Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Monday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Rodgers determined to thrive under pressure
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that his position as Liverpool manager could be under threat after his side slipped to yet another Premier League defeat, this time at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Rodgers, who is quoted by the Daily Mirror, saw his team slammed by club legend Jamie Carragher as being “mentally weak” and having “no leadership on the pitch” after the latest dire collapse.
The boss responded by saying: “I’m not arrogant enough to think that I will be in a job through anything. Any manager will tell you that you have to win games and you have to get results. You have to perform.”
Speculative reports link us with Jurgen Klopp
The Daily Express has responded to the speculation regarding Rodgers’ future, by linking Liverpool with a move for the Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp’s stock has risen after guiding Dortmund to the Bundesliga title in 2012 and the Champions League final a year later. However after a series of big-name departures, the German side have struggled for form this season leading to suggestions Klopp could seek a new challenge.
And last week he issued a come and get me plea: “I think England is the only country I think where I should work. If somebody will call me, then we will talk about it.”
Mauro Icardi interesting Liverpool?
The same paper tips Liverpool to make a move for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi in the summer. Icardi has impressed at the San Siro this term, notching seven goals in 12 appearances having rejected advances to stay with the club.
But it is claimed new boss Roberto Mancini is keen to cash in on the striker to strengthen his squad elsewhere, putting the Reds and Chelsea on high alert. Any deal for Icardi is likely to cost upward of £20million with the 21-year-old already drawing similarities with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lucas again linked with Napoli
One of the standard Liverpool rumours has been recycled yet again. It looks as if Brazilian midfielder Lucas could be off to Napoli – with the Daily Star this time making the link.
The midfielder was tipped to join the Serie A side last summer but a bid failed to materialise as he remained at Anfield. Napoli boss Rafael Benitez – who brought Lucas to England – remains a huge fan and his agent has hinted a switch could happen in January.
Henrique Coelho is quoted as saying: “Is it possible for Lucas Leiva to leave Liverpool in January? Yes, naturally. Lucas really likes Benitez. After all, the two know each other well.”
Phil Neville on the Reds’ unrealistic targets
Ex-Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville claims Liverpool set realistic targets at the start of the season – although don’t expect his words to be taken all that well considering his connections.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “There were unrealistic targets set for Liverpool this season, especially with Luis Suarez leaving the club. Without him (Suarez) last season they would have finished seventh at the end of the day.
“And now without him they are around about where they have been for the four seasons prior to last when they were second. Liverpool have consistently finished in the Europa League positions and when I look at their squad now that’s where I think they’ll finish.
“I still think he (Rodgers) is the right man for the job though and should be given more time, but understandably at the moment he is under pressure.”