Your evening Liverpool headlines on Sunday, March 27.
Steven Gerrard makes Xavi admission as Liverpool legend hails Barcelona 'masterstroke'
Steven Gerrard has hailed Barcelona's decision to appoint Xavi as their new head coach back in November as a 'masterstroke'.
The La Liga giants were on a dismal run of form prior to the arrival of their club legend, having won just four of their opening 13 league matches and lacking any kind of identity on the pitch.
Barcelona have since experienced a dramatic turnaround during Xavi's reign and have now lost just one of their previous 16 top-flight encounters as well as being firm favourites to win the Europa League.
READ MORE: Liverpool nearly banked unexpected transfer windfall thanks to Burnley after selling £6.5m striker
A major turning point in the season occurred only one week ago as La Blaugrana achieved a 4-0 away win over bitter-rivals Real Madrid, sending out a major statement of intent of the side's potential with their current familiar face at the helm.
Barcelona's recent revival has left an impression Gerrard, among many others, who are pleased to see the Spanish giants looking back to their best after a challenging couple of years as a club.
To read the full story, click here.
Virgil van Dijk disagrees with ex-Manchester United boss as blunt Liverpool formation claim made
Virgil van Dijk has explained why he prefers playing in Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation rather than the 3-4-1-2 system that the Netherlands play under Louis van Gaal.
The Liverpool defender featured centrally in a back-three as Holland beat Denmark 4-2 at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday night. The returning Christian Eriksen was on target for the Danes.
The Dutch played a 3-4-1-2 system that is favoured by Oranje and former Manchester United boss Van Gaal. Since taking charge after Euro 2020 last summer, Van Gaal's side have won six of their eight matches in an impressive unbeaten run.
But despite the run and convincing victory over Denmark, Van Dijk believes there is still much to improve. While the Reds defender has also admitted he would rather play in a 4-3-3 like he does for his club.
“Until today we have been training hard, with lots of tactics and meetings. There are good times but also things to improve,” he told NOS.
To read the full story, click here.
