MILOS KERKEZ PRAISES LIVERPOOL INTENSITY AFTER ‘TOUGH’ EARLY CHALLENGE
Liverpool's Milos Kerkez says the squad is full of "positive energy" after the international break, ready to end their 3-game losing streak against Man Utd. The defender is confident ahead of the Anfield clash.
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As Liverpool looks to get their season back on track on Sunday, Milos Kerkez thinks the recent international break could be advantageous. In the Premier League, the Reds take on fierce rivals Manchester United of the North West in an attempt to snap a losing streak of three straight games that has knocked the champions off the top of the standings.
Over the previous two weeks, several Liverpool players have made an impact for their nations, including Mohamed Salah scoring two goals to guarantee Egypt's World Cup qualification, Alexis Mac Allister scoring twice for Argentina, and Cody Gakpo scoring three goals for the Netherlands.
Additionally, Kerkez, who made two appearances for Hungary in their most recent World Cup qualifying matches, is optimistic about the team's attitude.
According to him, "Everyone is really with a lot of positive energy back." "We are particularly looking forward to it because several of the guys had strong performances and victories with their national teams.
"Winning is crucial for the club, so it is a significant game.
"That (series of losses) was undoubtedly difficult. However, everyone is in good form, and I witnessed everyone returning with vigour and concentration, so we are truly prepared to make a change."
Liverpool is unbeaten at home against United since January 2016 and has not lost four straight games since November 2014. In their eleven following visits across all competitions, the Old Trafford team has only scored twice.
Since joining from Bournemouth for £40 million in the summer, Kerkez has started every Premier League game. He will try to withstand Andy Robertson's push to keep his left-back position.
The 21-year-old is also certain that Arne Slot's team can win this weekend because of the Anfield factor.
"To be honest, I always feel different when I am playing at Anfield—I get a lot of energy and the thrill does not really wear me out," Kerkez stated.
"I am confident that the supporters will support us as usual and that they will provide us with a great deal of encouragement and vitality. It will be a significant event, and we naturally want to share the success with the supporters and the team.
Kerkez continued, "Everyone returned fit, and it is going to be incredibly essential," in an interview with Liverpoolfc.com.
"To get three points, we are going to need everyone—the supporters, the starting players, and the players who are not starting."
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.