The Serbian midfielder has impressed in pre-season after linking up with Jurgen Klopp’s side for the first time, following a January move from Red Star Belgrade, but the 20-year-old, who spent the second half of 2015-16 on loan at his former club, had to be withdrawn at half-time in Los Angeles.
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He has been working with the players since their return to Melwood and on the current tour of the U.S., and Klopp likes what he sees.
Afterwards Fabregas apologised to the Liverpool player, who recovered from the challenge and should be fit for Liverpool’s next game against AC Milan, although it is thought that Fabregas will be banned from playing against Real Madrid.
“I expect him to start the season”, the Liverpool boss said of Matip. “Three times late, do you think I should [sell him]?” he asked. “That’s what I really love in pre-season, that you can work on these things twice a day – ideal”.
Liverpool’s season should be judged on their Premier League finishing position rather than any cup success, says John Barnes.
He explained: “I’m pleased with my team because I saw the right spirit and a lot of positive things”.
“You can believe I didn’t want to do things like this, but I like to be a nice guy until I can’t be a nice guy anymore”.
The German revealed on Wednesday that Sakho had arrived late for their flight from Liverpool and a team meeting, as well as missing a training session overall.
Even if Liverpool do not sign any more players in the coming weeks, their activity in the transfer market is far from done.
Speaking on the incident, Conte said: “I’m sorry for this and the player is the same”.
“Hopefully it stays like this and because we learned that it makes sense that you put all your skills together and in the end you try to find the best decision”.
“We all have a budget – [that is] how it is and that’s how I like it and that’s how I’m used to working”.
The victory came courtesy of a Gary Cahill header in the tenth minute, but the biggest talking points were a red card for Cesc Fabregas after a studs up challenge on Liverpool new boy Ragnar Klavan, and an injury to another of the Reds’ summer signings, Marko Grujic, who was taken to hospital with concussion after a collision with Bertrand Traore.
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“I know from the past that he appreciates me as a player”, Meyer told Kicker.
