Latest news with #Alisson
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panenka LFC: Liverpool keep or sell ahead of 2025/26 season
Liverpool's Summer Shake-Up: Who to Keep or Sell? As pre-season drags on and competitive football feels miles away, the crew at Panenka LFC decided to do what every fan secretly loves — go through the Liverpool squad and ask that brutal but necessary question: keep or sell? The latest podcast sees the contributors break down the Reds' roster position by position, providing a fascinating glimpse into how Arne Slot might shape his squad heading into the 2025/26 campaign. Goalkeeping Business Already Done The goalkeeping department seems settled. As the hosts put it, 'Alisson remains our clear number one. No questions there.' With Caoimhín Kelleher leaving for Brentford in a deal 'worth up to 18 million pounds,' Liverpool responded swiftly. The signing of Mamardashvili as the new backup, along with Freddy Woodman and Armin Pecsi as depth options, means 'the goalkeeping business looks wrapped up for the summer.' Advertisement Right Back Reboot Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure has opened the door for a new era on the right flank. 'With Jeremy Frimpong joining the squad, the question is where does that leave Conor Bradley?' Panenka LFC had no doubts: 'He's a definite keep. He's technically sound, solid defensively, and most importantly, he's homegrown.' But not everyone is on solid ground. Calvin Ramsay's Liverpool career remains on pause. 'He came in back in 2022… but two years and several injuries later, he's barely made any appearances.' The solution? 'Let's loan him for a season and hope he stays fit.' Robertson or Tsimikas: Only One Can Stay Over on the left, Milos Kerkez is 'likely set to become our new starting left back.' That forces a tough decision between Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. 'We can't afford to sell both,' the show said bluntly, leaving the final call to fans in the comments. But they added knowingly, 'We think we already know what the answer will be.' Advertisement Centre-Back Choices and the Joe Gomez Dilemma With Jarell Quansah off to Germany and a potential deal for Marc Guéhi on the table, Liverpool could soon have 'Van Dijk, Konaté and Guéhi as our top three choices.' Joe Gomez's future is less clear. 'Gomez is now 28… and no longer the rising star we once saw.' Still, Panenka LFC believe he stays, at least for now: 'Selling him now would leave us short… he's a reliable piece of depth.' Curtis Stays, Harvey's Future in Doubt The midfield debate centred on youth. Curtis Jones is described as a player who 'fits into Slot's system… physical, versatile… one of our own.' The host confidently predicts, 'Curtis is set for an even bigger role in the 2025 to 26 season.' Advertisement On Harvey Elliott, the tone shifted. 'He's technically gifted… but where does he actually fit?' With intense competition and minimal minutes, the pod suggests a possible loan or sale: 'If a club puts in a bid around 30 million or more, Liverpool might seriously consider it.' Darwin and Chiesa Out? Up front, the spotlight was firmly on Darwin Núñez. Despite his raw attributes, the panel didn't pull punches: 'He ended the league campaign with just seven goals… Darwin will probably be sold. And honestly, we agree with that move.' Federico Chiesa's time at Anfield looks even shorter. 'It just hasn't clicked,' the host conceded, calling his likely exit a case where 'sometimes transfers just don't work out.' Advertisement Ben Doak: Keep, but Loan Lastly, they discussed teenage sensation Ben Doak, who 'lit up the right wing with his direct running and fearless attitude.' Still, game time may be limited. 'A Premier League loan where he can start 20 or more games would massively speed up his development,' they said — but added, emphatically, 'under no circumstances should we sell him permanently.' Panenka LFC's keep or sell rundown offers a grounded, fan-centred evaluation of a squad preparing for another title charge under Arne Slot. With opinions flying in the comments, the message is clear: 'We want to hear from you now. Who would you sell? Who absolutely has to stay?'
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Very proud' - Mamardashvili reflects on first Liverpool appearance
New Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili says he knows "the responsibilities that come with wearing the shirt" after making his first appearance in the pre-season friendly at Preston on Georgia international played 45 minutes in the 3-1 win and told club media, external afterwards it was "a really proud moment"."This badge means so much to so many people," he said. "I'm here just to give my best in every training session, in every match to help the team and earn the trust of our fans."Everybody knows this club has big ambitions and I want to be part of such [a] journey."Mamardashvili caught the eye during Euro 2024 with his superb performances for his national side, clinching a move to Liverpool that finally became official earlier this faces a daunting test to oust first-choice keeper Alisson from between the sticks and preferred to focus on how delighted he was to be at Anfield."I don't like talking too much about myself," he said, "but I think I'm a very calm, concentrated goalkeeper and I'm very fast and quick."Ali is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and I can't wait to start to work [with] him and learn from him."I am very proud to be the first Georgian player for Liverpool and I know how much this means for my family and [for] Georgian people as well."
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Giorgi Mamardashvili learning from Alisson, embracing Liverpool goalkeeping ‘challenge'
Giorgi Mamardashvili believes he will develop as a goalkeeper from working with Alisson as he vowed to embrace the challenge of trying to become Liverpool No 1. The Georgia international officially joined the Premier League champions at the start of July — nearly a year after Liverpool struck a £29million deal with Valencia. Advertisement Mamardashvili has replaced Caoimhin Kelleher, who was sold to Brentford for a fee rising to £18m last month, and the new arrival may have to be patient with Alisson so well established in Arne Slot's side. 'What I can tell about Ali, he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and I am so happy to work with him,' he told the club's website. 'I can't wait to start to work with him and learn from him. Of course it will be a challenge. I like challenges and I'm here to just give my best and help the team. 'It's a huge moment for me because joining a club like Liverpool. It's not only a transfer, it's a dream come true for me. I feel ready, motivated and proud. I'm here in the biggest club in Premier League history. 'When I was a child I always watched some videos on YouTube of goalkeepers, and I remember some Liverpool goalkeepers as well. I remember Jerzy Dudek and then Pepe Reina and now Alisson. Liverpool has a big goalkeeper legacy and I want to try to write my own chapter.' With Alisson absent, Mamardashvili played the first half of Sunday's 3-1 friendly win over Preston North End at Deepdale. It was an emotionally charged occasion following the recent deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain. 'When I first arrived here it was a really tough moment for the club,' he added. 'But everyone here has supported each other and I see here is like a big family. We are not just a team, we are people who care about each other. 'I didn't have a chance to play with him (Jota) but I played against him at Euro 2024, so I saw how amazing he was. I saw stories and messages and the love from people around him.' ()
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Two Liverpool stars make delayed visit to Diogo Jota's hometown for mass
Alisson Becker and Luis Diaz attended the seventh-day mass of Diogo Jota, having been unable to attend the funeral of the late Liverpool star. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, passed away following a car crash a week ago. The football world went into mourning following the news as tributes were paid around Anfield and in Jota's hometown in Portugal. Liverpool delayed their phased return to pre-season and the likes of Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk led a delegation of Liverpool players who attended both the wake and the funeral of their team-mate last week. And those connected to the Portugal international continue to travel to pay their respects. The Gondomar Parish Church hosted a mass on Wednesday in memory of the brothers. Díaz and Alisson were joined by Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Andre Horta, Joao Mario, agent Jorge Mendes, Estoril coach Ian Cathro and the squad from Penafiel, Andra Silva's club. It is reported, at the church door, around 100 people gathered to pay their respects. Liverpool plan to continue to pay tribute to Jota, and Preston plan to host their own moment of remembrance for the clubs' pre-season friendly. There have been calls to retire Jota's No.20 shirt. On the morning of his team-mate's funeral, Alisson revealed he was unable to attend. The Brazil goalkeeper was in South America on the day Jota was laid to rest. Alongside a picture of Alisson and his family with Jota's family, he wrote on Instagram : "Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean separates me from 'saying goodbye' to someone I love! "But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible! "In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I'll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!" Diaz also paid tribute to his Liverpool team-mate in the aftermath of his passing. "I'm at a loss for words... It hurts in my soul. Not just for what he was on the court, but for the person he was off of it," he said. "There are gestures that one never forgets, and Diogo had one with me that will accompany me all my life. "My hug goes out to Rute, his three children and his family. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre"
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Allison makes heartbreaking admission after having to miss Diogo Jota's funeral
Diogo Jota's funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, was attended by many Liverpool players of past and present, but goalkeeper Alisson was unable to make it on Saturday morning Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has posted a touching tribute to Diogo Jota on the day of his funeral. Jota was laid to rest with his brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday in a ceremony that was attended by many of his teammates. Jota and his brother died in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning. After a wake on Friday evening, which was attended by the family and close friends, the funeral took place at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar catholic church on Saturday morning. There was a large presence from Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Federico Chiesa and manager Arne Slot among those to attend. Ex-Liverpool players in Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were also present. However, Alisson was unable to make it to the ceremony, having gone back to his native Brazil during the off-season. Having sadly been unable to attend the funeral of his father, who drowned at the age of 57 in 2021, Alisson was faced with a similarly devastating problem after the shock news of Jota's passing. Alongside a picture of Alisson and his family with Jota's family, he wrote on Instagram: "Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean separates me from 'saying goodbye' to someone I love! "But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible! "In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I'll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!" Earlier this year, Alisson spoke candidly about the traumatic decision he was forced to make for his father's funeral, with Covid restrictions in place and a pregnant partner. "When I got the call that my father died, I was an ocean away from home. I was in Liverpool, and we were in the middle of the 2020-2021 season. His death was sudden. A complete shock," Alisson wrote in The Players' Tribune. "It was even more complicated, because it was right in the middle of the pandemic, and the logistics of getting home were a nightmare. My wife was pregnant with our third child, and Covid was exploding again in Brazil. Her doctor said that it was risky for her to travel, so she had to stay in Liverpool with our kids." He added: "But it was an impossible situation, because at that time, in order to fly out of the country, you had to be quarantined in a hotel for 14 days when you returned. The thought of coming back from my father's funeral and being trapped in a hotel room by myself for two weeks was hard, but the worst part was imagining my wife on her own for that long. She was going to be in her third trimester, and anything could happen. "We had to watch his funeral on FaceTime. My brother held up the phone for the entire service, and I was able to pray and cry with my mother, and even say goodbye to my father at his casket. In that moment, as strange as it sounds, you forget that you're on a screen." Van Dijk and Robertson carried red floral tributes bearing his No.20 Liverpool shirt number. Ruben Neves, who played with Jota for Wolves and the Portugal national team, was among those to help carry his coffin. Jota and his brother died after the Lamborghini they were travelling in spun off the road in north west Spain and caught fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. The funeral followed a private wake on Friday, which was attended by Jota's wife Rute Cardoso, who he married last month, and the player's family.
