Champions League Quarter Finals - WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

UEFA Champions League. The elite competition of European football. The pinnacle of continental competition. Time and time again we see incredible stories play out and this year's most recent batch of games might just have topped the lot. When the draw was made, we knew it had the potential to be special. The two remaining English sides, Liverpool and Manchester City to face off in a whole new Battle of Britain. A replay of last year's final, Real Madrid took on Juventus. And in the two more one sided ties (We'll get into that later) Roma and Sevilla challenged Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively. 

So what exactly was so special? Well...

LIVERPOOL 5-1 Manchester City. 

Well if you've been living under a rock for the last week, you might have missed the English champions elect bottling the biggest week in their history. Starting with a lesson in intimidation from Liverpool at Anfield in their quarter final first leg. 

From before the Citizens had even stepped inside Anfield, the Liverpool fans were making their lives hell. Now I can not condone what the fans flanking Anfield Road did, launching bottles and everything else at their opponents team bus. But it worked. The damage on route translated to a damaged and fragmented performance on the pitch, but the credit has to go to Liverpool - and Jurgen Klopp. As managers go, no one has a record against Pep Guardiola that compares to Klopp's. Three wins from four games this season speaks wonders for the German's ability to outsmart the Spanish coach. 

Now onto the match. From the first whistle City actually dominated possession so nothing out of the ordinary just yet. It was when given the chance to stretch the away side's defence that Liverpool changed through the gears. Who else but Mo Salah would you back to score the biggest of goals in the biggest of games for Liverpool. When Bobby Firmino's effort was turned away from Ederson, Salah reacted faster then anyone else. Before having the composure to fire into the net under pressure from back peddling City defenders. 1-0. One turned into two just eight minutes later when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fired in a rocket from 25 yards into the goal at the Kop end. He LOVES a goal against City. Pep's men were shaken. Struggling to string two passes together, Ox's goal came from them being disposed in a poor position. Lighting would strike twice as Liverpool's heavy pressing again forced City into a mistake, again allowing Salah to break. His initial shot was blocked, but what followed was a beautifully weighted ball onto Sadio Mane's head at the back post. 3-0 on the night. City blown away after a half hour. 

That was how the game would end. Pep's men seemed fresh out of ideas. A solid Liverpool defence sat back throughout the second half, not allowing a single shot on target. Karius having one of the more quiet night of his Liverpool career. Going into the second leg, City needed a miracle.

Liverpool's arrival in Manchester was quite the contrast to their opponents the week before. City needed quite the contrast in performances to progress. Despite the 3-0 defeat in the first leg, a poll on BT Sport found over 40% of people still backed the Premier League leaders to overcome the odds. Two minutes in you could see why, Raheem Sterling pouncing on a mistake to slide in Gabriel Jesus to score an incredibly early opener. Game on. After an early wobble Liverpool were pinned back through out the first half, Bernardo Silva rattling the post with a deflected effort. Leroy Sane had the ball in the net on the stroke of half time, but was chalked off for offside - wrongfully, with Liverpool's James Milner getting the final touch before Sane poked in. 

Protest at half time saw Pep sent to the stands, and it was the beginning of the downfall for his side. Again despite dominating possession in the second half, much like in the first leg Liverpool punished on the counter attack. Mo Salah sliding the ball into the on running Sadio Mane who did brilliantly well to ride the challenge before going down in the box. Not one to take any chances, it was that man again Mo Salah who was on hand to round Ederson and produce the most beautiful chip over a man on the line and into an empty net. An away goal, an equaliser on the night, 4-1 on aggregate. Former captain Steven Gerrard described it best on the BT Sport studio. 

"Game over."

But not before Liverpool's number nine could get in on the act. You'd think defenders would learn not to be sloppy with the ball at the back when Liverpool come to town. But Otamendi, who was at fault for Liverpool's third at Anfield was disposed by Firmino just to the right of his penalty area. It was as easy as strolling up to the goal and slotting past countryman Ederson for Bobby to seal not only the tie, but the win on the night. Handing City their third defeat on the bounce, two of which at the hands of Liverpool. Next came the final whistle, a nightmare week for the home side, jubilation for the visitors. Another failure in Europe without Lionel Messi for Pep. An upset in the 2018 Champions League quarter finals, the first but not the last. 

Barcelona 4-4 ROMA (Roma progress on away goals.)

Now I made predictions for the quarter finals the day of the draw in March (feel free to check out the article on this blog.) And after the first leg, Barcelona leading 4-1 against Roma, I felt as if my prediction for this tie was safe. Well... 

Barcelona came into this quarter final with potentially the kindest draw (oops) and have failed to progress past this stage in each of the last two Champions League campaigns (oops.) Despite what looks like a very dominant scoreline, Barcelona failed to really impress at the Nou Camp. Their dominance in La Liga has given many fans a false sense of security as to just how good the Catalan's are, and the scoreline from the first leg does the same thing. Two incredibly unlucky own goals on Roma's part, from captain De Rossi and Kostas Manolas (We'll get back to them) and Barca lead by two. A very well taken Gerard Pique goal was capped off with Luis Suarez finally ending his draught in the competition this year with a fourth - but not before Dzeko struck. Edin Dzeko clawed an away goal back for his side in the 80th minutes, giving them something to fight for in Rome. 

As mentioned, despite the scoreline Barcelona did not blow Roma away. What's worse for the Spanish giants is their opponents knew this. You could see at full time they felt hard done by in Spain, and went into the second leg knowing they have the quality to give almighty Barcelona a run for their money. But much like Manchester City on the same night, the Italian's needed a miracle. 

For years now the slick passing Barcelona have been criticised for being sloppy at the back. This season a league high defensive record has put that claim to rest. But Roma brought it right back up. Gerard Pique, FIFA World Cup winner was bullied by Edin Dzeko. After six minutes the Bosnian ran onto a loose ball, holding of the Spaniard and slotted home the first of three goals Roma needed to progress. Rome's Olympic Stadium was rocking. Much of the first half played out exactly the same as the game taking place in Manchester. The home side, needed a big win, struck early - but failed to add to it. Then however, came the second half. Again Dzeko bullying the Barca defence, strolling into the box before being brought down for a penalty. Captain and eldest statesman Daniele De Rossi, the man who's own goal but them on the back foot in Spain a week before, stepped up. And fired it into the bottom right hand corner with some venom, 2-0 Roma. One goal needed and one man left to make up for his own goal, step up Kostas Manolas. 

"The Greek god!"

The words that will go down in commentary history. As a corner from the right hand side was whipped into the near post, Roma's big centre back flicked the ball delicately towards and into the side netting of the far post. Ter Stagen stranded, Roma jubilant, Italy's capital ecstatic. And that was it, one of the greatest comebacks in the competitions history. Perhaps the biggest upset of the last decade. Roma may have ruined my predictions, but I'll let them off. 

Sevilla 1-2 BAYERN MUNICH.

Much like Barcelona vs Roma, when this tie was drawn there appeared to be a very clear favourite. Bayern Munich have made a habit of turning it on as the games start to mean more and more, showing that in the round of 16. Despite this, Sevilla are no pushovers. Going to Manchester and beating United in the last round, they were already in the middle of their best every performance in the Champions League. And welcomed the German champions to Spain in the first leg. 

Bayern as expected had the better of the possession, but didn't do anything with it in the early stages of the first leg - Sevilla standing strong. After the half hour a good night for the hosts became great, as Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring and sent the home fans to cloud nine. Pouncing on a rare defensive error from the Germans. But all this goal did was wake the beast, and Bayern started to play with much more purpose. Only minutes later a fast paced attack from the away side saw a dangerous ball in by Frank Ribery turned into his own net by Jesus Navas. Just creeping in at the near post to level the game up once again, sucking the life from the fans.

The second half saw Bayern playing what could easily be seen as a training game. Clearly the better side, but not really playing in top gear. However it took 20 minutes of the second half for Sevilla to switch off, Ribery again involved, his cross to the back post met by Thiago. A slight deflection and the ball bounced into the net. Two away goals on the night for the Germans a victory and one foot in the semi-finals. 

A decent first leg in Spain was followed by the one game out of eight in the quarter finals that failed to entertain. 

Sevilla had something to fight for in Munich, but failed to register a single shot on target. Bayern never really had to get out of first gear, still looking far superior in a game they didn't have to win. With their domestic league title already secured, a cup final to play and now a Champions League semi-final place. The treble is on.

There is always one tie that lets the rest down, and this is that tie. Not to say it was a bad tie, far from it. Bayern were their usual clinical self, Sevilla gave it all they had in their most successful ever Champions League campaign. It just isn't quite up their with the three other quarter finals. Don't worry. I've left the best till last. 

Juventus 3-4 REAL MADRID 

In a replay of last years final, champions of their respective leagues met off in a clash of the titans. All hell broke loose, I can't think of a more appropriate way to explain it. Allegri's Juve coming off the back an impressive tactical display against Spurs, Real Madrid strolling past heavily fancied PSG despite their domestic troubles. 

In Turin the man who will have haunted Buffon's nightmares after his brace in last years final struck again. Cristiano Ronaldo of course - believe it or not he comes up quite a bit over the two games. Sweeping in the opener, a key away goal just three minutes in as the experienced Juventus back line crumbled. Wave after wave of blue shirts, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Madrid who were the home side, if it wasn't for the boisterous Juventus fans. Kroos rattled the bar with what would have been a stunning strike, but as the half went on Juve came more and more into the game. Forcing Navas into a handful of fine saves towards the end of the first 45. However the away side had a 1-0 lead going into the break - up steps CR7. 

He tormented Juve's back line from the start of the second half, and it was only a matter of time before he struck again. But, no one could have seen this coming. The Portuguese record scorer latched onto a defensive mistake before laying the ball back to Lucas, his shot batted away from Buffon. Dani Carvajal picked up the loose ball left of the goal and floated it back into the Juventus area when Cristiano Ronaldo - running away from goal, launched himself into the air, his right boot easily seven feet from the ground. Before connecting with the most perfect overhead kick, back into Buffon's bottom left corner. An hour played and Ronaldo had torn apart the Italian champions almost on his own. 

"The greatest marksman in the history of the Champions League." 

A poll on BT Sports voted Ronaldo's strike as the second best in Champions League history, behind his manager's (Zidane) sublime volley in the 2002 Champions League final. But Madrid weren't done yet. Left back Marcelo, a key figure in Los Blanco for the last decade, added the third and final goal of a 3-0 thumping. 

If Juventus were to overcome the odds and progress, they'd have to do it without the talents of Paulo Dybala who was sent off in Turin for a high footed challenge on Carvajal. The second leg in Madrid came 24 hours after Roma's incredible comeback against Barcelona by the same margin, so it was possible. 

But much like Ronaldo's stunner in Turin, no one could have expected what the second leg would bring. The Galacticos. Los Blancos. 12 time European Champions. They wouldn't let a three goal advantage slip at home would they? 

Just like Madrid struck early in Turin, Juventus fired right back at the Bernabeu. Douglas Costa floating a lovely ball into the back post for Mario Mandzukic to head in to give the away side the lead, the first of the three goals they needed. Juventus pressed high and fast, Real Madrid looked out of ideas and flustered. Half an hour played another ball into the back post, another Mandzukic header, same result. Navas got a hand to this one but not enough to keep it out as Juventus had exploited a poor start by the holders and scored twice. When the half time whistle blew Real Madrid looked a shadow of themselves from a week prior, and more like the side which are 4th in La Liga. 

You can not afford to make mistakes in this competition, especially this far into the competition. The talk of Madrid targeting David De Gea will certainly be back after this game, when Navas handed Juventus a third goal to equalise the tie. Spilling a simple cross into the path of Blaise Matuidi, who was excellent on the night. The Frenchman tapped in, as it stood, extra time was calling. Zinadine Zidane has to win the Champions League to keep his job. 100%. This season the legendary midfielder has been found out tactically, and Allergi had him all ends up in the Bernabeu. Juventus, knowing another goal would make Madrid's night even harder, pushed on further. Testing the home defence, which started to hold firm. As time ticked on it became very apparent at Juve's desire to break up play. Six yellow cards on the night for what can only be described as identical incidents. Jabs at the ankles of the players in white, it wasn't pretty, but it was effective and clearly put onto them by the manager. 

I have personally called out Zidane on this blog for relying on his players to do the magic and offering very little in a solution when backs are against the wall. And as play ticked on, this appeared to be biting Zidane's men. Cristiano Ronaldo had been very quiet for 90 minutes. But it had to be him didn't it!

Toni Kroos floated the ball up to the back post, Ronaldo's incredible leaping ability allowed him to somehow get the ball back across goal were Lucas was brought down from behind by Benatia. Penalty to Real Madrid in the 93rd minute. The protest commenced. Leading those protests was Gianluigi Buffon, who had lost his head. Sprinting towards the referee, thinking the Englishman had potentially cost him his last every Champions League game (Buffon is said to be retiring at the end of the season.) However it was the reaction of the Italian that cost him, when Michael Oliver produced a red card for Buffon. Meaning even if back up stopper Wojciech Szczesny was to produce the save and the Old Lady went on to win, the great Italian would have been suspended for both legs of the semi final. A cruel moment of Irony, Buffon sent off in his last Champions League match against Zidane's side, mirroring Zidane being dismissed in his last match as a professional against Buffon's Italy. 

The protest and subsequent commotion saw the clock tick over to the 98th minute by the time Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to face Szczesny. A goal would send Juventus packing, anything else and the tie goes into extra time. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, and what must have felt like an eternity passing between the award of the penalty and the whistle being blown to take it. Many would collapse under the pressure. By this isn't just any ordinary player. Not only did Ronaldo put away the penalty, he riffled it into the top right hand corner with virtually the last kick of the tie. He was never going to miss, just like he was never going to keep his jersey on. The famous white shirt pulled off as he posed in the corner of the pitch as 80,000 Madrid fans lost their minds. No words can put the 98 minutes of football in Madrid into perspective, it was just incredible viewing. 

That is it. We have out Champions League semi-finalists for 2018. In a rare occurrence there is a representative from each of Europe's top four league left in the running. Liverpool from England, Roma from Italy, Bayern Munich from Germany, and finally Real Madrid from Spain. Roma being the biggest underdogs of the round, after overturning their 4-1 defeat in the first leg to giants Barca - with one of Euorpe's most famous comebacks. Liverpool rocked English football by comfortably dispatching of the soon to be champions. Bayern did as expected in overcoming Sevilla. And finally, in typical dramatic style. Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Real Madrid to overcome a resilient Juventus side to reach their record breaking eighth consecutive Champions League semi-final. 

Onto the draw on Friday 13th April. 

Liverpool 2-2 Spurs - WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

A game of two halves, two screamers, and two hugely contentious decisions. When Mo Salah jinked his way through two challenges inside the Tottenham penalty area and poked the ball over Lloris the game looked won. Before, following a knock down from a long throw into the box, Lamela threw himself down following a Van Dijk challenge. Referee Jon Moss waved it off, very confidently. Before the linesman rose his flag, calling for a penalty. Moss changed his decision, awarded the Penalty, and Harry Kane stuck away his second penalty to snatch a point.

Before going into the decisions, let's look at game that preceded them.

The game couldn't have gotten off to a better start for Liverpool. After a long ball forward by Karius, the ball bounced around the Tottenham defence. Eric Dier tried to play a pass back to his goal keeper, and paid the price. Top scorer Mo Salah latched onto the pass, racing through, before squaring up Lloris and calming slotting it into the bottom corner. 1-0 to the home side.

Anfield's crowd was in full voice for this encounter, and were nearly rewarded with a second goal after a James Milner shot was deflected, looped over the French goal keeper but just wide of the mark. Moments later a brilliant Alexander-Arnold cross found it's way onto Firmino's head, but he arrived on the scene a fraction too late and failed to gain the right contact.

 A few feisty tackles started to fly in down Liverpool's right. First from Ben Davies on Trent AA, which saw no decision given. And later in the half a flying Alexander-Arnold caught Davies in a very similar way, but was given a yellow card. The home crown started to get on the referee's back, Jon Moss, who infamously sent of Sadio Mane away at Manchester City earlier in the season.

The rest of the half went by without incident. A long range shot from Dembele forced a decent save from Karius; holding onto the shot down to his right. A late flag from the linesman could have lead to serious injury for both Lloris and Firmino, but the Brazilian brushed it off. At the break is was the home side ahead, and increasing their lead over Spurs in the table to five points.

Into the second half and Spurs came flying out of the blocks, and to the credit of the heavily criticised Liverpool defence, they looked organised, drilled and focused. A factor that has been overlooked by the main stream coverage of this match *SKY* was Virgil Van Dijk's leadership. You can hear him a mile away. His presence makes as big an impact on the Liverpool back line as his defensive qualities do. Even Karius heeded the screams from the big Dutchman, charging off of his line at a call to deny Son Heung-min at close range.

As Spurs dominated possession, Liverpool attempted to play on the break. Salah bursting away down the right, with an overlap on both sides to choose from. But a poorly laid pass lead to the attack breaking down, the best chance Liverpool had for the majority of the second half. The constant pressure from the North London side lead to a chance as Dele Ali broke into the area, before going down and being booked for diving. Drawing cheers from the Liverpool fans in the Kop, who had felt hard done by so far by the officials.

Then came goal of the season contender, number one. A ball was played in from Tottenham's left, attacking the Kop end. Karius met the cross, punching 30 yards from his goal. Before Victor Wanyama ran onto the loose ball and struck the most venomous of shots. Striking across the ball, causing it to start outside the post, and fly into the top corner. After the game Harry Kane joked that Wanyama's team mates had asked him to stop shooting from range. I'm sure those voices will have been silenced. Unstoppable springs to mind. A very much deserved equaliser for the away side, 1-1.

Spurs were bossing the ball, and any attempt at an attack from Liverpool was snubbed out by the Lilywhite's back line. Jan Vertonghen in particular who was sublime (again a performance ignored by mainstream coverage of the match.) What followed was talking point number one. Dele Ali won the ball in midfield and played a ball through to Harry Kane. The pass was under hit and made it's way to Dejan Lovren, when a bobble took the ball over the swinging foot of the Croatian to Harry Kane. Who latched onto the loose ball, rounded Karius and went down. Penalty. Upon second viewing you can see Harry Kane is a yard offside when the ball is played, and the contact from Karius is minimal. Now I am under the impression that the ball must actually be played by an opposition player, for an attacking player in an offside position to become active in the game again. Lovren did not play the ball. And once Kane rounds Karius, the 6ft2 English striker starts to go to ground way before any 'contact' is even made. Once the sleeves of the goal keepers jersey touches Kane's boot he goes down. The argument here is that any contact, no matter how slight, will knock a player running at full flight off balance. Kane was not at full flight. He has accelerated from 6 yards away, taking roughly five steps, before taking the touch around the goal keeper. I can see why the offside was not given, but Kane 100% dived.

All of the previous argument counts for nothing however. When Harry Kane stepped up, and hit the ball straight down the middle. Only for Liverpool's number one to call his bluff, and bat the ball away. It takes huge, to quote Tory Deeney, 'cajones' to stay in your spot when facing a penalty from the in form striker in the world. The games stays at 1-1.

The next ten minutes went by in a flash until the fourth official announced four added minutes. The penalty save had shot life back into the home side in their push for a winner. Enter, the Egyptian King. Goal of the season contender number two. Salah charged down the right before attempting a cross which cannoned back off of Dele Ali, a potential hand ball. Instead of standing around the league's second highest scorer recovered the ball. Showed great strength to hold off a challenge from Ben Davies; showed power to push off of his right foot, cutting past Vertonghen before having great composure to lift the ball past Lloris into the roof of the net. Anfield erupted and the game appeared won in the 92nd minute. 2-1.

Jurgen Klopp's trademark spring down the line in the bag, Spurs had one final throw of the dice. A long throw in from the right which was challenged for my Llorente and Van Dijk. Neither man got a real purchase on the ball as it dropped to the Dutch centre back. Facing the Kop end he swung to strike it clear. Before Eric Lamala charged in to challenge and went down holding his calf. Referee Jon Moss, who had what appeared to be a clear view, waved it off confidently and Liverpool cleared as the four minutes of added time ticked to a finish. This is when we reached, talking point number two.

The linesman flagged, the same linesman who Moss consulted and went against for the first penalty, swayed the mind of the man in the middle for the second. The view of the linesman was, not only obstructed by Liverpool full back Roberton, but also no greater then that of the referee. Now there is contact between Van Dijk and Lamela, but Jon Moss has 100% bottled the biggest decision of the game. The referee's thought process seems to be, initially, that contact was minimal and Lamela has played for the penalty, which is accurate. So what baffles me is his decision to allow the linesman to over ride the call. From viewing the foul over, you can see the Argentine winger throwing himself into the tackle and to the floor before he is in the vicinity of Virgil Van Dijk. He doesn't con the referee, but he does the linesman (who did also miss Lamela was offside from the initial knock down.)

Despite the cries from the Liverpool players Harry Kane had a second opportunity from the spot, and a second opportunity to join the 100 club for Premier League goals. No mistake second time round. Sticking it in the bottom right hand corner, equalising with the last kick of the game. 2-2.

Man of the match - Mo Salah.

What a game. What an advert for English football. What a goal scorer in Harry Kane. These are what you'll hear coming from the mouths of most pundits following the game. Despite Harry Kane barely having a sniff all night, he was given an extended interview on Sky Sports. Despite brilliant defensive displays by both Van Dijk and Vertonghen they were barely mentioned. A controversial end once again, over shadowed a brilliant game of football. Salah's second goal, which was describes as being a goal only Lionel Messi could score, was shown once on Sky in the analysis of the game. Where as the penalty decisions we're shown over and over again.

Where as I'm fuming with the coverage and analysis, Liverpool fans are fuming at the officials, claiming they cost the red men two huge points. Jurgen Klopp seems to be of the same opinion. certain that the first penalty was offside, and the second the referee was wrong to allow his decision to be overruled. Despite this the German manager was very complimentary of Spurs who came to Anfield and tried to play their game. A sublime game of football between two of the best sides in the country, battling for a place in the Champions League next season. Overshadowed by the officials and this countries idea that Harry Kane is the best thing since sliced bread.

How on earth do you spend £147 million?

So... Barcelona finally got their man. £147 million is what it took for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp to finally let go of their number 10. The 'little magician' Philipe Coutinho. Now the Merseyside club find themselves with a huge transfer kitty but without their best player.


However, the month is still young. With 24 days left until the transfer window slams shut, Liverpool have to act fast. But simply, how do you spend £147 million in just over three weeks?


Step one - Thomas Lemar.


Despite a deceivingly average first half of the season, the French midfielder has bags of ability. And he contains plenty of the same traits as the man he would be replacing. Excellent on the ball, with a technical prowess unmatched by his team mates at Monaco, it's easy to see why Klopp has been so keen to get him in. A brilliant eye for a pass, as well as a keen ability to shot from range, Lemar is Coutinho if the Brazilian was French. One more plus point is the Frenchman's ability from dead ball situations, a trait of Coutinho's that will perhaps be missed the most. So the addition of Monaco's number 27 could go a long way to filling the hole at Anfield.

Reports are coming out now saying that the club WON'T try to sign Lemar in January. This appears to be down to Monaco's insistence that they will not sell. However, that doesn't rule out a pre contract agreement. £70 million and a sell on clause could persuade Monaco to let him sign for Liverpool on July 1st.


 Persistence is key in this market to get the man you want. Much like Barcelona's constant attempts to sign Coutinho, Liverpool should employ similar tactics to bring in Lemar.


 £147 million - £70 million = £77 million remaining.


 Step two - A NEW number one.


 Simon Miglonet and Loris Karius. Both keeper had shown signs of greatness before signing for LFC. And both keepers appear to have lost it almost instantly. It's time for change between the sticks and  anyone involved with the club can clearly see, if there is one position Liverpool can't compete with the other top 6 teams in. It's in goal.


 So where, and more accurately, who is the money invested in next?

 Roma's Alisson and Atleti's Oblack both are rumoured to be targets. Now if LFC stuck the whole £77 million left from the sale of Coutinho on Oblack, it MIGHT be enough for Atleti to sell. I haven't seen enough of Alisson to compare him to Oblack, but he looks far and away better then what Klopp currently has at his disposal. And much like Ederson to city, could be a wise investment. Around 30 million seems like a sensible price as that is the current record signing fee for a goal keeper (Ederson from Benfica to Man City in the sumer of 2017.)


 Also reports that Mignolet could be used as part of a swap? The addition of the Belgian keeper to the deal would see the asking price fall and get a big wage bill off of the books. Let's say then the club pay £25 million + Mignolet for Alisson.


 £77 million - £25 million (And Mignolet) = £52 million remaining.


 Step three - Van Dijk's centre back partner.


 With £52 million left after the signings of Lemar and Alisson, you could argue the remaining money could be invested in two or three players to help boost the squad. And to this point I say. Liverpool need another centre back. VVD looked completely comfortable and at ease during his debut against Everton in the FA Cup. But, frighteningly better then his partner, Joel Matip. Now the likes of Matip, Klavan or Lovren would make for suitable rotation players, but no more then that. If Klopp is to take his team to the places he sees, Van Dijk needs a partner up to his standards.

Now this is tricky, as over the last six months the only defender talked about joining Liverpool was VVD, with other names and rumours being turned aside almost instantly. Klopp set on getting his man and refusing a plan b. However one name sticks on the head. Koulibaly.


 Napoli (in the summer) were reportedly looking to offload the defender, for a fee of around £57 million. Now while they challenge for the title in Italy, I imagine they would not be looking to sell Mane's international team mate. And i'm sure, with January very much being a sellers market, Napoli would be in no rush to change their minds again. However though. Much like Mignolet being part of the deal to bring Alisson to the club, maybe Klopp could persuade Napoli with a name. Dejan Lovren. Dejan. With the signing of a new centre back, in the eyes of most at least, would fall to AT LEAST fifth choice centre back. Behind the likes of VVD, Matip, Klavan and of course the new addition, in this case, Koulibaly. And this is without taking into consideration the rapid improvement of youngster Joe Gomez, which, by the summer, could see Lovren as Klopp's sixth choice.


 An offer of £45 - £50 million for Koulibaly, with Lovren added for good measure, could be enough to tempt Napoli into selling.


 £52 million - £50 million (And Lovren) = £2 million remaining.


 That does actually leaves £2 million, which we'll just say FSG can keep. So for the £147 million the club will make for Coutinho, Klopp gets: his first choice replacement in Lamar; a potentially world class keeper in Alisson; and solid partner for VVD in Koulibaly.


As well as two big wages bills off of the books in Mignolet and Dejan and FSG still turn a profit. Then January ends, February begins and the club push on. Right now, Liverpool are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League next season, a competition they are still in this time around, facing FC Porto in the round of 16. Klopp's side are also still within a shot of winning the FA Cup, Liverpool being one of the favourites at this stage.


 And then, just like that, the season ends. The world cup happens over the summer, and then it all starts over again. But in this scenario, Klopp has HIS team, a side he has built, and a side he will mould to go on and do great things.


 (Or they'll just blow the whole £147 million on Southampton players like Liverpool did with the Suarez money!)

Heavy Metal Football - What needs to change with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool?

This is a disclaimer before I get too ahead of myself. Jurgen Klopp is one of the world's best managers in my opinion, and I feel his football philosophy will guide Liverpool Football Club to great things in the future. This is in no way me stating that Klopp has failed in his first 12 months as Liverpool manager, it is also not a call for his head. With two cup finals, one semi final and currently in the race for the Premier League title, Liverpool have came on leaps and bounds since his appointment in October 2015. However with no silverware to show for his time in charge just how far has Jurgen's Liverpool actually came and what is left to do before we can start realistically talking about a Liverpool title challenge?

Heavy metal football. The phrase used to describe the German manager's style of play, an incredibly fast paced, high intensity game which when done effectively can force the opposition into submission. Just look at performances against the likes of current league leaders Chelsea at Stanford Bridge and the champions Leicester City at Anfield earlier in the season. Last season Klopp's new brand of football was also showing results, a crushing victory against Manchester City at The Etihad and the Europa League semi-final victory against Villarreal were perhaps some of the best by any English side in any competition. But inconsistency has plagued Liverpool during Klopp's era, much like it did during the previous regime under Brendan Rodgers. Defeats against the likes of Swansea, Burnley and the recent EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton more than demonstrate the clubs inability to produce the performances required of them week in, week out. The side built by the Northern Irishman is still strongly represented in the current team and this is where I feel the problem lies.

On the 25th January 2017, Southampton turned over Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, to progress to the EFL Cup final at Wembley, just two weeks after beating them by the same result at St Mary's. These two loses came during the worst run of the season so far for the reds, which has seen then pick up just one win in the last seven games. That win being against league two side Plymouth Argyle in an FA Cup 3rd round reply after failing to score at Anfield, drawing 0-0 despite being over 60 places between the teams in the football league. This recent run of bad form has seen Jurgen Klopp's team fall from 2nd in the Premier  League and battling for the title to 4th place and only hanging onto a Champions League place by a thread. Also an almost expected date at Wembley for the EFL cup final has slipped through the clubs fingers despite them being huge favourites in their Semi-final against Southampton. One win in seven in not title winning form, or even challenging form and it could have cost Liverpool the chance to really make the 2016-17 season one to remember, but what has gone wrong? Sadio Mane's departure for the African Cup Of Nations directly correlates with the start of this poor run of form. Now i'm not saying was the only reason for Liverpool's success was the form of the Senegalese international, but more what the winger represents. Mane is the soul attacking player signed by Jurgen Klopp, and therefore the one attacking player signed under the ideology of  'heavy metal football'. The rest of the Red's front line, Roberto Firmino, Philipe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in particular, despite all being more then capable of fitting the German's system, where all signed by Brendan Rodgers and signed simply to fit his style of play, a much more slow based passing game based around dominating possession of the ball. These three players have been stand out performers for Liverpool this season, but without Mane neither of them have been able to carry the side over the last seven games due to again, neither of them fitting the style of 'heavy metal football'. Technically, Liverpool have one of the best front lines in the country, but without Mane running tirelessly to track the ball down and create goals Klopp's Liverpool have looked worn out and out of ideas.

After twelve months in charge and three transfer windows there is really no excuse for Mane being the one player signed by the German capable of playing football the way he wants. With the Dutchman Gini Wijnaldum being the only other non defender signed by Klopp to have appeared this season, the squad at the former Dortmund manager's disposal is extremely thin and a large percentage of the players available to him are either unproven teenagers or players signed during the reign of Rodgers which Klopp does not feel would suit his system. The likes of Emre Can who, despite finding his way into the team more in recent weeks, Jurgen Klopp does not seem to fully back Can to make the team work the way he wants. In the EFL cup semi-final against Southampton, centre back Joel Matip was the only starting outfield player signed during Klopp's time in charge with the rest being signed by Brendan Rodgers or a manager before to fit an almost opposite style of football.

If history has told us nothing else, it has told us that for a completely different style of play to work for a team, usually additions must be made to make the system fit. An example being Pep's current Manchester City team, his 'Tiki Taka' style of play was forced upon City and despite early success, without additions made to fit the style (Claudio Bravo has been a disaster) the Spaniard's side are now struggling domestically to earn even a top four place. Proof of how additions can make a change in style work can be seen with Premier League champions Leicester City. Claudio Ranieri wanted to play a counter attacking style of football, so he signed French midfielder Kante to sit in front of the back four, break up opposition attacks and launch counter attacks. These tactics lead to the most incredible Premier League season in recent memory with the surprise winners shocking world football. But since Kante's sale to Chelsea the champions have struggled significantly showing just how important he was in winning them the title.

Last season, despite Klopp taking over, Liverpool struggled domestically and finished outside of any European places. He was let off with the excuse 'it's still Rodger's team' but since then nothing has changed, and despite a few additions including Sadio Mane and Joel Matip, you could argue it is still a similar team built by Brendan Rodgers but with a new set of ideas which despite proving to be much more effective when done correctly, the current side appears to struggle to maintain Klopp's style for as long as is required to truly challenge at the top of the table. I'm not saying the failure to sign players which fit the mould of 'heavy metal football' is entirely the German's fault, i'm sure if he was given the money and the opportunity by the board Jurgen Klopp would have brought in the necessary signings to both fit his team and provide back up when needed but he is not completely absent of blame. Jurgen has been un-moving in his support of his team and he should be, but even if he doesn't openly admit it, he hopefully sees that his team needs a lot of work and that has never been as evident as it is right now.

Heavy metal football. The style implemented by Jurgen Klopp with the hope of leading Liverpool back to where they were, at the top of world football. As 2016 drew to a close it seemed as if a winning formula had been found and the newest Liverpool manager's methods were sure to lead them to success. However the loss of Mane to the ACON and the failure to recruit reinforcements has perhaps seen Liverpool's season end before it had even really begun. I believe in the coming years this high intensity football will lead to great success for the five -time champions of Europe, hopefully the curse of modern day football managers won't cause Jurgen's time with Liverpool to end before he can achieve what we all know he is capable of.

Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund - What Just happened?

European nights at Anfield are some of the greatest moment in the history of Liverpool Football Club. The late Steven Gerrard strike against Olympiacos which kept the reds on the way to Istanbul, Luis Garcia's 'ghost goal' against Chelsea in the Semi - Finals of the same competition, Emile Heskey's bullet header against Roma in 2002 to secure the 2-0 needed to see his side through to the next round. Steven Gerrard keeping his cool to slot in a late penalty against Arsenal in the 2008 Champions League Quarter Finals, followed by a late Ryan Babel goal to seal the game, rolling over the most successful side in the elite European competition, Real Madrid, 4-0 in 2009. You can go as far back as 1977, where a win against Saint Etienne kept Liverpool on the road to their first European Cup, but last night another famous European night was written into the record books. 

In recent years the UEFA Europa league has been seen as a competition to avoid, it simply doesn't have the same attraction of its older brother, the UEFA Champions League. However, this season the Europa League has undergone a resurrection! With sides such as Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Seville and of course Liverpool in the knock out stages, the draw of the competition for the fans was par with the Champions league. The first competitive European meeting between two of footballs biggest clubs, in rivals Liverpool and Manchester United the tournament was creating history! A 3-1 aggregate win for the Merseyside club saw Liverpool progress, and another dream game was thrown up for the Quarter Finals with German side Borussia Dortmund, who had easily dispatched of Spurs in the round of 16, being drawn to face Liverpool. Not only was it a meeting of two of Europe's biggest sides, but the newest Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was set to take on the club he managed to consecutive Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final! 

Dortmund where seen as the favorites to win the competition, so inevitably they came into the first leg at the famous Signal Iduna Park as favorites. So when Belgian striker Divock Origi scored the opener, the under dogs had a unexpected advantage. Mats Hummels bullet header in the second half tied the first leg up and thats how it finished, 1-1, Liverpool would take an away goal advantage back to Anfield, but that is where things got... unbelievable! 

In Germany, Liverpool's center back pairing of Mamadou Sahko and Dejan Lovren had managed to keep Dortmund's attack under wraps, but within 10 minutes of last nights game they showed their class, with a fifth minute goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan silencing the Kop, and a ninth minute goal from Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang wipping out all of the good work done in the first leg by Klopp's side. Liverpool tried to fight back but the attacking power of the German's was just too much, and Marco Reus was running rampant, nearly creating a third goal just past the half hour. As the half time whistle went, Dortmund looked like they could have gone on to score more in the second half, Jurgen Klopp had the task of his career to motivate his side at half time And he did just that. The German manager has confirmed he used perhaps the greatest night in Liverpool's history to motivate his team, reminding them about Istanbul and that Liverpool never give up! 

It appeared to have worked, when it took just two minutes of the second half for Divock Origi to continue his current vain of form and get Liverpool back into the game. But it appeared to all be in vain when Marco Reus again showed his class, scoring the away sides third goal just before the hour mark, seemingly ending the tie with Liverpool needing three goals in thirty minutes. But who do Liverpool turn to in times of need, well it was Steven Gerrard, but now its the new fans favorite, the 'little magician' as he has been dubbed by the fans, Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian hit a majestic curling effort which beat the keeper and flew into the bottom corner. There's one.

Dortmund still looked capable of scoring any time, but Liverpool looked revitalized and they started to pile on the pressure. Frustration grew around Anfield when two corners where wasted within a few minutes of each other and when another was won in the 77th minute the fans weren't happy when Coutinho's corner didn't beat the near post. But this time it didn't matter! Daniel Sturridge charged towards the ball, and despite failing to make contact the ball traveled into the middle of the box where French center back Mamadou Sahko was waiting to knock the ball in, 3-3 on the night, Dortmund where still going through on away goals, but Liverpool only needed one more! 

With 10 minutes plus added time left Liverpool where throwing everything they had into Dortmund's box, but the Germans managed to deal with it well. As the clock ticked on Liverpool became more desperate and passes where wasted. As the clock reached 90 minutes and 4 minutes added time where announced, Liverpool won a free kick just inside Dortmund's half. Liverpool unexpectedly played the ball to the edge of the box, where Sturridge collected the ball, he managed to hold it up and play a brilliant pass through the defenders legs to the overlapping James Milner who had continued his run from the free kick. Milner then went on to lift the ball to the back post, as the clock ticked on, this was the best chance the reds would have to score the decisive goal. And thats when, the man whos missed penalty saw Liverpool fall out of the Europa League last season, Dejan Lovren climed highest and with a bullet header, scored Liverpool's fourth and for the first time on the night, gave Liverpool the lead! 5-4 on aggregate, 3 minutes to go, Liverpool had done it! 

A late free kick flashed just past Liverpool's post and then the final whistle went, Liverpool had came back from the dead to pull off another European miracle, they where going through! 

With Dortmund out Liverpool are now the bookies favorites to win the competition and they have been drawn against Spanish side Villarreal for the semi finals, with the second leg once again being under the lights at Anfield. Once again this tournament has created history as these sides will meet in a competitive fixture for the first time in history. With the new rule being implemented recently stating that the Eurpoa League winners earning qualification to the Champions League for next season, we could see the five time European Cup winners in Europe's elite competition next season for only the second time in five years. Under Jurgen Klopp, could we be seeing the rebirth of a sleeping European giant!