Liverpool on brink of final as tensions mount in Rome
Liverpool return to the scene of two of their most famous European triumphs amid tight security ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, second leg clash in Rome.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are on the brink of reaching the final of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2007 as they look to defend a three-goal advantage against AS Roma in the Italian capital. But off-pitch tensions are high as Liverpool supporter Sean Cox lies in a coma after being attacked before last week’s first leg in Anfield.
Two Roma supporters were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and club legend Francesco Totti has appealed for “fair play, hospitality and respect for our opponents”.
Former Roma striker Mohamed Salah scored two brilliant goals and set up two more as Liverpool went five up at Anfield before two late goals gave Roma hope of a potential fightback.
Klopp’s side are bidding for a sixth European title having won two, in 1977 and 1984, at the Stadio Olimpico -- the latter on penalties against Roma. Both teams are third in their domestic leagues and in the running for Champions League football next season.
But Liverpool have suffered serious disruption in the buildup after Klopp’s right-hand man, Zeljko Buvac, dubbed “the brain” by the German, stepped aside for personal reasons this week.
Buvac, who was on the bench with Klopp for Saturday’s goalless draw against Stoke, has been the German’s trusted right-hand man for the last 17 years.
Added to the distractions is star striker Salah’s image-rights dispute with the Egyptian football association. The Roma game also comes days before Liverpool clash with Chelsea in the Premier League.
AWARD FOR SALAH
Mohamed Salah has been voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) to complete the double of English soccer’s major individual awards.
Salah was chosen as player of the year by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) after an outstanding season in which he has scored 43 goals in all competitions.
The 25-year-old is the first African player to win the FWA award which began in 1948. Salah narrowly beat Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
LEGEND TO PUT UP MEDALS FOR SALE
Terry McDermott, a key figure in Liverpool’s dominance in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, is to sell his three European Cup winners medals he told The Sun newspaper on Tuesday.
The 66-year-old former England midfielder will also put up for sale five league winners medals and player awards at historic British auction house Sotheby’s on May 22 just days before his old team could be appearing in the Champions League final.
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