The Kopite View

Tonight is what being a Liverpool supporter is all about.

Champions League football. Anfield under the lights. Atlético Madrid coming to town.

And if Liverpool are going to start their European campaign with a statement victory, I think there are five things they absolutely must get right.

Atlético are exactly the type of opponent who can punish mistakes. Diego Simeone’s side will be organised, aggressive and dangerous on the counter.

But Liverpool have something Atlético don’t.

Anfield.

So let’s use it.

1. Liverpool must use the supporters

This is the first thing I want to see.

Anfield needs to be absolutely rocking.

Atlético Madrid have experienced plenty of big European nights, so Liverpool cannot assume the occasion will intimidate them.

But if the supporters create that special Anfield atmosphere, every tackle can become an event.

Every challenge.

Every corner.

Every Atlético mistake.

The players need to feel that energy and the supporters need to give them it from the first whistle.

I want Atlético to know within the first five minutes that they’ve walked into a very difficult place to play football.

And I want Liverpool to feed off that atmosphere.

This is a Champions League night. Let’s make it feel like one.

2. Start the game like we did against Ipswich

This is absolutely crucial.

Liverpool couldn’t have wished for a better start against Ipswich.

Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes and Liverpool immediately put their opponents under pressure.

That is exactly what I want to see again tonight.

Don’t spend 20 minutes feeling your way into the game.

Don’t allow Atlético to settle.

Go after them.

Get the ball forward quickly.

Press them.

Move it with purpose.

Get Isak involved.

Get the supporters involved.

If Liverpool can score early, the entire atmosphere changes.

And suddenly Atlético have a decision to make.

Do they continue sitting back?

Do they come forward?

Do they take more risks?

That’s when Liverpool can potentially exploit them.

3. Be solid defensively — and watch the counter

This might be the most important tactical point of the night.

Liverpool cannot afford to be careless.

Atlético are more than capable of sitting deep, absorbing pressure and then suddenly breaking forward at frightening speed.

Liverpool’s midfield therefore has to be alert at all times.

When Liverpool attack, someone has to be thinking about what happens if possession is lost.

We cannot have everyone bombing forward and leaving huge spaces for Atlético to attack.

The full-backs need to choose their moments.

The midfield needs to protect the defence.

And the centre-backs need to stay switched on.

Because one careless pass or one poorly timed challenge could give Atlético exactly what they want.

Liverpool need aggression — but controlled aggression.

4. Liverpool need more from Florian Wirtz

This is a huge night for Florian Wirtz.

We know the quality is there.

We know what he can do.

But Liverpool need him to influence the game tonight.

Against a team like Atlético, there may not be huge amounts of space between the lines.

That’s where Wirtz needs to be clever.

Find pockets.

Turn.

Carry the ball.

Combine with the players around him.

And most importantly, create something.

Liverpool have invested heavily in Wirtz because they believe he can become one of the most important attacking players in the team.

Tonight is the perfect stage for him.

A big Champions League night at Anfield.

This is where great players announce themselves.

5. Liverpool must create chances for Alexander Isak

This is the one I really want to see.

Get Isak involved.

Against Ipswich, Liverpool finally gave their £125 million striker the service he needed — and he scored twice.

Both goals came from excellent deliveries from Cody Gakpo.

Tonight, Liverpool need to find ways of getting Isak into dangerous positions again.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be Gakpo creating everything.

Wirtz can create.

Barcola can create.

Muñoz can create.

Szoboszlai can create.

Mac Allister can create.

Liverpool have players capable of supplying Isak.

They just need to do it.

Because if Liverpool can consistently get the ball into Isak around the penalty area, Atlético will have a serious problem.

This is what Champions League nights are for

There is no reason for Liverpool to fear Atlético Madrid.

Respect them? Absolutely.

Fear them? No chance.

Liverpool are at Anfield.

They have a new manager experiencing his first Champions League night with the club.

They have a new-look attack.

They have Isak.

They have Wirtz.

They have Barcola.

And they have 50,000-plus supporters ready to make some noise.

Atlético have already suffered a heavy defeat this season, losing 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao, while Liverpool arrive after their 2-0 victory at Ipswich.

But tonight is completely different.

This is the Champions League.

So what do Liverpool need?

Create an atmosphere Atlético cannot ignore.

Start fast.

Stay solid.

Control the counter-attack.

Get more from Wirtz.

And create chances for Isak.

If Liverpool get those five things right, I genuinely believe Atlético Madrid could be in for a very long night.

The supporters have their part to play.

The players have theirs.

And when that Champions League music finishes and the whistle blows…

Let’s make Anfield absolutely terrifying.

Come on, Liverpool.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Julian Ward could be about to return to one of the biggest jobs at Liverpool.

According to David Ornstein, conversations around the appointment of Liverpool’s next sporting director suggest that Ward currently stands a really good chance of getting the job.

But there is an important caveat.

The process is still ongoing, and Liverpool are continuing to consider external possibilities before making a final decision.

So this isn’t a done deal.

But it certainly feels like Julian Ward is emerging as a serious favourite.

Ward already knows Liverpool inside out

There would be one obvious advantage to bringing Ward back.

He already knows Liverpool.

Ward previously worked as the club’s sporting director before leaving the role, and he remains part of the wider FSG football structure.

That means he wouldn’t be walking into Anfield trying to understand how everything works.

He already knows the recruitment department.

He knows the scouting structure.

He knows the people.

And, importantly, he knows what FSG expect from their football operations.

Liverpool’s current structure already includes Ward alongside figures such as Pedro Marques, David Woodfine and Barry Hunter.

That continuity could be extremely valuable.

But should Liverpool simply promote from within?

This is where I’m slightly torn.

There is a very strong argument for Ward.

He knows the club, he knows the system and there would be no major settling-in period.

But Liverpool have just lost Richard Hughes after only two years in the sporting director role.

The club have also gone through significant changes at boardroom level, with Michael Edwards departing and Mike Gordon now overseeing the search for Hughes’ replacement.

So perhaps this is the moment for Liverpool to think differently.

Maybe they need a completely fresh voice.

Maybe they need somebody from outside the current structure who can come in and challenge the way things are done.

This is why the external option matters

Ornstein has specifically warned against discounting external candidates.

That tells me Liverpool aren’t simply preparing to hand the job to Ward.

There is still a proper process taking place.

And I actually think that’s a good thing.

Liverpool shouldn’t appoint somebody simply because they’re already at the club.

They need to appoint the best person for the job.

If that’s Julian Ward, brilliant.

If it’s somebody from outside who Liverpool believe can improve the football operation, then they should go down that route instead.

But Ward would have one massive advantage

For me, the biggest argument in Ward’s favour is continuity without having to start again.

Liverpool have already changed sporting directors several times in recent years.

Another completely new face would mean another person learning the club, understanding the recruitment structure and developing relationships with the coaching staff.

Ward wouldn’t have that problem.

And with Andoni Iraola now in charge, Liverpool need their football structure to work properly.

The sporting director needs to understand exactly what the manager wants from his squad, while also thinking beyond the next transfer window.

That means recruitment.

Contracts.

Squad planning.

Academy development.

Succession planning.

And making difficult decisions when necessary.

Liverpool need someone who can be ruthless

This is the part that matters most to me.

I don’t particularly care whether Liverpool appoint Julian Ward or somebody completely new.

I care whether they get the right person.

Liverpool cannot afford another appointment based purely on reputation.

The new sporting director needs to be able to look at the squad and say:

We need this.

We don’t need that.

This player should stay.

This player can go.

This position needs strengthening.

And then actually make those decisions.

The summer transfer window has shown why that matters.

Liverpool added some outstanding talent, including Bradley Barcola, but there were also obvious questions about squad balance and positions that weren’t strengthened.

The next sporting director will inherit those problems.

I wouldn’t be against Julian Ward returning

Personally, I wouldn’t be disappointed if Ward got the job.

In fact, I think it could make a lot of sense.

He’s already familiar with Liverpool, already understands FSG and already knows the people around the football operation.

There would be a certain stability to the appointment.

But I don’t want Liverpool to choose Ward simply because it’s the easy option.

If he’s the best candidate, give him the job.

If somebody outside the club is better qualified, appoint them instead.

That’s the standard Liverpool should be applying.

This appointment matters

Liverpool’s search for Richard Hughes’ successor is already underway, with the club confirming that the process will continue before the final decision is announced.

Now David Ornstein has provided another fascinating piece of information.

Julian Ward stands a really good chance.

That doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to get the job.

It doesn’t mean Liverpool have ruled out external candidates.

But it does suggest that the man who already knows Liverpool extremely well could be preparing for another spell as sporting director.

And if that happens, I hope it isn’t simply because he’s already there.

I hope it’s because Liverpool genuinely believe Julian Ward is the best man for the job.

Because after all the changes at Anfield, that’s what this club needs now.

Stability.

Clear thinking.

Good recruitment.

And, above all, the right person making the big decisions.

Julian Ward could be that man.

But Liverpool need to be absolutely certain before they make the call. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool may have already signed Bradley Barcola, but it appears the club haven’t completely forgotten about Michael Olise.

In fact, according to the latest information, Olise remains Liverpool’s dream right-wing target.

The big difference is that Bayern Munich were not prepared to consider selling him this summer.

That could change next year.

And if it does, Liverpool could be waiting.

Olise remains the dream

Liverpool have been linked with Olise for some time.

The former Crystal Palace winger has developed into one of the most exciting attacking players in Europe since moving to Bayern Munich, and Liverpool have long been credited with an interest.

Liverpool’s own media watch previously reported that Bayern wanted to tie Olise down to a lucrative new contract amid interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

This summer, however, a move was never really realistic.

Bayern repeatedly made it clear that they wanted to keep their star winger.

And no formal offer actually arrived for Olise during the window. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has since confirmed that.

But now the situation appears to be changing.

Bayern could be open to a sale next summer

This is the part that Liverpool supporters should be watching.

Dreesen has now admitted that Bayern cannot guarantee Olise will still be at the club beyond next summer.

That is a significant change in tone.

Bayern were effectively shutting down the possibility of an exit this summer.

Now, the door appears to be slightly open for 2027.

That doesn’t mean Bayern are actively trying to sell him.

Far from it.

Olise remains hugely important to them.

But if a massive offer arrives next summer, the conversation could be very different.

And Liverpool could be looking at £135m+

This is where things get interesting.

The current feeling is that it could take around £135 million or more to persuade Bayern to sell.

That would be an enormous investment.

Liverpool have already shown this summer that they are willing to spend huge money on elite attacking talent, having brought in Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola alongside Florian Wirtz.

So the question isn’t simply whether Liverpool can spend that kind of money.

It’s whether they would believe Olise is worth it.

For me, that’s a much more difficult question.

Barcola doesn’t necessarily end the Olise dream

Liverpool signing Barcola doesn’t automatically mean Olise is no longer required.

Barcola predominantly operates from the left, while Olise is at his best on the right.

And that could be exactly what Liverpool need.

The Reds have already shown a tendency to favour the left side of their attack, with Cody Gakpo and Barcola offering serious options there.

The right side is a different story.

Liverpool need someone capable of taking responsibility in that position.

Someone who can receive the ball, beat his man, create chances and consistently threaten the opposition.

Olise fits that description perfectly.

Imagine Olise on Liverpool’s right

This is where I start getting excited.

Imagine Liverpool’s attack with:

Barcola — Wirtz — Olise

and Alexander Isak through the middle.

That’s some serious attacking talent.

Olise would give Liverpool something slightly different.

He’s not simply a winger who wants to sprint behind the defence.

He can come inside.

He can create.

He can deliver dangerous passes.

He can score.

And he has already shown at Bayern that he can perform at the highest level.

Liverpool would suddenly have genuine quality on both flanks.

But £135m+ is a huge gamble

This is where I’d have to be careful.

I absolutely like Olise.

But £135 million-plus is serious money.

Liverpool cannot simply keep signing £100m-plus players every summer without considering the overall balance of the squad.

There are still other areas that may need strengthening.

The right-back position needs monitoring.

The midfield may need another player.

And Liverpool will eventually have to think about replacing some of their older stars.

So even if Olise becomes available, Liverpool would have to decide whether he’s the right way to spend that money.

Liverpool should keep watching

For now, I wouldn’t expect Liverpool to make a move.

This is a story for next summer, not this one.

But that doesn’t make it unimportant.

Liverpool should absolutely keep monitoring Olise’s situation.

Bayern’s stance appears to have softened.

The player remains one of Europe’s outstanding attacking talents.

And Liverpool’s need for greater creativity from the right hasn’t disappeared.

In fact, the club’s recruitment of Barcola could make an eventual Olise move even more interesting because it would give Liverpool genuine balance across the front line.

The dream target?

For me, Michael Olise is exactly the type of player Liverpool should be looking at.

Young enough to remain a long-term asset.

Experienced enough to make an immediate impact.

Capable of playing on the right.

Creative.

Technically excellent.

And already proven at the highest level.

The problem is the price.

£135m+ is a staggering amount of money.

But if Bayern really do become willing to sell next summer, Liverpool should at least be in the conversation.

Barcola on the left.

Olise on the right.

Wirtz between the lines.

Isak through the middle.

Now THAT would be an attack.

Liverpool’s dream right-wing target may not be available this summer.

But if Bayern’s stance really has changed, Michael Olise could become one of the biggest transfer stories of next summer.

Source – Wilson Cox LFC

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have been handed a fitness concern ahead of their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, with Cody Gakpo absent from Tuesday’s training session.

However, there is also some very welcome news for Andoni Iraola.

Joe Gomez was back in first-team training.

Gakpo’s absence is understood to have been precautionary, so there is currently no indication that the forward has suffered a significant injury.

Still, after the Dutchman’s excellent start to the season, Liverpool supporters will understandably be keeping a very close eye on his fitness.

Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s best players

Gakpo has been absolutely crucial to Liverpool’s attack in the opening weeks of the season.

He played a major role in the 2-0 victory over Ipswich, providing both assists for Alexander Isak as Liverpool finally picked up their first Premier League win of the campaign.

That followed a strong start to the season in which Gakpo has looked one of Liverpool’s most dangerous and consistent attacking players.

He has also played 251 of a possible 270 minutes so far, highlighting just how important he has become to Iraola.

So naturally, seeing him miss the final training session before Atletico Madrid arrives at Anfield is going to cause a few nerves.

But don’t panic.

The important detail is that his absence is being described as precautionary.

There has been no confirmation that Gakpo is ruled out.

That means Liverpool can still hope that their in-form forward will be available for Wednesday night’s huge Champions League opener.

Joe Gomez is back

The much more positive news is the return of Joe Gomez.

Gomez has yet to feature this season after suffering a muscle problem during Liverpool’s pre-season preparations.

Iraola previously said that Gomez was the closest of Liverpool’s injured players to returning to training, and that prediction has now come true.

His return could be extremely important.

Liverpool have already shown some vulnerability defensively this season, particularly when defending transitions, and Gomez gives Iraola another experienced and versatile option.

He can play at centre-back.

He can play at right-back.

And he can provide valuable cover across the defence.

Whether he is ready to actually feature against Atletico is another question, though.

Training is one thing. Playing in a Champions League game is another.

I wouldn’t expect Liverpool to rush him back simply because he has returned to the group.

👀 Barcola could make his Anfield debut

If Gakpo isn’t available, Liverpool do at least have another exciting attacking option.

Bradley Barcola is ready for more minutes.

The £123 million signing made his Liverpool debut from the bench against Ipswich, playing around half an hour.

Iraola confirmed that Barcola has been training normally and believes he is ready to play more, although the manager is conscious that the Frenchman did not have a normal pre-season.

Could we therefore see Barcola make his first Anfield appearance against Atletico?

I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.

And if Gakpo is unavailable, the decision becomes even more interesting.

Liverpool’s injury picture

Gakpo’s precautionary absence aside, Liverpool still have several players unavailable.

Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined with longer-term injuries.

Federico Chiesa is also unavailable, while Wataru Endo cannot feature because he wasn’t included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad.

Gomez’s return therefore comes at a very good time.

Liverpool are about to enter a demanding period of the season, with Champions League football added to their domestic schedule.

Having another experienced defender back in training can only be a positive.

Atletico will provide a serious test

This isn’t an easy game for Iraola.

Atletico Madrid arrive at Anfield with plenty of experience at this level and Diego Simeone remains one of the most tactically experienced managers in European football.

They also have Julián Alvarez, although Simeone suggested in his pre-match press conference that he does not currently expect the striker to start.

Atletico are also dealing with their own absences, with Alexander Sørloth injured and Arnau Ortiz suspended.

But Liverpool will know they cannot afford to give Atletico any encouragement.

Don’t risk Gakpo

For me, this is the most important part of the team news.

If Gakpo is only being rested as a precaution, Liverpool shouldn’t take any unnecessary risks with him.

The Champions League is hugely important, but there is a long season ahead.

If there is even the slightest doubt about Gakpo’s fitness, I would rather see him start on the bench than risk turning a minor concern into a significant injury.

Liverpool now have Barcola.

They have Wirtz.

They have Isak.

They have Gakpo — assuming he is fit.

There is enough attacking quality to deal with one player being carefully managed.

The good news outweighs the worry

Obviously, I want Gakpo playing.

He has been one of Liverpool’s best players and his connection with Isak already looks extremely promising.

But the fact that his absence is understood to be precautionary is reassuring.

And seeing Joe Gomez back in team training is a massive positive.

Now we wait for the final team news.

Is Gakpo fit enough to play?

Will Barcola make his first Anfield start?

And could Joe Gomez make his long-awaited return?

Whatever happens, Atletico Madrid represents Iraola’s first Champions League night as Liverpool manager — and Anfield is going to be ready for it.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid.

Champions League football is back.

And I cannot wait. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool are already searching for another sporting director.

But even if they appoint someone tomorrow, I don’t think the questions surrounding the club’s football structure suddenly disappear.

In fact, there could be even more questions to come.

Richard Hughes has stepped down after two years in the role, meaning Liverpool are now looking for their fourth sporting director in four years. The search is being led by FSG president Mike Gordon, with the club’s wider football structure otherwise remaining in place.

And that brings me to the bigger issue.

How long is the next sporting director actually going to be there?

Four sporting directors in four years

This is the part that concerns me.

Liverpool have gone through Michael Edwards, Julian Ward, Jörg Schmadtke and Richard Hughes in a relatively short period of time.

Now they’re looking for another one.

You can argue that there have been perfectly understandable reasons behind some of those changes.

But eventually you have to ask whether there is a problem with the structure itself.

A sporting director needs time.

They need to understand the club.

They need to establish relationships with scouts, agents and players.

They need to work alongside the manager and understand exactly how the team is supposed to develop.

And, perhaps most importantly, they need to be thinking beyond one transfer window.

And then there is 1892 Holdings

This is where things become even more interesting.

Liverpool are entering a new ownership chapter, with 1892 Holdings having acquired a significant stake in the club alongside FSG. Recent reporting has put the consortium, led by Amit Bhatia and including figures such as Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin, at around 38% of Liverpool.

What happens if that eventually develops into something much bigger?

What happens if 1892 Holdings eventually takes full control?

And what happens if the new ownership group wants to take Liverpool in a different direction?

That doesn’t mean they will.

It doesn’t mean FSG are about to disappear.

And it certainly doesn’t mean we should assume there will be a change in the football structure.

But the possibility exists.

And that makes the appointment of the next sporting director particularly important.

What if the next sporting director isn’t long-term?

This is my biggest concern.

Liverpool need someone who isn’t simply coming in to fill a vacancy.

They need somebody who can become part of the club’s long-term identity.

Someone who can work with Andoni Iraola.

Someone who can oversee recruitment.

Someone who understands the academy.

Someone who can work with the existing scouting and football-development departments.

And someone who can make decisions that might not pay off immediately but could benefit Liverpool three, four or five years down the line.

That becomes much harder if everyone is wondering who will be running the club in a couple of years.

Liverpool need stability

I don’t think Liverpool necessarily need another huge overhaul.

In fact, that’s the last thing I want.

The club already has people such as Julian Ward, Pedro Marques, David Woodfine and Barry Hunter within the football structure.

What Liverpool need is stability at the top of that structure.

And that means the next sporting director needs to be appointed with the long term in mind.

Not simply:

“Who can we get?”

But:

“Who do we want running this part of Liverpool for the next five years?”

That’s a completely different question.

What if Bhatia and 1892 want something different?

This is where nobody can honestly give us an answer.

Maybe they won’t.

Maybe the existing structure will continue.

Maybe 1892 Holdings will be perfectly happy with the way Liverpool are being run.

But if ownership eventually changes completely, the priorities could change too.

A new owner might have different ideas about recruitment.

Different ideas about spending.

Different ideas about the manager.

Different ideas about the role of the sporting director.

And suddenly you could have another change at the top.

That’s why I don’t think Liverpool can afford to get this appointment wrong.

We need someone who is here for the long haul

For me, the next sporting director should be appointed because Liverpool genuinely believe that person is capable of building something.

Not because they need somebody in the job.

Not because they need to make an announcement.

And not because the position has been empty for a few weeks.

We need the right person.

Someone who can work with Iraola.

Someone who can work within the existing football department.

Someone who understands what Liverpool are trying to become.

And, crucially, someone who is prepared to stay and see the project through.

There are still questions everywhere

That’s the uncomfortable truth.

Liverpool need a new sporting director.

But we don’t know how long that person will stay.

We don’t know exactly how the ownership situation will develop.

We don’t know whether 1892 Holdings will eventually seek full control.

And we don’t know whether a future ownership change would mean a completely different direction for the club.

So yes, appointing the next sporting director is important.

But the bigger objective has to be stability.

Liverpool have had too much change at the top of their football operation already.

I don’t want to be writing another article in 12 months saying we’re looking for another sporting director.

I want Liverpool to appoint someone who is still there years from now.

Because whoever gets the job next shouldn’t just be the fifth sporting director in four years.

They should be the person who finally brings some stability to the role.

Liverpool need a sporting director for the future — not just another sporting director for now. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola has apparently given Dominik Szoboszlai something he desperately wanted to hear.

You’re a midfielder.

And you’re not going to be Liverpool’s right-back.

Szoboszlai has revealed that Iraola made it clear to him that he would not be regularly used at right-back this season — something the Hungarian admits “meant a lot” to him.

And honestly?

I think this is the right decision.

Szoboszlai is a midfielder

There is absolutely no doubt that Szoboszlai can do a job at right-back.

We’ve seen him do it.

He has the energy, athleticism, passing ability and intelligence to fill in there when Liverpool are desperate.

But there is a huge difference between being capable of playing somewhere and being the right player to build a team around in that position.

Szoboszlai is a midfielder.

And not just any midfielder.

He is one of Liverpool’s most important players.

He has the ability to receive the ball from the defence, carry it forward, switch play, arrive in the box and create chances.

That is where Liverpool should be getting the best out of him.

Szoboszlai himself explained that his preferred role is as a box-to-box No.8, where he can get on the ball, play long passes, arrive in the penalty area and shoot from distance.

That tells you everything.

But what about Liverpool’s right-back problem?

This is where it gets interesting.

Because Liverpool still haven’t completely solved right-back.

Conor Bradley remains unavailable, while Jeremie Frimpong has endured a difficult start to life at Liverpool.

There was a point when it looked as though Szoboszlai might become the emergency solution.

Iraola even said earlier this season that Szoboszlai was willing to play anywhere if the team needed him, highlighting the value of his versatility.

But that doesn’t mean Liverpool should make him their right-back.

And I don’t think they should.

Versatility is a weapon — but don’t abuse it

This is something managers have to be careful with.

A player being capable of playing multiple positions can sometimes become a curse.

Because suddenly the manager thinks:

“He can do a job there.”

And before you know it, the player is constantly being moved around.

One week he’s a No.8.

The next he’s a No.10.

Then he’s on the right wing.

Then he’s playing right-back.

Then he’s back in midfield.

That isn’t necessarily the best way to develop a player’s consistency.

Szoboszlai needs to know what Liverpool expect from him.

And it sounds like Iraola has given him that clarity.

Liverpool need Szoboszlai in midfield

For me, this is the bigger point.

Liverpool’s midfield has looked much more balanced with Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai operating centrally.

Szoboszlai’s physicality is important.

His pressing is important.

His ability to cover ground is important.

And his willingness to make forward runs is something Liverpool need.

If you move him to right-back, you lose those qualities in midfield.

And you replace them with a player who isn’t actually a natural defender.

That doesn’t make sense to me over the course of a season.

It doesn’t mean Szoboszlai can never play there

There’s an important distinction here.

Szoboszlai hasn’t said:

“I’m refusing to play right-back.”

Quite the opposite.

He made it clear that if Iraola genuinely needs him there, he will make himself available.

That’s exactly what you want from a Liverpool player.

He can have a preferred position.

He can want to play in midfield.

But when his manager says:

“I need you here today.”

He still does the job.

That’s professionalism.

So if Liverpool suddenly have an injury crisis and Iraola needs Szoboszlai at right-back for one match, I’m sure he’ll do it.

But that’s very different from making it part of his normal role.

I think Iraola has handled this well

One of the things I like about this is that Iraola appears to understand the player.

Szoboszlai wants to play midfield.

He wants responsibility.

He wants to influence games.

And he has qualities that Liverpool desperately need in that area.

So rather than constantly asking him to cover weaknesses elsewhere, Iraola appears to be telling him:

“You’re my midfielder.”

That can only be a positive.

Especially for a player who has already become such an important figure at Anfield.

But Liverpool still need to solve right-back

This doesn’t mean the right-back problem disappears.

It actually makes the situation even clearer.

Liverpool need a proper solution.

Maybe that eventually comes from Conor Bradley returning.

Maybe Frimpong improves defensively.

Maybe Isaac Mabaya gets an opportunity.

Maybe Liverpool revisit the position in January.

But I don’t want the answer to simply be:

“Put Szoboszlai there.”

Because that’s taking one of Liverpool’s best midfielders away from the position where he can have the biggest impact.

My verdict

Yes — I think Iraola has made the right decision.

Szoboszlai should be Liverpool’s midfielder.

He can cover at right-back when absolutely necessary, and his willingness to do so is a huge asset.

But Liverpool shouldn’t rely on his versatility to hide a weakness in the squad.

They need to solve the right-back problem properly.

And they need to let Szoboszlai do what he does best.

Play midfield.

Because when Szoboszlai is driving Liverpool forward from the middle of the pitch, that’s where I want him.

Not at right-back.

Iraola has apparently made that clear to him.

And I think that’s exactly what Szoboszlai wanted to hear. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Alexis Mac Allister has admitted that Liverpool told him last season that the club was not in a position to offer him a new contract — and he has revealed that he had options to leave during the summer.

That is a pretty remarkable admission.

Mac Allister says the situation made him “very, very sad”, particularly because he loves being at Liverpool.

And honestly, I can understand why.

Mac Allister wanted a new deal

Mac Allister has revealed that Liverpool told him last season that they were not in a position to offer him a new contract.

For a player who has become such an important part of the team, that must have been difficult to hear.

The Argentine midfielder still has two years remaining on his current Liverpool contract, so the club were under no immediate obligation to renew it.

But that doesn’t necessarily make the situation any easier for the player.

Mac Allister has established himself as one of Liverpool’s most important midfielders since arriving from Brighton.

He’s won major trophies.

He’s played at the highest level.

And he’s become a key figure for both Liverpool and Argentina.

So hearing that the club couldn’t offer him a new deal clearly affected him. (Sky Sports)

“Very, very sad”

This is the part of Mac Allister’s comments that really stands out to me.

He wasn’t simply saying:

“I’m disappointed that I haven’t got a new contract.”

He described himself as very, very sad.

That tells you something about how much this matters to him.

Mac Allister has never come across as a player desperate to leave Liverpool.

Quite the opposite.

He appears genuinely happy at Anfield and has repeatedly spoken positively about life at the club.

So the fact that he was considering his future because Liverpool couldn’t offer him a new contract is something supporters shouldn’t simply brush aside.

He had options to leave

And then comes the biggest revelation.

Mac Allister says he had options to leave Liverpool in the summer.

That changes the conversation completely.

This wasn’t simply a theoretical possibility.

There were opportunities available to him.

Yet he stayed.

That is hugely significant.

Mac Allister could have looked at the situation and decided that if Liverpool didn’t see him as someone worthy of a new contract, perhaps he should look elsewhere.

Instead, he remained.

And for me, that deserves recognition.

He chose to stay

This is why I find the whole situation fascinating.

Liverpool effectively told Mac Allister that they weren’t in a position to offer him a new deal.

He had opportunities to leave.

And he still chose Liverpool.

That says an awful lot about how the player feels about the club.

It also means Liverpool now have an opportunity to put this right.

Because if Mac Allister is happy at Anfield and wants to stay, why wouldn’t the club want to secure his future?

Liverpool need Mac Allister

There is also a footballing argument here.

Mac Allister is exactly the type of midfielder I would want Liverpool to build around.

He can control games.

He can pass through the lines.

He can play deeper.

He can contribute further forward.

And now, under Andoni Iraola, we’re seeing him become part of a midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool’s midfield is evolving.

Mac Allister should be part of that evolution.

This isn’t just about money

For me, Liverpool shouldn’t look at this purely as a financial decision.

It’s about showing an important player that he is valued.

Mac Allister doesn’t need to be given a ridiculous contract simply because he’s unhappy.

But if Liverpool genuinely believe he remains central to the team, they should make that clear.

And sometimes the best way to do that is with a new contract.

Liverpool have to be careful

The danger is that this situation could become increasingly uncomfortable.

Mac Allister has two years remaining on his current deal, but if no progress is made, the pressure will only increase.

Liverpool don’t want to reach the point where a player of his quality has entered the final year of his contract and suddenly becomes vulnerable to approaches from Europe’s biggest clubs.

We’ve seen how quickly these situations can change in football.

One minute a player is happy.

The next, his future is being questioned every week.

Liverpool should avoid getting themselves into that position.

Don’t make Mac Allister regret staying

This is the bit that bothers me most.

Mac Allister had options.

He could have left.

He didn’t.

He chose to remain a Liverpool player despite being told that the club couldn’t offer him the new contract he wanted.

Liverpool should remember that.

Because loyalty works both ways.

If Mac Allister continues performing at the level we know he can, I don’t want Liverpool supporters sitting here in a year’s time wondering why the club allowed the situation to drift.

Macca deserves to know he’s wanted

I don’t think Liverpool need to panic.

There are two years left on his contract.

But I do think these comments should encourage the club to have a serious conversation with him.

Mac Allister clearly loves Liverpool.

He had options to leave.

He stayed.

Now Liverpool need to show him that staying was the right decision.

Macca is too important to this Liverpool team to allow his contract situation to become another unnecessary problem.

He chose us.

Now Liverpool need to make sure he knows we still choose him. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have been given a 6.1% chance of winning the 2026/27 Champions League by the Opta supercomputer.

That makes the Reds the sixth favourites to lift the trophy.

Opta also gives Liverpool a 13.3% chance of reaching the final.

And honestly?

I think Liverpool can beat those numbers.

Liverpool are being taken seriously

The Champions League is about as difficult as it gets.

There are 36 teams in the league phase, and Liverpool are competing against the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

So being ranked sixth in Opta’s predictions is hardly an insult.

In fact, it shows that Liverpool are still considered one of Europe’s genuine contenders.

Opta’s latest projections are based on 10,000 simulations of the competition. Arsenal are the favourites with a 20.9% chance of winning it, followed by Bayern Munich at 19.4%.

Manchester City are third at 12.3%, while Barcelona are on 8.2% and PSG are given a 7.1% chance of retaining the trophy.

Liverpool come next on 6.1%.

But 6.1% doesn’t tell the whole story

The interesting figure for me is actually the 13.3% chance of Liverpool reaching the final.

That’s more than double their probability of winning the competition.

And that makes sense.

Liverpool don’t necessarily need to be the best team in Europe to reach the final.

They need to navigate the league phase, get a favourable knockout draw, find their best form at the right time and then win the big matches.

That’s football.

A supercomputer can run thousands of simulations, but it can’t reproduce the atmosphere of Anfield on a European night.

It can’t measure momentum.

It can’t measure belief.

And it certainly can’t measure what happens when Liverpool suddenly click at the business end of the season.

Iraola could make the difference

This is another reason why I’m not completely convinced by the prediction.

Liverpool have a new manager in Andoni Iraola.

Opta’s Premier League projections before the season began already viewed Liverpool as one of the strongest teams in England, giving them a 9.2% chance of winning the Premier League and making them the third favourites behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

But Iraola is still learning about his players.

The players are still learning about Iraola.

And the team is still evolving.

We’ve already seen encouraging signs.

Liverpool have added Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet to the squad over the last couple of transfer windows, while players such as Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are beginning to look increasingly important to the new side.

There is still plenty of room for this team to improve.

Imagine Liverpool at their best

This is where I become more optimistic.

Imagine Isak fully settled into the team.

Imagine Wirtz finding his best form.

Imagine Barcola becoming completely comfortable in Iraola’s system.

Imagine Gakpo continuing to create chances like he did against Ipswich.

And then you’ve got Liverpool’s experience.

Virgil van Dijk.

Alisson.

Trent is gone, Salah is gone and this is undoubtedly a different Liverpool side.

But there are still players who have experienced Champions League nights at the highest level.

And that matters.

Liverpool have European pedigree

Opta themselves point out that Liverpool have made three Champions League finals in five seasons between 2017/18 and 2021/22.

That’s a remarkable record.

Liverpool know what these nights feel like.

They know how quickly a European tie can change.

And they know how to handle the pressure of knockout football.

Last season, Liverpool were actually the team Opta initially predicted to win the Champions League.

They eventually went out in the quarter-finals to PSG, who went on to win the competition.

So even Opta’s own model got it wrong last time.

That’s why I wouldn’t be losing any sleep over a 6.1% prediction.

Can Liverpool win it?

Absolutely.

Does that mean I expect them to?

Not necessarily.

There are some outstanding teams in this competition and Liverpool still have weaknesses to address.

The midfield needs to remain balanced.

The defence needs to become more consistent.

The new attacking players need time to develop their understanding.

And Iraola has to prove he can manage a Champions League campaign alongside the demands of the Premier League.

But that’s what makes this season exciting.

Liverpool aren’t expected to be the favourites.

They don’t have to carry that pressure.

They can go into Europe knowing that Arsenal, Bayern, City and PSG are being placed ahead of them.

Let them have the pressure.

I’d take 6.1% right now

If somebody offered me a guaranteed 6.1% chance of Liverpool winning the Champions League, I’d probably take it.

But I also think there’s a very good chance this Liverpool team could outperform the model.

Because this is a new Liverpool.

A new manager.

New attacking options.

New defenders.

And potentially a completely different level of football once everything starts to click.

13.3% to reach the final.

6.1% to win it.

That’s what the Opta supercomputer says.

Me?

I’m not ready to write Liverpool off.

Get them to Anfield on a European night and let’s see what happens. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have agreed a huge new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Turkish Airlines worth more than £300 million over five years.

And this is another indication of just how big Liverpool Football Club has become.

According to The Times, the deal will be worth more than £60 million per season, making it the most valuable front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement in Premier League history.

That is some serious money.

Turkish Airlines to replace Standard Chartered

The new partnership will begin from the 2027/28 season, with Turkish Airlines replacing Standard Chartered as Liverpool’s main shirt sponsor.

Standard Chartered have been on the Liverpool shirt since 2010, so seeing a different name across the famous red shirt will take some getting used to.

But financially, Liverpool appear to have secured an outstanding deal.

The reported £60m-plus per season represents a significant increase on the current arrangement, which has been reported at around £50m per year.

And it shows the commercial power Liverpool now possess.

Another huge revenue stream

Liverpool’s commercial growth has been remarkable.

The club’s most recent published accounts showed total revenue of £703 million, including £323m in commercial revenue.

Now they are reportedly about to add another enormous sponsorship agreement to that income.

This isn’t just about putting a company’s name on a football shirt.

For Liverpool, it is another major global partnership that can help support the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch.

And with Liverpool competing for the biggest trophies every season, their commercial value is only going one way.

Why Turkish Airlines makes sense

There is also a certain logic behind the partnership.

Turkish Airlines is one of the world’s best-known airlines and already has a significant presence in football sponsorship.

The company has invested heavily in sports partnerships around the world, including football.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have an enormous international following.

Put the two together and you have a partnership with global reach.

And let’s be honest — Liverpool’s worldwide popularity is a huge part of why companies are prepared to pay this sort of money.

The money has to help on the pitch

This is the part Liverpool supporters will immediately think about.

More commercial revenue means greater financial strength.

Of course, sponsorship income cannot simply be translated into a transfer budget pound-for-pound.

Liverpool still have to operate within football’s financial regulations, while wages, infrastructure, staff and other costs all have to be considered.

But increased revenue gives the club greater flexibility.

And Liverpool have already demonstrated their willingness to spend heavily on elite players.

Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola have all arrived in huge deals over the past two summers.

A sponsorship agreement worth more than £300m only strengthens the club’s financial foundations.

Liverpool are becoming a commercial giant

This is perhaps the biggest takeaway for me.

Liverpool are no longer simply one of England’s biggest football clubs.

They are becoming an increasingly powerful global sporting brand.

The club’s recent minority investment from 1892 Holdings, involving investors including Jeff Bezos, was another sign of the enormous value attached to Liverpool. FSG remains in operational control of the club.

Now comes a record-breaking shirt sponsorship.

And that’s before you consider the club’s other major commercial partnerships.

Saying goodbye to Standard Chartered

There will inevitably be some emotion when Standard Chartered eventually disappears from the Liverpool shirt.

They have been part of the club’s identity for 17 years.

We’ve seen Premier League titles, Champions League glory, domestic cups and some incredible players wearing that logo.

But football moves on.

And if Liverpool have genuinely secured more than £300m from Turkish Airlines, it is difficult to argue with the decision commercially.

This is HUGE for Liverpool

More than £300 million over five years.

More than £60 million a season.

And reportedly the biggest front-of-shirt sponsorship deal in Premier League history.

That’s a statement.

Liverpool are growing commercially, their global appeal remains enormous and the club continues to attract some of the biggest investment and partnerships in world football.

Now, as supporters, we all know what matters most.

We want the money to help Liverpool win trophies.

Because a massive sponsorship deal is fantastic.

But seeing Liverpool lift another Premier League title or Champions League trophy?

That’s what it’s really all about. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could have another young attacking talent on their radar.

According to Ekrem Konur, Liverpool and Manchester United are leading the race for Wolves winger Mateus Mané, with both clubs having made direct contact over the 18-year-old.

Intermediaries are reportedly exploring options for the Portugal youth international, while Fulham have also been approached about a potential move.

But there is one major problem.

Wolves don’t want to sell.

And if they are eventually persuaded to consider a deal, it could reportedly take somewhere between £35 million and £50 million.

Liverpool have already looked at Mané

What makes this particularly interesting is that Liverpool’s interest isn’t completely new.

Liverpool reportedly explored a permanent deal for Mané during the summer, while also considering the possibility of signing him and immediately sending him back to Wolves on loan.

That kind of arrangement would have made sense for a player who is still only 18.

Liverpool could secure his long-term future while allowing him to continue getting regular first-team football at Molineux.

Instead, nothing materialised.

Now the Reds appear to be among the clubs still interested.

Who is Mateus Mané?

Mané is one of the more exciting young players to have emerged from Wolves.

He has already experienced Premier League football despite his age and has shown that he isn’t simply a youth-team prospect waiting for his opportunity.

He’s a direct, attacking player who can operate from wide areas and has the ability to take defenders on.

And at just 18, there is obviously plenty of room for development.

Liverpool have increasingly shown an interest in young players who can potentially become important first-team footballers rather than simply buying established stars.

Mané fits that profile.

But £35m-£50m is a lot of money

This is where I’d have some reservations.

Liverpool would be taking a significant financial gamble if Wolves really demand somewhere between £35m and £50m.

We’re talking about an 18-year-old who is still developing.

There is a huge difference between being an exciting Premier League youngster and becoming a £50m player.

Liverpool would have to be convinced that Mané has the potential to reach that level.

And if they are, then perhaps paying a premium now could eventually prove worthwhile.

Liverpool’s interest makes sense

There is another reason I can understand Liverpool being interested.

The club have spent a lot of money this summer strengthening the first team, but they also need to think about the next generation.

Liverpool don’t want to constantly spend £100m-plus on established players.

Finding the next big talent before their price explodes is another part of building a sustainable squad.

Mané could potentially be one of those players.

If Liverpool believe he can develop into a top-level Premier League winger, paying £35m now could look very different in three or four years.

But where would he fit?

That’s the big question.

Liverpool have just signed Bradley Barcola, while Cody Gakpo has remained at the club.

There are also other attacking options competing for places.

So I wouldn’t expect Mané to arrive and immediately become a regular starter.

That’s why the reported buy-and-loan-back idea is particularly interesting.

Liverpool could sign him, leave him at Wolves for another season and allow him to continue developing without the pressure of immediately playing for a club competing for major trophies.

That could potentially be the best solution for everyone.

Wolves don’t want to sell

Liverpool will have to respect Wolves’ position.

If Wolves genuinely consider Mané one of their most valuable young players, they have absolutely no reason to make the deal easy.

The reported £35m-£50m valuation reflects that.

And if Manchester United are also interested, Liverpool could face competition for his signature.

United have already tested Wolves’ stance, according to the reports, meaning this could become a genuine battle between two Premier League giants.

One to watch?

I’m not suggesting Liverpool should suddenly spend £50m on an 18-year-old simply because he’s available.

There needs to be a very clear plan.

But if Liverpool’s scouts genuinely believe Mateus Mané can become an elite player, this is exactly the type of opportunity the club should be examining.

Sign him now.

Loan him back.

Let him develop.

Then bring him to Anfield when he’s ready.

That could potentially be far more sensible than waiting until he’s established himself and suddenly costs twice as much.

Liverpool have already made direct contact.

Manchester United have too.

Wolves don’t want to sell.

So the question now is whether Liverpool believe Mateus Mané is worth fighting for.

If they do, the Reds might have to act before his price goes through the roof. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)