Liverpool official statement on the sack of Brendan Rogers

Liverpool has announced the sack of manager, Brendan Rogers.

In a statement released on Sunday, the club confirmed the termination of Rogers' contract to further improve their on-the-pitch performance.

''We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment.

''All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.

''Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.

''The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.''

Meanwhile, the process of appointing a new manager is underway.

The English Premier League Preview (Part One)

By Ewomazino Orowor

The 24th season of the Premier League gets underway tomorrow- 76 days after the conclusion of the previous campaign.

From the new official Premier League ball, to heavy transfer activities in some clubs (with astonishing vignetted transfer-related activities in some others), to new kit sponsorship deals, to if "Harry Kane" can match last season's goal scoring form; to which teams will constitute the relegation dog fight; who the Europa League contenders- or would-be avoiders -are and much more, the 2015/2016 season has been replete with talking points long before Man United and Tottenham kick-off.

However, let's  focus on the title-winning chances of the four main contenders for the money-spinning 2015/2016 season in England's topflight division.

Four of the Best
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United, who occupied the top four places, respectively, in the table at the end of last season, are the front-runners this term. I expect an almost-there threat from Southampton, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Let's preview the two blue-jersey teams first, leaving the red ones for part two.

Chelsea

The Blues- with ruthless efficiency where necessary -were dominant last season. For all but the second week, Mourinho's men blossomed at the summit of the EPL table. Such was their near-impeccable campaign that many still consider them as the safest bet for the title. But are they really the safest bet?

"Hello! Is Chelsea there?" If the transfer window were to be anthropomorphised, that's probably what we'd be hearing. That's because Chelsea's had a quiet transfer window. Although, they boast a strong first XI, they are light on the bench- they're losing depth. 

In the event of an injury crisis or loss of form (not forgetting their apparent fitness challenges), they haven't got capable replacements for the mitochondria of their squad. Players like brickwall Nemanja Matic, most fouled Premier League player last season and player with the most assist last term- Eden Hazard and Cesc Febregas respectively -do not have their quasi equivalents on the bench.

Upfront, Chelsea have another conundrum! If Diego Costa continues to struggle with his hamstring, how will they get goals? Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have not proven to be  adequate understudies. While the former may have specious reasons to be a prospect, the latter is- or has become -a risible figure. Falcao has continued where he left off at Old Trafford, thrilling us with his comedic perormances- the Pastor Maldonado of the Premier League. 

The Columbian is also further justifying the superstition behind the Chelsea No. 9 jersey. In the more recent memories, except for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Hernan Crespo, the likes of Mateja Kezman, Khalid Boulharouz, Steve Sidwell, Franco Di Santo, and Fernando Torres never excelled as Chelsea number 9s. Falcao is a real worry and may be on his way into that uncelebrated list. 

However, there is still some time for Mourinho to do some business in the market for some execllent outfield additions. 

But the real business begins tomorrow with a tricky opponent- Swansea City -at that. Chelsea's result tomorrow- and in the remaining opening round of fixtures -will really matter. Replicating their pre-season form may put the champions under pressure- if they are not under pressure already to dispel the opinions of their pre-season critics.

By and Large, Chelsea have a lot on their hands this term and the food for thought will be that the Premier League title has not been retained by holders  for six years now.

Will the Blues break boundaries or will Champions League priority be an excuse?

Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini will be eager to expiate last season's mediocre display especially after extending his contract at the Etihad till 2017. Although, they finished as runners-up,  Man City's dispirited second half campaign took them out of contention in the race for the title (a period in which we also witnessed their embarrasing exit from the Champions League). 

Poignant reminders indeed of their disappointing trophyless season. 

This was inevitably due to the half-heartedness of majority of their senior players- except for Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero and a few others. 

This may sound like cheap criticism but a large chunk of Man City's squad apparently lacked the hunger to match the achievements of the preceding title-winning campaign. That has to change this term because a repeat should lead to drastic changes at the Etihad. Pellegrini has to justify the trust he's received to avoid being the most likely starting point of any such drastic changes.

If the squad has the right drive, motivation and consistency, Man City may pose more threat to Chelsea's title defence than any of Arsenal or Man. United. With the arrivals of Raheem Sterling and (especially) Fabian Delph, Man City have further added depth to their squad. 

What's more, here's a stunning Man City EPL sequence:
2011/12 - Champions
2012/13 - Runners-up
2013/14 - Champions
2014/15 - Runners-up
2015/16 - ____?____
Fill in the gap! It's simple arithmetic progression!

Writer: Ewomazino Orowor

Liverpool signs Aston Villa Striker Christian Benteke

Liverpool have announced the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke for £32.5m.

The 24 year old Belgian agreed a long-term contract at Anfield and becomes their second most expensive signing.

The Reds recently lost Raheem Sterling who joined Manchester City on an £49m English record fee.

Benteke scored a 49 goals since joining Villa in 2012.

Steven Gerrard reveals the best moment of his career in a letter to Liverpool fans

Having spent over 17 years at Anfield, Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard would be saying his good-bye soon but he writes to the club supporter as he makes that move to the MLS this summer.

The letter reads: 

To all my fans,

Saying goodbye hasn't been easy.

Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was eight years old and I know how much I'm going to miss it.

It's been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City.

But I've been blown away by the send-off I've been given by the supporters and I'd like to thank every one of you. It's been very humbling and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

It's been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long.

When I was a kid, kicking a ball around in Ironside Road in Huyton, all I ever wanted to do was play for Liverpool. I dreamed of pulling that shirt on just once.

I never thought I'd get close to achieving that so to be able to look back on a first-team career of 710 appearances spanning 17 years I'm immensely proud.

I've loved every minute of playing for the best supporters in the world.

It's been an amazing journey. There have been some glorious highs and some crushing lows, but throughout you have given me fantastic support and I'll never forget that.

The highs have been all the sweeter because they have been achieved with my boyhood club. We have shared those special moments together.

Of course the pinnacle of my career arrived in Istanbul 10 years ago. That was the best night of my life. When I lifted the European Cup, there was no prouder man on the planet.

It meant so much to me to deliver that trophy for you. The supporters played such a big part in helping to inspire that famous comeback against AC Milan. I'll never forget how they helped to lift our chins off the floor after that nightmare first half.

People have often asked me about the pressure on my shoulders to deliver for Liverpool but I've never seen that as a burden. There's been huge responsibility on me but I've always loved and embraced that.

It's been a massive honour to be captain of this club for so long. I've always given my best and tried to lead by example.

I've been very fortunate to play alongside some incredible players and for managers who have all helped me to improve and develop. I'm proud of what I've given back - the sacrifices, the dedication and the loyalty over the years.

But more than anything I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to play in front of these fans for so long.

Liverpool is my home and I love this city. But I believe the time is right to open a new chapter as I prepare to move to America.

I want to keep playing every week in the final few years of my career and I'm looking forward to embarking on a new challenge with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

I'll be away for the next couple of years but this isn't the end of my long association with Liverpool FC. I've been a supporter all my life and that will continue.

I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future.

But today is all about looking back and saying thank-you to the fans for the magnificent support you have given me over the past two decades. You have helped me to fulfil my dreams over and over again and given me memories I wouldn't swap for anything.

Thank you.

Steven Gerrard

Source: Liverpoolfc.com

Nigeria, Europe divided as Arsenal and Chelsea boast of most Twitter followers

The Gunners (Arsenal) as they are called may not be atop the Premier League table but are leading in terms of Twitter ''followership'' in some selected countries in Europe and Africa and closely followed by Chelsea.

In Nigeria, Arsenal boasts as Total of 26.10%, Chelsea 25.17% and Manchester United 18.04% .

Top three clubs by Twitter followers in selected countries:

UK: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

Ireland: 1 Liverpool, 2 Man Utd, 3 Arsenal

France: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City

Germany: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City

Spain: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Liverpool

Italy: 1 Chelsea, 2 Man City, 3 Arsenal

Netherlands: 1 Arsenal, 2 Man Utd, 3 Chelsea

USA: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man Utd

Russia: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

India: 1 Man Utd, 2 Arsenal, 3 Liverpool

Australia: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

Brazil: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man City

Skysports.com

View full Map representation here as released by Twitter

From Aston Villa Dressing room after beating Liverpool to qualify for FA Cup final

Sky Sports: Aston Villa dressing room reaction

Christian Benteke equalizer and Fabian Delph 5th minutes goal canceled Philippe Coutinho's Liverpool lead to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in 15 years.

United beat Preston, to face Arsenal in quarter final

Sky Sports: FA Cup Trophy

Manchester United came from a goal down to beat Preston in the fifth round of the FA Cup to qualify for the quarter final.

The Reds have now been drawn against premier league rivals Arsenal while Liverpool will host Blackburn Rover.

Giant-killers Bradford will host Reading while another Premier League tie see Aston Villa travel to West Bromich Albion.

Ties to be played 7 and 8 of March 2015

Asisat Oshoala shares picture from Liverpool Valentine's Day Training

Nigerian international Asisat Oshoala shared on Instagram how she and her teammates went training on ''Lover's day''.

This is work on Valentine's day! Lol.

''This smile is ONLY for those that always Belive and support me''- Says Balotelli after his goal secured home victory for Liverpool over Tottenham

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli found the back of the net with about seven minutes to the end of the match against Tottenham on Tuesday night.

The match was at 2-2 draw before the Italian forward tapped in a pass from Adam Lallana to see to secure maximum three points for Liverpool in a Barclays Premier League game.

For Liverpool, the victory sends them to within a point of their opponents and just three off third placed Southampton.

The goal-shy striker said on social media after the match along with this picture, ''Great game guys!!! This smile is ONLY for those that always Believe and support me.

''Thank you . ❤️ and Forza Liverpool. But now head down and keep working hard. Tonight is past.''

He didn't smile or jubilate after the goal but he did on his way home.

UK Connect: Asisat Oshoala and Omeruo spend weekend together

African footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala spent the weekend with Super Eagles and Middlesborough defender Kenneth Omeruo.

The Super Falcons player who recently signed for Liverpool share this pic on Social media via Twitter @asisato1 along with comment ''A weekend well spent with my young daddy KEN but na only ZEUS(dog) wan pursue me......had fun with good food hahahahahah #BORO #LFC''

Omeruo on the other hand dropped the same picture last on Sunday on his instagram with a congratulatory message to the female African most promising talent, ''Congrats on your move to Liverpool Female Team @superzeee and African player of the year. More to come dear'', - he said.

I'm not suggesting anything but, this UK Connection is good.

Liverpool manager believes Philippe Coutinho will become world-class like Suarez

Philippe Coutinho celebrated his contract-extension with a goal against Bolton on Wednesday ensuring that the Reds qualify for the fifth round of FA Cup.

The young Brazilian is being appreciated for his performance in recent times and has been labelled as the new Luis Suarez of the club.

''You just pay money to watch that kid,'' Rogers told reporters about the Brazilian.

''Watch how he plays football. He can be a great role model for young British players who, for many years, may have been discarded because they didn’t have the stature. He’ll become world-class in the next few years.

''With Luis Suarez, he was at a level when he played in this team, and he grew with the model before getting into that world-class bracket.

See what Mario Balotelli's Agent Mino Raiola told him to keep him Happy at Liverpool

Mario Balotelli's Agent Rino Maiola recently granted an interview in which he revealed how he has been able to keep the Italian striker happy at Anfield.

''Of all the champions I have dealt with, I’ve never managed one who has suffered more injustices than Mario. People just don’t know him. The truth is Mario is an insecure lad and, due to this insecurity, he tends to do some ridiculous things.

''I’ve always been one who wanted to make my players happy. With everybody else, I've always done things my way, but not with him. ''I need my mum and my friends in Italy,'' he said. And being a father myself and wanting him to be happy, I took him back to Italy from City. I should have told him: ''You are not going back to Italy. City are a big club and they will always support you. This is the football that matters and you want out of it.''

''I saw him on Monday and told him: ''You've got a four-year contract here and I’m not taking you anywhere else. Either you leave Liverpool for 60-70 million euros, and I win my bet, or you will die there.''

''It’s the first time I've spoken in such a way to a player. I saw him relaxed, changed and different to how he was at Milan. He was used to everybody liking him and finding room wherever he was, but it’s not like that at Liverpool. Either you do as they say, or you're out.

''This period with Liverpool is the biggest lesson he has had. He's applying himself a lot now and his private life has calmed down too. It's not worth asking if Liverpool are the right club for him any more -- they are the only club for him.''

As reported by The GuardianUk

Omeruo's Middlesbrough to play Arsenal in Fifth Round of FA Cup

Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo's Middlesbrough will be away at the Emirates when they take on Arsenal in the 5th round of the English FA Cup.

The Gunners dumped Brighton out of the competition on Sunday, while Aitor Karanka’s side eliminated Premier League champions Manchester City from the competition.

If Manchester United win their replay against Cambridge, they will play either Preston or Sheffield United.

Here are the full draws:

Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool or Bolton

Arsenal vs. Middlesbrough

Aston Villa vs. Leicester City

West Bromwich Albion vs. West Ham United

Bradford City vs. Sunderland or Fulham

Blackburn Rovers vs. Rochdale or Stoke City

Preston or Sheffield United vs. Cambridge vs. Manchester United

Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala Signs For Liverpool FC Ladies

Liverpool FC Ladies have announced the signing of Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala.

The 20-Year old was recently announced the African Women's Player of the Year 2014 made the move fom Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt .

Delighted Oshoala said about the move to the Merseyside, "Since I began my football career I have always dreamt of being a professional footballer, so to be able to join the reigning Women's Super League champions is absolutely fantastic.

"Liverpool Ladies are a massive club, who have some fantastic players who I believe can help to develop my game to the next level. It was also a big incentive to be able to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League, which is a huge competition and one I'm confident we can do well in." (Source Liverpoolfc.com)

Oshoala emerged as the best player and highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Attention! Watch-Out for Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge and Balotelli Strike-Partnership

Daniel Sturridge has been out for over 4 month and now looking forward to partnering upfront with out of favour Italian forward Mario Balotelli.

Sturridge tweeted a pic of him and Balotelli along with a post on thursday "My man!!! We're gonna be linking up soon!! @mb459"

Balotelli posted the same snap with the comment: "@dstudge huh! Look Who did i meet?!! Lol !!! can't wait together #myfriend"

Cambridge draw Manchester United in FA Cup fourth round (See full draw)

Google Image

Lowest ranked team in the draw Cambridge United who ply their trade in League Two will have their hands full when they take on red devils Manchester United in the fourth round of the English FA Cup.

Title holders Arsenal play Brighton while Chelsea will take on Bradford or Milwall, all fixture scheduled for 23rd and 24th of January.

Below are the full fixtures:

Brighton vs Arsenal

Southampton or Ipswich vs Crystal Palace

Cambridge United vs Manchester United

Blackburn vs Swansea

Chelsea vs Milwall/Bradford

Derby vs Chesterfield/Scurnthorp

Brighton vs Arsenal

Preston vs Sheffield United

Birmingham vs Westbrom

Aston Villa vs Bournemouth

Cardiff vs Reading

Wimbledon vs Liverpool/Bolton

Burnley/Spurs vs Leicester City

Rochdale vs Stoke

Sunderland vs Fulham/Wolves

Doncaster/Bristol vs Everton/Westham

Manchester City vs Middlesborough

Liverpool share pictures of Steven Gerrard's from Youngster to Superstar

Liverpool Football Club today confirmed that Steven Gerrard will leave the club at the end of the season - see a photo gallery charts of the skipper's progression from youngster to Anfield icon.

 

see More HERE

Home Sweet Home: Fernando Torres returns to Atletico Madrid

Image:Twitter/@atletienglisg

Former Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres has returned to club where he made his professional debut, Atletico Madrid after a loan spell with AC Milan.

Pictures of the player at the Airport was shared by the club's official twitter account ''First words from @Torres in Madrid: "I'am happy and looking forward to begin" #TorresIsBack

Flashback: See what Thierry Henry did to Liverpool defenders (VIDEO)

What do you make of this? That commentator is just spot on about the Frenchman

Video courtesy of YouTube

Gerrard feels Sterling can become a legend at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrarrd has urged his teammate Raheem Sterling to remain at the club and become a legend at Anfield.

 

Speaking ahead of Premier League game against Arsenal this weekend, Gerrard said in a report on Sky Sports "I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years. He's going to play most weeks and the fans love him here.

 

"He can progress here and become a top, top player so I hope the people around him give him the right advice - he should stay.

 

"He's great to watch and great to play with. When you look up he's always giving you an option, and that's what I've thrived on throughout my career at Liverpool with the likes of Fernando Torres and Michael Owen.

 

"Raheem's got the potential to be top drawer, for sure."