PEP STEP TO CITY
But Pell says: I’ll go out a winner
JORDON IBE last night left Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp dreaming of Wembley.
Super-sub Ibe’s 37th-minute strike handed the Merseysiders a slender first-leg advantage at The Britannia Stadium.
There was a huge slice of fortune about the 20-year-old’s winner after he was teed up by Joe Allen’s miscued shot.
Stoke finally woke up after the break but a stubborn Liverpool side held out, with Jonathan Walters missing a chance to net a late equaliser for the Potters.
There was some bad news for Klopp, with both Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren going off with early hamstring injuries.
Anfield will host the second leg on January 26, when eight-time League Cup winners Liverpool will be looking to put the tie to bed. MANUEL Pellegrini is happy to step aside for Pep Guardiola – if he wins the title this season. Guardiola (left) is big favourite to take the Manchester City job after admitting yesterday he is destined for England. The Spaniard, who will leave Bayern Munich in the summer, said: “The reason I have not extended my contract is simple. I want to manage in the Premier League.
“I have several offers from England but I haven’t signed anything yet. I RULE BRITANNIA: Scorer Jordon Ibe gets a hug from Roberto Firmino EDEN HAZARD’S Chelsea future has been cast into fresh doubt, with Real Madrid ready to make a £100m summer move.
New Real boss Zinedine Zidane is a huge admirer of Hazard (ABOVE) and, prior to replacing Rafa Benitez in the Bernabeu hot seat, spoke in glowing terms about the Belgium star.
“After Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Hazard is my favourite player,” revealed Zidane. “It is spectacular to see him play.
“Do I see him going to Real Madrid? I love the player, that’s all I will say.”
Hazard has suffered a hugely disappointing season and has yet to find