Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is reportedly taking legal action after being accused of making “xenophobic” remarks towards Manchester City and their owners.
The 55-year-old sparked debate after suggesting that “nobody can compete with Man City [in the transfer window]” due to the nature of their ownership, i.e. the financial backing of Sheikh Mansour and the Abu Dhabi United Group.
Senior figures at City are said to have been deeply displeased with his comments, labelling them “borderline xenophobic”, which Klopp has since said couldn’t be further from his character.
Jurgen Klopp responds to claims that his comments on Man City's spending power could be seen as xenophobic.
As you can see in the clip above, Klopp insists this kind of allegation is “miles away from [his] personality” and would “hate” himself if that were the case, arguing instead that it was a simple misinterpretation and not the first time his comments have been lost in translation.
Now, though, as per The Telegraph, the German coach is said to be pursuing a lawsuit over the response from City Football Group (CFG) personnel, though the outlet offered little more detail as to the specifics of each party’s claims and counterclaims.
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Speaking before their 1-0 victory over the Premier League champions on Sunday, he went on to argue that City were able to add the best striker on the market in Erling Haaland to their already world-class and highly expensive team of players “no matter what it cost”.
He also went on to suggest that there are “only three clubs in world football that can do what they want”: City, PSG and Newcastle – all of which are operated by business groups from Gulf nations.
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In the case of Newcastle, now rebuilding after a multi-billionaire investment, their new owners acquired the club with money from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund: a collection of sovereign wealth taken directly from the state. We’re talking about the might of an entire country’s economy here.
PSG’s setup is similar, with the club operated by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a group owned by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir (ruler) of Qatar. City are also owned by Arab royalty in Sheikh Mansour.
While Klopp’s levelled the same comments regarding immense wealth at City, many were quick to point out that his Liverpool team finally won the league after having paid then-record fees for the likes of defender Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson. They’ve not exactly struggled for money themselves.
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Klopp has literally signed one of the most expensive defenders, goalkeepers and strikers in the history of football. https://t.co/QSSN74duU1
Admitting after his initial comments that the likes of City wouldn’t appreciate his opinion, Klopp has since reiterated: “I am not sure we have to be best friends with other clubs. I am not sure anybody wants to be best friends with us.”
Nevertheless, whether he thinks his side lost out on certain trophies “because [they] cannot act like [City]” in the transfer market, Liverpool still has the fifth-most expensive squad in the world, let alone the league, valued at approximately £669 million.
Liverpool did lose out to the City at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, though, with Pep’s side taking home the Club of the Year award while Klopp’s men came second ahead of La Liga winners and European champions Real Madrid. Nevertheless, they still managed a domestic cup double last season.
Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Danny Jones -
19th October 2022 
