LIVERPOOL STILL STRONGER TEAM DESPITE ONGOING UNFORTUNATE LOSING STREAK CHALLENGES
Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller says Liverpool have been "the better team in every game" during their four-match losing streak, warning his side to expect a motivated, "world-class" Reds team in the Champions League.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
As his club gets ready to play the Reds in the Champions League on Wednesday, Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller stated that Liverpool has been "the better team in every game" during their four-game losing streak.
Despite adding roughly £450 million ($604 million) in new players to their roster during the offseason, reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are currently experiencing an unexpected decline.
After losing to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, Arne Slot's team suffered a 2-1 loss to their bitter rivals, Manchester United, on Sunday. It had been over ten years since Liverpool had suffered four consecutive losses.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Toppmoeller stated that Sunday's game "might have been 4-2 for Liverpool", adding that the Reds "are not in top shape, simply in the sense of their results.
The 44-year-old stated, "You see that they seem to lack a bit of a spark at the moment when you watch the games, which of course we did."
However, they have been the superior team and have had more opportunities to score in each game.
Toppmoeller stated, "We are expecting a world-class team tomorrow," and that the English champions would be eager to get to Frankfurt.
"You have to understand the impact losing four straight games has on a squad."
Under previous manager Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool's most recent four-game losing streak was in November 2014.
Star forward Mo Salah's decline in form is one of the team's problems.
The Egyptian, however, "was certainly among the best three players in the world over the past decade -- and still is," according to Toppmoeller.
Florian Wirtz, a £100 million midfielder from Germany who is making his first trip back to his homeland since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, is another Red who is not playing at his best.
Wirtz's efforts were "pretty decent, even if he has not had the figures he had in Leverkusen," according to Toppmoeller.
He is at a club with a lot of attention and people from all around the world watching.
"I have a strong belief in his abilities. We should be concerned about that, so I hope he does not display it tomorrow."
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.