European Leagues
Roberto Firmino ‘grateful to God’ for Liverpool return
Roberto Firmino and Fabinho expressed their delight at returning to Anfield to watch Liverpool’s 4-2 mauling of Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
The Brazilians spent a combined 13 years at the Reds, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during their successful stints with the club.
Firmino and Fabinho both left Liverpool in the summer, with the pair joining Saudi Pro League clubs – Fabinho linked up with Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad, and Firmino joined Riyad Mahrez at Al Ahli.
Both players made their first trip back to Anfield since leaving the club this week, watching Liverpool dispatch of Newcastle to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking about the return to Anfield to Liverpool’s official website, Firmino stated that it was “emotional” to return to the club.
“I’m very happy to be back here at home, at Liverpool and the stadium as well, Anfield. I’m very grateful to God for bringing me these moments again, to watch the game. Of course I’m not playing but I watch the game and see the boys,” said Firmino.
“It’s always emotional [to be here], you cannot forget you were here. We had a very good history here at the club that we achieved together and nobody can claim this history, it’s already in the history [books]. We are here to support.”
Since the pair’s departures, Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market in order to revamp their starting lineup. The Reds were particularly busy in the summer window in order to sign replacements for Fabinho at the heart of the midfield, bringing four midfielders through the door in total – Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo.
Speaking about said signings, Fabinho admitted that is impressed by their quick integration into the starting XI.
“It’s really important for the team that the players that arrived are already playing good football, really integrated to the team,” Fabinho said.
“Players like Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Endo are playing really well. It’s important because the team lost some really important players. I think they are doing a good job.
“Unfortunately, Thiago is not playing regularly [at the moment] but I’m sure with his experience he is helping these players as well – he talks a lot, he has really good communication.
“The players that arrived here are doing a great job.”
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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