14 things we loved this week: Milner, Klopp, Mourinho, Dyche & more
Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final was the main event but Arsenal, Burnley and Manchester United managers also gave us highlights during an otherwise quiet week.
Jurgen Klopp led his side to their first Champions League final since 2007 with a record-breaking 7-6 aggregate win over Roma on Wednesday night.
But away from that, we were distracted by a Lancashire pub, politicians’ promo photographs and a classic table-top game.
James Milner
The Liverpool midfielder played up to his “boring” stereotype once more after his side made it into the Champions League final for the first time since 2007, suggesting he would celebrate with a glass of ribena.
READ: The best of Boring James Milner – and the times the real one played up to it
Virgil Van Dijk
The Liverpool players were obviously in a jubilant mood, and Van Dijk wasn’t having any of this reporter’s questions regarding decisions that may have gone in their favour on Wednesday night.
Van Dijk Liverpool Roma post-match
Liverpool FC defender Virgil Van Dijk did not care about the decisions that went his side's way last night😂[🎥: @saintlawren on Twitter]Read: http://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/11-records-liverpool-have-broken-in-this-years-champions-league/
Posted by Planet Football on Thursday, 3 May 2018
Tim Hickman
Darlington fan Tim Hickman was left embarrassed after not being able to fit through the turnstile when he travelled to support his team at Stockport County last season.
The last time I did Stockport away I couldn't fit through the turnstile. We play them away end of the season, that's the goal. pic.twitter.com/MPVBoeCavA
— TH. (@TimHickman1994) July 7, 2017
Well, just over a year later, he’s lost over six stone and counting. Here’s the moment he went to Stockport for the last game of the season.
— Charlotte Parker (@Charlo_Parker) April 28, 2018
Politicians
Knuckleball or bend it like Beckham?
Where are they taught this? pic.twitter.com/SgQBHcPr1E
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) April 30, 2018
Liverpool
Back to the Champions League, and we found some top stats from their remarkable season in Europe.
For one, in every European Cup final that Liverpool have won, the opposition has been wearing white. Roll on Real Madrid…
READ: 11 records Liverpool have broken in this year’s Champions League
Daniele De Rossi
FINALLY a footballer realises that referees are human.
De Rossi: “Dzeko and I didn’t realise Alexander Arnold handled the ball so it can happen that the ref didn’t see it.
— James Horncastle (@JamesHorncastle) May 2, 2018
Jurgen Klopp
Legend.
We’re in here till 1am, but look who just came to pay us a visit! 🇮🇹🏆🔴 pic.twitter.com/7esg7Qn21y
— Oliver Bond (@Oliver__Bond) May 2, 2018
The Royal Dyche
The owners of this pub in Burnley said in November that if Sean Dyche did the unthinkable and got the Lancashire club into Europe then they would rename themselves in his honour.
The sign that went round may have just been a design, but surely it’s only a matter of time.
🎥 @BBCNWT paid a visit to Burnley, where the Prinny Royal is getting ready to become The Royal Dyche#twitterclaretspic.twitter.com/y5l3V5eZLp
— Dave Roberts ⚽🎙📈 (@dlrbrts) May 1, 2018
Dunstable Town
The Southern Premier League club’s players have played for free this season after financial troubles, ultimately saving the club from extinction.
Despite relegation, manager Tony McCool has set up a “thank you pot” for the dedicated staff after their brilliant commitment.
Tomorrow our Brave Pride of Lions travel to Somerset to take on @frometownfc in their last game of the season.
Please leave a message of support for the team and/or donate to their "Thank You Pot" here:https://t.co/PaLFxTPHSC pic.twitter.com/z41lX2LarQ
— Dunstable Town FC (@DunstableTownFC) April 27, 2018
Steven Gerrard
After Sven Ulreich’s mistake against Real Madrid, Gerrard fuelled the Twitter fire with a quote everyone wanted.
Steven Gerrard on Sven Ulreich's mistake: "I've been there when you lose your footing at a vital moment, it's a cruel way to lose a football match."#ROMLIV #RMAFCB #UCL #RT#ChampionsLeague #TrapaDrive pic.twitter.com/4JSiyt8Bla
— The SporTalk ™ (@TheSporTalk) May 2, 2018
Matabeleleland
The CONIFA World Cup (the one for regions and autonomous communities that aren’t FIFA countries – that Yorkshire are trying to get among) is just round the corner, and the Zimbabwean region of Matebeleland have one belter of a kit.
Limited edition @MatabelFootball shirts for the @paddypower @CONIFAOfficial World Cup.
Get yours here: https://t.co/RnPXUMuyuu
DM @JustinWalley10 for sizes. pic.twitter.com/VCDfVs4E00— Football Shirt World (@FSWorldUK) April 29, 2018
James Milner (again)
How can you not love him? This was his reaction to his unfortunate own goal against Roma.
Anyone got any tips for getting a Champions League logo off a face? #glowing #uclfinal #whofancieskiev #9assists #minusonegoal pic.twitter.com/niNoXBtJPv
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) May 2, 2018
Subbuteo
The legendary table football game has launched its first ever women’s set ahead of the upcoming FA Cup final.
Unfortunately it’s only a limited edition and is unable to buy, but that’s surely only a matter of time.
You can win one of the FIRST EVER female Subbuteo sets at the fanzone and during HT at the @SSEWomensFACup Final!
Another reason for you to get yourself down there….😎
Get your tickets to the game here >> https://t.co/Gr36vFv6lJ https://t.co/agQfkqQcHI
— The SSE Women's FA Cup (@SSEWomensFACup) May 3, 2018
Jose Mourinho
At least he’s honest.
I love Jose Mourinho 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/B6wQ6ALeZI
— Olayinka (@GalacticoHD) April 30, 2018
More from Planet Football
11 records Liverpool have broken in this year’s Champions League
Comparing the candidates to replace Wenger: Enrique, Simeone, Vieira…
20 of football’s greatest own goals: Kompany, Milner, Bale, Dixon, Brass…
Can you name the top 30 appearance makers in Premier League history?