A selection of Liverpool Football Club-related stories and titbits you may have missed over the past seven days…
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes the progress made in the past two seasons leaves the club well placed to win its first silverware since 2012. “It [the top-four finish] gives us the platform again to go for that trophy next year and this is what I want and what the lads in the dressing room want,” Mignolet told the official Liverpool FC magazine. “Last year, we had the chance to play in two finals, but unfortunately we lost both of them. We have learned from that and I think everybody – not only the players, but also the fans and everybody connected with Liverpool Football Club – is really hungry for silverware. That’s what we have to challenge for next year.”
As Liverpool step-up their summer transfer activity goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has spoken about the strength in depth already at the club between the sticks. “My opinion is that, in goalkeeping terms, things look pretty good for Liverpool,” he told the Liverpool ECHO. “At a club like Liverpool small things get highlighted a lot more than at other clubs. Look at other clubs, they had their moments last season where not everything was perfect with their goalies. My job is to try to help the goalies to stay positive. I always talk to them and tell them what I think can be improved and I explain why we’re working on something. I try to help all of them to keep motivated so they’re working day in, day out to be the best they can be.”
Ticket details for the pre-season friendlies with Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers have been announced. The club has received an initial allocation of 5,555 tickets for the fixture at Tranmere on Wednesday July 12, 2017, while the trip to Wigan two days later will afford a further 6,888 Liverpool supporters the opportunity to see their side in action ahead of the new season. Tickets for both games will be available to season ticket holders from 1pm BST on Friday June 23 with further sales to follow. For more information about the game at Prenton Park click here and for the DW Stadium encounter click here.
Emre Can came off the bench for the final 12 minutes as Germany got their Confederations Cup campaign up and running with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Australia in Sochi on Monday afternoon. Can and his compatriots are back in action on Thursday, when they will meet Chile in Kazan.
Marko Grujic started and featured for 52 minutes as Serbia played out a 2-2 draw against FYR Macedonia at the U21 European Championship on Tuesday evening. The result leaves Serbia, who play Spain in their final group stage game on Friday, in third place in Group B on one point from two games.
Kevin Stewart hopes to overcome an injury-plagued 2016/17 and, with European football back on the agenda, feature more regularly for the first team. “Next season there are going to be a lot of games,” he explained to the official website. “So I just want to keep fit in the summer, work hard and then see where the season takes us. That’s the thing that keeps me going – I’ve done it before, so I know it’s possible. I see the players I train with and they’re amazing players I’m competing with and playing with, but I will keep believing because I’ve been through it before.”
Kop boss Jürgen Klopp has challenged the host of promising youngsters pushing for regular first team action to continue their upward curve in the coming months. “The boys did really well but they all have to improve,” said the former Borussia Dortmund manager in quotes published by Liverpoolfc.com. “They have to go from being really skilled kids to being players that you have to use. That’s the next step. Look at Rhian Brewster, everyone knows about his talent. It’s fantastic. Ben [Woodburn] is a step ahead and someone like Trent [Alexander-Arnold] is already another step ahead. It’s all cool and good for the future.”
New U18s boss Steven Gerrard has revealed details of the backroom team that will work with him during the 2017/18 campaign. The former Liverpool skipper will be joined by assistant Tom Culshaw, goalkeeping coach Neil Edwards, analyst Scott Mason and rehab fitness coach Jordan Milsom.
Recently released defender Tom Brewitt has spoken about his Anfield exit and aspirations for the future. The 20-year-old, who spent 10 years at the Merseysiders, told Liverpoolfc.com: “In my ideal world, I never wanted to leave. I wanted to progress into the first team and kick on from there. But it could be that one door closes and another one opens. I need to look forward to my next challenge… Liverpool has been my home. It has taught me everything in terms of football, how to deal with highs and how to deal with lows.”
Anfield has been included in the city of Liverpool’s plans to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Reds are supporting the bid and the club’s stadium is part of a proposal that would see the competition’s opening ceremony and the rugby sevens tournament held in front of the Kop. Find out more about it at www.liverpoolCG22.org.
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