Amid a struggle for form at Anfield, Liverpool have been reminded of one former star who has vowed “next year is a different story” if he gets his chance with the Reds
Liverpool could use all the inspiration they can get at the moment, and there may be a familiar face ready to provide it. Next season, that is, after Kostas Tsimikas promised fans “next year is a different story” as he eyes his opportunity on Merseyside.
The Greece international is currently in the midst of a season-long loan at Roma, where he has enjoyed mixed fortunes under Gian Piero Gasperini. But Tsimikas has reminded fans of his intent when his loan spell is all said and done, having grown to love his life in England.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid boss and Kop legend Xabi Alonso has forgiven Trent Alexander-Arnold for his slow start to life in La Liga. Mirror Football breaks down some of the latest headlines around Anfield this Monday morning.
Tsimikas adamant “next year is a different story”
Not even six months after leaving Liverpool, Tsimikas has opened up about the deep affection he holds for his adopted home. The Premier League champion joined the Reds from Olympiakos in the summer of 2020 and has played a role in some very special parts of Liverpool history.
Tsimikas has made 10 appearances in all competitions at Roma so far this term, though it remains uncertain whether his temporary stint will be extended. That being said, it appears the defender would be more than happy to resume his journey at Anfield if offered the chance.
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“I miss the city. I lived there for five years. I love everything in Liverpool. They have a special part of my heart,” he recently told The Athletic. “The people are very kind, some of the kindest I’ve ever met in football.
“They’d always try to support the team, in good, in bad, they would always do their best to try to help you. I want everything for this club, because from day one, I was fully committed there. I was the Greek Scouser, and I always will be, I’ll keep it for my whole life.”
When asked about his intentions to reclaim a place in the Liverpool squad, Tsimikas replied: “You never know. The most important thing for me is to be healthy, to train hard, to play more games. Next year is a different story for me. I want to be successful, I want to win things. Only God knows what will happen in the next year.”
He may just get his chance given the struggles Milos Kerkez has endured since signing under Arne Slot this term. And with Andy Robertson set to turn 32 in March, there may just be a desire to bring a new (or old) face into the left-back rotation.
Alonso comes to Alexander-Arnold’s defence
Over in Spain, another former Liverpool full-back isn’t having the success he envisioned after moving this summer. Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid tenure has been staggered by a hamstring injury and failure to bed in as hoped – but Alonso isn’t losing patience just yet.
Despite rumours suggesting Alonso is losing sections of the Real dressing room amid the recent dip in form, he won’t give up on ‘TAA’. Anfield icon Alonso was an instant hit in Madrid after completing his own move from Liverpool in 2009, but he won’t put those expectations on Alexander-Arnold.
“Trent is a top player, and we need him,” he told reporters ahead of Sunday’s trip to Girona. “It’s his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He’s also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change.”
Alexander-Arnold has made only five starts for Real since completing a high-profile £10million move to Madrid this past summer. But he’s hoping to build some consistency now his hamstring concern is behind him.
It hasn’t helped that captain and Spain star Dani Carvajal has also been out of Alonso’s selection in parts due to injury. However, Alexander-Arnold could use this as his opportunity to help inspire a Real Madrid turnaround approaching the season’s midway mark.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
