Youngsters secure a late victory
Liverpool U23s picked up three points at home to Manchester City, thanks to a stoppage time strike from Matty Virtue. The Reds fielded a line up which included five players who appeared on the first team bench on Sunday. Ben Woodburn bagged himself a brace to ensure the tie stood at 2-2 heading into stoppage time. Joe Gomez kept the home side in the game when he cleared off the line, just moments before the winner. Substitute Matty Virtue ended the thrilling encounter with a smartly taken side footed finish. The 3-2 victory closed the gap between the two sides as Liverpool remain in third position, now only two points behind City.
Sakho defends handshake ‘celebration’
Liverpool loanee caused controversy after performing an elaborate handshake with goalscorer, Christian Benteke. The former Liverpool striker equalised for Palace before making his way to the bench to celebrate with Sakho. The exchange angered Liverpool fans as they took it as a gesture of disrespect toward Jürgen Klopp, who banished the Frenchman from the squad, and the club as a whole.
Sakho has spoken out about the incident and defended himself by saying it was just an interaction between two friends. He said: “When Christian scored, I stayed seated as I didn’t want to celebrate by respect for the club to which I belong and the fans. But when he came over to me, I stood up and did what we always do as friends, our hand check.
“There was nothing behind it, nothing else to imply by it. Just two friends who are playing for the same team and who have the same goal, which is to get the three points at each game to make sure the team stays in the Premier League.”
Schalke transfer rumours put to bed
Schalke general manager, Christian Heidel has discussed the future of three of his players, saying that there has been no interest from Liverpool as of yet. Heidel, who worked with Klopp at Mainz, said that his good friend hasn’t spoken to him about the possibility of signing any players, mainly Sead Kolasinac, Leon Goretzka or Max Meyer. The future of Kolasinac has been widely discussed in recent times, but this latest news suggests that he is unlikely to be heading to Anfield in the summer.
Liverpool expectantly enter race for Bayern star
Reports are suggesting that Liverpool are interested in picking up out of favour winger, Douglas Costa. The Brazilian is unhappy with life at Bayern Munich after falling down the pecking order and could be available for £35 million. The Express are stating that this is a “shock move” but the 26-year-old would be an excellent addition to the squad.