It's normal that the mood drifted a bit [during a run of six defeats in seven matches], but it should be like this at a club like this. Liverpool are still a top-class side and the reigning champions. There is lots of fluctuation and, over the course of 38 games, you will have times when you don't have your best performance.
The captain of Fenerbahce's home has been raided by Turkish police in their ongoing investigation into illegal betting and match fixing. Prosecutors in Istanbul ordered the arrest of 46 people, 29 of them players, on Friday morning as the scandal dominating the country's football landscape continues. Midfielder Mert Hakan Yandas, 31, is accused by prosecutors of making illegal bets on matches through a third party, and reports in Turkey say he has been detained by police.
Image source, BBC Sport Artificial intelligence is making a big mark in elite football, and England are at the cutting edge when it comes to using it in the men's international game. From penalty taking and powering players' wellbeing to targeting their rivals' tactical weaknesses, AI is underpinning the Three Lions' plans for next summer's World Cup. Could a technology which is beginning to change the world around us really help England to glory in North America?
Wales are two wins away from qualifying for their second successive World Cup and only a third in their history. Craig Bellamy's side host Bosnia-Herzegovina in their play-off semi-final on 26 March and, if victorious, will face Italy or Northern Ireland in Cardiff five days later for a place in the 2026 World Cup. The draw for the World Cup takes place in Washington DC on Friday.
Joe Gordon put a hat on the moose's head that peered over the musty back room of a Williamsburg bar. It was the centerpiece of a crowded space, and Gordon knew, for some reason, that the trophy screwed onto the wall needed dressing up. He could neither confirm nor deny whether placing that headwear - branded with the badge of the Danish club he owns, Akademisk Boldklub (AB) - had any impact. But his team was down 1-0, and he was feeling superstitious.
Bournemouth's faltering season sees them host Chelsea on the back of another defeat - this time at home to Everton. The Cherries were bothering the top four not too long ago but a run of four defeats in five games has seen them drop all the way to 14th in a congested Premier League table. Chelsea, meanwhile, were beaten by Leeds in midweek and may turn to fit-again Cole Palmer to reignite their challenge at the top.
Starting with the hosts, while Fulham might have failed to mount what would have been an iconic comeback in west London earlier in the week, Fulham should take plenty of positives away from a stellar performance at Craven Cottage. Eventually falling to 5-4 loss at the hands of Manchester City, Marco Silva's men will be hoping to claim an immediate response here.
Leeds United and Everton are looking to improve their defensive unit during the January transfer window, and they are keen on Natan. The Real Betis defender has done quite well in La Liga, and he has attracted the attention of the Premier League club. According to a report from Fichajes, he will cost around 40 million. It will be interesting to see which of the two English clubs decides to follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season.
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a major move for Palmeiras sensation Allan Elias, one of the brightest young talents in Brazilian football. According to ESPN Brazil, the Magpies have stepped up their pursuit of the 18-year-old midfielder ahead of the January transfer window, with the South American giants open to negotiations if the price is right. The teenager, who has already made headlines for his composure and technical ability, currently has a 100 million release clause,
Arsenal are interested in signing the Turkish sensation Kenan Yildiz from Juventus. The Italian outfit is hoping to agree on a new contract with the player, but they have not been able to secure an agreement with him. They are yet to agree to his demands. Naturally, other clubs are monitoring his situation. Along with Arsenal, Real Madrid is also keen on the player.
I'm told the manager still isn't happy with his squad. There are a few positions he still feels they could strengthen in, despite all the money they spent in the summer, because they haven't been good enough recently. He wants to add another centre-half to his squad, that's no surprise to anybody. When you look through this Liverpool squad, there are still three or four positions where you feel they could strengthen, and it seems the manager feels the same.
