Liverpool FC news recap: Penalty FALLOUT, defender PRAISE, Alonso LATEST

The fallout continues after Liverpool's valiant 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

Should the Reds have had a penalty? And how is Joe Gomez not in the England squad?

We also bring you the latest on the pursuit of a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

Here's our Liverpool FC news recap for Monday 11 March.

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Two ex-referees agree over Liverpool penalty claim

Former English football referees Mark Clattenberg and Keith Hackett were in complete agreement that Liverpool should have been awarded a late penalty against Manchester City on Sunday.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Clattenberg said: "Liverpool should have been awarded a stoppage-time penalty against Manchester City but this is the problem in the Premier League right now – referees are making mistakes in matches and not being helped by their VARs."

Likewise, Hackett believed that Liverpool should have had a spot kick, responding to Klopp's interview regarding the penalty on X: "This is a clear penalty and yellow card."

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Kyle Walker praises the referee's "character"

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, meanwhile, has lauded referee Michael Oliver for showing "character" in his handling of the late penalty shout against his side.

He told Sky Sports: "I feel that the ref did really, really well. I feel once you have Anfield and the crowd behind him, he could have crumbled there."

“That shows his experience, that shows his character and that’s why he’s regarded as one of probably the best referees in this country and in the world at the minute.”

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Klopp nudges Southgate over Gomez's omission

Away from the refereeing controversy on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp name-checked England manager Gareth Southgate as he highlighted the performance of the versatile Joe Gomez.

The defender featured at both left-back and right-back during the game, with the Liverpool boss simply stating after the match: "Joe Gomez. Gareth, honestly."

"I am not standing here telling Gareth who he should pick but you can get one player and have four positions covered," Klopp said.

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Praise for Quansah too

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk also praised his young defensive colleague, Jarell Quansah, who put in an accomplished showing during the City game.

“It's a nice story,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports. “For himself, I think when he came in in pre-season, coming back from loan, I don't think he would have thought that we would play for the title and he's starting.

“He's been important. Every challenge that was thrown his way, he dealt with outstandingly. The sky is the limit, so he just has to stay humble and keep working hard and keep improving because there will be a lot of bumps along the road.”

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Bayern Munich chief says no contact made with Alonso

Meanwhile, in a potential boost for the Reds' pursuit of a new manager, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl says that the German champions haven't contacted Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso about succeeding Thomas Tuchel. 

According to Eberl, Die Roten are yet to contact Alonso or any other coach over a potential move this summer.

Speaking to Sky Germany, he stated: "Of course we want the new coach to be chosen as quickly as possible, but it has to be right, there won't be a quick fix."

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Neville "can't wait" for Klopp's departure

As for the man vacating the managerial hot seat, former Manchester United stalwart Gary Neville has admitted he "can't wait" for the German's impending departure.

"As a United fan, I selfishly can't wait for him to leave," Neville admitted.

"His presence makes Liverpool formidable, and his departure will level the playing field."

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