A new video has emerged of Premier League referee David Coote appearing to snort white powder while at Euro 2024.
In footage obtained by The Sun, the top official can be seen using a rolled up US bank note to snort a line of what appears to be cocaine.
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Coote is seen snorting a white substanceCredit: The Sun
The Sun say the video was taken on July 6, which was a day after the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between Spain and Germany, a game where Coote had been a support VAR official.
The report adds that Coote sent the clip to a friend and it’s believed he filmed himself in the UEFA-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.
On the bedside table alongside the powder are prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.
This video will increase calls for the 42-year-old to stand down from his role as Premier League referee, which is worth around £100,000 per year.
Coote was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), who are responsible for refereeing in English professional football, on Monday.
That was after a separate video was posted online showing him laying into former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, branding him ‘f***ing’ arrogant’ and a ‘German c***’.
A PGMOL spokesperson said on Wednesday evening: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.
“David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”
The individual who sent the video of Coote snorting white powder told The Sun that the referee made other derogatory remarks about Everton Football Club and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.
Coote is said to have branded Everton’s home, Goodison Park, as the worst place to referee due to fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch.’
It’s also claimed Coote disliked officiating at Bournemouth because it was ‘too far away’ and claimed to be ‘too big’ to take charge at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.
The individual who shared the footage told The Sun: “I believe that the FA and the governing body of the referees have to make sure that the sport we all love is protected and being officiated by the right people. My message to David Coote is…there’s help out there.”
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Coote’s career is in tatters after the two videos this week emerged, the first of which he ranted about Klopp and LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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He had already been suspended by the PGMOL before the second video came to lightCredit: X
It is claimed other videos were sent by Coote during the summer from France, where he officiated at three football games at the Paris Olympics.
The Football Association are already investigating Coote for his derogatory comments about Klopp and Liverpool, while UEFA removed him from their match list this week for Nations League fixtures.
In the first clip that was leaked, Coote called Klopp a ‘c***’ while he also labelled Liverpool as ‘s***’, in what was an apparent reference to a Premier League match that he had been fourth official for between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020.
The game finished 1-1, which ended Liverpool’s 24-match winning run at Anfield, and Klopp criticised the performance of the officials afterwards.
Now the new footage, released by The Sun, has put further scrutiny on the conduct of one of the Premier League’s leading referees.
Video emerges appearing to show Premier League referee David Coote making foul-mouthed comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp
What Coote said about Liverpool and Klopp
Transcript from first video released…
First man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”
Coote: “Erm, Liverpool were s***.”
First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”
Coote: “C***, absolute c***.”
First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”
Coote: “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown. Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”
First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”
Coote: “You can see me there with mask on.”
First man: “Mask on, obviously.”
Coote: “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two metres apart.”
First man: “We have to social distance.”
Coote: “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”
First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”
Coote has been a Premier League official since 2018 and refereed Liverpool’s most recent Premier League game – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday night.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb commented on the initial video during the Match Officials Mic’d Up show this week.
He said: “We became aware of a video which was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously.
“We have instigated a full investigation and one of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.
“There isn’t much more I can say pending the outcome of that investigation.”
Howard Webb has stressed the PGMOL are taking referee David Coote’s X-rated attack on Jurgen Klopp ‘very seriously’.
The 42-year-old has been suspended by referee body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a leaked video saw him label the ex-Liverpool boss as a ‘German c***’.
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Coote has been suspended following leaked footage of his X-rated rant towards Klopp
In the clip, Coote, who has been a top-flight official since 2018, also referred to Klopp as ‘f****** arrogant’.
Both the PGMOL and the FA have launched their own investigations over the footage.
Webb broke his silence over the shocking video during his appearance on Sky Sports’ Mic’d Up on Tuesday night.
Addressing the viral minute-long clip, the PGMOL chief said: “We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously.
“We’ve instigated a full investigation. One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.
“There’s not much more I can say at this stage until we’ve worked through that investigation.”
In the video, Coote was pressed for his thoughts on Klopp, to which he remarked: “(Klopp is a) c***, absolute c***.
“Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f****** pop of me.
“I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f****** arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him.
“(James) Milner is all right, I get on with him. You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c***, f*** me.”
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PGMOL chief Webb has had his say on Coote’s bombshell remarksCredit: Sky Sports
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Coote labelled Klopp as as a ‘German c***’ and ‘f****** arrogant’Credit: X
talkSPORT understands that Coote has accepted that the video is genuine.
It remains unclear as to why Coote exploded on Klopp, though he has been criticised by the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss while being on VAR duty.
The clip, which was widely circulated on social media on Monday, appears to refer to a Premier League match that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended 1-1.
That match was the first time Liverpool had dropped points at Anfield all season, with the hosts believing they should have been awarded a penalty.
Klopp also indirectly criticised Coote when he was on VAR duty for Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal last season, which saw Martin Odegaard escape giving away a penalty for handling the ball.
Klopp said of Coote’s role: “How can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe, possibly it could be worth the referee having another look?”
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Coote was last in action at Anfield over the weekend but his future could now be in doubtCredit: Getty
And in October 2020, the 42-year-old was the VAR official in the Merseyside derby which saw Virgil van Dijk suffer an ACL injury, which was accidentally inflicted by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The England international escaped any form of punishment, which led Klopp to state VAR officials ‘forget the rules’.
Coote is regarded as one of England’s top referees, and officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield last weekend.
And ex-Reds midfielder Danny Murphy believes that encounter will ultimately prove to be the last of his Premier League career.
Premier League referee David Coote was Monday suspended after a video was posted on social media appearing to show him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
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It is unclear when the video was made or how it came into circulation and Britain’s Press Association said it had not verified it.
According to the clip, Coote said Klopp was “arrogant” and used offensive language.
The BBC said the video appeared to refer to a match that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which finished 1-1.
Klopp criticised Coote after the match, saying the referee had been too lenient in his treatment of Burnley challenges.
Refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said in a statement on Monday: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.
“PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
Coote, 42, refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday. Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season after nearly nine years in charge at Anfield.
The German was critical of Coote over an incident in a match against Arsenal last season in which Gunners midfielder Martin Odegaard’s hand made contact with the ball.
Coote, as VAR, did not advise on-field official Chris Kavanagh to review the incident.
Klopp said after the match: “How can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe, possibly, it could be worth the referee having another look?”
Coote was also the VAR in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in October 2020 when Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford inflicted a season-ending injury on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
Pickford was not sent off for the challenge and did not face retrospective action because, under Football Association rules, that can only happen if an incident was not seen either at the time or when it was reviewed by VAR.
The Premier League is just over a quarter of the way through the 2024/25 season, and it’s been a mixed bag so far.
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Arne Slot has his Liverpool outfit firing, and they’re fixed atop the ladder after 11 games, while their rivals Manchester United are rebuilding with a new manager, again.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou’s up and down campaign is continuing, while Manchester City slumpt to a career first under Pep Guardiola.
Read below for the biggest Premier League Talking Points!
ANGE’S SPURS ROLLERCOASTER CONTINUES
It’s been and up and down season for Spurs, seesawing between brilliant victories and horror defeats, with the latest coming against Ipswich Town.
Ange Postecoglou’s men conceded two first half goals and failed to chase down their opponents, despite Rodrigo Bentancur netting in the 69th minute.
The defeat resulted in ugly scenes post-match, with Postecoglou stopping in the tunnel after a fan was said to have yelled at him, however it’s unclear what was said.
Regardless, it’s a sign of a fan base that’s beginning to become frustrated, and in true Ange fashion he put the onus on himself.
“It’s just down to me. I’m not getting consistent performances from the players,” he said to BBC post-match.
“It’s something I need to address. I’m the person in charge so that’s usually the way it goes. I take responsibility when their performances don’t meet the levels that they should.”
He also labelled his team “passive”, an interesting word considering the high line press that’s instilled by the manager, which sees his players constantly on the move.
“There are different reasons (to why we lost). Today was a bit different to other times. We were way too passive.
“If you give the opposition that much of a head start it takes a lot to claw it back.”
What made Spurs’ loss even worse was it marked Ipswich’s first win upon return to the Premier League, their first victory in the top flight in 22 years.
Tottenham have now lost five of their first 11 Premier League games, and went down to Galatasaray in their most recent Europa League tie.
It’s fair to say Tottenham are out of the running for the title, sitting 12 points behind Liverpool despite Postecoglou’s success in second seasons at his past clubs.
Spurs are yet to win two games in-a-row in the Premier League, and their season has been a true rollercoaster.
For former midfielder Jamie O’Hara, there’s potential for the fans to begin to feel sour around Postecoglou’s position at the club, despite the red-hot start they enjoyed last season.
“Spurs are all over the place at the back… defenders crossing over, not tracking runners,” he said on Sky Sports.
“You watch it and go, so easy, so easy. That can’t carry on. Eventually the fans will turn. OK, we like exciting football, but we don’t want to come back from 2-0 down every week.”
Tottenham fans will be desperate to finish in the Champions League placings, but their next run of five games will be a big test.
Postecoglou’s men face Man City, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea in the league before facing off against Roma in Europe.
To stop his runaway train, Postecoglou will be desperate to some strong wins, and City could spark what could be a monumental comeback for his out of sorts outfit.
EPL Wrap: Ipswich sink Ange’s Spurs | 02:55
ARE ARSENAL OUT OF THE TITLE RACE?
Over the past two seasons, it’s largely been a two-horse title race, with Manchester City the frontrunners and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal trailing closely behind.
However, with the emergence of Arne Slot’s Liverpool, and a horror run of results, the Gunners are quickly slipping out of contention.
Arsenal are without a win in their last four Premier League games, dating back to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
They’ve also drawn with Liverpool, which could be considered a decent result, while going down to Newcastle and also sharing the spoils with Chelsea in their most recent fixture.
Arsenal sit in fourth on the ladder, on 19 points equal with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton — tallying five wins and four draws.
At the same time last season, having played 11 games, Arteta’s side had won seven and drawn three, with only a single loss and five more competition points.
They trailed eventual premiers City by only three points. This season they’re behind current leaders Liverpool by nine, a margin that could be considered a mountain too high.
So where’s it gone wrong for a team that showed so much promise in their development towards a title? They have struggled to score goals without Martin Odegaard, who is clearly their most creative player in midfield.
Injuries, namely to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, have also played a part alongside disciplinary issues including red cards to Rice, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard.
Odegaard’s been sidelined since September, and only returned against Chelsea over the weekend, having scored only five goals across their last five Premier League games, whilst also conceding six.
For former Bright boss Graham Potter, Odegaard’s presence is a huge bonus for Arteta’s side.
“Especially with Odegaard missing, problems with centre-backs, build-up not as clean, Odegaard is huge miss from creative aspect,’ he said.
“It’s not as simple as him being fit and playing 90 minutes but he gives confidence to everyone else.”
Arsenal have also had the most red cards by a considerable margin since Boxing Day 2019, with 18 players being sent off.
The next most being Wolves and Everton who have received 13 red cards each.
But outside of those issues, after a horror run of results, former Premier League striker turned pundit Troy Deeney believes one more loss and the Gunners can kiss the title goodbye.
“Lose one more time and I think Arsenal are out of it. They are going to have to beat Liverpool home and away and beat City as well,” he said.
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard reacts after missing a late chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. The game finished 1-1. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP).Source: AFP
HOW ARNE’S ‘SLOT’TED RIGHT IN
It’s a tale as old as time itself. A new manager joins a Premier League club, struggle in their first season before the game plan embeds itself into the squad and they see the fruits of their labour.
But not for Arne Slot, who has begun life at Liverpool with a bang and the Dutch manager is priming his side for a title charge in his first season in Merseyside.
Liverpool are sitting five points clear of title favourites Manchester City after 11 games, winning nine and only losing once so far.
In fact you have to go back to September 15th to find their last loss, going down to Nottingham Forest, who are having quite the season themselves.
That result is the only time they’ve tasted defeat since the Premier League began, also enjoying a faultless Champions League campaign, having only conceded a single goals in ties with Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzeg, Bologna and AC Milan.
So what’s the secret? Because Manchester United will be desperate for their new manager to have even half the success Slot’s had at Anfield so early in his tenure.
For Slot, he believes his tactical approach wasn’t too far removed from Jurgen Klopp, the man who led Liverpool for a decade.
“My expectations were not about the amount of wins or those kinds of things. When you come into a new club you want the team to play, as soon as they can, to the standards you want them to play, getting across your ideas as soon as possible,” Slot said on TNT Sports.
“I inherited a team that did really well last season and for so many seasons before, so there was not a reason to change lots of things, just keep the things they do really well.
“In general, I think the things Jurgen likes his team to do, and I like my team to do, is press really high. Sometimes in different formations, but the idea is the same – and we both like to score goals.”
Liverpool were clearly a tasty outfit to take over, and the former Feyenoord boss has a staggering amount of talent at his disposal.
Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are world class, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahim Konate, Luis Diaz, Alexis MacAllister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota are top tier Premier League players.
However, each and every one of those were players signed by Klopp, and it’s often the case a manager wants to stamp his mark on his new club with signings.
But instead, Slot’s used what he had at his disposal and Erik Ten Hag could potentially take some notes.
No manager has won more points than Slot after their first 11 games, and Liverpool have only equalled their current total once. That year, the 2019/20 season, they won the title.
Is that a sign of things to come? It sure looks that way.
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) congratulates Liverpool’s French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate (C) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 9, 2024. Liverpool won the game 2-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP).Source: AFP
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE… BUT CAN THEY BOUNCE BACK?
Manchester City are one of the most dangerous teams in world football, and in recent years have been the most dominant force in England.
But now Pep Guardiola’s men have lost fair games in-a-row. It’s the first time this has happened since 2006.
That was two years before the club’s financial takeover and 10 years before Guardiola stepped foot in England as manager of the blue portion of Manchester.
But what’s more is it’s the first time in the history of Guardiola’s career he’s lost four games on the trot. That’s quite staggering.
Their most recent loss came against Brighton, while the remaining three saw the City powerhouse go down to Sporting Lisbon, Spurs and Bournemouth.
All four teams are solid in their own right, but should have been light work for a team of City’s quality.
Following the loss to Sporting, Bernardo Silva said his side were in a “dark place” and now
Guardiola has been asked if the dynasty has came to an end.
“It’s what the people want, right?” he said. “That’s normal — we won a lot. I would just like to have all the squad (available).”
But City’s problems could simply come down to injuries, and the sheer amount of football they’ve played so far this year.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is sidelined with an ACL injury, and he’s pivotal in the defensive midfield role.
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were all also unavailable against Brighton, while Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Kevin De Bruyne have also spent time sidelined.
With that amount of key players injured, any team in almost any sport would hit a rough patch.
“We cannot do it every three days, three days, four days, three days with the (injury) situation we have,” Guardiola said, before adding: “I would love to have the players (back).”
Dias, Stones, Walker, Doku and Grealish are all due to return in the coming weeks, while De Bruyne’s fitness will only build after the Brighton tie.
So with a host of big names nearing a return, City should be able to turn their current mess around. However, they’ve now got a five-point buffer to claw back on current ladder leaders Liverpool.
Brighton comeback sinks Man City | 00:50
HAVE CHELSEA FOUND THEIR SWEET SPOT?
Chelsea have been a peculiar outfit for a number of years now, purchasing a host of players for big money whilst not being able to deliver.
But now, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues finally looked to have found a clear path and direction.
Chelsea have lost only one of their last 10 games and sit in third on 19 points, and Maresca has done what his predecessors have been unable to do.
He’s locked down a group of players he believes are his best, using them strictly in the Premier League and important games while youngsters and fringe players have been injected into their remaining Caraboa Cup and Conference League games.
Instead of chopping and changing, and attempting to keep everyone happy, he’s stuck to his guns and players like Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson and Wesley Fofana.
Throw in the mix Cole Palmer, who is arguably the most in-form player in all of world football, and there’s finally some stability at Stamford Bridge after a long period of uncertainty.
“When you look at that squad, you’re thinking how are they going to get any continuity?” Former Liverpool gun Michael Owen said on Optus Sport.
“But he really has stuck to his guns, stuck to a group of players and he’s been pretty consistent with who’s been playing.
“That’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Chelsea at this moment of time so it’s been impressive so far, the stability he’s brought, it’s exactly what Chelsea needed.”
Meanwhile, club legend and former legend Frank Lampard also weighed in on Maresca’s tough stance, sticking with his group of preferred players.
“I worked with that squad for a short time when I went back and they had 30 players which you would call frontline players, internationals, and it’s harder when you try and juggle it,” Lampard said.
“You’re trying to keep everyone happy. Sometimes you do have to be a bit brutal and I think they got to a tipping point in the summer of, ‘this is the direction’.
“Now the players that are the strong core of this team, I think now are going to develop without that problem.”
Chelsea’s Portuguese midfielder #07 Pedro Neto (R) shoots to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /Source: AFP
UNITED’S SHOPPING LIST IN AMORIM REVOLUTION
Ruben Amorim is the man tasked with turning around Manchester United’s fortunes, and he is set to arrive at Old Trafford this week amid problems with his working visa.
During his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese manager has implemented a 3-4-3 formation, but players are given a chance to roam.
While his striker is the main man, the wingers outside of him are given a pass to slot in behind and fill gaps, becoming makeshift attacking midfielders.
For goalkeeper Andre Onana, he believes his squad have what it takes to adapt to Amorim’s high intensity style of play.
“It’s a different system but my teammates are all pragmatic. I think everyone here is capable of playing in each system so I don’t think this will be an issue for us,” he said to the BBC.
“We have big players, they will step up.”
Amorim himself also said: I know how I am going to play in the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know.
“Then you will adapt with the players that you have, some injuries, or no injuries, what kind of players have the abilities to defend, attack, I will discover that in the next few weeks.
“We don’t have a lot of time to train, so I have to show something that I know very well. You can take whatever you want from that.”
So it’s fair to say Amorim will be implementing his tried and tested game plan, with Bruno Fernandes a perfect man to find gaps as his key No.10.
Another position that Amorim will desperately need to strengthen is the right wing slot, considering how important his wingers are in his formation.
Erik Ten Hang signed Brazilian Antony to fill that slot, however he’s endured a tough time at Old Trafford.
According to Teamtalk, United are keen on the services of Lisbon’s rising star Geovany Quenda who has been a revelation under Amorim.
Multiple clubs are also keen on his services, however the link to his former coach could be a crucial factor in any potential move for the 17-year-old.
However, the incoming coach has poured cold water on any moves in January for Sporting players, despite also hinting Pedro Goncalves could be another target.
The midfield gun has been a crucial figure under Amorim, and played a major role in the club’s pair of titles in recent years.
United have also been linked with Swedish marksman Viktor Gyokeres, however he’s also a target of a whole host of worldwide big hitters.
On the defensive end, reports emerging from Italy have claimed Amorim wants to recruit current Juventus captain Danilo, whose contract expires at the season’s end.
He’s on the lookout for a new club, and the Italian giants could be enticed to sell him to get a return before his time ends.
However, with Lenny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt being big money defensive signings this season, it remains to be seen whether more centre backs will be recruited.
Sporting Lisbon’s Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Portuguese League football match between SC Braga and Sporting CP at the Municipal stadium of Braga on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP)Source: AFP
Oasis star Noel Gallagher made a bizarre commentary appearance as his beloved Manchester City went down 4-1 to Sporting CP in Ruben Amorim’s farewell match ahead of taking over at Old Trafford.
The new Manchester United manager immediately endeared himself to his new fans as his Portuguese side inflicted a third defeat in the space of a week on City to maintain their standing in second position on the Champions League table with ten points from four games.
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Amorim said pre-game that Red Devils fans might believe that “the new Alex Ferguson has arrived” if his team beat City, and he has poured fuel on the fire that is the Manchester derby.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Sporting CP, is thrown into the air by his players to celebrate his last home match as manager at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Pep Guardiola will get his chance for revenge on Amorim in the 39-year-old’s first Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on December 15, but he has glaring issues to fix first.
Phil Foden opened the scoring for City in the fourth minute and it appeared they were back on track after a shock Premier League loss to Bournemouth at the weekend after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham mid-week.
Lifelong City fan Gallagher was even crowing about how easy things were on the pitch for his side, but almost as soon as the words came out of mouth, Sporting front man Viktor Gyökeres fired home their first goal in the 38th minute.
From then on despite City dominating possession (73%) and having more than double the amount of shots (20-9), Sporting had all the momentum on the counter and they rolled with it.
No more than 30 seconds into the second half they grabbed the lead courtesy of a great through ball picking out Maximiliano Araujo who was in on goal and smashed it home.
Former Brighton striker Gyökeres piled on the pain by slotting two second half penalties to ensure he took home the match ball.
At the other end, Erling Haaland had a chance to keep the game alive when City were 3-1 down but he blasted his penalty straight into the bar.
City’s injury issues still persist in defence and it was the first time they had conceded four goals in a Champions League match since Barcelona put four past them in 2016.
It was a painful return to Portugal for Lisbon-born Silva, who conceded City are mired in a damaging slump.
“It’s disappointing because we’re a bit in a dark place right now. Everything looks to be going in the wrong way,” he said.
“Even when we are playing well we don’t score our chances and we concede too easily.
“We need to get better very quickly otherwise it will be very difficult to come back from these losses.
“It’s difficult to find reasons for what is happening to us. It just looks like this team is going the wrong way now.
“Our injured players need to come back because we need them and it’s just not good enough tonight.”
Mariners salvage draw in AFC CL | 01:03
Ruthless Liverpool spoil Alonso’s return to Anfield
Xabi Alonso endured a miserable return to Anfield as Liverpool thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday, thanks to a Luis Diaz hat-trick, to go top of the Champions League table.
Cody Gakpo was also on target as the Reds maintained their 100 per cent record in Europe after four games.
Alonso, a Champions League winner during his playing days in the Liverpool midfield, turned his back on succeeding Jurgen Klopp to remain at Leverkusen after leading them to an unbeaten German league and cup double last season.
Liverpool, though, are not left wondering what might have been as Arne Slot continued his stunning start as manager with a 14th win in 16 games in all competitions.
Leverkusen remain on seven points from their opening four Champions League matches after another sobering night for their ambitions to match the heights they hit last season.
Alonso’s men sit fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich, and failed to master what Alonso described pre-match as a “beautiful challenge”.
Absurd scenes as Fulham pull off heist | 01:02
The Spaniard cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side struggled to get into the slick passing rhythm they have become famed for during his tenure.
The German champions, though, created the best of what chances there were in a first half short on goalmouth action.
Jeremie Frimpong saw appeals for a penalty waved away when he went down with a clear sight of goal under a challenge from Kostas Tsimikas.
Frimpong also had the ball in the net just before the break but handled before racing through to finish.
Liverpool’s best opening of the half came seconds later when Curtis Jones’ excellent pass finally found some space for Gakpo, but his powerful effort was repelled at his near post by Lukas Hradecky.
Just like in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton that took Slot’s men to the top of the Premier League, it took until the second half for both Liverpool and the Anfield crowd to come to life.
Mohamed Salah should have done better when he sliced wide after a jinking run through the Leverkusen midfield by Ryan Gravenberch.
A cagey tactical battle was sparked into life on the hour mark by a moment of stunning quality.
”Ange Postecoglou blew my mind” | 01:18
Jones spun his marker before splitting the Leverkusen defence with a pinpoint pass for Diaz, who nonchalantly chipped the advancing Hradecky.
Moments later, Liverpool had killed the visitors off with another flowing move. Salah’s driven cross was headed in at the back post by the flying Gakpo. The linesman raised his flag to momentarily silence the celebrations, but a VAR review showed the Dutch forward was onside for his sixth goal of the season.
Victor Boniface headed wide with a huge chance to bring Leverkusen immediately back into the game.
Instead, Liverpool pulled further clear seven minutes from time when Diaz controlled Salah’s looping cross and fired home.
The Colombian then rounded off the scoring with his ninth of the season in stoppage time with another clinical finish after Darwin Nunez’s blocked shot fell into his path.
Liverpool’s return of 12 points means they are almost certainly already assured of a place in the knockout phase, but are closing in on sealing direct progression to the last 16 via a top-eight finish in the 36-team league.
New Man U coach sends warning to City | 01:18
AC Milan topple Champions League holders Real Madrid
Champions League holders Real Madrid fell to a 3-1 home defeat by AC Milan on Tuesday in the group stage with striker Kylian Mbappe unable to find the net again.
The 25-year-old France captain has scored once in his last six matches for Madrid across all competitions, including three losses for Los Blancos.
Malick Thiaw headed the Italian side ahead before Vinicius Junior levelled from the penalty spot for the hosts.
Alvaro Morata struck against his former side to restore Milan’s lead before the break and Tijjani Reijnders netted the third to secure Milan’s victory.
Madrid were unable to bounce back strongly from the 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona in late October, their last outing after Saturday’s La Liga match at Valencia was postponed because of devastating floods in the east of Spain.
‘Goal of the season’ secures Victory win | 00:57
Players from both sides wore t-shirts before the match reading “We are all Valencia” while in one stand a giant Valencia regional flag was unfurled for a minute’s silence.
Carlo Ancelotti, who won the Champions League twice as a player and then twice as a coach with Milan, only made one change from the Clasico humiliation, bringing in Luka Modric for Eduardo Camavinga.
Madrid may have been keen to set things right in front of their fans at the Santiago Bernabeu but fell behind in the 12th minute.
Thiaw’s near-post header from a corner flew past the helpless Andriy Lunin to earn the Serie A side the lead.
Mike Maignan saved from Mbappe at the other end as Madrid hit back, with Vinicius winning a penalty as he fell under a clumsy tackle from Emerson Royal.
The Brazilian, who finished as runner-up in last week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris when he had been favourite to win, coolly dispatched it with a cheeky dinked Panenka effort.
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Milan regained the lead in the 39th minute through former Madrid striker Morata, who reacted quickly to fire home after Lunin saved from Rafael Leao.
Mbappe, yet to find top form in a Madrid shirt since his move from Paris Saint-Germain and particularly frustrated in the Barcelona defeat, broke in again before half-time but Maignan saved his low effort.
Ancelotti took action at half-time, bringing on Camavinga and Brahim Diaz, and it opened up the second half for an end-to-end affair.
Lunin made a superb flying save from Leao’s header and the Portuguese forward wasted a couple of opportunities on the break.
Leao made amends by teeing up Reijnders at the end of a superb solo run to turn home for Milan’s third after 73 minutes.
Antonio Rudiger smashed home for Madrid after a poor Maignan punch but the goal was disallowed for a tight off-side against the defender.
Maignan made a fine late save to deny Diaz and it killed any Madrid hopes of a comeback, like in their previous Champions League outing against Borussia Dortmund.
Madrid have now lost two of their four matches and are in the middle of the table, provisionally 17th, one place above Milan.
Manchester United are chasing Ruben Amorim, the coach of Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, to be their new manager, according to multiple reports.
The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday and former United goal-scoring machine Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim manager, but they have quickly turned their attention to 39-year-old Amorim.
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The Portuguese manager is highly touted as he is considered one of Europe’s best young coaches, and Sky Sports, The Sun, the Daily Mail and the Athletic have all reported that he is close to agreeing a deal to take charge at Old Trafford.
Amorim was linked to replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but Dutchman Arne Slot was chosen instead.
During the off-season, he also spoke to West Ham about replacing David Moyes but remained at Sporting after he saying it was a “mistake” to meet with East London club.
Ten Hag blows up after VAR decision | 00:59
At only 36 years of age, he led the Lisbon-based club to their first league title in almost two decades before adding a second to his resume last season.
Amorim’s reputation has been built off developing young players as well as inspiring more experienced players to produce career-best seasons under him.
As a player, the former midfielder represented Portugal and won three Portuguese league titles with Benfica.
Several other names have been flagged to replace ten Hag, however.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank was being reported as one of the favourites to take over on Monday.
The Danish manager has the Bees sitting in ninth place on the Premier League table, two points above United, at present.
Frank has made the best of the limited resources available to him – compared to big six clubs like United – during his six years at Brentford which included guiding them to the Premier League for the first time in 2021.
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Former England boss Gareth Southgate has often been linked with United since stepping down from the national side in July.
Southgate led the Three Lions to back-to-back finals in the Euros and he is reportedly strongly admired by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
A return to management of club football would be a significant shift for Southgate however as he has not been a part of the weekly grind since he was in charge of Middlesborough from 2006 to 2009.
Although, he has worked closely with United’s England representatives Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford.
Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter as well as Barcelona great Xavi have also been linked to United.
Potter was praised for Brighton’s attractive style of play during his time on England’s south coast, while Xavi departed the club where he was a legendary player at the end of last season because of disagreements with club hierarchy.
The former midfielder led Barcelona to a La Liga title in 2022/23 despite their financial restrictions.
Mourinho red carded in duel with Man U | 02:56
Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has also been named as a potential option at Old Trafford after he led Inter to the Champions League final as well as the Series A title.
The 48-year-old has reportedly long desired managing in the Premier League as he has been working hard to improve his English.
Mohamed Salah rescued Liverpool as the Egypt star’s late equaliser earned a pulsating 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side were on the brink of only their second defeat this season until Salah netted with nine minutes left at the Emirates Stadium.
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Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka’s early opener and, although Virgil van Dijk equalised, Mikel Merino put Arsenal back in front before half-time.
Salah’s eighth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season was aided by Arsenal’s latest rash of injuries, with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off in the second half.
Manchester City were the real winners on Sunday as the draw in north London ensured they finished the weekend on top of the Premier League.
Unbeaten City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, are one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool, with third-placed Arsenal sitting five points adrift of top spot.
It was only the second time Liverpool had failed to win since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the close-season, starting his Anfield reign with 12 victories from 13 games in all competitions.
Barcelona pump Real Madrid in El Clasico | 00:59
Even so, Liverpool will be happier with the point after showing impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender.
Arsenal were left to lick their wounds after the defensive injuries that left them fatally exposed.
They were already without Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined by an injury suffered against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, while William Saliba served a suspension following his dismissal in last weekend’s loss at Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches in a major setback to their hopes of a first title since 2004.
– Saka’s perfect start –
Saka, back from two games out with injury, had given Arsenal the perfect start in the ninth minute.
Ben White’s sublime long pass sent Saka surging down the right flank before he deftly cut back into the Liverpool area, leaving Andrew Robertson trailing in his wake as he lashed a fierce close-range strike into the roof of the net.
Merino nearly gifted Liverpool an immediate equaliser when he carelessly let the ball run to Salah, who rifled his shot just wide from the edge of the area.
So often over the last two seasons, Arsenal have been dead ball masters thanks to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but for once they were exposed as Liverpool drew level in the 18th minute.
Luis Diaz beat Kai Havertz to flick on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner and Van Dijk got in front of Thomas Partey as the Dutch defender stooped to head home from close-range.
But Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces enabled them to regain the lead in the 43rd minute.
Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick arrowed into the Liverpool area and Merino was perfectly placed to thump his header past Caoimhin Kelleher from six yards.
A lengthy VAR check followed to confirm Merino was just onside as the Spain midfielder celebrated his first goal since his close-season arrival from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal keeper David Raya plunged to his right to keep out Alexis Mac Allister’s header on the final seconds of a thrilling first half.
Arteta’s already makeshift defence suffered another blow when Gabriel limped off with a knee injury after a challenge from Darwin Nunez early in the second half.
Without their first choice centre-back, Arsenal adopted a more cautious approach and Raya was booked for time-wasting with over 20 minutes to play.
But the Gunners lost Timber to an injury in the closing stages as their defensive issues reached crisis point and handed Liverpool a lifeline.
With just nine minutes left, Arsenal’s under-manned rearguard was ruthlessly exposed as Alexander-Arnold’s lofted pass sent Nunez clear of teenage substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Nunez slipped in the unmarked Salah and he slotted home as Arsenal slumped to the turf in frustration.
Defending champs fight back to 1-1 draw | 01:11
VAR FURY AS MAN U PLUMMET TO NEW LOWS
Manchester United’s under-fire manager Erik ten Hag said he could only fault his side’s finishing after a damaging 2-1 defeat for the Dutchman at struggling West Ham on Sunday.
United slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after Jarrod Bowen’s controversial stoppage time penalty winner handed the Hammers all three points.
Crysencio Summerville put West Ham in front against the run of play 16 minutes from time before Casemiro equalised.
Ten Hag was furious at the award of the spot-kick after VAR intervened when Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Danny Ings inside the box.
United captain Bruno Fernandes had a red card rescinded after being sent-off in a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last month and Ten Hag highlighted the inconsistency of when VAR decides to challenge the referee’s on-field decision.
“Before the season they explained the process of VAR – only when (it is) clear and obvious they should interfere,” said Ten Hag.
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“What they didn’t do against Spurs, that was a wrong decision. Now they make a wrong decision interfering and both have big impact on the games. I don’t criticise the personnel, I criticise the process.” However, it was a familiar lack of wastefulness in front of goal that cost United a much-needed victory.
Diogo Dalot missed an open goal, while Alejandro Garnacho and Fernandes were also guilty of missing huge chances in a dominant first-half display.
“We created so many chances, played so good football, especially in the first half. How I want my team to play in and out of possession,” added Ten Hag.
“Six or seven 100 per cent chances we should have scored. That is a point of improvement. But overall I had not so many criticisms of my team, apart from not scoring.” United’s return of eight goals from their first nine games is their worst in the Premier League era.
Ten Hag’s men have won just three of those matches and drawn all three of their opening games in the Europa League to leave their manager clinging on to his job.
But he claimed to have seen positive signs in a 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend and a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce prior to their visit to the London Stadium.
“At this moment the luck is definitely not on our side. Last season was not different and near the end we turned it around,” said Ten Hag.
“We are so determined it will be the same (this season). We have to turn this around and it will turn around if we keep playing like we are now.
“Brentford, Fenerbahce, today, we played really good football.”
Ten Hag doubled down on his feelings of being hard down by at the moment when speaking to the BBC’s Match of the Day.
The Dutchman is firmly pointing the finger at the referees for contributing to their lowly start to the season.
“Three times this season we feel injustice,” he said.
“We have to score, we created so many chances. We should’ve been two or three up. Second half we were forcing it but we allowed them into the game. When you are losing 1-0 you need big personality and character of the team and showed resilience to get back into it. Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.
“I spoke with them (the referees). But the decision is made. There’s no way back and that’s football. That’s a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right.”
The under-fire manager boss is feeling little sympathy from fans and the English press pack, however.
Many believe it is a matter of when, not if, he will be given his marching orders and the UK Telegraph columnist Jim White believes the loss to West Ham is the sort of game that could be Ten Hag’s curtain call.
“When the obituary of Erik ten Hag’s time in charge at Manchester United is written, this match might well serve as exhibit A,” White wrote.
“Quite how his team managed to lose here for the third time is indicative of his time in charge – if never quite in control – at Old Trafford. “For the first half United looked smart, together, organised. They passed quickly and imaginatively, Bruno Fernandes at his quick-witted best. And they carved out chances. Loads of them. The trouble was, they wasted the lot.
“Diogo Dalot was the most culpable, blasting over an empty net after dinking the ball over Lukasz Fabianski’s head. So bad was United’s finishing, it was only the manner of their misses that silenced the growing insurrection in the London Stadium stands: it is hard to be too revolutionary when you are smirking at others’ incompetence in front of goal.
“And woeful as West Ham had been for 45 minutes, there was time for Julen Lopetegui to make adjustments. He duly did. Tightening, sharpening, probably reading the riot act, he managed to make West Ham look competitive again. So, the inevitable happened.”
On the weekend Arsenal’s title challenge slipped up, the Premier League’s leading two sides consolidated their place atop the table.
Liverpool’s win over Chelsea continued Arne Slot’s fine start to life in England, while City were on the receiving end of a controversial refereeing decision that kept them within a point of the Merseysiders.
Read about all that and more in our wrap of the overnight Premier League action!
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‘HARSH’ STONES WINNER DRAWS ‘SUBCONSCIOUS’ BIAS QUESTIONS
“Harsh.”
That’s how Wolves coach Gary O’Neil described the decision to award John Stones’ 95th minute winner against his side.
The Manchester City defender’s header was initially ruled out after the fourth official deemed Bernardo Silva to be in an offside position, disallowing the goal.
However, a VAR review found Silva wasn’t in Wolves keeper Jose Sa’s line of vision and had no impact on him, despite footage showing the Portuguese midfielder backing into Sa as Phil Foden’s corner made its way toward the box.
At the last moment, Silva moved away from Sa, creating enough separation for VAR to judge he’d not fouled his countryman in the build-up to the winner.
While Silva was technically in an offside position, according to the FA’s rules website players cannot be offside from a corner, much in the same way they cannot be offside from a throw-in.
As outlined in The Athletic, this means that ‘as long as the referee decides (Silva’s) not in Sa’s line of sight nor fouls the keeper at any point, the goal should be given according to the laws.’
O’Neill drew comparisons between Stones’ winner and a goal disallowed against former Wolves defender Max Kilman last year, where Wolves player Tawanda Chirewa was deemed to be in an offside position and blocking West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski’s line of vision.
Wolves’ manager made his feelings known about the decision in his post-game press conference, stating:
“Is there something in the subconscious around decision making, or without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?”
“My senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and it’s Pep and Haaland. Are the officials the same when it’s Haaland and Manchester City?” he added.
“Is there something in there that they, not on purpose, influences decision making?”
O’Neill’s post-game protest matters ultimately can’t change the result – a much-needed victory for Manchester City in the context of the Premier League weekend.
Fellow title challenges Arsenal slipped at Bournemouth, while Liverpool beat Chelsea, meaning anything other than a City win would’ve opened the title race up completely.
The result also marks the still-winless Wolves’ seventh loss of the season, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the Premier League table with just a single point.
On another day the hosts may have left this game with a point, or perhaps all three, after they opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Norwegian striker’s goal marked the fourth time in their last seven league games that City have conceded first, with Rodri’s lack of controlling presence in central midfield seen as a major contributing factor to this.
Josko Gvardiol’s equaliser came after the half hour mark, when the Croatian central defender curled his shot beyond Sa from the edge of the area.
Until Stones’ winner, Wolves largely kept City at bay. Guardiola’s side failed to create a big chance throughout the game, despite taking 22 shots.
Post-game, Guardiola praised his side for being “patient and making runs and crosses,” in their bid to break Wolves down.
“We have a lot of chances, but we don’t have the tallest team to attack crosses.
“That’s why I have the opinion that it’s an excellent performance.”
Bernardo Silva separated himself from Jose Sa at the perfect time, allowing VAR to award John Stones’ winner against Wolves.Source: FOX SPORTS
STELLAR SALAH KEEPS SLOT’S DREAM START ROLLING
Arne Slot said Liverpool passed the hardest test of his time in charge as a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield moved the Reds back top of the Premier League on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah’s penalty and Curtis Jones’ winner made it 10 wins in 11 games since Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp.
Nicolas Jackson briefly levelled for Chelsea, who enjoyed nearly 60 percent possession, but they slipped to a first league defeat since losing to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season.
Victory takes Liverpool one point ahead of City and four clear of Arsenal, who they face at the Emirates next weekend.
“Many other games were hard but this might have been the hardest because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have,” said Slot. “We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line.”
Chelsea are now seven points off the top down in sixth, but there was plenty cause for optimism for the Blues from a performance that stretched Liverpool to their limits.
“We lost, we are not happy, but the performance with and without the ball was very good,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
“I’ve been in this stadium many times and to see Liverpool in their (half) for a long time is not easy.” Liverpool’s only defeat under Slot came to Nottingham Forest following September’s international break.
– Jones makes his mark –
The Dutchman responded by this time leaving all of his South American internationals — Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez — on the bench after their exertions in recent days across the Atlantic.
The decision to hand Jones just his second league start of the season proved an inspired one as the England international won Liverpool’s penalty and scored the decisive goal.
Chelsea settled nicely into their rhythm and pushed the home side back by dominating the ball in the opening half hour.
However, Liverpool’s pace on the break was a constant threat and Chelsea were caught out when Salah fed Jones, who was chopped down by Levi Colwill.
Salah slammed home his 10th goal against his former club from the resulting penalty.
The Egyptian now has 162 Premier League goals, equal with former Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe, to sit within the top 10 all-time scorers in the competition’s history.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ post-game coverage, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the 32-year-old will “have an eye on Thierry Henry (175 PL goals) and Frank Lampard (177 goals) by the end of this season.”
Despite rumours Salah’s time at Anfield could draw to a close at season’s end, Carragher is of the opinion “stats like this are one of the biggest reasons why Mo Salah will sign a new contract at Liverpool.”
“I think these are things that really get the juices flowing for Mo Salah.”
Moments later, Cody Gakpo slotted in at the end of a lightning Liverpool counter-attack, but Salah had strayed offside before delivering the assist.
At the other end, Jackson smashed off the angle of post and bar in the first sign that Chelsea had some punch to their possession football.
Chelsea, though, had another escape just before half-time when referee John Brooks initially pointed to the spot once more when Jones went down under a challenge from Robert Sanchez.
VAR intervened, however, as the Spanish goalkeeper got a touch on the ball before making contact with Jones.
Within three minutes of the restart for the second half, the Blues were back level as VAR played another helping hand for the visitors.
Jackson latched onto Moises Caicedo’s through ball and coolly slotted past Caoimhin Kelleher for his fifth goal in eight Premier League games.
The Senegalese striker was ruled offside on the field, but was shown to be played on by Ibrahima Konate on replay.
Liverpool took just three minutes to restore their lead as Jones timed his run perfectly to control and flick in Salah’s cross.
Chelsea forced Slot’s men to defend their lead for the final 40 minutes but struggled to create clear-cut chances for the equaliser until seven minutes of stoppage time.
Renato Vega headed over Cole Palmer’s free-kick before Christopher Nkunku failed to get a telling touch to Pedro Neto’s teasing cross
Matip was a hugely popular figure during his time with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Three months on from his Anfield deal expiring, reports in Germany claim the defender’s career as a footballer is all-but over.
Matip is yet to publicly announce a decision on his future, such is the nature of a player so humble others have often spoken for him.
Jurgen Klopp paid a glowing tribute to one of his first Liverpool signings when the time came for him to say goodbye in May.
“In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip,” said Klopp.
“I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.
“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being. We have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.
“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.
“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly.
“Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”
In keeping with the theme of those closest to Matip during his time at Liverpool, there’s a need to shine a spotlight on one of football’s biggest characters in recent memory if this is his low-key farewell to the game.
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Matip’s retiring and no one might be sadder than Klopp
Matip’s Liverpool career was ended six months early after he tore his cruciate ligament in a madcap 4-3 win over Fulham in December.
It meant the former Cameroon international spent over 700 days and missed over 130 matches during his eight years on Merseyside.
Ex-Liverpool and Manchester United players headline stunning XI of free agents still available in the transfer window
Usually for a player with that severe an injury record their effect on their teammates and fans is understandably reduced.
So it’s stark the impact Matip had on and off the pitch that he is such a defining figure of the Klopp era at Anfield.
However, that rise to mainstream appreciation was a slow build, with fellow defenders Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold garnering most of the individual accolades.
That started to change in the 2021/22 season, when after he starred against AC Milan in the Champions League, Klopp said: “Look, I cannot help people who don’t see the quality of Joel Matip.”
In February 2022, Matip became the latest – and as it stands most recent – Liverpool defender to win the Premier League Player of the Month award, something club icon Jamie Carragher has never done.
His Franz Beckenbauer-esque dashes out from defence had long earned him the affection of the Anfield faithful.
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Only 18 Liverpool players have won the award – with just four being defenders
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Matip developed his renowned flair for dribbling coming through the ranks at SchalkeCredit: Getty
The centre-back was encouraged to be confident on the ball as a youngster by Schalke Under-19s coach, Norbert Elgert.
The 67-year-old, who also mentored the likes of Mesut Ozil and Manuel Neuer, even played Matip for half a season as a striker.
Matip’s ability on the ball led him to making his Schalke debut as a teenager against Bayern Munich in midfield where he was named man-of-the-match.
The Dutchman said: “68 dribbling? Are you kidding EA Sports? I’m starting a petition to have Joel Matip with 85 dribbling at least!”
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Van Dijk wasn’t happy with how his old defensive partner was rated by EACredit: Liverpool FC
Van Dijk, like many Liverpool fans, were as much in love with Matip for his personality as his defending on the pitch.
Matip greatly endeared himself to Reds supporters for his part in the club’s incredible 4-0 comeback win against Barcelona back in 2019.
The centre-back hilariously revealed later that he ended up spending more time shadowing Lionel Messi that night than he meant to after the match.
He told 11Freunde: “When I came into the doping test room, there was a guy sitting there pretty depressed – Lionel Messi.
“You know each other from the pitch, but it’s not like you sit around with them every day in a small room like you’re getting coffee.
“Everyone is celebrating, and I’m sitting in a cubicle with Messi.”
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Matip underwent a drug test next to Messi after knocking Barcelona out of EuropeCredit: Getty
Matip never had a public Twitter or Instagram account during his time in England yet he arguably has the biggest social media presence on Merseyside.
A month after one of his best games at Anfield against Barcelona, a page was set up called ‘No Context Joel Matip’, which posted his best moments.
The platform once counted Van Dijk and Alisson Becker among its followers on its now defunct X account, and at its peak was also shared frequently on Liverpool’s players WhatsApp group.
Van Dijk, who Alex Oxlade-Chamberlan dubbed ‘the main instigator’ behind this behaviour, even pranked Matip by wearing one of the page’s custom t-shirts that had his teammate’s face on it during a club photoshoot.
Posts from ‘No Context Joel Matip’, which still exists among a 32,000-strong following on Instagram, included everything from the defender dancing to his frustration at refereeing decisions.
His antics also extended to playfully slapping Jordan Henderson on the back of the head in a 2-0 win against Inter Milan and a Randy Orton-esque celebration in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle in 2022.
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Joel Matip was a hugely popular figure during his time with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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His antics made him a beloved figure with both fans and teammatesCredit: @JHenderson on Instagram
The man himself told Liverpool.com in 2019: “It’s funny and I think I make a lot of people laugh, so it’s not too bad.
“I can laugh about myself, that’s absolutely no problem. I’m looking at this and I say, ‘Ah, that’s quite funny’.”
Matip’s lack of online presence did leave him open to being pranked – as was the case while he attended England’s Euro 2024 opener.
Matip was a guest of Joe Gomez as the Three Lions beat Serbia 1-0 in June at the home of his former club Schalke in Gelsenkirchen.
While watching the game as a fan, the centre-back unknowingly posed for a picture with an Arsenal-supporting OnlyFans star called Leah Ray.
“Got this guys number last night at the game, said that he plays for Liverpool Is this true guys??” Ray wrote on her X account.
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Matip’s lack of social media means it’s highly unlikely he knew who this wasCredit: X
She was soon bombarded with Liverpool fans in her comments defending his innocent nature – even after he’d left the club.
Few could have expected that of Matip when he joined a defence consisting of Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan.
Three years later, he grabbed an assist in a Champions League final as part of a glittering trophy haul in his Anfield tenure.
Matip also helped the Reds to win the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his time at the club.
And if this is officially the end of his time as a player then he’s forever etched his name among the legendary defenders on Merseyside.
Matip once told the Times: “If you’re going to surprise people, better do it in a positive way.” Cult hero? “It is not the worst thing I heard.”
Parisian outlet L’Equipe have now sensationally claimed the 25-year-old reached a verbal agreement to join Liverpool two years ago.
Mbappe is said to have struck terms on a short-term deal at Anfield before signing a two-year contract extension with PSG in 2022.
The Ligue 1 giants were desperate to avoid doing business with Madrid had they been forced into a sale that summer, but a provision was allegedly inserted in Mbappe’s Liverpool terms to facilitate a future move to the Bernabeu.
All sound too fanciful to be true? Perhaps, but let’s look at the evidence that could prove that maybe the signs were there all along…
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Klopp was first keen to sign Mbappe from Monaco as a youngsterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Klopp’s early extension ‘good for transfer windows’
Kylian Mbappe surprisingly reveals dream of playing for AC Milan as he closes in on Real Madrid transfer
As the three attackers were also approaching, or had already celebrated, their 30th birthdays at the time – historically when Liverpool’s FSG owners get skittish over offering out pay rises – a decision needed to be made over whether they would sign new deals or be moved on rather than risk losing them for free in 2023.
So why the fast-tracking of negotiations and announcement of an extension with Klopp?
Just 24 days after those comments from the Reds manager, Mbappe admitted in an interview that he had held talks with the club.
“We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit,’” Mbappe told The Telegraph. “I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum; my mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her.
“It’s a good club, and we met them five years ago (too). When I was in Monaco, I met them. It’s a big club.”
During those 2022 negotiations, the future of Klopp would undoubtedly have been discussed – with Mbappe a huge fan of the 57-year-old, whose sway over influencing any switch to the Premier League couldn’t be understated.
Speaking before Liverpool faced PSG in 2018, Klopp told RMC Sport: “I love him, to be honest. What a player he is and a nice lad as well, so he’s a really good kid. What a player, what a player.”
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Liverpool needed a Van Dijk-type signing to shake up their attackCredit: Getty
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Liverpool’s hierarchy are relaxed about Salah’s contract situation – a far cry from 2022Credit: Getty
His 2022 assessment that his personal contract extension aiding transfer business may have been a subtle hint to Mbappe, with talks ongoing at that time.
Big decision – Salah or Mbappe?
Liverpool would have also had to draw up replacements to cope with the potential dual loss of Mane and Salah, who were not only on higher wages than Firmino, but could each accrue a bigger fee.
Salah’s lawyer and advisor Ramy Abbas Issa told a 2023 Harvard Business School study that Liverpool were ‘very far’ apart in contract talks and he feared a breakthrough wouldn’t be reached.
Those figures would have been impossible to offer with Mbappe also on the books, and the delay in settling on terms wasn’t about arguing over the finer details.
As Salah’s agent said for the purposes of the Harvard study and reported by the Times: “Mohamed isn’t going to throw away his contract because of a 5 per cent difference in what we are asking for and what they are willing to give — it is much more than that.”
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Salah shared a document that proved talks had broken down in June 2022Credit: Instagram / @mosalah
Change of plans and new recruit
Let’s look at Liverpool’s incoming that summer, with only three senior arrivals prior to the panic deadline day loan for Arthur Melo.
Two of them were teenagers at the time, with right-back Calvin Ramsay arriving for £6.5m and Fabio Carvalho from Fulham.
Nunez never seemed to command the faith of Klopp to be a guaranteed starterCredit: Getty
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He has since had to make do with cameo appearances under Arne SlotCredit: Getty
His transfer was widely pushed by Klopp having been impressed with the striker’s performances for Benfica in their Champions League quarter-final tie with his side.
Nunez scored both home and away in Benfica’s 6-4 aggregate defeat to Liverpool in…you guessed it…April 2022.
So that’s over £100m on two players capable of playing centrally as well as on the left, and almost £500k-a-week on wages with the cost of Nunez’s arrival and Salah’s renewal…
Maybe it all wasn’t so far-fetched after all?
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