Liverpool are facing a crucial few weeks as Jurgen Klopp and his side bid to salvage their season.
The Reds are now up to sixth in the Premier League table following Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Wolves. The six-point gap to Tottenham in fourth suddenly looks like it could be closed, with Klopp’s team having the advantage of a game in hand on Spurs.
Next up it’s the small matter of a match against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, while the second leg against Real Madrid looms large on March 15. The 5-2 deficit which needs to be overturned in Madrid may appear insurmountable, but stranger things have happened in football.
The latest Liverpool news focuses on the reaction to the Wolves win, as well as more updates on the pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham boost
This summer will be huge for Liverpool, who face the growing need to refresh the squad after falling behind the competition across a number of areas.
The most pressing need is in central midfield, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all potentially leaving in the summer. That’s where – it is hoped – Jude Bellingham will come in.
Bellingham is Klopp’s main target for the upcoming transfer window, but they face competition for the Borussia Dortmund star, who will cost a significant amount.
Real Madrid are the biggest rivals for his signature, but interestingly they are wavering over their interest, with the feeling that Luka Modric and Toni Kroos can continue on for longer. Meanwhile, there are reports that Dortmund are interested in signing Keita – a possibility that could play into Liverpool’s hands.
Klopp pleased with Nunez progress
Klopp has hailed Darwin Nunez after he performed well to help Liverpool pick up a vital three points against Wolves on Wednesday.
The Uruguayan arrived with a big reputation and a big price tag in the summer, which created a lot of pressure. Klopp believes we are now beginning to see his potential on a regular basis.
“I would say he is really getting there. Everybody can see he is just a handful, just a proper threat,” he said.
“He is really good. He is still a young boy and I think everyone can see he will get there, there is no doubt about it, but he is already for us super-important.”
Van Dijk explains injury mistake
Virgil van Dijk has admitted that he made a massive mistake in pushing himself beyond his limits in his recovery from injury.
The Dutchman suffered a serious knee injury and says his form afterwards was hindered by his mindset.
“When it's game day I want to play, I'll do everything possible to play,” he said. “Patience is not in my vocabulary, it's not in my system - I want to play and I want to be influential for this football club because I love this club, and I work each and every day to be successful for this club.
“But it caught up with me unfortunately, my body, I'm not a robot.”
