Friday’s big Liverpool stories.
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Liverpool eye AC Milan’s Ignacio Abate
The Reds are after AC Milan right-back Ignacio Abate, report the Mirror. The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and would prefer to stay at the Italian club, but will go abroad if he can’t agree a new deal.
He would be seen as a cheap replacement for Glen Johnson, who is expected to leave in either January or at the end of the season, when he could be an intriguing free transfer for clubs.
Brendan Rodgers after German international
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Karim Bellarabi, according to the Mirror. Manchester United and Arsenal are also reportedly interested.
Bellarabi has drawn scouts to Germany after his impressive form this season has seen him break in to Germany team.
Mario Balotelli needs to prove himself by Christmas
Summer signing Mario Balotelli needs to prove his worth by Christmas, according to the Mirror. Manager Rodgers is apparently willing to sign a replacement if the Italian continues to underperform.
The striker has recently been chastised for swapping shirts at half time during the Reds’ 3-0 loss to Real Madrid and for only scoring one goal in his ten appearances for the club.
Boss says defensive record must improve
Brendan Rodgers has promised that Liverpool will work hard to improve their dire defensive record while speaking to liverpoolfc.com. He also stated that a collective effort would be needed to solve the problem.
The Northern Irish manager said, “It’s our job to improve our record and it’s something we’ll continue to work on.”
Philippe Coutinho relishes responsibility
Philippe Coutinho has said that he welcomes the responsibility to unlock opposition defences, in an interview on the Liverpool website.
The Brazilian told Liverpoolfc.com, “My role encompasses creating goal-scoring opportunities and scoring goals myself. Many people may see it as a task of higher responsibility. However, I’ve always been ready and prepared for it.”