Liverpool ace Frimpong brands Tottenham star ‘sore loser’ on training ground | Football | Sport

The Liverpool team may have been feeling a tad downcast as they headed into the October international break. After a forgettable week leading up to the latest window, the Reds suffered three consecutive losses against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea. Both domestic defeats were the result of last-minute winners, a tough blow for Arne Slot’s team as the current Premier League champions relinquished their top spot in the table to Arsenal.

However, it appears that a change could be just what most of Slot’s squad needed, with an impressive 15 of his senior players called up for international duty. They all seem to be in high spirits too, judging by the various photos and videos shared by their respective national teams, as the Liverpool contingent aims to recover from their club-level difficulties.

Florian Wirtz is putting in extra hours training with Germany as he seeks to kickstart his career with the Reds, while Andy Robertson has shrugged off injury worries after sustaining a knock against Chelsea to participate in full training with Scotland.

The first day of fixtures took place on Wednesday, with Mohamed Salah having a day to remember. And with several of his Liverpool team-mates also set to play over the next few days,Express Sport takes a look at how Liverpool’s internationals are getting on during the break…

Frimpong tells ‘sore loser’ Spurs star to ‘have respect’

Whilst Jeremie Frimpong may not have enjoyed the most promising beginning to his Liverpool career on the field, his influence away from it cannot be questioned. The Netherlands star is undoubtedly a vibrant personality, and he has lost no time in bonding with his fresh teammates.

Unsurprisingly, he remains a beloved figure within the Dutch squad as well. And he couldn’t help but deliver a playful jibe at Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons’ expense during the Netherlands’ recent training session.

In footage shared on social media by the Dutch national team, Frimpong can be observed participating in a keepy-uppy rondo alongside several team-mates, including Simons and fellow Liverpool ace Cody Gakpo.

Frimpong needed to stay sharp to maintain possession following a volleyed delivery from Simons, colliding with the filming cameraman in the process, with the rondo subsequently ending when possession eventually returned to the Spurs midfielder.

Simons complained before the rondo resumed, but after failing once more, the exasperated midfielder took the ball and launched it skywards.

“See, this is what losers do, bro!” Frimpong then quipped to the cameras. “Sore loser, bro. Why did he kick the ball away?” Addressing Simons directly, he then declared: “Hey, have respect, have respect bro!”

Both Frimpong and Simons will be candidates to feature on the right flank for the Netherlands when they face Malta in their upcoming World Cup qualifier on Thursday evening, before welcoming Finland on Sunday.

Ekitike creates a stir to impress two-time World Cup winner

Hugo Ekitike has made a brilliant start to his Liverpool journey, netting five times in his opening 10 appearances, and will be eager to carry such momentum into the international period with France.

The forward earned his maiden cap and second appearance for his nation – both coming off the bench – during the previous break, but might be set for a first start this time round.

The 23-year-old has been given the number nine jersey, and with Kylian Mbappe facing fitness concerns, plus several of France’s regular attacking choices missing the squad due to their own injuries, Ekitike stands as at least a candidate for a more significant role on this occasion.

He has certainly boosted his chances during training sessions too, as he continues to catch the eye of boss Didier Deschamps – with the Frenchman amongst just three individuals to have claimed the World Cup as both player and coach.

The France national team shared footage of a finishing drill on their social media platforms, with Ekitike spotted finding the net with efforts from both his right and left foot.

And his clinical display drew admiration from Deschamps, as the two-time World Cup champion could be heard declaring: “Oh yes, that’s what happens when you’re two-footed!”

France welcome Azerbaijan in their next World Cup qualifier on Friday before making the trip to Iceland on Monday.

Konate moves closer to fitness comeback Despite suffering a quad injury during Liverpool’s loss to Chelsea, Ibrahima Konate remains with the French squad, suggesting the issue is minor.

The centre-back has been spotted training, although he has also been seen working individually alongside Mbappe as France cautiously manage the pair.

L’Equipe reports that both players trained “without any apparent discomfort at the start of the session” during France’s latest Wednesday session, before proceeding with their individual training.

While it’s uncertain whether Konate will be fit to play against Azerbaijan on Friday, Liverpool can take comfort in the fact that his injury sustained at Stamford Bridge was not severe.

Salah breaks records and ends social media ‘silence’

During Liverpool’s Premier League title charge last season, a post-match selfie from Mohamed Salah was a common sight. Fans certainly enjoyed these small glimpses into the celebrations of the soon-to-be champions after each victory, with Salah often pictured alongside his fellow goal scorers.

However, this trend hasn’t continued into the current season, with Salah’s performances not quite reaching the lofty heights of last year. As a result, his performances have come under scrutiny.

Liverpool’s star forward has been quiet since their 3-2 triumph over Atletico Madrid three weeks ago. With the Reds suffering three consecutive losses, his last social media post was following Slot’s team’s Merseyside derby victory against Everton.

However, that ‘silence’ was broken when Salah made history, helping Egypt secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday evening.

The striker netted twice in a 3-0 win against Djibouti, first with a clever finish in a one-on-one situation in the first half, and then by lobbing the goalkeeper with a first-time volley late in the second half after being played in behind the defence.

These goals propelled Salah to become Africa’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualification, with his tally now at 20, moving him two ahead of Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and Islam Slimani.

The 33-year-old is now poised to participate in his second World Cup, having also scored the goal that secured Egypt’s place in the 2018 finals in Russia.

Despite Sergio Ramos hindering his performance in that year’s tournament, Salah will be aiming to overcome those past setbacks as Egypt gear up for what will be only their fourth-ever appearance at the World Cup.

Understandably, the Pharaohs were ecstatic after the final whistle. Salah even ended his social media ‘silence’, sharing a picture of the squad celebrating in the dressing room, accompanied by a heart emoji.

Bradley vs Wirtz round II

Conor Bradley is set to face off against his Liverpool colleague Florian Wirtz in Northern Ireland’s second match of the October international break, when they welcome Germany on Monday.

In the previous encounter between the two nations, Wirtz emerged victorious, netting a spectacular free-kick as Germany claimed a 3-1 victory.

Before their clash with Germany, Northern Ireland will first play host to Slovakia on Friday. However, after witnessing their upcoming opponents defeat the Germans in World Cup qualification, the Liverpool player isn’t taking anything lightly.

“Windsor Park will probably be at its best over the two games so we have to manage the expectations of that,” he stated ahead of the double-header. “I’ve a lot of faith in the team. We have a really good group of players.

“We feel more prepared than we did for the last Euros campaign. We’ve a bit more experience now and hopefully that will help us.

“I was surprised they (Slovakia) beat Germany, I think everyone was. Germany are a top team and not many sides have beaten them in the last few years.

“Slovakia are a very good team with good players, but we have some good players too, so we’re looking forward to it.”