Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that the Reds cannot compete with Manchester City in the transfer market and must rely on squeezing every last drop out of the quality they already have.
City have smashed the British transfer record this summer by making Jack Grealish the first £100m Premier League player and are still interested in also signing Harry Kane. Liverpool, on the other hand, have spent £36m on Ibrahima Konate and are unlikely to make more additions.
Klopp sees a similar situation with Manchester United, who have brought in Jadon Sancho for £73m, and Chelsea, who have re-signed Romelu Lukaku in a deal worth £97.5m.
The Liverpool boss has explained that any player Liverpool might sign to try and directly compete with that spending would likely have to rival the 2018 captures of Alisson (£67m) and Virgil van Dijk (£75m). But instead, he is focusing on getting it right on the pitch.
“Whoever we would buy, there is no guarantee that we would be ahead of Manchester City because they can obviously always strike back. It’s like you try something and the next moment they buy two or three,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“It would probably be the most expensive signings we made since Ali and Virgil. But comparing with other teams is like comparing with other couples. You might think [another woman] is more beautiful but then you find out she is annoying all day, so that’s how it is.”
Klopp explained that Liverpool’s squad is fine as it is as long they have a little bit more luck with injuries that last season when Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were long-term absentees. But, ultimately, the game is played on the pitch and not in the transfer market.
£36m Ibrahima Konate is Liverpool’s only signing of the summer / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
“We have to beat [City] in the moment when we meet them and not by having the more exciting squad. They are all really great players, Jack Grealish, come on, what a boy, and if Harry Kane is going there as well, that doesn’t make City worse, that’s for sure.
“With Manchester United and Chelsea it is exactly the same, we all know that. But in the end we still have to play football and our football, if we can really bring it on the pitch, is not comfortable for other teams [to play against]. That’s what we have to make sure, and then they can still have all the quality they have. We have quality and the plan is to squeeze everything out of us this season.”
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Mikel Arteta has bemoaned the toothlessness of Arsenal’s attack following his side’s shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Brentford.
The Gunners were without both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette for Friday evening’s game – both of whom were sidelined due to illness – and it showed, as Arteta’s side failed to really trouble David Raya throughout the game.
Speaking to the press after his side’s opening day defeat, Arteta lamented Arsenal’s inability to create chance even do the ‘basics’ (via Sky Sports):
“The biggest worry was our threat in front goal. The amount of times we got around the box and got in great situations but it wasn’t enough threat or shots on target. If you don’t do that in the Premier League then you won’t win.
“I don’t want excuses – we missed players but I don’t like to hide. We were not good enough to beat them. We did not do the basics. We have started in a disappointing way but we will review and speak with cool heads and try to put it right as soon as possible.”
A poor showing from Arsenal that showed they have plenty of room for improvement…
— 90min (@90min_Football) August 14, 2021
Unfortunately for Arteta, Arsenal weren’t much better at the other end.
£50m signing Ben White endured a nightmare start to life at the Gunners, letting the ball bounce over his head in the six-yard box (yes, really) to allow Christian Norgaard to double the Bees’ lead.
“We didn’t start well, conceding a goal in an isolated incident. We didn’t cope well with the second balls or long balls. And that’s all they needed to create problems for us. Then we conceded from a long throw.”
The pathetic nature of Arsenal’s performance has, as expected, led to fans calling for more (and better) signings to be made as soon as possible, but when asked whether or not the defeat will speed up Arsenal’s transfer business, Arteta stated:
“We are very clear of what we wanted to do, what our strengths are and where we can improve. I don’t think today’s performance shows anything different to what we’ve already seen.”
Tottenham Hotspur’s stance over Harry Kane has ‘not softened’ and will not change before the end of the summer transfer window.
Manchester City have already had a £100m enquiry quickly rebuffed by the club, with Spurs chief Daniel Levy insisting Kane is not available at any price.
England captain Kane has made no secret of his desire to leave the north London outfit, and he has used various methods to get his message across.
Kane did an interview with Gary Neville, before a Sunday paper story emerged suggesting he had agreed terms with City already – which left Levy furious. Kane then reported late for Spurs training, only making his return this week – which again did not go down well among the Tottenham hierarchy.
City are refusing to go away, however, and sources close to the Citizens have confirmed that they expect them to return with another bid for Kane. Those close to City believe the club will come in with a bid of £130m – which even if Levy was looking to sell, is still someway short of the widely reported £150m minimum asking price.
As such, sources close to Tottenham have stated that the club’s position has not changed at all in recent days – following Kane’s return to training – and that Levy’s ‘stance has not softened in the slightest’ as the forward remains not for sale ‘at any price’.
The big talking point over the weekend will come in the ‘Harry Kane’ derby on Sunday as Tottenham host Manchester City in their opening league game on Sunday.
New Spurs boss Nuno has admitted he does not yet know whether he will include Kane in their squad on Sunday. Nuno told the pre-match press conference: “He [Kane] joined the group today, he trained, we had a talk. Of course, it is a private conversation, but everything is ok. He is preparing himself.
“We still have the session of Saturday to decide. We have to think and we have Saturday to make the decision.”
Just like in the 2019/20 season, Liverpool and Norwich will meet on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.
With their major injury problems now in the past (at least for now), Liverpool will be planning another assault on the Premier League title and will be expecting to get off to a good start against one of the league’s new faces.
Championship winners Norwich have retained some of the young core that impressed in the top flight two years ago and have spent big this summer in the hope of avoiding the same fate this time around.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
When is kick off? Saturday 14 August, 17:30 (BST) Where is the match being played? Carrow Road What TV channel is it on? Sky Sports (UK), NBC/fuboTV (US) Who’s the referee? Andre Marriner Who’s the VAR? Stuart Attwell
Daniel Farke will definitely be without winger Przemyslaw Placheta because of COVID-19 rules, while there are also concerns about centre-back Andrew Omobamidele after his battle with tonsillitis this week.
The boss will also make late calls on Teemu Pukki, Lukas Rupp and Todd Cantwell, all of whom have been bothered by injuries and fitness troubles in the past few weeks.
Robertson has an ankle injury / Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Andy Robertson remains sidelined with the ankle injury he picked up in pre-season, and young midfielder Curtis Jones joins him on the treatment table as he is recovering from a concussion.
Midfield duo Thiago and Jordan Henderson are still playing catch-up on their fitness and may miss the game, but there could be long-awaited returns to competitive action for defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Norwich have a rough record against Liverpool / Visionhaus/Getty Images
The two sides last met in the 2019/20 season, with Liverpool coming out on top both times. They picked up a 4-1 win at Anfield on opening day before adding a 1-0 victory in February 2020.
That was the continuation of an ugly trend for Norwich which has seen the Canaries fail to beat Liverpool since April 1994, when a worldie from Jeremy Goss spoiled the end to the standing era in the Kop stand at Anfield.
Since that win, Norwich have lost 12 of the 14 meetings between these two sides, only avoiding defeat twice thanks to 1-1 draws in 2011 and 2015.
Liverpool are heavy favourites for this one / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Norwich are a lot of fun and have spent plenty of money this summer in an attempt to survive in the top flight, but there’s still a gulf in quality between themselves and Liverpool.
The Reds aren’t at 100%, but they still have more than enough about them to get the job done here. They look strong at both ends of the field and will likely be too much for Norwich to handle.
We could get a repeat of the 2019 opening day, which saw Norwich create all sorts of problems for Liverpool but still end up on the wrong side of a hiding.
Arsenal’s Premier League season got off to the worst possible start as they were deservedly beaten 2-0 by newcomers Brentford on Friday evening.
The Bees were all-action early on and fired themselves ahead after 22 minutes as Sergi Canos cut inside from the left and thundered home a snapshot which flew past Bernd Leno.
Arsenal grew into the game after the break and rained down plenty of half-chances on David Raya’s goal, but Brentford weathered the storm and doubled their advantage midway through the second half as Christian Norgaard headed home following some comical defending from a long throw-in.
The Gunners pushed for a way back into the game but could hardly have offered less in attack if they tried, and Brentford held on for what ended up being a routine victory.
Here’s how both teams rated on the night.
Raya had a simple game / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
David Raya (GK) – 7/10 – Didn’t have many saves to make but really caught the eye with just how commanding he was in the air. He may be a smaller goalkeeper but Raya looked dominant when claiming crosses.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB) – 7/10 – As composed as ever. Dominant defensively but arguably more important as an overlapping centre-back. Seems a perfect fit for Thomas Frank’s system. Left the game with an injury in the second half.
Pontus Jansson (CB) – 7/10 – Led by example in defence. Won everything in the air and could be heard barking orders at those around him. Loved his battle with Balogun.
Ethan Pinnock (CB) – 8/10 – Played with such composure and intelligence. Knew when to stand up and when to go to ground, winning everything that came his way. Even got the assist for Canos’ goal.
Onyeka was excellent / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Sergi Canos (RM) – 8/10 – Barely tested defensively and spent most of his time charging forward. Popped up on both wings and took his goal with real class.
Frank Onyeka (CM) – 7/10 – Another intelligent signing. Blessed with undying stamina, Onyeka led Brentford’s press all evening long. Did nothing ground-breaking on the ball but kept his side moving forward.
Christian Norgaard (CM) – 8/10 – Subtly brilliant. Anchored Brentford’s midfield and completely pressed Xhaka out of the game. Couldn’t believe his luck for his goal.
Vitaly Janelt (CM) – 7/10 – Was everywhere all game long. So intelligent with the timing of his runs and pressing, swarming Arsenal as soon as they got on the ball. Clearly understands his job.
Rico Henry (LM) – 7/10 – Had absolutely nothing to do defensively and was allowed to focus on getting involved in attack. Looked as dangerous as ever.
Toney had a great game / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
Ivan Toney (ST) – 8/10 – Wasn’t involved in the box as much as he may have liked, but Toney was absolutely outstanding in the link-up. Created chances for everyone around him and held the ball up with ease. Had White in the mud throughout.
Bryan Mbeumo (ST) – 8/10 – Mari will be having nightmares of Mbeumo. Too fast and powerful for Arsenal’s defence and could have easily had two goals of his own before the break.
White had a rough debut / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Bernd Leno (GK) – 4/10 – Didn’t do a lot wrong with his hands but was really shaky with the ball at his feet. Far too happy to play passes to team-mates in obvious peril. Invited pressure with his sloppiness.
Calum Chambers (RB) – 4/10 – Too slow to press Canos for the goal. Looked off the pace throughout and really struggled to contain Brentford out wide.
Ben White (CB) – 4/10 – Did not enjoy competing with Toney in the air and was not quick enough to deal with Mbeumo on the ground. Far too weak and clueless for the second goal.
Pablo Mari (CB) – 4/10 – Looked really flustered by Brentford’s high press. Sloppy on the ball and was visibly frustrated when everything went wrong.
Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7/10 – Arsenal’s most dangerous player by a long way (barely a compliment). Charged forwards a lot and whipped in some dangerous crosses, but couldn’t do it all on his own.
Smith Rowe carried the attack / ADRIAN DENNIS/Getty Images
Albert Sambi Lokonga (DM) – 5/10 – Had a quiet first half as he struggled to deal with the press, and despite some nice flashes in the second half, didn’t do nearly enough.
Granit Xhaka (DM) – 4/10 – Really struggled with a lack of time on the ball and was too safe when he had the chance to make something happen. Seemed to religiously look for Tierney out wide even though better options were there.
Nicolas Pepe (RM) – 5/10 – Painfully isolated throughout, but didn’t do nearly enough to test Henry. Looked scared to go one-on-one but was constantly left to try.
Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 6/10 – Had some really classy moments and was the only Arsenal midfielder who looked like he wanted to make things happen. A few neat passes but couldn’t create anything of note.
Gabriel Martinelli (LM) – 5/10 – Really struggled up against Ajer and actually ended up spending more time in a central role, where he was stepping on Balogun’s toes too often.
Balogun did very little / Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Folarin Balogun (ST) – 5/10 – Drafted in because of an injury crisis in attack, Balogun really struggled. Was too isolated but in his rare moments on the ball, he didn’t do nearly enough.
Saka received a round of applause when he came on / Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Bukayo Saka – 6/10
Reiss Nelson – 5/10
Nuno Tavares – N/A
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