JURGEN KLOPP has backed Steven Gerrard to take over as manager of Liverpool – but only after the two have faced off in the Premier League.
Gerrard brings his Aston Villa side to Anfield for the first time since he took over as Villa manager a month ago.
Klopp said: “Oh, yeah, Yes, I absolutely I think. The only problem is when is the right moment for that?
“That’s not only about Stevie, but we saw that with Frank Lampard, for example, at Chelsea a similar story.
“Stevie is doing really well because he is very young. So it’s just when is the right moment to take the job.”
Tottenham’s Premier League clash at Brighton on Sunday is OFF as Spurs Covid crisis grows.
Eight Spurs stars and five staff members have tested positive, leaving boss Antonio Conte with only 11 fit players and a fixture headache.
Thursday night’s Europa Conference League tie at Rennes was postponed 24 hours before kick-off.
And on Thursday Tottenham said in a statement: “We can confirm that our Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion, on Sunday, December 12 at 2pm, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon (Thursday).”
Elsewhere, Eddie Howe is eyeing up Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as his first signing at Newcastle.
The son of former Everton forward Kevin Campbell, Tyrese has scored twice in nine games for the Potters this season.
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Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
HERO’S WELCOME
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised club legend Steven Gerrard as “one of the best footballers ever” on his Anfield return.
Gerrard is back in action at the Kop for the first time ever since his departure from the Reds in 2015 as Aston Villa boss following a successful three-year stint in charge of Rangers.
Klopp insists the 41-year-old is one of the best players in the game’s history following his legendary 17-year tenure with the Merseysiders.
And the German head coach is pleased to face him as a manager, rather than a player – something he described as “the best news”.
Klopp told beIN Sports: “He’s one of the best footballers ever, we know that.
“But now we face him as a manager. Thanks god he’s not playing, that’s the best news, let me say it like this.”
A NEW HOPE
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta, according to reports.
Atletico view the Spaniard as a replacement for Kieran Trippier, according to ESPN.
The England right-back is being targeted by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe in a potential £25million deal.
And he has also been a long-term target of Manchester United, who could sell Diogo Dalot to make way for Trippier.
‘CASUALLY SPANKING GREALISH’
Football fans were left somewhat bemused after Pep Guardiola slapped Jack Grealish on the bum when taking him off against Wolves.
The £100million man was hooked for Kevin de Bruyne in the 74th minute following a rather indifferent display.
And Guardiola opted to give him a little slap on the backside as he made his way off the pitch and down to the dugout.
Although it was a subtle gesture, it did not escape the eyes of diligent football fans as they reacted to the moment on Twitter.
One utterly confused fan said: ” Why is he slapping Grealish’s bum bum like that?”
While another hilariously added: “Pep Guardiola casually spanking Grealish for not taking his chances as he goes off.”
And a third social media user simply said: “Guardiola smacked Jack Grealish a**.”
STERLING EFFORT
Manchester City beat a 10-man Wolves this afternoon to stay top of the Prem table.
Wolves star Raul Jimenez was sent off after being booked twice in 31 seconds with a comical handball.
However, Wolves remained resilient until Raheem Sterling notched his 100th goal in the second half to clinch City the win.
His goal in the 66th minute came from calmly taken penalty. The only numerical difference in a game City dominated without getting the goals they deserved.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool take on Aston Villa who will be led by former Red Steven Gerrard today in the Premier League.
But unfortunately, Reds Champions League hero in midweek Divock Origi will miss the clash with a sore knee.
NO GO ANTHO
Sweden boss Janne Andersson has dug out Manchester United for refusing to let Anthony Elanga join up with the national team in January.
The 19-year-old had only featured in the Carabao Cup prior to last weekend as game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proved hard to come by.
And he followed that up by making his Champions League debut in the 1-1 draw with Young Boys on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Sweden manager Andersson was hoping to include him in a 24-man squad to tour Portugal in January.
But Man Utd have now insisted they will not release Elanga for the trip, something Andersson is not best pleased about.
HEAD IN HANDS
Raul Jimenez was sent off after being booked twice in 31 seconds with a comical handball against Manchester City.
The striker was first booked almost six minutes into added time before the break.
Jimenez brought down City midfielder Rodfri to stop an attack just on the half-way line.
But following the resulting free-kick, the Mexican forward stuck his foot out and the ball ricocheted off his arm.
It amazingly resulted in a second booking and one of the most bizarre sending offs in Premier League history.
ON THE HEAD
Wolves duo Ruben Neves and Max Kilam suffered a nasty clash of heads after the pair collided when jumping for the same ball.
Kilman came off worse following the collision during the first half against Manchester City as he was left with blood pouring down his face.
There was a stop in play for five minutes as Kilman received treatment from Wolves medics.
Neves was also left in pain following the incident, but was only dazed after colliding with his team-mate.
Kilman was eventually bandaged up and was declared fit enough to continue.
HAPPY HOWE
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has expressed his delight with Miguel Almiron.
Howe handed Almiron his first Premier League start since taking over and was impressed with what he saw.
He told Chronicle Live: “This is what you want in my position. If you give someone an opportunity, you want them to take it and you want them to leave positive thoughts in your mind.
“I thought Miggy did that last week. His energy is very infectious and his attitude, you can see from how he plays, what he gives the team. I thought his work rate, from a defensive perspective, was very, very good.
“He also he had really good moments, going forward. He’s a very good runner in behind, physically he is excellent. His stats from the weekend were incredible really. So, he’s gonna be a really, really important for us. He’s someone that I really like.”
FEELING BLUE
Fresh from Champions League disappointment in the week, Chelsea face Leeds aiming to get back to winning ways in domestic affairs today.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues suffered last-minute heartbreak to draw 3-3 with Zenit following a 3-2 defeat at West Ham to slip down to third in the Premier League in their last league outing.
Tuchel voiced his displeasure at the timing of the Leeds fixture following Wednesday’s trip to St Petersburg.
The Blues boss said: “The problem is the next match on Saturday because we will lose time to sleep, arrive back very early on Thursday, and then we face an intense team in Leeds who have prepared to face this match.”
‘I COULD CRY’
Watford star Emmanuel Dennis gave up supporting Arsenal because it was causing him too much heartache.
The striker, 24, revealed he occasionally cried after Arsenal lost games and explained being a fan was not good for his health.
Now he is focusing on himself and trying to help the Hornets escape relegation, and it seems that has helped his form too.
He told Sky Sports: “I used to be an Arsenal fan. I like Cesc Fabregas.
“But I’m no more an Arsenal fan. I was so much into Arsenal sometimes I could cry when they lose. That wasn’t good for me.
“So I was like, ‘nah, I’m going to stick to myself and don’t care much because it’s not good for my health’. It’s just me and myself right now.”
CITY LINE UP
Man City will take on Wolves in the Prem this afternoon and here’s how they will line up for the midday clash.
‘WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE’
Brentford fan Christine shared an emotional tribute to her late husband Peter after watching the Bees for the first time in Friday’s 2-1 win over Watford.
Christine called in to talkSPORT to share Peter’s story and her first experience inside a football ground.
Peter was a huge Brentford fan but passed away with Covid in 2020 so did not get to see his beloved club reach the top division.
Christine told fellow Bees fan Natalie Sawyer on talkSPORT: “My name’s Christine and I’m a Brentford fan.
“My husband Peter was a lifetime supporter of the Bees and he died in the first wave of Covid last year before seeing them go up to the Premier League.
“I decided I would try and become a fan and yesterday was my first football match ever.
“I went to see the Bees at the new stadium and I watched them beat Watford 2-1 and it was the most wonderful experience of my whole life.
“I honestly feel my darling Pete was there to help that last penalty go in.”
RON RETURN
Real Madrid are looking to bring Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo back to the Bernabeu, according to reports.
Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games for Real during his nine-year spell at the club.
And according to FootballInsider, Real could look to bring the 36-year-old back to Madrid just three years after he left for Juventus.
The report states that Ralf Rangnick’s arrival at United has potentially opened the door to a winter return to Spain.
There is concerns over whether Ronaldo will suit Rangnick’s high-energy pressing game.
LUC WOULD HAVE IT
Thomas Tuchel is considering a move for Everton full-back Lucas Digne to bolster his injury ravaged team, according to reports.
Ben Chilwell is out until the New Year with a knee injury, leaving Marcos Alonso as his only option at left wing-back.
Alonso himself picked up a slight knock in the 3-2 defeat to West Ham, meaning Saul had to cover on the left-hand side in midweek against Zenit.
And reports suggest Tuchel is eyeing Digne as a possible January option.
Digne has grown frustrated at current club Everton, according to The Athletic, and has fallen out with manager Rafa Benitez.
The 28-year-old was dropped from Everton’s squad for the 2-1 win against Arsenal last Monday, despite being fit to play.
France international Digne is understood to disagree with Benitez’s often defensive tactics, with the pair coming to blows before the Arsenal game.
He was previously linked with Chelsea last year, and now rumours have resurfaced regarding a potential January bid from the Blues.
NEW MOVE
Newcastle have made contact over a transfer move for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, according to reports.
The Magpies are said to be “seriously interested” in signing the attacking midfielder.
That’s is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who reports the two parties are yet to reach an agreement.
Instead, Romano suggests the race to sign Lingard is still open with other Premier League clubs linked with a move.
West Ham took the 28-year-old on loan last January and were rumoured to be interested in securing a permanent deal last summer.
The Hammers failed to agree a deal with United and were put off by his £25million price tag.
But Lingard’s contract expires at the end of the season so the Red Devils will likely reduce their asking price.
ON THE TABLE
Paul Pogba does have a contract offer from Manchester United on the table, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
It had previously been reported that Manchester United were resigned to letting him leave when his current deal runs out in the summer.
But the Frenchman’s outspoken agent Raiola has told Sport1 that Pogba has ‘many offers’ on the table, including a contract extension from Manchester United.
He reportedly rejected a mammoth new offer from the Red Devils in the summer.
One club that Raiola has ruled out for definite is German giants Bayern Munich.
LUK WHO’S BACK
Romelu Lukaku will play in the Serie A again at some point in his career, his agent Federico Pastorello has confirmed.
The Belgian sealed a sensational big-money transfer back to Chelsea in the summer after winning the Italian title with Inter Milan.
And it appears the forward would be interested in a return to Italy in the future, but for now ‘it’s time for Chelsea to enjoy Romelu’.
Agent Pastorello confirmed to Tuttosport: “One day we will see Lukaku back in Serie A, because he loves Italy. But now it’s time for Chelsea to enjoy Romelu.”
Lukaku has always spoke highly of the Serie A, saying it ‘improved’ him as a player.
BREAKING
Tottenham’s game against Rennes, which was postponed due to a Covid outbreak among the Spurs squad, will NOT be rescheduled.
It is a stunning development which leaves the integrity of the Europa Conference League under question.
Uefa claim they cannot find any amicable middle ground between the two clubs and they need to find another solution.
It has now been referred to Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body.
NEV ON MARTIAL
Gary Neville thinks Manchester United should cash in on £50million Anthony Martial, with Newcastle and a host of European clubs interested in the forward.
Neville said: “I think if they can get good money for him.
“I think that now the time has come. I think Manchester United have always been wary of getting burned, of him leaving for £25m and then going on to become a £100m player because he is a special talent.
“I just don’t think he’ll ever work at Old Trafford to the extent they’ve got Rashford, Greenwood, Ronaldo, Cavani, other players as well.
“I just think now is the time for him to leave and go and play regular football so I think it’s the right time.”
JURGEN BACKS STEVIE
Asked if he sees Stevie G coming back for good as a Kop boss in the future, Klopp, 54, declared: “Oh, yeah, Yes, I absolutely I think.
“The only problem is when is the right moment for that?
“That’s not only about Stevie, but we saw that with Frank Lampard, for example, at Chelsea a similar story.
“Stevie is doing really well because he is very young. So it’s just when is the right moment to take the job.
“Not that he is not able to do it, but how long you want to do it?
“So, is this the last job you do, is it the second job you do, the third job you do, whatever.
“They are questions I cannot answer and I do not think I would be involved in him coming back here as a manager.”
CANARY COVID SCARE
Norwich have become the latest Premier League hit by a Covid scare.
Canaries boss Dean Smith revealed he faced a nervous wait on PCR test results after a couple of players felt ‘unwell’.
Relegation-threatened Norwich now face being under-strength when they face Manchester United on Saturday evening.
Tottenham and Leicester have suffered from outbreaks this week, with the former having matches against Rennes and Brighton postponed, Spurs beat Norwich 3-0 last weekend.
But Smith doesn’t think any potential positive tests within his squad have anything to do with their trip to North London.
He said: “We have got a couple of knocks and have got a couple of Covid-related issues that we are waiting on results for this morning.
“I can’t really let you in on any names, but there’s a couple of players whom we are worried about, so we have tested and we will wait for the PCR results back on them.”
G FORCE
Steven Gerrard has vowed to celebrate if Aston Villa score on his Liverpool return, writes GRAHAM HILL.
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp has backed the Reds legend to one day follow him as manager at Anfield. But today the two go head-to-head in the Prem.
And Villa manager Gerrard admitted: “Let’s try and win the game and score goals. Then you’ll see a really authentic reaction.
“If I’m on the bus heading back down the M6 towards Birmingham and I’m not the most popular at Anfield, so be it.
“First and foremost we have to put ourselves in that position of trying to score goals.
“Then, I’ll be as normal, as human as I’ve always been.”
Gerrard, 41, makes his first return to Anfield as a manager today for his fifth game since taking over from sacked Dean Smith at Villa Park.
Credit: Getty RAIOLA RILES PEP TOO
City boss Pep Guardiola will prioritise a new forward at the end of this season after missing out on Tottenham’s England captain Harry Kane last summer, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
United are also keen after being told Anthony Martial wants out of Old Trafford in the new year. Haaland who has a £68million release clause has scored 22 goals for club and country in just 16 appearances this season.
Both Bayern and Barca appear unlikely to be able to pay the transfer and the sizeable wages which Haaland, 21, would command.
So that leaves City and Real at the front of the queue when he is up for grabs in June, 2022.
Yet Guardiola would not be drawn on Raiola’s comments having made his feelings clear about the agent in the past.
He said: “Move on, next question. Don’t ask me about that because I’m not going to answer.”
U AIN’T BIG ENOUGH
Erling Haaland’s agent told Manchester United: You’re not big enough for my star.
Mino Raiola yesterday dropped a big hint the striker could quit Borussia Dortmund this summer.
But in a massive snub to United, Raiola claimed there were only four “big clubs” he could join and Ralf Rangnick’s team was NOT on that list.
Raiola said: “There is a great chance Erling will leave this summer. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City these are the big clubs he can go to.”
And in another dig at the Red Devils, he added: “City have won the championship five times in recent years, significantly more than United.
“When we moved to Dortmund, we all knew that this step would come.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
