Klopp Plans Squad Adjustments Ahead of Liverpool’s Challenging Trip to Southampton

Klopp Plans Squad Adjustments Ahead of Liverpool’s Challenging Trip to Southampton

With just days between fixtures, Klopp may need to rotate his squad after an intense FA Cup final win.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is anticipating the need to make several changes to his squad for their upcoming Premier League clash with Southampton, following their gruelling FA Cup final victory over Chelsea just three days prior.

The Reds face Southampton on Tuesday on the south coast, but after a taxing 120-minute final at Wembley, Klopp is concerned about the fitness of key players. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were both forced off through injury in the final, while Andy Robertson may not be risked after suffering from cramp.

Liverpool are in a must-win situation if they are to keep their slim hopes of catching Manchester City alive, but Klopp must balance this with the need to manage the workload of his players, especially with the Champions League final on the horizon.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Klopp explained: “The process of assessing the players is still ongoing. We played 120 minutes just two days ago. The players only returned today, so we have a lot of decisions to make. Those extra 30 minutes made a huge difference.”

Klopp pointed out the contrast between his team’s fatigue and Southampton’s freshness, having last played over a week ago. “They are completely fresh, and they’re a high-energy, well-organised team. If we make changes, we risk losing the advantage of our rhythm,” he added.

The Liverpool boss made it clear that, despite the tight turnaround, changes would be necessary. “If we go there with 10 or 8 players who played 120 minutes, it wouldn’t make sense,” he said. “We will need to make changes, but I don’t know how many yet. I will speak to the players.”

A loss to Southampton would end Liverpool’s quadruple hopes and see Manchester City crowned champions, yet after City’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, Liverpool still have a chance to move within a point of their rivals ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Klopp remained optimistic, stating, “What I can promise is that we will line up to win the game at Southampton. We will assess who is ready to help, and we will give everything to make it happen.” He also acknowledged the tight scheduling, with the match initially postponed due to Liverpool’s FA Cup final involvement.

With the final round of Premier League fixtures not set until Sunday, Klopp expressed his frustration at the timing. “They could have given us an extra day of rest, but it seems Thursday wasn’t an option due to the Europa League final,” he said. “We’ll just get on with it, and I’m excited for the game ahead.”

Exclusive Footage of Queen Elizabeth II Unveiled in Forthcoming Jubilee Documentary

Exclusive Footage of Queen Elizabeth II Unveiled in Forthcoming Jubilee Documentary

Never-before-seen family footage offers a rare glimpse into the Queen’s early years, from childhood to coronation.

A treasure trove of previously unseen archival footage of Queen Elizabeth II has been released ahead of the upcoming BBC documentary Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen. The documentary will explore Her Majesty’s life, starting from her infancy to her 1953 coronation.

The 30-second teaser, which premiered on BBC One, features intimate moments of the Queen as a young princess: skipping aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, grinning with her younger sister Princess Margaret, and posing in a khaki skirt-suit in a garden. The Queen’s voice can be heard in the trailer, quoting Winston Churchill: “The further backward you look, the further forward you can see.”

This documentary, airing on May 29, just ahead of the Jubilee celebrations, will showcase personal footage filmed by the Queen’s family, including herself, Prince Philip, and others. The 75-minute film presents the Queen from her childhood through to her 1953 coronation, offering a rare insight into her life and the monarchy. Among the never-before-seen footage is the Queen’s early years with her uncle, Prince George, who tragically died during the Second World War, as well as her private 1946 engagement to Prince Philip at Balmoral. The documentary will also feature rare moments from King George V’s 1931 sailing trip with The Queen Mother and a 1951 visit by King George VI to Balmoral, his last before his death.

The film also delves into the Queen’s role as a young mother, capturing her moments with Prince Charles and Princess Anne. The BBC was granted “unprecedented access” to the Royal Collection vaults at the British Film Institute, where the footage has been stored for decades. The production team reviewed over 400 reels of film, which included behind-the-scenes glimpses of state events, and listened to more than 300 of the Queen’s speeches spanning an incredible 80 years.

Simon Young, BBC’s commissioning editor for history, remarked, “This documentary offers an extraordinary and deeply personal look at the Royal Family, providing a unique opportunity to share this intimate side of the Queen’s life with the public, especially during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”

Claire Popplewell, creative director for BBC Studio Events Productions, said, “Access to this personal archive was a rare privilege. Allowing the Queen to tell her own story, through self-recorded moments, forms the heart of this film.”

Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen will air on BBC One and be available on BBC iPlayer on May 29, offering an unparalleled insight into the life of one of the most iconic figures in British history.

Konate Reflects on Liverpool’s “Unbelievable” Season and FA Cup Final Excitement

Konate Reflects on Liverpool’s “Unbelievable” Season and FA Cup Final Excitement

Ibrahima Konate says Liverpool’s historic season has exceeded his expectations as he prepares for a key role in the FA Cup final.

Ibrahima Konate has admitted that even in his wildest dreams, he could never have imagined being part of the remarkable and historic season Liverpool are currently enjoying. Since his move from RB Leipzig last summer, the 23-year-old defender has quickly become a key figure at Anfield.

Konate is set to mark his first year with the club in a high-profile way, with the FA Cup final on the horizon, as Liverpool’s quest for a potential quadruple continues. The Frenchman has already made significant contributions, having played at Wembley twice this season: once scoring a penalty in the Carabao Cup final shootout against Chelsea, and later netting in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City.

The central defender also played every minute of the Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals, finding the back of the net in both legs of the quarter-final tie against Benfica. Reflecting on his incredible first season at Liverpool, Konate said, “I could never have imagined this moment in my life. I knew I was joining a huge club with ambitions of winning trophies, but this season has been beyond exceptional. It’s been a historic year for the club, and it’s so exciting to be part of it.”

With Liverpool set to face Chelsea in their first FA Cup final in ten years, Konate expressed his eagerness for the match: “It’s a huge occasion, and we’re all really excited. I don’t mind who scores the goal, whether it’s me or someone else. The most important thing is to win the game and bring the trophy back to Liverpool.”

Konate is expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk, with Joel Matip likely to be benched for the final. The young defender shared his appreciation for manager Jürgen Klopp’s trust in him: “I’m very happy to be playing in these big matches, and I’m grateful for the trust the coach has placed in me. It’s an honour to be a part of these crucial games.”

Son Describes Tottenham’s Schedule as “Madness” and Reflects on Frustration at Substitution

Son Describes Tottenham’s Schedule as “Madness” and Reflects on Frustration at Substitution

Golden Boot contender Heung-min Son expresses frustration at being substituted but remains focused on Spurs’ top-four ambitions.

Heung-min Son has labelled Tottenham’s hectic schedule as “madness” while admitting his frustration at being substituted in Thursday’s 3-0 derby victory over Arsenal, despite his 21st goal of the season narrowing the gap to Mohamed Salah at the top of the Premier League scoring chart.

Son’s impressive strike helped Spurs move within a point of their fourth-placed rivals, but the South Korean forward has little time to dwell on the victory, with Tottenham set to face Burnley in their final home game of the season on Sunday. The match will kick off at 12:00 PM, offering little time for recovery following the intense midweek win.

Reflecting on the packed schedule, Son said: “Looking at the timetable, it’s madness. Playing Thursday night and then Sunday with such an early kick-off is a quick turnaround. We have to do everything we can to recover—good food, sleep, and be ready to go again.”

While Son admitted that a later kick-off on Sunday would have been preferable, he remains focused on making the most of the situation: “If you win the early kick-off, it’s always good. It feels like you wake up and go straight into the game. But Thursday to Sunday is a really quick turnaround. This is the schedule, and we need to adapt and be ready for every situation.”

Despite the packed schedule, Son’s commitment to recovery remains a priority, especially regarding sleep: “I’ll try my best to sleep. But if I struggle, there’s not much I can do. I just have to recover as best as I can, and sleep is crucial for me.”

Son also spoke about his frustration at being substituted in the 70th minute of the Arsenal match, as Antonio Conte opted to rest him ahead of the Burnley fixture. “I’m always not happy when I come off because I love playing football and want to help the team,” he said. “At the moment, you feel frustrated, but I understand why. We have a quick game on Sunday, and it’s for the team’s benefit. I can’t promise I’ll score, but I’ll always do my best.”

Should Spurs win against Burnley, they will leapfrog Arsenal in the race for fourth place, increasing the pressure on their North London rivals, who face Newcastle on Monday.

Although he is chasing the Golden Boot, Son insists that finishing in the top four is his primary goal. “It would be nice to win the Golden Boot, but the most important thing is finishing in the top four,” he stated. “Against Arsenal, we played fantastically, and I’m really proud of the lads. If we qualify for the Champions League and I don’t score again, I’ll be more than happy.”

Son also praised manager Antonio Conte, acknowledging his immense impact on the club: “Before he arrived, we didn’t believe we could get into the Champions League spots. He’s brought incredible passion, energy, and positivity to the team. We have just 10 more days, and we have to give everything we have.”

The final push for Champions League qualification will be difficult, but Son is focused on securing that elusive fourth place. “It’s been tough, especially with the competition for the title and top four in the Premier League. Every game is a battle, but we just want to make sure we qualify for the Champions League.”

EU Rejects UK Ultimatum on Northern Ireland Protocol, Warns Against Unilateral Action

EU Rejects UK Ultimatum on Northern Ireland Protocol, Warns Against Unilateral Action

Maros Sefcovic stresses EU’s stance on the protocol, stating that blackmail will not be tolerated in the ongoing Brexit dispute.

The EU’s chief negotiator has firmly stated that Brussels will not succumb to threats or blackmail from the UK regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol, amidst escalating tensions that threaten to spark a trade war.

Maros Sefcovic accused Boris Johnson of misleading the public about the impacts of Brexit, urging for greater honesty about the consequences of the hard Brexit path chosen by the UK. Sefcovic emphasised that the EU is united in rejecting British demands to alter the controversial protocol, which has established a customs border between Northern Ireland and the UK mainland.

In a direct response to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss’s warning that Britain may take unilateral action if the EU does not compromise, Sefcovic stressed the EU’s commitment to constructive engagement, not threats. His comments follow intense discussions between Truss and Sefcovic, where the UK government signalled plans to introduce legislation that could override the protocol. Truss had expressed regret over the EU’s refusal to revise the negotiating mandate and insisted that if the EU did not show more flexibility, the UK would be forced to act.

This ultimatum came shortly after Attorney General Suella Braverman confirmed that legal advice indicated it would be lawful for the UK to discard parts of the protocol, which the government believes is being implemented in an unfair and unreasonable manner. Meanwhile, former Brexit minister Lord Frost backed the government’s stance, arguing that action was now essential, even if it led to confrontation with the EU.

Downing Street has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, but no final decision has been made yet. While talks are continuing, Sefcovic warned that any move to unilaterally disregard the protocol would risk deepening the rift between the UK and the EU. He cautioned that such an action could lead to a trade war, potentially suspending the zero-tariff trade deal established in 2020.

Further complicating the matter, Sefcovic expressed “serious concern” over the UK’s stance, describing any attempt to walk away from the protocol as unacceptable. He reiterated the EU’s position, stating, “We will not renegotiate the protocol, and unilateral action is not the solution.”

Truss has voiced frustration over what she sees as the protocol’s detrimental impact on trade and its unequal treatment of Northern Ireland, which she believes creates a “two-tier system.” She proposed a light-touch “green channel” for goods destined for Northern Ireland, with stricter checks reserved for goods heading to the Republic of Ireland. However, Sefcovic made it clear that the EU will not entertain further concessions or changes to the protocol’s implementation.

The situation remains tense, with both sides digging in their heels. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has supported the EU’s stance, urging for dialogue rather than threats. He called for a resolution through partnership, not through escalating tensions.

The ongoing row underscores the deep divisions that persist over Brexit’s legacy and its unresolved implications for Northern Ireland’s status. The next steps remain uncertain, but the risk of a breakdown in trade relations and further political fallout is growing.

Young Londoners to Secure Opportunities in Hollywood Film Industry, Sadiq Khan Announces

Young Londoners to Secure Opportunities in Hollywood Film Industry, Sadiq Khan Announces

New partnership with Universal Studios will offer diverse traineeships in roles such as props, costumes, and assistant directing.

Sadiq Khan has revealed a new initiative offering young Londoners the chance to work behind the scenes on Hollywood films shot in the capital. This opportunity comes as part of a partnership between Universal Studios and the Greater London Authority, which will provide hundreds of trainees with the chance to work on major productions like Wicked and Fast X, starring Ariana Grande and Vin Diesel.

The scheme aims to offer young Londoners from diverse and under-represented communities roles in the film industry, particularly in areas such as digital imaging, props, costumes, and assistant directing. This effort is part of NBC Universal’s broader $100 million commitment to tackling inequality and racism through its “below the line” apprenticeship and mentoring programme.

Khan’s announcement came after a five-day US tour, which included a behind-the-scenes visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. He explored historic sets, including those used in iconic films like Jaws and To Kill A Mockingbird, both of which inspired his own career path. Khan also enjoyed a playful moment on a Western set, joking, “There’s a new sheriff in town,” as he pretended to fire a pistol.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the skills shortage in the UK’s growing film industry, which is projected to be worth over £6 billion by 2024/25. The UK film sector is particularly concentrated in London, which houses around three-quarters of the industry’s activity. Projections indicate a need for 50,000 additional jobs in the industry in the coming years.

Universal Studios is already investing in the Sky Studios Elstree site in North London, further cementing the capital’s role as a hub for film production. Khan expressed his pride in this collaboration, saying, “Our capital’s thriving film industry is a key driver of our economic recovery, and it’s vital that Londoners from all backgrounds are able to benefit.”

Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of Universal, called the scheme a “natural next step” to foster diversity, building on the company’s efforts in the US. Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London, also praised the initiative, highlighting how the global demand for content is creating significant economic and career opportunities for Londoners.

Russian Logistics Vessel Set Ablaze in the Black Sea Following Ukrainian Attack

Russian Logistics Vessel Set Ablaze in the Black Sea Following Ukrainian Attack

The Vsevolod Bobrov, one of Russia’s newest ships, sustained significant damage after being struck near Snake Island.

A Russian logistics ship, the Vsevolod Bobrov, has been severely damaged after a Ukrainian strike in the Black Sea, forcing the vessel to return to port, according to a Ukrainian official. The incident occurred off the coast of Snake Island, a strategic outcrop previously captured by Russia. The ship, described as one of the newest in the Russian fleet, was reportedly left “limping” back to Sevastopol, a major Russian naval base in Crimea.

Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa Regional Military Administration, confirmed that the Ukrainian Navy had carried out the strike, causing the fire on the ship. He added that the information was still being verified, and further details were awaited. The Vsevolod Bobrov had only recently joined the Russian fleet, arriving at Sevastopol on 17 February, just before the invasion of Ukraine began.

Snake Island, located near Ukraine’s border with Romania, has been the site of intense conflict, with Ukraine targeting Russian air defences and resupply vessels in the region to weaken Moscow’s control over the coastline. This follows the destruction of the Russian warship Moskva in the Black Sea last month, a significant setback for Russia’s naval operations.

In addition to the attack on the Vsevolod Bobrov, Ukraine continues to face challenges in the south. Firefighters in Odesa battled blazes into the early hours of Tuesday after seven Russian missiles struck a shopping centre and a depot. The attack resulted in one fatality and five injuries, as confirmed by Ukraine’s armed forces.

Jurgen Klopp Admits Erling Haaland’s Transfer Will Significantly Strengthen Manchester City

Jurgen Klopp Admits Erling Haaland’s Transfer Will Significantly Strengthen Manchester City

Liverpool manager acknowledges Haaland’s move to City will make them even more formidable in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp has conceded that Erling Haaland’s transfer to Manchester City will make the Premier League champions “a lot” stronger. The Borussia Dortmund striker’s move was confirmed on Tuesday, hours before Liverpool secured a dramatic win over Aston Villa.

Haaland, one of Europe’s most lethal goal scorers, has an impressive record, having netted 61 goals in 66 Bundesliga appearances since January 2020, as well as 23 goals in just 19 Champions League matches. With Manchester City already dominating the Premier League in terms of goals scored, the addition of a striker of Haaland’s calibre raises concerns for clubs aiming to challenge their dominance.

Klopp shared his thoughts on Haaland’s transfer following Liverpool’s victory, stating, “How much better does he make them? A lot! Unfortunately, he’s a really good signing. He is a beast. Unfortunately, a really good signing.”

Paraguayan Prosecutor Killed by Gunmen on Jet Ski While on Honeymoon in Colombia

Paraguayan Prosecutor Killed by Gunmen on Jet Ski While on Honeymoon in Colombia

Marcelo Pecci, who led anti-organised crime efforts, was fatally shot while vacationing with his wife in Cartagena, Colombia.

Marcelo Pecci, Paraguay’s lead prosecutor for organised crime and drug trafficking, was shot dead by gunmen on a jet ski while honeymooning in Colombia with his wife. The attack occurred on Tuesday at a beach on the island of Baru, located off Cartagena, where the couple had been staying. The gunmen, who arrived by jet ski, opened fire on the pair while they were on the beach. It remains unclear whether Pecci’s wife, Claudia Aguilera, was injured in the attack. The gunmen also targeted a hotel security guard, though he was unharmed.

Aguilera had posted a photo on social media just hours before the murder, showing her and Pecci alongside a pair of baby shoes with a message celebrating their upcoming life together. The couple had married earlier in April.

The Decameron Cartagena Hotel confirmed the details of the shooting, while Colombian authorities, including Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez, promised to investigate the crime. Colombian Defence Minister Diego Molano stated that a specialised criminal investigation unit had been dispatched to Cartagena to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

In response to the murder, Paraguay’s President Mario Abdo Benítez condemned the “cowardly” act and expressed his condolences to Pecci’s family. He also pledged to intensify Paraguay’s fight against organised crime. Officials from both Paraguay and the United States are set to assist in the investigation.

Boris Johnson Faces Criticism Over Lack of Immediate Action on Cost of Living Crisis Despite Promises of Compassion

Boris Johnson Faces Criticism Over Lack of Immediate Action on Cost of Living Crisis Despite Promises of Compassion

Prime Minister outlines long-term plans for economic growth while facing backlash for failing to address urgent financial pressures on households.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, faced intense criticism for not offering immediate solutions to the escalating cost of living in his Queen’s Speech address, despite promising compassion and support in the long term. Johnson warned that the Government could not fully protect individuals from the rising cost of living but assured MPs that the administration would continue to use its resources to alleviate financial burdens. However, no concrete short-term measures were proposed during his speech, leading to discontent among opposition leaders and campaign groups.

The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s ambition to transition to a “high-wage, high-skill” economy, aimed at creating a foundation for long-term prosperity. He acknowledged the immediate struggles of people, particularly with soaring energy costs and inflation, but refrained from announcing any direct intervention to assist households in the near future. “We will continue to use all our ingenuity and compassion for as long as it takes,” Johnson said, hinting at future help but offering no timeline for immediate relief.

While Johnson focused on the broader economic recovery, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sharply criticised the lack of urgency in addressing the cost-of-living crisis, labelling the Government’s approach “pathetic” and warning of the potential for stagflation. The Queen’s Speech, delivered by the Prince of Wales for the first time, included plans for economic growth and increased security measures in response to international threats, but did not propose any immediate financial aid for those struggling with rising living costs.

Despite this, Johnson referred to the £22 billion support package already in place, aimed at addressing energy bills and taxes. However, the Government’s focus remains on long-term growth rather than short-term financial relief, with public finances already strained due to pandemic-related spending. Critics, including charity leaders, voiced concerns that the Government had missed an opportunity to address the pressing issues affecting families and pensioners now.

The Government also unveiled 38 new Bills in the Queen’s Speech, including proposals for regional growth, energy security, and the protection of workers’ rights. Nevertheless, for many struggling households, these long-term plans seemed a distant promise, with immediate support yet to materialise.