Liverpool fans tuning in for their final Champions League game of the league phase might be shocked to only see Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson in the squad.
The likes of Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and more won’t feature for Liverpool against PSV Eindhoven as the Reds search for a perfect run in the league phase.
Arne Slot discussed the reason for leaving so many of his team’s stars out of the squad in his pre-match press conference.
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Given Liverpool are already confirmed for the round of 16, there’s essentially nothing to play for in this game. Liverpool can still wrap up the number one spot in the table with a draw, but a loss would could result in Barcelona leapfrogging them for the top seed.
Slot mentioned that every player not included could have played against PSV, but the game represents an opportunity to rest key players given, “13 or 14 players” have shared the most minutes so far in his first season. Players like Gravenberch, Van Dijk and Salah would benefit from a rest given their availability is crucial for a deep run in the Champions League and maintaining form in the Premier League title race.
“If there was a moment for them to get some freshness back we have always done that,” Slot said.
Liverpool’s squad for PSV Eindhoven is as follows:
Check out how Liverpool’s starting lineup could look against PSV here. Predictions for PSV vs. Liverpool and the full slate of Champions League games here.
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Watch Champions League games live in the UK for £31 a month
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See at DAZN
Watch Champions League in Canada from CA$30 a month
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Watch the Champions League in Australia from AU$27 a month
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Manchester City go into their final UEFA Champions League first-round match against Club Brugge today knowing that nothing less than a win will be good enough for them to progress in the tournament.
Last week’s 4-2 defeat at PSG saw City slip down to 25th in the table, one place outside of the playoff spots. With two points separating them and Stuttgart, who are in the final playoff spot in 24th, a draw won’t be enough for the hosts.
Brugge, meanwhile, come into this match three points ahead of City in 20th, although Pep Guardiola’s team have a superior goal difference. That means the Belgian side can’t afford to lose today’s game either.
Manchester City take on Club Brugge on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Etihad Stadium. Kickoff is set for an 8 p.m. GMT start local time in the UK, making it a 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT kickoff in the US and Canada, and a 7 a.m. AEDT start time in Australia on Thursday morning.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the match as it happens, wherever you are in the world.
John Stones is set to start in the center of defense for Man City today, ahead of new signing Abdukodir Khusanov.
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Livestream Man City vs. Club Brugge in the US
American soccer fans can stream every fixture of this season’s tournament via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the UEFA Champions League.
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Paramount Plus has two main subscription plans in the US: Essential for $8 a month and Premium for $13 a month. Both offer coverage of the Champions League.
The cheaper Essential option has ads for on-demand streaming and lacks live CBS feeds as well as the ability to download shows to watch offline later. Newcomers to the service can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, while students may qualify for a 25% discount.
Read our Paramount Plus review.
How to watch every UEFA Champions League 2024/25 game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view UCL matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.
Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.
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Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream Man City vs. Club Brugge in the UK
TNT Sports broadcasts the majority of Champions League games in the UK, with this match set to be shown live on TNT Sports 2.
TNT Sports
TNT Sports is offering the lions’ share of Champions League matches exclusively live this season to viewers in the UK. You can access TNT Sports in a number of ways, including via Sky Q as a TV package, or direct streaming from its range of mobile and smart TV apps. It costs £31 either way and comes in a package that includes Discovery Plus’ library of documentary content.
Livestream Man City vs. Club Brugge in Canada
If you want to stream UCL games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the Champions League this season.
DAZN
A DAZN subscription currently costs CA$30 a month or CA$200 a year and will also give you access to Europa League and EFL Championship soccer, Six Nations rugby and WTA tennis.
As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, there’s a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.
Livestream Man City vs. Club Brugge in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch UCL matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the Champions League live in Australia this season.
Stan
Stan Sport will set you back AU$15 a month (on top of a Stan subscription, which starts at AU$12). It’s also worth noting that the streaming service is currently offering a seven-day free trial.
A subscription will also give you access to Europa League and Europa Conference League action, as well as international rugby and Formula E.
Quick tips for streaming UEFA Champions League matches using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Champions League games may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try to fix quickly. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Arsenal are reportedly looking to make a move for a Bayern Munich striker.
Injury-hit Arsenal have been linked with big name strikers throughout the January transfer window and a new target has emerged with a hefty price tag, according to reports.
The long-term injuries to Mikel Arteta’s charges have perhaps been a significant factor in their ambitions to win the Premier League, as absences to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left the Gunners light in the frontline.
Rumours of a search for a striker began during the off-season, when the likes of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak were touted as targets the club were keen to bring in. Ultimately, neither made the move and each stayed at their respective clubs, with the Slovenian even inking an extension to stay at the Red Bull Arena until 2029.
The North Londoners began their 2024/25 campaign without any additions up top, instead focusing on investing in the midfield and defensive areas. However, the aforementioned injuries throughout the season have made the need to sign a striker even more urgent.
Arteta recently stated that the club are actively looking for a forward as a consequence, and with only days left in the transfer window for the record FA Cup winners to sign a striker, more names have been linked with the English giants.
Despite Sesko signing an extension recently, it seems that Arsenal still retain an interest in the 21-year-old. According to ESPN, Leipzig are likely to sell the pacey attacker but only in the off-season for around €75 million (R1.4 billion), as they are reluctant to part ways with him now.
The club’s likeliest acquisition is now believed to be Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel. According to TZ, it is extremely unlikely that the Frenchman will finish the season with the Bavarian giants due to a lack of game time. Reports suggest that Tel would be cost at least €47 million (R930 million) to sign.
Arsenal, along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, are all understood to be interested in the Frenchman, but The Independent has stated that Arteta’s side stand a good chance of being his preference because there is a greater chance of playing due to the various knocks.
The same report states that a potential stumbling block for the Premier League outfit will likely be whether the Bavarian giants are willing to include an option to buy.
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Neymar’s Return to Santos: A Historic Homecoming in Brazilian Soccer
The world of soccer is abuzz with the shocking yet thrilling announcement of Neymar Jr.’s return to Santos FC, the club where he first rose to global stardom. After a career spanning FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal, the Brazilian superstar is coming full circle, back to the team that nurtured his immense talent.
Marcelo Teixeira, president of Santos, perfectly encapsulated the moment by saying, “The time has come for Neymar to come home.” Fans are ecstatic, but this return raises many questions about Neymar’s motives, the impact on Brazilian soccer, and the legacy he hopes to build. Let’s dive into the story behind this emotional homecoming.
Why Did Neymar Return to Santos?
The specifics of Neymar’s new contract with Santos, including salary, duration, and bonuses, remain undisclosed. However, several factors hint at why Neymar made this unexpected decision:
Personal Reconnection: Neymar’s return is a sentimental journey back to his roots. After years in Europe and a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, he seeks the familiar atmosphere of Santos and its loyal fans.
Pressure-Free Environment: Competing in Europe and other elite leagues brought constant scrutiny. Santos offers Neymar a chance to play with joy and freedom, away from those pressures.
National Team Aspirations: By returning to Brazil, Neymar could strengthen his connection with the national team and improve his chances of playing in the next World Cup.
This move isn’t just about soccer; it’s a deeply emotional decision for Neymar, one that could redefine his relationship with the sport.
Neymar’s Legacy at Santos: A Superstar’s Foundation
Before his European adventures, Neymar built an unmatched legacy at Santos. He debuted professionally at just 17 and became a sensation, dazzling fans with his skill, speed, and creativity.
Key Titles Neymar Won at Santos:
3 Campeonato Paulista Titles (2010, 2011, 2012): Dominating Brazil’s most competitive state championship.
Copa Libertadores 2011: Neymar led Santos to their first continental title in 48 years, cementing his status as a South American star.
Copa do Brasil 2010: A vital piece in the team’s national cup success.
Recopa Sudamericana 2012: Neymar played a pivotal role as Santos claimed victory over South America’s secondary champions.
Individual Accolades:
FIFA Puskás Award 2011: For an extraordinary solo goal against Flamengo, Neymar’s brilliance was recognized globally.
South American Footballer of the Year (2011, 2012): Crowned the continent’s best player in consecutive years.
Neymar’s legacy at Santos is more than trophies; it’s the deep bond he created with the club and its fans. His return rekindles that connection.
Fan Reactions: Joy and Anticipation
The announcement of Neymar’s return sent shockwaves through the soccer community, with Santos fans leading the celebrations.
Increased Merchandise Sales: Santos has reported skyrocketing sales of Neymar jerseys and season tickets, signaling renewed fan enthusiasm.
Global Attention: The move has put the Brazilian league under the international spotlight, with media outlets and fans worldwide speculating on Neymar’s impact.
Hope for Glory: Fans believe Neymar’s presence will lift Santos to compete for major titles like the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirão.
Social media platforms are flooded with messages of support, with many dubbing this move the “return of the king.”
What Does Neymar’s Return Mean for Santos?
Neymar’s homecoming has sparked heightened expectations for Santos FC:
Strengthening the Squad: Neymar becomes the centerpiece of a team aiming to challenge for both domestic and continental honors.
Attracting Sponsors: Neymar’s global reputation is a magnet for sponsorship deals, boosting Santos’ financial standing.
Revitalizing Brazilian Soccer: Neymar’s presence could draw more international attention to the Brasileirão, elevating the league’s prestige.
Santos’ management is positioning Neymar as both a key player on the field and a figurehead off it, amplifying the club’s brand worldwide.
How Neymar’s Return Impacts Brazilian Soccer
Neymar’s decision to return home could have lasting implications for soccer in Brazil:
Raising the League’s Profile: His star power brings global attention to the Brasileirão, potentially increasing television rights and sponsorship deals.
Inspiring Other Players: Neymar’s move could encourage other Brazilian stars playing abroad to consider returning to domestic clubs.
Boosting Attendance: More fans in stadiums mean higher revenue and greater enthusiasm for local clubs.
This shift represents a rare but significant opportunity to reinvigorate Brazilian soccer’s global relevance.
Challenges Ahead for Neymar
Despite the excitement, Neymar’s return comes with challenges:
Injury Concerns: Neymar has faced recurring injuries in recent years, which could limit his availability.
Adapting to the League: The Brasileirão has a unique style and intensity that may require adjustments for Neymar.
High Expectations: Fans and media will closely scrutinize every move Neymar makes, adding pressure to perform.
Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for Neymar to succeed in this new chapter of his career.
A Historic Return with Endless Potential
Neymar’s return to Santos FC is more than just a transfer; it’s a homecoming steeped in emotion, legacy, and ambition. For Santos, it’s a chance to reignite their path to glory. For Neymar, it’s an opportunity to rediscover his passion for the game, reconnect with his roots, and leave an indelible mark on Brazilian soccer.
As fans worldwide tune in to see Neymar don the iconic Santos jersey once again, one thing is certain: this moment will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the history of both player and club.
It’s already been two weeks since our last session, and I must say, I feel that I’ve failed my faithful students. I envisioned an offseason bursting at the seams from all of the Soccer School content I had planned, and yet, here we are, nearly done with the break and only two lessons richer. Allow me to apologize profusely, but only for a moment; there’s still learning to be done, and I don’t actually feel that bad.
I’ve been quite busy lately, between keeping all you Loons fans informed about goings-on and coaching my U12 girls team. We played our first indoor game—with walls—and the girls were freaking out. The scoreline reflected their initial shock, but in a game that ended as a big loss, we won the second half. That learning curve isn’t too shabby, if you ask me. Through all of the confusion, we managed to find a sense of order, and while formations and positions helped, it wasn’t these rigid structures that helped the girls turn things around.
In the midst of all the hubbub, I was reminded of a mantra that I may or may not have mentioned in passing during a previous lesson: players aren’t positions. Let’s have some fun diving in and unpacking this lovely key to proper player development.
If They’re Not Positions, What Are They?
If you’re a Soccer School regular, you may remember our lessons about formations and position numbers. We’ve already revisited the topic of formations, establishing that while these frameworks are helpful tools, they’re ultimately superseded by the instructions given to each individual player. We can think of positions in the same way: merely placeholders that give us structure and make communication a bit easier.
Instead of thinking of any player as a striker, a center back, or a midfielder, think of their skills; what are they good at? If, instead of thinking about where a player fits in a certain formation or what position they most closely fit the typical mold, we simply identify strengths and weaknesses and get them into the right area on the pitch, we can free ourselves of rigidity and get the most out of the players at our disposal.
I can hear the rebukes already: that sounds like chaos; how are they going to work together? Isn’t that why we invented formations and positions to begin with? Valid questions, but you’re still looking at it the wrong way if that’s what you’re asking. Think about basketball. Players have “positions” that act more like roles. There’s a more fluid interchange of physical positioning, creating space and allowing flexibility and freedom. Maybe you’re more suited to the frontcourt or the backcourt, but you’re going to need some fundamental, universal skills if you want to be great.
Alright, Fine: Example Time
Okay, let’s clear this up a bit with some Loons-specific examples. Say you have a player whose skill set is generally more suited to having the ball at their feet and creating dangerous situations in the attacking third. Well, you’re probably going to want them in the attacking third more often than not, right? Take Robin Lod, for example. Our Finnish army knife has played as a striker, winger, and midfielder. Robin can’t be pigeonholed into any single position, because his skill set goes beyond these limited definitions.
Not satisfied? Another, slightly different example. Take Joseph Rosales, wingback extraordinaire. We’ve seen him play on the wing, in the midfield, and as a fullback. When you watch him play wingback, you can see the skills that made him an option in each of the other positions that he’s played: great foot skills, effective speed, and creative vision.
Devin Padelford has been utilized across the backline, making appearances at both fullback and center back. Sang Bin Jeong has featured on both flanks, as well as brief spells in midfield. Other players fit certain roles perfectly—like Wil Trapp at the six or Michael Boxall at center back—but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t put in a shift somewhere else on the pitch.
Sure, every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. Robin Lod can play midfield, but not every midfielder plays like Robin Lod does. Whereas other sports—like American football—tend to require certain attributes to play certain positions, soccer allows flexibility in formation and approach to truly allow coaches to get the best out of the players at their disposal.
Feel Free to Get Creative
This principle isn’t new by any means, as evidenced by the many pseudo-positions that have cropped up across the beautiful game throughout the years. Wingbacks are a fusion of wingers and fullbacks; the false nine is a combination of a striker and an attacking midfielder; and inverted wide players combine elements of midfield with the attributes of a winger. We’re not going to get too into the weeds on these lesser-used positions today; we’ll save that for your next lesson. For now, ask yourself this question: What made these unique positions possible in the first place? Unique players with game-changing skill sets. Players—not formations or positions—are what ultimately dictate games.
When I coach the girls, I like to move players around to different parts of the field in an effort to expose them to all facets of the game and see where they’re unique style shines brightest. The best way to get the best out of someone is by giving them a chance to do things they never thought they could, and though they complain about playing goalie from time to time, it’s the smiles on their faces when they figure something out that remind me that I’m doing something right.
Players aren’t positions, folks. In the debate of which came first, the player or the position, I can confidently answer that it was indeed the player. When analyzing the game and players themselves, it’s important to remember this foundational idea. As far as the chicken and the egg are concerned, I saw some flow charts that indicated animals were laying eggs long before chickens came around, so let that be a lukewarm answer to that debate as well. You’re welcome.
