Liverpool are not blind to the qualities of Kylian Mbappe but will not be drawn into a bidding war for the Paris St Germain striker, manager Juergen Klopp said. The France forward stayed at PSG this season despite interest from Real Madrid and has hit top form with 36 goals from 45 matches in all competitions.
The 23-year-old World Cup winner’s contract expires in June and speculation about his future has ramped up in recent weeks, though Klopp was tight-lipped about any contact between the player and Liverpool. “Of course, we’re interested in Kylian. We’re not blind,” Klopp said. I have nothing to say about that (the reported contact). Between Kylian and Liverpool... it’s all fine.”
Klopp’s comments come with Liverpool hoping to tie down Mohamed Salah to a new deal, while fellow forward Sadio Mane has been linked with a switch away from Anfield. “We, of course, like him (Mbappe), if you don’t like him, then you have to question yourself,” Klopp added. “But no, we’re not... we cannot be part of these battles. There must be other clubs involved, but that is fine. He’s a great player.”
Burnley ready for conclusion of relegation battle
Relegation-threatened Burnley are mentally ready and united as their battle for Premier League survival enters its moment of truth, interim manager Mike Jackson said ahead of tomorrow’s match at Aston Villa. Burnley occupy the final relegation place in 18th spot with 34 points but have a game in hand of 17th-placed Leeds United who are one point better off.
“We know if we get a certain amount of points from these last two games it’s in our hands,” Jackson said. “This group works better when we play in the now, mentally we’re in a good place. Everybody in the whole place is trying to do their bit, everyone is all in.”
Burnley lost 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday courtesy of a harshly-awarded penalty converted by Harry Kane. “It’s done now and I said what I needed to,” Jackson said of the decision. “I was annoyed with it but I didn’t want to take away from what was a really strong performance from the group on Sunday.”
Coach Hoeness sacked by Hoffenheim
Sebastian Hoeness was sacked by Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, paying the price for failing to secure a place in Europe for next season following a string of poor results. Five days after his 40th birthday, Hoeness was shown the door as Hoffenheim finished ninth in Germany’s top flight, falling six points short of a place in the European Conference League. The writing was on the wall for the nephew of former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness when Hoffenheim rounded off their league campaign with a 5-1 thrashing by Borussia Moenchengladbach last Saturday.
Hoffemheim were fourth — in the Champions League places — in mid March, but have dropped down the table since, losing their last three games and conceded 13 goals in the process.
Huddersfield beat Luton to reach playoff final
Jordan Rhodes’ solitary late strike took Huddersfield to within one game of a return to the Premier League as the Terriers beat Luton 1-0 on Monday to secure a 2-1 aggregate win. Rhodes stole in at the far post eight minutes from time to take his side to Wembley for a meeting against Nottingham Forest or Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final.
Defeat ends Luton’s dream to vault from the fifth-tier National League to the richest league in the world in eight years.
The visitors were the better side for long periods on the night after being held 1-1 at Kenilworth Road in Friday’s first leg. But Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls made several telling saves and Rhodes’ goal-poaching instincts proved the difference when the former Scotland international turned in Sorba Thomas’ free-kick.
Kylian Mbappe
