LFC 21/22 – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Gameweek #28

In the last eight despite a defeat, winning in Brighton with a clean sheet. Not enough money, could mean no honey. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at Liverpool football club.

The Good

Progressing to the quarterfinals of the Champions League despite a 0-1 loss to Inter Milan at Anfield. This was always going to be a tricky fixture for Liverpool. The 2-0 lead coming into the game was a little generous given their performance in the first leg.

To be fair to Liverpool they still took the game to Milan and were unlucky not to get more from it. Two Mo Salah shots hitting the post and a Joel Matip effort rattling the cross bar should be proof enough.

If there is a game we can lose then this was the one,

Lautaro Martinez scored an impressive goal after 61 minutes to give the visitors hope. Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Alex Sanchez got sent off two minutes later and in so doing, put paid to that. “If there is a game we can lose then this was the one,” added Jürgen Klopp, summing up the result.

FULL TIME
LIVERPOOL 0-1 INTER MILAN

could have easily scored 4
Ref was shocking
Result was poor

BUT…. We're through to the QFs!

Job done

🔴❤⚽#LFC #LIVINT #UCL

— Kopites 🔴 (@Kopites290494) March 8, 2022

As it is, the Reds are in the hat for the quarterfinal draw on Friday. At this point, Liverpool are more likely to be considered a team to be feared rather than their having fear for any upcoming opponent. So roll on midday CET on Friday.

The (Not) Bad

Securing three more valuable points against Brighton and Hove Albion with the 0-2 away win. The Reds returned victorious from their trip to the south coast after goals from Luis Diaz and Salah.

The goal from Diaz was particularly pleasing after he latched onto a superb lobbed through ball from Matip to score – despite being flattened in a collision with Seagulls’ ‘keeper Robert Sanchez. The Colombian has been in fine form since his move from FC Porto in January.

I have to say though, the form of Joel Matip this season has been nothing short of superb. Having scored one goal and two assists this season, his performance against Brighton was another solid display. I have to hold my hands up. I’ve criticised him in the past for his injury record. However, when fully fit, the boy can play!

Our goalscorers 🥰 pic.twitter.com/7s4Wy8Oqil

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 12, 2022

In all a great team performance. “Professional” is the word often used on these occasions. As a result the gap between Liverpool and Manchester (at the time of writing – I’m watching Palace vs City) remains three points.

The Ugly

The ongoing transfer discussions with Salah about a renewed contract. The saga was covered by The Athletic this week wherein James Pearce pointed out that the stand off is about “money, respect and recognition”.

The last two above can be deleted. This entire discussion just comes down to money. Pure and simple. Liverpool have made the 29 year-old an offer and are waiting to see if he accepts it. Personally, as hard as this would be, I’d be preparing to sell Salah in the summer if he doesn’t put pen to paper.

We’ve seen in the past, that Liverpool are happy for players to run down their contracts and this case seems to be no exception. Klopp says there is “no rush” but this is clearly an official response rather than that of sound belief. Rumours already abound that the last contract offer had been rejected.

🚨 FC Barcelona's chosen Salah as an alternative to Haaland. Initials talks have already started. Price is expected to be around €50-60M for the winger. Mo Salah 🇪🇬 has rejected Liverpool’s latest contract offer. #LFC #FCB

(@fansjavimiguel 🌖 via @ManagingBarca ) pic.twitter.com/nVP8smznzm

— Football Transfers (@Transferzone00) March 14, 2022

When you look around, there are only a handful of clubs that could either: a) afford him and b) present him with the right stage to showcase his skills. And of those, probably both Spanish, neither is as stable as Liverpool.

Let’s see how this pans out. It’s intriguing stuff and as always with Liverpool, never a dull moment.

YNWA