Cliftonville keeper reveals how Reds have had perfect preparation for European mission
The Reds goalkeeper, who won a senior Northern Ireland cap in 2023, branded Friday night's 2-0 win over title rivals Glentoran Women as 'crucial' as a second defeat to the Glens in the space of a month would have left them trailing eight points behind the leaders.
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Mo Salah makes statement on record triumph as Liverpool team-mate says 'it's f*****g murder'
Mohamed Salah was named the PFA Player of the Year for a record third time as he continues to be lauded by those close to him at Liverpool following another stellar season Mohamed Salah has made history by winning the PFA Player of the Year award for a third time as Liverpool team-mates Alexis Mac Allister hailed the standards set by the Egyptian. Salah spearheaded Liverpool's ascent to the Premier League title, enjoying one of his best seasons in front of goal. The forward scored 34 times in all competitions as the Reds claimed top flight success in Arne Slot 's first year at the helm. The Egyptian himself claimed another Golden Boot award, his fourth during his time at Anfield, which has seen him land more individual accolades. Salah was named the Premier League's best player in 2018, his debut year, and then again in 2022. On both those occasions Salah won the award without claiming the title and he insists landing both in the same year gives it an even greater feel. He said on social media: "This very special award hits different when we have an important trophy to go along with it. Being champions is what matters and we will fight to do it again this season. I am incredible grateful to the players who voted for me." Salah's standards and drive have continued to leave their mark on his team-mates. Mac Allister has spent two years alongside him at Liverpool and is fully aware of the demands the league places on each player. He's seen the Egyptian as a benchmark, but has continued to be outdone by his colleague, who is seven years his senior. He said in The Player's Tribune: 'The pressure at this level is so intense. To me, it (the Premier League) is the hardest trophy in the world to win. Harder than the Champions League. The Premier League is nine months. Mentally, physically, emotionally… It's f***ing murder. 'Look at Mo, for example. You cannot imagine how hard he pushes himself to stay at the top in this league. Mo, he's hilarious. For a few weeks, I actually tried to get to the gym before him, but it was impossible. He was always there already, sweating." The Argentine admits he once quizzed Salah on when he actually sleeps, only to learn that the forward doesn't like to get more than seven hours sleep. Mac Allister also attempted to outdo the Egyptian in an abs contest, only to be left beaten as he admitted he "did three sessions with Mo before I gave up". 'Mo sets the tone for everyone at Liverpool. He is the best professional I've ever seen. He's a monster," said Mac Allister.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jurgen Klopp wrecked £19m Everton deal as ex-Liverpool target comes clean on summer move
Johan Bakayoko has revealed the impact Jurgen Klopp had on his decision to join RB Leipzig this summer, as the ex-Liverpool boss convinced the winger to snub Everton Jurgen Klopp continues to torment Everton even after leaving Liverpool, after he persuaded one of their transfer targets to join RB Leipzig instead. The ex-Reds manager, who spent nine seasons at Anfield, now serves as Red Bull's head of global football and works across the sporting network to identify and recruit players for their various teams. One such star secured by Klopp is Johan Bakayoko, who has moved to Leipzig from PSV Eindhoven in a transfer worth around £19million. The Belgian international attracted interest from several clubs last year following his impressive performances, making 47 appearances and scoring 12 goals. The 22-year-old also boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, having won two Eredivisie championships, two Dutch Cups and two Dutch Super Cups in just four seasons as a professional. This remarkable record caught the eye of numerous European sides, including Everton and Nottingham Forest - and even Liverpool earlier in 2024. READ MORE: Little-known Premier League law helps Chelsea as Everton left fuming at decision However, Bakayoko told the media this week that it was a discussion with former Liverpool boss Klopp that persuaded him to reject the Toffees for a switch to Germany. "The impression he left with me was that this was the right project for me," Bakayoko said. "He said they'd make me better and they needed me. "But the most funny part of it was we didn't even talk about him wanting me to come. It was really about football and what vision I have on football. "And that was how I was thinking, like, 'OK, so there's a person who's not even pushing me, but just wants to talk to me.' Like even if you go to some other clubs, then it's like, 'You have to do this to adapt better.'". "[But with Klopp] it was just a free talk where he wanted to see how I am as a person. So I was thinking, 'OK, if someone like this talks to you in these kind of ways, and he wants to build a project and he wants you to be part of it, but isn't pushing you to be part of it, then it gives you the freedom to express yourself.' And that's everything I need. That made me believe it was the right step." David Moyes will hardly be thrilled with Klopp's meddling, given that Bakayoko was among the three players the Toffees had targeted to boost their team for this season. Manchester City ace Jack Grealish became Everton's sixth summer signing following his season-long loan agreement. The Three Lions star hopefully won't be the last arrival at Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer in Moyes' eyes, with the Scottish manager eyeing additional reinforcements across the squad. With one target now heading off to Germany following encouragement from former rival Klopp, Everton supporters will be crossing their fingers that the Scotsman has some surprises in store. The Toffees suffered defeat in their opening Premier League game of the season on Monday, going down 1-0 against Leeds United following a controversial penalty awarded against James Tarkowski for handball. Moyes was left fuming by the referee's choice to give the spot-kick, which was calmly converted by Leeds debutant Lukas Nmecha. Following the match, the Everton manager said: "Look, Leeds were better than us on the night. But the goal is completely wrong. Really harsh. "It's difficult to lose on that. I've been in and spoke to the referee and they seem to think because you lean, your arm goes away. But you are allowed to lean in football. Tarky would have had to get his arm chopped off." With Everton welcoming Brighton this Sunday afternoon, Moyes will be hoping the club can finalise additional signings soon - especially in the forward areas, where he admitted his side struggled on Monday evening. On transfers, Moyes added: "The attacking players, we are desperate to get more quality. But let's be fair, it's something I think I've been saying for a while that I'm having to try and find ways of getting that better." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ex-Liverpool star who was humiliated in training changes his name
Liverpool's busy summer transfer window continues with the sale of young winger Ben Doak to Bournemouth, though the 19-year-old Scotland international now wishes to go by a different name Liverpool have surpassed £200million in sales this transfer window, with 19-year-old Ben Doak departing for a fee of £25m. And the Scotland winger now wants to be referred to as Ben Gannon Doak after his Bournemouth switch. Arne Slot's Reds continue to be active in the transfer market, with interest in Alexander Isak still rumbling and nearly £300m spent on the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. However, a large portion of this sum has been recouped through player sales. Eight first-team stars have left Anfield this window, including Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, and another has now been shown the exit door in Gannon Doak. Yet, despite only going by Doak at Liverpool and on loan with Middlesbrough last year, he now wishes to be referred to by both his parents' surnames and leaves the club with fond memories, bar one training ground humiliation. Gannon Doak arrived on Merseyside in March 2022 from Celtic as an academy prospect, with the Scottish club receiving compensation of roughly £600,000 for his transfer. He made his debut under Jurgen Klopp in a Carabao Cup tie against Derby County and shortly after signed his first pro deal. Gannon Doak became the youngest Scotsman to play in the Premier League when he appeared against Aston Villa that December. A knee injury would sideline him for most of the following season, but not before a lighthearted training ground embarrassment involving forgotten Reds midfielder Arthur Melo. The Brazilian only played 13 minutes for Liverpool during his loan spell from Juventus, but in March 2023, he went viral for a piece of skill on the training pitch. Klopp's cohort were preparing for a clash against Manchester City, and initiated a rondo, with Gannon Doak doing the chasing. Melo received the ball, and with Gannon Doak rapidly closing in, he silkily rolled it through his legs, nutmegging the young Scotsman and leaving him red-faced. Gannon Doak's countryman, Andy Robertson, began crying with laughter after the feat, and team-mates Diaz, Curtis Jones and Nunez were also impressed. The pair hugged it out after the nutmeg, though neither played any part in the subsequent 4-1 defeat to eventual champions City. Melo left Anfield that summer after a temporary spell riddled with injuries. Gannon Doak, too, suffered from spells on the sidelines before his loan move to Middlesbrough in August 2024. Last November, he won the EFL Young Player of the Month award for bagging five assists in as many games. Now, Gannon Doak has moved on permanently to the Cherries, where he's been handed the No. 11 shirt, and has opted for a new moniker on the back to reflect both of his parents' surnames. It has been reported that this deal includes a buy-back option for the Reds. "I'm buzzing to be here. I feel like it's the right time for me and it's a great opportunity to play regular football at the highest level," said Gannon Doak after his move was announced. "It feels like the perfect fit. The team play very nice football. It's fast and it really suits my game, so I felt like I couldn't say no to the chance to play here." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
