Jurgen Klopp insisted Liverpool will take their two remaining Champions League group games seriously after they secured a place in the knockout stages in record time.
The Reds made it four wins from four in the group stages of Europe's elite competition for the first time in their history as they beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday.
That result means they are guaranteed to progress to the next round as group winners regardless of the outcome of upcoming fixtures against Porto and Milan, but Klopp has suggested he will still take both very seriously.
"You earn a lot of money if you win Champions League games - not me personally, it's just for the club it's important. That's what we will do," Klopp said during the post-game news conference.
"Of course, the first target was to get through this group and getting through the group with 12 points after four matches is absolutely insane, to be honest.
"But we did it and now there are two more games to go. One is against Porto and we are Liverpool in a home game, what can we do? Let them play or whatever?
"And then, going to Milan, I've never been there. It's a historical one, so we will show up there as well. That's the situation.
"But, of course, when I saw the group I didn't expect that we would be through after four games, but the boys did it and really well deserved."
Liverpool's task was made all the easier when Atletico's Felipe was sent off for a cynical swipe at Sadio Mane during the first half at Anfield.
But Klopp felt he had to substitute the Senegalese himself at the break in order to avoid him receiving a second yellow card.
Explaining the decision, he said: "I really hated the moment when I had to take off Sadio because Sadio played an incredible game. You could see now everybody wants it [the red card].
"My worry was any kind of challenge in the air, where you never know exactly what happens there with the arm, one of them goes down and makes three times a roll over then Sadio's off and that would have been the wrong thing. I didn't like it but, in the end, we had to do it."
Brentford sign goalkeeper Mark Flekken on four-year deal from Freiburg
Brentford have signed Netherlands goalkeeper Mark Flekken on a four-year contract.
The deal, which brings the four-times capped Flekken from Bundesliga side Freiburg, is subject to international clearance and work permit.
“We’re very happy to have signed Mark,” head coach Thomas Frank told the official Brentford website.
“He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group.
“He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.
“He was a big part of the team there and now he’s coming to us and will hopefully make the group better and the team better.
“He’s a very good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution is very impressive.”
Flekken began his career in his native Netherlands at RKVV WDZ and Roda before moving to Germany, where he has played for Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Furth, Duisburg and Freiburg.
The 29-year-old made his Netherlands debut in March 2022 and kept 13 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga matches – the highest tally in the division last season.
Frank has said Brentford goalkeeper David Raya could leave the club this summer after four successful seasons in West London.
But Frank warned interested parties that it will cost them £40million to sign the 27-year-old Spaniard.
Aiden McGeady leaves Hibernian following injury-disrupted season
Aiden McGeady has left Hibernian at the end of an injury-disrupted season.
The 37-year-old winger moved to Easter Road last summer on a one-year deal but two long lay-offs restricted him to just 14 appearances, the majority of which came between December and February.
Hibs announced on Wednesday that McGeady, who said in January that he had contemplated retirement when he was sidelined in the first half of the season with a knee problem, would not be staying at the club.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Hibs and wish the lads, supporters and the staff all the best for next season,” he told the Hibs website as news of his departure was confirmed.
The former Celtic, Sunderland and Republic of Ireland winger, who is currently recovering from a torn hamstring, will leave Easter Road along with defender Mikey Devlin – who has already agreed a move to Livingston – and goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski.
Hibernian director of football Brian McDermott told the club’s website: “I would like to thank Aiden, Kevin and Mikey for their commitment and effort during their time with us. I wish them all the best for the future.”
On-loan quartet CJ Egan-Riley, Will Fish, Matthew Hoppe and Mykola Kuharevich are due to return to their parent clubs for the time being, although Hibs “are exploring the options to retain some of the loans”.
Football rumours: Tottenham and Newcastle after James Maddison and Harvey Barnes
Leicester’s James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, who have both been valued at around £40million, could stay in the Premier League while Leicester move down to the Championship.
Tottenham and Newcastle are both reportedly interested in the pair with a bidding battle to ensue over their signatures, The Sun says.
Tottenham’s have another competitor in the fight to sign former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique as Serie A Champions Napoli are interested in the 53-year-old, according to the Guardian.
The Daily Mail said Juventus were looking the most likely to sign Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic for a reported estimated transfer fee of around £20m.
Social media round-upPlayers to watchManu Kone: Liverpool are interested in the 22-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder – who is valued at around £34m – German media outlet BILD said.
Wilfried Gnonto: Italian media outlet Calciomercato said the 19-year-old Italy forward is being looked at by Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal after Leeds’ relegation was confirmed.
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