Summary

  1. Goodbye!published at 15:50 British Summer Time

    Thank you for following today’s live text. It has been a busy one, so let’s have a reminder of the top stories.

    As you've just been hearing, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Jota is available for Bologna but Chiesa misses out.

    Check out the links in the summary points to view the day's top lines, or check out the stories below if you want to read more:

    We will be back later this evening for the Champions League - you can follow that live text here and we'll be back bright and early tomorrow for all the reaction. Do join us.

    Goodbye!

  2. Watch: Midlands' choirs sing the Champions League themepublished at 15:47 British Summer Time

    If you need your appetite whetting further, why not have a watch of this?

    Tomorrow, Aston Villa host Bayern Munich, which will be the club's first Villa Park match in Europe’s elite football competition for more than 40 years.

    To celebrate qualifying for the competition, and to mark the historic occasion, choirs across the Midlands have been singing the iconic Champions League theme.

    They told BBC Midlands Today's David Lumb what Villa's achievement meant to them.

    Media caption,

    Aston Villa fans sing anthem for Champions League glory

  3. Postpublished at 15:44 British Summer Time

    That's all from Arne Slot and Alexis Mac Allister, to whet the appetite before the Champions League gets underway for the week in two hours time. Here's a reminder of the British sides in action.

    Tuesday

    • Arsenal v PSG (20:00 BST)
    • Borussia Dortmund v Celtic (20:00 BST)
    • Slovan Bratislava v Manchester City (20:00 BST)

    Wednesday

    • Aston Villa v Bayern Munich (20:00 BST)
    • Liverpool v Bologna (20:00 BST)

  4. 'That was a bit of Scouse!'published at 15:42 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool fc manager Arne SlotImage source, Getty Images

    An amusing moment at the end of the news conference where a Merseyside reporter asks a question to Arne Slot about whether Liverpool prepare differently for Champions League games but the Reds boss struggles to decipher it.

    "That was a bit of Scouse!" Slot says, before Liverpool press officer Tony Barrett offers to "translate".

    Slot responds that Liverpool "prepare the same way" and he is "hoping for a special evening".

  5. 'Players can show they missed this'published at 15:37 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot on the threat of Bologna: "Bologna showed last season and this season they are a really difficult team to beat. We as Liverpool know how difficult it can be against a team that man marking all over the pitch. Atalanta did that last season. To face an Italian team at Champions League level, we don't under-estimate them at all. That's not what they deserve based on last season."

    On looking forward to a European night at Anfield: "I am privileged to work at Feyenoord last season where Champions League nights were special. People tell me it is going to be more special here.

    "What I want from the players is them to show they missed this. I want to see this, I want to feel this. That the players missed this for a season. I am hoping it's the same from our fans. I am hope they feel this desire to show Europe that you missed us. That combination should lead to hopefully a special night for everyone involved with Liverpool."

    Anfield stadium, LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images
  6. 'Players show up when we need'published at 15:29 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Arne Slot on Liverpool's form this season: "One of the reasons we can compete is we have a lot of quality. We have a lot of cohesion in the team. Those who are not playing are happy with us scoring and winning so those are two really positive things.

    "I also see things we have to improve if we want to stay where we are. Every fixture is difficult in the Premier League. We have to do things better. But one of the reasons we can stay up there is we have a lot of quality."

    On the depth of the squad: "We have quality but we have a lot of players who can help us. Very pleased to see when we need a player he shows up. They have quality. If they didn't have quality, they wouldn't play here. If they train hard it's hard to tell them they don't play.

    "But it's part of my job and part of their lives as well. You know if you join a top club there's competition. It is what they are all used to. They are handling, all of them, the situation really well. There is a good energy in the group and that's the most important thing with competition."

    Liverpool fc manager Arne SlotImage source, Getty Images
  7. Jota 'available to play'published at 15:23 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Diogo JotaImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot on injuries picked up by Diogo Jota and Federico: "Diogo missed out on two sessions after the game against Wolves. He took a knock. So I am expecting him to be with us tomorrow. That he is available to play.

    "Federico trained with us yesterday. He came today with some problems so not expecting him to be with us. It's a shame for him because he was looking forward to a Champions League night at Anfield, and especially because we face an Italian team. It's a pity for him. How long is he out? It's always difficult because it happened yesterday but I am not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time. We will see if he can be in the team for Saturday."

  8. 'We understood what Slot wants from us'published at 15:20 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    More from Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on whether it would a dream to win the Champions League: "Yes, of course it's adream to win the Champions League. For some people it was a surprise I have won the World Cup but made my Champions League debut against Milan. It was quite crazy.

    "Like I said before when you play for Liverpool, you have to fight for it. We have very good players and a very good team but we will see at the end of the season if we can win it."

    Changes under Slot which are behind Liverpool's form: "Now that the games come thick and fast then it's a bit harder to prepare the games as much we want. But he's definitely an amazing manager. You can see how he's been from the first day. We understood what we wants from us, and I think that's the main thing as a coach - to get the ideas in the players. But there's still room for improvement."

  9. Jota available to face Bologna but Chiesa injuredpublished at 15:18 British Summer Time
    Breaking

    Arne Slot says he is expecting Diogo Jota to be available to face Bologna in the Champions League tomorrow night despite missing training today, but Federico Chiesa will miss out through injury.

    More to come.

  10. Postpublished at 15:15 British Summer Time

    That's all from Alexis Mac Allister on the live stream, and it's a quick turnaround as Arne Slot takes his seat.

    We'll keep the quotes coming from both, but remember, you can watch the Liverpool manager live at the top of this page.

  11. 'Not a big difference between Jurgen and Arne'published at 15:14 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on what Arne Slot wants from him in midfield and how it differs from former boss Jurgen Klopp: "Between Arne and Jurgen there is not a huge difference. Now we have more structure and pattern which we know and try to improve.

    "Apart from that there is not much to add. We are talking Ryan, Dom and me but we also have Curtis, Endo and Harvey who are also important."

    On Luis Diaz's form: "He knows how important the numbers are for strikers and wingers. I am happy he is getting goals and assists. He can still improve and play the way he plays. Hopefully he can continue to show effective he is. Consistency is key."

    Colombian winger Luis DiazImage source, Getty Images
  12. 'We have a lot of freedom'published at 15:12 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Alexis Mac Allister on his midfield partnership with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch: "Last season I played most of the season as a six, or in a double six. Now we have a lot of freedom. Sometimes that could be as six and Dominic as a 10. It changes lot in a games. I am really enjoying my football and hopefully tomorrow I can show it."

    On whether momentum is with Liverpool: "Yes. Definitely. We have an amazing team and a good coach. When you platy for Liverpool you have to be up there. We know it's quite early and a lot of time to see if we are in the title race."

    Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik SzoboszlaiImage source, Getty Images
  13. Mac Allister - 'We have an amazing team'published at 15:06 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on the reaction of the squad since the defeat to Nottingham Forest: "For us it was important to see the way we reacted to Forest. We worked on certain details but we didn't like that game was the way we finished it. We spoke about that. Everyone knew it wasn't our best game and we just tried to win the next one.

    Whether they are better equipped to compete this season: "I could say a lot of things but we have to show it. We have an amazing team and we will try to do out best to win every game. We will see by January and February if we will be in the competition to win a trophy."

    Liverpool fcImage source, Getty Images
  14. Watch Liverpool's news conferencepublished at 15:03 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Arne Alot has decided to wait in the wings, as midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is in front of the microphone first instead.

    You can tune in to the news conference at the top of this page by clicking the 'watch live' tab.

    Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac AllisterImage source, Getty Images
  15. AFC Wimbledon make trip to Newcastlepublished at 14:58 British Summer Time

    Newcastle v AFC Wimbledon (19:45 BST)

    General view of damage to the pitch following flooding at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on September 24, 2024 in Wimbledon, England.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Heavy rain led to pitch damage at Cherry Records Stadium

    Newcastle United's Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon will finally be played this evening, a week later than scheduled.

    The third round tie was supposed to take place at Cherry Records stadium last week but was called off because of flooding, something the League Two club are still working to fix. The match will now take place at St James' Park.

    The EFL said the decision to move the fixture to the north east came "following an agreement between both clubs and subsequent approval from the management committee of the competition".

    It added Wimbledon's League Two match against Crewe, which had been scheduled for 1 October, will be rearranged.

  16. De Jong available after five months outpublished at 14:54 British Summer Time

    Barcelona v Young Boys (20:00 BST)

    Frenkie de JongImage source, Getty Images

    Netherlands international midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to be available for squad selection after five months out injured.

    The 27-year-old picked up a ankle sprain last April playing against Real Madrid in El Clasico.

    He will now potentially play his first game of the season and also his first under coach Hansi Flick as Barcelona take on Young Boys in the Champions League

    Barcelona have also had to deal with injuries to Marc Bernal and Dani Olmo while Gavi is also still out with a knee injury.

  17. Slot coming uppublished at 14:51 British Summer Time

    Liverpool v Bologna (Wed, 20:00 BST)

    Liverpool

    Arne SlotImage source, Getty Images

    Arne Slot will be facing the media this afternoon before Liverpool face Serie A side Bologna in their second Champions League match on Wednesday.

    If you're just joining us, striker Diogo Jota was missing from training earlier on and according to Sky Sports, the 27-year-old Portugal international picked up a slight foot injury against Wolves last weekend. Reporter Vinny O'Connor was told Jota has had a scan, however, it did come back clear.

  18. Celtic Park has prepared us for the 'Yellow Wall' - Engelspublished at 14:45 British Summer Time

    Borussia Dortmund v Celtic (20:00 BST)

    Andy Burke
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Fans of Borussia Dortmund ahead of the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum 1848 at Signal Iduna Park on September 27, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany.Image source, Getty Images

    Celtic midfielder Arne Engels says performing in front their passionate home supporters has prepared his team to face Borussia Dortmund’s famous 'Yellow Wall'.

    The Scottish champions face the German giants in their second Champions League match on Tuesday after opening their European campaign with an impressive 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.

    Engels is relishing the prospect of testing himself against last season's beaten finalists.

    "It's always amazing to be here and also to come back because I played here a few times," the Belgian midfielder said.

    "It's an amazing stadium and it's always positive to play here.

    "I haven't spoken to a lot of the guys about it because they know it and we also have an amazing atmosphere at Celtic Park.

    "So it's kind of the same. Everyone knows how to handle it. If you can play at Celtic Park, you can play everywhere.

    "If you don't have the belief, then you are better not to come and say it's 5-0 for them.

    "We want to come here and win like every game. You always need to have this mindset.

    "Everyone is really focused on their jobs and that's what makes us really strong as a team.

    "We are setting the standards for ourselves every day as a team and doing a really good job there. It's up to us now to show it like we do every week."

  19. Borussia Dortmund v Celtic: Pre-match statspublished at 14:42 British Summer Time

    Borussia Dortmund v Celtic (20:00 BST)

    Arne Engels addresses a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match Borussia Dortmund v Celtic at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, western Germany on September 30, 2024.Image source, Getty Images

    Celtic are in Germany to face last season's beaten finalists on the back of a run of nine straight victories this season, including a 5-1 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava in their Champions League opener in Glasgow.

    Here are a few Pre-match stats before tonight's game:

    • Borussia Dortmund have won six of their 16 games against Scottish sides, losing four of them - once to Celtic and three times to Rangers
    • Celtic have only won four of 28 meetings with German sides, losing 19, and have never won away from home.
    • Dortmund's latest meeting with a Scottish side ended in a 6-4 aggregate defeat by Rangers in the 2021-22 Europa League knock-out round when the Ibrox side won the frst leg 4-2 in Germany.
    • Celtic's latest meeting with German opposition ended with a 3-1 away defeat by Leipzig and 2-0 loss in Glasgow in the 2022-23 Champions League group stage.
    • Celtic and Dortmund have met twice before in European competition - both in the Uefa Cup - with the Germans progressing both times on aggregate.

  20. 'Celtic must step up to heavyweight clash in Dortmund'published at 14:37 British Summer Time

    Borussia Dortmund v Celtic (20:00 BST)

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

    Celtic's Northern Irish coach Brendan Rodgers addresses a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match Borussia Dortmund v Celtic at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, western Germany on September 30, 2024.Image source, Getty Images

    Having faced some lightweights so far this season Celtic are now entering an altogether different division - a Champions League game against last season’s runners-up in their own storied ground. The “acid test” as Brendan Rodgers is calling it.

    In boxing parlance, we’ve had an undercard that’s lasted weeks, a series of mismatches that Celtic have won with a remorseless intensity.

    Scotland is a comfort zone for Rodgers’ team. Very little about Dortmund on Tuesday is expected to be comfortable.

    Dortmund are not in a great place right now, but these things are relative. They finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season - their lowest placing since 2015 - and only qualified for the Champions League because Germany were given an extra spot.