The Liverpool Offside: All Posts by Zachary MarxZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2024-03-23T10:00:00+00:00https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/authors/zachary-marx/rss2024-03-23T10:00:00+00:002024-03-23T10:00:00+00:00On Being A Liverpool Supporter, And Supporting Women’s Football
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<img alt="Liverpool v Leicester City - Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_kidnaeLxo2Q1qfr40doRugx2u4=/0x106:4630x3193/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73227657/2063585924.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Most weekends I don’t have time to watch all the football I desire, but this weekend, I can at least watch the women play with my daughter. </p> <p id="aVU2jY">My daughter turned 4 at the start of the year, and like any precocious 4 year old, she’s pretty good at making objective observations about the world, and questioning the status quo. We should all be so lucky to view the world through such clear lenses, with curiosity as our main driving force. </p>
<p id="LrB2L7">We listen to a lot of records together, and she loves looking at the album art, and asking me about the artists in the photos. “Who is that?” John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Last weekend she asked two follow up questions, the first being: “Why aren’t there any girls?” </p>
<p id="3R4nDB">Of course I had no answer. Sorry love, the Fab Four are just John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Then again, most artists in my record collection are men. That is at least partially on me. </p>
<p id="tMJp3H">She thought a bit more about things, putting the pieces together in her mind, and her follow up question once again wrong footed me, “Hmm...why are all the <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> players are also men?” </p>
<p id="I5yeNi">Oh shit. She’s discovered the patriarchy. </p>
<p id="1qmjTC">This one was completely on me. Of course there is a woman’s team. But I typically only watch them during international breaks. </p>
<p id="ZVX25a">This isn’t from a complete lack of desire, but largely due to prioritization and lack of time. In an ideal world, there’s a lot more football I’d love to watch, including the women. I’d hate watch both Manchesters. I’d watch the yutes. I’d watch any relegation scrap. But as a parent of two young kiddos, I get my 2 hours or so per weekend of often highly interrupted football. No more. </p>
<p id="Z9WONO">So, I watch the Liverpool men play, because they were my first love, the team that got me really into club football. It’s not a conscious decision against women’s football, far from it. But a lot of our habits, and therefore how patriarchal (and other embedded power structures), are not conscious choices, but a perpetuation of what has always been. </p>
<p id="xjwSCs">However, we know that “this is how it has always been” is never a valid excuse. </p>
<p id="ltWUrh">And this weekend, I really have no excuse. I promised my daughter that we’d put on our Liverpool shirts tomorrow and watch the women in the Merseyside Derby. </p>
<p id="cVSO5j">It is the least I can do. And in the meantime, I can reflect on how I can better support the women’s team more, to set a better example for my daughter, and show her that things don’t have to be male dominated, just because of the past. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-women-news-results/2024/3/23/24109494/on-being-a-liverpool-supporter-and-supporting-womens-football-merseyside-derbyZachary Marx2024-03-16T08:14:09+00:002024-03-16T08:14:09+00:00Klopp On The Unusual Substitutions Against Sparta Prague
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v AC Sparta Praha: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Europa League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2jAMN-k_mFsereV1Ll82zvYHPrQ=/0x0:4740x3160/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211219/2086573118.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Andy Robertson at center back, and a full 90 for Mohamed Salah? Klopp, you have some explaining to do...</p> <p id="Z54wN4">In both legs of the impressive 11-2 aggregate victory over Sparta Prague, Jurgen Klopp sent out a stronger than expected team, and made some unusual substitutions along the way, especially in the second (home) leg. </p>
<p id="lrTvm6">The strong line up, in the midst of an ongoing injury crisis, no less, had already cost the Reds Ibrahima Konate after the defender pulled up with a knock just minutes into the second half of the first leg. </p>
<p id="8csenR">Of course, injuries often have unintended knock-on effects, and this was precisely the case on Thursday night. The injury to Konate ended up forcing not-a-center-back Andy Robertson into the center of defense, and Bobby Clark’s injury kept recently-returned-from-injury Mo Salah on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. </p>
<p id="P4fiFH">“We were 4-0 up and 5-1 [from the first leg], so that’s the moment when you think, ‘OK, we take off now x, y and z.’” Klopp explained in his pre-match press conference. </p>
<p id="ung5t9">“I don’t think we would have played Robbo [Andy Robertson] as a center-half if it’s 0-0 or we are 2-0 down – but he did exceptionally well, by the way, so he’s the next one who opened the door for a new position. That’s the only reason for it. </p>
<p id="lwKXTh">“How I said, that’s really strange, you cannot believe that you are 4-1 up at half-time and on aggregate obviously 9-2, so even the biggest pessimist would not think that we will not go through to the next round. That was because of that, no other reason. Usually you really have no time and no resources to think about the next game but that’s why we did the changes we made.”</p>
<p id="lonfmc">Robertson, if nothing else, provided a bit of experience in seeing the game out. Not that the game really needed to be seen out. </p>
<p id="GRZRdN">As for Salah, Klopp also recognizes that it was a less-than-ideal situation. </p>
<p id="CGSZpD">“It was then a strange game in the second half. I would have loved to take him off but it was not possible because of Bobby [Clark]’s situation. And of course, he could manage that pretty well. But even then he set up another goal which was offside. Mo is pure quality.”</p>
<p id="gz83KZ">Luckily, it appears as if there were no more injures picked up along the way. Hopefully Mo is fully ready to go tomorrow in the massive cup quarterfinal against <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2024/3/16/24102743/liverpool-fc-jurgen-klopp-andy-robertson-mohamed-salah-injury-europa-league-manchester-united-eplZachary Marx2024-03-10T17:47:22+00:002024-03-10T17:47:22+00:00Liverpool 1, Manchester City 1 - Match Recap: 115 Charges, 0 Wins At Anfield
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Manchester City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9zVR-27L1MpRhGnL9nznV-BQXNI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73196222/2066539158.0.jpg" />
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<p>A look back at the key moments in Liverpool’s thrilling draw with Manchester City in Premier Leagueaction. </p> <h1 id="h.cy9vu8hi9cop_l"><strong>Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester City </strong></h1>
<h5 id="uSBFzc">Reds : MacAllister 50’ (pen)<br>115 Charges FC: Stones 24’</h5>
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<h2 id="FSxjnF"><strong>Pre-Match </strong></h2>
<p id="0QTSDh">Pre-match nerves have definitely kicked in, which was true even before the line-up dropped. Konate is out, as feared, and young Jarell Quansah has the biggest test of his young career. Meanwhile Endo, Szoboszlai, and Nunez all get the start, while Mo Salah starts on the bench. </p>
<p id="P2bM4E">It’s worth remembering that City are the ones who really need the win here, though if Liverpool can navigate their way through this one, they will have a big, big advantage for the rest of the run in. </p>
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<h2 id="5L7LOb"><strong>First Half</strong></h2>
<p id="2vb1tI">The Sportswashers make us attack the Kop End first, the absolute cowards. Unfortunately they’re off to a good start, pretty easily playing through, around, and over our press early. </p>
<p id="QNi84M">Liverpool manage to get their foot on it after a few minutes, and quickly start building a bridgehead into the match. Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz appear to team up to practically walk it into the net, but Darwin is just offside. Still, that has to worry City, and encourage the Reds. </p>
<p id="vPNuYl">Unfortunately, City get the opener, thanks to a John Stones strike from a corner. Fuck.</p>
<p id="B4zZ7X">Liverpool respond well to going down, creating several dangerous situations the rest of the half, but can’t quite find that final ball/right finish. However, these <em>can</em> be gotten at, and I reckon Mo Salah will have something to say about it in the second half. </p>
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<h2 id="toR0pL"><strong>Second Half</strong></h2>
<p id="9xCLyE">No changes from Kloppo to start the second half. To be fair, the XI that are out there are playing legitimately great, and we all know just how effective Salah can be as a sub. </p>
<p id="CQW0jZ">DARWIN WINS A PEN IN PHENOMENAL FASHION! Ederson is just late, late, late, and Darwin makes the most of it. MacAllister steps up, Ederson guesses the right way, but it’s so well taken that it’s just out of reach. No keeper is stopping that. GAME FUCKING ON.</p>
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<p id="8DL8HE">Ederson apparently hurt himself during his horror challenge on Darwin, and is now coming off. Anfield is <em>roaring</em>. Keep it up, lads. </p>
<p id="LE0mJO">Klopp makes his first changes on the hour mark, bringing Szoboszlai and Bradley off for Robbo and Salah. Gomez swaps to the right back. </p>
<p id="sBh4hK">Diaz is currently terrorizing the City defense, being played through twice, but spurned both chances so far. Just gotta make one of ‘em count, Luis. </p>
<p id="7KOFEa">With about 15 left to play, Klopp brings Darwin off (boo) for Cody Gakpo. </p>
<p id="Xy2d8U">Both sides seem to be running out of gas as we reach the final minutes of regular time. It’s been a hell of a match so far, but hopefully the lads in Red can find one last moment of magic (or failing all else, going in off someone’s ass). </p>
<p id="YMPWWy">Doku of all players nearly breaks our hearts in the final minute of regulation, but the ball somehow comes off the woodwork, and right back into Kelleher’s safe hands. Thank fuck. </p>
<p id="kK9LvD">In the last minute, MacAllister is kicked in the chest in the box and a pen isn’t give. I have no words. </p>
<h2 id="4iw0de"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2>
<p id="fwBMWl">Liverpool will feel like they should’ve taken all three points today, but in the larger picture a draw is a great result, and it keeps us above City, with a City-Arsenal clash on the immediate horizon. Our league hopes are still alive. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2024/3/10/24096295/liverpool-1-manchester-city-1-epl-2024-result-recap-nunez-macallister-klopp-title-raceZachary Marx2024-03-10T12:49:22+00:002024-03-10T12:49:22+00:00Matchday: Liverpool vs. Manchester City
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<img alt="Manchester City v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ot-nlOPreqY4666CvfPfrS6TMck=/0x0:3918x2612/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73195797/1821150265.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Live coverage of Liverpool’s Premier League game against/at Team with lineup news, streaming and television options, and live updates. </p> <h2 id="h.xqab99p4bm2r_l"><strong>LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER CITY</strong></h2>
<h5 id="5rfC3m">| Sunday, March 10th |<br>Premier League | Anfield<br>3:45PM BST/11:45PM EST </h5>
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<p id="dN9U3i">This is the big one, no other way around it. This fixture had a big, red circle around it before a ball was kicked this season, and now—with the two teams entering the weekend with a chance to go top with a win—it couldn’t be any bigger. Arsenal have done no favors to anyone by securing all three points with a late winner last night, making any result this afternoon even more significant. </p>
<p id="kFjlxW">Although you get the feeling that both sets of fans would take a draw right now, were it offered, a win would be a major boost to either side’s title chances. </p>
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<h2 id="S96nru"><strong>PREVIEW & HOW TO WATCH</strong></h2>
<p id="w5bc4C"><strong>Full Match Preview:</strong> <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2024/3/9/24095033/liverpool-vs-manchester-city-epl-2023-24-match-fixture-preview-injuries-predicted-lineup-title">Liverpool vs. Manchester City</a></p>
<p id="RKWE8n"><strong>Television & Streaming:</strong> Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Go Extra (UK); USA Network (USA); Optus Sport (Australia); FuboTV (Canada); Star Sports Select 1 (India); Astro SuperSport 3 (Malaysia); SuperSport Maximo 2 (Nigeria); 221 Hub Premier 1 (Singapore); SuperSport Maximo 2 (South Africa); other listings at<a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/"> LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
<p id="OzatNm"><strong>Online Radio:</strong><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2024%2F3%2F10%2F24096201%2Fliverpool-manchester-city-epl-2023-24-fixture-match-coverage-team-news-lineups-television-streaming" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> LFCTV GO</a></p>
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<h2 id="k15VWw"><strong>LIVERPOOL</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Reds to take on Manchester City <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVMCI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVMCI</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1766837665012351335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="aAZOrg"><strong>MANCHESTER CITY</strong></h2>
<p id="ryx4P5"><em>11 sportswashing cunts. </em></p>
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<h2 id="b0efwj"><strong>JOIN THE TLO COMMUNITY</strong></h2>
<p id="iEBBcb">If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to sign up for an SB Nation account and<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"> join the community at The Liverpool Offside,</a> where we’ll bring you and your fellow Reds fans from around the world full coverage of every Liverpool match from the 2023-24 season in the Premier League, Europa League, and domestic cups along with breaking news, insight and opinion, tactical discussion, and post-match reaction.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2024/3/10/24096201/liverpool-manchester-city-epl-2023-24-fixture-match-coverage-team-news-lineups-television-streamingZachary Marx2024-03-09T10:00:00+00:002024-03-09T10:00:00+00:00Liverpool-Manchester City, 115 Charges & The Soul of Football
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<img alt="Everton FC v Manchester United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g3kMHNTH9mGn9nqHQtxSU-BoMHE=/1x0:6129x4085/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73193675/1814925115.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>On the eve of the biggest game of the season so far, I take a look at why this match has become a defacto morality play for world football. </p> <p id="eDUtf8">Sometimes, when someone asks why I became a fan of <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> Football Club, I can’t resist using a line from a book series with an evermore problematic author, “the wand chooses the wizard.” If there’s a better analogy, please let me know in the comments, I’d prefer to use a better one liner, to be honest. </p>
<p id="d4IVU0">I was made for Liverpool, and Liverpool was made for me. I love the fan culture. The love, true love, for the club, from fans all around the world, as beautifully displayed in this video released just this week by the club: </p>
<div id="Ckg6Or"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/txLXlBJEFjw?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="DJavqE">I’ve been in Liverpool supporters’ bars all over the US, in Asia, and Europe. Every time you walk into one of these establishments, it feels like you’re home, even if you don’t know anyone in the city, and can’t speak the language. </p>
<p id="rWhO9Z">There is a spiritual connection with the club, with Liverpool, and with Anfield. For some fans, just being able to travel to Anfield once in their life is a pilgrimage on par with any other meaningful religious trek. </p>
<p id="QnKL61">There is something organic about Liverpool supporters, and how they show their love of the city and club that just doesn’t exist at most clubs, and that is especially true for their upcoming opponent, 115 Charges FC, <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>. </p>
<p id="dvmmID">In <em>The Avengers</em>, Tony Stark wrongly accused Steve Rodgers, “everything special about you came out of a bottle.” However, everything special about Manchester City comes out of a <em>barrel</em>, and that’s not up for debate. </p>
<p id="qYcReI">City won the “sportswashing project by a human rights abusing petrostate” lottery, and it’s hard to imagine them becoming anywhere as successful, or even being Premier League regulars, without being backed by a fucking state. </p>
<p id="GlQq66">And for City, it wasn’t just that they wanted to use their vast financial advantage to simply win, they wanted to break the rules, and be immune from any consequences of their actions. They wanted all comers to simply step aside, sit back and admire their financial might, and endlessly praise them for winning trophy after trophy. </p>
<p id="hl5RbD">Liverpool, especially under Jurgen Klopp, have been a perpetual thorn in 115 Charges FC’s side. The club is a reminder that there are some things that you simply cannot get out of a barrel. In short, they have found out, as a certain Fab Four from Merseyside pointed out decades ago, that they can’t buy themselves love. </p>
<p id="wp07oW">They cannot create the fan culture of Liverpool. Nor can they buy the praise and admiration from neutrals that a single Liverpool title can bring. </p>
<p id="LVRGgf">It pisses them off to no end. </p>
<p id="yheqbX">Whenever this City era of dominance ends, whenever their Oil Daddy decides to buy another shiny, new toy, Manchester City will find themselves returning to the middling club that they were before, and with a massive asterisk next to all of their oil and blood soaked titles. </p>
<p id="sWHLcg">And just as importantly, Liverpool Football Club will remain. </p>
<p id="j6b6LQ">Liverpool might lose tomorrow. And they might lose out on yet another title by a tragically close margin. </p>
<p id="lK5Psv">But I know what club I’d rather back and support. </p>
<p id="oljlvt">I’d rather win one <em>earned</em> title, than cheat my way toward the top. I’d rather sing and shout, and be on the journey with millions of red-clad lunatics, than politely applaud yet another procession to yet another unearned title. </p>
<p id="TqZlnb">I’d rather be at a club that has more fun losing a cup final or a league title, than one that routinely wins everything because a petrostate decided to make my club the PR wing of their blood and oil soaked regime. </p>
<p id="6TDnSE">Tomorrow is about football, yes. But it is also about so, so much more. It is important to remember that, and to remind any neutral or City fan of exactly this point. </p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-tactics-longform/2024/3/9/24095228/liverpool-manchester-city-115-charges-the-broken-soul-of-football-klopp-guardiola-eplZachary Marx2024-03-07T19:40:25+00:002024-03-07T19:40:25+00:00Sparta Prague 1, Liverpool 5 - Match Recap: Reds Score All Six In Win
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<img alt="AC Sparta Praha v Liverpool FC: Round of 16 First Leg - UEFA Europa League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BQeJ41xz8dpYmeCrwnTkF2GGE94=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73189865/2066151415.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look back at the key moments in Liverpool’s pretty enjoyable win over Sparta Prague in Europa League action. </p> <h1 id="h.cy9vu8hi9cop_l"><strong>Sparta Prague 1 - 5 Liverpool</strong></h1>
<h5 id="wAleS7">Sparta: Bradley 46’ (OG)<br>Liverpool: MacAllister 7’ (pen), Nunez 25’, Player 45+3’, Diaz 53’, Szoboszlai</h5>
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<h2 id="prXPD1"><strong>Pre-Match </strong></h2>
<p id="jyBZjg">Liverpool send out a surprisingly strong lineup, especially in light of the potential title-decider against Manchester City on the weekend. The attacking trio of Nunez, Diaz, and Gakpo start up top, with MacAllister, Endo, and Elliott in midfield, and a back four of Gomez, Quansah, Konate, and Robertson. Looks like Kloppo would prefer to rest legs, if possible, in the second leg. </p>
<h2 id="j1jxsE"><strong>First Half</strong></h2>
<p id="X5Zqut">Nunez misses an early opportunity, though it looks like it might’ve been chalked off due to being offside. However, just a moment later Alexis MacAllister wins a penalty, takes it, and coolly sends the keeper the wrong way to up the scoring. </p>
<p id="pEOdvW">Sparta nearly peg Liverpool back with their first real attack of the night, but Kelleher comes up massive with a big save, and then Gomez clears the rebound off the line. There was a defensive lapse leading up to the shot, but phenomenal work to keep it out. Sparta have their tails up following the opener, and Kelleher has had to come up big a few too many times already. </p>
<p id="fwZa9s">And Liverpool...score against the run of play? Darwin comes up with the biggest “fuck you, watch this” goal I’ve seen in a while. He just let rip from about 30 yards out, and the keeper was left flapping like Jordan Pickford’s worst nightmares. </p>
<p id="rzUppn">Sparta will definitely be disappointed that they didn’t score this half. They just missed a sitter, effectively tripping over a rebound and sending it wide, when almost any touch should’ve resulted in a goal. </p>
<p id="Ir5Pun">And Darwin gets a third with yet another absurd finish. This time he hits it on the half volley, and it’s an unstoppable bullet into the far corner. If Darwin has learned how to finish in time for the end of the season, we could be in for A LOT of fun. </p>
<p id="bx9yy7">Despite the score line, the Reds have had a pretty sloppy first half, and this match could easily be 2-2. Hopefully a defensive adjustment or two helps the lads keep their sizeable advantage to take back to Anfield. </p>
<h2 id="HVmQdq"><strong>Second Half</strong></h2>
<p id="wPHVgd">Bradley comes on for Joe Gomez at the half, and immediately turns a ball into his own net. The way Kelleher is playing tonight, it was going to take something special to beat him, and that was a top shelf own goal. And immediately thereafter Konate comes off with an injury. Great. While play is stopped for injuries, Darwin also comes off for Dominik Szoboszlai.</p>
<p id="P0KrT1">Because this game is drunk, Luis Diaz makes it 4 goals for our 3 South Americans, with a lovely nutmeg goal after Elliott picks him out in the middle of the box. </p>
<p id="HBeaTz">With a little over an hour gone, Klopp brings MacAllister off, and Bobby Clark on. And a few minutes later, Klopp uses his final sub, bringing on Mo Salah for Diaz. Bringing on Mo when up 4-1 might actual constitute a war crime. </p>
<p id="TKTPa2">And Szoboszlai makes it 5 with the last kick of the game. </p>
<h2 id="E6BdW2"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2>
<p id="6OhaNC">That was very comfortable in the end. Weep for those of us who paid good money to see the second leg at Anfield. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2024/3/7/24093488/sparta-prague-x-liverpool-5-el-uefa-first-leg-2024-result-recap-macallister-nunez-diaz-szoboszlaiZachary Marx2024-03-07T16:13:00+00:002024-03-07T16:13:00+00:00Sparta Prague vs. Liverpool: Europa League 2023-24 Live Match Coverage & How to Watch
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<img alt="AC Sparta Praha v Liverpool FC: Round of 16 First Leg - UEFA Europa League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xu4-HmBneARrv5FDDosaopH2bbY=/0x3908:5349x7474/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73189114/2065862966.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Live coverage of Liverpool’s Europa League game at Sparta Prague with lineup news, streaming and television options, and live updates. </p> <h2 id="h.xqab99p4bm2r_l"><strong>SPARTA PRAGUE VS LIVERPOOL </strong></h2>
<h5 id="alaXXx">| Saturday, March 3rd |<br>Europa League | epet Arena<br>5:45PM BST/12:45PM EST </h5>
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<p id="OfVPGh">Liverpool have to balance their priorities over the next four matchdays, very much including tonight. The Reds main priority will be to take an advantage of some sort back to Anfield, but with a possible season-defining tie against Manchester City on the horizon, they might not be running out their strongest side. At full strength, Liverpool would expect to easily swat the Czech champions aside, but with a more youthful and inexperienced group of lads in red, it might make for a more interesting tie. </p>
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<h2 id="9GYA1Q"><strong>PREVIEW & HOW TO WATCH</strong></h2>
<p id="20x7A3"><strong>Full Match Preview:</strong> <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2024/3/6/24092648/sparta-prague-vs-liverpool-uel-2023-24-preview-team-news-predicted-lineups-how-to-watch">Sparta Prague vs. Liverpool</a></p>
<p id="GtKfyL"><strong>Television & Streaming:</strong> Discovery + (UK); Paramount + (USA); Stan Sport (Australia); DAZN (Canada); SONY TEN 5 (India); beIN Sports 1 (Malaysia); SuperSport Maximo 1 (Nigeria); beIN Sports (Singapore); SuperSport Maximo 1 (South Africa); other listings at<a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/"> LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
<p id="jOdFAn"><strong>Online Radio:</strong><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2024%2F3%2F7%2F24093364%2Fsparta-prague-liverpool-el-2023-24-fixture-match-coverage-team-news-lineups-television-streaming" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> LFCTV GO</a></p>
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<h2 id="vU3sGR"><strong>SPARTA PRAGUE</strong></h2>
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<p lang="cs" dir="ltr">1️⃣1️⃣ SESTAVA | V tomto složení zahájíme úvodní duel osmifinále Evropské ligy proti Liverpoolu <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/acsparta?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#acsparta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/7s2EzlCIZI">pic.twitter.com/7s2EzlCIZI</a></p>— AC Sparta Praha (@ACSparta_CZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSparta_CZ/status/1765777383200624707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="FdZE5v"><strong>LIVERPOOL </strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our team to take on Sparta Prague </p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1765777001867034777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="SZGZ2z"><strong>JOIN THE TLO COMMUNITY</strong></h2>
<p id="9dKUQY">If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to sign up for an SB Nation account and<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"> join the community at The Liverpool Offside,</a> where we’ll bring you and your fellow Reds fans from around the world full coverage of every Liverpool match from the 2023-24 season in the Premier League, Europa League, and domestic cups along with breaking news, insight and opinion, tactical discussion, and post-match reaction.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2024/3/7/24093364/sparta-prague-liverpool-el-2023-24-fixture-match-coverage-team-news-lineups-television-streamingZachary Marx2024-02-17T10:30:00+00:002024-02-17T10:30:00+00:00Rumor Mongering: Klopp Praises “Exceptional” Xabi Alonso
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<img alt="FBL-EUR-C1-BORUSSIA-DORTMUND-REAL MADRID" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PBZQebnSUtLSoWjRSiqqk6SXUhY=/0x308:2997x2306/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73146181/154678632.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Liverpool boss decides to pour gasoline on the raging Xabi to Liverpool transfer rumor fire. </p> <p id="DhtRMv">In case you’ve been living under a rock, Jurgen Klopp made the tragic decision to leave <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> in the summer, and one name—Xabi Alonso—stands as the clear favorite to replace him. </p>
<p id="uiQjAd">So what does the current boss think of his possible replacement? Only positives, it seems. </p>
<p id="azBrBs">“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” Klopp said in his pre-match press conference. </p>
<p id="cTy5vX">“The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is a standout in that department. [He is a] former world-class player, from a coaching family as well, which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing.</p>
<p id="ImczLu">“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional. If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone ‘Oh my God!’ Always what I said.”</p>
<p id="YIPBgY">I’m sure these kind words will do nothing to diminish the ever louder Xabi Returns to Merseyside drumbeat. </p>
<p id="D9MbMn">Of course, whoever comes into the role will have enormous shoes to fill. Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are clearly the top two managers in world football, and have been for over a decade. There’s no real clear-cut number 3, especially with the new crop of managers. </p>
<p id="XLpQUe">As for the old crop, of course Klopp had to quip on them (and himself) too. </p>
<p id="L29ohB">“The ‘dinosaurs’ if you want, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Jose] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, maybe me, we will not [manage] for the next 20 years - OK, maybe Mourinho will do it - but all the rest will not.”</p>
<p id="zJkZwW">Did he have to go in two footed on Mou like that? No. Is it funny? Yes. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2024/2/17/24075558/liverpool-fc-transfer-news-rumors-jurgen-klopp-retirement-replacement-xabi-alonso-bayer-leverkusenZachary Marx2024-02-10T10:00:00+00:002024-02-10T10:00:00+00:00Jurgen Klopp Welcomes Back “Influential” Midfielder Wataru Endo
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Aston Villa - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8UiW_RZhwj1851vb0Nq8JtkNPSo=/0x0:2658x1772/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73128019/1657173674.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Japanese international will likely make his return to the Liverpool side this afternoon against Burnley. </p> <p id="shICAs">Liverpool mostly managed to weather the storm throughout January and early February, with both Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo leaving for mid-season international tournaments with Egypt and Japan, respectively. </p>
<p id="Ussqs2">However, injuries and exhaustion caught up with the Reds against Arsenal last Sunday, as the squad had been pushed and stretched one game too far. Thankfully Wataru Endo is back on Merseyside, and ready to earn back his spot after a month and a half away. </p>
<p id="YeJqjG">“Before he left he was super influential on the pitch,” Kloppo said in his pre-match presser. “He gave us an opportunity in a lot of moments to really involve and introduce a lot of offensive players because his protection was just exceptional, his playing side of the game as well.</p>
<p id="YwGzdN">“It’s his birthday today and turns 31. He looks good since he’s come back. With all the problems we have in the moment with players, it’s super important to have him back.”</p>
<p id="4hwmRJ">Endo’s return also introduces the possibility for some tactical flexibility, rotating players like Alexis MacAllister, Curtis Jones, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in and out of midfield. </p>
<p id="TF6LbJ">“Macca and Wataru can play together as well, there’s no doubt about that. It’s not a problem. We just have to make sure that we try as much as we can to bring them in the right moment together, so let’s see.”</p>
<p id="PHUfua">Liverpool will likely kickoff against Burnely in second place, assuming Everton are themselves against Manchester City. The Reds will need to get back to their winning ways, and quickly, if they want to once again push City for the league title. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2024/2/10/24068297/liverpool-fc-jurgen-klopp-welcomes-back-important-midfielder-wataru-endo-japan-international-eplZachary Marx2024-02-03T10:00:00+00:002024-02-03T10:00:00+00:00Bayer Leverkusen Reportedly “Prepared” For Xabi Alonso Exit
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<img alt="Liverpool v Manchester United: Legends of the North" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MEd87lVVg13ZNbU_d6JsOZPzF6g=/0x0:3752x2501/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73108767/1243502225.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by LFC Foundation/LFC Foundation via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>According to reports out of Germany, Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool could mean Alonso’s return to Merseyside. </p> <p id="EabhWb">Ever since Jurgen Klopp’s bombshell resignation announcement last week, one name has stood out from all the rest as a possible replacement, former Liverpool midfielder, World Cup and multiple Champions League winner, Xabi Alonoso. </p>
<p id="AYb2sg">Alonso, as an up-and-coming manager ticks a lot of boxes; there’s a reason why he’s the bookies’ favorite to be appointed as Klopp’s successor. </p>
<p id="eRL9gE">Now, according to a report from German journalist Christian Falk, Alonso’s current club Bayer Leverkusen, are apparently looking into the possibility of appointing a new manager after confronting the possibility that Alonso might soon be out the door. </p>
<p id="k9gX6k">“The announced resignation of Jürgen Klopp also has consequences in Germany,” Falk said. </p>
<p id="KyQ3J0">“Leverkusen are preparing for the possibility of losing coach Xabi Alonso to the Reds. Hansi Flick was actually considered a potential successor. But the former national coach is at the top of FC Barcelona’s list as Xavi’s successor.</p>
<p id="zEAfMO">“In Germany, however, people hope that Jürgen Klopp will become the national coach at some point. But the job as England national coach should also appeal to him. Nobody believes that he will never be a coach again.” </p>
<p id="VbKlqi">If Alonso is picked as the successor, we probably wouldn’t hear any announcements any time soon. Leverkusen are currently top of the Bundesliga, making a good run at ending Bayern’s league winning streak which dates back to when Jurgen Klopp won consecutive titles with Dortmund. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2024/2/3/24060210/liverpool-fc-bayer-laver-kusen-jurgen-klopp-xabi-alonso-epl-bundesliga-manager-replacementZachary Marx