Liverpool are in action against Manchester City on Sunday and we've got the latest news on the reigning champions ahead of the Premier League clash
15:52, 08 Nov 2025
Arne Slot wants to see more from one summer signing at Liverpool
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Arne Slot wants to see more from one summer signing at Liverpool
There's a renewed feel-good feeling around Liverpool, who head into their league clash with Manchester City with the utmost confidence.
The Reds secured a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday to mark back-to-back victories across all competitions for the first time since September. On top of the positive result, it was yet another improved performance from Arne Slot's side, who appear to be on the right track after a run of six defeats in seven games.
The 2-0 win over Aston Villa which preceded their European triumph lifted the reigning league champions to third in the table, but they remain seven points behind league leaders Arsenal. With an improved morale surrounding Anfield, the Reds can finally look forward but face another stern test on Sunday as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Pep Guardiola's side.
Ahead of the clash involving the two clubs that have gone head-to-head for almost a decade, here's all the latest news from Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike weakness
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool FC
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Hugo Ekitike cost Liverpool £79m in the summer(Image: Harry Langer/Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has been one of Liverpool's best players since arriving at the club in a £79million deal in July. With six goals to his name across all competitions, he is currently the Reds' top scorer.
With his distinctive skill set featuring an almost flawless first touch, his knack for combining with team-mates and superb finishing prowess, the 23-year-old appears destined to spearhead Liverpool's attack for many seasons ahead.
Despite receiving widespread acclaim from supporters and pundits, Slot has acknowledged the striker needs to boost his success rate in aerial battles given his towering 6ft 3in stature, reports the Mirror.
During his pre-match media 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 been as dominant in the air as he has with his feet on the ground. FotMob statistics reveal that from 11 aerial challenges in the Premier League, the Frenchman has prevailed in just 37.9% of them.
Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool(Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Following a disappointing opening to the campaign for Ibrahima Konate, the France defender has lately demonstrated precisely why the Reds are keen to tie down his long-term future, with his deal set to expire next summer.
Mirroring the circumstances faced by Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold last term, the clock is running down for the champions to strike a fresh agreement with the centre-half.
Given his standing amongst Europe's elite defenders, Konate certainly has plenty of suitors, with Bayern Munich reportedly among those monitoring his situation.
According to Bild, the German giants have earmarked the Frenchman as a potential replacement for his fellow countryman, Dayot Upamecano, should they fail to keep hold of the 27-year-old, whose deal also runs out at the end of the campaign.
His representative is reportedly in discussions with not only Bayern, but also PSG and Real Madrid.
Liverpool supporters can find some comfort in the words of Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, who expressed optimism about keeping Upamecano. "It's no secret that our main goal is to extend Upa's contract," he revealed 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 retreats from Van Dijk criticism
Wayne Rooney on The Wayne Rooney Show with BBC Sport
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Wayne Rooney has recalled his chat with Virgil van Dijk at Anfield(Image: The Wayne Rooney Show - BBC Sport)
The Manchester United icon grabbed headlines with his harsh words about Van Dijk, having questioned the Dutchman's captaincy during their poor spell.
The 34-year-old made sure to challenge Rooney face-to-face on Amazon Prime's live coverage after the Real Madrid triumph.
Pressing the former England striker on his claims that he had grown complacent after penning his fresh contract this year, he confronted 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...."
While Rooney maintained that his comments about Van Dijk's subpar performances were accurate, he did acknowledge why the defender might be irked by the criticism. Speaking 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.
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"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."