The latest Liverpool news, views and transfer rumours from the ECHO as one former star under Jurgen Klopp makes a vow to Reds fans, and Xabi Alonso sends a message to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Conor Bradley, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Andrew Robertson, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott celebrate with a trophy as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace
Kostas Tsimikas is motivated to get a new lease of life at Liverpool once his loan is over
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Liverpool could do with all the motivation they can muster right now, and there might be a recognisable face prepared to deliver it. That's for next season, though, after Kostas Tsimikas pledged to supporters "next year is a different story" as he sets his sights on a second chance at Anfield.
The Greece international is in the middle of a season-long loan at Roma, where he has experienced varying success under Gian Piero Gasperini. However, Tsimikas has reminded supporters of his determination when his temporary move concludes, having developed a love for all things Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager and Kop icon Xabi Alonso has pardoned Trent Alexander-Arnold for his sluggish start to life in La Liga. The ECHO examines some of the most recent stories surrounding Anfield this Monday morning.
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Alonso backs Alexander-Arnold amid struggles
Former Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold's isn't experiencing the glorious start he anticipated following his summer switch to Madrid. Alexander-Arnold's Spanish spell has been hampered by a hamstring problem and struggles to settle as expected - yet Alonso remains optimistic.
Despite whispers that Alonso is losing favour within the Real dressing room due to a recent slump in form, he remains steadfast in his support for the full-back. Anfield legend Alonso, who made a successful transition to Madrid from Liverpool in 2009, refuses to place those same expectations on his player.
"Trent is a top player, and we need him," he told journalists ahead of Sunday's journey to Girona. "It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."
Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold still has the backing of under-fire Real boss Xabi Alonso
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Since his £10million transfer to Madrid in the summer, Alexander-Arnold has only started five matches for Real. However, now that his hamstring issue is resolved, he's keen to establish some consistency.
The absence of team captain and Spain star Dani Carvajal hasn't helped matters as he contends with injury worries of his own. Nonetheless, Alexander-Arnold could seize this as his chance to spark a turnaround at Real as the season reaches its halfway point.
Tsimikas insistent "next year is a different story"
Less than six months since leaving Liverpool, Tsimikas has revealed the profound fondness he harbours for his second home. The Premier League winner joined the Reds from Olympiakos in the summer of 2020 and has contributed to some memorable moments in Liverpool's recent history.
Tsimikas has featured in 10 matches across all competitions at Roma this campaign, although it's unclear whether his loan move will be extended. Nevertheless, it seems the defender would be delighted to continue his adventure at Anfield if given the opportunity.
Kostas Tsimikas of AS Roma looks on during the UEFA Europa League MD2 match between AS Roma and LOSC Lille
Tsimikas is proud of his rep as 'The Greek Scouser'
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"I miss the city. I lived there for five years. I love everything in Liverpool. They have a special part of my heart," he recently told The Athletic. "The people are very kind, some of the kindest I've ever met in football.
"They'd always try to support the team, in good, in bad, they would always do their best to try to help you. I want everything for this club, because from day one, I was fully committed there. I was the Greek Scouser, and I always will be, I'll keep it for my whole life."
When questioned about his ambitions to secure a spot back in the Liverpool squad, Tsimikas said: "You never know. The most important thing for me is to be healthy, to train hard, to play more games. Next year is a different story for me. I want to be successful, I want to win things. Only God knows what will happen in the next year."
He might well secure that opportunity considering the difficulties Milos Kerkez has faced since arriving under Arne Slot this season. With Andy Robertson approaching his 32nd birthday in March, there could well be appetite to introduce a fresh (or familiar) option into the left-back rotation.
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