Dressing room "Apprehension" and a potential return date for LFC Duo: Liverpool News Round-Up

This week's latest news as we navigate through the final international break of the season
Chelsea v Liverpool - Carabao Cup Final
Chelsea v Liverpool - Carabao Cup Final / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
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As we sift through what is, thankfully, the final international break of the season. This rare moment of football ceasefire can serve as a chance for rejuvenation for the boys in Red, the gaffer himself, and even us supporters who've endured the stresses of the current season, week in week out.

A slight recess on the season doesn't necessarily mean a grinding halt to the news front though, as there are still some noteworthy headlines to ponder as we all prepare for the final stretch of the campaign.

Konaté admits "apprehension" around Reds dressing room

It's no secret that Jurgen Klopp has always made a point to run a tight ship throughout his tenure as Liverpool manager. However, the news of his departure has reportedly unsettled a few players, especially as the season's end draws near.

Reds defender Ibrahima Konaté was very open about his feelings about the German's departure, stating "Liverpool is Liverpool. Klopp was the one who came looking for me and got me to the level I'm at today." Speaking with his local France TV Info, he added "It will always be a legendary, exceptional club. Everyone is apprehensive, and every player is aware of that. Who will the new manager be? Will things go well, both collectively and individually?"

You certainly cannot blame Konaté and certain Liverpool players for reacting this way. After the supreme intensity of a football match wears off, we forget that these players are only human, and are naturally inclined to feel these emotions.

Thankfully, with the return of Michael Edwards and the appointment of Richard Hughes as his right-hand man, the foundations of the post-Klopp era are well on their way to being established.

Leverkusen Sporting Director unsure of Alonso future

Simon Rolfes, sporting director for the Bundesliga-leading Bayer Leverkusen, has admitted that the club doesn't have "100% security" that manager Xabi Alonso will remain with the club beyond this season.

It's no secret that Alonso is the first name on the list of those to replace Jurgen Klopp, with the former Liverpool midfielder looking to lead Bayer Leverkusen to it's first ever league title, breaking the more than decade-long strangle hold that rivals Bayern Munich have had on the German top flight. A strangle hold last broken by Jurgen Klopp, ironically enough.

As we approach the final stretch of the season, the conversations around Klopp's successor will become more prevalent. It will be interesting to see how the club will look to handle this situation, especially since the Reds are still firmly in the race for both the Premier League and Europa League.

Alexander-Arnold and Jota return date revealed

It wouldn't be a news round-up without some injury updates! Thankfully, these present some positive news for the Redmen, who look set to finally get some much needed reinforcements.

Jurgen Klopp gave us a positive update that the duo are aiming for the week after our return to action against Brighton on March the 31st, which would see them feature against Manchester United, as we look for revenge following our FA Cup exit.

However, a recent report states that Alexander-Arnold has taken the necessary measures to step up his recovery. This could then see him feature earlier than expected, specifically, the midweek clash against Sheffield United on April 4th.

Regardless, the news of the return of two critical players serves as a sight for sore eyes for everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club. With the business end of the season around the corner, the Reds would need all hands on deck to ensure that this season ends on the highest of highs.

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