‘I can’t rely on…’ – Ex-Liverpool star says youngster can’t solve big problem for Klopp

Former Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has insisted Jurgen Klopp cannot rely on Stefan Bajcetic in every match.

Bajcetic might have expected to find himself on the sidelines of the first team this season, but a bout of injuries has seen him thrust into the spotlight, starting matches against Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Most recently, the 18-year-old played alongside fellow teenager Harvey Elliott in the heart of midfield against Bournemouth, with veteran Fabinho completing the trio.

The Reds were aiming to repeat their 9-0 defeat by the Cherries last year in the reverse fixture at Anfield.

However, Philip Billing’s attack in the first half proved enough to steal all three points in a 1–0 win for Gary O’Neil’s men to give Liverpool their eighth Premier League defeat of the season. Mohamed Salah missed a chance to level his side from the penalty spot when Klopp scratched his head after the final whistle.

Downing claims Bajcetic

The Reds midfielder has suffered the brunt of the criticism this season and although Bajcetic has offered some much-needed hope for the future, Downing believes they cannot rely on him just yet.

Asked about Liverpool’s midfield problem, Downing told the Football Daily podcast: “You can’t count on Bajcetic playing every game at 18.

“As good as he was, I think he was really, really good, he probably gave Klopp food for thought about his future.

“I think he’s someone who could play in the team. Liverpool are expected to invest heavily in their midfield during the summer transfer window, with Klopp having identified Jude Bellingham as his priority.

However, the 19-year-old won’t be cheap and is expected to cost more than £100m.

Also, Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their search for the England international as they look to lure Bellingham to the Bernabeu.

‘The team is falling apart…’ – Ex-Liverpool player says Klopp should step down as manager

Former Liverpool player Dietmar Hamann has said Jurgen Klopp should step down as boss of the Reds.

Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday, losing 6-2 away to Los Blancos in their biggest ever aggregate defeat in the competition. The Reds were beaten by Real last summer as Champions League runners-up but now have to struggle to even make the tournament next season.

Klopp’s side are sixth in the Premier League, six points behind the top four.

Indeed, having also been sidelined for a long time from the two domestic cup competitions, Liverpool will end the season without a title.

And a former Liverpool midfielder has claimed Klopp is set to step down as manager this summer after the team’s lukewarm performance this season.

Hamann on Klopp

Hamann demanded that Klopp quit as Liverpool boss at the end of the season. Speaking to Sky Germany, the 49-year-old said: “If they don’t bring in players, I don’t see him staying.

“Because I can’t imagine him staying if he doesn’t have a small chance to play for a title. The competition is huge.

“I think it would be better for both sides if they cut in the summer. The team has fallen apart in recent months. “For a coach who has been there for so long, I think it’s almost impossible.”

Hamann has openly opposed Klopp throughout the season which has reportedly angered the Reds boss.

After Hamann took aim at assistant manager Pep Lijnders on social media, The Athletic claimed that Klopp took Hamann’s comments personally.

Journalist Oliver Kay said: “He [Klopp] is known to be furious at reports suggesting that some in the camp have questioned the role of Andreas Kornmayer, his head of fitness and conditioning, and at the questioning from former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann to assistant coach Pep Lijnders.

“As personal as Klopp has criticized his players at times this season, the criticism from the coaching staff has been even worse.”

Liverpool fan calls for Jurgen Klopp to be sacked after Champions League humiliation

An angry Liverpool fan has urged the club to sack Jurgen Klopp after being knocked out of the Champions League.

After Real Madrid’s humiliating 5-2 defeat at Anfield in the first leg, Liverpool arrived at the Bernabeu and needed a special miracle. Still, the players failed to win as they put in a timid performance and went down 1-0 on the night thanks to Karim Benzema’s 78th-minute goal.

Madrid put on a professional display to seal their place in the last eight with a stunning 6-2 aggregate win.

Meanwhile, Liverpool were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Manchester City in the round of 16 in December and their FA Cup hopes came to an abrupt end in January when they lost to Brighton in the fourth round of the competition.

Failure in the domestic cups has led to a significant reduction in No. 2 goalkeeper Kelleher’s playing time, with the Irish international reportedly asking to leave the club.

According to The Transfer Room, Kelleher has asked to leave Liverpool in the summer to spend more time playing.

The 24-year-old, who has replaced Alisson Becker for the past four seasons, is reportedly valued at around £30m, with a number of Premier League clubs interested.

Klopp is believed to be looking to retain the Irishman, who has been a key player in the Reds’ cup success in recent years, most notably by helping Liverpool win the Carabao Cup.

However, the Liverpool manager, who described Kelleher as “outstanding” after the shoot-out against Derby County in November, will reportedly not get in the way. Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City would be one such club keen to sign the goalkeeper, whose current contract with Liverpool runs until 2026.

Aston Villa would also be interested, along with Scottish giants Celtic.

“Next to go…” – Romano makes big transfer request to Liverpool, Klopp’s rebuilding is about to begin

According to Fabrizio Romano, three more Liverpool players could follow Roberto Firmino out of goal this summer while Jurgen Klopp looks poised to rebuild his squad for next season.

Reports have recently surfaced that Brazilian striker Firmino has privately told boss Klopp that after eight years at Anfield he wants to leave for a new challenge in the summer.

The 31-year-old’s contract expires in June, so he departs on a free transfer having made more than 300 appearances for the Merseyside giants. It now appears he won’t be the only one to leave the club, with a summer review planned to ensure their troubled season so far doesn’t repeat itself.

According to Romano, two other players will leave for free, with an expiring loan.

He said on Twitter: “There are currently no talks between Liverpool and Naby Keita on a new contract and he could be next to be released alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arthur Melo is also expected to leave, Liverpool has no intention of activating the purchase option.

Given the amount of criticism the Reds have received in midfield this season, it’s no surprise that three players could leave that position.

Who could replace them? While Firmino’s departure may come as a bit of a shock, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita arguably lack the quality to be long-term options for Liverpool.

Arthur’s loan has only ever been an emergency solution this season.

The potential loss of three may indicate that the club are preparing to welcome three newcomers whose top priority is likely to be Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League, but a win over rivals Manchester United on Sunday could see them move within three points of the top four.

They remain one of the favorites to sign the England teenager, but if they fail to qualify for Europe he could be persuaded to stay at Borussia Dortmund for another year and explore his options.