Your views on Sunday's gamepublished at 22:43 19 May
22:43 19 May
We asked for your opinions on Sunday's Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Wolves, as Jurgen Klopp oversaw his final game in charge of the Reds.
Here are some of the best responses:
Liverpool fans
Andy: Kloppo - it has been such an adventure! Amazing nights and painful nights, you taught us how to respond to disappointments. Your character, integrity, passion and love of life were evident whenever you spoke. An absolute legend and perfect for Liverpool Football Club. So long, and thanks for all the fun!
Doug: Klopp has raised the game of football, and Premier League football, to greater visibility and popularity. His passion for the fans has been such an endearing quality, but his passion and paternal-like caring for his players has changed the way that managers will be viewed in the future.
Richard: He won pretty much everything there is to win, but most of all the hearts of the Liverpool people - whether red, blue or a non-fan. His genuine empathy and compassion transcends the game and I can't think of any other top-flight manager who has achieved that or even come close. With some luck, his shoes can be filled on the pitch - but off it, never.
Jono: A perfect send off for a very special boss. Thank you for the best of memories and times, Jurgen. A masterclass in leadership, you will be remembered forever and, in time, we will get you a statue for the future generations to learn what you gave us. You’ll never walk alone.
Wolves fans
Marc: We obviously need a couple of quality players because the last 10 games were abysmal! Why were we so bad towards end of the season, but brilliant in the first half of the season? Did teams figure us out? I see next season being very, very hard unless we can somehow get some quality players in. I'm afraid to say we will be in a relegation fight next season, if players are not added.
Alan: Nobody has really mentioned it but our turning point this season was the defeat against Coventry City in the FA Cup. I don't know how we're going to achieve it with all of the financial restrictions, but we must strengthen our squad to really compete next season.
Mark: This season seemed doomed from the start, with last minute managerial changes, but after Christmas all the worries of relegation were a thing of the past. Then, as per the last couple of seasons, a small squad was decimated by injuries. Then, in the last third of the season, they performed poorly and the team dropped down towards the bottom of the table.
Jon: There is a pivotal transfer window coming up. We know there won't be a big transfer fund and we will have to do some shrewd business. We have several players on loan where it will be interesting to see whether they stay and find a way into the first-team or will be sold. If we can do good business and retain key players, we can have a strong next season.
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves: What O'Neil saidpublished at 19:52 19 May
19:52 19 May
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Really proud but disappointed with the two goals as they came from headers.
"It's really difficult to hold out here when it's 2-0 and you know you're going to have a long second half kicking into the Kop. We created some moments as well. We have a penalty shout and I'm really proud of the players. I'm disappointed that it was decided by a VAR intervention."
On Nelson Semedo's red card: "I think it was late. Everyone who has played knows those tackles can happen. The referee has a good view of it and I don't think VAR needs to get involved. I don't understand why we're so desperate to get involved. There's no way that's clear and obvious.
"We will have to decide whether we appeal it or not but that's three games he will miss next season. It's really disappointing. It's not about VAR - I'm proud of our performance - but it sums up where VAR is for me. They didn't even pause it in the right place. It's a really poor standard of officiating I thought, so hopefully better for next year."
Are you confident VAR will be voted out? "I'm not very confident that it will be got rid of. That's not the technology's fault. That's the guys using it. There's no danger to Alexis Mac Allister. He's fine. There's just no need for that to be a red. I'm disappointed for the lads but we showed unbelievable character and togetherness and we gave it a go."
Was it special to be part of Jurgen Klopp's send-off? "Not special for me to be involved. I was just keen to do my job and get on with my business, but for Liverpool Football Club, he's done an unbelievable job. He's connected the club with the area and instilling real belief in what they can achieve. He will be missed by the football club I'm sure, and the league."
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves: Key statspublished at 18:41 19 May
18:41 19 May
Here are the key facts and figures from Sunday's game between Liverpool and Wolves in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp became the first permanent Liverpool manager to win his final game in charge of the club in all competitions since Matt McQueen in February 1928.
Liverpool's Jarell Quansah scored the 1,223rd goal of this season's Premier League, a new all-time competition record, overtaking the 1,222 scored in the inaugural 1992-93 campaign, which was a 22-team season.
Wolves have won just one of their final 10 Premier League games of the season (D2 L7). Since the start of April, only relegated sides Luton (four) and Sheffield United (one) have earned fewer points in the competition than Wolves (five).
Liverpool attempted 21 shots in the first half against Wolves; only Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion in March 2015 (26) and Liverpool v Swansea in February 2013 (22) have had more in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League game on record (from 2003-04).
In 2024, Harvey Elliott has provided 10 assists for Liverpool in all competitions, with only Kevin De Bruyne (16) registering more for Premier League clubs this calendar year.
Since the start of last season, Wolves have received more red cards in the Premier League than any other side, with Nelson Semedo's against Liverpool their 10th in this time.
Full-time: Liverpool 2-0 Wolvespublished at 18:03 19 May
18:03 19 May
Jurgen Klopp's final game as Liverpool manager ended with victory over Wolves amid emotional scenes at Anfield.
Liverpool's fans made it their business to dedicate the whole occasion to giving thanks and paying tribute to the manager who has brought such success to the club in a nine-year reign.
And Klopp's players delivered their part of the bargain with a comfortable three points in an atmosphere that was part carnival and part a sad farewell to the German, who was given a rapturous reception before kick-off and serenaded throughout.
Alexis Mac Allister headed Liverpool ahead in the 34th minute from Harvey Elliott's cross, and Jarell Quansah added a second from almost on the goal line six minutes later as they finished the season third in the Premier League after winning the Carabao Cup.
The goals came after Wolves had Nelson Semedo sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh after a video assistant referee review for a high challenge on Mac Allister.
Keep up to date over the summer break!published at 16:54 19 May
16:54 19 May
The 2023-24 Premier League season might be drawing to a close, but BBC Sport's dedicated coverage of Wolves will be sticking around for the summer.
From transfer gossip to club news to fan views - we have got you covered.
So make sure you don't miss anything by following your club and signing up to notifications straight to your devices.
After that, all you need to do is keep returning to your club's page throughout the summer - simple!
Follow Sunday's Premier League actionpublished at 15:03 19 May
15:03 19 May
All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2023-24 Premier League season, with the title winners, European spots and one relegation place still to be confirmed.
Sutton's predictions: Liverpool v Wolvespublished at 17:08 18 May
17:08 18 May
Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.
For this weekend’s final games of the season, he takes on Gladiators star Legend.
Sutton's prediction: 4-0
I can only see one outcome here. Mohamed Salah to score, Liverpool to go out with a bang under Jurgen Klopp, and send him off with a smile.
Wolves are not in great form, with only one win - and seven defeats - from their past 10 matches, and they have not been good enough as of late.
They were the club who triggered the vote over the future of video assistant referees (VAR) this summer, and they have been wronged by it this season, but Gary O'Neil needs to focus on their performances rather than decisions that are out of their control.
This game is all about Klopp and Liverpool, though. It is going to be an emotional day and I don't think there will be many dry eyes at Anfield - I'll be crying myself, even though I won't be there.
Being serious though, I am gutted he is going because he is a brilliant manager and his departure is an enormous loss to the Premier League as well as to Liverpool.
Klopp is spiky at times, but he always says what he thinks and I admire that. Most football fans will be really sad to see him go, whoever they support.
As well as what Klopp has what won, you have to appreciate how he has pushed City so hard in the seasons where they edged Liverpool to the title. He built an excellent team that could challenge them, and, without him, City would have dominated even more than they have done.
Legend's prediction: 5-1
It's Klopp's last game and it could be a big score. There will be a wild atmosphere.
O'Neil on VAR vote, summer plans and Klopp's final gamepublished at 14:23 17 May
14:23 17 May
Phil Cartwright BBC Sport journalist
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before his side's final Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.
Here are the key headlines from his news conference:
Wolves have triggered a vote on the future of VAR in the Premier League, which will take place in June, and O'Neil said: "In its current state, I would be more than happy for it to be abolished. I'm stood at Molineux once every two weeks and the fans' mood towards it is really clear, there's a real negative energy towards what impact it's had on the experience of watching their team."
However, he added: "I do still think there's scope to just improve it as well. If we're going to leave it how it is, I would definitely be a fan of getting rid of it, but there is still an opportunity they can improve it and if we are going to keep it, it needs to be improved drastically."
Asked if he was aware how other Premier League clubs may vote, O'Neil said: "I've no idea how it will go, we haven't put any feelers out. It's a good way to start the discussion. Let's see how many teams still want it and how many don't, and the ones that do, are they happy with it in its current form? It has to evolve, I'd be astounded if we started next season with it in the form it's in at this moment."
O'Neil said departing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is an "iconic figure" at his club and is "one of the best Premier League managers ever".
However, the Wolves boss continued: "As much as I want Jurgen to have a nice send-off with his fans, there is still a chance that we can finish in the top 10. If you’d said that to me at the start of the season, that we can win our last game and potentially finish in the top 10, I’d have definitely signed up for it. We go there with that as our focus."
Pedro Neto has "trained well and felt good" this week and is likely to be in the squad, although fellow winger Pablo Sarabia has a minor injury and is a "slight doubt".
On summer recruitment plans, O'Neil said: "I had some good conversations with Jeff [Shi, chairman] around the summer and things we might be able to do. Things have started to move a little bit and we're trying to position ourselves, when we come back in July and the season starts in August, to be in the best place possible."
Wolves are in the news this week for their pursuit of a vote on the scrapping of VAR.
Their wishes drew further scrutiny on Wednesday when Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a contentious call before offering a strong view on the technology after his side went down at Manchester United.
"Modified" is the word when we are talking about VAR going to a vote.
We are still getting to grips with it, but we have seen some good come from it. There have been some instances of indifferent decisions because calls are getting too many looks at them from so many angles.
They still do not know what is a good tackle and what is not. I think they need help from some former players, who have been in that situation and understand what the differences are in those challenges.
We keep talking about different angles and that is not going to go away because with VAR or without it, on certain challenges we would still disagree. You could have two current players in a room and they still would not agree.
It is Wolves' opinion on VAR and if they feel it is not working for them, then you can understand why they are saying to have a go without it again.
Molineux boss Gary O'Neil has been very frustrated, but he has also been balanced and tried to stay quiet. Now he does not want to stay quiet because he feels it does not benefit them and decisions are not going their way.
Overall, we have seen good things from VAR, even if it does bring with it a delay and a wait.
It would be a shame now for it to all go away when we have all the technology in place.
Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
What did Wolves say about VAR vote?published at 17:25 16 May
17:25 16 May
Premier League clubs will vote on the use of video assistant referees (VAR) in England's top flight in June, after Wolves formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League on Wednesday.
A club statement said the implementation of VAR in the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 season "was a decision made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart" but added it has "led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand".
It then listed nine of what it perceives to be "unintended negative consequences":
Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special.
Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication.
A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR.
Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game's fluidity and integrity.
Diminished accountability of on-field oXicials, due to safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch.
Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards.
Disruption of the Premier League's fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long.
Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league.
Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption.
Wolves said there is "no blame to be placed" and that "all stakeholders have been working hard to try to make the introduction of additional technology a success", but it was "time for a constructive and critical debate" about the future of VAR after five seasons in operation.
The statement concluded: "Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024-25 season onwards."
Liverpool v Wolves: Pick of the statspublished at 11:22 16 May
11:22 16 May
Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Liverpool and Wolves in the Premier League.
Liverpool have won 13 of their past 14 Premier League meetings with Wolves, the only exception being a 3-0 loss at Molineux in February last season.
Wolves have lost eight of their nine Premier League away games against Liverpool - the one exception a 1-0 win in December 2010 when the Reds were managed by Roy Hodgson.
Liverpool have not lost on any of the past 16 occasions when they have finished their league campaign with a home game (W14 D2) and they have won the past eight in a row. Their last defeat was against Arsenal in the 1988-89 campaign - when the Gunners won 2-0 to secure their first league title in 18 years.
Wolves have lost eight and won just one of their nine Premier League games on the final 38th league game. Their win rate of 11% on the final day is the lowest of any side currently in the competition - their current run of losing seven consecutive such games is the joint-longest in English top-flight history.
Paper talk: Amad and VAR in focuspublished at 08:17 16 May
08:17 16 May
Wolves and Manchester United are the focus of Thursday's back pages.
The Red Devils are in the spotlight after a hard-earned 3-2 win over Newcastle.
'Amad for it' is the lead on the Daily Star after 21-year-old Amad Diallo performed well and found the net in the victory.
Wolves meanwhile have called for a vote on scrapping the use of the Video Assistant Referee at the Premier League's next meeting.
Their move proved timely as in Manchester United's win, a contentious VAR call saw Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon not given a penalty when he appeared to have been brought down in the box.
Gossip: Wolves in talks with Southampton's Adamspublished at 07:51 16 May
07:51 16 May
Scotland striker Che Adams, 27, is in talks with Wolves over a free transfer when his Southampton contract expires at the end of the season. (Football Transfers), external
Next season 'starts not in August but on Monday' published at 16:55 15 May
16:55 15 May
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Gary O’Neil was conflicted. Some Wolves fans – perhaps not as many as would have done had they won the game – stayed after the defeat by Crystal Palace to see the end-of-season prizes handed out. Their generous applause gave the coach some consolation.
"They’re great at putting perspective on stuff here, which you don’t always expect from football fans but these are incredible with it," he said. "I stand here really disappointed – one of the most disappointed days I’ve had here. But they’re still singing and cheering players and stayed right until the end, because we have more points, more wins and more goals than we did last year, with a squad that was ripped apart."
Wolves have scaled high peaks this season, but they are starting to recede into the distance. The campaign has had a troubling tail for Wolves, who have been fading badly since the FA Cup quarter-final in March, to O’Neil’s growing discomfort.
"What I do like about it," he said, "is that I’ve seen a lot of things that have to improve, in the last few weeks. The last couple of games, we can look closer to home than looking at the injuries…a lot to look at and a lot to improve over the summer."
The list of injuries has eased although the difference between being fully fit and merely uninjured has been clear, especially in the toils of Hwang Hee-Chan and Matheus Cunha since their return.
Alas, there is no realistic solution to this that will not require spending money. That part is not in question; the tricky bit is generating the money in the first place.
"I don’t think there’ll be money available to us if nobody leaves,” said O’Neil last Friday, which quickly gave some supporters the jitters, thinking they were hearing echoes of Julen Lopetegui this time last year.
Not really - or at least, not yet. A summer of net-zero spending would be very different to the large profit needed last year. It will still mean making difficult decisions, perhaps at speed if and when offers come in for current players.
"My obvious hope," said O’Neil, "is that we all are on the same page and we can push things forward in a direction that we’re all looking to."
That page will need to be written very soon. In effect, next season starts not in August, but on Monday.
*Liverpoolv Wolves – live commentary on BBC Radio WM (DAB/Freeview), Sunday from 16:00 BST
*BBC Radio WM Football Phone-In, weeknights from 18:00 BST
Vote: Who is your Wolves player of the season?published at 10:18 15 May
10:18 15 May
Dazzling Dave Fan writer
We asked our Wolves fan contributor for their four player of the season choices and you can now vote for your top one.
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Rayan has gone from Wolves misfit to to a much sought-after asset! He is highly skilled and can control the ball superbly in tight spaces. He can defend at one end and change games at the other, making him invaluable and one of the finest left-backs in the Premier League.
Matheus Cunha
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Brazil international Cunha has been Wolves' primary source of goals and assists this season. He is versatile, a great ball carrier and, of course, he bagged a fine goal at the Hawthorns, already making him a Wolves legend!
Mario Lemina
While many thought Ruben Neves' absence would hurt the team, Lemina has made it seem insignificant. Mario exhibits exceptional leadership qualities, is able to out-muscle opponents, pass and dribble out of tight spaces and is a formidable force in midfield. Only five players have scored more headers than Lemina's three in the Premier League this season.
Nelson Semedo
Wolves supporters have witnessed a massive improvement in Semedo's performances this season - he has been 'Mr Consistent'. While he has always been capable of delivering deadly crosses into the box, the key difference is his enhanced defensive abilities.