Veteran Brazil defender reveals all on failed January bid from Liverpool

Marcelo Lyon

Experienced Lyon defender Marcelo has detailed how Liverpool made an approach to sign him in January – and has explained why their move was rebuffed.

Injuries to Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and then Joel Matip have left Liverpool light in defence this season. Those problems have since been compounded after stand-ins Jordan Henderson and Fabinho also fell victim to their injury curse.

The Reds of course moved to sign Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies on transfer deadline day to alleviate those isses. Kabak has made an indifferent start in the Reds first-team; impressing against Leipzig, but being caught cold by Richarlison on Saturday.

Indeed, reports have circulated that Kabak may not have been Liverpool’s first choice. Indeed, both Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car and Braga’s David Carmo were the subject of a failed Liverpool move.

Now a third player – Lyon’s 33-year-old Brazilian defender Marcelo – also claimed he knocked back a January approach from the Reds.

The veteran star has been with Lyon since 2017 and has been the bedrock of their Ligue 1 title push this season.

Indeed, Marcelo cited their push for glory as well as the fact he feels happy in France as two factors behind Liverpool’s failed bid.

“Liverpool? My agent spoke with them, but I feel good here. My dream is to win the championship with Lyon,” he told Canal+.


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Neville claims Klopp may change methods

Gary Neville, meanwhile, has questioned whether Jurgen Klopp is beginning to ponder a change to his coaching methods, amid Liverpool’s recent slump.

“hile many have backed Klopp to turn the situation around, Neville admitted that the concerns have begun to mount further and could seep into the manager‘s own thinking.

Jurgen Klopp: Jordan Henderson injury looks bad

Jurgen Klopp: Jordan Henderson injury looks bad

Jurgen Klopp says Jordan Henderson's injury 'doesn't look good' and that his medical staff are not feeling positive as the Liverpool captain faces a scan.

“It’s starting to get a little bit worrying in the sense we know they have got injuries, we know they have not got fans in the stadium, we know about COVID and there a lot of games, but it’s the same for everybody,” Neville told his Sky Sports podcast.

“But it’s the lack of change. A different idea. They just look beaten, almost like zombies on the pitch. Walking around thinking the same thing.

“Maybe it needs something different from Klopp? He has been quite simply unchallengeable and still is at Liverpool but even he might be thinking now: ‘do I have to do something different?’

“It’s not for me to advise Liverpool or Klopp what to do but playing a box to protect your centre-backs or maybe going to three at the back. We have seen other teams go to that system.”

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