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Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Joe Allen and Emre Can face time on the sidelines after picking up injuries during the international break.
Speaking at his scheduled press conference at Melwood ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa this Saturday, Brendan Rodgers revealed that Can could be out for as much as six weeks.
Can sustained an ankle injury when Germany Under-21s were 6-0 up in their 8-0 thrashing of Romania U21s earlier this week, whilst Allen took a knock to his knee in Wales’ win over Andorra, and will miss the Villa game.
Rodgers told press, “Emre Can could be out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury. Joe Allen has an issue with his knee, both from international duty.”
He then said that while he accepts injuries will occur on international duty, and that he would never stop a player from representing their country, he hoped for better communication with international teams.
Referring to Daniel Sturridge’s thigh injury, picked up during a training session with England on a day Rodgers claims the 25-year-old should have been resting, Rodgers added, “It’s thoroughly disappointing.
“I speak regularly with Roy Hodgson, but not this week. He’s probably been lead by the sport science experts. He shouldn’t have trained.
“One recovery doesn’t fit everyone. When Luis Suarez was here, he needed to do extra work. It’s about the individual, and their needs.
“Hopefully we can communicate with international teams more in the future. We’ve lost player who was outstanding against Spurs.”
Rodgers also confirmed that Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan are all unavailable for this weekend’s football, but expects Skrtel to be training with the squad by Sunday.
How much will Liverpool miss Can, Allen and Sturridge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Joe Allen and Emre Can face time on the sidelines after picking up injuries during the international break.
Speaking at his scheduled press conference at Melwood ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa this Saturday, Brendan Rodgers revealed that Can could be out for as much as six weeks.
Can sustained an ankle injury when Germany Under-21s were 6-0 up in their 8-0 thrashing of Romania U21s earlier this week, whilst Allen took a knock to his knee in Wales’ win over Andorra, and will miss the Villa game.
Rodgers told press, “Emre Can could be out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury. Joe Allen has an issue with his knee, both from international duty.”
He then said that while he accepts injuries will occur on international duty, and that he would never stop a player from representing their country, he hoped for better communication with international teams.
Referring to Daniel Sturridge’s thigh injury, picked up during a training session with England on a day Rodgers claims the 25-year-old should have been resting, Rodgers added, “It’s thoroughly disappointing.
“I speak regularly with Roy Hodgson, but not this week. He’s probably been lead by the sport science experts. He shouldn’t have trained.
“One recovery doesn’t fit everyone. When Luis Suarez was here, he needed to do extra work. It’s about the individual, and their needs.
“Hopefully we can communicate with international teams more in the future. We’ve lost player who was outstanding against Spurs.”
Rodgers also confirmed that Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan are all unavailable for this weekend’s football, but expects Skrtel to be training with the squad by Sunday.
How much will Liverpool miss Can, Allen and Sturridge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre reckons the club’s current owners have learned valuable lessons from the Tom Hicks and George Gillett era at Anfield.
Ayre believes the Fenway Sports Group have learned the importance of long-term sustainability and respecting the club.
The Reds' previous owners drove the Merseysiders to the brink of administration after a disastrous leveraged buy-out, and it has taken successors FSG the best part of four years to put things back on track.
And Ayre insists Liverpool are a different prospect both on and off the pitch now, following some hard but valuable lessons.
"It is great for our supporters because they went through a difficult time and it is always devastating to see such a great tradition and establishment as Liverpool being in such great difficulty," he said.
"It taught us the importance of sustainability and running the club properly. No-one wants to go back to those dark days again.
"There was a lot to focus on: we had to improve the squad overall and that took investment at a time when we had little cash and a lot of debt.
“And it is testament to our new owners that they invested heavily and we started to improve the on-pitch side.
"It was also important to put in the pieces to take the business of the club forward, because in a world of Financial Fair Play and sustainability they are the things which generate the revenue to buy the players.
"It was a five-year plan and I am pleased to say it has been successful on all fronts, and the club has not been in such great health.
"It is pleasing to know we are on a great footing, have fantastic owners who believe in sustainability, believe in putting the club where it should be and treating it with the respect it should have.
"As long as we continue with those values we will be in good shape."
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre reckons the club’s current owners have learned valuable lessons from the Tom Hicks and George Gillett era at Anfield.
Ayre believes the Fenway Sports Group have learned the importance of long-term sustainability and respecting the club.
The Reds' previous owners drove the Merseysiders to the brink of administration after a disastrous leveraged buy-out, and it has taken successors FSG the best part of four years to put things back on track.
And Ayre insists Liverpool are a different prospect both on and off the pitch now, following some hard but valuable lessons.
"It is great for our supporters because they went through a difficult time and it is always devastating to see such a great tradition and establishment as Liverpool being in such great difficulty," he said.
"It taught us the importance of sustainability and running the club properly. No-one wants to go back to those dark days again.
"There was a lot to focus on: we had to improve the squad overall and that took investment at a time when we had little cash and a lot of debt.
“And it is testament to our new owners that they invested heavily and we started to improve the on-pitch side.
"It was also important to put in the pieces to take the business of the club forward, because in a world of Financial Fair Play and sustainability they are the things which generate the revenue to buy the players.
"It was a five-year plan and I am pleased to say it has been successful on all fronts, and the club has not been in such great health.
"It is pleasing to know we are on a great footing, have fantastic owners who believe in sustainability, believe in putting the club where it should be and treating it with the respect it should have.
"As long as we continue with those values we will be in good shape."
Brendan Rodgers has played down fears that Liverpool’s growing squad will prevent chances for young players to break through to the first team.
The Reds strengthened the senior squad with nine new signings this summer, totalling £117 million of transfer fees, ready to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League.
With Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling breaking into the first team from youth level over the last year, there are more academy and Under-21 prospects fans are itching to see progress.
Rodgers says that young players have as good a chance as ever of making the grade, despite the larger squad size.
“I don’t think it’s more difficult for young players here now,” he told the Liverpool Echo .
“In fact I think there will never be a greater chance if you have the responsibility and if you have the talent.
“Young players will never have a better opportunity at any club than at Liverpool.
“New players coming in here won’t stand in their way. If a young player is performing he will play. I will always look to young players.”
Rodgers also explained that he believes young players provide exciting competition for senior players, whilst experienced is give their footballing education back in return.
He cited the success of 19-year-old Sterling and new signing, 20-year-old Javier Manquillo, as examples of how Liverpool are very much still looking to youth, despite the amount of money being spent.
“Look at Raheem and what he’s achieved since he broke into the side,” Rodgers added. “He’s only 19 but is maintaining his place. If other players here have that quality then they will play.
“Javier Manquillo is only 20 but after arriving here he went straight into the team because he showed up so well in training and in the Borussia Dortmund game. He will feature heavily for us this season.
“It’s never about the age for me, it’s about the talent and the commitment to playing.”
But do enough players make the step up from U21s to first team? PJ Vaughan wrote this excellent piece this week exploring just that.
Who will be the next Liverpool youngster to step up to become a regular first team player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Brendan Rodgers has played down fears that Liverpool’s growing squad will prevent chances for young players to break through to the first team.
The Reds strengthened the senior squad with nine new signings this summer, totalling £117 million of transfer fees, ready to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League.
With Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling breaking into the first team from youth level over the last year, there are more academy and Under-21 prospects fans are itching to see progress.
Rodgers says that young players have as good a chance as ever of making the grade, despite the larger squad size.
“I don’t think it’s more difficult for young players here now,” he told the Liverpool Echo .
“In fact I think there will never be a greater chance if you have the responsibility and if you have the talent.
“Young players will never have a better opportunity at any club than at Liverpool.
“New players coming in here won’t stand in their way. If a young player is performing he will play. I will always look to young players.”
Rodgers also explained that he believes young players provide exciting competition for senior players, whilst experienced is give their footballing education back in return.
He cited the success of 19-year-old Sterling and new signing, 20-year-old Javier Manquillo, as examples of how Liverpool are very much still looking to youth, despite the amount of money being spent.
“Look at Raheem and what he’s achieved since he broke into the side,” Rodgers added. “He’s only 19 but is maintaining his place. If other players here have that quality then they will play.
“Javier Manquillo is only 20 but after arriving here he went straight into the team because he showed up so well in training and in the Borussia Dortmund game. He will feature heavily for us this season.
“It’s never about the age for me, it’s about the talent and the commitment to playing.”
But do enough players make the step up from U21s to first team? PJ Vaughan wrote this excellent piece this week exploring just that.
Who will be the next Liverpool youngster to step up to become a regular first team player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
We invite you to join Football League blogger Kevin Davies in naming your 10 favourite stadiums in world football.
Every football supporter has stadiums they look forward to visiting most - and it's no different for the players.
Former England international Kevin Davies selects the grounds he has most enjoyed played in during a career that has seen him represent Chesterfield, Southampton, Blackpool, Southampton, Bolton and, now, Preston.
10. BMO Field, Toronto FC
We played against Toronto FC about three or four years ago in a Bolton pre-season.
We had been touring North America but really enjoyed the time we spent in this Canadian city. The stadium is not huge but fans feel close and it was different to what we'd been used to playing in this country.
The fans go to the matches in a very relaxed fashion, there's even tables and chairs by the side of the pitch with people drinking beer. It's a real family day out with lots of whooping!
I was even close to moving there last year on loan for a few months. It's a great family day out there and I really enjoyed the experience of playing there.
9. Goodison Park, Liverpool
Everton's stadium is a good old-fashioned ground. I loved playing there in night games especially. A lot of players enjoy the evening games - it brings a different kind of atmosphere under the floodlights.
The Everton fans also really appreciate good football. I remember scoring 'Goal of the Month' there once for Southampton and got applause from the home fans which is great to see.
8. Old Trafford, Manchester
I went there as a young player for Chesterfield in an FA Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough which is one of my career highlights.
I'll never forget going out there and seeing the sea of blue-and-red from the 40-50,000 fans it held at the time. There's not many better places to play a cup semi-final than Old Trafford and it has brilliant memories.
I then got the chance to play there in the Premier League - there are stadiums with a better atmosphere, and a lot has been said about the more corporate fanbase there, but there are not many better places to walk out at.
7. The Old Dell, Southampton
Opposition never really fancied coming to play us at The Dell. It always felt like the crowd were right on top of you and it was literally only two or three steps to the fans.
It was an intimidating place but I've got great memories of playing there. A lot of these old stadiums are dying out now, which is a shame because they're so great to play at and you don't get the close proximity to the crowd any more.
6. Allianz Arena, Munich
Bolton played Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup back in 2007. It was a massive game for me and I remember going to the stadium ahead of the game and thinking how tight it looked but at the same time it was huge - the fans felt close but then you also knew how many were in there.
The game itself was sensational for me, the club and the fans. When you look back on that 2-2 draw you realise what an achievement it was against such a successful club. Unfortunately it might be quite a few years before Bolton get to experience something similar again.
5. Anfield, Liverpool
It's got so much history and it means so much to the fans. When the Kop is in full swing it's incredible to listen to when you're in the middle of the pitch.
I've suffered some big defeats and Anfield but also got a few good results as well and I think all players you speak to will say they dream of playing at Anfield.
4. Bramall Lane, Sheffield
I'm a Sheffield United fan and was born less than a mile from the ground. I remember going down there with my brother as a junior Blade and that brilliant atmosphere before games as you'd walk through all the fans.
My brother is about 10 years older than me and I recall being in The Kop - which was standing at the time - and my brother trying to keep hold of me because the fans were swaying around singing songs.
Seeing that badge with two blades on it has always meant a great deal to me.
3. St James' Park, Newcastle
I've always loved going up to the North East, and St James' Park has changed and developed over the years.
I love the way the people are up there; they're fanatical about their football. They've even applauded some of my goals up there which shows how much they appreciate seeing good football - not many home fans are willing to clap an opposition goal.
It's so loud in there and the fans really get behind their team in a passionate way.
2. Stade Velodrome, Marseille
We played there with Bolton in the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup back in 2006. We lost 2-1, but they had the likes of Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Fabian Barthez playing for them.
The atmosphere was just amazing and the stadium sensational - I've got some great pictures from that game.
1. The Old Wembley
I'd been there as a young kid and remember driving past those famous old twin towers. The place just had this massive aura around it.
I played there as well with Chesterfield in a Play-Off final back in 1995 and I remember walking up the steps and looking through the little gap where I could see the pitch - it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
The pitch was always manicured to perfection and the atmosphere something to behold.
We invite you to join Football League blogger Kevin Davies in naming your 10 favourite stadiums in world football.
Every football supporter has stadiums they look forward to visiting most - and it's no different for the players.
Former England international Kevin Davies selects the grounds he has most enjoyed played in during a career that has seen him represent Chesterfield, Southampton, Blackpool, Southampton, Bolton and, now, Preston.
10. BMO Field, Toronto FC
We played against Toronto FC about three or four years ago in a Bolton pre-season.
We had been touring North America but really enjoyed the time we spent in this Canadian city. The stadium is not huge but fans feel close and it was different to what we'd been used to playing in this country.
The fans go to the matches in a very relaxed fashion, there's even tables and chairs by the side of the pitch with people drinking beer. It's a real family day out with lots of whooping!
I was even close to moving there last year on loan for a few months. It's a great family day out there and I really enjoyed the experience of playing there.
9. Goodison Park, Liverpool
Everton's stadium is a good old-fashioned ground. I loved playing there in night games especially. A lot of players enjoy the evening games - it brings a different kind of atmosphere under the floodlights.
The Everton fans also really appreciate good football. I remember scoring 'Goal of the Month' there once for Southampton and got applause from the home fans which is great to see.
8. Old Trafford, Manchester
I went there as a young player for Chesterfield in an FA Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough which is one of my career highlights.
I'll never forget going out there and seeing the sea of blue-and-red from the 40-50,000 fans it held at the time. There's not many better places to play a cup semi-final than Old Trafford and it has brilliant memories.
I then got the chance to play there in the Premier League - there are stadiums with a better atmosphere, and a lot has been said about the more corporate fanbase there, but there are not many better places to walk out at.
7. The Old Dell, Southampton
Opposition never really fancied coming to play us at The Dell. It always felt like the crowd were right on top of you and it was literally only two or three steps to the fans.
It was an intimidating place but I've got great memories of playing there. A lot of these old stadiums are dying out now, which is a shame because they're so great to play at and you don't get the close proximity to the crowd any more.
6. Allianz Arena, Munich
Bolton played Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup back in 2007. It was a massive game for me and I remember going to the stadium ahead of the game and thinking how tight it looked but at the same time it was huge - the fans felt close but then you also knew how many were in there.
The game itself was sensational for me, the club and the fans. When you look back on that 2-2 draw you realise what an achievement it was against such a successful club. Unfortunately it might be quite a few years before Bolton get to experience something similar again.
5. Anfield, Liverpool
It's got so much history and it means so much to the fans. When the Kop is in full swing it's incredible to listen to when you're in the middle of the pitch.
I've suffered some big defeats and Anfield but also got a few good results as well and I think all players you speak to will say they dream of playing at Anfield.
4. Bramall Lane, Sheffield
I'm a Sheffield United fan and was born less than a mile from the ground. I remember going down there with my brother as a junior Blade and that brilliant atmosphere before games as you'd walk through all the fans.
My brother is about 10 years older than me and I recall being in The Kop - which was standing at the time - and my brother trying to keep hold of me because the fans were swaying around singing songs.
Seeing that badge with two blades on it has always meant a great deal to me.
3. St James' Park, Newcastle
I've always loved going up to the North East, and St James' Park has changed and developed over the years.
I love the way the people are up there; they're fanatical about their football. They've even applauded some of my goals up there which shows how much they appreciate seeing good football - not many home fans are willing to clap an opposition goal.
It's so loud in there and the fans really get behind their team in a passionate way.
2. Stade Velodrome, Marseille
We played there with Bolton in the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup back in 2006. We lost 2-1, but they had the likes of Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Fabian Barthez playing for them.
The atmosphere was just amazing and the stadium sensational - I've got some great pictures from that game.
1. The Old Wembley
I'd been there as a young kid and remember driving past those famous old twin towers. The place just had this massive aura around it.
I played there as well with Chesterfield in a Play-Off final back in 1995 and I remember walking up the steps and looking through the little gap where I could see the pitch - it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
The pitch was always manicured to perfection and the atmosphere something to behold.
Daniel Sturridge’s injury, suffered while on international duty with England last week, has been confirmed after results of the scan he had on his thigh.
The 25-year-old forward faces two to three weeks on the sidelines, meaning he will miss Saturday’s game against Villa, the Champions League opener against Ludogarets and the trip to West Ham.
Liverpool hope that he will be able to return for the Merseyside derby at the end of the month.
It’s the fourth injury the former Chelsea forward has picked up while on international duty for Roy Hodgson’s side since moving to Liverpool in January last year.
Thankfully, in Sturridge’s absence Liverpool have plenty of options; new signings Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Rickie Lambert, along with Philippe Coutinho and Fabio Borini, are all options for Brendan Rodgers this Saturday.
Daniel Sturridge’s injury, suffered while on international duty with England last week, has been confirmed after results of the scan he had on his thigh.
The 25-year-old forward faces two to three weeks on the sidelines, meaning he will miss Saturday’s game against Villa, the Champions League opener against Ludogarets and the trip to West Ham.
Liverpool hope that he will be able to return for the Merseyside derby at the end of the month.
It’s the fourth injury the former Chelsea forward has picked up while on international duty for Roy Hodgson’s side since moving to Liverpool in January last year.
Thankfully, in Sturridge’s absence Liverpool have plenty of options; new signings Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Rickie Lambert, along with Philippe Coutinho and Fabio Borini, are all options for Brendan Rodgers this Saturday.
Aside from England’s win over Switzerland on Monday night, several other Liverpool players have been in international break action this week, Jack Lusby analyses their performances.
Whilst it is a typically dull affair, particularly given it’s unwelcome intrusion on the Premier League season, there has been a measure of impressive football on show in this latest international break.
Since England’s 2-1 victory over Switzerland on Monday night, four Liverpool players have been involved in international action: Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho, Joe Allen and Dejan Lovren.
These include appearances in international friendlies, U-21s ties and in European Championships 2016 qualification games.
With this in mind, how did the four Reds get on in their respective international games?
Emre Can
Following on from his eye-opening appearance at centre-back in Germany U-21s’ 2-0 victory over their Republic of Ireland counterparts, 20-year-old midfielder Can was the star turn as Horst Hrubesch’s side demolished Romania U-21s in an 8-0 win.
As part of the side’s 2015 European U-21 Championships qualification, this fixture represented a dead rubber, with the Germans having already collected 17 points in an undefeated group stage run.
Can was central as Hrubesch’s young charges overran their opposition, this time deployed in his more familiar central midfield position.
Packed with bursting runs, destructive pressing play and tough tackling, Can left the tie with an impressive three assists.
The pick of these was an inspired backheel into the path of substitute Nico Schulz, who converted with aplomb on 63 minutes.
Unfortunately, Can’s involvement in this tie may impact his immediate contribution for the Reds, having reportedly suffered an ankle injury, having caught his studs in the turf.
Another casualty of the international break, it seems.
The German youth side are now set for the play-offs of the qualification process, with the draw held on Friday.
Philippe Coutinho
Another young star in action was Liverpool No. 10 Coutinho, who was introduced as a substitute for Dunga’s new-look Brazil side in their 1-0 friendly victory over Ecuador on Tuesday night.
Replacing Diego Tardelli on 67 minutes, Coutinho made his latest in only a handful of appearances for the Brazilian senior side.
Deployed on the left-hand side of the midfield, the 22-year-old impressed in a cameo display.
Displaying his now customary tenacity, the Liverpool man won the ball in the middle of the park with a boisterous energy, and showed his creative side with some dynamic play on the edge of the Ecuadorian penalty area.
Following a disastrous end to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s tenure as Selecao boss, things are looking brighter as Dunga has shuffled his pack.
Joe Allen
Prior to Wales’ 2016 European Championships qualifier against Andorra at the country’s National Stadium on Tuesday night, Liverpool midfielder Allen played down his and his teammates’ burgeoning reputation.
“We obviously know that there’s quality in the squad, I think a lot of the players have been together for quite a long time as a group which makes us feel like we’ve got a great chance.
“I think the ‘golden generation’ is a matter of opinion for some people and for other people to discuss. We try not to focus too much on that.”
Against the European minnows—who have not won a competitive fixture since 2004—Wales had to rely on their most polished of golden boys, with Gareth Bale scoring two goals to gift Chris Coleman’s side a 2-1 victory.
Deployed as the midfield anchor, with Aaron Ramsey and Andy King operating in more advanced positions, Allen gave a good account of himself.
It is the former Swansea man’s industry that sets the pace for Coleman’s Wales side.
This win puts Wales in a great early position in a group that also includes Bosnia-Hercegovina, Cyprus, Belgium and Israel.
Dejan Lovren
Finally, deployed at centre-back alongside Vedran Corluka, Reds summer signing Lovren helped keep a clean sheet against a lowly Malta side.
Despite going down to ten men in the first half hour, the Maltese managed to hold on until the break with the scores even; eventually, strikes from Luka Modric and Andrej Kramaric gave the Croats a 2-0 victory.
An early front on the Croatia goal aside, Malta rarely troubled Lovren’s defence, and thus the Liverpool man contributed a routine display to proceedings.
Croatia currently sit second in qualification Group H, level on points with Bulgaria and Italy.
Which Liverpool player has impressed you most this international break? Let us know in the comments below.
Aside from England’s win over Switzerland on Monday night, several other Liverpool players have been in international break action this week, Jack Lusby analyses their performances.
Whilst it is a typically dull affair, particularly given it’s unwelcome intrusion on the Premier League season, there has been a measure of impressive football on show in this latest international break.
Since England’s 2-1 victory over Switzerland on Monday night, four Liverpool players have been involved in international action: Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho, Joe Allen and Dejan Lovren.
These include appearances in international friendlies, U-21s ties and in European Championships 2016 qualification games.
With this in mind, how did the four Reds get on in their respective international games?
Emre Can
Following on from his eye-opening appearance at centre-back in Germany U-21s’ 2-0 victory over their Republic of Ireland counterparts, 20-year-old midfielder Can was the star turn as Horst Hrubesch’s side demolished Romania U-21s in an 8-0 win.
As part of the side’s 2015 European U-21 Championships qualification, this fixture represented a dead rubber, with the Germans having already collected 17 points in an undefeated group stage run.
Can was central as Hrubesch’s young charges overran their opposition, this time deployed in his more familiar central midfield position.
Packed with bursting runs, destructive pressing play and tough tackling, Can left the tie with an impressive three assists.
The pick of these was an inspired backheel into the path of substitute Nico Schulz, who converted with aplomb on 63 minutes.
Unfortunately, Can’s involvement in this tie may impact his immediate contribution for the Reds, having reportedly suffered an ankle injury, having caught his studs in the turf.
Another casualty of the international break, it seems.
The German youth side are now set for the play-offs of the qualification process, with the draw held on Friday.
Philippe Coutinho
Another young star in action was Liverpool No. 10 Coutinho, who was introduced as a substitute for Dunga’s new-look Brazil side in their 1-0 friendly victory over Ecuador on Tuesday night.
Replacing Diego Tardelli on 67 minutes, Coutinho made his latest in only a handful of appearances for the Brazilian senior side.
Deployed on the left-hand side of the midfield, the 22-year-old impressed in a cameo display.
Displaying his now customary tenacity, the Liverpool man won the ball in the middle of the park with a boisterous energy, and showed his creative side with some dynamic play on the edge of the Ecuadorian penalty area.
Following a disastrous end to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s tenure as Selecao boss, things are looking brighter as Dunga has shuffled his pack.
Joe Allen
Prior to Wales’ 2016 European Championships qualifier against Andorra at the country’s National Stadium on Tuesday night, Liverpool midfielder Allen played down his and his teammates’ burgeoning reputation.
“We obviously know that there’s quality in the squad, I think a lot of the players have been together for quite a long time as a group which makes us feel like we’ve got a great chance.
“I think the ‘golden generation’ is a matter of opinion for some people and for other people to discuss. We try not to focus too much on that.”
Against the European minnows—who have not won a competitive fixture since 2004—Wales had to rely on their most polished of golden boys, with Gareth Bale scoring two goals to gift Chris Coleman’s side a 2-1 victory.
Deployed as the midfield anchor, with Aaron Ramsey and Andy King operating in more advanced positions, Allen gave a good account of himself.
It is the former Swansea man’s industry that sets the pace for Coleman’s Wales side.
This win puts Wales in a great early position in a group that also includes Bosnia-Hercegovina, Cyprus, Belgium and Israel.
Dejan Lovren
Finally, deployed at centre-back alongside Vedran Corluka, Reds summer signing Lovren helped keep a clean sheet against a lowly Malta side.
Despite going down to ten men in the first half hour, the Maltese managed to hold on until the break with the scores even; eventually, strikes from Luka Modric and Andrej Kramaric gave the Croats a 2-0 victory.
An early front on the Croatia goal aside, Malta rarely troubled Lovren’s defence, and thus the Liverpool man contributed a routine display to proceedings.
Croatia currently sit second in qualification Group H, level on points with Bulgaria and Italy.
Which Liverpool player has impressed you most this international break? Let us know in the comments below.
Liverpool played a behind-closed-doors friendly with Championship sides at their Melwood training complex last Friday, but social media was lit up with rumours of an incident involving Mario Balotelli.
Rumours claimed that Balotelli had been involved in an incident with defender George Saville after a series of photos were posted onto social media showing Balotelli talking to the referee while Saville held his head.
But Wolves boss Kenny Jackett says no such incident took place in the match, which Liverpool won 1-0.
“I can’t even remember a 50-50 between Balotelli and Saville,” Jackett told the Wolverhampton Express and Star.
“Declan Weeks pinged the ball off him a few times but then Balotelli showed some fantastic pieces of skill to go past some of our lads as well.
“I can’t really think of an incident where him and Saville clashed, if I’m being truthful. Balotelli was substituted, but not after any particular tackle or incident.
“The guys seemed to be warming up for ages and they seemed to be saying (to Balotelli) ‘give him another 10 minutes’.
“It looked like he was always going to come off after an hour, but he went on until maybe 70 minutes. It was Colin Pascoe (Liverpool assistant manager) shouting to the player, who was happy to stay on.
“There were a few tackles but no incidents or anything that the referee couldn’t handle or didn’t pass on quickly.”
Balotelli is expected to lead Liverpool’s attack for the game against Aston Villa on Saturday, with Daniel Sturridge sidelined through injury.
Liverpool played a behind-closed-doors friendly with Championship sides at their Melwood training complex last Friday, but social media was lit up with rumours of an incident involving Mario Balotelli.
Rumours claimed that Balotelli had been involved in an incident with defender George Saville after a series of photos were posted onto social media showing Balotelli talking to the referee while Saville held his head.
But Wolves boss Kenny Jackett says no such incident took place in the match, which Liverpool won 1-0.
“I can’t even remember a 50-50 between Balotelli and Saville,” Jackett told the Wolverhampton Express and Star.
“Declan Weeks pinged the ball off him a few times but then Balotelli showed some fantastic pieces of skill to go past some of our lads as well.
“I can’t really think of an incident where him and Saville clashed, if I’m being truthful. Balotelli was substituted, but not after any particular tackle or incident.
“The guys seemed to be warming up for ages and they seemed to be saying (to Balotelli) ‘give him another 10 minutes’.
“It looked like he was always going to come off after an hour, but he went on until maybe 70 minutes. It was Colin Pascoe (Liverpool assistant manager) shouting to the player, who was happy to stay on.
“There were a few tackles but no incidents or anything that the referee couldn’t handle or didn’t pass on quickly.”
Balotelli is expected to lead Liverpool’s attack for the game against Aston Villa on Saturday, with Daniel Sturridge sidelined through injury.
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