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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter in defensive fashion after West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini publicly called out their manager Jurgen Klopp, following the 1-1 draw between the two sides at the London Stadium on Monday night.

The Reds missed the opportunity to go even further ahead of Pellegrini’s former side Manchester City as a result of the draw, although they can probably count themselves lucky they didn’t lose as their goal should have been ruled out for offside.

Hammers boss Pellegrini, who appeared to still have his former side Malaga’s last gasp defeat to Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League quarter-final on his mind, was not happy with the decision.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

The Chilean said: “Klopp is used to winning with offside goals. He beat me against Malaga with a goal seven metres offside – so he cannot complain about anything.”

Naturally, Liverpool fans on Twitter have leapt to the defence of their beloved boss after the war of words…

قال محمد مكي المدرب المساعد لفريق حرس الحدود، إن مباراة بيراميدز كانت صعبة للغاية كون الفريق العسكري واجه أحد أقوى فرق الدوري، مشيرًا إلى أنه فريقه لم يكن موفقا في عدة كرات منها كرة في القائم.

وكان بيراميدز قد حقق فوزًا صعبًا على نظيره حرس الحدود بهدف دون رد في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما في ختام منافسات الجولة 28 من عمر الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأضاف مكي: “المدير الفني طارق العشري حاول التعديل بالتغييرات التي أجراها، ولكن خبرة لاعبي بيراميدز حسمت النتيجة لصالحهم في النهاية”.

طارق العشري يعلن عودته لحرس الحدود ويراهن على اللاعبين

وكشف المدرب عن أن الحدود يقدم مباريات قوية أمام الفرق الكبيرة مثل الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز، واللاعب لا يحتاج لأي حافز ليؤدي بمستوى قوي، والنادي يحاول دفع اللاعبين على الظهور بهذا المستوى في جميع لقاءات الدوري، أملا في الخروج من شبح الهبوط وطمعا في البقاء بالأضواء.

وشدد مكي على أن الحدود أمامه مواجهة قوية في الجولة المقبلة أمام طلائع الجيش ولابد من الفوز بها أملا في التقدم بجدول الترتيب والخروج من المأزق الحالي، رغم ضغط المباريات وخوض لقاء كل 48 ساعة.

المدرب أوضح أن طارق العشري سدد غرامة إيقافه لاتحاد الكرة منذ يومين، لكن فوجيء بأن الإيقاف لم يرفع حتى الآن، وبأن لجنة المسابقات تطلب منه مغادرة الملعب للمدرجات بسبب الإيقاف، واستجاب بالفعل رغم أن النادي سدد قيمة الغرامة والإيقاف انتهى منذ أيام.

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Loads of Sunderland fans have been reflecting on yet another 1-1 draw, this time with Blackpool, and let’s just say more than a few are starting to lose patience with Jack Ross.

Sunderland are still the only side in England’s top four divisions to score in every league game this season, but they have managed more than one goal just once in the last six games, with four of those games ending 1-1.

That was exactly the case again on Tuesday night, as the Black Cats were forced to come from behind to rescue a point against Blackpool.

The visitors took the lead through Armand Gnanduillet, and if truth be told they were more than good value for their lead.

As has so often been the case in recent weeks, Ross’ side struggled to break the visitors down and rarely threatened Mark Howard’s goal.

The late equaliser came from a Jack Baldwin header, but Sunderland are now four points behind second-place Barnsley with only one game in hand on the Yorkshire outfit, meaning the Black Cats’ fate is no longer in their own hands.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are slamming Ross for what was a really underwhelming performance…

Southampton moved out of the relegation zone on Wednesday ousting fellow relegation contenders Fulham to boost their survival chances.

The win couldn’t have come at a better time, considering the Saints now head into a dreaded period.

Next up is a trip to Old Trafford against a rampant Manchester United side, after which they host Tottenham Hotspur and round up March with a crucial tie against relegation rivals Brighton Hove & Albion. While picking up maximum points in any matches seems a tough ask, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men need to start believing in themselves.

They might not have dominated Fulham, but were clinical enough to bag three points. Both goals came due to center-midfielders Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse showing the kind of drive required to get on the score-sheet. Nathan Redmond is increasingly becoming an influential engine under Hasenhuttl, while Ryan Bertrand’s also regaining his best form at long last.

While Hasenhuttl still needs Danny Ings back for the goals, he also needs to keep their defensive work stable. The Saints have conceded some dreadful goals in recent weeks, and the midfielders need to start protecting defenders against dominant attacks. If Southampton can be defensively strong enough and clinical in the final third, they can frustrate the big sides into bagging a few crucial points.

The Saints need to be positive against Brighton at the very least, though shouldn’t be scared about taking on either United or Tottenham.

Indeed, they need to attack all three of them to get three points and help their survival chances. The players have to start playing for the badge and show desire if they’re to weather the onslaught and live another season in the Premier League.

While fans on the south coast may rightly grumble about the distinct lack of quality in their squad compared to previous years, they have the kind of talent on the books to

Is yet another treble in-line again this season? You bet it is! Even with the kerfuffle of Neil Lennon become a temporary manager again, Celtic have a great chance of securing even more history. That’s just how big they are. Don’t you forget that, Brendan Rodgers. 

As you’ll know, the Hoops had actually failed to produce their best displays at times this season – especially at the beginning – but now eight points clear in the league and in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, those players will be desperate to secure both of those trophies again.

Yet because of their failure to make significant progress in Europe, Celtic will need to spend again this summer to get the players they need, or will they?

Newcastle’s Mohamed Diame may be out of contract this summer – depending on a clause in terms of his game time – and that should be of interest the Hoops.

Diame, (who is valued at £4.5 million on Transfermarkt) may still end up staying at St James’ Park  next season, with reports suggesting that if he makes three more starts in their final games, it will trigger a one-year extension on his contract.

If Newcastle decide against going down that road though, Celtic should assert themselves first in the cue to sign the 31-year-old.

Despite it being a fact Diame is not getting any younger, the towering midfielder would still be a fantastic option, with plenty left in his tank. He is an engine-type of midfielder, someone that will cover every inch of grass in a game and that’s why Newcastle have used him 24 times this season.

Indeed, pretty much everything Olivier Ntcham was supposed to be…

Diame doesn’t often find himself on the scoresheet but he is a player that will break-up play, go on charging runs and set-up chances for his team-mates.

If that’s something Celtic want to have in their team next season, they don’t need to look further than the Senegalese international.

Celtic fans, do you think Mo Diame would be a good fit? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

أشاد توماس توخيل المدير الفني لفريق باريس سان جيرمان، بأداء الأرجنتيني ماورو إيكاردي، مشيرًا إلى أنه يمكنه تقديم المزيد. وقاد إيكاردي، باريس سان جيرمان للفوز على ريمس بثنائية دون رد، في منافسات الدوري الفرنسي. وقال توخيل في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “لو باريزيان” الفرنسية: “قدمنا ​​شوطًا أولًا جيدًا وصنعنا الكثير من الفرص، لكننا نفتقد كل شيء تقريبًا، علينا أن نقتل هذه المباراة بعد 20 دقيقة، لست سعيدًا بالشوط الثاني”. وعن إمكانية تعادل ريمس، أردف: “كل شيء كان ممكنًا، لم يكن من الضروري أن تضع نفسك في هذا الموقف، كان علينا إنهاء هذه المباراة في وقت سابق”. اقرأ أيضًا.. توخيل يعلق على إصابة نيمار وعقوبته المنتظرة وأكد: “الجزء الأصعب هو خلق فرص واضحة، كان لدينا 7 أو 8 فرص، ولدينا الجودة للتسجيل وكان علينا التسجيل، علينا أن نجد الكفاءة ولكن أيضًا هذه الغريزة القاتلة، إذا تمكنا من تسجيل ثمانية أهداف، فعلينا تسجيلهم، أريد أن نظل جادين وعدوانيين حتى النهاية”. وعن مستوى إيكاردي، أشاد توخيل: “ماورو عمل بشكل جيد هذا الأسبوع، كان يستحق أن يبدأ من جديد، لم تكن مباراته الأخيرة جيدة، أهم شيء بالنسبة للرقم 9 هو التسجيل، سجل هدفين حاسمين لكن كان من الممكن فعل المزيد”. وعن إمكانية حسم تعاقدات قبل نهاية فترة الانتقالات، علّق:” أمل في تصديق ذلك (ضاحكًا)، أنت تعرف اللاعبين الذين فقدناهم، نأمل أن نتمكن من الاستمرار في فترة الانتقالات هذه وبدء الموسم بمجموعة مماثلة للموسم الماضي، لكن الوقت متأخر بالفعل”.

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Georginio Wijnaldum trained with his teammates on Thursday as he builds back to full fitness.

An illness meant that the midfielder missed the team’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United earlier this month, but he made a scoring return off the bench in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth last weekend.

What’s the latest?

Klopp told Liverpool’s official website:

“Gini didn’t train yet, that’s of course not cool after a very intense game for him. So he had a little dip, but will start today so that’s good.”

Liverpool are currently on a training camp in Marbella, having made the most of their break in fixtures.

Indeed, the team’s elimination from the FA Cup means that they have no match this weekend and are therefore not back in action until next Tuesday, which brings the small matter of a last-16 Champions League first leg with Bayern Munich.

Wijnaldum was unable to take part in the early stages of the club’s winter training camp, but Klopp has revealed that the Netherlands international was back in action on Thursday as he attempts to get up to full speed.

The news is huge for Liverpool ahead of two key matches. Indeed, the Reds will follow the clash with Bayern at Anfield on Tuesday night with a trip to bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League next weekend.

How has Wijnaldum performed this season?

The midfielder has been impressive for Liverpool during the 2018-19 campaign.

Whilst it would be fair to say that his numbers are not exactly incredible, the Dutchman does provide balance to the Liverpool midfield.

In 23 Premier League matches, he has scored twice, while he contributed one assist in his six Champions League appearances earlier this season.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

The fact that the 28-year-old started every one of Liverpool’s Champions League group matches this term is an indication of his importance.

And Klopp will be hopeful that the midfielder can prove his fitness over the next few days with the view to naming him in the XI against Bayern next week.

If not anything else, Liverpool’s recent 0-0 draws have proven one thing. Their squad depth is frail. Despite heavy spending in recent years, the Reds need to continue building their squad if they’re to keep competing against the mighty Manchester City.

In fact, we’d forgive Liverpool fans for being a little bored right now. There’s been so much talk about potentially ‘bottling’ – whatever that really means – the title and, Watford aside, nobody needs reminding that the performances have been rather slow.

So, why not talk about a big transfer rumour? However dubious it may be.

With their attack needing a boost, according to report from Italian outlet Tuttosport via Football Espana, the Reds are looking to sign Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio to do just that. Indeed, the winger is reportedly annoyed at not getting enough regular game-time at the Santiago Bernabeu and, after the embarrassing string of losses, is looking for a move elsewhere.

Asensio can be quite an asset for Liverpool, bolstering their attack even more. With the capability of playing both the wings pretty well, having a deft touch and impressive goal-scoring ability, he can thrive in the Premier League.

While, he’s only scored three goals and assisted twice in all competitions, not being able to fit into the post-Zidane era. There are deep-rooted problems in the Spanish capital, far bigger than his dip in form, and it seems one of the most talented youngsters in the world needs a way out.

With that in mind, he can adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal football really well.

Asensio – valued at a whopping £72m by Transfermarkt – clearly loves flaunting his trickery and move forward with pace, something which will suit Liverpool’s system. He can definitely create stark chemistry with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, with his fantastic striking ability making him capable of creating nightmares for oppositions.

While the Reds will surely face heavy resistance to sign him, they could make a world-class addition with the youngster.

Asensio’s blooming talent is set to reach its peak quickly, and Liverpool would love to have him tormenting oppositions at his best.

Liverpool fans, do you think Marco Asensio will be a good addition? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

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Sheffield United take on fellow Championship title-chasers West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday in what could be a season defining clash for both clubs.

With so much on the line for the Blades, Chris Wilder has to get his tactics and team selection right, but given the good form of so many in his squad he has some tough calls to make.

On the chalkboard

In Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick and January loan signing Gary Madine, Wilder has three in-form forwards to pick from. 26-year-old loanee Scott Hogan bolsters these options further. There’s an argument for each of these strikers to get the nod in the starting XI.

Who do you want to see promoted this year? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked their 3 favoured teams in the video below…

The partnership between 33-year-old club captain and top goalscorer Sharp and 31-year-old McGoldrick has been prolific all season. However, last time out, Hogan and Madine worked extremely well together. What’s more, the two loanees are something of an unknown quantity together, so could take the Baggies by surprise. 

Whoever Wilder goes with, the Blades stand a good chance of putting goals past Darren Moore’s inconsistent defence. That being said, it’s still a headache for the United manager, but not one that he’d be better off without.

A blessing

In title chases, the side with the best quality squad depth is often the one that prevails. When it comes to their attacking contingent, the Bramall Lane club absolutely have that strength in depth.

Whilst it may mean plenty of difficult selection problems for Wilder to solve between now and the end of the campaign, his plethora of high-class attacking options is a blessing. Having that kind of firepower at his disposal could be what fuels Sheffield United into the Premier League.

Losing Fernandinho to injury has shown what a catastrophe it would be if obvious replacement Ilkay Gundogan continues to reject contract talks.

Fernandinho is the unsung hero only Manchester City fans and football purists can appreciate: solid in midfield, tactical genius in defence and a calculated ballplayer at all times – the Brazilian has grown into a key player for the title-chasing side.

Manchester Evening News have a produced an interesting article regarding who could possibly replace the midfield rock – however, we are not sure we totally agree with their findings.

From our perspective, in former Borussia Dortmund man Ilkay Gundogan, City have their most obvious candidate.

The Germany international occupies a similar area of the pitch and performs a very comparable role – orchestrating play from the back and keeping the squad ticking. Some might say with a little more zest than his counterpart. But that is a sacrifice of solidity.

Even if it is not on a permanent basis, Manchester City will want to keep the player at the Etihad whilst they find and blood a recruit in place of Fernandinho – at least on they can rely on. Which is why it is so concerning to learn that Gundogan has been unwilling to enter negotiations with the club.

“We would like to do it, but it depends on the club and him, so I don’t know,” Guardiola is quoted saying (as per Mirror).

“Hopefully he can stay. I would prefer him to stay, but at the same time I want to feel he wants to stay, too.

“If he doesn’t want to stay, he has to leave. But we would like to continue. I said before, if he wants to stay, we will talk to him and we can sign the contract.

“We signed the contract with Kevin De Bruyne in a few days, and with other players — with Gabriel Jesus. But he [Gundogan] doesn’t want to right now, so we will wait. When he wants it, we will be here.”

Manchester City fans, would losing Gundogan be critical to your future title hopes? Let us know in the comments below…