Your morning digest for Friday, September 16.
Julian Nagelsmann has told Liverpool how to solve Darwin Nunez problem after Sadio Mane criticism
“If we do, it’s the first time we have five attackers, it feels like Christmas!” Given Liverpool’s injury problems so far this season, Jurgen Klopp was understandably excited at the prospect of Diogo Jota’s return before the Merseyside derby earlier this month.
The German had boasted seven senior international forwards to pick between during the second half of last season as his Reds side chased an unprecedented quadruple. Yet the exits of Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi depleted those numbers as sporting director Julian Ward was tasked with revamping Liverpool’s attack.
Having signed Luis Diaz six months earlier than originally planned in January, and seen the Colombian make an immediate impact at Anfield, there was perhaps a hope that Darwin Nunez could do similar following his own £64m switch from Portugal. Meanwhile, Fabio Carvalho also joined from Fulham to complete the Reds’ attacking ranks alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has just unleashed his new Liverpool pressing monster
Yet given Klopp’s comments about having five attackers, it’s clear the 20-year-old, who has predominantly featured in midfield since his move to Anfield, is not viewed as an out and out forward, not yet at least, despite making his name further forward at Craven Cottage.
Read the full story, here.
'I am simply not used to this' - Ajax fans send perfect message to Liverpool after Anfield visit
Supporters of Ajax who travelled to Anfield for the Champions League encounter earlier this week, have hailed Liverpool and the local authorities for making their trip to Merseyside so "relaxed".
The Dutch champions, accompanied by thousands of their supporters, descended on Liverpool on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the Group A clash, where Jurgen Klopp's side were looking to bounce back from their disappointing showing in Naples earlier this month.
A last-gasp header from Joel Matip ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides, with the Cameroonian ensuring Mohammed Kudus' first-half equaliser would not be enough for the Dutch outfit to take a point away from their travels.
However, despite falling to a late defeat, that didn't dampen the mood of the 2,600 or so Ajax supporters located in the Anfield Road end as they continued to sing, bounce and generally have a great time even after the full-time whistle.
And now following their return to Amsterdam, supporter-run website Ajaxlife has lauded Liverpool Football Club and the local authorities for making them feel so welcome before and after Tuesday night's fixture.
"No big police force or anything this time," read a first-hand account of Tuesday night. "At least not visible. A lot of stewards, but they almost formed a guard of honour. Everyone greeted me kindly. No straight faces. No tension. No stress. No fuss. Just enter with your ticket. It went smoothly...that deserves a big compliment."
Read the full story, here.
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