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Van Dijk names two teams as Liverpool's toughest to face - 'You get punished'
Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on Manchester City and Arsenal as Liverpool prepare for another three-way title race.The defender has been ever-present for Arne Slot’s first nine league games in charge, with the Reds sitting one point behind leaders Manchester City. Chasing Pep Guardiola’s side is far from unfamiliar territory for Liverpool, who won the league in 2020 but have twice been denied the Premier League crown by City despite earning more than 90 points. Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on Manchester City and Arsenal as Liverpool prepare for another three-way title race. The defender has been ever-present for Arne Slot’s first nine league games in charge, with the Reds sitting one point behind leaders Manchester City. Chasing Pep Guardiola’s side is far from unfamiliar territory for Liverpool, who won the league in 2020 but have twice been denied the Premier League crown by City despite earning more than 90 points. Those impeccable standards have set a higher bar for title contenders. Unlike the battles between Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, a draw for Liverpool or City was seen as disappointing and helped forge a new rivalry. Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta saw a three-way title race develop last season until Jurgen Klopp’s side tailed off. However, Van Dijk admitted to Rio Ferdinand that the changing landscape at the top of the league helps bring the best out of him. On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Van Dijk was asked about his toughest opponents and named Liverpool’s two closest title rivals. “I would say in this case then the City and Arsenal, especially from last year, it's always tough against them,” he said. “You know that if you're not focused for a second or slip up or whatever, you could get punished immediately. “But that's the beauty of the Premier League anyway, you play against good strikers week in, week out, and then you have this year's Champions League back again. It's only something I really enjoy and it keeps me on my toes. I love it.” Many fans may have expected Van Dijk to name City striker Erling Haaland as his most difficult test, but both Arsenal and City’s multi-faceted frontlines mean that teams are unable to focus on just one player. Bukayo Saka’s opener for Arsenal against Liverpool last weekend was a prime example, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville criticising Van Dijk for not helping out left-back Andy Robertson. Last season, the Reds finished nine points behind champions City, winning three of their last eight league games as they fell away from top spot. Liverpool have made a promising start under new manager Slot. Still, all three teams expected to battle for the title have already displayed vulnerabilities, with the Reds notably coming unstuck against Nottingham Forest. City have conceded the first goal in four of their nine games and look slightly weaker at the back. Meanwhile, a string of suspensions and injuries have left Arsenal three points behind Liverpool, creating an intriguing title race.
Galli: Flick studied De Zerbi before taking Barcelona job
Galli says Flick also based Barca's defensive system on Milan's approach with their great teams of the '90s.He told Què t'hi Jugues!: "I know De Zerbi well and I know that Flick went to see him work twice before arriving at Barça. Galli says Flick also based Barca's defensive system on Milan's approach with their great teams of the '90s. He told Què t'hi Jugues!: "I know De Zerbi well and I know that Flick went to see him work twice before arriving at Barça. "I'm very pleased that Flick was impressed by our team when he was a Bayern player, because that Milan team was a winner and a convincing team, it gave us emotions." Galli admitted that in some training sessions Arrigo Sacchi even went so far as to use a rope to correct his players, but that this only happened on two occasions. "We only did it once or twice at the beginning. What was constant was seeing the coach on the field to constantly correct you , telling you that you were not doing well on the defensive line. Sacchi would constantly stop training sessions to correct the position, even if it was just a matter of two centimetres so that we would play the line correctly." The former defender also highlighted the level of a Barça that impressed him in the ElClasico. "I saw Barça against Madrid and the defensive organisation was important, as well as having many class players, many of them from the house, with a Barça heart, that is also important. The youngsters at Barça have personality. They are not afraid to ask for the ball, that is part of a clear entity."
Discovering the Insights of Intermittent Fasting: Advantages, Potential Drawbacks, and Safe Practices
Intermittent fasting (IF) has become increasingly popular as a strategy for weight reduction and overall health enhancement. Unlike conventional diets that emphasize food choices, IF is concerned with the timing of food consumption, alternating fasting with eating phases. Although fasting has been a part of various cultures and religious practices for ages, recent scientific research has revealed its possible advantages and potential risks. A key advantage of IF is its capacity to facilitate weight reduction. By limiting the time frame for eating, IF can decrease total caloric intake, leading to a calorie deficit that is crucial for weight loss. Moreover, fasting can stimulate hormonal shifts that boost fat metabolism and enhance metabolic health. For instance, fasting can raise the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that increases metabolic rate and promotes the breakdown of fat. Furthermore, IF has been demonstrated to enhance insulin sensitivity, making it a beneficial strategy for managing blood sugar levels and decreasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. During fasting, the body uses up its glycogen reserves and starts to burn fat for energy, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin efficiency. This is especially advantageous for those with insulin resistance or prediabetes. Beyond the scope of weight loss and metabolic health, IF might also provide cognitive benefits. Some research indicates that fasting can improve brain function, shield against neurodegenerative diseases, and increase mental clarity. This is believed to be due to the generation of ketones, which act as an alternative fuel for the brain during periods of fasting. However, there are potential risks associated with IF. For some, fasting might result in nutritional deficiencies, decreased energy levels, and irregular eating habits. It may also be inappropriate for certain groups, such as pregnant women, those with a history of eating disorders, or individuals with chronic health issues. Thus, it is crucial to approach IF with care and seek advice from a healthcare provider before beginning. To engage in IF safely, begin with an achievable fasting plan, like the 16:8 method, which entails fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window. During eating periods, prioritize nutrient-rich foods that supply essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. Maintain hydration by drinking ample amounts of water, herbal teas, and other non-caloric drinks during fasting periods. In summary, intermittent fasting can be an effective tool for health improvement, but it is not universally applicable. By comprehending the benefits and risks and customizing the approach to individual needs, it is possible to leverage the potential of IF while mitigating potential negative effects. As with any dietary adjustment, paying attention to your body's signals and seeking professional advice is essential for success.
Inflammation: The Hype Surrounding It - And Exactly How Detrimental Is It?
Let's kick off with a quick health - related query: just how detrimental is inflammation to your body? If you think inflammation is extremely harmful, you're not alone. Countless news outlets will inform you that it's associated with some of the leading causes of death globally. Heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer have all been connected to chronic inflammation, and this is merely a brief overview. So, what steps can you take to mitigate inflammation within your body? It's a great question. Before we delve into the answers, however, let's take a moment to clarify what inflammation is and isn't. Inflammation Basics: A Comprehensive Overview There are numerous misunderstandings surrounding inflammation. A common definition portrays inflammation as the body's reaction to an injury, allergy, or infection, which results in redness, warmth, pain, swelling, and restricted functionality. This is accurate when considering something like a splinter in your finger, bacterial pneumonia, or a poison ivy rash. However, this only scratches the surface, as there are multiple types of inflammation: Acute Inflammation Acute inflammation emerges abruptly, persists for a few days to weeks, and then subsides once the root cause, such as an injury or infection, is managed. Generally, it's a reaction aimed at restoring the health of the affected area. This is the type described in the above - mentioned definition. It's like the body's rapid - response team, quickly mobilizing to address an immediate threat. Chronic Inflammation Chronic inflammation is a different beast altogether. It can develop without any obvious medical cause, endure throughout a person's life, and cause harm rather than promote healing. This form of inflammation is frequently associated with various chronic conditions, including: Excess Weight: Obesity has been linked to a state of low - grade chronic inflammation in the body. Diabetes: Inflammatory processes play a role in the development and progression of diabetes. Cardiovascular Diseases: Heart attacks and strokes are often associated with chronic inflammation in the blood vessels. Certain Infections: For instance, hepatitis C can trigger chronic inflammation in the liver. Autoimmune Diseases: Where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. Cancer: Inflammation can contribute to the growth and spread of cancer cells. Stress: Whether it's psychological or physical, stress can induce chronic inflammation in the body. The Cellular Players in Inflammation The cells involved in both types of inflammation are integral components of the body's immune system. This is logical, as the immune system is tasked with safeguarding the body from all manner of threats. Depending on the duration, location, and cause of the problem, a diverse range of immune cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages, rush to the site to initiate the inflammatory process. Each cell type has its unique function, which includes combating foreign invaders, producing antibodies, and clearing away dead cells. Neutrophils, for example, are often the first to arrive at the scene of an infection, quickly attacking and engulfing bacteria. Debunking Four Common Inflammation Myths Myth 1: Inflammation is the Root Cause of Most Modern Illness This isn't entirely accurate. While it's true that many chronic diseases are accompanied by inflammation, and controlling inflammation is often a crucial aspect of treatment, it's not the direct cause of most chronic diseases. For example, in atherosclerosis, inflammation of the blood vessels is present. However, it's unclear whether chronic inflammation is the primary culprit or if traditional risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking (all of which can trigger inflammation) are the main contributors. Myth 2: You Always Know When You're Inflamed This holds true for some conditions. People with rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, are well - aware when their joints are inflamed due to increased pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, the inflammation associated with obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease often doesn't cause any distinct symptoms. Although fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and other symptoms are sometimes attributed to inflammation, many individuals experience these symptoms without having inflammation. Myth 3: Controlling Chronic Inflammation Would Eliminate Most Chronic Disease This is a misconception. Effective treatments usually target the underlying cause of inflammation rather than merely suppressing the inflammation itself. For example, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, a patient might take steroids or other anti - inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms. But to prevent permanent joint damage, they also need to take a drug like methotrexate to treat the underlying condition that's causing the inflammation. Myth 4: Anti - Inflammatory Diets or Specific Foods Prevent Disease by Suppressing Inflammation While it's undeniable that some foods and diets are healthier than others, it's uncertain whether their benefits stem from reducing inflammation. Shifting from a typical Western diet to an "anti - inflammatory diet," such as the Mediterranean diet, improves health in multiple ways. Reducing inflammation is just one of the many potential mechanisms at play. The Bottom Line Inflammation isn't the sole villain claiming millions of lives annually. The reality is that even if it were possible to completely eliminate inflammation (which, unfortunately, it isn't), you wouldn't want to. Among other issues, suppressing inflammation would leave you unable to mount an effective response to infections, allergens, toxins, or injuries. Inflammation is a complex process. Acute inflammation is the body's natural and often beneficial response to injury, infection, or other threats. However, it can sometimes lead to problems or spiral out of control. We need to gain a deeper understanding of what causes inflammation and what triggers it to become chronic. This way, we can address the underlying cause rather than blaming inflammation for every illness or relying on individual foods to reduce it. There's no quick - fix solution for unhealthy inflammation. To reduce it, we must detect, prevent, and treat its underlying causes. The good news is that, in most cases, inflammation serves a purpose in the body and functions as it should. And when it does cause problems, there are steps you can take to improve the situation.
Jasper Carrott to star at charity lunch
Brummie comedian Jasper Carrott will be the guest of honour at a charity lunch in the city. The Journalists' Charity will be hosting the event as the performer marks his 80th birthday this month. It takes place on May 2 at Edgbaston cricket stadium. The charity was founded by Charles Dickens in 1864 to help journalists and their dependents going through tough times and offers advice, emergency support and financial assistance. Jasper has been a great supporter of the charity for many years and was recently appointed a life vice-president. He said: "If I am still alive by May 2, it will be my pleasure to entertain many close friends from the world of journalism and entertainment. Nothing is planned so nothing can go wrong? "I am so looking forward to it, I have bought a new bib and a pair of socks. Come and join me, I would dearly love to see you all.” Derek Inman, chairman of the charity's Midlands district, added: "Jasper at 80, what a milestone. "He is a true legend, one of the funniest comics the region has ever produced. It is a real honour that he has chosen to celebrate this special occasion with us.”
Inzaghi happy with Inter Milan's "great performance" for victory at Empoli
Davide Frattesi scored twice, with Lautaro Martinez also on the scoresheet.Afterwards, Inzaghi was full of praise for his players.What does this victory mean?"I congratulate the boys, on Sunday we were disappointed. We analysed the good things done and a victory was needed to redeem the draw against Juve. We worked with some limitations, but the boys gave a great performance. Asllani came to the bench with infiltrations." Davide Frattesi scored twice, with Lautaro Martinez also on the scoresheet. Afterwards, Inzaghi was full of praise for his players. What does this victory mean? "I congratulate the boys, on Sunday we were disappointed. We analysed the good things done and a victory was needed to redeem the draw against Juve. We worked with some limitations, but the boys gave a great performance. Asllani came to the bench with infiltrations." How much room for growth does the team have? "We must always grow, at the moment we are a bit limited but we knew it was a challenging block. We had to make a virtue of necessity but the team responded well." Today it started again with those who made the most mistakes against Juve. What did you say to each other? "We analyzed by looking at the things we did well but also those we had to do better. I was satisfied with the performance, I was only disappointed with the result. The numbers are always good but we have to do better in the non-possession phase. I thank the fans because there were many of them and they supported us from the beginning to the end." How important is Lautaro? "I'm very happy for him, I insisted with Lautaro because at that moment I wanted him to get satisfaction. He deserved to get back to scoring, Barella was very good at serving him."
How Fenwick has shown its staying power amid the decline of department stores
Since the collapse of BHS in 2016, the country has lost at least 80% of its main department stores. The staggering decline of this British institution has also seen high profile casualties in chains such as House of Fraser, Beales and Debenhams, not to mention regional independents. But others have managed to weather a difficult decade, despite the myriad challenges from Covid, to lacklustre consumer confidence and fierce online competition. This week historic, North East-born brand Fenwick has been in the news due to efforts to cut costs - with bosses stressing there are no plans to close stores. The family-run chain, which was a latecomer to the digital world in 2019, has been making behind-the-scenes changes linked to the hosting of its website. Despite acknowledging growth will come from online, and taking occasional criticism from retail pundits, the operator of eight stores across the country has also been pouring energy into its bricks and mortar estate - focusing significant investment in its flagship Northumberland Street store in Newcastle. That comes as bosses have identified that till sales will continue to dominate revenue “for the foreseeable future”. So concurrent with the wider sector’s decade of decline, Fenwick has been remaking its landmark Newcastle store. It started with the relaunch of its multimillion-pound foodhall in late 2015 - just months before BHS’ demise. The two-year project injected new life into the Northumberland Street site, encouraging shoppers to linger while they ate at one of the venue’s modern eateries - set up with significant involvement from prominent Newcastle restaurateur Terry Laybourne. The project also brought in enticing merchandising of premium food and drink brands - many from the North East - which made for ideal gift shopping. The move was a canny one for Fenwick, which foresaw a crescendo of dining out activity, albeit one that was later curtailed by Covid. It cemented the retailer’s place at the lead of the mid-market retail offer in the city and helped renew Geordies’ fondness for the store, which beforehand had begun to look dated. Mr Laybourne’s hand in the success has also been the precursor to a run of high-profile partnerships with other North East names in recent years, including the headline-grabbing silver service pop-up bistro run in collaboration with fellow high street stalwart Greggs. The tongue-in-cheek take on fine dining served the food-on-the-go firm’s festive bakes and sausage rolls to punters, with waiting staff revealing the pastry treats, plus accoutrements, from beneath silver cloches. The concept’s first outing in 2023 received such interest that it returned last year - though this time in the shape of a Greggs champagne bar where menu favourites were paired with expensive tipples. There has also been work with city cocktail bar Mother Mercy, which opened a venue on the store’s ground floor and has since expanded. Meanwhile, Northumberland Micheln star restaurant Hjem last year extended a well-received residency in which it offered a menu inspired by the respective Swedish and local background of its founders, chef Alex Nietosvuori and wife Ally. And this week is the opening of its latest collaboration, with South Shields’ fish and chips favourites Colman’s - who will serve cod and chips in the city centre store as well bringing in local independents Geordie Bangers and Great North Provisions to bring local provenance to its battered sausage and pie options. There has been more activity besides food too. Last year saw the launch of what it says is the largest beauty hall outside of London - exclusively bringing cosmetics names Hourglass, Charlotte Tilbury and Le Lab to the city. That came alongside the launch of an official Newcastle United retail concession in the store, following Fenwick securing exclusive rights to become the club’s official luxury retail store partner. This week celebratory messages adorn the store’s Blackett Street and Northumberland Street windows following Newcastle’s sensational cup final win at the weekend. And another historic Tyneside neighbour Barbour - with 130 years to its name vs Fenwick’s 143 years - teamed up with the retailer last autumn to launch the ‘Barbour Tea & Toasties’ cafe which is decorated with Barbour-style furnishings and occupies a scenic position overlooking Grey’s Monument. The pop-up is expected to run until the end of this month.
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