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Real challenge awaits Reds

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will have to play "two super games" in order to knock holders Real Madrid out of the Champions League.

Last season’s finalists go head-to-head in the last 16 of this year’s competition, with the first leg taking place at Anfield tonight.

The Reds are fresh from back-to-back victories over Everton and Newcastle after a dismal January which in which they picked up just one point and were knocked out of the FA Cup.

Klopp, 55, said: "I am really happy we play it now. Four weeks ago, it would have been different.

"Life is all about timing. Maybe we found our feet in time. Hopefully we can build on that, but now we need to play two super games."

Real’s 1-0 victory back in May saw them crowned European champions for the 14th time and denied Liverpool their seventh title.

On that final in Paris, the German coach added: "I watched it back this weekend. I realised why I hadn't before that.

"It was torture. We played a good game, we could have won it but they scored the decisive goal.

"You could see their experience, how little they lose confidence, they are there for their chance. That is what you can learn from them.

"We are different teams in different times. Let's see who goes through."

"It’s the club where I was most known for playing and you get moments in your career that resonate with you forever.

"I loved my time here as a player and hopefully I can go on and love my time here as a manager as well."

Wiegman unsure of best XI

Sarina Wiegman has admitted she does not know her best England XI, with the World Cup kicking off in just five months.

The Lionesses continued their preparations for the summer showpiece with a 2-1 Arnold Clark Cup win over Italy last Sunday, with the Dutch boss making nine changes to the side that beat South Korea 4-0 three days before.

After that win in Coventry, Wiegman said she was keen to experiment with her squad as they prepare to face Belgium in their Arnold Clark Cup decider tomorrow night.

The 53-year-old said: "Of course we want to win the tournament, we want to also manage the load a little bit.

"We don’t really know the strongest XI at this moment, we don’t have to know yet, but it shows that our team is really good. It’s hard to make decisions."

Alessia Russo started up front against Korea and scored her side’s third goal, before versatile Rachel Daly bagged a brace against the Italians when deployed in the centre forward position.

On her surplus of options up top, she added: "It’s very exciting because we have so many good No9s and more good strikers.

"I think we have such a big group, that’s more than the 23 that are going to the World Cup that are able to play on that stage. So of course that makes it hard for us to make decisions.

"But also with the starting line-up, we have more than 11 players that really could start in the team. So it’s not that someone is not good enough to start, it’s just the tactical choices we are going to make.

"We don’t have to make that now. We just really want to know what our opportunities are, what our options are. It’s actually really exciting."

Elneny signs up for Mo

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2024.

The Egyptian, 30, is the Gunners’ current longest-serving player after arriving at the Emirates from Basel in 2016 and has racked up 155 appearances along the way.

He has endured an injury-hit campaign for the Premier League leaders, playing only five top-flight matches after a knee issue ruled him out of the rest of the campaign last month.

But as a respected member of Mikel Arteta’s squad, the experienced midfielder has agreed to extend his stay in North London.

Elneny said: "I’m so happy, I love this club and our supporters so much and I’ll give everything to help us be the best we can be, every day I’m here."

On being Arsenal’s current longest-serving player, he added: "It makes me so proud to have represented this amazing club since 2016. 

"The spirit and togetherness we have in our squad right now is so positive and I’m so happy I have extended my contract."

Azpi on the mend

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at Cobham after suffering a concussion in last weekend’s defeat to Southampton.

Azpilicueta, 33, was inadvertently struck in the head following an overhead kick attempt by Saints substitute Sekou Mara.

The Blues skipper received oxygen treatment for several minutes on the Stamford Bridge pitch before being taken off on a stretcher but was conscious as he left the field.

A club statement read: "Following a concussion injury sustained during Saturday’s game against Southampton, Cesar Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital and is recovering well at Cobham.

"The club’s medical team are closely monitoring Cesar’s condition, adhering to the important concussion protocols in place to ensure his safety.

"Cesar observed training today, before he starts working towards returning to the pitch."

Summanen banned after Toone incident

Tottenham’s Eveliina Summanen has been handed a two-match ban after being charged with the "successful deception of a match official".

The Finnish midfielder held her face as if she had been struck by Ella Toone during Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, an incident which saw the Lionesses ace sent off.

Toone's three-match ban has since been overturned and Summanen will now miss an FA Cup tie against Reading on February 26 and Women's Super League game at Manchester City on March 5.

Blues hit with EFL charge

Championship side Birmingham have been charged by the EFL over alleged breaches of financial regulations.

The charges have been issued to the West Midlands club and individuals relating to a proposed takeover at St Andrew’s following an investigation by the Football League.

It is alleged that a number of people were allowed to act as relevant persons and acquired the club without EFL approval.

A statement read: "Following the conclusion of an investigation into the proposed acquisition of control at Birmingham, the EFL has charged the club and a number of other individuals with alleged breaches of EFL regulations.

"The EFL has been considering whether the club, any official(s), and/or any persons involved with the proposed acquisition of control complied with the requirements of the regulations in relation to the owners’ and directors’ test.

"Having comprehensively reviewed all relevant issues, the EFL has now determined there is sufficient evidence to justify issuing various charges of misconduct."

The Blues have been owned by China-based Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited since 2016.

There was an approach to acquire the club by Paul Richardson and Maxi Lopez, which came to an end in December, as well as separate negotiations with unnamed potential investors.

Birmingham are 18th in England's second tier, seven points clear of the relegation zone with 14 games to play this term.