a much larger role under Luke Hendricks. Haaland started just eight games in all competitions last season under Jurgen Klopp. This season, the Norweigan starlet has featured in twenty-seven games, with twenty-six of those being starts. That faith has been repaid, with the youngster scoring seventeen goals already this season.

On the bench for Liverpool today, Loris Karius will be Alisson’s backup once again. Summer signing, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Ben Chilwell make up the defensive options off the bench. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum give Liverpool a lot of experience, with Memphis Depay and Roberto Firmino only adding to that. Firmino has seen his gametime suffer this year since Haaland’s breakthrough with the World Cup winner, and goalscorer, making just eleven starts in all competitions. With worries over the strikers game time, Juventus are said to be weighing up a move.

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14:55 - With just five minutes until kick off, let's get the thoughts of one of the only former Liverpool and Manchester United players, Michael Owen.

Michael Owen:

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“Both sides look evenly matched on paper. Liverpool have been brilliant all season and since losing that Chelsea game they have gone on another seven game winning run. Manchester United have a great side too and sit third in the Premier League. I think we can expect a fascinating contest with it going down to penalties following a 2-2 draw.”

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15:00 - Kick Off

We are underway. The 2023 League Cup final has begun as Liverpool get us going.

15:10 - Chance

Ten minutes in here and our first bit of action. Some nice movement for Manchester United sees Jadon Sancho play through Amine Gouri. The French striker should do much better but he puts the ball just wide.

15:25 - GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 - Salah (25’)

An Andrew Robertson cross finds Mohamed Salah at the far post. The Egyptian star heads it back to the center of the box for Paulo Dybala who then finds Salah once more. Salah, just onside, takes a touch and clatters it into the back of the net. Liverpool take the lead in the cup final.

15:42 - Chance

Erling Haaland misses a golden opportunity from six yards out to double his side's advantage. Captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, finds Mohamed Salah with a pinpoint ball over the top of the Manchester United defense. Salah on the right flank then whips in a great cross, and Harry Maguire does just enough to distract Haaland from heading home. The Norweigan striker puts it just over the bar but should be doing much better as we are about to head in for the break.

15:46 - Halftime

As the halftime whistle sounds, Liverpool take a slight one goal lead into the break through Mohamed Salah. Michael Owen has his thoughts on the first half.

Michael Owen:

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“It's been a good game so far. Plenty of action with both sides looking to attack. United should have taken the lead with that Gouri chance, but Liverpool made them pay. I wonder if Haalands miss a few minutes ago will be as costly. So far so good and I am excited for the second half.”

16:00 - Second Half Kickoff

Manchester United start the second forty-five, will they be able to peg Liverpool back or is Luke Hendricks set for his first trophy in English football.

16:18 - Chance

Liverpool are moving the ball around wonderfully here so far in the second half and Leonidas picks out Mohamed Salah with a great pass. The only scorer of the day so far, cuts inside and takes aim to double his and his sides account but a great block from Raphaël Guerreiro stops him from doing so. Still Manchester United 0-1 Liverpool.

16:23 - Chance

Another chance for Liverpool there. Mohamed Salah, who is once again proving the danger man, cuts inside onto his famous left boot and strikes the ball straight at David De Gea for a comfortable save. Are Liverpool going to regret not taking these chances?

16:30 - GOAL - Manchester United 1-1 - Mason Greenwood (75’)

Manchester United have equalised through substitute Mason Greenwood. A Liverpool freekick was headed clear from Harry Maguire, with Raphaël Guerreiro the first to react to the loose ball. His pass forward found Gouri, who played a ball along the floor to Greenwood. The England international made no mistake and comfortably put the ball away. Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool.

16:46 - GOOOOAL - Liverpool 2-1 - Memphis Depay (90+1’)

It couldn’t have been written any better if you are a Liverpool fan. The former Manchester United player, scores against his former team to almost certainly hand Liverpool the cup. In an almost replica of Mason Greenwoods goal, a freekick into the box is headed clear, with Virgil van Dijk this time picking up the scraps. The Dutch captain strides forward, before playing a pass into the box at the feet of Roberto Firmino. Firmino, who recently came off the bench finds another of the substitutes, Memphis Depay, who slides the ball into the far right hand corner. Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool.

16:50 - Full-Time - Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool are the 2023 League Cup winners thanks to a 91st minute Memphis Depay goal. Congratulations to Luke Hendricks and his team.

17:00 - Lets now hear from the victorious Liverpool manager Luke Hendricks.

Luke Hendricks:

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“I thought we were very deserving of the win and I couldn’t be happier with the lads performance. It feels great to have won the trophy, and we can’t forget that this is only because of the hard graft a lot of the younger and more fringe players put in earlier on in the competition. As much as I am pleased with this win, we know that we have some massive games coming up soon and there's very little time to celebrate. With our Europa League second knockout round game against Celtic on Thursday, we will have tonight to celebrate before focusing back on what is important, winning football games. We can properly celebrate come the end of the season and hopefully have a couple more trophies along with this one.”

17:30 - That is all we have time for today, thank you for joining our coverage of the 2023 League Cup Final.

Replies

Jack: Agreed, those games in hand are going to be vital in a possible title win or missing out. In regards to Fernandez, certainly not. He will be our modern day Peter Crouch I imagine.
James:Brewster was someone I was very excited to see when I (Luke) joined Liverpool, but he just hadn't got any chances and was on a contract that was expiring that summer. So 4.5mil seemed to be a good deal for someone who realistically was never making the squad.
Scott:I think Luke has shown he will be sticking to his principles, that may well let him down, but so far it has been working. Neves was certainly tempting, but not fitting the bargain mode Luke likes.
OneMoreGame:It was certainly the perfect response, with this league cup final win only helping that. As I said to James, the guy just hadn't got his chance and had barely developed. His contract was running out in the summer so rather cash in than lose on a free.

Congratulations to Liverpool. Memphis Depay scoring the winner in stoppage-time, it's like it was written in the stars for him to be the hero! I expect Luke will only be adding to his trophy haul this season. The Premier League could easily be one of the additions.

Good luck against Celtic. Perhaps a more straight-forward test than anticipated with no disrespect intended towards the Scottish champions.

So United spend a bollock load of money, only to still be shit... imagine my shock!? lol. It just had to be Memphis to score the goal, and he's changed the game like you'd expect a substitute to, so well done Memphis! It's always good to get some silverware secured, and you can now go into every other game knowing the lads have the mettle required to get the job done. I hope Celtic win Best of luck against Celtic, though I don't think you'll need it

It's sort of cheating really? Winning a cup against a team choosing to line up with Harry Maguire at the back. Still, congratulations to Hendricks and this great Liverpool side.

Following a quiet January transfer window for Liverpool, with just one signing in the way of Gwaeron Kassels, they knew the next few weeks were big. A League Cup final, as well as the future of the club coming through the youth sides in the annual intake.

This is Luke’s Liverpool


Erling Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm this season, scoring seventeen league goals in his twenty-five games. His form saw him named as February Player of the month, following a contract extension he signed at the start of the month.

“It’s a great feeling to win such an award. It means I have contributed enough to the team that we have won all of our games this month. We are still at the top of the league and that is an exciting place to be but we know we need to continue this form to win it. Everyone has been and remains focused on that and we know we have the quality to see it through.”

“I have signed for another two years, ontop of what I was already supposed to be here for. So that means I am here until 2027, another four years. I know a few clubs had been reportedly looking into signing me, but it was a no-brainer to commit to this club. We are very pleased with what we are achieving here and I am looking forward to hopefully playing a big part in the Champions League again next season.”

“This is a club with a lot of great history, and I am very happy to be a part of that. We have a lot of trophies we can win and that is what we are looking to do this season. The boss has made it clear to us that to go down in history here, you have to be a winner, and that is what we all want, to be winners.” said Erling Haaland.

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Liverpool did claim their first trophy of the year in February, with the 2023 League Cup being confirmed following a tough game against Manchester United. A Memphis Depay late winner secured the cup and saw Liverpool win the first possible trophy of the year.

But March was a major month for a number of reasons. Firstly, Liverpool played two of their top rivals for the title, Arsenal and Manchester City in back to back games. Whilst to start the month they faced a Europa League Second Knockout Round game against Celtic. March also saw the arrival of the latest intake players to Liverpool under 18s.

Liverpool 1 - 0 Celtic - Haaland (90+1’)

“Celtic made it tough for us today. We missed the penalty before halftime but they made it hard to break down and whenever we did have a chance, their keeper was in excellent form. Erling Haaland has been in ridiculous form this past few months, I believe it was seven goals in five league games. It seems as though he has continued that this month, with the last minute goal to win it. Not perfect, but we are through.” Luke Hendricks reported in his post-game press conference.

Liverpool 1 - 0 Arsenal - Haaland (87’)

“That could well be the biggest win of our season. That’s just their third loss since we beat them in the opening game of the season and it puts a gap between us and them. Again, it was Erling who saved the day for us and honestly we deserved more. Bernd Leno was in great form, I think it was fourteen saves today for him. It seems as though keepers really enjoy turning up against us, but we are a side who doesn’t like not winning, and that showed today.” said Luke.

Manchester City 1 - 1 Liverpool - Haaland (24’)

“They took the lead and we had to re-focus. It’s the first time we have gone behind since our loss to Chelsea in January and this time we were much better and didn’t collapse following the goal. We weren’t good enough to win, but you can certainly tell these tough schedules are having an affect on the players legs. We have another two games this month, West Brom in the league and then City again in the FA Cup, then we can have a slight rest for the first time since the world cup.” called Luke.

Following the Manchester City game, Liverpool won by four goals to nothing against West Brom, with Joe Gomez, Mohamed Salah and Alphonso Davies brace, to secure the win.

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Following the game, the latest arrivals of Liverpool's youth sides were announced.

“It’s become a tradition here. We announce the new group of intake players following the game before and then we take them to the next home game. A lot of these boys have been here since they were six,seven, eight, around that age group and to finally make it into the Under 18s is a massive achievement for them. So for that reason, we give them the good news and then they receive the ticket to the next home game. They go with the under 18s staff which allows that coaching group to get an early look at the players and to form an opinion, outside of the football, we feel that is important.”

“We are a big team, one of the biggest in the world, so for us we need to be selecting the best players possible to be coming through. It’s harsh to cut so many because they are nice lads, but we need the best. We understand that due to the limitations on who you can approach before they hit the Under 18s, with rules saying only within an hour of you, we can’t always be putting in a golden generation. That means we need to be ready to look away from the club too.”

“This season we have a couple of promising youngsters. But we also have our eye on a few very exciting prospects from other academies. The likes of Chris Rice, Graham White and Kieran Hikin are just a few of the players who we are now able to sign on a youth contract. They are all lads we have watched at points with them being on our radar for a while. In terms of those coming through our academy this year, the brightest prospect is likely Joe Partyn. A Welsh striker who could become a first team player one day.” explained Head of Youth Development, Alex Inglethorpe.


With a new set of Youth arrivals set at Liverpool and the league title slowly coming to an end, spirits are high at Luke’s Liverpool.

Replies

Scott:Depay scoring made the celebrations even sweeter in all honesty, especially since his time there wasn't exactly a success story. In terms of Celtic, it seemed straight forward, but they were very good in fairness. We struggled to break them down, but thankfully Haaland is incredible.
James:It's a great way to start building a team with a win at the first possible chance. Gives everyone that belief. Now it's Lukes job to not let everyone get ahead of themselves. Celtic came close in all fairness, but we were deserved winners.
Jack:True, I shouldn't really count this one against that 80M waste of space.