Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast

How do you improve a squad that has just won the Champions League and recorded a club-record Premier League points tally? It's a question Jurgen Klopp, Michael Edwards and Liverpool's razor-sharp recruitment team will no doubt have the answer to, but it is also one that forms the basis of our latest View from the Kop fans' podcast, featuring Dan Kay, Paul Philbin, debutant Peter Harris, and hosted by Paul Wheelock. It may not even have been six weeks since Madrid, but one look at social media would suggest that some supporters are concerned that there haven't been any significant additions just yet. Our panel discuss whether those concerns are justified and argue that they while it appears all quiet on the transfer front, important business has been and will continue to be done behind the scenes. And the Reds have proved in recent seasons that when they identify a target, they waste little time in getting their man. But is that task made more difficult this summer? Dan explains why he feels like that could be the case but why any possible recruits should look at the examples of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi. Speaking of Big Div, we recorded this podcast just before it was announced he had penned a new long-term deal with the club, but rather than editing that section out, we kept it in, mainly for Philbo's description of last season's most unlikely hero. But with Origi sticking around, and with Rhian Brewster ready to step up, Dan asks the question of how many strikers does Klopp need, while Peter talks up the ability of Harry Wilson. There's also time to talk what could be an inter-club battle for the Ballon d'Or plus pre-season memories, including the time Philbo left a friendly after just 22 seconds, battering Barcelona at Wembley, and 95,000 Reds singing You'll Never Walk Alone in Melbourne. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly six weeks since that glorious weekend in Madrid, the best team in Europe are back in action on Thursday night when Liverpool make the short trip to Tranmere Rovers for their first pre-season friendly of the summer. So what should Reds fans heading over to Prenton Park expect? That's the first talking point of another brilliant edition of the Poetry in Motion podcast, hosted as ever by Neil Fitzmaurice and featuring Paul Gorst and Caoimhe O'Neill. There's two highly rated 17-year-old Dutch defenders, there's a Colombian left-back who could be sensing an opportunity now that Alberto Moreno's left, and there is Rhian Brewster, whose role next season comes under big discussion. Fitzy also explains why he's worried about Naby Keita and asks why Liverpool have been linked with big-money moves left, right and centre even though it is becoming clear what the club's transfer policy will be this month and next. Also on the agenda is Jurgen Klopp's faith in Marko Grujic, the importance of Dejan Lovren and Simon Mignolet and whether the duo could and should stay, finding new superlatives for Virgil van Dijk, and how good it would be if the Dutch defender got his hands on the Ballon d'Or. But the talk drifts back to transfers, what the signing of Sepp van den Berg and imminent arrival of Harvey Elliott says, and why it goes to show that Klopp, Michael Edwards and the rest know exactly what they're doing. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the first Behind Enemy Lines podcast of the new season. For new listeners, this is the podcast in which we get the lowdown on Liverpool's next opponents, who just happen to be Tranmere Rovers. The League Two play-off winners will play host as the European champions get their preparations for the 2019-20 campaign under way on Thursday night. Regular host Paul Wheelock is joined in the ECHO studio by our Tranmere Rovers correspondent Tom Cavilla for a chat about the friendly, the Wirral outfit's thrilling rise back up the pyramid, and the Liverpool Champions League winner who has just arrived at Prenton Park. You will then be able to hear Tom's interview with Tranmere chairman Mark Palios, who shares his thoughts on the relationship between the two clubs, the support Liverpool showed when their neighbours slipped into non-league, the common bond between the two teams, and why Prenton Park could become a destination for some of the Reds' top young talent. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's our first Blood Red podcast of the week - and our first since James Pearce upped and left us. Little wonder, then, that Paul Gorst, Caoimhe O'Neill and Sam Carroll are feeling a little sad. That, and hungover, too, after a long and lively leaving do for our former Liverpool FC correspondent. Now James leaving was a shock for us and Reds fans the world over, but his decision would be eclipsed if Jurgen Klopp called it quits. There is no suggestion - or chance, let's face it - of that happening anytime soon and the club is completely relaxed over the fact that he has yet to pen a fresh contract in the aftermath of the Champions League victory. That's no surprise when his current deal does not actually run out until 2022. Koppites would like nothing more than for the German to remain in charge of the Reds for many years after that. So our panel look at how long the 52-year-old's could stay at Anfield or whether history will repeat itself. Also on the agenda is the imminent arrival of 16-year-old Premier League history-maker Harvey Elliott and what his signing - and that of Sepp van den Berg - could actually say about Klopp's future. Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri returned to training on Monday and Caoimhe and Paul look at what lies ahead for two players whose biggest impact last season came off the bench - as well the pre-season opener with Tranmere Rovers and what kind of team could line-up at Prenton Park. And there's also time to talk the miraculous James Milner, goalkeeper issues, Harry Wilson and Ryan Kent, and the returning favourite who could be the biggest star of the summer. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Hooton is back with his brilliant Allez Les Rouges podcast and for this latest episode he is joined by journalist and author Brian Reade, George Sephton, who has been the stadium announcer and matchday DJ at Anfield since 1971, show debutant Peter Harris, who is the Live Content Editor at the ECHO, and for a little while at least, a certain James Pearce. The podcast was recorded immediately after our now-departed Liverpool FC correspondent delivered a magnificent leaving speech and before he went out and got very, very drunk indeed. But he still found time to pop into the studio to have a quick word with Peter and Co before the show got on the road. James has been covering the Reds for eight-and-a-half years, but for George, his association with the club goes back much longer. It is welcoming, then, to hear what he says about the current crop compared to the great Liverpool teams of the 80s. George then takes us back to that famous win over Barcelona before the panel discuss Pep Guardiola's comments about the ground and the role of Jurgen Klopp in it all. George also recalls some brilliant stories from his many years as the 'Voice of Anfield', including the time he enraged half of Rome, while naturally, there is transfer talk, including a Barcelona player Brian believes the Reds could target, and why pre-season is the perfect opportunity to give the likes of Harry Wilson a chance to show whether he is good enough to play regularly for the European champions. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's your Friday Blood Red podcast - AKA James Pearce's last as the ECHO's Liverpool FC correspondent. To steal the words from host Sean Bradbury's brilliant intro, this is not 'This is Your Life' - that came on Wednesday when James sat down with Joe Rimmer to look back on his eight-and-a-half years covering the Reds. If you haven't listened to that, you can do so HERE (it's great). Instead, this show is mainly concerned with the subject James has probably been pestered about the most during his time as our man in the know at Anfield - transfers. Should Liverpool act now Manchester City have started to flex their financial muscle again with the £62.8m acquisition of Rodri? And when even Tottenham Hotspur have spent big? Caoimhe O'Neill and Theo Squires have their say while James reveals the one area of the squad he does feel needs to be strengthened. But how does Jurgen Klopp feel? James gives us an insight into the thought process of the Reds manager while also clarifying the club's stance on Divock Origi and Dejan Lovren. Regular listeners will know the esteem in which Caoimhe holds Origi. But while her back-garden statue to big Div is back on, she does utter the unthinkable. There's also time for Theo to aim a cruel dig at Emre Can before Sean asks James to give us his early take on what he expects next season and the man himself gives us some very welcome news. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About a year ago we caught up with Liverpool Under-23s goalkeeper Andy Firth to reflect on an unforgettable loan spell at Chester FC, which coincided with the club losing players left, right and centre - and very nearly going out of business. Safe to say it was an experience he wouldn’t forget in a hurry. But after signing a new contract with the Reds, the youngster decided to make the move back into National League football, but this time on a permanent basis, and this time with Barrow. It was a move that started well. But come November he had lost his place in the team, and you wouldn’t have blamed him for having second thoughts about leaving Liverpool, the club he has supported all his life. But then he didn't know what was just around the corner. In December, Andy took a call from his agent informing him that his idol, and Reds legend, Steven Gerrard wanted to sign him for Rangers. He did not need asking twice – and come the end of the season he had not only experienced a famous Auld Firm win from the bench, he’d also made his competitive debut. So with Rangers about to start their Europa League campaign, Paul Wheelock picks the phone back up to Andy to look back on what, as the man says himself, has been a surreal year. They also talk working under Gerrard, Liverpool’s current and former loanees at Rangers, Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Kent, his big mate Harry Wilson, and what it was like to be a fan, watching on from the stands, as the Reds beat Barcelona and then Tottenham to be crowned champions of Europe for the sixth time. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll have heard the news by now that our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce is leaving the Liverpool ECHO after 14 years - eight-and-a-half of which have seen him report on the Reds, both home and away. It was only right, then, that his regular Blood Red sidekick Joe Rimmer sat down with James to look back on his time as our man in the know at Anfield in this special podcast. It's a superb listen - starting with the last, glorious match report he will write for the ECHO, and then taking him back to when he first walked through the doors at our former Old Hall Street home. At the start of his ECHO career, James reveals he actually spent time covering Everton. But he fell out with the Blue half of Merseyside indefinitely after his infamous 'DVD-gate' article (read it HERE) which wound-up David Moyes and brought a flood of angry letters from Blues. James also looks back on his relationships with the Liverpool managers he has worked with, from Kenny Dalglish to Jurgen Klopp and, most interestingly, Brendan Rodgers in between. James also explains why Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were such a big help when he was starting out on the Reds reporting beat and picks out some of his funniest stories over the years - including offers to adopt children and Kolo Toure running away from koalas. Another big talking point is the rise of social media - and the role it is has played in James' career so far and how he deals with the harsher side of it. And the podcast rounds off with some quickfire questions, one answer to which takes an unexpected turn, but which also proves we're not only losing an outstanding reporter, but a good guy, too. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The good news: James Pearce and Ian Doyle are back on the Blood Red podcast after their well-deserved breaks following Liverpool's glorious Champions League final victory. The bad news: It's the last time the pair will appear on the pod together as ECHO employees given Ian is off on Friday, which is James' last day as our Liverpool FC correspondent, both home and away. Caoimhe O'Neill, like us all, has not taken the news well, but that doesn't stop her from appearing alongside our Reds reporting duo for what is, as always, a brilliant listen. It's a listen that starts with the announcement that Marko Grujic will be returning to Hertha Berlin on loan. The panel discuss what it means for the midfielder's Liverpool future before turning their thoughts to the Reds stars currently participating at the Copa America and Africa Cup of Nations, and the headaches that could bring Jurgen Klopp once the season kicks in. Of particular interest for James, Caoimhe and Ian is Naby Keita, who they believe has a very difficult decision to make. Also on the agenda is Danny Ings' completing his permanent move to Southampton and whether that adds extra weight to the argument that Klopp needs to sign another attacker. Pep Guardiola's tribute to Anfield is then discussed, as is the opportunity for further trophies before the year is out, before Ian and James sign off together for the last time. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've gone Dutch for our latest podcast on the Blood Red channel. With Sepp van den Berg becoming Liverpool's first signing of the summer, Paul Wheelock picks up the phone to Dutch football expert Michael Statham to learn more about the 17-year-old defender's background, his attributes and whether he's ready for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team. They also touch on Ki-Jana Hoever, the other 17-year-old Dutch defender already on the Reds’ books after signing from Ajax last summer, on the imperious Virgil van Dijk, and his claims to be named the winner of this year’s Ballon D’Or, and Gini Wijnaldum, and what should be considered the midfielder’s best position. Michael, who is a writer and podcaster for the excellent Football Oranje website, also gives his us take on Matthijs de Ligt, which may leave fans wondering why the Reds did not bid for the Juventus-bound defender, as well as Memphis Depay, who looks a player to steer clear of. And with the Reds definitely in the market for more young talent like van den Berg and Hoever, Michael also picks out six other talented Dutch youngsters to keep an eye on. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sun is shining, the weekend is here (for some of us, anyway)... little wonder, then, the latest Blood Red podcast, hosted by Connor Dunn and featuring Paul Gorst, Caoimhe O'Neill and Dan Kay, is positively upbeat. And if the fact that it's Friday and the weather is glorious wasn't enough, Liverpool have also made their first signing of the summer! In some quarters, though, it wasn't the big name hoped for. However, Paul explains why Reds fans should be thrilled by the arrival of Sepp van den Berg, while Caoimhe and Dan argue the last-gasp attempt from another European heavyweight to tempt the 17-year-old Dutch defender away from Anfield should make you very excited indeed. It's a case of one in, one out at Liverpool and Paul also gives us the lowdown on Rafael Camacho's transfer to Sporting Lisbon and why, if you scratch beneath the surface, it could be another masterstroke from Michael Edwards, who comes in for a lot of praise. Whether Edwards and Jurgen Klopp pull another rabbit out of the hat on the incoming front remains to be seen, though, and given it's looks like the Reds will not be splashing the cash this summer, Connor thinks outside the box and proposes to push the huge money the club made last season in another direction. Also on the agenda is a fresh setback for Naby Keita before the podcast ends with a celebration of Sadio Mane, three years to the day since he joined Liverpool. Now what a signing that has been. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After checking that - yes - Liverpool are still champions of Europe, and after giving Donald Trump and Boris Johnson a good kicking, Neil Fitzmaurice gets your latest Poetry in Motion podcast under way, joined by his regular sidekicks Joe Rimmer and Caoimhe O'Neill. The first item on the agenda are transfers and the strange position Liverpool find themselves in this summer. But while the Reds have yet to make their first big-money buy, they have completed the signing of teenage Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg, a deal the panel believe underlines why Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards know exactly what they're doing, and which proves the strides the club has made in recent years. But while the message is 'have faith' amidst a frenzy for deals, should another striker be a top priority? Especially when Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could be playing into July with their respective national teams? Fitzy, Joe and Caoimhe discuss that before laughing off reports linking Salah with Real Madrid, talking Rafa Benitez's departure from Newcastle United, and remembering the time Fernando Torres left Liverpool and why, like Philippe Coutinho, it proved the grass is definitely not always greener. There is a further example of why the Reds have messed with Barcelona's heads before Fitzy closes the show with a lovely tribute to his late cousin John O'Leary, the outstanding grassroots footballer whose passing touched many, including Kop legends Phil Thompson and Terry McDermott. RIP John. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You don’t need reminding what a successful season it has been for Liverpool and the strides that have been made under Jurgen Klopp. But while glory on the field is what it’s all about for supporters, there’s no getting away from the fact that what a club does off the field, is vitally important in today’s game. The good news for Liverpool is they are in very good health in that respect. That is certainly underlined by the special guest of this podcast, Kieran Maguire. Kieran is one of the leading football finance experts, who lectures in the subject at the University of Liverpool, and in a wide-ranging interview with Paul Wheelock, he explains: - Just how much Liverpool made from winning the Champions League - How and why the Reds could soon catch and surpass Manchester United off the pitch - having already knocked their bitter rivals off their perch on it - The latest with Manchester City and Financial Fair Play - The job done by FSG - and what next for Liverpool's owners - And, should he choose to do, just how much Reds boss Klopp could spend in the transfer market this summer.Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jurgen Klopp finds himself in the enviable position of not having to do too much tinkering to a squad that won the club’s sixth European Cup. That’s why reports connecting Liverpool to the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Nicholas Pepe have so far been played down. But one name that refuses to go is away is that of Bruno Fernandes. After scoring 31 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season, the Portugal midfielder has also been linked with Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. But if the bookies are to be believed, Liverpool are the favourites to sign the 24-year-old. Now the word coming out of Anfield is that the club will not be spending big this summer. But it was only a year ago that Reds boss Klopp was attempting to boost his attacking midfield options with the signing of Nabil Fekir - and if there is one area you could suggest his side could improve, it is the amount of goals they score from the middle of the park, although the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should help with that. But the special guest of this podcast, Alex Goncalves, believes the Reds would be wise to follow up their reported interest in Fernandes. Alex is a Portuguese football expert and the creator of the TugaScout.com website. And as well as giving the lowdown on Fernandes, he also tells Paul Wheelock about the Benfica rookie who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, plus the future of Rafael Camacho, and whether Klopp and his Premier League managerial counterparts have missed a trick by not going after Joao Felix. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

July is just a week away and Liverpool have yet to make their first signing of the summer. In contrast, it looks like Manchester City are about to get busy in the market with the big-money acquisitions of Harry Maguire and Rodri. But is our latest Blood Red panel worried? Not in the slightest. After squashing the latest speculation, Connor Dunn, Paul Gorst, Joe Rimmer and Theo Squires argue why it is City, and not the Reds, who have the more pressing business to conduct. But with little in the way of transfer activity, and the first friendlies still more than two weeks away, our podcasters are having to be creative, and most of this show focuses on two former fan favourites who have long departed Anfield and another who will soon do the same (well, the ECHO). Over the weekend Fernando Torres explained his decision to call time on his playing career, and Joe, Gorsty, Theo and Connor (El Nino's biggest fan) look back on the striker's Liverpool career, his departure, and the regard he is now held in by Reds fans. They also react to the breaking news that Rafa Benitez, the man who brought Torres to Liverpool, is leaving Newcastle United, as well as addressing the fact that our much-loved Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce - the man who was once asked for an autograph while interviewing Champions League winner Antonio Nunez, and who last week had Reds CEO Peter Moore asking about him - will soon be leaving the ECHO. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest Blood Red podcast features host Joe Rimmer alongside Paul Gorst, Caoimhe O'Neill and Theo Squires and it's dominated by a topic that gets fans' pulses racing like few others - transfers.With Liverpool linked to a shock move for Kylian Mbappe over the past few days, we try to separate fact from fiction and reveal exactly what is happening with the PSG superstar.And while the World Cup winner might not be about to pitch up at Anfield this summer, perhaps it's time Reds fans got used to seeing their European Cup-winning club linked to the biggest names in the sport?After all, given their progress under Jurgen Klopp, why can't they attract the game's superstars?There's plenty of discussion on Divock Origi's future, with Paul bringing you latest, while Caoimhe, fresh from building a statue for the Reds' Champions League hero, explains why he deserves to go down in folklore. Origi, that is...not Paul.Antoine Griezmann, Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang and Matthis de Ligt are also discussed as the gang question what is next for Klopp's Champions League winners. As ever, it's a must-listen. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's nearly three weeks since that unforgettable night in Madrid and we still can't enough of talking about how Liverpool won European Cup number six. But how was it for the people who chronicled' the Reds' Champions League triumph? ECHO old boy, Neil Jones, who is now the Liverpool FC correspondent for Goal, and author and journalist Simon Hughes, who has a written a book on the Reds' resurgence, have their say in the latest Allez Les Rouges podcast, hosted as ever by Peter Hooton and also featuring regular guest John Nicolson. But even though the win over Tottenham Hotspur is still fresh in the mind, increasingly the focus is falling on transfers and just what Jurgen Klopp will do in the market this summer. It's accepted that an additional forward will have to be brought in, given that Daniel Sturridge has followed Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings through the exit door, but Simon and Neil explain why the powers that be have faith in Rhian Brewster. Also on the agenda is the difficult full-back question and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and whether Klopp needs a Philippe Coutinho replacement. The panel also discuss Harry Wilson, and why the fact that the young Wales international's position at Liverpool underlines just how far Manchester United are now behind their biggest rivals, plus pre-season, and why the Community Shield could be much more than just a glorified friendly. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think there is little to talk about during this dead period around Liverpool FC? Think again. Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams go off-course this week and analyse the clubs who will look to stop Liverpool lifting the Premier League title next season?In part one of an in-depth preview, the strengths and weaknesses of Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all assessed. Can City produce another campaign like their last two? How would Frank Lampard work at Stamford Bridge? Are Spurs the Reds’ biggest growing concern?With Arsenal, Manchester United and the ‘best of the rest’ to come next week, the team also look at Kylian Mbappe and confirm what we all know anyway: he’s really, really good and Liverpool should sign him. Whether they would, however, is a different matter. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Blood Red podcast is back and the lads are discussing the Liverpool issues on all supporters' minds right now.Host Sam Carroll is joined by Theo Squires, Chris Beesley and Joe Rimmer to ask all the big questions.How do Liverpool replace Simon Mignolet? Do fans finally appreciate Jordan Henderson? Can Harry Wilson finally force his way into Jurgen Klopp's plans?And just how do you pronounce Adidas? There's also talk about players who have left Liverpool and why the Reds won't have the same problems as Manchester United and Chelsea.Sam then asks Theo, Chris and Joe which exit left them heartbroken, before a discussion about Michael Owen's sister's dog and the Harry Potter series. Yes, you did read that correctly.Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the second part of our European special on the Blood Red channel to see how the leading clubs on the continent are going to react to Liverpool winning the Champions League. In part one, we spoke to writers who cover Ligue 1 in France and the Bundesliga in Germany, and if you missed the show, you can listen to it by clicking HERE. But in part two Paul Wheelock picks up the phone to Simon Harrison, a Spanish football expert who covers La Liga for BT Sport and the i newspaper, who tells us all about the fallout from Barcelona’s humbling at Anfield, Real Madrid’s incredible spending spree, and how it is an end of an era for Atletico Madrid. But we start by speaking to Italian football writer John Solano, who is the editor of the excellent RomaPress.Net website. Now John got Liverpool fans very excited with what he had to say about Alisson Becker prior to the goalkeeper's arrival at Anfield in July last year. So, naturally we started our conversation by talking about the brilliant Brazilian – before moving on to discuss what will be a summer of transition for Serie A’s top clubs. Like our podcasts? Then make sure you subscribe to them - as that helps us reach even more Liverpool fans! And if you'd like to join your fellow Reds on our Blood Red podcast page on Facebook, you can do so by applying to join HERE. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the 2019-20 fixtures out, are we now okay to call it 'this season'? Even though 'last season' only ended two weeks ago with glory in Madrid? It's a question Sean Bradbury, Paul Gorst and Caoimhe O'Neill contemplate before getting stuck into the more serious stuff on the latest edition of the Blood Red podcast. Top of the agenda are those aforementioned fixtures and why it would be nice to bring back Luis Suarez back for the opener at home to Norwich City. The matches immediately after the Champions League group games are examined as are the crucial Premier League clashes with Manchester City, more of whom in a bit. Dejan Lovren is wanted by AC Milan but, despite his age, and despite his injury record, should Liverpool resist all bids even if they hit the defender's £25m valuation? Our panel discuss that before looking at the business both the Reds and City have to do over the summer. We also talk the role the ECHO plays in it all, and see whether Gorsty has enjoyed taking on James Pearce's 'bad news' moniker in the absence of our Liverpool FC correspondent. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think we've stopped crowing about Liverpool winning the Champions League yet? Well, think again Manchester City fans, Tottenham Hotspur legends or anyone else who is jealous of the Reds' success, because we'll be doing it for some time yet. That's the message Neil Fitzmaurice would like to send out as he returns for his first Poetry in Motion podcast since Liverpool made it number six in Madrid. Naturally, the incredible scenes at the Wanda Metropolitano and back here in the city are reminisced over at length before talk turns to the multi-faceted genius that is Jurgen Klopp and just exactly what he will do in the transfer market this summer. The Reds boss has been linked with a string of big-money moves for players including Matthijs de Ligt, Nicholas Pepe and Memphis Depay, and given what his side have just achieved, he should have every chance of getting them. But why won't he be doing that? And so who will Klopp be going for? Fitzy and regular sidekicks Joe Rimmer and Paul Gorst discuss that before looking over Liverpool's fixtures for the new Premier League campaign as well as the club's new away kit. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool may be champions of Europe, but that doesn't stop interest in transfers being at an all-time high. But how does Liverpool's recruitment work - and what does it mean for their work this summer transfer window? Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams run the rule over the Reds' squad and figure out which positions need strengthening. Who would be the ideal replacement as a No.2 if Simon Mignolet leaves? What sort of left-back will Jurgen Klopp look at? Who is that back-up forward player capable of easing the burden on the club's fearsome trio up top? A whole host of names are assessed including Matthijs de Ligt, Bruno Fernandes and Timo Werner - while the futures of several players, including Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Harry Wilson, are discussed. A must-listen for all transfer fans. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We very much doubt you need reminding but Liverpool were crowned European champions for the sixth time just under two weeks ago with their historic victory in Madrid sending out a massive statement of intent to the rest of Europe. So that got us thinking... how are the top clubs on the continent reacting to the Reds' win? And how are their summers shaping up? We’ll no doubt be keeping a close eye on what Liverpool’s Premier League rivals are up to throughout pre-season. So for this podcast, the first of two European specials, Paul Wheelock speaks to a French football expert and a German football expert to get the lowdown from Ligue Un and the Bundesliga. Rich Allen is a French football writer and podcaster for Get French Football News and French Football Weekly who we have had on Blood Red before. And we caught up again to talk Paris Saint-Germain, the lesson they should learn from Liverpool, the battle of egos between Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the rise of Lille, why Jurgen Klopp should not make a move for Nicolas Pepe or Memphis Depay... and, of course, how could we not speak about Nabil Fekir? You will then hear from Goal.com’s Ronan Murphy, in which he talks about the big spending already been done by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Klopp’s chance of returning to Germany in the future and whether Timo Werner will be on the market this summer, and whether he would be a good buy for Liverpool. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have talked and talked about European Cup number six - and we will take great pleasure in continuing to talk about it for years and years to come. But while that magical weekend in Madrid is still very much in our thoughts, our first Blood Red podcast of the week focuses on something different - transfers. Host and birthday boy Joe Rimmer is back from a well-deserved break and he joins forces with Connor Dunn, friend of the stars* Theo Squires (*Burnley and England goalkeepers) and Michael Edwards' best mate** Caoimhe O'Neill (**we don't think this is true) to assess the reports linking Matthijs de Ligt, Memphis Depay, Max Kruse, Nicolas Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Samuel Chukwueze and Philippe Coutinho with moves to Anfield. Also up for debate is the future of Harry Wilson while Joe shocks everyone with his Divock Origi question. And it wouldn't be silly season without us talking about Nabil Fekir. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One week on from the incredible scenes that accompanied the Liverpool’s triumphant return to the city, with European Cup number six in the bag, Dan Kay and Paul Philbin join host Paul Wheelock for a View from the Kop fans’ podcast. Dan and Philbo were both in Madrid to see the Reds win the Champions League, but has it sunk in yet? And how does the feeling differ to the last time the Reds won Ol’ Big Ears in Istanbul in 2005? The Anfield season-ticket holders answer those questions and then marvel at the big difference Jurgen Klopp has brought about in the past 12 months. From Alisson – who Philbo makes a big claim about – to Joel Matip and Divock Origi, there is plenty of praise for members of Klopp’s squad. But the biggest accolades go to the Liverpool manager himself, who if history proves anything, will be here for another three seasons at least. But why shouldn’t it be longer? Philbo and Dan discuss that and then turn their thoughts to the summer and the ‘lovely position’ the Reds find themselves in. Also on the agenda is the plans to increase the capacity in the Anfield Road end before our panel answer four quick-fire questions about what will go down as one of the greatest seasons in this great club’s history. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our week of celebrations on the Blood Red channel continues with a must-listen Allez Les Rouges podcast. Host Peter Hooton is at full strength as he is joined by regular guests Ste Monaghan, Kieth Culvin, John Nicolson and Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman to reflect on Liverpool's magnificent Champions League final victory and much else besides. The match itself is covered in depth, including why Jurgen Klopp got it right and Mauricio Pochettino got it wrong, particularly regarding his decision to start Harry Kane. 'Selfless' Reds captain Jordan Henderson is hailed as is the fabulous atmosphere created inside and outside the ground by the inspirational travelling Kop. But there is also talk of the future, and what needs to happen next. John is keen to make more statement signings in the vein of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, with the big Red urging Klopp to for one of the players on the beaten side in Madrid. But the panel are also keen for the powers that be to use some of the huge funds generated by the run to the final to give the younger generation of supporters. who have done so much to improve the atmosphere outside the ground, around Liverpool and across the world, the chance to do what they do but inside Anfield. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly one week on and the mood is still very much buoyant after Liverpool's incredible Champions League final win. But have the events of Madrid really sunk in for you? That's the question host Sean Bradbury asks Ian Doyle, Paul Gorst and Caoimhe O'Neill on your latest Blood Red podcast. Also up for debate is Liverpool's smart new away kit, which was revealed earlier in the day. But will this be the Reds' last strip with New Balance? Paul teases us with a potential update before talk turns to Daniel Sturridge's departure from the club and his classy sign-off message. Is there as much love for Alberto Moreno? Yes, but not in the way you'd expect. One player who does look set to stay at Anfield is Adam Lallana but what do the panel make of the midfielder's declaration of intent? Our latest Blood Red Live event is also reviewed while a demob-happy Ian does he best to wind everyone up before his three-week break. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool are champions of Europe. What’s more, they are the best team on the continent... and they look very hard to stop. That is the overriding feeling on the latest episode of Analysing Anfield with Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams, as the pair meticulously go through the 90 minutes in Madrid - and beyond. The Reds’ long ball game is discussed as the match provides several record-breaking stats for the season - including the lowest number of passes in a single match. Josh rallies against the argument this was a poor spectacle, with Kristian keen to compare Jurgen Klopp to the good José Mourinho... except he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The likes of Sadio Mane, Alisson Becker and James Milner are also lauded, while the final question is asked: can Liverpool make it seven times in Istanbul? A must listen. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The celebrations continued on Wednesday night as we staged our latest Blood Red Live, this time right here in Liverpool at the Baltic Market. Featuring our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce and reporter Ian Doyle, Peter Hooton, of our Allez Les Rouges podcast, and hosted by Neil Fitzmaurice, of our Poetry in Motion podcast, the event kicked off with music from Kieran Molyneux, fresh from the singer playing to thousands of Reds supporters in the fan park in Madrid prior to the Champions League final. Guests then tackled a fiendishly difficult quiz before taking part in a Q&A with James, Ian, Peter and Fitzy. You can listen to the Q&A in full here - as well as some of the highlights from Kieran's brilliant set. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the Blood Red podcast and Liverpool have won it six times. Host Sean Bradbury has done some Harry Redknapp-style wheeling and dealing to secure the services of pod debutant and news reporter Joe Thomas, who covered the final and parade in Liverpool, along with Caoimhe O'Neill who was out in Madrid for the match. Today's episode switches between the incredible experiences both in Liverpool and in Spain as we take a chronological look back at how the entire, unforgettable weekend unfolded. There are moments you may have missed from the bus parade, briliant stories from the Spanish capital and an inspirational assessment of what this all means for Jurgen Klopp's team next season. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Like millions of Reds fans all over the world, it was back down to earth for our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce when he returned to work at the office after a historic weekend in Madrid. But such is the nature of following the Reds, there is very rarely a quiet day, and late last Tuesday afternoon it was confirmed that Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno are leaving the club. And, in his last podcast before he has some very well-deserved time off, James Pearce speaks to Paul Wheelock to give his reaction to the news and look back on Sturridge's rollercoaster Anfield career, which started in a blaze of goals and ultimately ended on a glorious high. Paul asks James whether Jurgen Klopp will be targeting replacements at left-back and up front, with the answer to the latter question particularly interesting. Our man in the know at Anfield also talks the future of Champions League final goalscoring hero Divock Origi as well as key men James Milner and Joel Matip before James gives us the latest on Liverpool's pre-season plans and what is still to come. - And if you'd like to hear more from James, Ian Doyle, Neil Fitzmaurice and Peter Hooton about the Champions League win, there are still tickets available for our latest Blood Red Live event, taking place at the Baltic Market in Liverpool on Wednesday (June 5). Click HERE to buy your tickets. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nothing will beat those scenes when Jordan Henderson got his hands on Liverpool’s sixth European Cup and lifted Ol’ Big Ears high into the Madrid sky to the utter delight of Reds supporters in the Wanda Metropolitano and all over the world. But that was just a culmination of a magical weekend in the Spanish capital. And one of the definite highlights was when thousands upon thousands of Koppites crammed into the Fan Park before the final itself. With music from the likes of BOSS Night favourites Ben Burke, Kieran Molyneux and Jamie Webster, Chelcee Grimes, a very special performance from Cast singer-songwriter John Power, plus a DJ set from Colin Murray and an appearance from The Anfield Wrap’s John Gibbons and Neil Atkinson, it was a swelteringly hot afternoon to remember. Producer Michael Pearson was out in Madrid for the ECHO and he captures the mood in Plaza Felipe II in this special audio portrait, which includes music from Webster, an interview with Dan Nicholson, who is one of the men behind BOSS night, and an interview with and music from Power, whose spine-tingling rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone closes the podcast. Enjoy!*Please note the podcast contains bad language For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's 2.15 in the morning at the Wanda Metropolitano and, with their final copy filed and the last of the jubilant Liverpool players spoken to, James Pearce, Ian Doyle and Conor Dunn sit down to record a very special Blood Red podcast to react to Liverpool's historic 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final. It starts with James and Connor giving their verdict on a match that saw the Reds crowned the kings of Europe for the sixth time before picking out individuals for particular praise. Alisson's performance, which was in stark contrast to the one produced by Loris Karius in last year's final, is hailed, as is the culmination of Divock Origi's incredible comeback. But the biggest accolades are saved for the manager Jurgen Klopp and the captain Jordan Henderson. There are also kind words for the magnificent Mohamed Salah, who banished those memories of Kiev by firing Liverpool into an early lead, and for the club's remarkabe supporters. And, after being moved from the pressbox to behind the goal where Origi blasted in the goal that sealed the European Cup, our trio select their favourite moments from a night that will never, ever be forgotten. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool are champions of Europe for the sixth time! The mighty Reds got their hands on the biggest prize in club football in Madrid on Saturday night when they beat Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano to win the Champions League. Twelve months on from his Kiev heartbreak Mohamed Salah set Liverpool on their way but it was not until Divock Origi – the most unlikely hero of this incredible season – scored late on that Koppites in Madrid, back here on Merseyside, and all around the world could truly celebrate what should be the first of many trophies under Jurgen Klopp. And we hear from some of those jubilant supporters over the course of this podcast. But as always, we start with the definitive verdict on one of the greatest nights in the club’s history from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce. You will then be able to listen to every word that Klopp – the man who picked up this superb group of players after losing last year’s final – had to say in his press conference after the match. Before we turn the show over to the fans who have called in – and the fans who have left messages on our Blood Red podcast Facebook group page, which you can join HERE. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So here we are, just a matter of hours away from the Champions League final, and just like Jurgen Klopp at his press conference at the Wanda Metropolitano on Friday afternoon, our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce and reporter Ian Doyle cut calm figures in this, your final Blood Red podcast before the real action gets under way. That wasn't the case a few hours earlier when James and his fellow UK journalists took on their Spanish counterparts in a media football match that did little for international relations. But whereas our intrepid press pack went down to a narrow defeat, confidence abound about Liverpool's chances of bringing the European Cup back to Anfield. James and Ian point to Klopp's performance in front of the cameras and the experience of Kiev as reasons for that, not to mention the little matter that Liverpool are just a better team than Tottenham Hotspur. Our boys also dismiss the thought that this can be treated like any other game, express their admiration for Dua Lipa, play down fears over Alisson and pay tribute to the growing force that is Fabinho. Also on the agenda is the key selection decisions that both managers must get right, while there is your usual line-up and score predictions. Enjoy - and we'll be back after the match with the Post-Game podcast. Hopefully celebrating number six. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a very special podcast for you as our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce speaks exclusively to Rafa Benitez from Madrid. Rafa, of course, is the last manager to bring the European Cup back to Anfield after he masterminded the magical victory over AC Milan in Istanbul 14 years ago. So who better to judge Jurgen Klopp's chances of following in his footsteps in Madrid on Saturday night? The Newcastle United boss is back in his hometown for the massive match with Tottenham Hotspur and in a must-listen chat with James he discusses:▪ How he sees the final going▪ How the managers will cope with the three-week break▪ Whether it really is possible to treat this match as ‘any other game’▪ How winning the Champions League with the Reds changed his life▪ What winning on Saturday would do for Klopp and the club▪ How Klopp’s current crop compares to his 2005 heroes▪ The fitness dilemmas over Roberto Firmino and Harry Kane▪ The power of Liverpool supportersThis is one not to be missed. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a special bonus episode of the Blood Red podcast, producer Michael Pearson went onto the streets of Madrid to find just a few of the incredible stories of how thousands of Reds have made the trip to the Spanish capital for the Champions League Final.You really get a sense of the atmosphere through this audio portrait of how the city feels as tens of thousands of LFC supporters take over the city.This is a bonus pod so sit back and you'll feel like you're almost there! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The time for talking is almost over - the Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur takes place at the Wanda Metropolitano tonight. But we're not done with our podcast offerings just yet. Our latest listen on the Blood Red channel is the full audio from the press conference involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertosn, and Jurgen Klopp, that took place at the ground on Friday afternoon. If Liverpool's world-class manager and world-class full-backs are nervous, they have a funny way of showing it. The trio cut relaxed and confident but respectful figures as they answered questions from members of the worldwide media. And you can listen to what they had to say here. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One day to go until the big one, the Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano, and the ECHO’s reporting team of James Pearce, Ian Doyle and Connor Dunn have arrived in Madrid. Connor actually got there before James and Ian and, in this, your first Blood Red podcast from what could be a momentous and historic weekend in the Spanish capital, he describes the mood in the city and how it has been taken over by thousands and thousands of travelling Koppites. The players will not arrive until later today (Friday), which is different from last year’s final in Kiev, and James explains why, as well as giving an insight into his exclusive interviews with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reds chairman Tom Werner. Ian and James flew into Madrid from Dublin, where we staged a Blood Red Live event, and they re-visit two key questions from the night regarding Klopp and a certain Philippe Coutinho. Penny for the Brazilian's thoughts now? Also on the agenda is new contracts for a trio of players, expectations among Liverpool supporters compared to 12 months ago, the fitness of Roberto Firmino, and the very difficult midfield decision facing Klopp. Oh, and San Miguel and Sangria, too. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just two days to go until Liverpool's Champions League showdown against Spurs, it's a Blood Red podcast fuelled by equal measures of nerves and excitement. Host Sean Bradbury is joined by Paul Gorst, Caoimhe O'Neill and Dan Kay for a last look ahead (from Liverpool) to the final. The pod begins with a detailed assessment of just how much is on the line in Madrid - for the players, the fans and perhaps even for Jurgen Klopp's legacy at Anfield. The panel have their say on the threat of Spurs and the best possible way Liverpool could win, before Klopp's two key team selection dilemmas are discussed with a unanimous verdict on how he should solve them. And there is even some very welcome breaking news halfway through the recording. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Blood Red podcast took over Dublin on Wednesday night with hundreds of Irish Reds packed into the Dtwo bar for an exclusive live event in association with Carlsberg. It was a superb evening of Liverpool FC chat and the perfect warm-up to Saturday’s huge Champions League final with Tottenham Hotspur. But don’t worry if you weren’t able to get a ticket or you would have loved to have been there, because you can now listen to the Q&A section of the evening in full here on the Blood Red channel. It’s features our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce and reporter Ian Doyle, Steven Daly from the LFC Daytrippers Podcast, and is hosted by Off The Ball’s Philip Egan, a life-long Red. James and Ian give insight into the futures of Jurgen Klopp and James Milner, plans for the expansion of the Anfield Road stand, the influence of Pep Lijnders and departure of Zeljko Buvac, and the chances of bringing Philippe Coutinho back, which evokes very different reactions. The panel are also asked who’s the best, Messi, Ronaldo or Origi, name the players, apart from Steven Gerrard, from the 2005 Champions League-winning side who would get into Klopp’s current team, and discuss whether Istanbul or Barcelona at Anfield was better. Oh, and Ian also reveals the time James strangled him in the Anfield pressbox. Enjoy. And if you’d like to attend our next Blood Red Live event, which takes place at the Baltic Market in Liverpool on Wednesday, June 5 click HERE to buy tickets. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Champions League final in Madrid is upon us as Liverpool aim to become six-time champions of Europe against Tottenham Hotspur. Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams offer all the tactical and statistical analysis you need on this special episode, with the duo looking back at the previous two meetings between the two teams this season in an effort to find out just what could happen in the Spanish capital. The question of whether this will play more like a Premier League or Champions League game - and who that benefits - is discussed, as is the biggest weak link in Mauricio Pochettino's side. The importance of Roberto Firmino and Harry Kane is also revealed, while there is a run-down of just why the Reds shouldn't fear Spurs... and why there is a fair bit for the North London team to fear about Jurgen Klopp's mentality monsters. But beware of overconfidence - Tottenham are tougher than most think and there is evidence to prove it. Come on Liverpool! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just four days now till the big one, and before Dan Kay and Paul Philbin pack their things and head off on the journey to Madrid, the season-ticket holders join host Paul Wheelock for a View from the Kop fans’ podcast. Saturday’s showdown with Tottenham Hotspur will be Liverpool’s third European final in as many seasons under Jurgen Klopp and the club’s fourth Champions League showpiece in 14 years. But Dan argues that remarkable record should not be taken for granted and nor the mental strength and determination shown by the Reds to make it to the Wanda Metropolitano. There is also plenty of praise for Klopp who incredibly has still yet to lose a European tie as Liverpool manager. But with his team favourites for a final for the first time in his reign, does he need to win on Saturday? Dan and Philbo discuss that as well as whether it would actually be better if Harry Kane is declared fit to start for Spurs. Mohamed Salah will surely start for Liverpool and the host wonders whether it is written in the stars for the Egyptian King to steal the show given his cruel downfall in last year’s final. The guests, however, believe it could be another Reds forward who could prove to be the match-winner. Dan and Philbo also dismiss claims Joe Gomez should start over Joel Matip, praise the resurgence of captain Jordan Henderson, argue why Gini Wijnaldum should get the nod over James Milner, as well as giving UEFA and their ticket allocation a good kicking. Enjoy – and we’ll be back later with Analysing Anfield as our podcast build-up to the final continues. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have a look at the Premier League table. Liverpool lost just once; Tottenham Hotspur 13 times. There was a 26-point difference between the teams. Surely, then, the Champions League final should be a foregone conclusion? That's the question that Neil Fitzmaurice asks regular sidekicks Joe Rimmer and Caoimhe O'Neill to kick-off a Poetry in Motion podcast that is a must-listen for all Reds fans before the massive match in Madrid. Closer inspection of the two games between the sides that took place earlier this season should also raise confidence among Koppites - as should the experience of last year's final and, as Joe argues, the fact that the pressure should really be on Tottenham. Fitzy wonders, then, that of all the Reds' near-misses in recent seasons, would defeat on Saturday night be the toughest to take? His guests agree, but rest assured the mood is firmly upbeat, especially when you consider Spurs' selection problems, and given the fact that Harry Kane may well have undermined his manager Mauricio Pochettino. Whoever Pochettino starts up front, they are likely to face Joel Matip, who along with James Milner, comes in for big praise. But even bigger praise is reserved for Fabinho, who signed for Liverpool a year ago today. Caoimhe can't bring herself to give a score prediction, but what about Joe or Fitzy? But what they can guarantee is a warm welcome and a good night at our latest Blood Live event, the details of which are discussed at the end of the pod and which can be viewed in full HERE. Here's hoping we're celebrating number six. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's media day at Melwood to kick start the build-up to Saturday's mouthwatering Champions League final against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. And before journalists got the chance to watch the Reds in training and put questions to members of the squad in a 'mixed zone', manager Jurgen Klopp and two of the players who have been key to the run to Madrid, Joel Matip and Gini Wijnaldum, sat down for a formal press conference. You can listen to that in full here - before we return later with Neil Fitzmaurice's Poetry in Motion podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's getting close now. But before the build-up to Saturday's Champions League final really kicks in, we've taken the chance to step back and reflect for our latest podcast on the Blood Red channel - on how Jurgen Klopp's superb side have made it to Madrid. And who better to do that than our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce? He has been with the Reds every step of the way to the Wanda Metropolitano and he joins Paul Wheelock in the ECHO studio to tell the inside story of what, for the second season running, has been a campaign to remember in the number one club competition in European football. From Roberto Firmino's last-gasp winner versus Paris Saint-Germain, to the hell of Red Star Belgrade, and to the night that Alisson Becker underlined why he has made the crucial difference, James recounts how Liverpool made it through a very difficult group stage before putting Bayern Munich and Porto to the sword in the opening knock-out rounds. Understandably, a large part of the podcast is dedicated to the astonishing semi-final second-leg success over Barcelona, which James believes proved the power of Anfield is real and which he calls the greatest night of his eight-and-a-half-years reporting on the Reds. Which, of course, could be surpassed if Number Six is achieved this weekend. Fingers crossed - and enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a huge week for Liverpool. But for one current Reds player, his big match does not come at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, but at Wembley on Monday. We're of course talking about Harry Wilson, who will look to round off a stunning season on-loan with Derby County by helping them to victory over Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final. The Wales international has scored 18 goals in all competitions for Frank Lampard's side - and that has led to calls from Liverpool fans calling for him to be given a chance at Anfield next season. On the flipside, Wilson's fantastic form at Pride Park has led him to being linked with £25m moves to a string of Premier League clubs. So what is the Reds' stance on a player who has been with the club he loves since he was a boy? To find out, Paul Wheelock speaks to our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, who outlines why the Reds are in such a strong position and why the bar for academy players has never been so high. Paul then picks up the phone to Steve Nicholson, who has been reporting on Wilson's exploits in his position as football editor and chief football writer for the Derbyshire Telegraph and Derbyshire Live. Steve explains why the 22-year-old's goal tally is particularly impressive, the hidden edge to his game, his best position, and the influence of Derby boss Lampard. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Champions League final just one week away, and what with it being May 25th, the date on which Liverpool won their first and fifth European Cups, your latest Allez Les Rouges podcast is a Euro special. Host Peter Hooton is joined by regulars, and veterans of many a successful European campaign, Ste Monaghan, John Nicolson and Kieth Culvin. But, before they preview the club's ninth European Cup final, they look back at some of their best memories of following the Reds around the continent, including their first final, their best opposition teams and players, and the best atmosphere. Talk then shifts to the massive match with Tottenham Hotspur, the three-week gap since the Premier League finale, Jurgen Klopp's midfield line-up, superstitions, as well as a heated debate on UEFA and their decision to allocate the Reds and Spurs just 16,000 tickets each - a significant number of which haven't gone to supporters who really should be in the Wanda Metropolitano. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are just eight days to go until the 2019 Champions League final. So are our Blood Red panel feeling nervous? Join host Joe Rimmer and guests Ian Doyle, Caoimhe O'Neill and Paul Gorst for an eventful podcast discussing all the latest Liverpool FC news. The panel ask whether Spurs' impressive showing at Anfield has been overblown, why Real Madrid are so upset with Tottenham and discuss the possible signing of a new teacher's pet at Liverpool. A discussion also breaks out over whether Liverpool's amazing 4-0 victory over Barcelona has been forgotten. Meanwhile, Caoimhe goes off on a tangent about life in Madrid, Ian's personal hygiene is discussed, Joe receives a text from a friendly gangster and Paul doesn't bother listening. There's also an update on Blood Red Live returning to Liverpool, as well as a special event in Dublin ahead of the final on June 1. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices