Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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