tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3478469973777104672024-03-13T21:30:46.636-07:00Liverpool Fan Club BlogLFC Player Videos,News,Pictures and AudiosUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger885125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-7267565735195172202015-11-26T19:23:00.002-08:002015-11-26T19:24:05.447-08:00What is Jurgen Klopp's 'Gegenpressing' philosophy?<br />
Ten years ago people watched football, enjoyed wins and were sad at losses. We all knew the fundamentals of good defending and how teams were able to score goals but few people thought deeper. The skills of individual players tended to be the limit of footballing conversations.<br />
<br />
Enter Pep Guardiola. In 2008, he became Barcelona manager and quite literally changed the face of football forever. We watched in awe as his side, featuring some of the best players to grace the field, passed teams to death. Death by football.<br />
<br />
Now things were different. Watching a game took on a new dynamic, filled with intrigue. You didn't have to be with a Football Manager fanatic to discuss footballing philosophies or zonal marking. People were excited by nerdy statistics.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
One footballing fundamental once unnoticed, now central to tactical discussions with your pals, is pressing. Always a subliminal part of every game you ever watched, Guardiola made it a central and sexy feature of the way his side played; as did the dominant Spanish national team. Off the ball movement became as significant as that with it and a valuable tool in winning games.<br />
<br />
Klopp has termed his philosophy "Gegenpressing" the German word "gegen" meaning to counter. In other words, pressing is intense and organised and flips defending into counter attacking rapidly to catch the opposition defence disorganised.<br />
<br />
Gegenpressing has been a buzzword in football tactics for the last five years and has garnered more and more attention in the media recently. Because of the success of FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, gegen- or counterpressing has been brought up as one of the main reasons for their titles. BVB, in particular, is defined by their style. However, the media often shows a lack of understanding as to what counterpressing really is.<br />
<br />
What is Gegenpressing?<br />
<br />
Gegenpressing means to press the opposition right after losing possession, i.e. to press as an organized unit the moment you transition to defense. The entire team hunts the ball and, in the ideal case, immediately wins it back from the opponent. The aim is twofold; to prevent the opponent’s counterattack and to win the ball. The English, and even the Spanish and Italians, call it counterpressing and not “Gegenpressing”; in the end the opponent’s counterattack is pressured. In 2008, Jürgen Klinsmann spoke of “immediate ball recovery” and struck at the heart of the matter very well.<br />
<br />
How does one use Gegenpressing successfully?<br />
<br />
There are several prerequisites for successful counterpressing. The decisive factor is the overall positioning of the team and their playing style right before attempting to counterpress. The players must play as close to one another as possible so that they can press together as a unit right after the ball is lost – which is a given in short passing football. At the same time, they should not stick so close to one another that they neglect to cover enough space. Usually, a good layout in possession and a good shape behind the lost ball go hand in hand.<br />
<br />
Some trainers use the basic rule of thumb to “occupy the fewest possible zones with individual players, but the greatest possible distance between the players within those zones so that they don’t occupy the same space” to make the positioning simple to understand; although, with a rule of thumb like this, some aspects are lost in terms of complexity.<br />
<br />
Many teams also have problems deciding when to stop pressing, i.e. when do you stop pressing if you can’t win the ball back? When should you retreat? How long should you press and with how many players? This is particularly problematic because the position of the ball is always changing. Therefore, there is a commonly used theory – the five second rule. Immediately after losing the ball the team should press at top speed and with maximum intensity for five seconds.<br />
<br />
If the team hasn’t recovered the ball within five seconds and there is no chance of immediately winning it, they should fall back into their defensive formation. Depending on the team, the number of seconds may vary. It is recommended that the strategic basics of Gegenpressing be coached in order to develop a flexible, situation-specific length of time for counterpressing.<br />
<br />
It is also important that the team respond very quickly and with anticipation. When possession changes, the players should already be running; next, it is important for the motor response and cognitive reaction to accurately match the manner of the opponent winning the ball and the situation and the anticipation of the possession change. The player must always expect that possession could come, but at the same time assign to the situation a certain percentage and behave accordingly. The observation of the situation and the shape is important.<br />
<br />
<i>From spielverlagerung.com</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-66613216465582396812015-11-26T19:16:00.001-08:002015-11-26T19:16:10.655-08:00Liverpool sign Adam Bogdan<b>Liverpool have signed Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan on a free transfer after personal terms were agreed.</b><br />The Hungary international, 27, will join the Premier League club on 1 July when his Bolton contract expires.<br /><br />Bogdan made 120 appearances for the Championship side after signing for the Trotters in 2007.<br /><br />He will provide competition for first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet after the Reds released Brad Jones.<br /><br />Bogdan made 13 appearances this season and faced Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield in January.<br /><br />He became first choice at Bolton during the 2011-12 season but his appearances have been limited by injury in the past two terms.<br /><br /><i>From bbc.com</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-41026921877664024422015-11-26T19:14:00.002-08:002015-11-26T19:14:23.941-08:00Liverpool announce signing of Joe Gomez <br /><b>Liverpool have confirmed the signing of the England Under-19 defender Joe Gomez from Charlton for £3.5m,</b><br /><br />Gomez, who turned 18 last month, impressed in his first league campaign at The Valley and joins James Milner, Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan on the list of players to have signed with Brendan Rodgers’ team since last season, when they finished sixth, eight points adrift of the Champions League places.<br /><br />“It’s a dream come true,” Gomez told Liverpool’s website after passing a medical. “It’s a bit surreal and it hasn’t really hit me yet. But I’m buzzing and just excited to get started. The club has got great history and it’s a great club, and one that I’ve always been following from when I was young. The style of football and the top players here was somewhere that I wanted to go and get better and learn, and play good football. It was an easy decision.”<br /><br />Though used most often at right-back last season, Gomez spent much of his time in the Charlton academy as a centre-half, having joined the club as a 10-year-old. He signed a three-year deal last year but it is understood it contained a £3.5m release clause. “I’ve been here since I was 10 years old and it’s been a great experience,” he added. “The club have always looked after me and I will always be grateful.<br /><br />“I’m excited for the new challenge at Liverpool and it’s an opportunity that I’ve only been given thanks to the experience that Charlton have given me.”<br /><br />The completion of the deal might now pave the way for Sebastián Coates to make a permanent move from Anfield to Sunderland, having spent last season on loan there. Coates is on international duty at the Copa América with Uruguay.<br /><br />Luis Alberto is set to return to Anfield, after his two-year loan deal with Málaga was reportedly cut short by the Spanish club, having made only six starts in La Liga last season. Alberto cost £6.8m when signing from Sevilla in 2013 but the 22-year-old midfielder started only two games for Liverpool – against Notts County and Oldham – before moving to southern Spain. He is unlikely to be part of Rodgers’ plans and may be loaned out again if the club cannot find a buyer.<br /><br /><i>From theguardian.com</i><br />
<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-34490410738488726052015-11-26T19:11:00.004-08:002015-11-26T19:12:55.564-08:00Liverpool agree deal to sign Danny Ings<div>
<b>Liverpool FC are delighted to announce that they have agreed personal terms with Danny Ings</b></div>
<br />
Subjected to a medical, the striker will join the club on July 1 after his contract with Burnley has expired. The 22-year-old struck 11 goals in 35 Barclays Premier League appearances last season, which was his first in the top flight.<br />
<div>
<br />
Ings had found the target 21 times in the previous campaign to help the Clarets secure promotion from the Championship.<br />
<br />
The forward has nine caps for England U21s, with four goals to date too, and will represent his country at the U21 European Championship later this month.<br />
<br />
Ings faced the Reds twice in 2014-15, featuring for 90 minutes at Anfield in March.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>From liverpoolfc.com</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-35862311212596574182015-11-26T19:08:00.001-08:002015-11-26T19:08:46.743-08:00Liverpool sign James Milner from Manchester City<div>
<b>James Milner has agreed to become Liverpool's first signing of the summer.</b></div>
<br />
Milner has agreed personal terms on a free transfer from Manchester City and will officially move to Anfield on July 1, subject to a medical.<br />
<br />
The 29-year-old has been a top target and is expected to be the first of several new arrivals as the Reds boss looks to improve on a disappointing season.<br />
<br />
City were keen to hold on to Milner and had offered the midfielder a deal that is believed to have been worth more than the one tabled by Liverpool.<br />
<br />
However, Milner has been attracted to Anfield by the opportunity of more regular football in his preferred central midfield role.<br />
<br />
With Milner now in the bag, Liverpool will turn their attentions to tying up a deal for another free agent, Burnley striker Danny Ings.<br />
<br /><i>From liverpoolecho.co.uk</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-43767049202586990552015-11-26T19:03:00.001-08:002015-11-26T19:04:43.581-08:00Liverpool sign Nathaniel Clyne<b>Liverpool FC are delighted to confirm that a deal has been completed to sign England international defender Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.</b><br />
<br />
The 24-year-old full-back has penned a long-term contract with the Reds to become the sixth new player at Anfield so far this summer.<br />
<br />
Clyne made 94 Barclays Premier League appearances during the past three seasons, after switching to the south coast side in 2012.<br />
<br />
He was a goalscorer for Southampton at Anfield on the opening weekend of the last campaign, blasting into the Kop end net in a 2-1 defeat.<br />
<br />
His consistent form earned international recognition and Clyne made his England debut against Slovenia in November 2014. He has five caps in total.<br />
<br />
After inking his Reds deal, he told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm delighted and it's a dream move for me to come here and play for such a big club with all of its history. I can't wait to get started.<br />
<br />
"As soon as Liverpool showed their interest in me, I was happy and just wanted the deal to go through.<br />
<br />
"The gaffer has shown a lot of interest in me and this is a place where I can improve as a player, I think. It's definitely a good opportunity to come here and try to fulfil my potential.<br />
<br />
"I've played at Anfield before and know what the atmosphere is all about. It's a great atmosphere and will make me rise to the challenge. I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully it can push me on to putting on good performances."<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>From Liverpoolfc.com</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-50149224701759948672015-11-26T19:01:00.001-08:002015-11-26T19:05:41.265-08:00Liverpool complete Benteke signing<div class="post-synopsis synopsis" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.9375em;">
<b>Liverpool Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Belgium international striker Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.</b><br />
<br />
The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Reds today after successfully completing a medical in London.<br />
<br />
Benteke has built a reputation as one of the Barclays Premier League's most clinical forwards since joining Villa from Genk in 2012, having scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for the Midlands side.<br />
<br />
During that time he has also become a regular fixture for the Belgium national team and has netted seven goals in 24 outings for his country.<br />
<br />
After completing his move to Anfield, Benteke told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm very happy to be here and I would like to thank the owners, Ian [Ayre] and of course the manager for their massive effort to bring me here.<br />
<br />
"It's hard to show your emotion when you've just come from doing something [like this] but of course I am very happy."</div>
<div class="post-synopsis synopsis" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.9375em;">
<i>From liverpoolfc.com</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-44003531559404475512015-11-26T18:59:00.001-08:002015-11-26T18:59:29.573-08:00Liverpool sign Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim<br /><b>Liverpool have completed the signing of Brazil forward Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim in a £21.3m deal.</b><br />Formerly with Figueirense in Brazil, Firmino can play anywhere across the front three, and is currently on Copa America duty with Brazil.<br /><br />Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre flew to Chile to get the deal done, and did so in the early hours of Wednesday morning, UK time - though the deal is still subject to a medical that will not take place until after Brazil have concluded their participation in the Copa America. <br />
Liverpool will pay £21.3m now, but the fee could eventually rise to £28m which would make him Liverpool's second most expensive player after Andy Carroll. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Firmino arrived at Hoffenheim at the start of 2011 having been signed for £3.52m as a 19-year-old, and has scored 48 times in 152 appearances for the German side, notching seven times in the Bundesliga last term.</div>
<br />
<i>From skysports.com</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-20667093982067347342015-11-26T18:53:00.003-08:002015-11-26T18:55:17.498-08:00Liverpool confirm Jürgen Klopp as LFC manager<br /><b>Jurgen Klopp has been appointed Liverpool's new manager on a three-year deal </b><br /><br />Jürgen Klopp is the new Liverpool manager. The Anfield club confirmed the appointment of the former Borussia Dortmund coach after he signed an initial three-year contract worth £5m a year rising to £7m with bonuses making him the highest paid manager in Liverpool’s history.<br /><br />Klopp put pen to paper on his Liverpool contract at the city’s Hope Street hotel in the company of the chairman, Tom Werner, and chief executive, Ian Ayre, on Thursday night shortly after arriving at John Lennon airport in a private plane from Dortmund. The final details of his deal had been agreed between club officials and representatives of the 48-year-old in Germany prior to his departure, and he will be unveiled at a 10am press conference at Anfield on Friday.<br /><br />“Liverpool football club are delighted to announce Jürgen Klopp has been appointed as the club’s new manager,” said a statement. “The German coach has signed a deal to take the helm at the Reds and will be presented at a press conference at Anfield on Friday morning.”<br /><br />The club kept the announcement brief but the arrival of the charismatic coach has had a major impact on Liverpool supporters and already led to the departures of four members of Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff. The assistant manager, Sean O’Driscoll, first-team coach, Gary McAllister, head of performance, Glen Driscoll, and head of opposition analysis, Chris Davies, were all relieved of their duties on Thursday as Klopp’s authority was made immediately apparent.<br /><br />After signing his contract, Klopp had dinner at Hope Street with Werner, Ayre and several members of Liverpool’s remaining coaching staff – the development coach, Pepijn Lijnders, goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, academy director Alex Inglethorpe, head physio Chris Morgan and first-team doctor Andy Massey.<br /><br />An agreement on Klopp’s own coaching team was reached earlier this week and the two-times Bundesliga champion will be joined at Anfield by Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, his former assistant and analyst at Dortmund respectively.<br /><br />Klopp’s appointment came only four days after Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owner, sacked Rodgers amid concern over poor results and performances dating back several months. The Boston-based owner moved decisively to offer Klopp a contract following the removal of Rodgers on Sunday, though the former Mainz coach was acutely aware of the interest beforehand having been approached by FSG on two previous occasions.<br /><br /><br /><i>From theguardian.com</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-38500191086597038682014-09-06T12:04:00.002-07:002014-09-06T12:04:28.440-07:00Liverpool complete Lallana deal<img alt="Liverpool complete Lallana deal" height="239" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/4450__2825__lallana1000c_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 24px;" width="400" /> <br />
<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Adam Lallana from Southampton.</div>
The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after passing a medical at Melwood.<br />
<br />
Lallana becomes Brendan Rodgers' second summer signing following the
capture of Rickie Lambert, who has also joined from the Saints, while a
deal has been agreed in principle for Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can.<br />
<br />
Upon completing his transfer to Liverpool, the midfielder said: "I'm
so excited for the next chapter of my career, coming to a special club
like Liverpool. I'm quite humbled and I just can't wait to get started.<br />
<br />
"Hopefully I can settle in quickly, and I will give it my best
throughout the whole time I'm here. I hope I can add something to the
team and hopefully we can win trophies while I'm here, because that's
why I'm here - for success."<br />
<br />
Lallana arrives at Liverpool fresh from returning from Brazil, where
he was a part of England's World Cup squad, making three appearances at
the finals.<br />
<br />
He made 250 appearances for Southampton between August 2006 and May
2014, hitting 58 goals in total and becoming club captain in 2012.<br />
<br />
Lallana's performances last season earned him a place in the Barclays Premier League Team of the Year for 2013-14.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-51534055403591056042014-09-06T12:03:00.002-07:002014-09-06T12:03:49.056-07:00Liverpool confirm Lambert signing<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Rickie Lambert from Southampton.</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
<br /></div>
<div class="ArticleRight">
<div class="ArticlePic" style="display: block;">
<img alt="" src="http://assets.lfcimages.com/uploads/8383__0444__263_538c2f506936a189974994.jpg" /> </div>
<div class="ArticlePic" style="display: block;">
</div>
</div>
The striker, who was on the club's books as a youth player, has put
pen to paper on a deal with the Reds after passing a medical at Melwood.Moments after signing, the boyhood Liverpool fan said: "I can't
believe it. I've loved this club all my life.<br />
<br />
I left here 17 years ago -
and I haven't stopped loving it since."I have always dreamt of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of
think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn't think the chance
would come.<br />
<br />
"I know how big Liverpool are - and it means everything to me - but I
know what is important; I know it's what I do on the pitch and the
minutes I play. I know that's what matters, and that's what I'll be
focused on."<br />
<br />
Lambert arrives from Southampton where he scored an impressive 117 goals in 235 appearances.<br />
He has four caps for England and is part of Roy Hodgson's World Cup
finals squad, alongside new club mates Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson,
Glen Johnson, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-33559308794212517862014-09-06T12:02:00.002-07:002014-09-06T12:02:19.976-07:00Liverpool Complete Markovic deal<img alt="Reds complete Markovic deal" height="239" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/1166__3498__1000h_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/shawct" target="_blank"></a> </div>
</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool
FC are delighted to announce the signing of 20-year-old Serbia
international Lazar Markovic from Portuguese side Benfica.</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
<br /></div>
The versatile attacker, who is capable of excelling in any forward
position, joins the Reds on a long-term deal after a season of
remarkable success with the Lisbon-based club.<br />
<br />
Markovic clocked up 49 appearances during the 2013-14 campaign and
contributed seven goals as Benfica sealed a domestic treble and reached
the Europa League final.<br />
<br />
Having quickly graduated through his country's youth ranks, the Cacak
native made his international debut in February 2012 and is now a
regular for his national team.<br />
<br />
He becomes Brendan Rodgers' fourth signing of the summer to date,
following the confirmation of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can
as new players for next season.<br />
<br />
After completing a medical and the formalities of his switch at
Melwood, Markovic told Liverpoolfc.com: "I am very happy that I have
joined such a great club.<br />
<br />
"I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters,
coaches, players and all connected to the club. I have seen what the
players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and I cannot
wait to start playing hereUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-37410261024012560432014-09-06T12:00:00.000-07:002014-09-06T12:00:07.255-07:00Markovic to wear No.50 at Liverpool<img alt="Markovic to wear No.50 at Liverpool" height="239" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/1166__3498__1000h_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>Author: Chris Shaw</i> </div>
<div class="author-box-twitter">
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
Summer signing Lazar Markovic has selected the No.50 shirt to wear at Liverpool.</div>
The 20-year-old forward arrived at the club midway through July,
becoming Brendan Rodgers' fourth recruit of the current transfer window.<br />
<br />
From his senior debut and successful spell with Partizan Belgrade to a
season-long stay at Benfica, the Serbian wore the half-century on his
jersey.<br />
<br />
And it has now been confirmed that Markovic will retain the same number as he prepares for his debut campaign at Anfield.<br />
<br />
The former incumbent of No.50, Cameron Brannagan, has switched to No.32.<br />
Academy midfielder Jack Dunn, meanwhile, has been handed the No.41 jersey.<br />
<br />
<i>From Liverpoolfc.tv </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-19192179984764396002014-09-06T11:58:00.000-07:002014-09-06T11:58:09.031-07:00Emre: Why I can't wait for home debut<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>Author: Chris Shaw</i></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
<i><img alt="Emre: Why I can't wait for home debut" height="239" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/0174__4871__can1000_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" /> </i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="author-box-twitter">
<i>
</i><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
As
Liverpool fans prepare for their first chance to watch the club's
summer signings on home soil, new midfielder Emre Can has reciprocated
that level of excitement for his maiden Anfield experience.</div>
The versatile German was the third of seven recruits added to the
squad by Brendan Rodgers so far, joining from Bundesliga contenders
Bayer Leverkusen at the beginning of last month.<br />
A powerfully-built athlete, who is comfortable using either foot, Can
arrived with Champions League football on his CV and has shown glimpses
of his potential during the Reds' pre-season ties.<br />
To date, Rodgers' charges have built up fitness through preparation
matches away from Merseyside - but that will change this Sunday, when
Borussia Dortmund travel to L4 for a glamorous friendly.<br />
"I am really hoping that I can get on the pitch and make my first
appearance at Anfield on Sunday," said 20-year-old Can. "I am really
looking forward to that."<br />
<br />
Can acknowledged that Jurgen Klopp's swashbuckling team present a
formidable challenge, though warned against using Sunday's meeting as a
litmus test for the upcoming Champions League.<br />
The Liverpool No.23 continued: "I am convinced that Dortmund have
strong individuals and strong players; they definitely work well
together as a team.<br />
"However, we cannot compare Sunday to what a Champions League game
will be like this season, because this is still only a friendly."<br />
<br />
That said, Can has considerable belief in the Reds' capabilities at
the highest level of European club football, where they return following
a five-year absence from the elite tournament.<br />
"I am really confident about us going into the Champions League this
season," added the Germany youth international, who played seven games
in the competition during 2013-14.<br />
"The whole team, the whole club and the city is looking forward to
getting back in the Champions League because Liverpool haven't played
there for a couple of years.<br />
"I had the pleasure of playing in the Champions League last year with
my old club and it's a special thing to play in the Champions League."</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-33331038287583083182014-09-06T11:53:00.003-07:002014-09-06T11:53:55.925-07:00Profile: The Mario Balotelli story so far...<img alt="Profile: The Mario Balotelli story so far..." height="239" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/9152__6209__508737057ap009_liverpool_un_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>Author: Melissa Reddy</i></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
</div>
</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
Mario
Balotelli took the next step in his hugely successful career when he
sealed a move to Liverpool today, subject to registration. Learn more
about how he arrived here with our in-depth profile of the striker.</div>
Liverpool's exhilarating attack was bolstered with more firepower as
the club added Mario Balotelli to their options upfront in August 2014.<br />
The 24-year-old became the ninth acquisition in a very successful
transfer window for the Reds, who achieved their designs of building a
stronger squad.<br /> <br /> Rated as one of football's premier talents,
Balotelli has already amassed 33 caps for Italy and has undertaken three
international tournaments - the 2012 European Championship, 2013
Confederations Cup and this year's World Cup in Brazil.<br /> <br /> Blessed
with power, athleticism and incredible technical ability, the striker
waited until his 18th birthday before he could officially represent the
Azzurri due to the country's immigration laws.<br /> <br /> He was born in
Palermo on August 12 1990 to Ghanaian settlers Thomas and Rose Barwuah,
but was taken in by the Balotelli family before he turned three after a
lengthy spell in hospital for an intestinal problem.<br /> <br /> Football
was a fundamental part of the forward's early years in Brescia, when he
would mischievously kick his ball into the glass window panes at home,
as he honed his power. At nine, he joined his local lower league side
Lumezzane and was handed his debut with the first team when he was just
15. Balotelli dummied his defender that day and a year later, he was
snapped up by Inter Milan on loan, with the Serie A giants buying him
outright in 2007.<br /> <br /> On his full debut, the gifted hitman netted
twice in a 4-1 Coppa Italia win over Reggina. In his first season with
the Italian powerhouses, 'Super Mario' scored seven goals in 15
appearances, which included a brace against Juventus in the Coppa Italia
quarter-finals, and an important strike in the 2008 Supercoppa final
triumph over Roma.<br /> <br /> Balotelli's contributions grew by the season
and at the age of 19, he was transferred to Manchester City for £24m,
where he was reunited with his first manager at Inter and the one who
advanced his talents to the senior team, Roberto Mancini.<br /> <br /> The
striker was off the mark on his debut in the Europa League, which was
the winning effort away to Politehnica Timisoara. Knee surgery then
delayed his impact at City, but the instinctive attacker won the 2010
Golden Boy award, given to the most outstanding young talent in Europe.<br /> <br />
He followed that up by securing his first Barclays Premier League
hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on December 28. And when the
club won their first trophy in 35 years, it was inspired by a Man of
the Match performance from Balotelli against Stoke City in the 2011 FA
Cup final.<br /> <br /> In the 2011-12 campaign, Super Mario was in
scintillating form in what was the game of the season - City's 6-1
thrashing of Manchester United. He bagged the opening two goals in the
decisive triumph, the first of which he has credited as one of his
favourites.<br /> <br /> Mancini's charges ended the term with the
silverware they most craved, with Balotelli supplying the assist for
Sergio Aguero's 94th-minute strike against Queens Park Rangers, which
clinched the championship. It was City's first title triumph since 1968.<br /> <br />
He netted 30 goals in 80 appearances for the Manchester outfit and on
January 31 2013, a return to Italy was formalised when Balotelli was
unveiled as an AC Milan player. Again, he scored on his debut - both
goals in a 2-1 victory over Udinese, which included a late penalty.<br /> <br />
Balotelli is steely from the spot, and missed his first competitive
pressure kick only last year, which was thwarted by former Liverpool
goalkeeper Pepe Reina while at Napoli.<br /> <br /> The Italy star's
set-piece prowess was also on show for the Rossoneri, with a robust
30-yard free-kick against Parma a pick of the highlights. He managed 12
goals in 13 appearances in his first season with Milan, helping them
qualify for the Champions League.<br /> <br /> Balotelli continued to impress from distance in the last campaign, with another rocket from range launched against Livorno.<br /> <br />
Meanwhile, at international level, he has contributed key goals in
crucial games. The brace he secured in the opening 40 minutes of the 2-1
semi-final win over Germany in Euro 2012 is one of the standout
displays of the forward's career. More important goals followed in the
2013 Confederations Cup and in qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil,
where he would eventually clinch the winner in the group game against
England.<br /> <br /> At 24, Balotelli's accolades include a Champions
League winners' medal, a treble of Serie A titles, Coppa Italia and the
Supercoppa Italiana - all secured with Inter - as well as Premier
League, FA Cup and Community Shield honours with City.<br /> <br /> He now
has the platform to fulfil his potential at Liverpool and engineer
continued excellence under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, who has the
talent of extracting the best out of players.<br />
<br />
<i>From liverpoolfc.tv </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-56053520853348775362014-09-06T11:53:00.000-07:002014-09-06T11:53:12.515-07:00Balotelli to wear No.45 at Liverpool<img alt="Balotelli to wear No.45 at Liverpool" height="239" src="http://assets.lfcimages.com/uploads/4435__9035__508737057ap003_liverpool_un_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>Author: Chris Shaw </i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="author-box-twitter">
<i>
</i><br />
</div>
</div>
Mario Balotelli will wear the No.45 at Liverpool after completing his switch from AC Milan today, subject to registration.The Italy international sealed the transfer to the Reds at Melwood,
becoming Brendan Rodgers' ninth new signing of the summer window.<br />
<br />
It was confirmed immediately that the 24-year-old had selected the
same jersey that he wore at each of his three previous clubs - Milan,
Manchester City and Inter Milan.<br />
<br />
Balotelli told Liverpoolfc.com: "When I first played three or four
games with Inter Milan, when I was young, I had No.45 because the
numbers for young players were from No.36 to No.50.<br />
<br />
"I took No.45 because I was joking that four plus five is nine - and I
scored in all four games. It brings me luck and that's why I've always
kept No.45."<br />
<br />
<i>From Liverpoolfc.com </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-70223537220302593032014-09-06T11:51:00.004-07:002014-09-06T11:51:50.014-07:00Photos: Thanks for the memories, Daniel Agger<div class="SubHeading">
Daniel Agger has completed a transfer to
Brondby after almost nine years as a Liverpool player - here are some of
the most memorable images from the Dane's career at Anfield.</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
<br /></div>
<div id="GalleryImage">
<img alt="1000 x 600" src="http://assets.lfcimages.com/uploads/8591__0342__73754633_5401a64387c8e210807108_513X307.jpg" /> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-65572299905535204962014-09-06T11:51:00.000-07:002014-09-06T11:51:09.823-07:00Agger seals switch back to Brondby<img alt="Agger seals switch back to Brondby" height="239" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/3332__6582__agger1000_53c7146818104229784380_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>
Author: Chris Shaw</i> </div>
<div class="author-box-twitter">
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool have today confirmed that defender Daniel Agger has sealed a permanent return to his former team, Brondby.</div>
The 29-year-old - a two-club man - started his career with the Danish
outfit, progressing through the youth ranks at the Brondby Stadion and
spending a decade with the Superliga side.<br />
Agger's powerful defensive attributes, composure in possession and
natural athleticism brought interest from teams around Europe and the
Reds won the race for his signature in January 2006.<br />
During almost nine years with Liverpool, the centre-back made 232
appearances, scoring 14 goals and lifting one trophy, the 2012 Carling
Cup, after starting the final against Cardiff City at Wembley.<br />
"Liverpool have been such a big part of my life and my family's lives
for so long, that leaving is extremely difficult," Agger
told Liverpoolfc.com.<br />
"The opportunity arose for me to return home to Brondby and at this stage of my career it felt like the right decision for me.<br />
"I wouldn't leave here to go anywhere else and that has been proven
by my actions in recent seasons - I have turned down many offers to move
to other Premier League and European clubs.<br />
"I would like to thank the Liverpool supporters for the incredible
backing they have given me in my time here and the warmth and generosity
of spirit displayed to my family.<br />
"This has been our home and somewhere we have been very happy and
settled. However, more recently I have started to feel the effects of
playing regularly in a league that is as physically demanding as the
Premier League is, and I would not want to stay if I did not think that I
was able to meet that challenge week in, week out.<br />
"The club itself is very special and I shall remain a supporter for
the rest of my life. I regard every game I played at Anfield as a
privilege."<br />
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers worked with Agger for two full
seasons after taking the reins at Anfield in the summer of 2012, and he
paid tribute to the Dane for his attitude and character.<br />
The boss said: "We wish Daniel and his family well for the future.
We've been discussing Daniel's future with him during the close season
and I know this is a decision he has reached after much soul searching
and deliberation.<br />
"Daniel loves Liverpool and the club's supporters, and has a unique connection with them.<br />
"When we had the privilege to play Brondby in pre-season, we saw the
esteem he is held in and I can understand why he would want to return
there.<br />
"On behalf of everyone at Liverpool, I thank Daniel for his service
to the club and hope he finishes his career with some happy times in
Denmark."</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-91361341236524359602014-09-06T11:48:00.002-07:002014-09-06T11:48:14.844-07:00Liverpool complete Mario Balotelli deal<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool can confirm they have completed the signing of Italy striker Mario Balotelli, subject to registration.</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
<br /></div>
The 24-year-old sealed his switch to Anfield from AC Milan after
passing a medical and agreeing a long-term deal to become the Reds'
ninth signing of the summer so far.<br />
<br />
Balotelli said: "I'm very happy. We've been talking about coming here and now I'm happy to be here.<br />
"Liverpool are one of the best teams here in England and the football is very good here. "It's a great team with young players, and that's why I came here."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span></span></div>
<div class="video-div-outer-512">
<div id="video_div_container_LFC_VIDEO_PLAYER_0" style="height: 287px; position: relative; width: 512px;">
<div id="video_div_LFC_VIDEO_PLAYER_0" style="height: 287px; width: 512px;">
<div id="video_div_LFC_VIDEO_PLAYER_0_REPLACE">
<div class="video_title">
</div>
<div class="video_title">
<img alt="Reds complete Mario Balotelli deal" height="238" src="http://assets3.lfcimages.com/uploads/9720__9261__508737057ap002_liverpool_un_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Balotelli joins Liverpool after a year-and-a-half with Milan, where he scored 30 goals in 54 appearances.<br />
<br />
The forward already has experience of playing in the Barclays Premier
League having represented Manchester City, where he helped them to the
title in 2012 after moving from Inter Milan.<br />
<br />
Balotelli has also clinched several other winners' medals during his
career so far, which include the Champions League, three Serie A
championships and an FA Cup. He has won 33 caps for Italy and scored 13 goals for his country.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-72195467858701610032014-08-17T02:36:00.000-07:002014-08-17T02:36:10.443-07:00Dejan Lovren seals Liverpool transfer<img alt="Dejan Lovren seals Liverpool transfer" height="239" src="http://assets2.lfcimages.com/uploads/2962__6755__lovren1000o_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i><br /></i> </div>
</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton.</div>
The 25-year-old Croatian international today put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after completing his medical.<br />
Lovren becomes Brendan Rodgers' fifth signing of the summer and the
third arrival from St Mary's, following the capture of striker Rickie
Lambert and midfielder Adam Lallana.<br />
Upon finalising his Anfield move, the centre-back told
Liverpoolfc.com: "It's a dream come true. I'm happy and glad to be here.
I'm proud and can't wait to start.<strong> </strong>I know we have millions and millions of supporters - Liverpool is more than a club.<br />
"After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: 'One day I
hope I'll be able to play here for Liverpool'. The fans will know from
the first minute that I'm a player that will give 100 per cent on the
pitch."<br />
<br />
<i>Author: Paul Rogers</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>From Liverpoolfc.tv</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-10435574711950746602014-08-16T23:13:00.001-07:002014-08-16T23:13:49.447-07:00Reds confirm new Inglethorpe role <br />
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool today announced that Alex Inglethorpe has been named in a new role as Academy director.</div>
The highly-respected coach arrived from Barclays Premier League
rivals Tottenham Hotspur in November 2012 and was in charge of the U21
team until the end of the 2013-14 season.<br />
Inglethorpe will be responsible for developing an environment where
players and coaching staff thrive, in addition to ensuring that the
Academy continues to produce outstanding talents with the right mental
and professional attitude.<br />
<br />
His remit will include the education of a style of play that
encourages the Academy sides to mirror the first-team philosophy in all
aspects of technical and tactical coaching.<br />
Liverpool's chief executive officer, Ian Ayre, commented:
"Liverpool's Academy is known around the world for developing some of
the best football talent over the last two decades.<br />
<br />
"This new structure will help us build on the success we have achieved so far."Not only will we continue to produce outstanding players who uphold
the club's values, we will ensure they have the best environment and
work with best-in-class coaches and support staff."Elsewhere, coach Michael Beale, who worked alongside Inglethorpe last
season, will take charge of the U21 team for the 2014-15 campaign.After spending 10 years at Chelsea, working full-time as a youth
development officer and U14 coach, Beale joined the Reds' Academy in
September 2012 as youth development lead coach for the U15 and U16 age
groups. He also managed the U16 side.New arrivals at Kirkby this summer include Nick Marshall, who joins the club as head of Academy football operations.<br />
<br />
Marshall will work closely with the staff to ensure they have the
necessary support to deliver world-class coaching. He will also be
responsible for implementing the Elite Player Performance Plan as well
as working closely with the player recruitment team.He brings extensive experience as a UEFA Pro licensed coach, and
having previously worked for Barnsley, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest
and the Football Association.Andrew Powlesland will be the new head of Academy business, ensuring
that the Academy is running effectively from an operational perspective.<br />
<br />
Responsible for the youth facilities and operations, his role
involves co-ordinating support services such as welfare, education,
human resources and administration. With an impressive background in
sport operations, he joins the club from London South Bank University.Finally, Pepijn Lijnders has been appointed as the new coach for the
U16s, switching to Liverpool from FC Porto, having previously worked at
PSV Eindhoven, while former Academy striker Michael Yates returns as
coach of the U6-U9 teams.<br />
<br />
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>
Author: Steve Hunter</i></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>From Liverpoolfc.tv </i></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-80307958891092653432014-08-16T23:00:00.002-07:002014-08-16T23:03:19.617-07:00First day at Melwood for Moreno<div id="Content">
<div class="ArticleContent content-link-builder news-content">
<div class="author-box">
<br />
<div class="author-box-name">
Author: <a href="http://www.liverpoolfc.com/search/q/Chris+Shaw">Chris Shaw</a></div>
<div class="author-box-name">
</div>
</div>
<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
Alberto
Moreno today became Liverpool's eighth new signing of the summer – and
our photographers were on location to capture his first day at the
club's Melwood training base.<br />
</div>
<div class="galleryV2Style" id="Gallery">
<div id="GalleryImage">
<img alt="1000 x 600" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/0869__6083__1000a_53ef71a686328030665147_513X307.jpg" height="239" width="400" /> </div>
<div id="GalleryImage">
</div>
<div id="GalleryImage">
<i>from Liverpoolfc.tv </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-54506082026411550152014-08-15T23:02:00.000-07:002014-08-16T23:02:42.315-07:00Liverpool complete Moreno transfer<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool FC have today completed the signing of Spanish international defender Alberto Moreno from Sevilla.</div>
The 22-year-old sealed the formalities of his switch at Melwood,
having undergone a medical, and becomes Brendan Rodgers' eighth new
recruit of the summer.<br />
An athletic, talented left-back, Moreno won the Europa League with
his former club last season and helped the La Liga side to a fifth-place
finish.<br />
He has made three senior appearances for Spain and narrowly missed out on a place in their squad for the World Cup in Brazil.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span></span></div>
<div class="video-div-outer-512">
<div id="video_div_container_LFC_VIDEO_PLAYER_0" style="height: 287px; position: relative; width: 512px;">
<div id="video_div_LFC_VIDEO_PLAYER_0" style="height: 287px; width: 512px;">
<div id="video_div_LFC_VIDEO_PLAYER_0_REPLACE">
<div class="video_title">
Moreno: The first interview</div>
<div class="video_title">
</div>
<div class="video_title">
<img alt="Liverpool complete Moreno transfer" height="238" src="http://assets.lfcimages.com/uploads/2737__0680__1000d_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Upon finalising his transfer, Moreno told Liverpoolfc.com: "In my
view, Liverpool are the best club in England and I couldn't waste an
opportunity to come and play for them.<br />
"I spoke with Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa and they
told me this is a spectacular club whose fans follow it in a very
special way.<br />
"They all told me I can grow a lot here as a footballer as this is a
massive club. I'm very happy to be joining a club as big as Liverpool. I
hope to give my best and do all I can to help."<br />
The Spaniard was not registered in time to be eligible for Sunday's
Barclays Premier League opener against Southampton, but becomes
available thereafter.<br />
<br />
<i>From Liverpoolfc.tv </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-36490272589629840842014-08-01T23:17:00.000-07:002014-08-16T23:17:54.524-07:00Reds complete Origi deal<img alt="Reds complete Origi deal" height="239" src="http://assets.lfcimages.com/uploads/9892__2824__origi1000d_517X310.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 14px;" width="400" />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
</div>
<div class="SubHeading">
Liverpool Football Club have confirmed the signing of Divock Origi from Lille.</div>
The 19-year-old will immediately be loaned back to the French club for the duration of the 2014-15 season.<br />
Origi arrives at Anfield having been tracked by the club since his
days playing for the Belgian U15 national team and the Reds beat
competition from Barclays Premier League and European sides to land his
signature.<br />
Upon completing his transfer in the United States, he said: "I am
very, very happy and delighted a club as big as Liverpool showed
interest in me. I'm very excited.<br />
"I know it's a club with a great history, great fans and a lot of
great players. For me, Liverpool is one of the greatest clubs in the
world and I'm very excited to be part of this great history."<br />
Origi began his career in the youth ranks of Belgian side Genk before securing a move to Lille in 2010.<br />
He marked his senior debut with a goal against Troyes in February 2013 and has netted a further five times for Lille.<br />
Origi also hit the headlines at the World Cup, netting a late winner against Russia in the group stages.<br />
<br />
<div class="author-box">
<div class="author-box-name">
<i>Author: James Carroll</i> </div>
<div class="author-box-twitter">
<i><br /> </i></div>
<div class="author-box-twitter">
<i>From liverpoolfc.tv</i><br /> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347846997377710467.post-20415711548369825812013-07-09T11:40:00.000-07:002013-07-06T11:51:38.891-07:00Simon Mignolet in profile<div class="cmsContent content-link-builder" id="cmsContentId">
<div class="SubHeading">
We
review the career of new Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who
completed a transfer from Sunderland to Anfield earlier today…</div>
<div class="ArticleRight">
<div class="ArticlePic" style="display: block;">
<img alt="" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/mig263d_51c9f9921ddb1815232682.jpg" />
</div>
</div>
Belgian stopper Simon Mignolet bolstered Liverpool's goalkeeping
ranks when he completed a switch from Barclays Premier League side
Sunderland in June 2013.<br />
Despite dreams of playing in an outfield position, the 25-year-old
started his career with hometown club Sint-Truiden between the posts and
progressed quickly through the youth levels.<br />
In total Mignolet made 104 appearances for Sint-Truiden and
contributed as the Belgian team achieved promotion to the top flight
during the 2008-09 campaign by winning the second division title.<br />
Remarkably, Simon actually scored a goal for the team during that
season. In a match at Ronse in April 2009, the 'keeper stepped up to
attempt a penalty kick and converted the rebound after his initial
effort was blocked.<br />
Growing in confidence and developing an imposing presence as the last
line of defence, Mignolet played 39 league matches the following year
to help Sint-Truiden finish fifth and enter the end-of-season play-offs.<br />
Some of Europe's biggest clubs were beginning to circle around the
promising stopper and it was Sunderland who were victorious in the race
for the Belgian's signature; a fee of around £2million was agreed.<br />
With Craig Gordon established as No.1 for the Black Cats, Mignolet
was expected to begin life at the Stadium of Light on the bench. But an
injury to the Scot provided his new teammate with an opportunity to
impress.<br />
Simon never looked back; his reflex shot-stopping, courage in
one-on-one scenarios and command of the penalty area were highly
appreciated and he rapidly cemented his first-choice spot on Wearside.<br />
International recognition deservedly arrived for the Belgian during
2011 and he made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a Euro 2012
qualifying victory at Austria in March of that year.<br />
He has now made 13 appearances for the national team - including a
friendly against England in June 2012 - and is battling compatriot
Thibaut Courtois for a potential starting berth at the World Cup next
year.<br />
Although Sunderland veered dangerously close to relegation at times,
2012-13 proved to be Mignolet's most consistent campaign since arriving
on English shores.<br />
The stopper was ever-present in the league, playing all 38 league
fixtures, and kept an impressive 11 clean sheets - enough to earn
joint-fifth in the Premier League shut-out rankings.<br />
Mignolet's ability to prevent goals was evident in the number of
saves he produced last season - 149. That number was second only to
Jussi Jaaskelainen among all of the goalkeepers in the top flight.<br />
Naturally, Simon began to attract interest from numerous clubs
throughout England and further afield; Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool
were reportedly included in those with a strong interest as summer
speculation raged.<br />
Rodgers formalised that interest in June 2013 and Mignolet completed
his switch to Anfield after signing in at Melwood on June 25.<br />
<br />
<i>from liverpoolfc.tv</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0