Liverpool news LIVE updates: American takeover hint, Jurgen Klopp talks getting sacked

Liverpool news LIVE updates: All the latest gossip from Anfield

Friday 13 October

Klopp dismisses sack

20.00: Jurgen Klopp has dismissed claims he will be sacked by Liverpool, claiming they would struggle to find a better replacement.

“If I would come in today as a new manager, and this would be the situation, and everyone gave us time and said do the next step, that would be perfect,” Klopp said.

“Unfortunately if they sack me now I don’t think there are a lot of managers who would do the job better than I do.

“I don’t think I’m perfect but it’s quite difficult to find better options on this.

“So I still think as long as 98 per cent of our Liverpool audience think we are on the right lines, we will succeed.”

Liverpool defend like kids - Merson

16.35: Manchester United will beat Liverpool tomorrow because the Reds’ defending is worse than that of 14 year olds, according to pundit Paul Merson.

Merson says the goal Liverpool conceded in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle two weeks ago would have seen 14-year-old hopefuls rejected by scouts.

“What happened to the two centre-halves two weeks ago, if two 14-year-old kids did that, on trial, they wouldn’t get called back,” he said on Sky Sports.

“How good they are it wouldn’t have mattered, so that’s why I’ve got to to Man United (to win).”

Klopp future may be in doubt - Wilkins

16.00: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s future may be in doubt if his side lose to Manchester United tomorrow, says Ray Wilkins.

Wilkins admits the game is massive for Klopp and is interested to see what will happen if they lose.

“It’s huge (for Klopp), it’s huge,” he said on talkSPORT.

“I think Brendan Rodgers’ record over the two years they’ve been in charge is slightly better than Jurgen’s. 

“So it will be very, very interesting the way the Liverpool hierarchy would view that situation.”

Coutinho January exit likely

14.55: Liverpool should have sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in the summer, according to Reds legend Mark Lawrenson.

Lawrenson also thinks it is highly possible Coutinho will complete his dream move to the Nou Camp in January.

“I would have sold him in the summer,” Lawrenson told AskFans.

“I just think if you are getting £120 million for a footballer, you take it because he could fall over tomorrow.

"I think he'll go possibly in January." 

Rom licking lips

14.20: Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku will be looking forward to going head-to-head with Liverpool’s defence tomorrow, says pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Redknapp thinks if United turn up to attack Liverpool, they can exploit a huge weakness they have.

"If I were Man United and I was Romelu Lukaku, I’d be licking my lips at playing against that Liverpool back four,” he said on Sky Sports.

“They are there for the taking, they are making mistakes, and Jurgen Klopp knows it. 

“He knows they have a huge weakness there and I think it is there for Man United to exploit if they want to.”

Barca may go for Griezmann

13.05: Barcelona may look to sign Atletico Madrid frontman Antoine Griezmann next summer instead of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to Guillem Balague.

“It’s quite clear that Barcelona do feel they need a strong midfielder in the Verratti mould, and a strong player like Coutinh,” Balague said on Sky Sports. 

“Remember though, it may not be Coutinho. 

“They have money as well to get Griezmann, which is another target for next season.”

United to win on counter

12.35: Manchester United will sit back, hit Liverpool on the counter attack and come away with all three points from Anfield tomorrow, says Danny Higginbotham.

Higginbotham is expecting a tight encounter but says Liverpool’s inability to keep a clean sheet will cost them.

“I think it will be quite a close game,” he said.

“I think we will see Liverpool doing all the running. 

“I think Manchester United, as we said before, I think they’ll be happy to sit back and play on the counter attack. I can’t see Liverpool keeping a clean sheet. 

“I fancy Manchester United to win this game on the counter attack, turn defence into attack really quickly and getting the win.”

Klopp happy with draw - Redknapp

12.10: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will both be happy with a draw at Anfield tomorrow, says Jamie Redknapp.

Redknapp feels with both sides having players missing through injury, a draw would suit the managers.

“If you offered Jose Mourinho a draw now, would he take it? Absolutely,” he said on Sky Sports.

“Absolutely he would. You might actually get the same answer from Jurgen Klopp because he’s under pressure. 

“He knows he needs to get a result.”

Kraft eyes Premier League club

11:32: American billionaire Robert Kraft is interested in purchasing a Premier League club. 

Kraft, who is the current owner of NFL side New England Patriots and New England Revolution, previously held talks over buying Liverpool.

"I like to win at whatever I do," he told BBC Sport. “But without a salary cap I'm concerned that we might be at a disadvantage.

“We helped found MLS in America. Our league here is starting to really develop, and with our soccer team we've gone to the championship game five times in 21 years.

"I'm just concerned in the Premier League that we might not, with all the different ways of operating, we're not as familiar with all of them.

"Let's say people from all over the world come in and buy teams and maybe they have different reasons for doing it and managing it. And you have to compete with that and I'm not sure. But I'm still intrigued."

Secret Coutinho delight

10:04: Liverpool will be secretly rubbing their hands with glee after Barcelona confirmed they have the money to sign Philippe Coutinho any any price.

Barca chief executive Oscar Grau yesterday said the club was willing to sign whoever manager Ernesto Valverde wants.

“We are ready to sign Coutinho or any other player the technical staff request in the winter window,” Grau said.

“We want to have the most competitive squad possible. The club will be sustainable, we don’t want losses. If that is the case, we will look for means to generate income.”

According to Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool’s bosses will be delighted with Grau’s revelation.

That’s because they can now effectively name their price once again for the Brazilian, knowing Barca must pay it in order to save face after pledging their commitment to Valverde’s demands.

Fowler confident ahead of Man Utd 

09:30: Robbie Fowler is convinced Liverpool can overcome their mounting injury problems and kickstart their stuttering season into gear with a win over Manchester United tomorrow.

Fowler told Express Sport: “It is more important to Liverpool that they get a result. But Mourinho might just shut up shop. He will have a game plan.

“At home against any of the top teams they can beat anyone. The injuries mean that other players have a chance now to show what they can do – Daniel Sturridge, Dominic Solanke, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have a chance to step up. This squad is stronger than it was last year.

“I don’t necessarily think Klopp has to win something this season. That might be the pressure from the fans, but as far as the club is concerned, I think he is fine. He will not be happy with results, but he knows that can change quickly.

“As a manager you can’t think about the fans. You have got to do what you can to change results. I don’t think he is under pressure from the club.

“Don’t forget that at this stage of the season last year Antonio Conte was under real pressure, but he turned it around and Chelsea went on to win the title.

“People should not get carried away with where Liverpool are. I’m not going to sit here and say Liverpool will win the league. But they are not a million miles away.”