Reds’ focus is on the pitch, not takeover talk - Lijnders

LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager Pep Lijnders insists the staff and players have not been distracted by talk of a potential sale by club owners Fenway Sports Group, writes the Press Association’s Carl Markham.

A report on Monday suggested the American-based owners had produced a sales deck and investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were assisting the evaluation process.

FSG admits it is open to accepting new shareholders but has not gone as far as to say the club as a whole is on the market, although it has not definitively ruled it out.

Lijnders, manager Jurgen Klopp and his other staff and players were made aware of the current situation regarding FSG up to 10 days ago and so it had not come as a surprise.

“We have a strong relationship with the owners,” said Lijnders, ahead of the club’s defence of their Carabao Cup title at home to Derby this evening. “I always knew the owners acted in the best interests of the club and always have done. The statement was very clear.

“How did it distract us? To be honest, this is what I like about our club, that we are so focused. There was a small discussion, a talk between Jurgen and me, and then we start focusing on a big game coming up. We thought it would not come out now but it’s all fine. We focus on what matters and what matters is preparing for Derby.”

Pressure has been growing on FSG, led by principal owner John W Henry, this season as indifferent results have left Liverpool well behind their rivals in the Premier League. Only last month Klopp spoke about the difficulties keeping pace with Manchester City, admitting the club could not compete with their financial might and had to find other ways of staying in touch.

FSG has not been adverse to seeking additional resources and in April last year, to help mitigate losses due to Covid, it sold a 10 per cent stake to RedBird, a private investment firm, for £533million. But this season the owners have been criticised for a lack of investment in the squad this summer.

Lijnders added: “I believe they are acting in the best interests of the club to take it further.” (7.45 unless stated)

Carabao Third Round: Arsenal v Brighton, Liverpool v Derby (8.00), Man City v Chelsea (8.00), Newcastle v Crystal Palace, Nottm Forest v Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton v Sheff Wed, West Ham v Blackburn, Wolverhampton v Leeds

Sky Bet League One: Shrewsbury v Oxford Utd Vanarama Premier: Bromley v Woking, Scunthorpe v Wrexham, Torquay v Dorking Wanderers Somerset Premier Cup Second Round: Larkhall Athletic v Wells City

Monday’s results

FA Cup first round: Bracknell Town 0 Ipswich 3 National League North: Bradford PA 1 Peterborough Sports 2

National League South:

Dover Athletic 0

Chelmsford City 0