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During the summer, Liverpool bolstered their forward line by signing Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to enhance their attacking options alongside Mo Salah. Wirtz was substituted early by Arne Slot for the seventh time this season, as the £116 million Bundesliga player has contributed little in the central attacking role. Fortunately, Liverpool can rely on Dominic Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, who are solid, creative, and capable of scoring goals themselves. They compensated effectively for Wirtz’s lack of impact.

Having excelled at Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz would retrieve the ball in the middle of the field and bypass opponents before making a sharp pass into the box or shooting on goal.

This season, all of the Bundesliga’s expertise has left him, and he made no difference during the defeat against Crystal Palace. The Premier League is more physically challenging for players, and new European talent often struggle to adjust. Time and again, Wirtz was easily knocked off the ball.

It is in the rear where Liverpool have mostly struggled, and last weekend Crystal Palace harshly highlighted the Reds’ defensive weaknesses.

This week during training, Arne Slot divided his team into two groups, focusing primarily on working with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate, M Kerkez, and Conor Bradley. Konate is the main concern. The robust, resilient defender has not been performing at his best, and Crystal Palace forwards Jean-Philppe Mateta, Yeremy Pino, and Ismaila Sarr frequently left him behind after beating him in one-on-one situations. This is what concerns Slot, and it ultimately cost Liverpool the match.

Fans question United players, “Where is your determination?”

Manchester United have not managed to secure back-to-back victories under Ruben Amorim’s leadership. He frequently claims that his team is plagued by unfortunate circumstances, but this justification is beginning to lose its appeal among the majority of the club’s supporters. As the players approached their fans at the conclusion of a 3-1 defeat, several spectators gestured toward the club’s emblem on their jerseys, shaking their heads and questioning, “Where is your fight and passion?” Some fans made offensive hand signals, while others voiced their frustrations toward the players.

Brentford supporters chanted their well-known song directed at the opposing coaches, “You’re getting fired tomorrow.”

Amorim highlights that he continues to have the support of Sir James Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group, as he can demonstrate that United have enhanced their performance in terms of chances generated and shots on target. However, he does not mention that since he became manager at Old Trafford in November 2024, the team has let in the opening goal in 21 Premier League games, with six of those goals coming within the first ten minutes.

Amorim faced intense backlash for positioning Mason Mount in an unconventional role as a left wing-back. Interestingly, this was the second occasion where the midfielder had been required to play in that position. It seems that Amorim is rapidly losing the confidence, support, and admiration of his players, with visible signs of frustration evident in the dressing room.

Following the match, when asked about his role at the club, he launched a response, saying, “I am always at ease with my position and I keep giving 100% to my work. I never worry about my job. I’m not that type of person.”

He would be wise to reflect on his circumstances, as Graham Potter was dismissed by West Ham following 26% victories, while Amorim is currently just one percentage point ahead with 27%.

In my view, the new leadership has committed numerous errors since assuming control, and they are reluctant to face criticism for selecting the incorrect manager… which, in my opinion, explains why Amorim remains at Old Trafford. However, how much longer will this situation continue?

I have been informed that Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid and French icon, has been contacted regarding the potential of joining Manchester.

In a different potential development, former Barcelona player and legendary manager Xavi has indicated interest in joining United if Amorim is dismissed. He has remained without a club for the past year.

Saliba commits…now for Saka

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his desire for Bukayo Saka to join William Saliba in signing a new deal. Saka’s existing contract, which was agreed upon in 2023, will end in two years. Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri have all pledged their future to the club. Real Madrid showed interest in Saliba, but after meeting with Arteta, he confirmed his intention to remain at Arsenal and aim for league success this season.

Guardiola honors Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker’s return to the Etihad did not benefit Burnley. Following an impressive career at Manchester City, the right-back chose to seek new opportunities, moving to Italy with Milan before returning to the northeast of England to join Burnley. Kyle secured 14 major trophies in eight years, and Pep Guardiola praised him as ‘one of the greatest fullbacks of all time.’ He stated, ‘I don’t evaluate behavior over a short period. He was an outstanding player for us. One of the greatest fullbacks ever. I felt completely at ease during matches with Kyle in the team. He is also one of the best in terms of consistency and staying injury-free while playing every single game. A remarkable presence in the dressing room. In eight years, six Premier League titles, a Champions League, numerous other honors, and always present during both good and challenging times.’

Liverpool take care of Diogo Jota’s family

I was pleased to learn that Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, will cover Diogo Jota’s contract for his family. Arne Slot mentioned that FSG will support Diogo’s widow, Rute Carduso, and their three children following the striker’s death in a car accident alongside his brother. Diogo’s contract provided him with £140k per week, meaning his family will receive roughly £14 million over the next two years.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).