By Chris Rowland and Daniel Rhodes.
W/c March 9th 2015.
Welcome to our new weekly round-up. Similar to the old TTT Time, it’s a diary of news and events on the site, matters relating to LFC and also the world of football generally.
The Week in Football
Liverpool FC Matters:
Glen Johnson criticised the state of the Anfield pitch after the Reds’ goalless draw with Blackburn in the FA Cup quarter-final at Anfield on Sunday. (Liverpool Echo)
Reflecting on the goalless FA Cup quarter-final draw with Blackburn at Anfield, Mark Lawrenson described Mario Balotelli as “an absolute waste of time”:
“Forget about Mario Balotelli. He shouldn’t be anywhere near this team.
“I can see why Brendan Rodgers threw him on against Blackburn as he might just create something but 99 times out of 100 he will let you down.”
The FA Cup semi-final draw on Monday night pitted Liverpool or Blackburn against Aston Villa, with Arsenal’s reward for beating Man Utd a tie against Reading or Bradford City. Semi-final dates are Saturday and Sunday April 18th and 19th.
As Beez posted:
Our replay with Blackburn has been confirmed for 7.45pm on April 8th, and will be on BT Sport in the UK.
This means we play Arsenal on Saturday 4th at 12.45, then the replay on the Wednesday, and our next game after that is on Monday 13th vs Newcastle.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 26, says he turned down the chance to join Liverpool in 2013 after the Reds triggered a release clause in his contract at Atletico Madrid. (Mirror)
“I was close to leaving Atletico,” said Costa.
“Liverpool are a great team, but after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave?
“I thought it was very important to keep growing with Atletico and to play there for many years.”
The Reds have opened preliminary contract talks with 24-year-old Wales midfielder Joe Allen, who still has two years left on his current deal. (Daily Express)
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