Premier League

JURGEN KLOPP has confirmed Alisson Becker has a “serious injury” – but insists the Liverpool keeper CAN return this season.The Premier League leaders have been relying on Caoimhin Kelleher since the Brazilian suffered a hamstring problem in mid-February.Alisson’s absence could dent Liverpool’s hopes of staying topCredit: RexAnfield boss Klopp said: “Alisson has suffered a serious injury, not a short one. “There is no real timescale on it, but it is proper muscle injury. It’s not a short one.“It is a rather serious one, but NOT a season-ending injury”.Alisson first sat out the 3-1 home win over Burnley on February 10 with illness.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSHe then hurt his hamstring and missed the next match seven days later, a 4-1 league triumph at Brentford.Republic of Ireland star Kelleher, 25, deputised each time for the 31-year-old – plus three more victories since then.A 4-1 success over Luton and Wednesday’s 3-0 FA Cup KO of Southampton – both at Anfield – sandwiched his greatest achievement so far.That saw Kelleher produce star man heroics in last Sunday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.Most read in FootballLiverpool now visit Nottingham Forest in the Prem on Saturday – a club who tried to sign him in January.But Klopp has denied coming close to selling Kelleher.He said: “For me it was never a discussion.”We spoke about it but for me there was no chance of him leaving so I was not interested in who was asking.”Liverpool 3 Southampton 0: Jayden Danns scores twice after Lewis Koumas goal as Klopp’s kids set up Man Utd FA Cup clash More

MARK CROSSLEY knows all about playing at the highest level, making his name at Nottingham Forest and even having a spell at Manchester United.But his first contract under legendary boss Brian Clough left him with a mystery salary!Mark Crossley has lifted the lid on his first contract under Brian CloughCredit: GettyThe ex-Man Utd and Nottingham Forest goalie admits Clough left him with a mystery salaryCredit: GettyCrossley explains all in his own words, exclusively on SunSport…I MADE the worst prediction ever when we got back into the dressing room after this opening-game victory in 1992 — the first to be screened live on the all-new Sky Sports.We had just deservedly beaten one of the pre-season title favourites and it should been more but for some great saves from opposite number David James, who was making his debut for Liverpool.In the dressing room I said to team-mate Stuart Pearce that I really fancied us for a top-six place that season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWe then went on to lose our next six league games in a row, won only one of our next 16 and ended up being the first team to be mathematically relegated from the all-new Premier League which, even 32 years on, is a horrible memory.Quite rightly, Pearcey never forgave me, mainly because I said it once before at the start of another season and we went on to have a horror campaign. You could call it the curse of Crossley!Despite losing world-class defender Des Walker to Sampdoria in the summer of 1992, we still had a wonderful squad.But then we sold Teddy Sheringham to Spurs a fortnight later — and arguably losing two key members of the spine of that side was too much.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTeddy may not have been the quickest striker but he more than made up for that with a brilliant football brain. It was no  surprise to me to see what he went on to achieve at international and club level.These were the days of the rigid 4-4-2 but Teddy was smart enough to break rank and would slot into a hole and create and score so many goals for himself and others.Nottingham Forest 0 Man Utd 1: Casemiro scores dramatic last-minute winner to set up FA Cup horror clash vs LiverpoolEven without Des and Teddy, we still thought we had enough with Psycho (Pearce), Keano (Roy Keane) and (Nigel) Cloughie Junior in the side.But as  the season went on and we lost games, so many decisions seemed to go against us and the confidence drained.The media painted a picture of us being a team that was “too good to go down”. Sadly we proved that not to be the case.This opening win against Liverpool was the best thing that happened in the entire 1992-93 campaign — just these 90 minutes.In that moment, I don’t think any of us would have ever been able to comprehend the sort of effect Sky TV would have on  football’s top flight at that time.The  only real difference for us from the end of the previous season in the old First Division was that this was the first league game to be screened live at the start of a new campaign. We had been brought up on a diet of watching a couple of games of edited highlights on Match of the Day and another couple on ITV’s The Big Match.Now every top-flight game is featured on Match of the Day and a couple of times a week viewers have the build-up, the full live match and all the interviews afterwards.It’s taken for granted what we  watch now. But then it felt a little bit different.What is noticeable over three decades on is how the average crowd has increased for a Premier League game.The influence Brian had on my  professional life cannot be measuredMark CrossleyOn this first weekend of the season the average attendance in the top flight was 21,642, compared with last weekend’s eight Prem games with an average of 42,040 — almost double, illustrating just how the league has grown the game on and off the pitch.I think all the Forest players felt awful for boss Brian Clough in that final season to end in relegation after his incredible management success.It was also clear that Brian had been ill throughout that campaign, too.My honest opinion is that I think he would have quit had we won the FA Cup in the 1991 final. It was the one  trophy that had eluded him during his management career but he still had a burning desire to win so carried on.The influence Brian had on my  professional life cannot be measured.I am convinced without him I would have had nowhere near the career I had.He was genuinely a huge father figure to me — and here’s just a tiny example of our relationship.When I first signed for  Forest, above my signature the contract was completely blank. Cloughie said he would fill it in.Excitedly, I rushed home to tell my dad that I had signed a contract for the club. You can imagine my dad’s first question to me was: “How much are you getting a week?”Er, a pause, because I had absolutely no idea. Dad looked at me completely bemused.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that was the trust I had in the man. He never let me down and I was completely happy with what Cloughie gave me.But he knew he could completely trust me if I was happy for him to fill in my contract without me knowing. More

BEING captain of a Premier League team is a real badge of honour.So being asked to skipper Manchester United — England’s most famous club — ought to be one of the biggest privileges that football has to offer.Bruno Fernandes has been criticised by Troy DeeneyCredit: GettyDeeney believes Fernandes has tried to get himself sent off in the pastCredit: Steve BellIt’s also an easier job to captain United than Watford, as I did for five years in the top flight, because United captains certainly get preferential treatment from referees — a free pass on certain things.When I heard some of the things Wayne Rooney used to say to referees when he was wearing the United armband, I sure as hell knew that I wouldn’t have got away with them as Watford skipper!As captain, you are asked to be the embodiment of your football club.You are representing the best that they can offer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut with Bruno Fernandes, I do not see that.A captain comes into his own when the chips are down, when the team is struggling in a match, or stuck in a poor vein of form.Yet on more than one occasion, if United are getting well beaten, I have genuinely thought that Fernandes looks as if he wants to get sent off.It’s like if he shows “passion” — if he loses his head and is red-carded — it will show the supporters, show the world, just how much he cares.Most read in FootballThat was the impression that he gave in last season’s humiliating 7-0 defeat away to Liverpool, when he escaped punishment for manhandling a linesman.But for me that sort of thing is childish behaviour. It’s not how a captain shows leadership qualities.’How is he our captain’ moan Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes spotted furiously arguing with referee after Fulham lossI’ve made plenty of mistakes in life, so I don’t want to be over-critical.But I’m sure I never acted like that when captaining my team.On Sunday, United travel across town to play the champions and I fear they could get a real hiding.Not because they are playing particularly badly but because Manchester City are really starting to click, with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne back to top form, as they proved in the FA Cup thrashing of Luton the other night.United have injury problems in defence, too. At Forest the other night, they had Sofyan Amrabat playing left-back and he looked as slow as me!I dread to think what City speed merchant Jeremy Doku might do against him if he plays.Erik ten Hag does not need his skipper to lose his head at the Etihad but that is always a fear with Fernandes.When I think of the best captains I played against — men like John Terry and Vincent Kompany — they had an aura, an in-built respect which meant when they spoke, world-class players in their team would know they had been spoken to and would react positively.And you don’t have to be an old-school leader to be a good captain.Martin Odegaard leads by example.I know he is one of Arsenal’s best players and I know he is highly regarded by his team-mates as an excellent skipper.I don’t think Fernandes commands that sort of respect.I know he has been caught up in a spat about his feigning of injuries, which Fulham highlighted in a TikTok post after they won at Old Trafford last weekend.I’m not sure that United should be troubling themselves getting embroiled in silly rows like that.Fernandes does seem to throw himself about a fair bit — but there are many Premier League players who do the same and I don’t think the United man is the worst culprit.But it is part of Bruno’s make-up and one of many reasons why I don’t think he is captaincy material.Having said that, who at United is? Harry Maguire, maybe, but he has lost the captaincy and has been playing better on the whole since having that responsibility taken off his shoulders.Casemiro would command respect but I don’t think his English is good enough for him to be captain.I don’t believe Ten Hag will still be United’s manager next season.I think he’s finished, whatever happens in the next three months, and when Dan Ashworth arrives from Newcastle as sporting director, he will want to make a change.If I was a United player, I’d have liked hearing their new billionaire investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking about wanting to “knock Liverpool and City off their perch”.I’d have liked the ambition and seen it as a challenge. I’d have wanted to be part of it. But I haven’t seen many of United’s players reacting in that way.I’m expecting a massive shake-up of the playing staff at United this summer and Fernandes will be one of the players the club will want to keep — but an incoming manager will surely be looking to appoint a new captain.The Portuguese is a very good player, if not a great one.When I played against him, he wasn’t one of those opposition players that our manager would spend a matchday-minus-one analysis session instructing us on how to stop him.If United made him available, I don’t see City or Liverpool or even Newcastle coming in for him.But he is a fine creative player, with good set-piece delivery and the ability to shoot from range. His goals and assists stats are good.Against Forest in the FA Cup on Wednesday, he proved the difference as United eked out a late 1-0 win.Yet I don’t see him as a proper captain, who leads by words and example.I don’t think he acts as that link between supporters and the team, as the best skippers tend to do.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe he’ll prove me wrong in the Manchester derby and provide a true captain’s performance.Or maybe he will get himself sent off. More

CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard has teased a stunning return to management.The former England star has been out of work for 10 months after leaving the Chelsea dugout for a second time.Frank Lampard is on the hunt for a new job after leaving Chelsea last summerCredit: GettyAnd he has since worked as a pundit on national television.However, Super Frank admits he’s looking for a new role despite enjoying life as a family man.The three-time Premier League winner is keeping his ear to the ground for any opportunities.But the legend will continue to relish the quality time he’s currently having with his children.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLampard told talkSPORT: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.“Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Lampard, 45, turned his hand to management in 2018 as he took Derby County to the Champions play-off finals.I played with Lampard and Mata at Chelsea but flop who made just six appearances was most talented, says Eden HazardHis wildest dreams came true a year later when Chelsea came calling following a transfer ban.But after bringing through academy stars like Reece James and Mason Mount, Lampard was eventually axed after 18 months.A year later, he was hired by Everton to help them beat the drop.But after just 12 months, Lampard was shown the door in January 2023.He then made a stunning return to Chelsea a few months later, taking over as interim for the sacked Graham Potter.However, he managed just one win in 11 games and was shown the door for Mauricio Pochettino last summer. More

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD and Vincent Kompany lead the nominees for the latest edition of the Football Black List.The annual award shines a light on the most influential black people in British football.Trent Alexander-Arnold has been nominated in the latest Football Black ListCredit: ReutersBurnley boss Vincent Kompany is also a nomineeCredit: GettyAnd it also highlights trailblazers working across all areas of the game from the black community.Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling all featured on last year’s list of nominees.But it’s Liverpool and England star Alexander-Arnold who leads the latest batch of players.He has been enjoying an excellent season for his club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd although currently injured, Alexander-Arnold is sure to play a huge role for England at this summer’s Euros.Other players nominated include Burnley’s Lyle Foster, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, Man United’s Nikita Parris and Chelsea’s Jess Carter.Elsewhere, Burnley boss Kompany is up in the Coaching and Management section.The Belgian stormed the Championship to win the title last season.Most read in FootballAnd he faces competition from Birmingham chief Hope Powell, Hull boss Liam Rosenior, Port Vale manager Darren Moore and West Ham coach Nicole Farley.The Football Black List was founded in 2008 and has a panel made up of representatives from the Premier League, FA, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association, EFL, PGMOL and Kick It Out.Man City unveil statues of Vincent Kompany and David Silva at Etihad for key roles in club’s meteoric rise to the topLeon Mann MBE, co-found of the Football Black List, said: “The Football Black List this year once again serves as a reminder of the positive contribution those of African and Caribbean heritage are making to the game both on and off the pitch. “However, we still face significant issues of underrepresentation that require urgent attention.”On the pitch in the Premier League 43% of the players are Black, according to the Black Footballers Partnership. “But there is an ongoing lack of diversity across all other areas of football – from the Boardroom to the Dugouts. “Therefore it is vital we shine a light on the role models leading the way for the next generation to follow into the sport to help address this.”Fellow co-founder Rodney Hinds added: “The Football Black List has been endorsed by the Black community and that provides a great sense of pride. The growing number of industry supporters is significant and appreciated too.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Quite rightly, the Football Black List is about those doing great work within the game, so congratulations to all the awardees. They are inspiring future generations.”It’s now been 15 years since the start of the Football Black List and that is a massive achievement for all those that have backed the initiative. Myself and Leon are grateful.” More

TOTTENHAM have suffered a big blow after it was confirmed Richarlison will be out for up to four weeks with a knee injury.The Brazilian, 26, has scored 11 goals in 25 games for Spurs this season, including nine in his last 10 Premier League matches.Richarlison is set to miss some crucial games for TottenhamCredit: GettyRicharlison has already scored 10 Premier League goals this seasonBut now he is set for a period on the sideline after sustaining a problem during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves earlier this month.Confirming the news in his press conference on Friday, manager Ange Postecoglou said: “Richarlison is out for three or four weeks.”He picked up a knee injury in the last game so he will be out for a little while.”It means the ex-Everton forward will miss this weekend’s home game against Crystal Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also expected to be absent for their crucial clash with top four rivals Aston Villa on Sunday, March 10.Richarlison will also likely be unavailable for Tottenham’s trip to Fulham on March 16 – their final game before the international break.Son Heung-min is expected to lead the line as the Brazil international’s replacement, moving from the left into the centre.They have a host of options on the flanks including Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJames Maddison can also play as a No10 or on either wing.Spurs have not played since their loss to Wolves nearly a fortnight ago.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video They were scheduled to take on London rivals Chelsea last weekend, but it was postponed as the Blues lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.And they fell further adrift of the top four as Villa beat Nottingham Forest 4-2 to move five points clear of Postecoglou’s side.Tottenham have a game in hand on Unai Emery’s men and can close the gap to two points with a win over Palace on Saturday afternoon.Villa then travel to Luton in the late game on Saturday. More