Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast

A chance of a first trophy under Jurgen Klopp gone or bigger fish to fry? That's the debate that rages on the Post-Game podcast after Liverpool went down 2-1 at Wolves to exit the FA Cup before the fifth round for the fourth successive season under Jurgen Klopp. With his side sitting four points clear at the top of the league, the Reds boss made nine changes to the team that started Thursday’s 2-1 loss at title rivals Manchester City. One of those changes, the Merseyside derby hero Divock Origi, who has been linked with a move to Molineux, brought Liverpool level after Raul Jiminez opened the scoring. But a superb strike from Ruben Neves, who has been linked with a move to Anfield, ensured that the Reds’ hope of glory this season now rest in the Premier League and the Champions League. But was Klopp right to prioritise those competitions? Our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce has his say before we hear from the seven Reds fans who have phoned into the show – Graham Agg, Nathan Davidson, Ross Strachan, Matt Addison, Matt Whitty, Sam Planche and Simon Donnelly. And sandwiched between that is every word Klopp had to say in his post-match press conference, including his reaction to the injury to Dejan Lovren that led to 16-year-old Ki-Jana Hoever making an impressive debut. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

In the latest Blood Red podcast, Liverpool reporter and regular host Ian Doyle is joined by ECHO duo Kristian Walsh and Joe Rimmer to discuss the last few days of all things Anfield. Top of the agenda is the first league defeat of the season at Manchester City, how that could impact on the title race and where Jurgen Klopp may have gone wrong. There's also talk of Dejan Lovren, the midfield and a very heated chat on the FA Cup. Also includes a parting word from Kristian - who it turns out isn't going anywhere really after all. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

All good things come to an end. Yes, Liverpool's superb 20-match unbeaten start to the campaign was curtailed on Thursday night when they lost a genuinely high-quality encounter at defending champions Manchester City 2-1. The loss means Liverpool’s lead at the top of the league, and over City, has been cut to four points. But it's unlikely you’d find a single Red who wouldn’t have taken that scenario at the start of December – let alone at the start of the season. And it is in that context that we bring you our latest Post-Game podcast, featuring the definitive verdict on a pulsating night of action at the Etihad from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, every word Jurgen Klopp had to say in his post-match press conference, and the thoughts of the eight Reds fans who called into the show. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Here we go. Manchester City v Liverpool at the Etihad, Matches do not come much bigger now in the Premier League - and tonight's one in particular. Cast your mind back a month and most supporters, maybe even Liverpool fans included, would have had City down as favourites to defend their title. But since their mask of invincibility slipped with 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on December 8, Pep Guardiola’s side have lost three of their last five league games, whereas Jurgen Klopp's relentless Reds have gone from strength to strength, extending their winning league to nine matches to open up a seven-point gap between the teams. So what has happened to City? Did they have any inkling Liverpool could be this consistent, this strong? And would defeat, or even a draw, tonight end their hopes? So to get the answers to those questions, Paul Wheelock speaks to Richard Burns, a City fan, writer and broadcaster, who is a regular on the long-standing Blue Moon podcast. They also talk the importance of Fernandinho, the return of Kevin de Bruyne, the problems Guardiola has at full-back, the growing rivalry between the clubs, as well as having some fun with a bit of fantasy football. You will then hear from our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce after he attended Klopp’s press conference, where the Reds manager responded to Guardiola’s claim that Liverpool are the best team in Europe. James also gives us the latest team news, offers his thoughts on the dynamic of tonight’s game, and gives us the reaction to the news that one-time Liverpool target Christian Pulisic is signing for Chelsea. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

What a time it is to be a Liverpool fan. A record start to a league season, six points clear at the top, and with the little matter of a trip to the defending champions Manchester City to come on Thursday night. Little wonder, then, that there is an air of excitement around the first Allez Les Rouges podcast of the New Year. Host Peter Hooton is joined by regulars Stephen Monaghan and John Nicolson, as well as Ian Byrne, fellow Red, local councillor, and founder of Fans Supporting Foodbanks, the partnership between Spirit of Shankly and Everton Supporters’ Trust that is doing vital and brilliant work in the community. After the 5-1 demolition of Arsenal made it nine wins on the spin for Jurgen Klopp’s relentless side, the panel question whether anyone saw this coming, and whether it’s best to keep your feet on the ground, enjoy the ride... or both! What they definitely do agree on is that Klopp is playing it perfectly, off the pitch as well as on it, where the belief he has instilled now means his players should be able to meet any challenge that comes their way. A big challenge soon awaits the Reds at the Etihad. But, with City trailing seven points behind, the lads reckon it is Pep Guardiola who is facing the biggest conundrum. The midfield section for the big clash is discussed as is the use of dark arts in matches of the magnitude of Thursday’s.  Talk then turns to three thought-provoking articles that have been published recently, the first about the impact of Virgil van Dijk, and the latter two about Fans Supporting Foodbanks and the ‘Feed the Scousers’ chants aimed at Liverpool and Everton supporters by rival fans. And another must-listen podcast ends with a warm tribute to late Reds legend Peter Thompson before the panel look back on 2018 and offer their hopes and dreams for 2019. Without giving the game away, a victory over City would go a long way to making them a reality. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

In the final Blood Red podcast of 2018, James Pearce and Paul Gorst are joined by stand-in host Sam Carroll to sign off for the year with a bang. The trio of ECHO reporters pick the bones out of Saturday's 5-1 hammering of Arsenal as they reflect on arguably the performance of the season at Anfield. The Reds went nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic dismantling of the Gunners and our journalists give their take on a superb end to Anfield action for 2018. Paul explains why he loved seeing Virgil van Dijk come to Mohamed Salah's rescue in the Anfield tunnel, while James reflects on a memorable year covering the club both home and away. Goal and Player of the Year awards are also selected as they look back on an incredible year for Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool squad. As ever, it's a must-listen. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

What a performance. What a year. And what a lead at the top. Yes, Liverpool are now nine points clear in first place in the Premier League after they signed off in 2018 with a thumping 5-1 victory over Arsenal at Anfield this evening. The record-breaking Reds’ ninth straight league victory ensured they took full advantage of second-placed Tottenham’s shock home loss to Wolves earlier in the day. And it also ensured they moved a massive 10 points clear of third-placed Manchester City, who let’s remember, held a five-point advantage at the top just 25 days ago. Host Paul Wheelock kicks us off before you hear the definitive verdict of our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, and then the thoughts of the six excellent Reds fans who phoned into the show. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

It's been some year for Liverpool and, should they overcome Arsenal in the late kick-off, they would end 2018 unbeaten at home in the Premier League. And, more importantly, it would also ensure they would stay at least six points clear at the top going into 2019. If recent history, as well as form, is anything to go by, Jurgen Klopp's side should do the business against the Gunners But is this Arsenal team a different beast to the one that meekly surrendered at Anfield in August last year? Their performance in this season's reverse encounter between the sides at the Emirates, at the start of November, suggests that they are. But what are they like on the road? And is there any chance they could be become the first team to take three points from Anfield since April 2017? To try to get the answers to those questions, Paul Wheelock speaks to Arsenal fan and journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey. Over a Christmas pint, they talk the game itself, the impact of Unai Emery, the signing Tom believes rivals Alisson Becker for the best of the season, some of the problems that continue to linger from Arsene Wenger’s reign, the Klopp ally who is helping revolutionise the Gunners, and the player who swapped the Emirates for Anfield. And speaking of Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce then provides a very positive update on the midfielder's fitness, as well as all the other talking points from Reds boss Klopp's pre-match press conference. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

The red machine of Liverpool keeps rolling on - and the Blood Red team are in very high spirits. To a degree. Kristian Walsh is joined by Paul Gorst, Connor Dunn and Theo Squires as they discuss the Reds' 4-0 win over Newcastle - and what it means for the title race. There is praise for Dejan Lovren and his confidence, while derision reigns supreme over the suggestion Mohamed Salah should be banned for diving. The impact of Xherdan Shaqiri is also a key topic, as is the reaction both at Anfield and across the country to Liverpool going six points clear. The futures of three teenagers are also discussed, as well as the magnitude of the clash with Arsenal. Spirits are high indeed - but just don't jinx things, whatever you do. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Eight straight Premier League wins and a six-point lead at the top makes for one very happy Post-Game podcast. Yes, Liverpool continued their relentless form with a routine 4-0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day. But while the Reds are keeping their cool in the title race, it would appear the defending champions are losing theirs, after Manchester City went down 2-1 at Leicester City to make it three defeats in their last four league matches. But while the shock result at the King Power gets a mention, this podcast is all about the league leaders, and their comfortable win over Rafa Benitez's men. We hear from James Pearce, our Liverpool FC correspondent, every word Jurgen Klopp had to say in his press conference, and the verdict of the five Reds who phoned into the show. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Liverpool have given their supporters the perfect Christmas present by opening up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League. But last’s year gift came two days after the big day when Virgil van Dijk’s protracted move from Southampton was completed for a £75m fee that remains a world record for a defender. It’s safe to say that it’s been money well spent. And such is the impact van Dijk has made at Anfield, we have produced a Christmas Day special podcast that is all about the imperious Dutchman, and which could be perfect listening while you’re cooking the turkey or when you’ve got your feet up later in the day after you’ve polished it off. The podcast starts with a three-way discussion between our Blood Red regulars Joe Rimmer, Ian Doyle and Paul Gorst, before Paul Wheelock talks to former Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Leicester City midfielder Garry Parker, who was part of the Celtic coaching staff who first brought van Dijk to Britain from Holland. We also hear from a Southampton writer, who is not surprised in the slightest at just how well the 27-year-old has done for the Reds. Enjoy – and from everyone at the Blood Red podcasts, we hope you’re having, or have had, a good day. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

In the latest Blood Red podcast, Liverpool reporter and regular host Ian Doyle is joined by ECHO duo Kristian Walsh and Paul Gorst to discuss the last few days of all things Anfield. Top of the agenda is the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers that means the Reds are top of Christmas, while there is a lot of love for Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Mohamed Salah, discussion over why Manchester United love Liverpool and a look ahead to Newcastle United. Also includes a probably too lengthy discussion on possible wrestling names for Van Dijk - other than Virgil. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

It’s been the perfect ending to a memorable year for Liverpool’s first team. The win over Wolves on Friday ensured the Reds will be top at Christmas – and Manchester City’s shock defeat at home to Crystal Palace the following afternoon guarantees that the four-point gap between the sides has stayed intact. But it’s not just at senior level that the club is thriving. The Under-18s won a dramatic FA Youth Cup tie with Portsmouth in St Helens on Tuesday 3-2 thanks to a late winner from the prolific Bobby Duncan. It continued a brilliant run of form for Barry Lewtas’ side that has seen them book their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Youth League and move up to second in the U18s Premier League. Further good news came in the fact that Ki-Jana Hoever, the 16-year-old defender signed from Ajax in the summer, has been promoted to train with Jurgen Klopp’s senior side. And for the latest Academy Show podcast, Paul Wheelock speak to our Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce about the Dutchman, about Duncan, and about the U23s, who themselves have ended 2018 on a high, and about Ben Woodburn ahead of his expected return from Sheffield United on loan For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

There is just no stopping Liverpool FC. Goals from the outstanding Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk - the former's 14th of the season, taking him to the top of the domestic scoring charts; the latter's first in the league for the club - fired the relentless Reds to a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory over a Wolves side who are far from mugs. And what an important victory it was, too, as not only did it ensure Jurgen Klopp's side will be top at Christmas for the first time in five years, but it also ensured the lead over second-placed Manchester City was extended to four points. It should come as no surprise, then, that it is yet another buzzing Post-Game podcast, which kicks off with the verdict of our full-time Liverpool FC correspondent James Pearce, which features the full audio from Reds boss Klopp's press conference, and which concludes with the thoughts of the Koppites who phoned into the show, and those who left comments on our dedicated Blood Red podcast Facebook page. Click HERE to apply to join. Merry Christmas! For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

In the latest Blood Red podcast, Liverpool reporter and regular host Ian Doyle is joined by full-time Liverpool correspondent - both home and away - James Pearce and ECHO duo Kristian Walsh and Connor Dunn to discuss the last few days of all things Anfield. Among the topics discussed are the sacking of Jose Mourinho, what it means for the Reds, the future of Dominic Solanke, Dejan Lovren's latest comments and looking ahead to the trip to Wolves. Features James disagreeing with Ian a lot. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy