Latest news with #Klopp
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Kylian Mbappe 'approved Liverpool transfer' before Man City stepped in
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe once gave the thumbs up for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to land a player they had been chasing for years, only for Manchester City to swoop in and have the last word Back in the summer of 2023, everything looked like it was falling into place for Belgian winger Jeremy Doku to join Liverpool. Chief amongst the wheel greasing to make the switch a reality was the ringing endorsement of Kylian Mbappe himself. Doku ultimately moved to Manchester City in August 2023. However, the Belgian's jump to the Premier League could've been with the Reds and Jurgen Klopp instead, had the Anfield side managed to outmuscle their rivals for the skilful star. Reports emerged in France, just prior to Doku's move to the Etihad, that Klopp held a 'strong interest' in the midfielder. His performances for Rennes were so impressive during his three-year stint there that he caught the eye of former PSG hotshot Mbappe. "Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is Doku, at Rennes," Mbappe said in June 2021. "In five years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power." Doku, now 23, was enjoying his most prolific season for Rennes. His form had helped the French side to a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1, securing a place in the Europa League group stage. Overall, he had netted 12 goals in 92 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, after originally starting his career in Belgium with Anderlecht. Klopp's interest in the youngster was growing stronger. His desire to land the player was actually the German's second bite of the cherry too, after Doku and his father were previously invited to Merseyside back in 2017 to tour Liverpool's training facilities. The winger's father, David, even detailed how Liverpool turned on a huge charm offensive to land his son. "Klopp explained how he saw a potential successor in Jeremy," he told Het Nieuwsblad in 2020. "Steven Gerrard showed us videos with tactical analysis. At the training complex [Simon, former goalkeeper] Mignolet, [Sadio] Mane and [Gini] Wijnaldum came to talk to us. How we were received there – damn!" Yet Doku himself believed the move may have been a case of too much too soon. Via Het Nieuwsblad, he said in 2021: "I did a lot of research first, wrote down all the positive points and only then did I make a decision. I knew that I first wanted to make an intermediate step. Going to a top club now would be too soon." Amid the Reds' pursuit, Doku's move to City was perhaps being subtly engineered from other quarters. The player received a telling thumbs up from his Belgian team-mate and now former City star, Kevin De Bruyne, as Pep Guardiola began to pivot his attention to the young star. Speaking after the forward had scored his first international goal, De Bruyne said: "He [Doku] is nimble, fast and he can dribble. Of course, he sometimes makes a mistake, but who doesn't? He is a diamond in the rough." City pushed their title rivals aside and secured Doku on a five-year deal for a reported £55.5million. "This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally," Doku said upon signing at the Etihad Stadium. "City are the best team in world football, so joining them is special." Despite what could have been, it would be surprising if the Belgian had any doubts over his move. Doku clinched the Premier League title and FIFA Club World Cup under Pep Guardiola in his first season. He has so far scored 13 goals in 82 games for the Citizens.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League's greatest opening day moments – from David Beckham's halfway line lob to Jurgen Klinsmann celebration
THE Premier League fixtures have been released, with a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal set to light up the opening weekend. Next season will kick off with a bang as under-pressure Advertisement 8 Man Utd are set to host Arsenal on matchday one in August Credit: AFP Elsewhere champions Whether bathed in August sunshine, or British summer drizzle, fans can look forward to some memorable clashes right from the word go. In years gone by there have been some remarkable opening day moments, from incredible goals to late drama. Upon today's fixture release, let's take a walk along memory lane and relive some of the amazing opening days of years gone by. Advertisement READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS 1996-97 - Beckham's halfway line goal Where else to start but with Golden Balls? Becks was already a star prior to Man Utd's trip to Selhurst Park to face Wimbledon on Saturday, 16 August 1996. But his incredible, audacious goal from the halfway line helped to catapult him into a household name all over the country. At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson gushed: "You have seen the goal of the season already. I have never seen it done before. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Who are we to argue with the most decorated Prem manager of all time? 8 David Beckham's iconic halfway line goal catapulted him to superstardom Credit: Action Images - Reuters 1994-95 - The Klinsmann dive Advertisement The German forward had appeared on English TV screens at the previous two World Cups, with a theatrical fall in the 1990 World Cup final to get Pedro Monzon sent off not being forgotten. Nevertheless, Klinsmann was a huge coup for Spurs, who despite finishing 15th the previous season had managed to lure one of the continent's most clinical strikers from Monaco to White Hart Lane. On his debut in a 4-3 win at Sheffield Wednesday on August 20, 1994, Klinsmann scored a sensational header to open his Tottenham account - before poking fun at his reputation by performing a celebratory dive in front of the boo boys in the home end. With the celebration quickly entering Prem folklore, Klinsmann went on to reveal: "(Teddy) Sheringham had the idea. If you score today, we'll all dive.' The wonderful thing was that the rival fans even laughed about it." Advertisement 8 Jurgen Klinsmann poked fun at his diving reputation Credit: Sportsphoto Ltd 2016-17 - Mane's debut delight Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge of Liverpool began with a tricky-looking trip to Arsene Wenger's And while the Reds didn't go on win the title that year, Klopp's men gave a brilliant sign of things to come as they blitzed the Gunners 4-3 on their own turf. The pick of the bunch was Sadio Mane's sensational debut goal, with the summer arrival from Southampton burning the Arsenal defence before whacking an unstoppable left-footed shot into the net. Advertisement Klopp celebrated the goal wildly, and even went on to admit that his manic response contributed to Arsenal getting back into the game. On Mane's impact at Anfield, the German boss reflected in 2022: "One of Liverpool's greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love." 8 Sadio Mane's brilliant Emirates strike made it a debut to remember Credit: Arfa Griffiths - The Sun 2014-15 - Dier breaks Hammers hearts In the summer of 2014, Mauricio Pochettino took over at Tottenham - arriving from a rival Prem club to try and clear up the North Londoners' mess, sound familiar? Advertisement The game got off to a less than ideal start for the Argentine, with Kyle Naughton being sent off for handling in the box on 29 minutes. Pochettino reshuffled his pack, putting 20-year-old debutant Eric Dier at right-back - and subsequently watched Mark Noble miss his spot kick. Amazingly the game finished 10v10, with After the game, Pochettino gushed: "It was a great goal by Eric Dier. He showed, and we showed, that we are ambitious. We played like a team and that is important." Advertisement 8 Eric Dier broke West Ham hearts on his Premier League debut Credit: Action Images - Reuters 2011-22 - Sergio Aguer-woah! Sergio Aguero did not take long to announce himself to English football. The Argentine superstar arrived at Manchester City from Aguero immediately impressed after being brought on against Swansea with his side leading 1-0. Advertisement The livewire forward took just nine minutes to poke home his first of what would go on to be 260 City goals. And in stoppage time, he blasted home a beauty to cap off a brilliant 4-0 win for Roberto Mancini's men. The result went on to be a sign of things to come, with the Billionaire Sky Blues going on to dramatically pinch the title from rivals Man Utd... Aguero scoring the all important last-gasp goal to clinch it on the final day. 8 Sergio Aguero announced himself in English football with a superb debut double Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Advertisement 1999-00 - Poyet's beauty Uruguayan midfielder While not scaling the heights that they would in the following decade, the Blues had grown in stature during the 1990s - largely owing to the genius of Gianfranco Zola. During this 4-0 stomping of Sunderland, Zola was in imperious form. The tricky Italian produced a sensational assist for his side's fourth goal, delicately scooping the ball into the penalty area. Advertisement Poyet took it from there, finishing with an electrifying scissor kick. 8 Gus Poyet scored a belter of a scissor kick in 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association 2004-05 - Mourinho arrives Five years on from Poyet's brilliant opening day goal, Chelsea were welcoming new boss Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese didn't shy away from the spotlight, to put it mildly, declaring during his opening press conference: "Please don't call me arrogant, because what I'm saying is true. I'm European champion, and I think I'm a special one." Advertisement Mourinho's big statement was immediately put to the test, as he began with a tricky home assignment against Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd. The Blues won the contest 1-0 thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen's scrappy 15th minute goal, with Mourinho admitting after the game: "Mr Ferguson pushed me to make changes that normally I don't do to play a safer match - and in fact the team defended very, very, very well." Chelsea's stingy defence went on to concede just 15 times across the whole season, a record that still stands to this day, with Mourinho's Blues going on to win their first league title in 50 years. 8 Eidur Gudjohnsen scored the winner as Jose Mourinho triumphed in his first game in charge Credit: Getty Advertisement
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Premier League 2025/26 outright odds as clubs discover fixture lists
Liverpool will find out who will be first in line during their title defence along with every other Premier League club including two the bookies feel will form the title race next season The Premier League fixtures are out and one thing that will be up for discussion will be the title race. With all 20 clubs looking at when they will face their fellow competitors, many will be discussing the annual tradition of who will be lifting the Premier League trophy come the end of the season. This season sees Liverpool go into the season as champions and looking to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1983/84 season where they secured their third consecutive league trophy. Under Klopp, they secured their first league title in 29 years in a COVID-disrupted season but their defence the following season was far from the bar they set themselves the year before. In March of that season they sat 8th with 43 points, seizing any hope of retaining the title before winning eight of their final 10 league matches to secure Champions League football again by finishing 3rd. However, even they will know they will have a tough task on their hands with who will be able competing in the title race. The Reds are the favourites at 15/8 but the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are priced to be competing for the title too. The Gunners, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, seem forever stuck as runners-up based on the last few season's performances with pivotal moments in the season going against them. The Spaniard boss is a perfectionist though and will be looking to constantly improve his side as he looks to add to his FA Cup winners medal he got in his first season. Over in Manchester and Pep Guardiola will be looking for significant improvements from his City side. The Citizens finished 3rd last season making just the second in eight season where they finished outside the top spot but his new look side will be looking to make an impact his season and frustrate the Reds' title defence. Newcomers in Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders are exactly the sort of talent Guardiola lacked last season as they suffered with injuries - most notably Balon d'Or winner Rodri. On the other hand, it will be interesting how City will do this season as they have the added headache of the Club World Cup to contend with this summer. Premier League 2025/26 Outright Odds Liverpool - 15/8 Arsenal - 5/2 Man City - 9/4 Newcastle United - 12/1 Chelsea - 16/1 Man United - 25/1 Tottenham - 45/1 Aston Villa - 45/1 BAR - 250/1 18+ | Gamble responsibly | | Odds subject to change Premier League If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here. Gamble responsibly Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Pep Guardiola reveals private Jurgen Klopp talks after Liverpool promise broken
Manchester City have added Pep Lijnders, the former No 2 to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, to Pep Guardiola's coaching staff as permission was sought before doing so Pep Guardiola revealed he asked Jurgen Klopp his permission before appointing Pep Lijnders to his coaching staff. Lijnders was one of former Liverpool boss Klopp's most trusted allies during their time at Anfield when they were also Manchester City 's biggest rivals. They locked horns on and off the pitch and therefore it was a major shock when City boss Guardiola appointed Lijnders this summer. Dutchman Lijnders will be Juanma Lillo's replacement at Manchester City and he will be keen to stamp his authority on how they play this season. But despite Klopp long since leaving Liverpool and Lijnders took another job as Red Bull Salzburg boss in the meantime and was sacked in December, Guardiola still felt the need to get Klopp's permission. Guardiola, talking ahead of City's Club World Cup opening fixture with Wydad in Philadelphia, "We had a conversation withn Jurgen but not about Pep. It was a long conversation. I suggested I was thinking about Pep and he gave me his high opinion. After I took time to reflect. 'I was in touch with Pep. I asked permission from Jurgen of course, I didn't want to interfere. I asked if it would be a problem and he said absolutely not. After one or two days we decided yes. 'I'm a fortunate guy with my assistants in my career: everybody helped me incredibly. They made me a better manager. I'm pretty sure Kolo Toure and especially Pep will. His knowledge, I drink from his knowledge. We talk a lot about football/training, he's been inspiring for me. I am so lucky to work and learn from so many great coaches during my time here.' Lijnders had enjoyed two spells on Merseyside having initially joined under Brendan Rodgers before he became a trusted ally of Klopp. Following his exit, the 42-year-old very quickly found a new job having been appointed as Red Bull Salzburg manager. Lijnders new job sees him go against the promise that he made to his ex-Liverpool boss Klopp. Upon leaving Anfield, he claimed that he would never be an assistant to anyone else and was solely focusing on his own managerial career. He said: '10 years of the club and my boys don't know anything else, they are Scousers. I owe this club everything. They don't owe me anything, to be honest. 'It's 10 years full of dedication. I always said I will finish with Jurgen (Klopp); the moment I will not assist anyone else, that's the moment I will go and I will manage. That was always the case. So when we spoke, it was clear for me: OK, then I go and manage, and we end this project together [that] we started." However, he has broken his promise by returning to the Premier League to help out Guardiola.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arne Slot's 'criminal' opening Liverpool fixture after Jurgen Klopp had his say
Arne Slot was welcomed to Liverpool last season with a 12.30pm kick-off in his opening Premier League game – a time slot Jurgen Klopp repeatedly made known his dislike for it Liverpool boss Arne Slot will likely be hoping to avoid a 12.30pm opening day kick-off for a second consecutive Premier League season. The Dutchman was welcomed to English football last year with the early kick-off away to newly promoted Ipswich Town. While Slot made no mention of the time which resulted in a comfortable 2-0 win in the end for his side, it was a source of tension for his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, who consistently spoke of his annoyance of the early kick-off. With the fixture list for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign set to be released on Wednesday at 9am, the German will hope his former side aren't resigned to yet another early start, having previously called it a "crime". Klopp's frustration is certainly justified, as during his nine-year reign as Liverpool boss, the club featured in 45 early kick-offs – which ranks higher than any other Premier League club. In his last season in Merseyside, Liverpool took part in six of those particular fixtures – a league-high – compared to just two in Slot's debut campaign. It was in Klopp's final season at the club that he took full aim at the Premier League schedule, describing it as "absolutely insane" during a Liverpool press conference. The 58-year-old said: "I was actually waiting for Amnesty International to go to them. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says: 'Liverpool 12.30', and the whole room is bursting into laughter. "I had a discussion only the other day with colleagues from our favourite TV channel, which I will definitely not watch again, TNT." Klopp – who is the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull – then added that Liverpool being required to play "Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30pm, is a crime." Regardless of Liverpool's kick-off time, the opening weekend of the season represents history for Mohamed Salah, who has scored a record nine goals on the first matchday of an English top-flight season. The Egyptian superstar has only failed to score once in the first league game of the season, which came against Chelsea in 2023 as he instead registered an assist for Luis Diaz's goal in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
