Blood Red: The Liverpool Fc Podcast

What a difference a few days make.There was no change in Liverpool's position in the Premier League - top - from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday night.But there is no question that the mood has been lifted by the Reds' five-goal demolition of Watford at Anfield.And it's against that backdrop, with a huge Merseyside derby at Goodison Park to come this weekend, that your latest Blood Red podcast is recorded.Ian Doyle is back in the host's chair and he is joined by our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce and fellow ECHO sportsdesk operatives Sean Bradbury and Theo Squires.James kicks things off by giving us the lowdown on Jurgen Klopp's mood and the big talking points from the Reds manager's press conference that took place earlier in the day.There's also mention of what Marco Silva had to say across town in response to Klopp.Talk then turns to Sadio Mane the centre-forward, Roberto Firmino's fitness, and the reasons behind Trent Alexander-Arnold's magnificent midweek display.The right-back has almost certainl

Not long to go now, Reds.And Jurgen Klopp has just whetted the appetite for the huge Merseyside derby with Everton by previewing the short trip to Goodison Park in his press conference at Melwood.He talks what the midweek thumping of Watford will do for his table-topping side's confidence and why the atmosphere on Sunday should bring the best out of them.Klopp also gives an update on Roberto Firmino's fitness, talks the form of his full-backs and Sadio Mane, and reveals what he said to Jordan Henderson following the captain's much-talked about substitution against Manchester United.The Reds boss also answers questions on squad rotation, the need for calm heads, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, and what he thinks of Everton.Enjoy - and we'll be back later with the Blood Red podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that was more like it.Table-topping Liverpool came in for criticism in some quarters for their performance in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Manchester United.But there could have been no complaints with Jurgen Klopp's Redmen on Wednesday night as they thrashed Watford 5-0 to return to winning ways in style.The Post-Game podcast, as always, starts with the considered thoughts of our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce. You will then hear Klopp's full press confidence in full.Before we wrap up with three Reds fans who were at the game - Ross Strachan, Sam Planche and Matt Addison - and two more who were following from further afield – Owen Thomas and Nathan Davidson. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One point clear at the top with 11 games of what could be a historic Premier League season left to play. As Jurgen Klopp said at his press conference on Tuesday, this is ‘pure opportunity’ for his Liverpool side.But you would have been forgiven for thinking the Reds have bottled their chances of landing a first title since 1990 judging by the reaction in some quarters to Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.And it’s against that backdrop that season-ticket holders Dan Kay and Paul Philbin – who were both at Old Trafford – join fellow Red Neil Macdonald to record our latest View from the Kop fans’ podcast, hosted by Paul Wheelock.The trio talk the narrative being written and picture being painted outside the confines of Anfield as well as the nerves within Liverpool’s own fan base, which at the weekend at the least, seemed to get to Klopp and his players, too.The debate then turns to the 2013-14 season, the last time the Reds were in the running for the championship. How does this season differ to that one

It's the second episode of our tactics and statistics podcast, still currently called Analysing Anfield...Host Kristian Walsh (who says the name of the show is growing on him...) is yet again joined by Josh Williams as they dissect the goalless draw with Manchester United, and look ahead to a huge week against Watford and Everton.The duo discuss how United's injuries disrupted Liverpool's gameplan, and how the Reds have a pressing problem with creativity - quite literally. The substitutions are also analysed, while the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold is also explained.The threat of Watford, and how they're the seventh-best team in the Premier League, is also looked at - with a glance towards the Merseyside derby too.A must listen - with feedback always welcome. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has just sat down in front of the media at Melwood for his pre-Watford press conference - and you can listen to every word he had to say here.Klopp kicks off by providing a positive fitness update on Roberto Firmino after he came off injured in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Manchester United before revealing Naby Keita has been laid low by illness.The Reds boss also talks the danger posed by in-form Watford, says a very funny line about his predecessor Brendan Rodgers, who looks set to return to the Premier League with Leicester City, before spelling out just why everyone should be positive about his table-topping side's chances of winning the league for the first time since 1990. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's all change at the top of the Premier League table - and around the table of the Blood Red podcast, too.With our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce on a well-deserved day off, Ian Doyle switches from his usual position as host to guest alongside Connor Dunn and Caoimhe O'Neill.Joe Rimmer is the man answering the questions and he kicks things off by getting Ian's verdict on the 0-0 draw at Manchester United on Sunday that moved Liverpool above Manchester City at the summit, but has also been viewed in some quarters as two points dropped.Connor and Caoimhe also have their say before Joe asks whether the Reds have a problem with their top-scorer Mohamed Salah, who disappointed against United. The response is mixed.The performance of the midfield is also analysed - along with Jordan Henderson's reaction to being substituted - and the panel wonder whether Naby Keita should have been brought on.Daniel Sturridge did get the call, after Roberto Firmino's first-half injury, but questions are raised over the E

Perhaps Jurgen Klopp summed it up best when he said: "Both two points dropped and a point gained."The 0-0 draw at Manchester United on Sunday moved Liverpool one point above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with 11 games to play.But the hopes of a statement victory over the old enemy was missed as Klopp's side failed to take advantage of the fact that injury-hit United saw three players hobble off before half-time.It's against that backdrop that our latest Post-Game podcast is recorded.As ever, it starts with the definitive verdict of our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, who also provides an update on the condition of Roberto Firmino, before we get Klopp’s thoughts in full with every word of the Reds manager’s press conference.We then hand over to the seven Liverpool supporters who have called into the show – Matt Addison, Alex Watt, Sam Planche, Nathan Davidson, Mark Baker, Ross Strachan and Matt Whitty. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn

Liverpool's biggest match of the season so far?You'd be hard-pressed to argue that Sunday's trip to bitter rivals Manchester United isn't exactly that.Should Jurgen Klopp's side win at Old Trafford they would move three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.Even a draw would put a little bit of daylight between the Reds and the defending champions.But it’s clear Liverpool will be facing a different United to the one they swept aside at Anfield in December.That 3-1 victory, of course, led to Jose Mourinho’s sacking.But since then United have won 11 of their last 13 games under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.So how has Solskjaer revived the club’s fortunes so dramatically?To find out Paul Wheelock speaks to Samuel Luckhurst, who is the chief Manchester United writer for the Manchester Evening News.They also talk:▪ How Solskjaer has turned Paul Pogba into one of the best performing players in the world right now▪ The latest on the fitness of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingaard,

Sam Carroll hosts the second and final Blood Red podcast of the week as the ECHO shuffle their pack.Usual hosts Ian Doyle and Joe Rimmer are both ruled out, meaning third-choice Carroll steps to the fore.Our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce is on board, though, and he's joined by two January signings for the ECHO, Caoimhe O'Neill, who is celebrating a month in her new role on the team, and Sean Bradbury, who was recently appointed as our sports audience editor.With the massive game at Manchester United to come on Sunday, the quartet have a lot to get through and begin with Jurgen Klopp's pre-match press conference.Klopp discussed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's work at Old Trafford since replacing Jose Mourinho and tipped the United legend to remain in the role beyond the end of this season.Was it mind games? Or genuine flattery?The panel are unanimous in their decision before moving on to the big debate - who should Klopp select in his midfield three against the Red Devils?Another uniform decision is reached b

Jurgen Klopp was back in front of the media at Melwood today for a press conference to preview the massive match with bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.A win or a draw would take the Reds back above Manchester City to the top of the Premier League in what is their game in hand on the defending champions.But the first question Klopp was asked concerned the £45,000 fine he will have to pay and how he will ‘learn’ from the incident.Talk then turns to Fabinho, and whether the Liverpool manager can see a long-term future for the Brazilian at centre-back.Fabinho is likely to operate further up the pitch this weekend given the return of Virgil van Dijk. But what will that mean for the midfield line-up on Sunday?Klopp also gives an update on the fitness of Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez.But the bulk of the presser is about the match itself, just how important it is, and whether PSG have provided the Reds with a blueprint to copy.And Klopp also gives his opinion on the job Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is doing at re

Welcome to the inaugural edition of... well, we’re not quite sure what we’re calling it yet, although Analysing Anfield has been mooted.Names can be so tough.But if you’re interested in the more cerebral side of Liverpool FC, this podcast is for you. Focusing on the statistics and tactics behind Jurgen Klopp’s side, host Kristian Walsh is joined by scouting writer and tactics guru Josh Williams (@DistanceCovered) for the first-ever episode. In it, the draw with Bayern Munich is dissected, with a big look forward to Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.All feedback - and podcast names - welcome.Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the morning after the night before and host Neil Fitzmaurice and trusty sidekick Joe Rimmer is joined by a man whose voice will be very familiar to long-time listeners to the brilliant Poetry in Motion podcast.Nearly a year since he left to take over as Goal’s Liverpool FC correspondent, Neil Jones makes a welcome return to the ECHO to look back on the previous evening’s Bayern Munich match and look ahead to the even bigger game that follows this weekend.There was a lot of talk in the lead up to the Champions League last-16 first-leg showdown that Munich were going to be steamrollered at Anfield. However, a vastly experienced Bayern side had other ideas. But was a 0-0 draw a bad result for the Reds? The lads discuss that before Fitzy wonders where Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing has gone and if and when it will return?The performance of Naby Keita is debated, as is the prospect of having Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fit for the second leg, before talk turns to Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to take on a revived M

Few would have predicted a 0-0 beforehand.But that's exactly what was served up on Tuesday night as Liverpool and Bayern Munich cancelled each other out in their Champions League last-16 first-leg showdown.So was it a good result for the injury and suspension-hit Reds?Or was it an opportunity missed to take an advantage back to the Allianz Arena in three weeks' time?To discuss those questions, and many more besides, we get the verdict of our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce and hear Jurgen Klopp's post-match press conference in full, before we hand the podcast over to the supporters.Comments left on our Blood Red Facebook page are read out while five Koppites who attended the match have their say by phoning into the show. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a lot of talk about how tonight's visitors to Anfield are on the wane.But one look at Bayern Munich's form since the turn of November suggests otherwise.Munich have won 11 of their last 13 games in all competitions to keep their fight for glory alive on three fronts.But as the main guest of this preview podcast explains, they are certainly not without their frailties.Steve Dawson is a Liverpool-fan based in Singapore, where he works as a presenter for Fox Sports Asia.One of his main roles is anchoring the station’s coverage of the Bundesliga, and we caught up with him last month to talk Naby Keita’s form, Jurgen Klopp’s evolution and Timo Werner’s chances of arriving at Anfield in the summer.But this podcast is all about tonight's huge Champions League clash, Bayern's strengths and weaknesses, their injury problems, and their under-pressure new manager.And after we speak to Steve, you'll hear from Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara to get the thoughts from Niko Kovac's camp before what truly is a

Weeks don't come much bigger, but Liverpool's has started with one piece of team news that was expected, and another which was most definitely not.Recorded just after the open training session ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, the Blood Red panel of James Pearce, Paul Gorst and host Ian Doyle react to the fact that Dejan Lovren has been ruled out and Roberto Firmino is a doubt.But who will Liverpool miss more?You would think Lovren, given it leaves the Reds with just one fit and available centre-back in Joel Matip, with Virgil van Dijk suspended.But does Jurgen Klopp have a like-for-like replacement for Firmino?Our trio discuss that before they talk just what this match means for the Liverpool manager given his heritage and given his past battles with Munich.James was in Germany on Friday to watch Bayern and his scouting report will do little to alter the belief that the Reds will be favourites in front of their own fans.And, while Klopp may suggest otherwise publicly, why shouldn't they

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and captain Jordan Henderson have just sat down in front of the world's media to preview Tuesday night's massive Champions League last-16 first-leg showdown at home to Bayern Munich.Klopp was first in front of the press pack and he gave an update on the fitness of Dejan Lovren and Xherdan Shaqiri and how Fabinho will cope if the midfielder is forced to play as an emergency centre-back.The Reds boss also explained why he believes Bayern are more dangerous than ever despite seeing their vice-like grip on the Bundesliga begin to lessen.Klopp also addressed the notion that his side have a double advantage over Munich, his reunion with Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels, and, like Henderson, gave his opinion on what matters more - winning the Premier League or the Champions League.The Liverpool skipper went on to talk his own fitness, the form of his midfield partner Naby Keita, the trip to Marbella, the absence of Virgil van Dijk, and how he would feel if he, instead of Fabinho, wa

It's hard to imagine a Liverpool side without Andrew Robertson in it.Harder still to imagine the brilliant left-back ever lining up for Everton.But that could well have been the case had then Blues boss Roberto Martinez followed up his serious interest when Robertson was playing for his first professional club Dundee United.Jackie McNamara, the Celtic legend, tells that story and much more in our latest Blood Red spin-off podcast.McNamara signed Robertson for just £5,000 as part of a double deal from Queen's Park in the summer of 2013.Fast-forward 12 months and the new Scotland captain was making a £2.85m move to the Premier League and Hull City, where he would stay for three seasons before signing for Liverpool, where in the last year, he has developed into the best left-back in England and one of the best in Europe.And, ahead of a huge week for the Reds, Paul Wheelock speaks to McNamara to get the inside track on a player who will have big roles to play in the matches with Bayern Munich and Manchester Unite

Who better to speak about the huge Champions League tie between Liverpool and Bayern Munich than Dietmar Hamann?The former Germany midfielder came through the ranks at Bayern, and enjoying much success, before moving to England where he eventually joined Liverpool, for whom he won nine major honours, most famously the 2005 Champions League.Hamann is now based back in Germany, and on Saturday afternoon, our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce picked up the phone to a player who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Koppites.It's a brilliant chat, focusing on the two matches with Bayern, where they could be won and lost, and what Didi believes will be the key battle at Anfield and at the Allianz Arena.But it also touches on the prize Liverpool fans could well want even more than a sixth Champions League - the Premier League title.Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Joe Rimmer on a day off and our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce on a scouting mission in Germany, the pack has been reshuffled for the latest Blood Red podcast with Connor Dunn and Theo Squires joining host Ian Doyle and Paul Gorst.The Reds are without a match this weekend, so the focus is firmly on Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp is set to be down to one fit and available centre-back for the last-16 first-leg showdown and Gorsty wonders whether the Liverpool manager was wrong to let a certain defender - who's not Nathaniel Clyne - leave.The panel are fairly sure who will start in the middle of the backline versus Munich but are split over the ability of one of the players in question. Taking that into account, then, which of Klopp's squad has to step up the most?Talk then turns to the Reds' Marbella training camp, the return of two attackers from long-term injury, and why the time in Spain could be crucial in getting a good result on Tuesday.The massiv