Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast

A club-record 97 Premier League points and a Champions League final to come – it’s been some season so far for Liverpool. From Jurgen Klopp’s incredible motivational and tactical powers, to the club’s razor-sharp recruitment, and the tight-bond in a squad packed full of world-class talent, the reasons for this campaign to remember are manifold. But another contributing factor is the vastly improved relationship between supporters and the club itself. One of the key strands of that has been the way that the Reds have bought into the thriving fan culture that surrounds the club. Central to that is BOSS Night, which was borne out of the magazine of the same name and will on Bank Holiday Monday hold its biggest event yet with a Madrid Send Off Party at Space by M&S Bank Arena. So ahead of the event, and the Champions League final with Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, Paul Wheelock and Paul Philbin are joined by BOSS co-founder Dan Nicholson, and singer and musician Kieran Molyneux, who will be performing alongside Jamie Webster, Ben Burke and some very special guests on Monday night. We last had Dan and Jamie in before the start of the season, so we look back on what has been a memorable campaign both on and off the field, why Klopp’s squad are totally tuned into what’s going on in the fanbase, and just what the plans are for a Shevchenko Park-style party in Madrid. Click here to buy tickets for the Madrid Send Off Party. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool have answered almost every question asked of them this season - and now it is our turn to do the same. With 10 days to go until the Champions League final, Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams open up the floor to the listeners and answer their questions on the 2018/19 campaign - and what is still to come. The display of the defence and Virgil van Dijk's perfect partner is assessed, as is the question of whether Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson can continue to sustain their performances. Areas of underperformance and overperformance are also looked at, as the team look at what marginal gains the Reds can rely upon to maintain their rise both in the Premier League and Europe. Jurgen Klopp's tactics are assessed, and why he changed from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3, and no surprise, either, that transfers form a lot of questions as Liverpool's perfect transfer window is deliberated over Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our podcast build-up to Madrid starts today with our first Blood Red of the week - and there's a lot for host Ian Doyle and guests James Pearce and Paul Gorst to get stuck into. Jurgen Klopp's side have jetted off to a warm-weather training camp in Marbella buoyed by a major injury boost, which James reveals before joining Ian and Paul in discussing the prolonged break between the final Premier League game of the season and the Champions League final in the Spanish capital - and just what it means for Liverpool and their opponents Tottenham Hotspur. Naby Keita has been named in the Reds' 26-man squad for Marbella so does that mean the midfielder has a chance of being fit to face Spurs? That leads to a debate about Klopp's midfield dilemma for the final, Tottenham's bigger selections headaches, and whether it would actually be better for Liverpool if Harry Kane recovers in time to play. Next up are comments made by Dejan Lovren, and what they say about the magic of Klopp's man-management, before talk turns to the the team who will not be appearing in Madrid on Saturday week - Manchester City. City may have won an unprecedented domestic treble but neither they nor their manager Pep Guardiola look too happy. Paul calls Guardiola's men the 'angriest' treble winners of all time while James explains why their annoyance toward the Reds could be about to get even greater. Oh, and he also rubbishes those Matthijs de Ligt rumours. It's one not to be missed. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the first Blood Red podcast since the transfer window was flung wide open this week. Ian Doyle, Paul Gorst and Connor Dunn join host Sean Bradbury to take a look at what business the Reds should do this summer. Ian spoke to Jamie Carragher today and the Liverpool legend had his say on Philippe Coutinho returning to Anfield. The panel discuss that prospect, and also play fantasy football and each name two players they would like to see signed up. There is debate on the viral video of Man City players chanting about Liverpool after winning the league - and how it jars with the incredible title race between the two clubs this season. And the pod concludes with a look at which stars could be leaving L4 over the next few months. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool may not be Premier League champions, but it was still a campaign to celebrate and be proud of. It was also a season for some deep thinking and analysis - and that's exactly what Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams do as they decipher Jurgen Klopp's 97-point haul. An overarching view of the season - what went right (a lot), what went wrong (not much) - is offered, while there is also an interesting look at where the Reds might be able to usurp Manchester City next season with yet more marginal gains. An interesting pressing trend is also discussed, as is the efforts of Sadio Mane, who could be one of the more complete strikers in Europe right now. There is also a look at how Klopp and his Liverpool side went so close, and what is needed next to push them over the line. A must-listen. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool could not have done much more to win the Premier League. But even though they were pipped at the post by Manchester City, Neil Fitzmaurice's latest Poetry in Motion podcast attempts to underline just what an incredible campaign it has been. There's disappointment, of course, not least because the Reds' remarkable' 97-point haul would have been enough to bring the title back to Anfield in 117 of the past 120 top-flight seasons. But Fitzy, alongside his regular guests Joe Rimmer and Dan Kay, explain why the positives firmly outweigh the negatives. And the great thing is, the season is not over yet, not with the little matter of a Champions League final to come. Jurgen Klopp's side booked their ticket to Madrid with the most astonishing of performances in their semi-final second-leg with Barcelona, and given this is the first Poetry in Motion recorded since then, our trio look back on what was one of the all-time great nights supporting Liverpool. Joe also believes it featured one of the club's all-time great goals, which Dan brilliantly describes as the Scousest strike of all time given it's magnificent mix of cheek and ingenuity. The future of the man who put the ball into the back of the net is also discussed, as is one of Reds boss Klopp's greatest assets, before talk turns to the player who had a miserable night on his return to Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian looks to be on his way out of Barcelona, for a significantly reduced fee, but would the Reds take him back? And, more pertinently, would Klopp take him back? And another brilliant edition rounds off with Fitzy, Joe and Dan looking back on the predictions they made at the start of the season.. Without giving the game away, they were not bad at all. Enjoy! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest Blood Red podcast, regular host Ian Doyle is joined by full-time Liverpool correspondent - both home and away - James Pearce and ECHO regulars Paul Gorst and Connor Dunn to assess the end of the Premier League season. It wasn't meant to be for the Reds, who ended up a point short of champions Manchester City. James believes there is much to celebrate for Jurgen Klopp and realises that almost every player has had a significant role in a season that, of course, hasn't quite finished just yet. Connor wants to see some new faces at Anfield during the summer while Paul points to the return of phantom goals on the final day. Ian brings up a point that perhaps the rest of the Premier League should be grateful Liverpool turned what could have been a boring title race into a great one, and everyone discusses their player of the year. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The numbers are staggering. 30 wins from 38. Just one defeat. 21 clean sheets. 89 goals scored. But Liverpool finish their record-breaking season second behind Manchester City. The Reds held up their end of the bargain. They beat Wolves 2-0 to make it nine straight victories to end the league campaign. But City also held their nerve to win 4-1 at Brighton - and that was enough to ensure the title remained at the Etihad. However, the final Post-Game podcast of the Premier League campaign is anything but downbeat. And why would it? Not least with the little matter of a Champions League final to come. It's a podcast that starts as ever with our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, continues with every word of Jurgen Klopp's after-match press conference, and also features six of our regular callers, plus many messages left on our Blood Red podcast Facebook page, which you can join HERE. Thanks for listening. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One day to go - one day until Liverpool could be crowned Premier League champions. Yes, the ball remains very much in Manchester City's court, but if Tuesday night at Anfield proved anything, it's that miracles do happen, especially when it comes to the Reds. It's fitting, then, that the latest Allez Les Rouges podcast, hosted by Peter Hooton, and featuring Kieth Culvin, Spirit of Shankly chair Joe Blott, and the ECHO's own Dan Kay, kicks off by looking back on the truly incredible win over Barcelona, which sealed Liverpool's place in the Champions League final for the second season running. But where did it stand in the long list of great European nights? And what must happen next if it is to surpass Istanbul? As well as the atmosphere, there are words of praise for Jurgen Klopp's man-management and tactical nous, so much so that they even had Jose Mourinho impressed, the bravery and maturity of Jordan Henderson, and the unlikely rise and rise of Joel Matip and Divock Origi. The showpiece showdown with Tottenham Hotspur is discussed, as is the outrageous prices fans will have to pay to get a ticket for the final and to get to and stay in Madrid, and what can be done about it in the future. And after the first 30 minutes fly by, talk turns to the last-day Premier League title decider. It's City's to lose, but if the defending champions do indeed retain their crown, the panel are in doubt that this will be the first season of many that Klopp's resurgent Reds challenge for the top prize in English football. That said, they're not ruling out more incredible drama, especially if Liverpool do one thing against Wolves. Enjoy our final podcast before the match - it's a cracker. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool could win the Premier League title on Sunday and so end the most thrilling title race - certainly in terms of points accrued - in top-flight history. But the narrative going into the final-day decider has been very much focused on the Champions League after Tottenham Hotspur followed Liverpool's lead and produced a miracle of their own. And seeing as this is our first Blood Red since Spurs overcame the odds in Amsterdam, James Pearce, Ian Doyle, Caoimhe O'Neill are asked by 'lucky' host Sean Bradbury to give their verdicts on the all-English football. Talk then turns to Jurgen Klopp's press conference, where again most of the spotlight centred more on what has happened so far this week and not what's to come. Hopefully, that's the Reds beating Wolves and current leaders Manchester City dropping points at Brighton & Hove Albion. The panel are confident Klopp's side will keep their end of the bargain but while they do try to play up Brighton's chances, they soon end up turning to divine intervention. There's positive team news from James, who also answers a question Klopp would not over the futures of Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge, which in turns leads to a discussion over how Liverpool's forward line will shape up next season. And in our final podcast of the working week, there's also condemnation for the prices Reds fans are going to have to pay to get to and watch the Champions League final. There you go, we're talking about it again. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the final time this season, Jurgen Klopp was at Melwood this morning to preview a Premier League match. But this is no ordinary match. Should Liverpool beat Wolves at Anfield on Sunday, and City drop points at Brighton, they would be crowned Premier League champions, which would top off an already incredible week. It is a week, of course, that started with the unbelievable Champions League semi-final second-leg win over Barcelona, which is referenced throughout this must-listen press conference; the main news line from which is the fitness of Jordan Henderson, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Henderson and Robertson picked up injuries in the 4-0 victory over Barca but with Klopp revealing the mantra around the training ground as being ‘it’s only pain’, you’d expect them to be fit to face Wolves. The Reds boss has plenty praise for the Molineux men, and for Brighton, too, but he’s less impressed by the scheduling of the Nations League Finals. Klopp also has his say on the rush for Champions League final tickets and the high cost of travel to Madrid as well as giving short shrift to UEFA’s decision to stage the Europa League showpiece, which will be contested by two more Premier League clubs, in Baku. Speaking of which, Klopp is asked for his opinion on the domination of English outfits in Europe this season, which allows the Remainer to drop a Brexit joke. He’s also quizzed on the future of Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge and the performance of Tottenham, who produced a miracle of their own to beat Ajax and set-up that Champions League final showdown with Liverpool. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the 11th episode of Analysing Anfield - and it's safe to say it's the most buoyant one yet. No surprises what dominates the agenda as host Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams discuss all things Liverpool 4 Barcelona 0. The roles of Alisson, Trent, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum and Origi are all dissected, as well as how the Reds simply stopped Barca. There is also reflection on how, sometimes, some things cannot be analysed, plus the small matter of the possibility of Liverpool becoming Premier League champions on Sunday. Which is nice. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It actually happened. Liverpool came from 3-0 down in the first leg at the Nou Camp - or is it Camp Nou? - to win the second leg at Anfield 4-0 and seal a place in the Champions League final for the second season running. James Pearce, on this, a special Blood Red podcast, calls it the greatest night in a long list of great European nights at Anfield. Ian Doyle, who was on reporting duty from the ground alongside James, goes even further, while our football writer Caoimhe O'Neill sums up the feeling in the stands beautifully. With Sean Bradbury on hosting duties, talk then turns to the players who stood out in what James believes was the perfect performance, with Alisson Becker, two-goal hero Divock Origi and the incredible Trent Alexander-Arnold among those to get a special mention. Also up for debate are Reds old boys, the anonymous Philippe Coutinho and the vilified Luis Suarez, who James reckons deserved every bit of stick he got, and who the panel would like to face in the final - Ajax or, in what would be the 'Ian Doyle Derby', Tottenham Hotspur. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s very hard to put into words what was witnessed at Anfield on Tuesday night, but thankfully, we have plenty of people who are able to that magnificently on this Post-Game podcast. None better of course, than our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, who kicks us off with his brilliant and emotional take on a match that will never, ever be forgotten. Then we’ll hear every word of Jurgen Klopp’s must-listen press conference that took place after his side came from 3-0 down in their semi-final first leg to beat Barcelona 4-0 and qualify for the Champions League final for the second season running. Then we’ll get the verdict of the first of our eight callers into the show – Ross Strachan, Simon Donnelly and Matt Addison. Host Paul Wheelock will then read some of the messages that have been left on our Blood Red podcast Facebook page before we hear from two more Liverpool fans who were at the game – Sam Planche and Matt Whitty. There’ll be more messages from the Facebook page after that, before we wrap up with the thoughts of three more callers – Alex Watt, Mark Baker and Owen Thomas. It’s a bumper podcast, but we're pretty sure it’s one you’re going to enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The task facing Liverpool tonight could not be much tougher. No Mohamed Salah, no Roberto Firmino, no Naby Keita, and the little matter of a 3-0 first-leg deficit to overcome if the double-chasing Reds are to make a second straight Champions League final. So there is a dose of realism in your pre-match Blood Red podcast, which in many ways, was a bit like Jurgen Klopp's press conference at Anfield on Monday, argues our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce. We've got James on the phone for 10 minutes so host Sam Carroll quickly quizzes him on the chances of a senior debut for Rhian Brewster and who will start up front in the absence of Salah and Firmino, the midfield line-up, what the atmosphere will be like, and what the Reds must do if they are to pull off which could be their greatest ever European comeback. Sadly, there's also Manchester City's win over Leicester City to discuss, which put the destiny of the Premier League title back in the hands of the defending champions. James calls it a 'slug in the guts' before laughing off Pep Guardiola's after-match comments. It's a theme Connor Dunn and Paul Gorst pick up on after James has to shoot off, and they are in no doubt that Liverpool continue to get under the Man City manager's skin, and will continue to do so for some time to come. They also mull over Klopp's starting line-up versus Barcelona, the reaction Reds old boys Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho should receive tonight, remember Divock Origi's winner at Newcastle United, and make it clear that this team, this club and the Anfield crowd can never be written off. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So here we go. The start of a week that could end with Liverpool winning the Premier League and qualifying for their second straight Champions League final. Admittedly, the latter is more unlikely, given the Reds must overturn a 3-0 deficit in their semi-final second leg with Barcelona at Anfield on Tuesday. And their hopes have been hit further by the news that both Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will be ruled out of the match, which was confirmed by Jurgen Klopp at his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon. With that in mind, Klopp was asked how he was going to approach the last-four decider, as well as how much attention he will pay to Manchester City's crucial clash at home to Leicester City on Monday night, which if they drop points in, will leave Liverpool with one hand on the Premier League title. But most of the talk concerns Barcelona, the possible inspiration the Reds can take from Roma, and just what exactly Klopp said to Lionel Messi on the Camp Nou pitch at the end of the first leg. And, as is customary with Champions League press conferences, the Liverpool manager was followed by one of his players, Trent-Alexander Arnold, who was a fan in stands when Klopp's side produced a stunning European comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund three years ago. The 20-year-old right-back is asked whether the Reds can repeat that performance on Tuesday night, his friendly rivalry with Andy Robertson, the prospect of facing Messi, and courtesy of a question from our own James Pearce, what it will be like to go up against his former team-mate Philippe Coutinho. Enjoy - and we'll be back in the morning with the Blood Red podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You should know the drill by now - our first Blood Red podcast of the week arrives on a Monday. But this is no ordinary week and this is no ordinary season - one look at the Premier League table is testament to that. It is a table topped by Liverpool after their latest last-gasp victory, 3-2 at Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United on Saturday night. Divock Origi's late winner sparked wild celebrations in the travelling Kop housed up in the Gods at St James' Park and in the Reds fan base worldwide. But that will be eclipsed if Leicester City, and a certain Brendan Rodgers, can do Liverpool a huge favour and take points off second-placed Manchester City. Therefore, rather than put out Blood Red on Monday afternoon, only for it to be almost automatically dated, we have recorded a day earlier to look back on the win over Newcastle and look ahead to Leicester's trip to the Etihad. Ian Doyle was on reporting duty for the ECHO on Tyneside and so hands over his hosting duties to Sean Bradbury, who had a very good reason for not watching all of the game. They are joined by Connor Dunn, who was able to watch the game thanks to a very understanding girlfriend. And what a game it was, and one which Ian believes demonstrated the one thing the Reds definitely have over City, despite all their riches and depths of talent. Ian also expresses his admiration for a Newcastle player he reckons could do a job for Liverpool while Connor questions what must be going through City manager's Pep Guardiola's head. The panel debate what the future holds for Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, who set up the Belgian's winner, rubbish the theory that the Reds are lucky, wonder whether Jurgen Klopp should rest players for the Champions League semi-final second leg v Barcelona (we'll be doing a Blood Red on the day of that match), and give reason for optimism regarding Leicester's chances against City. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How is the heart rate? Settled down now? Wow, this Liverpool just don't know when to quit. On the back of what happened in midweek at Barcelona, and after Mohamed Salah was stretchered off to (potentially) join Roberto Firmino on the sidelines, they could so easily have dropped points and effectively handed the Premier League title to Manchester City. But instead they dug in and, thanks to a goal from super-sub Divock Origi that could be even more important than his derby winner in December, they secured a vital 3-2 victory at Rafa Benitez's spirited Newcastle United side. It was a victory that moved Jurgen Klopp's relentless Reds back to the top of the table going into the final week of this incredible campaign. And to reflect on it, we have a bumper Post-Game podcast for you. It starts, as always, with the definitive verdict of our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, includes every word of Klopp's press conference after the match, including fitness updates on Salah and Firmino, and also features seven of our regular callers into the show as well as a load more made-up - if emotionally drained - Liverpool fans in the form of the messages they have been leaving on our Blood Red podcast Facebook group page. Click HERE to join. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the 10th episode of Analysing Anfield - and the first where the team have to dissect a defeat for Liverpool. After a tough and unjust 3-0 defeat in Barcelona, host Kristian Walsh is joined by Josh Williams as they look back at what went wrong - but also, as Josh is keen to point out, what went right. The decisions to start Joe Gomez and Gini Wijnaldum are looked into, while the impact of Naby Keita's injury - and what happens next - is also touched upon. There is also a few moments dedicated to the genius of Lionel Messi, and how the Reds could pull off the not-so-impossible if they keep him quiet on Tuesday. There is also a preview to the crucial clash with Newcastle, and how risk and reward could play a role against Rafael Benitez. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bit deflated by how it ended in Barcelona? Worried that Manchester City are not going to drop points in their final two games? Well, if you do need perking up then skip to the 40-minute mark of the latest Poetry in Motion podcast and let host Neil Fitzmaurice and his guests Connor Dunn and Caoimhe O'Neill remind you that this is a season to remember for Liverpool - no matter what happens on Tuesday and even if City do win out. But there's plenty to get stuck into before then as Fitzy, who is fresh back from Barca, wonders just how Liverpool find themselves 3-0 down going into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. Connor reckons a series of little things contributed to the Reds' downfall, with Caoimhe arguing that Jurgen Klopp's side could well have been too nice in the face of the dark arts mastered by Barcelona, and similarly used by Real Madrid in last year's final. Luis Suarez's goal celebration and Lionel Messi's brilliance are also discussed as is Klopp's decision to start Joe Gomez at right-back - and what it would have left Trent Alexander-Arnold thinking. So can Liverpool stage one of the great European comebacks? Our panel reckon history suggests they can and call on the supporters to make it intimidating for Barca in most the respectful way possible. Talk then turns to Saturday's Premier League clash at Rafa Benitez's Newcastle. In the wake of Naby Keita's season-ending injury, and Roberto Firmino's knock, Fitzy questions what line-up Klopp will go with. Could it be time to throw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the fray? Could the fit-again midfielder be the sting in the tail for Barca and City that Fitzy believes will come? We'll find out soon enough - but for now enjoy this brilliant pod. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jurgen Klopp's press conference at Melwood this morning starts with some bad news - over the injury sustained to Naby Keita in the Nou Camp. The Liverpool boss is also coy over Roberto Firmino's chances of starting the crucial Premier League clash at Newcastle United on Saturday night. But don't be kidded that Klopp is in anyway feeling downbeat. Yes, his side have a mountain to climb if they are to overcome a three-goal against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Anfield on Tuesday. But it's clear Liverpool have already got over their first-leg disappointment and are now fully focused on the trip to St James Park to take on Rafa Benitez's boys - which if they win, of course, will take them back to the top of the Premier League with one game to play and pile the pressure back on Manchester City. To definitely win the league, City will have to finish on 98 points, and Klopp is asked whether that is going to be standard for every season from now on. He's also quizzed on the Reds' resilience and mood inside the dressing room, as well as the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum's role against Barca in midweek. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before flying back to England, our Liverpool FC reporting team of James Pearce and Ian Doyle recorded their third Blood Red podcast of the week from Barcelona, this time from the city's airport. The mood is mixed - and understandably so. The Reds have given themselves a mountain to climb by losing their Champions League semi-final first leg 3-0 but as James explains, there was much to admire about the brave, bold performance produced by Jurgen Klopp's side at Camp Nou. Sadly, the one thing lacking was a finishing touch, which is something you could not accuse Lionel Messi of not having. James and Ian wonder how you can stop the Barcelona genius and, as much as the result pained them, what a privilege it was to watch Messi at the peak of his powers. But did Liverpool and Klopp help themselves with the formation, selection and timing of substitutions? James and Ian discuss Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gini Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino before outlining why no Red can complain about Luis Suarez's antics. The duo also debate the display of Barca's other Anfield old boy, Philippe Coutinho, and why his withdrawal was such a big turning point, before talk turns to the second leg, Liverpool's chance of a comeback, and the huge match on Saturday in the race for the Premier League title. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So how do you begin to describe that? In many ways there was nothing wrong with the performance and anyone who watched the game would surely agree Liverpool did not deserve to be beaten 3-0. But at the same time the final scoreline could have been greater had Barcelona made the most of their counter-attacks late on. Prior to that the La Liga champions had been ruthless, and particularly the otherworldly Lionel Messi, which was in contrast to the Reds, who failed to take at least one of the numerous opportunities that came their way. It leaves Jurgen Klopp's side with a mountain to climb in next Tuesday's second leg at Anfield if they are to make Madrid and the final. But this podcast concentrates on what happened at the Camp Nou as we get the definitive verdict on the action from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, before we hear Liverpool manager Klopp's post-match press conference, and then get the thoughts of six Reds fans who have phoned in. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Excited? Nervous? Both? We're just hours away from the Champions League semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Liverpool at Camp Nou and, to get you in the mood, Ian Doyle and James Pearce have recorded their second Blood Red podcast of the week from sunny Spain. And they are joined a man whose voice will be familiar to our listeners... Neil Jones, formerly of the ECHO, but now the Liverpool FC correspondent for Goal. Ian and James kick us off by reviewing Jurgen Klopp's 'perfect' performance at the press match conference the night before, which also featured Sadio Mane. Mane, like this Liverpool team, look born to play on this stage and, at the old home of one his heroes, Ronaldinho, Mane is tipped by Neil to rise to the big occasion, The statistics back that claim up and James believe the Senegalese striker is the embodiment of the 'opportunity, not pressure' message Klopp has been putting across. So relaxed was Mane at the presser, he even entertained questions about those Real Madrid links, which are fanciful to say the least. But one player who did choose to leave Liverpool is Philippe Coutinho and both he and fellow former Red, Luis Suarez, are discussed here, which include some great anecdotes about the latter, which should leave supporters in no doubt about his motivation tonight. One player who is certainly motivated to bring the Champions League back to Barcelona is Lionel Messi, and the panel discuss the midfield needed to negate the great man's influence. With Mane, Mohamed Salah and hopefully Roberto Firmino to contend with, Barca have a lot on their plate themselves, and there are reports that they may play a more conservative right-back than Nelson Semedo. But should Liverpool do the same and bring Joe Gomez in for Trent Alexander-Arnold? The lads have their say on that before giving their score predictions. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It goes to show the season that Liverpool are enjoying that the Champions League has almost been an afterthought at times during this incredible campaign. But while the thrilling race for the Premier League is very much alive, the focus tonight will solely be on European football’s top club competition and a semi-final first-leg showdown with Barcelona. The bad news is Lionel Messi appears hell-bent on bringing the Champions League back to Barca and if he is at his magical best, there may be little Liverpool can do. The fact that Ernesto Valverde has been able to rest key players, like Messi, and still wrap up an eighth La Liga title in 11 years, doesn’t help the Reds either. Neither does the force of nature that is Luis Suarez or the improved form of another Liverpool old boy, Philippe Coutinho. But as the guest of this podcast explains, for all their undoubted strengths, Barcelona are not without their weaknesses. And Sam Marsden, who covers the La Liga champions for ESPN, believes the Reds could be the team to exploit them. Valverde is aware of that, too, and Sam reveals the Barca boss has actually been taking tips from one of his predecessors in how to halt Jurgen Klopp’s Red Machine – a certain Pep Guardiola. There’s loads more to get stuck into before Sam heads off to report on the press conferences that took place at Barcelona’s training ground on Tuesday night. It’s a bit noisy at the start, but it soon settles down, which is exactly what Liverpool will be hoping to do at Camp Nou on Wednesday. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool have arrived in Barcelona and not long after touching down, manager Jurgen Klopp and on-fire forward Sadio Mane were in front of the world's media to preview Wednesday's massive Champions League semi-final first leg at Camp Nou. We start with Klopp's press conference in full, in which he was asked about Roberto Firmino's fitness, his supposed criticism of Barca's home ground, Reds old boy Philippe Coutinho, and whether Lionel Messi is football's greatest, among other things. Then you can hear every word that Mane had to say, including his thoughts on Coutinho, Firmino, Messi v Virgil van Dijk, those Real Madrid links, and his love of Barcelona legend Ronaldinho. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're at the end of April and Liverpool are very much in the running for an incredible double. Little wonder, then, that the mood is positively upbeat for your latest View from the Kop fans' podcast, featuring Paul Philbin and Matt Addison and hosted by Paul Wheelock. All eyes are on Wendesday's Champions League semi-final first leg in Barcelona, but the trio start by discussing the gripping race for the Premier League title. Are Philbo and Matt even watching City's matches? And can Brendan Rodgers do his former club a favour next Monday night? Speaking of Leicester, season-ticket holder Philbo was strong in his criticism of the Anfield crowd in the View from the Kop podcast recorded after the 1-1 draw with the Foxes earlier in the season. But he has noticed a marked difference since that nervy night, which should have a lot to with the Reds' astonishing unbeaten home league run, and the form of the newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk, both of which are discussed here before talk turns to that Barcelona match. The La Liga champions may have Lionel Messi in their ranks but Matt and Philbo are confident. And why wouldn't they be given Klopp's magnificent record in Europe since taking over Liverpool? The Nou Camp clash, will of course, pit the Reds against their former stars Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, and the panel have a go at comparing the former with the superb Mohamed Salah, and argue why Liverpool are better off without the latter. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Liverpool FC reporting team of James Pearce and Ian Doyle have made their way to Barcelona, and on Monday afternoon, stationed themselves outside the Sagrada Familia to record a special Blood Red podcast, along with Andy Hunter, the Merseyside football correspondent for The Guardian and The Observer newspapers, to preview Wednesday's massive semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp. James starts the podcast with a big claim before Andy, who used to work for the Liverpool Daily Post, explains why the current Reds crop are better than the ones that won the club's last two European trophies. Whereas that latter success, and even the run to last season's Champions League final, came as a surprise, the panel are in no doubt that this Liverpool side are now at the elite level of European football and that they will hold no fear of Barcelona. That said they also agree that this is the Reds' biggest challenge yet, particularly as Barca's side contains Lionel Messi, not to mention Reds old boys Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho. James calls it the 'ultimate test' and, along with Ian and Andy, selects the midfield to deal with arguably the best player ever to grace the game. Another problem Jurgen Klopp has to solve is who replaces Roberto Firmino if the brilliant Brazilian is ruled out through injury. But the mood of the podcast is unashamedly positive - unsurprising given Klopp's European record as Reds manager and how he deals with pressure-cooker situations, which is discussed here - and one of excitement at what lies in store in one of the world's footballing cathedrals. If this doesn't get you fired-up for Wednesday, nothing will. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you warmed up yet? It may have been unseasonally cold at Anfield on Friday night - it's almost May, for crying out loud - but Liverpool continued to prove hot stuff in the race for the Premier League title.In a special mini-pod after the 5-0 triumph against Huddersfield Town, regular Blood Red host Ian Doyle is joined by ECHO regulars Paul Gorst, Sean Bradbury and Theo Squires to discuss another impressive victory.There's praise for two-goal Mohamed Salah amid suggestions the Egyptian is being somewhat taken for granted, And Sadio Mane's heading ability is suitably honoured.Collective love is shown for Liverpool's creative centre-backs, and the strength in depth means Jurgen Klopp might have an engine room problem to address before Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.Everyone is happy to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back but there's debate over what Roberto Firmino's injury mean for Daniel Sturridge in the short term.Also includes mention of the weather because, well, how could it not? For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If Manchester City thought their derby win at their woeful rivals United would dampen Liverpool’s spirits, then tonight proved without a shadow that is most definitely not the case. Yes, Jurgen Klopp’s relentless Reds swept aside relegated Huddersfield Town 5-0 at Anfield to make it 10 wins on the spin in all competitions and go back to the top of the Premier League with 91 points – an incredible haul that would have been enough to win 22 of the 26 Premier League titles. And to react to what was another memorable night, we have the definitive verdict on the action from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, every word of Klopp’s post-match press conference, which includes an injury update on Roberto Firmino, and the thoughts of five very happy Reds supporters, Matt Whitty, Simon Donnelly, Matt Addison, Sam Planche and Nathan Davidson. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the latest episode of Analysing Anfield, your one-stop shop for all things tactics, statistics and analytics around LFC. After another win for the Reds, host Kristian Walsh and tactics expert Josh Williams dissect the victory in South Wales. The flip of positions between Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson is assessed, while there is also some kind words of praise for the 'unique' Joel Matip. The title race is touched upon once more, with the question over the best set-up to stop Manchester City in the final three games being raised. Then, there is an in-depth discussion ahead of the trip to Camp Nou, with Barcelona's strengths and weaknesses analysed. Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho may love long shots, but Liverpool don't - and that's something for Jurgen Klopp to contemplate this summer. It's an action-packed episode not to be missed. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a special Post-Game podcast to celebrate Liverpool winning the FA Youth Cup.The Reds beat Manchester City 5-3 on penalties at City’s Academy Stadium tonight after the final ended 1-1 after extra-time. James Pearce, Connor Dunn and Matt Addison were in Manchester for us to watch Barry Lewtas’ side pick up the first of two possible trophies. James, our Liverpool FC correspondent, kicks us off with his verdict, before you hear his interview with Lewtas, the Reds’ delighted Under-18s manager, after the match. And then we’ll get the thoughts of Connor and Matt on what was a truly memorable night for the Academy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So the race for the Premier League remains in Manchester City’s hands after they beat Manchester United in the derby at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. But if you’re thinking our latest Blood Red podcast, hosted by Sam Carroll and featuring Caoimhe O’Neill, Sean Bradbury and (over the phone) our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, is a downbeat one, then think again. After a brutal takedown of a a ‘pitifully poor’ United side, James argues you still wouldn’t swap City’s final three fixtures for the Reds’, while Sean thinks scheduling could aid Jurgen Klopp’s side, and Caoimhe offers a memorable moment from City’s past that also proves all hope is not lost. But if Pep Guardiola’s men do defend their title, James is supremely confident that this Liverpool team are going to be challenging for the top honours for the years to come, and explains why. Talk then turns to the PFA Team of the Year, and the impending announcement that Virgil van Dijk has been named PFA Player of the Year, and why two Reds players can feel hard done by that they’ve not also been honoured by their fellow pros – especially when Paul Pogba has. James also comments on tonight’s FA Youth Cup final (a full preview with him can be listened to HERE) before heading off to Klopp’s pre-Huddersfield Town press conference at Melwood. That leaves Sam, Caoimhe and Sean to look ahead to the visit of Huddersfield to Anfield, debate the changes the Reds could and should make, as well as give their nominations for the club’s player of the year, young player of the year and goal of the season. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the moment Jurgen Klopp walked into the media room at Melwood this afternoon, you could tell this was going to be a good press conference. Unsurprisingly, the Liverpool manager is asked first whether he watched Manchester City’s win at rivals Manchester United – he did – and what he made of it. He also provides an update on the condition – if that’s the right word – on Mohamed Salah after the in-form forward’s trip to New York, and the fitness of Fabinho and Dejan Lovren. Klopp is also quizzed on his summer transfer plans, in which he categorically rules out a move for one reported target, as well as talking about Huddersfield Town’s visit to Anfield on Friday, and this most close-run of title races, and why this season is only the start for his record-breaking side. Also on the agenda is the ‘machine’ James Milner, the inclusion of four Liverpool players in the PFA Team of the Year and the importance of Simon Mignolet and his fellow squad players. And, perhaps best of all, what advice Klopp would give to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is another huge week for Liverpool’s double-chasing first team in their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title. But’s it’s also a big week for the Reds’ Under-18s side, who will hope to win the first of two trophies of their own on Thursday night when they take on – you guessed it – Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final. One look at the Under-18 Premier League North table would suggest that Barry Lewtas’ team will be favourites to land Liverpool’s first FA Youth Cup since 2007. But the Reds youngsters have certainly not been helped by their opponents or the authorities when it comes to the scheduling of the match, as the special guest of this podcast, our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, explains. James also explains why the Reds’ talisman and top-scorer Bobby Duncan will be particularly fired up for the final, why the side is much more than the admittedly brilliant strike-partnership between Duncan and captain Paul Glatzel, including the Under-18s’ very own ‘Virgil van Dijk’, as well as praising the job manager Lewtas has done. James is also full of praise for Under-23 manager Neil Critchley, whose side round off their Premier League 2 campaign on Sunday when they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Anfield, which could be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first match at the ground since suffering that terrible injury versus Roma. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every week feels big for table-topping Liverpool at the moment, but this week, perhaps more than any other in this unforgettable season, could be the biggest yet. However, that has less to do with the visit of already-relegated Huddersfield Town to Anfield, and more about second-placed Manchester City’s game in hand at – of all places – Manchester United. Little wonder, then, that the latest episode of the brilliant Allez Les Rouges podcast shines the spotlight on the crucial Old Trafford encounter. But only after host Peter Hooton and regular guests Kieth Culvin, Ste Monaghan and John Nicolson look back on Liverpool’s wins at home and abroad since their last podcast, and what impressed them the most. The quartet also debate the double-standards over Mohamed Salah before you hear Peter’s interview with journalist and Manchester United supporter Andy Mitten. Andy, who has been the editor of the United We Stand fanzine since 1989, talks Wednesday’s massive derby match, what it will mean if United help hand Liverpool the title, and the rivalry and similarities between the two most successful clubs in English football. Andy, who spends a lot of his time in Barcelona, also explains why fans of the Spanish champions are fearful of Liverpool, as well as giving an interesting story about Jurgen Klopp. Peter, Kieth, Ste and John then discuss what’s just been said, give their own take on United v City, including why Everton could have gone and done their Merseyside neighbours a favour, before previewing Huddersfield and Barcelona. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Bank Holiday Monday, the sun is shining, and Liverpool are top of the league – and it’s against that backdrop that the latest Blood Red podcast is recorded, hosted by Ian Doyle and featuring Dan Kay, Sean Bradbury and Caoimhe O’Neill. Dan was in the away end at Cardiff to watch the relentless Reds move back above Manchester City at the summit and make it nine wins on the spin in all competitions. But despite that ridiculously impressive form, the destiny of the Premier League title remains out of Liverpool’s hands. The panel are in no doubt this should still go down as a season to remember, no matter what happens in the next few weeks, and that this team is only going to get stronger. But there is no escaping the feeling that this week, in particular, could see the destiny shift from City to the Reds. The panel explain why before talk turns to two players who have and are becoming key to Liverpool’s challenge for honours at home and abroad. There’s also debate – or no debate, to be more precise – about the penalty that sealed the win at Cardiff, and the joy/angst of listening to the Reds on the radio, before for the first time we preview a match that does not involve Liverpool. You know the one. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A penny for what Manchester City must be thinking. After going back top with a hard-fought victory over the team that knocked them out of the Champions League in the most dramatic of fashions, they find themselves back in second and with the pressure firmly back on after Liverpool did what they have done for the past nine games in all competitions - and that's win. It really is relentless stuff, and to react to the 2-0 victory at relegation-threatened Cardiff City, we have the definitive verdict from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, every word from a clearly angry Jurgen Klopp in his press conference after the match, and the thoughts of five very happy Reds fans, and Post-Game regulars, Ross Strachan, Simon Donnelly, Owen Thomas, Matt Addison and Sam Planche. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'What a time to be alive. What a time to be a Red' - and with those words Neil Fitzmaurice sets the tone for what it is an absolutely belting Poetry in Motion podcast also featuring Joe Rimmer and the Liverpool ECHO's Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce. Yes, at a time when Jurgen Klopp's squad has never been stronger, Fitzy has brought out the big guns, and the trio certainly deliver in what is a must-listen podcast ahead of Sunday's trip to Cardiff City. But before the trio get to that game, there's a lot to look back on after what has been a special week in a special season. There's the win over Chelsea, what James describes as the biggest of the season so far, the 'awe and wonder', to quote Fitzy, of Mohamed Salah's goal, and the Southampton victory that Joe believes kick-started a run that marked the Reds out as potential champions-in-waiting. And, with Klopp's side in the hunt for a historic double, there's also Champions League talk, including the win over Porto and the prospect of facing Barcelona and Lionel Messi in the semi-finals. No-one is fazed. Any why would they be? Not when they've got a manager as good as Klopp at the wheel. Fittingly, then, a large part of the podcast is dedicated to the remarkable job the German has done at Anfield, his record in the transfer market, and his man-management, which James perfectly illustrates with a fascinating insight into Klopp's one-to-one chat with revitalised captain Jordan Henderson. There's a lovely diversion about what Alisson Becker may (or may not) have said about Liverpool's new kit, the emergence of Joel Matip as Virgil van Dijk's partner, and just what is going through Manchester City's mind after what happened in midweek. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jurgen Klopp was back in front of the media at Melwood to preview Sunday’s trip to Cardiff City and talk much more else besides. Klopp’s double-chasing side will lift at least one of the two trophies they are chasing if they win their final seven games of the season, and the Liverpool manager is asked what it’s like to be in that position, how he keeps his players relaxed, and how they train at such an intense stage of the campaign. Klopp is also questioned about the damage done to Manchester City following their dramatic Champions League exit as well as providing a fitness update on Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dejan Lovren. The Reds boss also has praise for Tottenham Hotspur – City’s conquerors in midweek – and for Mohamed Salah after his selection by Time magazine as one of the most 100 influential people in the world. And of course there was a little bit about the game, too, and the biggest danger relegation-battling Cardiff pose. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the morning after the night before and a 'tired' Ian Doyle and a 'sprightly' James Pearce (he may be lying) are joined once again by David Lynch, the Evening Standard's Liverpool FC correspondent, for a special Blood Red podcast recorded at Porto airport (gate announcements, saxophone playing and all). The talk, of course, is dominated by the Reds' 4-1 win over the Portuguese champions in their own backyard, which sealed a 6-1 aggregate success and set-up a semi-final showdown with Barcelona. James believes the victory showed just how ruthless Jurgen Klopp's side have become while David praises their ability to remain calm in the tough moments. Also on the agenda is Klopp's substitutes and the strength of his squad as well as the change in Mohamed Salah since he broke his duck. And while there'll be plenty on this in the next fortnight, the trio also focus on Barcelona, which includes a crazy stat from Ian, a nice anecdote from James about his only previous visit to the Nou Camp, and why the Spanish giants' style could suit Liverpool down to the ground. And before Ian races off to catch his plane, there's also a discussion about what Manchester City's exit at the hands of Tottenham could mean for the Premier League title race. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Post-Game podcast to react to a 4-1 win for Liverpool over Porto that sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second season running and set up a truly mouthwatering last-four clash with Barcelona. But as good as Messi, Suarez, Coutinho and Co are, they will not relish facing a double-chasing Liverpool side whose rivals for the Premier League title, Manchester City, saw their quadruple dreams ended by Tottenham, who will face darkhorses Ajax in the other semi-final. But whereas it was a dramatic night at the Etihad, the Reds cruised through 6-1 on aggregate in Portugal, meaning Jurgen Klopp, remarkably, is still yet to lose a European tie since taking over at Anfield. James Pearce has been with Liverpool every step of the way of Klopp’s reign, and our man kicks off this podcast with his verdict on yet another night to remember. Klopp’s after-match press conference follows, before we hear what Reds fans made of it. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Doyle and James Pearce have overcome (possibly) a late night and (definitely) the cleanliness hotel in the world to record a special Blood Red podcast from Porto. They are joined by Simon Hughes, author and journalist, and by David Lynch, who is the Liverpool correspondent for the Evening Standard. And after Simon explains the bad blood that still exists between him and James, the quartet get down to the business of previewing tonight's Champions League quarter-final second-leg at Estadio do Dragao. Topics include how both teams will approach the tie, why the Portuguese champions' perceived happiness at the end of the first leg could be misplaced, as well those pre-match comments made by the Porto manager about the Reds being the best team in the world. And, despite the never-ending hoovering in the background, the panel also discuss whether there will be any fallout from Mohamed Salah's tackle at Anfield, why confidence abounds in the Liverpool fan base, and why Jurgen Klopp may go back to what he knows this evening. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 2-0 victory over Chelsea, a dominant position in the Champions League quarter-final and Cardiff City to come - life hasn't been much more hectic at Liverpool. To make sense of it all, Kristian Walsh and Josh Williams sit down for Episode 8 of Analysing Anfield, assessing the tactics and statistics behind the latest step in this historic season. Once more, the midfield balance is addressed, with a debate over whether Jordan Henderson or Gini Wijnaldum should occupy the third slot. Wijnaldum is reliable, but Henderson could be the key to unlocking Mohamed Salah once more. There is also a lot of love for the maturity of this Liverpool side - and it is something they will need more of in Portugal as an unlikely Porto comeback is assessed. The boys also talk Cardiff, as well as an impromptu episode of Exploring the Etihad, looking into just how Man City can slip up between now and the end of the season. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jurgen Klopp was in front of the media at the Estadio do Dragao.last night to preview Wednesday's huge Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto. The manager of the Portuguese champions showered Liverpool with praise in his press conference and Klopp's starts his with a response to Sergio Conceicao's pre-match claim. The Reds boss is also asked about inter-squad rivalry and, bizarrely, who is favourite Brazilian player is (we think). Klopp goes on to answer two cracking questions from our own James Pearce, including some really positive news about Joe Gomez. But another journalist risks the German's wrath by asking which competition - the Premier League or the Champions League - he would like to win the most. Luckily, Klopp's mood was lifted by a question from The Anfield Wrap. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What an afternoon it was at Anfield. And to reflect on the 2-0 victory over Chelsea, Ian Doyle, Paul Gorst, Caoimhe O'Neill and Sean Bradbury have recorded the first of this week's four (!) editions of the Blood Red podcast. And why not? With Liverpool very much in the running for a dream double, every game has to be taken on its own merits. But while the panel do preview the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Porto on Wednesday toward the end of the podcast, which includes the usual line-up and score predictions, the vast majority of the show is focused on the Reds' first home win over Chelsea in seven years. It was a win that took Jurgen Klopp's side back to the top of the Premier League and piled the pressure firmly on Manchester City. The panel wonder whether there is now a clear favourite in the title race and whether Mohamed Salah's sensational strike is both Liverpool's best and most important goal of the season. Jordan Henderson set up Sadio Mane to open the scoriing and our writers discuss why the Reds skipper looks so revitalised and the reasons behind Naby Keita's ever-improving form. They also talk Klopp's post-match press conference, and particularly those 'slip' comments. Was the Reds boss right? Has 2014 now been consigned to history? Have a listen to find out. It's well worth your time. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On another dramatic afternoon in this unprecedented, who-blinks-first race for the championship, Liverpool responded to seeing Manchester City win 3-1 at Crystal Palace by sweeping aside old foes Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield to go back top and move onto 85 points, which would have been enough to win nine previous Premier League titles. And to react to what was a superb victory, we have a bumper Post-Game podcast, which starts with the definitive verdict on the action from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, continues with the full audio from Jurgen Klopp's brilliant press conference after the match, and features nine buoyant Reds supporters who called into the show. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Much of the build-up to Sunday’s massive match has been dominated by talk of what happened when Liverpool welcomed Chelsea to Anfield the last time they were so close to winning the Premier League. But as Jurgen Klopp made clear at his press conference, this is a different time, and this is most definitely a different Liverpool. The Reds boss did, though, talk up Chelsea’s recent good form and the danger of Eden Hazard, which was fair enough, given Maurizio Sarri’s side have won four on the spin, inspired by their talismanic No 10. But at the same time it wasn’t too long ago that supporters were calling for Sarri’s head. So to find out exactly what’s going on at Stamford Bridge, and to see if Chelsea can repeat that devastating result of April 2014, Paul Wheelock speaks to Nizaar Kinsella, who covers the club day in, day out, for Goal.com. They also talk about the racist abuse suffered by Mohamed Salah at the hands of fans claiming to support his former club Chelsea, the future of the Liverpool-linked Callum Hudson-Odoi, and why this could be the worst time to face the brilliant Hazard – providing Sarri plays the Belgian in his correct position. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's hard to ignore the parallels between this weekend's crucial visit of Chelsea and the corresponding clash between the clubs almost exactly five years ago at the back end of the 2013-14 campaign. Everyone knows what happened that day - Steven Gerrard's slip, Jose Mourinho's antics - and it would be fair to say that game could be in the back of the mind of some Liverpool supporters come Sunday. But that won't be the case with Jurgen Klopp. The Reds boss made that abundantly clear at his pre-match press conference, and his words are one of the big talking points of the Blood Red podcast, hosted by Joe Rimmer and featuring James Pearce and Paul Gorst. Is Klopp right? And even if he is, are there lessons that still could be learned from that fateful afternoon? Both questions are answered before talk turns to Chelsea's and Eden Hazard's impressive record on the red half of Merseyside. But don't worry, the mood of the podcast picks up in the second half and by the end you will have every confidence the Premier League leaders will get the job done. There's also discussion about Klopp's response to the racist abuse suffered by Mohamed Salah, and just exactly how the defence and midfield will line-up against Chelsea.*This podcast was recorded before it was announced that Liverpool great Tommy Smith had passed away, aged 74. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jurgen Klopp was back in front of the media at Melwood on Friday afternoon. But sadly, the first question did not concern Sunday's massive match, but the racist chanting directed toward Mohamed Salah by what is claimed to be Chelsea supporters ahead of their side's Europa League match in Prague on Thursday night. The Liverpool manager speaks strongly and passionately on the subject before talk turns to football and the visit of Chelsea. Klopp is happy to talk about the current Chelsea team, but understandably, has no interest in going over what happened almost five years to that fateful day when the two teams met at Anfield. Klopp is also questioned on the dilemmas he has over Jordan Henderson, and at centre-back now that Joe Gomez is fit, while he lavishes praise on the Reds fanbase. He also gives a great answer when asked how do you defend against Eden Hazard, before the press conference rounds off with his thoughts on the form of Naby Keita. Enjoy - and we'll be back later with the Blood Red podcast. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices