Liverpool are focusing on their upcoming Champions League clash with LASK after Sunday's defeat to Manchester City, with confidence high over Rio Ngumoha's future and continued debate over Ryan Gravenberch's red card.
The Reds travel to Austria on Wednesday for their first away match of this season's Champions League. Andoni Iraola's side began their European campaign with a comeback win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Liverpool were unbeaten in the league heading into the international break, but that run ended against table-toppers City in their first game back. Gravenberch's red card proved a major factor in the loss, with the decision still sparking discussion.
Reds confident on Ngumoha deal
Liverpool remain confident they can finalise the remaining details of Rio Ngumoha's new contract. Both Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with the teenager, but TeamTalk reports the Reds do not expect him to move elsewhere.
Ngumoha turned 18 in August, making him eligible to sign a long-term deal with the club. Speculation has grown as no update has been issued, but it appears only minor details need to be ironed out before an announcement is likely.
Julian Ward, who succeeded Richard Hughes as sporting director at Anfield, is said to have made the new deal a high priority.
Rooney calls out 'stupid' Gravenberch
While many felt Gravenberch was harshly dismissed on Sunday, former England striker Wayne Rooney placed some blame on the Liverpool midfielder. The former Ajax player was sent off for two bookable offences, and Rooney argued he should have shown greater awareness after his first yellow card.
"I think the first yellow card is harsh," Rooney said on Match of the Day. "He's obviously gone for the ball, it's a poor touch by Elliot Anderson, and then he just nicks it and Gravenberch catches him on the top of his foot and then he goes down. So it's probably not a yellow card."
"But for me, the second one, when you've been booked and you're on a yellow card then you leave yourself in a position where you can get a second yellow card and sent off. It's a bit naive and stupid for that second yellow card."
The Dutch international now faces a domestic suspension, although it will not affect his involvement in the Champions League fixture against LASK.
