LFC Now Update

Larry Lloyd, the former Liverpool defender who was part of the Reds' first team to win a European trophy, has passed away at the age of 75.

Lloyd spent five years at Anfield, joining from Bristol Rovers in April 1969 as a long-term replacement for Ron Yeats, and made 218 appearances while scoring five goals.

He featured in all 66 official matches of the 1972/73 season, clinching the league championship medal and scoring in the first leg of the UEFA Cup final against Borussia Monchengladbach, which the Reds won on aggregate after a 3-0 home victory was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Germany. Lloyd, who was a tall and powerful defender, also played in the 1971 FA Cup final when Liverpool were defeated 2-1 by Arsenal. However, he missed the final victory in 1974 over Newcastle United due to an injury sustained against Norwich City three months earlier. That was his last game for Liverpool under new manager Bob Paisley, who replaced Bill Shankly that summer, preferring Phil Thompson as a defender. Lloyd then joined Coventry City for a club-record fee.

Lloyd had an even more successful career after leaving Anfield. He moved from Coventry to Nottingham Forest in 1976 and helped Brian Clough's side to promotion to the top flight, and then regularly featured in Forest's title-winning season of 1978 and was part of the team that defeated Liverpool in the League Cup final that season. Lloyd also helped knock out the Reds from the European Cup in the following campaign and went on to win the competition in 1979 and 1980, along with another League Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. Lloyd, who earned four caps for England, later became a player-manager for Wigan Athletic, leading them to promotion from the fourth division, and was a manager for Notts County. He became a radio commentator in Nottingham.

1 year ago | [YT] | 59

LFC Now Update

MANCHESTER UNITED X LIVERPOOL

Manchester United: McTominay 10', Antony 87', Rashford 112', Diallo 120+1'

Liverpool FC: Mac Allister 44', Salah 45+2', Elliott 105'

Pre-game
Liverpool enters this game in great form, pushing all their opponents to the limit and putting most in trouble, even with several injured players, a luxury many European teams would envy. Competing on all fronts, the goal of the day is simple: to win at Old Trafford. Nothing more than that.

First half
A good start for the hosts in the first three minutes, with a beautiful play resulting in a low shot by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. I've seen Diogo Dalot play as a left-back, so seeing him play on the right today seems strange.

It took a while, but at 7 minutes it seems that Liverpool finally got into the game and started to impose their style of play. A shot on goal by Dominik Szoboszlai is easily defended by André Onana and then Mohamed Salah attempts a daring and tempting volley at 9 minutes.

Goal. United opens the scoring first, with Scott McTominay taking advantage of a rebound from a Caoimhin Kelleher save after a shot by Alejandro Garnacho. 1-0 to United.

Liverpool seems vulnerable in defense, especially on the right side. Joe Gomez had an unusually shaky start. Based on the frequency of attacks and the fact that the goal came from that side, it seems safe to say that United has identified this as an area to press.

On the other hand, Liverpool seems to have good chances to score on the attack, creating decent opportunities towards United's goal and finding good positioning. Unfortunately, the control and rhythm of the game at this point belong to United, so these periods of attack are interrupted by counter-attacks.

At 24 minutes, it seems that things have settled down. Returning to the subject of United targeting Gomez, a graph noted that, up to this point, 57% of their attacks occurred on that flank. They are definitely trying to use Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo as focal points of attack. It will be interesting to see what adjustments Klopp will make to address this.

The United continues to attack down the right flank of Liverpool, with Kelleher making a great save against McTominay. Liverpool responds with Luis Díaz forcing Onana into another great save. Endo scores, but it's ruled offside. United scores with Mac Allister. Salah responds quickly with a goal, putting Liverpool ahead 2-1. At halftime, Liverpool leads, but the score doesn't fully reflect their performance. In the second half, Liverpool continues to press, threatening to score more goals. Nuñez and Fernandes stand out, with Liverpool in control.

Antony equalizes for Manchester United against the run of play, leaving Liverpool relatively disappointed with the numerous missed chances. Liverpool concedes a goal in the final minutes, sending the game to extra time. Rashford misses a crucial chance for United. In the first half of extra time, Elliott scores for Liverpool, putting them ahead 3-2. In the second half of extra time, McTominay equalizes for United. The game ends in a draw and goes to penalties. Diallo scores for United, securing the victory after a counter-attack. Liverpool squanders two leads, and their hope of winning all competitions is over. Now, they must wait for the international break to deal with the disappointment.

1 year ago | [YT] | 112

LFC Now Update

This Thursday, at the Epet Arena, in the first leg match of the Europa League round of 16, Liverpool defeated Sparta Prague 5-1. The standout player was Uruguayan Darwin Núnez, who scored two goals in the first half.

The return match is scheduled for next Thursday, at Anfield.

On Sunday, Liverpool will face Manchester City in a direct clash for the Premier League leadership. The match for the 28th round will be held at Anfield. Mac Allister opened the scoring at the 6th minute of the first half, converting a penalty. The second goal came at the 25th minute, with Darwin Núñez, who finished off an Elliott pass from outside the box.

Liverpool extended their lead at the 48th minute of the first half, again with Darwin Núñez, assisted by Mac Allister. Early in the second half, at the 1st minute, Bradley scored an own goal, reducing the English team's advantage.

At the 8th minute, Luis Díaz scored Liverpool's fourth goal, receiving a pass from Elliott inside the box. The ball deflected before entering the net.

To seal the victory, at the 49th minute, Szoboszlai received a pass and advanced into the opponent's area. He shot hard in the middle of the goal, and the goalkeeper couldn't save it.

1 year ago | [YT] | 195

LFC Now Update

Xabi Alonso is a leading candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but reports of admiration for Ruben Amorim are also growing.

Klopp will leave his role as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, leaving big shoes to fill at Anfield. While Xabi Alonso, currently leading Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, seems a logical choice, Liverpool has also shown keen interest in Sporting CP's coach, Amorim.

According to A Bola, Liverpool has become increasingly impressed with Amorim's work in Lisbon as they gather information about the 39-year-old coach. Amorim's leadership skills and style of play have earned him admiration, along with his ability to integrate and develop young players, a hallmark of Klopp's tenure.

However, if Liverpool wants Amorim to lead their new era, they may need to pay his €20 million release clause, making him one of the most expensive coaches ever and the highest-ever in the Premier League. Amorim is already the fifth most expensive coach, with Sporting paying €10 million to acquire him from Braga in 2020.

Liverpool faces competition for Amorim's signature, with Chelsea and Newcastle United reportedly interested in the Portuguese strategist. Currently, Amorim's focus remains on guiding Sporting to the Primeira Liga title after finishing fourth last season.

1 year ago | [YT] | 46

LFC Now Update

Darwin Nunez scored a goal at the 99th minute against Nottingham Forest, sending Liverpool fans into total ecstasy. The crucial goal came in stoppage time when Alexis Mac Allister crossed for Nunez to head home. The moment was celebrated enthusiastically by the team and visiting fans, potentially saving two crucial points for Liverpool this season.

1 year ago | [YT] | 178

LFC Now Update

Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool could actually negotiate a Premier League player for £80 million! Liverpool star set to follow Jurgen Klopp and make a surprising summer exit! Liverpool has set the asking price for the 25-year-old main man!

https://youtu.be/yzt5XyoaQpA

1 year ago | [YT] | 65

LFC Now Update

Liverpool won the English League Cup 2023/24. On Sunday, February 25th, at Wembley Stadium, they defeated Chelsea in overtime by 1-0, after a goalless draw in regular time. Despite the scoreless outcome during the 90 regulation minutes, the game was thrilling, with many opportunities, shots hitting the woodwork, and goals disallowed for both sides. Even depleted and with many youngsters on the field, Liverpool emerged victorious, with a goal from Van Dijk, two minutes before the end of extra time. It was a grand celebration for Jurgen Klopp, who, as he bids farewell to Liverpool at the end of the season, adds another trophy to his extensive collection. This was the tenth time Liverpool has won the League Cup, also triumphing in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2012, and 2022, becoming the tournament's most successful team. Chelsea sought their sixth victory, following wins in 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, and 2015. The match was fiercely contested from the outset, with both teams creating goal-scoring opportunities. Overall, Liverpool was slightly superior, even without Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Jota, and Darwin Núñez. In the second half, Liverpool scored a goal at the 16th minute, but it was annulled after a VAR review. Chelsea posed a greater threat in the final stages of the second half, with several chances to score. The match remained level and went into extra time, where Liverpool managed to secure the winning goal through Van Dijk. With a young team on the field, Liverpool clinches the League Cup for the tenth time.

1 year ago | [YT] | 165

LFC Now Update

Liverpool is in pursuit of its first title of the season, facing Chelsea in the eagerly anticipated Carabao Cup final at the legendary Wembley Stadium. However, the Reds may have to overcome a considerable challenge to secure victory.

This final represents not only an opportunity to lift a trophy but also marks the potential first step towards a quadruple of success for Liverpool. It is a rematch of the final from two years ago, and Liverpool hopes for a similar outcome, preferably within the regulation 90 minutes.

However, Jürgen Klopp faces a injury crisis plaguing Anfield, leaving at least eight players out. Key names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Curtis Jones are among the injured, as well as Alisson Becker, although Caoimhín Kelleher is ready to assume goalkeeping duties today. Decisions regarding the participation of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Dominik Szoboszlai will be made last minute. Some progress was made on Friday, with the aforementioned duo reporting to the AXA Training Center, although the latter has yet to be located.

Despite the injuries, Liverpool is still considered the favorite to emerge victorious at Wembley today. As Klopp finalizes his lineup, the choices of some Liverpool.com writers are beginning to take shape. Caoimhín Kelleher is confirmed in goal, and given the injuries, the rest of the team is not as difficult to predict. However, the only uncertainty in defense lies between Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, with Bradley being the preferred choice.

In midfield, Wataru Endō and Alexis Mac Allister are safe bets, and possibly Harvey Elliott, being rewarded for his excellent performances this season, may earn a chance. Up front, Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz are expected to join Elliott, with Salah and Núñez possibly coming on as substitutes.

The projected starting lineup would be: Kelleher; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endō, Gravenberch; Elliott, Gakpo, Díaz. The easiest part is confirming Kelleher in goal. In a cup final, a solid defense is essential, so Ibrahima Konaté is expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk. In midfield, Endō and Mac Allister are safe choices, while Gravenberch should be preferred for his recent consistency.

Up front, it all depends on the fitness of Núñez and Salah. A front trio of Gakpo, Núñez, and Díaz could be the initial choice, with Salah being a valuable option later in the game, especially if a penalty shootout is looming.

Fan, what's your prediction for this final between Chelsea and Liverpool?

1 year ago | [YT] | 72

LFC Now Update

🚨The Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino, may face pressure, and journalist Dean Jones suggests that Bayer Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, could be the first choice in case of dismissal, despite Liverpool's interest. After the victory over Crystal Palace, Pochettino admitted not caring about the rumors. Jones emphasizes that, despite interest from other clubs, Chelsea would be willing to compete for Alonso's signing.

1 year ago | [YT] | 60

LFC Now Update

Juventus considers summer sale of Liverpool target to Newcastle! Devastating news about major Liverpool star's injury takes all fans by surprise!

https://youtu.be/K77gZPWABCk

1 year ago | [YT] | 62