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      Jurgen Klopp jokes he hopes his Liverpool side ‘lose rhythm’ after six days off following Napoli shambles

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      LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp has joked he hopes his team lose rhythm after an unconvincing start to the season. The Reds were shocked six days ago away at Napoli in the Champions League losing 4-1.
      Jurgen Klopp looked shocked on the touchline as his team were battered by NapoliCredit: Getty
      They were supposed to play Wolves at the weekend but the match was postponed due to the death of the Queen.
      It has given Liverpool time to reflect on their poor form and Klopp was asked in a press conference ahead of his side playing Ajax in the Champions League if his team would’ve lost rhythm not playing.
      Klopp replied: “Did you see our game? If we could lose this kind of rhythm it would be really cool.”
      The German also admitted it was his worst game in charge of Liverpool since taking charge of the club seven seasons ago.
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      He continued: “It was a real horror show. It was the worst game we played since I have been here.
      “Some will point at games against Aston Villa [loss 7-2] for example but in those games there were glimpses of us, but in this one there was nothing. We have to understand why.
      “We met with the players, I watched the Napoli game a lot and we saw horrors. The players knew as well. Eight out of the eleven were below the level that they normally play.
      “You solve all individual problems as a team and that’s the first thing we have to do, to follow a common idea again.
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      “My teams are based on a real foundation if not nearly perfect defending.
      “We could have conceded more in this game, we could have scored a couple more, but the fact we could have let more in is really crazy.
      “We had four or five days now of absolute truth.
      “Not to knock the players down, just to make sure where we are now, this is the starting point for us to sort the problems together on the pitch. There was no pointing at each other.”
      Liverpool’s underwhelming start was not just restricted to the Champions League with the club seventh in the Premier League table having failed to win four matches so far in the domestic season.
      They will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they welcome Ajax to Anfield tomorrow.
      Liverpool are then set to play Chelsea at the weekend but the game may not go ahead.
      The Liverpool tam looked dejected during their defeat in NaplesCredit: Getty More

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      PSG Ultras boycott Champions League away game at Maccabi in protest over ‘excessive’ security measures by Israeli state

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Ultras are BOYCOTTING an away clash against Israeli side Maccabi Haifa due to “excessive” security restrictions.The French club are scheduled to play the Israeli champions in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
      PSG Ultras are boycotting Wednesday’s Champions League trip to IsraelCredit: AFP
      Fans have protested against the “excessive” security measures put in place by the Israeli stateCredit: Getty
      But Lionel Messi and Co will not be cheered on by fanatical group Collectif Ultras Paris.
      The PSG supporters have slammed the “aggressive restrictions” that are claimed to have been put in place by the Israeli state.
      And as a result they have decided to protest by not travelling to watch their team in action.
      A statement said: “On this Wednesday 14th September, our club Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Haifa for our second group game in the Champions League to face Maccabi.
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      “We deplore the freedom-taking security conditions put in place by the Israeli state in order to travel to the country. We will always oppose aggressive restrictions on our freedoms during our away travel.
      “In these conditions, we feel forced to boycott this away game in the face of these excessive restrictions. Allez Paris !!”
      The French champions beat Juventus 2-1 in their opening Champions League group game last week.
      Meanwhile, earlier today French police issued safety warnings to Eintracht Frankfurt fans heading to Marseille for tomorrow’s Champions League encounter.
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      Restrictions have also been imposed through a partial ban on alcohol sales, and supporters being forbidden from travelling on their own to the Stade Velodrome.
      It comes after violent scuffles marred a Europa Conference League game between Cologne and Nice last week. More

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      Liverpool facing mini injury crisis with Andy Robertson out injured until after international break

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      ANDY ROBERTSON has given Liverpool yet another crushing injury blow.The Scottish defender picked up a knee injury at the end of the 4-1 loss at Napoli.
      Andy Robertson has been sidelined and joins Liverpool’s mounting injury listCredit: Rex
      Now he will not return until after the forthcoming international window.
      That means he will miss Tuesday’s Champions League home game with Ajax at Anfield.
      And it also rules him out of Sunday’s trip to Chelsea in the Premier League – if the match goes ahead amid policing issues regarding the Queen’s funeral.
      Robertson will also miss Scotland’s upcoming Nations League games later this month.
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      They have home matches against Ukraine and Ireland, before taking on the former away from Hampden Park. 
      Robertson joins Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher on the sidelines.
      But Fabio Carvalho could return against Ajax after he sustained a dead leg in the Merseyside derby draw with Everton on September 3.
      Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who will start left-back Kostas Tsimikas against Ajax, said: “Robbo is not 100 per cent.
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      “He picked it up very late in the 93rd minute and felt it the next day.
      “He is out for at least until after the international break.”
      Joel Matip started Liverpool’s season-opener at Fulham on August 6 but has since been hampered by a groin issue that has kept him on the bench for the last two matches.

      Captain Henderson is out for the next few weeks with a muscle concern.
      Matip, though, will replace Joe Gomez in the heart of the Liverpool defence at Anfield.
      Gomez suffered a nightmare in Naples and was replaced at half-time. More

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      Chelsea clash with Liverpool set to be called off on Sunday ahead of Queen’s funeral but RB Salzburg game to go ahead

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      CHELSEA’S Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday looks set to be postponed.But Wednesday’s Champions League game at home to Red Bull Salzburg IS still scheduled to go ahead.
      Chelsea are likely to play Red Bull Salzburg but not Liverpool this weekCredit: Getty
      The Blues were due to host Jurgen Klopp’s side at 4.30pm on SundayCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The home game with Liverpool was due to kick-off at Stamford Bridge at 4.30pm.
      But with Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral taking place in London on Monday, the demands on police mean it is likely to be rearranged.
      There were talks about switching the match to Anfield to take some pressure off the Metropolitan Police.
      However, moving it at such late notice would also be problematic in terms of staffing and tickets.
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      All football in England was postponed last weekend following the passing of Her Majesty aged 96.
      The Queen’s coffin will be flown from Edinburgh to London on Tuesday and then be taken from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday.
      She will then lie in state until Monday, when the funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey.
      EFL fixtures will resume on Tuesday but Uefa confirmed Thursday’s Europa League match between Arsenal and PSV is off.
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      As things stand, though, the Blues’ Champions League match with Salzburg is on course to be played in West London at 8pm on Wednesday.
      That would be Graham Potter’s first match in charge of Chelsea after replacing Thomas Tuchel last week.
      Clubs are keen to get matches played especially with an international break next week and the already-congested football calendar.
      Uefa want to have all group-stage games across the three competitions completed before players are released for the World Cup following the weekend league fixtures on November 12 and 13.
      In the Premier League, Tottenham also play at home this weekend as they host Leicester on Saturday evening while Brentford take on Arsenal in a London derby at 2pm on Sunday.
      There is still no official announcement from the Premier League regarding the weekend’s matches, especially those in the capital.
      The lack of Sky TV trucks could also cause further problems as the broadcasters need extra resources to cover the funeral and build-up. More

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      Eintracht Frankfurt fans given safety warnings including singing ban amid violence fears ahead of Marseille clash

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      POLICE have issued safety warnings and restrictions to Eintracht Frankfurt visiting Marseille for tomorrow’s Champions League tie. Supporters of the German club have been told there is a partial ban on alcohol sales and that they are forbidden from travelling on their own ahead of the match at the Stade Velodrome.
      Rival fans clashed at the Europa Conference League tie between Nice and Cologne in France last weekCredit: Reuters
      French authorities have been moved to act after violent crowd fights marred a game between Nice and Cologne in the Europa Conference League four days ago.
      The arrival of thousands of Frankfurt supporters in the south of France has raised concerns or similar scenes.
      The Bundesliga side have been allocated 3,300 seats but it is thought as many as 5,000 additional fans without tickets – including some hardcore ultras – could make the trip.
      Frankfurt and Rangers fans were filmed throwing chairs at each other and fighting ahead of their Europa League final in Seville in May.
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      And the German club’s ultras brandished bottles and wooden sticks as weapons during similar ugly clashes with West Ham supporters in Seville in March.
      To mitigate the risk of more trouble at tomorrow’s Group D match, regional police said the sale of alcohol will be banned in several local districts in the seven hours leading up to kick-off.
      And they have said that only the Frankfurt fans traveling in official buses placed under police escort will be allowed to access the ground and its surroundings.
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      Frankfurt fans are also prohibited from walking around in their club’s shirts, scarves and colours or signing club songs in four designated districts from midday today until 2am on tomorrow.
      Visitors have also been told to ensure they have valid tickets and to avoid purchasing tickets from ‘non-officially authorized third-party providers or online platforms’.
      Frankfurt started their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 home defeat to Sporting Lisbon last week, while Marseille lost 2-0 at Spurs. More

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      What is Champions League music, what are the lyrics to it and why do they play it before each game?

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      THE CHAMPIONS League music is the most iconic song in club football.But not many people know what the original anthem or where it came from – or that the modern anthem is inspired by a British musical masterpiece.
      Tottenham Hotspur and Marseille players listen to the Champions League anthem before their group stage tie
      The world’s greatest players have stepped out onto the pitch listening to the famous music ring around the stadium ahead of Champions League matches.
      It was introduced in 1992 to build up the atmosphere inside the ground.
      Here’s all the information you need to know about the piece of music.
      What is the Champions League song?
      The song was written by British composer Tony Britten in 1992, a graduate of the Royal College of Music.
      It was produced in the style of the famous 18th-century composer George Frideric Handel – originally called Zadok the Priest.
      British composer Tony Britten write the three-minute song in 1992Credit: AFP or licensors
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      For the recording used in the Champions League, it is performed by London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
      The chorus is in Uefa’s three official languages: English, French and German.
      Real Madrid are the current winners of the Champions League – they have won the tournament three times in the last four seasonsCredit: EPA
      What are the Champions League lyrics?
      Ce sont les meilleures équipesEs sind die allerbesten MannschaftenThe main event
      Die MeisterDie BestenLes grandes équipesThe champions
      Une grande réunionEine grosse sportliche VeranstaltungThe main event
      Die MeisterDie BestenLes grandes équipesThe champions
      Ils sont les meilleursSie sind die BestenThese are the champions
      Die MeisterDie BestenLes grandes équipesThe champions
      In English: 
      They are the best teamsThey are the best teamsThe main event
      The masterThe bestThe great teamsThe champions
      A big meetingA great sporting eventThe main event
      The masterThe bestThe great teamsThe champions
      They are the bestThey are the bestThese are the champions
      The masterThe bestThe champions
      The chorus of the anthem is is in UEFA’s three official languages: English, French and German.Credit: Reuters
      Where can I buy the Champions League anthem?
      The Champions League anthem cannot be legally downloaded from any website or bought.
      The short piece of music is three minutes long, and contains two verses as well as the main chorus.
      Why is it played before each match?
      The theme is played to build the atmosphere inside the ground amongst supporters. More

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      Erling Haaland ready to punish Borussia Dortmund as he chases ‘big dream’ of Champions League glory with Man City

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      ERLING HAALAND says it is a “big dream” for him to win the Champions League as he prepares to face his old club.Manchester City’s new strike sensation will meet his former employers Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad on Wednesday.
      Erling Haaland admits his biggest dream is to win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Norwegian, 22, admits winning trophies is one of his main targets as he has just one German Cup to his name from his time in Dortmund.
      And Haaland’s biggest target is the Champions League — his favourite competition.
      Asked what his aims are during his time at City, the £51.4million ace said: “I want to keep developing as a footballer, that’s one of the most important things.
      “For me it’s about performing well as a team, to play well with your team-mates.
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      “I want to develop, win games, win trophies and to have a good time. I love the Champions League, I have to say it.
      “Everybody knows this and (winning it) is a big dream for me.”
      Haaland famously has the competition’s anthem as his alarm on his phone.
      He told Telmundo Deportes: “When I wake up every morning I listen to this song, it’s my favourite competition. I’ve always loved it, so it’s true, yeah.”
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      Haaland’s City start has seen him score 12 times in his first seven matches — including two in their European opener in Seville last week.
      Some believe he will soon be talked about as the top player on the planet.
      Yet Haaland insists it is club honours which drive him on.
      He added: “It’s every player’s dream to become the best but I don’t think of this.
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      “Just think of what’s next and to try to be a bit better every single day. This is important. To perform as a team and then other things will come.”
      Dortmund made every effort to persuade Haaland to stay last season.
      He also had interest from Real Madrid and was tempted by Spain — but insists he is happy with his choice.
      Haaland said: “It’s a bit different, of course it’s two amazing leagues, this one and the German league. 
      “The Premier League has a bit more tempo, physical — it’s a nice league and I’m enjoying every single second of it. I’ve watched the Premier League my whole life.
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      “Because I’ve always been watching, to be here is a bit special for me. I like that there are so many good teams.
      “Every single game is so difficult and you never know how a game will be. There are so many top teams, and that’s also something I like.” More

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      Is Champions League and Europa League football on next week?

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      THERE’S nothing quite like European football to keep you going until the league matches resume on the weekend – but it’s up in the air as to whether fans will get their fix this time round.Premier League and EFL chiefs cancelled this weekend’s matches following the devastating death of Her Majesty the Queen.
      Liverpool were humiliated by Napoli on matchday one of the Champions LeagueCredit: Rex
      Real Sociedad stunned Manchester United with a 1-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: AP
      And further discussions have been ongoing between UEFA and all the British teams in European competitions on if the upcoming games this week can go ahead.
      Here is SunSport’s knowledge of what is expected to happen with the Champions League and Europa League in the coming days.
      Is Champions League and Europa League football on next week?
      Champions League and Europa League football is EXPECTED to go ahead this week despite Queen Elizabeth’s death last Thursday.
      Though Rangers vs Napoli has been postponed 24 hours to Wednesday, September 14.
      Uefa said rescheduling the game was “due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.
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      What are the upcoming fixtures?
      Champions League

      Europa League

      Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven – Thursday (8pm)
      FC Sheriff vs Manchester United – Thursday (5:45pm)

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