The Week That Was – Friday 30th October

The Week That Was – Friday 30th October
October 30, 2015 Daniel Rhodes

By Chris Rowland and Daniel Rhodes.

W/c Monday October 26th 2015.

Welcome to our weekly round-up, a diary of news and events on the site, matters relating to LFC and the world of football generally.

The Week in Football – Liverpool FC:

Monday:

After Southampton’s late equaliser yesterday, Jürgen Klopp claims Liverpool must calm down and collectively shake off the fear which engulfs his side every time things go against them. (BBC Sport).

“It’s only a goal, only a game of football. It’s like it’s the last thing in your life and we have to calm this down,” said 48-year-old Klopp. “I don’t understand this pressure but the guys feel it. I hope I’m not the only person in the stadium who thought ‘this is not the end of the world’. We can work on this.”

Klopp’s full and fascinating reaction to the game can be found here on the official site.

Jamie Carragher says Jürgen Klopp may need to sign a winger in January in order to add balance to a squad. (Liverpool Echo)

19-year-old midfielder Cameron Brannagan today extended his contract with Liverpool. He has been with the Academy since the age of five and is captain of the U21s.

Tuesday:

Mamadou Sakho has met Liverpool supporters and signed merchandise for them. “Good times with the fans today,” he tweeted. 

You can see one of those tricksy time-lapse videos of the new Main Stand at Anfield here on the official site.

Wednesday:

Adam Lallana revealed how Jürgen Klopp is working with Liverpool’s array of No.10s to help them form a cohesive attacking unit.

“The manager has spoken about us making forward runs without the ball,” he told LiverpoolFC.com. “Just because we play as a No.10 in that position doesn’t mean you can’t stretch the game or you can’t do some of the dirty work to help other players in the team. “It’s about helping each other and whether that’s running off the ball or running with the ball, being unselfish, as long as it helps the team that is what the manager is focused on. “I’m sure the manager would want a bit more time on the training pitch but as a player you want to be playing as much as you can. “A football career doesn’t last too often so the more games you can fit in the better, and it always means that a game isn’t too far away to put things right and that’s what we are aiming to do.”

Daniel Sturridge, who is out injured and yet to play for new manager Jurgen Klopp, has had his “attitude and desire” questioned by ex-Reds striker David Fairclough(Talksport)

Thursday:

Jürgen Klopp declared himself ‘really satisfied’ after a mix of youth and experience guided Liverpool past Bournemouth and into the last eight of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night. (LiverpoolFC.com)

“I feel much better than after a draw,” he said.

“But I don’t think the other games were so much worse than today – of course, the result is the biggest difference and we did well tonight.

“We didn’t have too much time again between the games, not too much time for training, only one hour training with this new team and new system.

“I saw minute by minute we were better in the game, we closed the spaces better and the whole 90 minutes we played football and created our chances. We didn’t have any real experience together, so I’m really satisfied – the boys did really well.

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier claims he had to get rid of a drinking culture in his time at the club, and says the Anfield side’s current troubles are down to the signing of too many players. (Secret Footballer)

Jose Mourinho is expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s game with Liverpool – despite facing a misconduct charge.

The Blues boss faces disciplinary action after being sent off during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat by West Ham.

But those matters are not expected to be dealt with before the 12:45 GMT kick-off at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho, 52, has also lodged an appeal with the Football Association against a separate suspended stadium ban – he received that one for comments he made about match officials after the 3-1 home defeat by Southampton on 3 October…

Friday:

Benteke is fit to start after training normally with the team, and Sturridge is still recovering.

The Week in Football – General

Monday:

Chelsea are preparing for Jose Mourinho‘s departure following Saturday’s loss at West Ham, during which the manager was sent to the stands. (Daily Mail) 

Mourinho will be given one more chance to save his job, but defeat to Liverpool next Saturday will result in his sacking. (Daily Star)

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, 44, is Chelsea’s first-choice replacement for Mourinho if the Portuguese cannot find a solution to the Premier League champions’ poor form. (Telegraph)

Arsenal have been fined £60,000 and warned over their future conduct after breaching the Football Association’s football agent regulations in relation to the transfer of Calum Chambers from Southampton, the FA has announced.

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