The Liverpool Offside - Premier League 2021-22 Match Coverage: Liverpool vs. WatfordZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2022-04-02T17:42:49+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/227713662022-04-02T17:42:49+01:002022-04-02T17:42:49+01:00Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s Victory Over Watford
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<img alt="Liverpool v Watford - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_jv_lns1WZEwdUNu5P-0E3i1ewk=/0x0:3783x2522/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70702484/1389135007.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With a victory over Watford in the books, we take a closer look at what it all means for the Reds. </p> <p id="YZhTtl">This game could have been a banana skin. The City clash looms large on the horizon, as does the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Throw in an early kickoff—just after international break, at that—and a former Liverpool manager coming to town with a relegation-threatened foe, and it’s understandable that Liverpool were not at their best. </p>
<p id="ogqEtt">And Liverpool were not at their best.</p>
<p id="SYyb2d">But they find a way. Since the dawn of 2022, this Liverpool side have been the masters of “finding a way.” That’s 10 wins on the bounce in the league, and another key step closer to the prize that many Liverpool fans covet above all others. Now let’s get stuck into the nitty-gritty. </p>
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<h2 id="pcSYnw"><strong>Winners </strong></h2>
<p id="wwRx0M"><strong>Roberto Firmino</strong></p>
<p id="I1ltx7">Although the Brazilian didn’t get on the scoresheet, our false 9 was everywhere today and barely put a foot wrong throughout the 90 minutes. The rest over the international break seems to have done Bobby a world of good. If this is the Firmino we’re getting for the run-in, then England and Europe better watch out. </p>
<p id="9qwx7s"><strong>Pivotal Moments at Both Ends of the Pitch </strong></p>
<p id="X7eu9R">It wasn’t a classic Liverpool performance, but the Reds were just <em>that much</em> better at both ends. Gomez and Jota connecting for the opener seemed to come out of nowhere, and seemed like a gut punch after Alisson’s 1-v-1 save just a moment earlier (yes, it was offside, but felt like a much bigger momentum swing in real time). Liverpool’s defense bent but didn’t break, and kept a fifth consecutive clean sheet. Plus Fabinho is ice cold from the spot. </p>
<p id="ZPPUU9"><strong>Winning Streaks</strong></p>
<p id="LZnbsL">It’s now 10 league wins on the trot for the Reds, with the stiffest challenge yet to come next week at the Etihad. If Liverpool can make it 11, they’ll officially be in the driver’s seat of the title race. If they can make it 18, Liverpool will be lifting #20. </p>
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<h2 id="S7w0tZ"><strong>Losers</strong></h2>
<p id="3KpwTZ"><strong>Roy Hodgson </strong></p>
<p id="StFkB8">I was considering putting Roy under the winners category, because he’ll certainly consider this a win. He kept things tight at Anfield, didn’t give away a crazy number of chances, and created enough to say he was “unlucky” with the result. He was even gifted a pen (against) to complain about (which he did)! He’ll be made up that his side didn’t get tonked, and he’ll get on with the more pressing matter of keeping Watford up. If it’s at Everton’s expense, there’s still a chance at a modicum of Red Redemption for Ol’ Roy. </p>
<p id="SI1GQs"><strong>Rugby/American Football Tackles</strong></p>
<p id="qOMrKv">These, apparently, are still not allowed in football. </p>
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<h2 id="VXgRwB"><strong>Dissecting the Narrative</strong></h2>
<p id="pTCvTQ">Another day, another clean sheet, another hard-fought win. Since the draw away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are deadly serious, and simply do not appear to be in the business of dropping points these days. Will this late, and impressive charge be enough to pip City to the title? We will see. </p>
<p id="1szq8O">The last three wins in the league have all been 2-0, and they all feel vaguely familiar: it’s a nervy 60+ minutes, but Liverpool find a few moments of magic and just begin to pull away as the other team runs out of steam. Add in a few quality subs in key moments, and this Liverpool team seems both extremely predictable (see below), and extremely difficult to stop. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine battling for 60 minutes, being only down 1 or 2 goals and then seeing any two of Diaz, Mané, Trent, and Fabinho come on. And then getting booted by Milly in the last 15, when you’ve already given up the fight, just to prove a point.</p>— Zachary A Marx (@80couches) <a href="https://twitter.com/80couches/status/1510210008230858754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="sjp4KI">This formula isn’t likely to work against Manchester City, but grinding out 2-0 performances against the rest of the league is certainly a good way to handle the other 7 opponents they’ll face in the run in. </p>
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<h2 id="op1rnD"><strong>What Happens Next</strong></h2>
<p id="DtpR8C">The first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Benfica on Tuesday, and Manchester City on Sunday. Then the second leg. Then City in the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley. </p>
<p id="c5oGmU">To say that the next two weeks are “season defining” is an understatement. Strap in and enjoy the ride. Try not to have a heart attack along the way. </p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/4/2/23007681/liverpool-fc-2-watford-0-epl-2022-tactics-narrative-firmino-epl-title-challenge-jota-fabinhoZachary Marx2022-04-02T14:28:30+01:002022-04-02T14:28:30+01:00Liverpool 2, Watford 0 - Match Recap: Liverpool, Liverpool Top of the League!
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<img alt="Liverpool v Watford - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UgEk-wDnw8GXcHvlgtOpqbkVTIA=/0x0:3564x2376/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70701938/1389126247.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool get the early kickoff victory against Watford to put pressure on Manchester City and jump to the top of the table.</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="h.cy9vu8hi9cop_l">
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<strong>Liverpool</strong><strong> 2 - 0 Watford </strong>
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<h5 id="oVaj3I">Liverpool: Jota 22’, Fabinho 89’</h5>
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<h3 id="9UpTKH"><strong>Pre-Match</strong></h3>
<p id="h.z6ffpwitf1a6_l">Liverpool finally return after the March international break to take on Watford. No one loves an early kick-off after the international break, least of all Klopp, so hopefully the Reds will pull something together. The interesting midfield trio of Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, and Jordan Henderson start the game. Meanwhile, Sadio Mané starts on the bench with Diogo Jota in his place. It’s good to see Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, even if he won’t make an appearance.</p>
<h3 id="5DyZZt"><strong>First Half</strong></h3>
<p id="KV17na">The first half began rough as both teams struggled to wake up and find their feet. The first few minutes were a bit of a runabout in the midfield, with Liverpool controlling the ball and Watford soaking up pressure and trying to break on the counter. So as to be expected of a game against a Roy Hodgson team, but it was up to the Reds to find a way through.</p>
<p id="j30L6E">Six minutes in, Watford nearly played their game perfectly, but luckily Ismaila Sarr’s effort on the break sails over the bar.</p>
<p id="PnX9UF">20 minutes in, Joe Gomez reminded Klopp of just how good he is with a fantastic, decisive cross into the box. A charging Jota barrels through the scrum to get his head on it and nod it into the net for the first goal of the game. </p>
<p id="OxyxZO">For the moment, Liverpool have jumped to the top of the table. </p>
<p id="aPEjcb">Robertson nearly got his own assist for Jota later, but Ben Foster makes the save to deny him his brace, at least for the time being.</p>
<p id="uZ140i">Thiago doing good things in the midfield, anchoring the defense and powering the attack in his spot in the midfield. Regardless, the Reds couldn’t find another goal and chances were few and far between. They go into the tunnel ahead 1-0.</p>
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<h3 id="rpwSXz"><strong>Second Half</strong></h3>
<p id="y4XOpE">No changes for the Reds as they entered the second half of the game. Liverpool start off with a couple of wishful long shots, one from Jones and the next from Jota. Neither of them even came close to troubling Foster in goal.</p>
<p id="EGMMVg">Liverpool earned a corner in the 56th minute. The delivery came in and van Dijk got a head on it, but sent it high and wide. He should have done better there, but Liverpool still have not found their second.</p>
<p id="kp7x7R">On the other end of the pitch, Watford got their best chance of the afternoon, unsurprisingly on the break. Sarr somehow kept his run onside — though VAR would have been involved, should they have scored — and sent it to Joao, who thankfully shanked it wide of the bar. </p>
<p id="4A40cp">Liverpool made their first two changes, with Mané coming in for Salah, and Fabinho replacing Jones. Neither player had a great game today. </p>
<p id="jMxmAh">It’s not until the 87th minute that Liverpool receive their next substantive opportunity, in the form of a penalty after Jota was rugby tackled to the ground in the box. Salah was off the pitch, so Fabinho came and buried it home to secure the win. </p>
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<h3 id="iczmHy"><strong>Final Thoughts and Man of the Match</strong></h3>
<p id="gkRNQ5">Liverpool, Liverpool top of the league! This was a match worthy of its 12:30 time slot after an international break, but the Reds did what needed to be done, secured the three points, took away another clean sheet, and leap frogged Man City to the top of the table. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/4/2/23007360/liverpool-2-watford-0-epl-2022-result-recap-man-of-the-matchepicskyline2022-04-02T09:30:00+01:002022-04-02T09:30:00+01:00Liverpool vs. Watford How to Watch and Liveblog
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<img alt="Watford v Liverpool - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/me7FPgePX_y-jWuPokmwk4F48iE=/0x0:3356x2237/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70701489/1346919932.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Live coverage of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Watford with team news, television and streaming options, and an updated liveblog throughout the match.</p> <h2 id="h.xqab99p4bm2r_l">
<strong>LIVERPOOL</strong><strong> VS. WATFORD</strong>
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<h5 id="dILMbb">| Saturday, April 2nd |<br>Premier League | Anfield<br>12:30PM BST/7:30AM EST</h5>
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<h2 id="KM4Asu"><strong>PREVIEW & HOW TO WATCH</strong></h2>
<p id="pFTOgs"><strong>Full Match Preview:</strong> <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/4/1/23006178/liverpool-watford-epl-2022-game-preview-team-news-injuries-predicted-lineups">Liverpool vs. Watford</a></p>
<p id="psppU1"><strong>Television:</strong> BT Sport Ultimate (UK); USA Network (USA); Optus Sport (Australia); <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fprf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1100l4uLf%2Fcreativeref%3A1011l39034%2Fadref%3ALO&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw14SqTNoyu9huze__04_L_N">DAZN</a> (Canada); Star Sports Select 1 (India); Astro SuperSport 3 (Malaysia); SuperSport MaXimo 1 (Nigeria); 108 mio Stadium (Singapore); SuperSport MaXimo 1 (South Africa); other listings at<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livesoccertv.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw1UXmQW60LXV-n7wyR9tk7M"> LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
<p id="XCLqN7"><strong>Streaming:</strong><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Fsoccer%2F%3Firad%3D343747%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DTheLiverpoolOffside&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw0yPQ1t8mpF58Jiqb-YfMHS"> NBC via FuboTV</a> (USA) /<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fgo.web.plus.espn.com%2Fc%2F482924%2F651866%2F9070%3Fsharedid%3DTheLiverpoolOffside&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw1pakzbfAHU0JZSi9moI5r-"> ESPN+</a> (USA) | Online Radio:<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw0AMM9OmXx74M4Z-YcSm1nv"> LFCTV GO</a></p>
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<h2 id="M0mDxc"><strong>LIVERPOOL</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <br><br>Your Reds line-up to face Watford! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVWAT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVWAT</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1510202902291300354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="Cxx1Mg"><strong>WATFORD</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚠️ ⚠️<br><br>Sarr returns for the Hornets in our only change from last time out in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVWAT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVWAT</a> <a href="https://t.co/j1MrGxlZrr">pic.twitter.com/j1MrGxlZrr</a></p>— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1510202883698044932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="UlP9N4"><strong>THE LIVERPOOL OFFSIDE MATCHDAY LIVEBLOG</strong></h2>
<p id="bxCYaI"><em>Liveblog will begin shortly before kickoff</em></p>
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<h2 id="MpBD42"><strong>JOIN THE TLO COMMUNITY</strong></h2>
<p id="5G1RZa">If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to sign up for an SB Nation account and<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2Faccount%2Fsetup%3Fcommunity_id%3D373&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw0h_ecy4sGZdTeRvxtzO9Pq"> join the community on The Liverpool Offside,</a> where we’ll bring you and your fellow Reds fans from around the world full coverage of every Liverpool match in the 2021-22 season in the Premier League, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, and domestic cups along with breaking news, insight and opinion, and tactical discussion.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/4/2/23007338/liverpool-vs-watford-epl-2022-fixtures-liveblog-team-news-lineups-tv-channels-streamingepicskyline2022-04-01T15:30:00+01:002022-04-01T15:30:00+01:00Preview: Liverpool vs. Watford
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<img alt="Jürgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Roy Hodgson, then Manager of Crystal Palace, shake hands." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oxcc_eNyyLyvfNRr0xoikKlEhVk=/0x0:4984x3323/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70698240/1020174316.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jürgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Roy Hodgson, then Manager of Crystal Palace, shake hands. | Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool have the chance to go top — for a few hours at least, as the early kick-off starts the return to Premier League football after the break</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="h.pjc3l4663stt_l">
<h1 id="JW8fr9"><strong>LIVERPOOL VS. WATFORD</strong></h1>
<p id="h.lazk37c6ugo4"><strong>| Saturday, April 2nd |</strong></p>
<p id="mpFkPL"><strong>Premier League | Anfield</strong></p>
<p id="cQdmfq"><strong>12:30PM GMT/7:30AM EST</strong></p>
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<p id="XTMlQi">Watford come into Saturday’s match sat in the eighteenth position, three points below Everton (who have played two fewer games). Since Hodgson came in at the end of January, Watford have been more passive and defensively-focused — as we would likely expect. While they don’t take risks going forward, they do try to limit the quality of opposition shots, so Liverpool should expect to have to break them down.</p>
<p id="d6Czt4">Watford have no injuries to speak of, per Roy Hodgson’s pre-match press conference; expect Watford to play their first choice XI against the Reds. </p>
<p id="glSVuI">While Emmanuel Dennis is their top scorer, having scored nine goals in 29 appearances (from an xG 7), we also know the threat that Ismailia Sarr can pose. What we may <em>not</em> be thinking about, however, is João Pedro, who is central to how Watford plays. Should Liverpool hope to snuff out Watford’s forward play, he’s a definite focus. </p>
<p id="e4jPpd">If Liverpool can win this midfield battle, they can concentrate on breaking down the tightly-organized defensive side who come to Anfield trying to break out of the relegation zone.</p>
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<p id="h.8y1ddc6lu7ub"><strong>Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3)</strong></p>
<p id="a0obd6">Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Mané</p>
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<p id="sbfvQA">Many players clocked a load of minutes over the international break, but notably the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold has been back in training for one session and could feature. Andrew Robertson had to isolate with COVID-19, and returned at the end of the week, featuring for Scotland.</p>
<p id="6WCQmx">Naby Keïta missed a training after also missing the international break with a knock; he has trained once, missed another training, and may train today. Either way, this suggests that his knock isn’t <em>that</em> bad.</p>
<p id="aWhtPv">Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah both topped the international break outfield players’ <a href="https://www.thisisanfield.com/2022/03/how-many-minutes-did-every-liverpool-international-play-in-march-break/">minutes table</a> on 210 minutes. Virgil Van Dijk and Kostas Tsimikas both finished the week on 180 minutes, while Luis Díaz logged 174 and Diogo Jota reached 148. </p>
<p id="JmjxVA">Given the minutes played, there will need to be decisions made up front ahead of a heavy April fixture list. Some rotation is possible, though fitness questions will surely be evaluated behind the scenes. It’s notable that Roberto Firmino and Joël Matip did not travel for the international break, so both of them are likely to start. </p>
<p id="3Mlo5R">In making his decisions for Saturday, however, Jürgen Klopp also has to deal with the first leg against Benfica on the horizon, as the “thick and fast” part of the run-in will become very quickly apparent.</p>
<p id="eKGuUx">Deep breaths. Welcome to an April with three trophies in play.</p>
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<p id="h.rk2313z4jjtm"><strong>What the Managers Had to Say</strong></p>
<p id="pyaXzi"><strong>Jurgen Klopp</strong>: “The boys came back from all over the world, played completely different systems again. We have one session today to remind them what we do, then we go against a very well-organised Watford team and we need each voice [in Anfield] for that.”</p>
<p id="fOioA1"><strong>Roy Hodgson</strong>: [When asked how he was looking at Liverpool:] “With trepidation I suppose.”</p>
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<p id="eVmnJc"><strong>The Officials</strong></p>
<p id="DuLmyw"><strong>Referee:</strong> Stuart Attwell <strong>Assistants:</strong> Marc Perry, Timothy Wood <strong>Fourth Official: </strong>Tony Harrington <strong>VAR:</strong> John Brooks <strong>Assistant VAR:</strong> Simon Bennett</p>
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<p id="Xp68bo">Kickoff is set for 12:30PM GMT/7:30AM EST tomorrow. In the meantime, The Liverpool Offside team will keep you updated with all of the team news and match buildup as it becomes available, along with providing a matchday liveblog and post-match recaps and reaction. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account and have your say on the action as it happens.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/4/1/23006178/liverpool-watford-epl-2022-game-preview-team-news-injuries-predicted-lineupsMari Murphy2022-04-01T14:21:21+01:002022-04-01T14:21:21+01:00Klopp Talk: “If You Cannot Shout and Sing Stay at Home”
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<img alt="Liverpool Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vj4WNnUsiY_OxJYrhY-Y8WyUD7Y=/0x0:3254x2169/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70697960/1239643815.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The gaffer believes that the fans must really show up for the Reds tomorrow.</p> <p id="fJqien">Jurgen Klopp spoke about <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>’s Premier League clash against Watford on Saturday, at his press conference today. </p>
<p id="L2uKIU">Speaking about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s availability for tomorrow, he said, “Trent trained yesterday, parts, and will be in full training today – and we have to see what we do with it.</p>
<p id="CaqNsk">“It is tight for tomorrow but it’s not impossible. Physically he should be fine, it’s about rhythm.”</p>
<p id="UYpmXe">Naby Keita is still a doubt for tomorrow however - “Not sure if he will be, or can be, involved tomorrow”, Klopp added.</p>
<p id="xDC4KG">Watford’s individual talents will be key for Liverpool to watch out for tomorrow and Klopp commended how well-organized they can be.</p>
<p id="GN1cAC">“Watford won their last game, Watford smells the chance to stay in the league, they will go with everything. They have a very experienced manager, the way they set-up is very well organised, a lot of individual talent”, he said.</p>
<p id="ca89KC">Most of all, the fans need to show up for the squad, who have just returned from international duty for the business end of the season.</p>
<p id="lBd39T">“What we need for this game is a sensational, the best - the best - 12.30pm atmosphere ever. Not nervous, not whatever, not tense and you cannot breathe... if you cannot shout and sing stay at home and give your ticket to somebody else, please”, said Klopp.</p>
<p id="lq9HWp">“Really, we need you with all we have - the boys came back from all over the world, played completely different systems again and we have this one session today where we can make sure we remind them of what we actually do because their national teams obviously do it completely different. Then we go against a very well-organised Watford team and we need each voice for that.”</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2022/4/1/23006064/klopp-talk-if-you-cannot-shout-and-sing-stay-at-home-liverpool-premier-league-football-anfieldAvantika Goswami2022-03-31T19:13:51+01:002022-03-31T19:13:51+01:00Thiago: “Every Game is a Final”
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<img alt="Liverpool Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0EnzfoLQFjr2Ll2WH-yiUpedWdQ=/0x0:2532x1688/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70695035/1239644326.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>He is ready for the challenges ahead. </p> <p id="hOY2ID">The next month features some crucial games for <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, and Thiago Alcantara is geared up for the remaining three trophies that Liverpool stands to win.</p>
<p id="k0qNgV">“Well, it’s not <em>the</em> most exciting month of my career [but] for sure it is exciting because you are competing against the best, in the best competitions as well, but also because it reminds you that we are in finals”, he <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Fthiago-ive-never-had-month-our-april-its-so-exciting&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-news-coverage%2F2022%2F3%2F31%2F23004754%2Fthiago-every-game-is-a-final-liverpool-premier-league-football-jurgen-klopp-anfield-champions" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">said</a>.</p>
<p id="AIdZOQ">“It looks like a World Cup, a European Cup, where every game is a final. With that we are in a one-mission mood and we are there.”</p>
<p id="rpIqfJ">The international break has provided some much needed respite, but Thiago is eager to return to the pitch with his teammates. “We are missing to play football, to compete as well and to be involved with all the guys here”, he said.</p>
<p id="Qz4rC0">Watford provides the next test for Liverpool in the Premier League, where Liverpool are one point off league leaders <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>. And the Reds are ready for the challenges ahead, emphasized Thiago.</p>
<p id="GSPM0m">“We always be like that and we will be like that, so we have just in our head now Watford and that’s it.”</p>
<p id="SSb86l">And the squad is going for the big prize, he adds - the Premier League.</p>
<p id="c9ZeUq">“A Premier League game: intense, it will be always a fight but in the end we play at home and we have the crowd with us, we have the players focused on their duty as well and we also have a big challenge that is ready for the Premier League title.”</p>
<p id="BDjZCf"></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2022/3/31/23004754/thiago-every-game-is-a-final-liverpool-premier-league-football-jurgen-klopp-anfield-championsAvantika Goswami2022-03-31T14:07:01+01:002022-03-31T14:07:01+01:00Trent Alexander-Arnold Returns to Running, On Target for Manchester City Return
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<img alt="Brighton &amp; Hove Albion v Liverpool - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eKVVCbvImKSB1Te4N3nstrXWJtE=/0x0:5796x3864/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70693524/1384587276.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The star fullback isn’t yet ready to train with teammates but appears to be on track for his targeted return date.</p> <p id="6YrNP3">Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to recover on schedule from the hamstring strain suffered against Arsenal before the international break, an injury that kept the star fullback out of Liverpool’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Nottingham Forest last week.</p>
<p id="sZ9o6w">That’s the world from The Mail’s <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/DominicKing_DM/status/1509462229825073154">Dominic King</a> <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1589111/Liverpool-Alexander-Arnold-injury-Man-City-Premier-League-SNT">and</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1509451452971900939">others</a> today. However, a return for this Saturday’s game against Watford is certain to come too soon for him as he’s not yet in team training, and mid-week against Benfica in the Champions League is unlikely.</p>
<p id="ld8rtz">Still, if as expected Alexander-Arnold can fully integrate into first team training between now and next week’s Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, a return for the game after it—the looming potential title-decider against Manchester City—seems likely.</p>
<p id="ULWgmg">Liverpool face City in the Premier League on April 10th, with the Reds currently sat just a single point back of the Citizens and with a five goal better differential that could be important should the sides manager to end level on points this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/3/31/23004470/trent-alexander-arnold-returns-running-outside-solo-training-manchester-city-return-title-raceNoel Chomyn2022-03-22T08:00:00+00:002022-03-22T08:00:00+00:00Transfer Rumour Mongering: Klopp Covets Watford Winger
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<img alt="Watford v Crystal Palace - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r2w7qAFvTulf5EKM-zW48ahMxhM=/0x0:2628x1752/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70655581/1372428403.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Klopp is said to be interested in Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.</p> <p id="iikkRx">Manager Jürgen Klopp is said to be very interested in Sadio Mané’s fellow countryman Ismaila Sarr. The Watford winger has impressed in his time at Watford and is one of the contributing factors to the team earning promotion last season.</p>
<p id="kAgVgq">However, the team currently sits in 18th place, precariously running out of time to improve their position. If they get relegated back down to the Championship, Sarr may consider forcing a move away from the club.</p>
<p id="l1MDIP">The 24-year-old is considered to be a replacement up front for the likes of Mohamed Salah and even Mané, if <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> can’t get another deal done with them before they’re out of contract in 2023.</p>
<p id="MeHris">Currently, Sarr is under contract with Watford until 2024, but a relegation is always followed by restructuring as teams try to deal with the loss of income and players look to continue competing at the highest level. </p>
<p id="1AJXAX">Klopp and FSG love a deal, and if the manager is as excited about Sarr as the reports indicate, a relegation fire sale this summer could be the perfect opportunity for Klopp to snatch him up. Though with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz recently added to the Liverpool roster, the club has been methodically rejuvenating their front line to avoid last moment desperation-buying. So if they do pick him up, it will be because Klopp feels confident that Sarr is what they need for his vision of the team.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2022/3/22/22990390/liverpool-fc-transfer-news-klopp-covets-watford-winger-ismaila-sarrepicskyline