Jurgen Klopp was disappointed by Liverpool’s dull stalemate with Crystal Palace, and Virgil van Dijk has been criticised for his recent performances as the Reds continue to struggle.
Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated after Liverpool’s draw with Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s woes continued after slumping to a 0-0 draw away to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Reds moved up to seventh place with the forgettable draw which showed how far Jurgen Klopp’s men have to go in their search to rediscover their world-class form. Off the pitch, it’s not much more exciting for Liverpool supporters, with owners Fenway Sports group confirming that they aren’t seeking a full sale of the club before Tuesday’s humiliating 5-2 loss to Real Madrid.
Klopp’s spending will be further limited in the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League, while failing to make the top four would also almost certainly put them out of the race to sign top transfer target Jude Bellingham. First on the priority list, however, is getting their own players in order.
Here’s a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.
Palace draw leaves Klopp frustrated
Usually a happy hunting ground for Jurgen Klopp, Selhurst Park was the location of frustration for the Liverpool manager as his side snoozed to a 0-0 draw on Saturday evening. While Mohamed Salah hit the bar and Cody Gakpo came close in the dying embers, the Reds didn’t deserve more than the point which they walked away with.
Klopp’s disappointment showed when he brutally substituted Naby Keita at half-time, who’d picked up a yellow card in the first 45 minutes on what could prove to be his last-ever start for Liverpool due to his contract expiring at the end of the season. Harvey Elliott came on in Keita’s place but his introduction didn’t have the desired effect.
Naby Keita was substituted at half-time against Crystal Palace
Van Dijk mocked by Gullit
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has mocked Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, claiming that his style of defending is more suited to ice-skating than football. Gullit was scathing of his 31-year-old Dutch compatriot after the Reds were humbled 5-2 by Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“Van Dijk puts his hands behind his back like a speed-skater and he bends his knees like speed-skaters do,” the iconic former Netherlands international joked. “His body is leaning forward. He kind of kneels down in his moves and only has his hands behind his back so he avoids a handball when the striker shoots.”
Ruud Gullit showed no mercy in his analysis of Virgil van Dijk
Klopp makes Champions League admission
Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Liverpool need the added financial boost that comes with Champions League qualification in order to plan for future big-money transfers. The Reds currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, six points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.
“It’s not helpful if we miss out on the top four. Money always has an impact. But this cannot be that much of an impact, let me say it like this,” Klopp admitted. “Of course it is influential but this is a summer where we have to be in the market, definitely. I am sorry that we cannot guarantee the Champions League at this moment but it’s not done yet.”
source: www.mirror.co.uk
