Tottenham are reportedly in “pole position” to land Andy Robertson as a free agent, plus the latest on Arne Slot‘s future and the club’s response to ticket price protests.
Liverpool CEO responds to ticket price rise backlash
With Liverpool fans to begin their protests against the planned ticket price increase against Fulham, the club’s CEO, Billy Hogan, wrote to season ticket holders and members via email.
The lengthy message does little to suggest the club will go back on their decision, nor will it temper the ire among fans over the planned increases.
It is a defensive justification for the price hikes, with some main points including:
• He argues that massive spikes in ‘uncontrollable’ operating costs (utilities up 107%, rates up 286%) make a price freeze unsustainable if the club wants to remain competitive on the pitch.
• He highlights that the club have increased prices by only 4% while rivals hiked theirs by 17%, suggesting supporters have been shielded until now.
• He contends that the club did listen to the Supporters Board by protecting junior tickets at £9 and expanding discounts for young adults.
• He maintains that LFC is not profiting from fans, with the price rise not fully covering increased costs, but every pound generated allows more investment back into the club.
Protests at Anfield from Saturday onwards will include no banners on the Kop, and a boycott of spending inside the ground.
LFC News: Tottenham want Robertson, contradictory Slot reports, Iraola linked
• Andy Robertson has four clubs interested in his services as a free agent, but Tottenham have been described as being in “pole position.” They would need to stay up first! (David Ornstein, The Athletic)
• Arne Slot has stressed that he feels “complete support” from Liverpool’s owners, but conflicting reports have emerged over his future – German report: Sack expected; English report: Planning with him for next season
• Interestingly, The i Paper states “there is also enthusiasm in some quarters of the Liverpool brains trust” about Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola – that’s got to be Richard Hughes!
• Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez‘s starting chances against Fulham have been cast into doubt by the head coach after their 90 minutes vs. PSG
• Morgan Rogers has been linked, with Liverpool described as “hovering” around the situation amid interest across the Premier League. Negotiations would likely start at £80m – surely they owe us for Elliott…
• Michael Edwards and Hughes reportedly signed three-year deals at the club with no intention of staying beyond their initial contract – surely the club wouldn’t want that disruption?
Football News: Nico Schlotterbeck signs contract, Fernandez apologises and De Zerbi ‘passion’
• Rumoured centre-back target Nico Schlotterbeck has extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund, all but ending any speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool
• Eddie Howe has said he is “100 percent committed to the job” at Newcastle. That decision could be taken out of his hands, however.
• Roberto De Zerbi has insisted he is not better than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor as he looks to keep Tottenham away from relegation, but he wants to use his “passion” to inspire. Is it too late?
• Enzo Fernandez has apologised to Liam Rosenior and his Chelsea teammates after an interview expressing admiration for Madrid, but he remains unavailable for selection against Man City (BBC)
Liverpool FC: On this day
This day is one you should all remember well, as it is when Liverpool went to the Etihad in 2018 and left with a 2-1 win that secured their place in the Champions League semi-final.
The Reds arrived with a three-goal advantage from the first leg, but the first half was one full of nerves and stubborn defending from Jurgen Klopp‘s men.
Gabriel Jesus got City on the scoreboard to create some tension, but Mo Salah famously scored after halftime to all but seal the result, with the images from the away end seared in our mind.
Roberto Firmino completed the scoring and set up a semi-final tie against Roma, where we got to see Alisson in action before he later became a Red.
Oh, take us back!