Liverpool may not have another ball to kick in March, but it will be a completely different story in April as we enter the real business end of the season.
The Reds will play no fewer than eight matches while competing on three fronts, as Jurgen Klopp's men keep focus on pulling of a reasonably ridiculous quadruple.
Star full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have both been ruled out of international duty this week, with a hamstring injury and Covid-19 respectively, suggesting that the pair may just be primed for a run in that will see Liverpool face both Manchester City and Benfica twice in barely a week.
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While anticipation for the April fixtures continues to grow, let's take a look at some of the headline from across the national media this morning.
Klopp wins charm offensive with Alisson
As reported by Samuel Meade in the Mirror, a phone call from Jurgen Klopp to Alisson immediately made the Brazilian goalkeeper realise the pair had a connection before he signed for Liverpool and went on to become a cornerstone of their success.
The Reds signed Alisson from Roma in the Summer of 2018 for a significant fee of £66.8million but it proved to be a smart piece of the business for everyone concerned.
The shot stopper quickly realised that he and the German aligned with his views, which has helped them build a strong relationship.
Alisson told the club's official website: "Yeah, it is a really good relationship. He’s like a father to me. When I spoke with him for the first time on a FaceTime video call, he just answered the call and started to smile, I started to smile and we could already see that we would have a connection. I think I have some feelings about life and how life works which are similar to him.
"I really like the way he works and the way he makes the team feel comfortable and at the same time puts pressure on us. He’s a guy who is always happy, but when you go onto the pitch it’s hard work, serious work and he’s a top manager, so all those things contribute to a good relationship. I really love to be here and working with him. I love my life here at Liverpool."
Politicians enter FA Cup semi-final row
The Independent's journalist Andy Hampson writes: "Two prominent north-west politicians have joined calls for the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Liverpool to be moved away from Wembley. Supporters groups from both clubs have complained about having to travel to London for the last-four clash over the Easter weekend, when no direct trains to the capital are available from either city due to engineering works.
"Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, the mayors of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool city region respectively, have now written a joint letter to the FA calling for a rethink and offered to help facilitate a venue change. They say fans have been put in 'an unfair position' facing 'excessive cost and inconvenience'."
The letter read: “Without quick, direct trains, many people will be left with no option but to drive, fly, make overly complex rail journeys or book overnight accommodation.
“When you factor in the rising costs of fuel, it is clear that supporters of both clubs attending this game will face excessive cost and inconvenience – and that is before any environmental impact is considered."
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Reds may need to move on from pursuit of Raphinha
In the Daily Express, Stuart Ballard writes: "Liverpool have been linked with a move for Raphinha ever since the Brazilian joined Leeds back in 2020, but reports from Brazil indicate the Reds may need to move on. Jurgen Klopp is spoilt for choice in the attacking department, particularly following the arrival of Luis Diaz.
"Diogo Jota's injury last season in his debut campaign at Anfield saw Klopp forced to utilise Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino more often. But the duo struggled to make an impact on a regular basis, leading to several reports that Liverpool were going to look at signing another attacker in the summer.
"Raphinha continued to be seen as a top target for the Reds, but Liverpool opted against pushing forward with a bid. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Jota have been able to avoid serious injury this time around with the latter two in scintillating form in front of goal.
"The Egypt international appears to be the priority, but if it becomes clear that Salah won't sign on Liverpool's terms then a replacement will need to be looked at. Raphinha appears set on a move away from Leeds in the near future and contract extension talks with Leeds have so far been slow.
"According to Brasil UOL, Leeds are keen to include a release clause in Raphinha's contract. But the Brazilian winger is so far unhappy with the current proposal of that release clause being set at £70million."
