Latest news with #MolbyOnTheSpot
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jan Molby Predicts Fireworks as Liverpool Host Spurs
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Title Within Reach but Spurs Stand in the Way Liverpool's next Premier League fixture brings with it more than just three points — it brings the chance to clinch the title at Anfield. On the latest Molby On The Spot podcast, Jan Molby sat down with Trev Downey to preview what could be a season-defining clash with Tottenham Hotspur, and the legendary Dane didn't hold back in assessing the challenge Ange Postecoglou's side could pose. Tactical Caution Despite Spurs' Inconsistencies While Spurs have had an up-and-down season, Molby was quick to warn against any complacency. 'They've got plenty of players who can hurt you,' he said, namechecking Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Son Heung-min. 'If you're at it from the first minute, you win four or five. But if you offer a little bit, allow them to play at their tempo, it's going to be tricky.' Advertisement He pointed out that although Tottenham have struggled with form, the talent in their squad still demands respect — especially in high-stakes games like this. 'We've seen the spotty, cocky football they can play. It's been a long time, but I think he [Postecoglou] believes it's in there somewhere.' Postecoglou's Selection Dilemma Spurs' congested fixture list adds another layer of unpredictability. With a Europa League semi-final against Bodø/Glimt looming, Molby believes the Australian manager is likely to rotate. 'He made five changes from the last Europa League game for Forest. I think he'll make changes again on Sunday.' However, Molby emphasised that returning players still need to find form: 'It's all very good having them back, but they need to play. So I can actually see him going strong for an hour.' Advertisement What makes this Spurs side dangerous isn't just individual quality, but a point to prove. 'Even if they win the Europa League, I can't see how he survives at Spurs. But going to Anfield is still something unique. He'll want to go there and give it a real go.' Reds Must Be Ruthless Early Molby returned to a message ingrained in Liverpool's identity during his playing days. 'Start quick and you can always go quicker. Start slow and you're in trouble,' he said, echoing Ronnie Moran's famous words. He painted a scenario all too familiar this season — Liverpool dominating a match in patches but failing to kill it early. 'We have moments because we're better than most teams. But we don't get there in terms of a full 90-minute performance. Mainly because we don't have to.' Advertisement That approach won't suffice on Sunday. With the title in sight, the atmosphere inside Anfield will be expectant. 'The fans are desperate to win it at home. Nobody wants to take 3,000 to Stamford Bridge and win it there.' Prediction: Expect Goals, Expect Drama When asked for a final prediction, Molby didn't hesitate. 'I think we're going to win. I actually think it could be quite a bit of a game — I'm going Liverpool three, Spurs two.' It's a fitting scoreline for what could be a defining day in Liverpool's season. But as Molby noted, nothing will come easy against a Spurs side that, even in their current form, carries enough threat to spoil the party — if Liverpool let them.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Molby Previews Leicester vs Liverpool: 'They don't have a squad that can defend'
Molby Previews Leicester vs Liverpool: 'They don't have a squad that can defend' Leicester vs Liverpool Preview: Jan Molby Predicts 2-0 Reds Victory Focus Sharpens as Liverpool Close in on the Title As Liverpool edge closer to securing the Premier League title, Jan Molby and Trev Downey took time on the latest Molby On The Spot podcast (Anfield Index) to preview Sunday's crucial clash away at Leicester City. With just two wins needed to wrap up the league, Molby was confident—but not complacent. Advertisement 'They don't score many goals, Leicester,' Molby observed. 'I think it'll be Leicester City 0-2 Liverpool.' It's the sort of pragmatic, quietly confident prediction that fits the tone of Liverpool's late-season momentum under Arne Slot. The Reds, who have dropped points rarely this campaign, will approach the match knowing that any slip-up could still open the door to their rivals. Leicester's Struggles: 'A Tale of Doom' Molby was clear in his assessment of Leicester's season: 'It's been a tale of doom.' Sitting at the bottom of the table on just 18 points, Leicester look like a club in freefall. Downey, running through their recent results, pointed out the depth of their issues: 'They've had some dubious results… beaten by Newcastle, United, Chelsea, West Ham. It's not been a good year in any way, shape or form.' Advertisement Molby added, 'They don't have a squad that can defend. That Leicester team wasn't built for a relegation fight—it was built to play possession football. And then they brought in Steve Cooper, a defensive manager. That was always going to be trouble.' Liverpool's Mindset: Eyes on the Prize Despite Leicester's form, Molby was adamant Liverpool couldn't afford to take anything for granted. 'You do fight to the end,' he said of Leicester. 'It's the most demoralising thing in the world to be relegated. For as long as you can delay it, you do.' But he doesn't believe Liverpool will get dragged into any chaos. 'I can't see us starting to run up four or fives,' Molby said. 'I think it'll be professional. 2-0.' Advertisement Downey agreed, noting the strength of Liverpool's mentality: 'It's a super position to be in. Two wins and it's done. It's all there now.' The Bigger Picture Beyond the Leicester match itself, the tone of the podcast made it clear: Liverpool have learned from past near-misses. The emphasis from Molby was not on flair but on finishing the job. 'I know you've said it before,' said Downey, 'you feel like it's a job that should get done.' Molby nodded to the pressures of past seasons but stressed Liverpool now have the experience to handle the run-in. Leicester might still be scrapping, but Liverpool are in control.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jan Molby Highlights Liverpool Midfield Star's Technical Excellence
Liverpool's midfield has seen some exciting additions in recent years, but few have made an impression quite like Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman's talent has been evident, and in the latest Molby On The Spot podcast from Anfield Index, Jan Mølby shared his expert view on the 21-year-old's qualities. Speaking with host Trev Downey, the Liverpool legend dissected Gravenberch's playing style, his Ajax roots, and his adaptation to the demands of English football. As a former Ajax player himself, Mølby is well placed to analyse how Gravenberch's upbringing at the Dutch club has shaped him. While the Ajax philosophy might not be as distinctive today as it once was, Mølby still sees elements of it in Liverpool's No. 38. 'You can still see Ryan Gravenberch's thing about being able to take the ball on the half turn, that ability to accelerate away, being aware of space,' Mølby explained. 'That's the one thing I like about Ryan Gravenberch—he's aware of space. He's aware where to move into with or without the ball.' This intelligence on the pitch has been one of Gravenberch's standout traits at Liverpool. His ability to control the tempo and dictate play is reminiscent of classic Ajax midfielders. Gravenberch has shown flashes of brilliance in a Liverpool shirt, with his technical quality standing out in key moments. Mølby highlighted how he excels in tight spaces, a skill that is crucial in the Premier League's high-intensity environment. 'It's that ability to be equally strong on your right and your left, being able to receive the ball in tight spaces and then have that ability to turn away from trouble,' Mølby said. He even drew comparisons to former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley: 'When I saw Ross Barkley for the first time, I thought, 'Wow, incredible ability to turn away from trouble.' But then the more I saw of Ross Barkley, I thought, 'Wow, unbelievable ability to turn back into trouble.'' Gravenberch, however, avoids that trap. 'Ryan Gravenberch has this ability to turn out of trouble and stay out of trouble,' Mølby added. This composure under pressure makes Gravenberch a valuable asset to Liverpool's midfield, particularly under Arne Slot, who prioritises technical proficiency and positional awareness. Despite his strengths, Gravenberch has faced challenges in adapting to the physicality of the Premier League. Mølby pointed to the Merseyside Derby as an example, where Everton managed to nullify his influence. 'There was one thing missing when we played Everton. I thought Everton did really well in terms of closing down those lanes for him—his passing lanes or where he wanted to run into. I thought Everton did that really well and stopped him playing.' This tactical awareness from opposition teams is something Gravenberch will need to navigate as he continues to develop. However, Mølby is confident that his Ajax grounding and natural footballing intelligence will help him find solutions. Mølby also reflected on his own transition from Ajax to Liverpool, suggesting that the similarities between the two clubs' training methodologies made it a seamless switch. 'I came for a 10-day trial, and in those 10 days, I played a pre-season friendly, but generally, it was training. Once I saw what Liverpool did in training, I thought, 'Well, I can do this. I'm used to this. I'm comfortable,'' Mølby recalled. This same adaptability has been evident in Gravenberch's performances. While he is still settling into the physical demands of English football, his technical quality ensures he is more than capable of thriving at Anfield. As Liverpool continues to evolve under Slot, Gravenberch will be expected to play a significant role. If he can build on his Ajax foundation and adjust to the Premier League's tactical battles, he has the potential to be a key figure in Liverpool's midfield for years to come.
