Liverpool will look to make it three wins on the bounce when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on Sunday, with plenty happening on and off the pitch
Liverpool boss Arne Slot with striker Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool boss Arne Slot with striker Hugo Ekitike(Image: Getty Images)
View 4 Images
There's a fresh wave of optimism sweeping through Liverpool, who are heading into their Premier League showdown with Manchester City with renewed confidence. The Reds clinched a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, marking their first back-to-back wins in all competitions since September.
Adding to the positive result was another sterling performance from Arne Slot's side, who seem to be finding their feet after a string of six losses in seven matches. Their 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa prior to their European success propelled the current league champions to third place in the table, although they still trail league leaders Arsenal by seven points.
With morale at Anfield on the upswing, the Reds can finally look ahead, but they face another tough challenge on Sunday as they head to the Etihad Stadium to square off against Pep Guardiola's team.
In the run-up to the clash between the two clubs that have been fierce rivals for nearly a decade, Hugo Ekitike has been urged to take his game to the next level by his manager, while Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future is once again making headlines as we bring you the latest news surrounding the Reds.
Hugo Ekitike's weakness identified
The Frenchman has been one of Liverpool's standout performers since joining the club in a £79million deal in July. With six goals under his belt across all competitions, he currently tops the scoring chart.
Possessing a distinctive skill set that includes an almost flawless first touch, exceptional link-up play and clinical finishing, the 23-year-old appears destined to remain a cornerstone of Liverpool's attack for the foreseeable future.
Hugo Ekitike looking frustrated
Hugo Ekitike must improve in the air, according to Arne Slot
View 4 Images
Despite receiving considerable acclaim from supporters and pundits, Slot has acknowledged the forward needs to improve his success rate in aerial battles given his 6ft 3in stature. During his pre-match press briefing, the Dutchman remarked: "That is what makes him special, if you're that tall and your footwork is as good as his.
"That's what makes him special, if you're so tall, he needs to be stronger in duels." Ekitike hasn't demonstrated the same effectiveness in the air as he has shown with his feet. According to FotMob, from the 11 aerial challenges he's contested in the Premier League, he's prevailed in merely 37.9% of them.
Konate's uncertain future
Following a difficult opening to the campaign for Konate, the France international has lately demonstrated why the Reds are determined to tie down his long-term future, with his contract set to expire next summer.
Facing circumstances comparable to those of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold last season, the clock is running down for the champions to negotiate fresh terms with the centre-half. Considering his standing amongst Europe's elite defenders, Konate certainly has no shortage of suitors, with Bayern Munich understood to be amongst the clubs monitoring his situation.
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool in action
Ibrahima Konate is out of contract next summer
View 4 Images
According to reports from Bild, the German champions have earmarked the Frenchman as a potential replacement for his compatriot, Dayot Upamecano, should they be unable to keep hold of the 27-year-old, whose deal also runs out at the end of the campaign. His representative is understood to be holding discussions with not only Bayern, but also PSG and Real Madrid.
Liverpool supporters can at least take comfort from the words of Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, who expressed optimism about extending Upamecano's stay. "It's no secret that our main goal is to extend Upa's contract," he said on Friday.
"There are probably a lot of clubs interested in him – he's one of the best centre-backs in the world. Our aim is for him to stay with us for a long time. He feels very, very much at home here. We're in discussions, but there's nothing new to report."
Rooney backtracks on Van Dijk comments
The Manchester United icon caused a stir with his critique of Van Dijk, having questioned the Dutchman's leadership during Liverpool's poor run of form. The 34-year-old made a point of challenging Rooney on live television on Amazon Prime following the Real Madrid triumph.
Addressing the Englishman over his claims that he had grown complacent after signing his new contract earlier this year, he told Rooney: "I think if you would watch games, then [you'd see] I would definitely take the responsibility. I think the comment that I signed my new deal and then it's like, you know, that's it and let it slide. I think that was a bit...."
Virgil van Dijk and Wayne Rooney
Virgil van Dijk confronted Wayne Rooney on live TV
View 4 Images
While Rooney maintained that his comments about Van Dijk's subpar performances were justified, he did acknowledge the defender's irritation at the criticism was justified. On his BBC Sport podcast, he said: "I thought he was good that night, and I had loads of people say, 'Oh, when he came up to you,' I think fair play to him for coming out.
"I think Van Dijk, his issue was – maybe I was a bit unfair on that because I don't know him as a person. I said he got his new contract and he looked like down to it a little bit. So maybe I was a little bit unfair on that comment, but from a performance point of view, I think I was speaking what I felt and what I was seeing, and I think I was right on them."
Content Image
Content Image
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.