Ryan Babel has lifted the lid on why his Liverpool career perhaps did not live up to early expectations

Liverpool U21s are ready to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2 play-offs

Liverpool U21s are ready to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2 play-offs

TNT Sports couldn't help but cheekily respond to Jürgen Klopp's heated comments about their scheduling. The Liverpool manager has been vocal in his criticism of TNT, previously BT Sport, for frequently slotting Liverpool into the 12:30pm kick-offs, which he believes doesn't give players enough recovery time.

The Reds have topped the charts with 37 early Saturday kick-offs since the 2017/18 season, more than any other Premier League team, with Tottenham following at 32 and Manchester City at 30. Both Chelsea and Manchester United have had 27 such starts.

As Klopp gets ready to hang up his Premier League hat, one thing he'll be glad to see the back of is TNT Sports' fixture planning. He's even pledged to completely avoid the channel once he departs from Liverpool at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Takefusa Kubo already gave Liverpool verdict and named two favorite players amid transfer links

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp view on Ange Postecoglou clear after ‘no interest’ Liverpool declaration

Klopp expressed his frustration, recounting a recent conversation with the broadcaster: "I had a discussion only the other day with colleagues from our favourite TV channel which I will definitely not watch again, TNT, and said it's always a conversation they have, saying they pay you, they give money to football," the German remarked.

"That they dare give Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 is a crime. I was actually waiting for Amnesty International to go to them."

Klopp ended his tirade on a lighter note, saying: "But they are still happy and they like subscribers. You can take me off that list! But if you're looking for a pundit, I speak English! I could do it!"

TNT responded to Klopp's comments with a humorous post on their official X account. They created a mock application form for Klopp as a pundit, ticking boxes for ' Champions League winner', 'Premier League winner', and 'multilingual'.

The only box left unticked was 'available to work 12:30pm on Saturdays', suggesting they've taken Klopp's frustrations about their scheduling choices in good humor.

Liverpool.com says: Well, at least they've taken it in good spirit. It would certainly be interesting to see Klopp as a pundit on TNT Sports. Any regular viewer of the British broadcaster knows he would almost certainly be an upgrade on their usual offerings...

You wonder if Klopp's rant on TNT is a sign of what's to come in his final weeks. Who knows, we might see him settling a few more grudges before he departs.

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Liverpool looks likely to announce Arne Slot as the club's new coach. Although still not official, the Dutchman will be given the mammoth task of guiding Liverpool in the post-Jürgen Klopp era.

Slot has professed his love of wingers and, considering Liverpool likely won't change from Klopp's 4-3-3 system, even after he is gone, expect the club to be linked to a host of them this summer.

The future of Mohamed Salah is also up in the air. Salah is tied to Liverpool until the summer of 2025, but with the Egyptian turning 32 next month, there is little doubt that the club needs to think about a life post-Salah. Harvey Elliott has often replaced Salah on the right-hand side, but Elliott has also been utilized as a midfielder, and so it would make sense for the club to potentially sign an out-and-out winger this summer.

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp view on Ange Postecoglou clear after ‘no interest’ Liverpool declaration

READ MORE: Why Liverpool moved on from Rúben Amorim as Arne Slot transfer plans become clearer

Moreover, with Salah continually linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia (via Sky Sports), Liverpool may need to act this summer rather than wait a year.

One of those wingers already being linked with a move to the club is Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo. Having made the permanent move to the Basque region from Real Madrid in 2022, the Japan international is catching the eye.

Kubo has made 26 appearances in La Liga this term, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. That has led to tentative links with Liverpool, with 'Sam C Reports', citing a source, claiming the Reds hold an interest. He further suggests that there is a release clause set at $65m (£51m/€60m).

Kubo has spoken in the past of his admiration for Liverpool. In a 2019 interview with Goal Japan, Kubo professed how he liked the way Liverpool played.

“There aren’t many teams I like”, Kubo replied when asked about his favorite team, past or present. “I don’t have a particular team [but] Liverpool is the most interesting soccer team these days. When I watch [them], I think ‘what a great team’. This is a slightly [stronger], different feeling from ‘like’ and ‘wow’.”

Moreover, Kubo also stated his love for Sadio Mané and Salah, both of whom were at their peak at the time.

“I like fast and skillful players. I think every strong club has these types of players, but when I see players like [Mané and Salah], I think, ‘Wow that’s amazing’.“

Liverpool.com says: Kubo could make for an interesting option for Liverpool this summer should it want to sign a winger. However at just 22, Liverpool might be too big a jump in his young career. Perhaps the club could keep an eye on him over the next couple of years and if he continues to develop, attempt to bring him to Anfield.

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Liverpool have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo

Had things panned out differently in Liverpool’s search for a new manager, we might have been looking at tomorrow’s game against Tottenham as a potential audition.

Ange Postecoglou was among some of the early names touted to take over from Jürgen Klopp when the German announced his decision to leave back in January. Although he was never considered a favorite, the Australian had enough going for him to make him a contender in many people’s eyes.

Having dominated with Celtic in Scotland, he has managed to get Tottenham back challenging for a top-four finish this season after a disappointing few campaigns. What’s more, he grew up as a Liverpool fan, so there was an immediate connection with the club.

READ MORE: Why Liverpool moved on from Rúben Amorim as Arne Slot transfer plans become clearer

READ MORE: 'Doesn't make sense' - Fábio Carvalho hits back at club chief and lifts lid on Liverpool talks

Postecoglou though quickly poured cold water on the suggestion that he could succeed Klopp. Speaking back in February, the Spurs boss said (via the Evening Standard): “I may be on a shortlist, [but] I don’t think I want to say anything about that because I don’t think that’s ever going to enter my brain space for what are my priorities in life and profession right now.

“Well, I am [just getting started]. I don’t just feel [like it] — I am. I’ve only been here seven months, so that’s self-explanatory.

“I’ve been at pains to say we’ve still got a long way to go in terms of the football we want to play, team we want to be, squad we want to have. We’ve had two positive windows. I think we’ve had two positive campaigns, a decent campaign so far, but we’ve got a long way to go.”

Postecoglou added: “If [the links to Liverpool] is just people throwing up names, then who cares? Like, seriously? But, at the end of the day, if I’m doing a good job then hopefully people will acknowledge that, in one form or another — whatever that form is. But so-called ‘chat’, that’s of no interest to me.”

Since then, Liverpool has conducted a thorough search for its next manager. With Arne Slot now seemingly the chosen candidate, tomorrow’s clash with Spurs is just another game, especially with the Reds’ Champions League qualification now wrapped up.

A move for Postecoglou never looked too likely, given he has only spent a short time in the Premier League so far. It’s a suggestion though that might have had the backing of Klopp, who has clearly been impressed by his counterpart’s work in north London.

Speaking about his own side’s achievements ahead of the clash with Everton last week, Klopp said: “As a club like Liverpool, before the season it’s clear, to get all the things going… we didn’t qualify for the Champions League last year, that’s financially a real problem for a football club [like Liverpool]. That’s how it is.

“Number one, we have to make sure – and that’s how you build a squad — that we can fight for the Champions League again. In a league where you have six, seven teams: obviously now Arsenal, [Manchester] City, us, Aston Villa, it was clear they will be around, 100 per cent clear. Tottenham obviously made the next step, was clear.”

There was even more praise from Klopp for Postecoglou before the first meeting between the two sides this season: "Ange Postecoglou seems to be a top bloke," he said back in September. "Everyone knew already how good he is as a coach when you see Celtic playing. All at Tottenham were desperate for some attacking football. They are a well-set-up team and exciting to watch."

Liverpool.com says: It never really felt like Postecoglou would be a genuine candidate for the Liverpool job. Not because of the job he’s done at Tottenham, but purely because he hasn’t had enough time there to truly judge whether he could take over at Anfield.

As Klopp points out though, he has taken Spurs up a step, something that José Mourinho and Antonio Conte before him couldn’t do. That has to be a real feather in the cap for Postecoglou, and it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on his progress at Tottenham.

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With Arne Slot touted to take on the role as ‘head coach’, as opposed to Liverpool manager, the Dutchman has briefly explained why he is “not interested” in what his job title will be.

Neither Liverpool nor Feyenoord have publicly confirmed that Slot will move to Anfield in the summer, but the move is reported to be all but done.

The Dutchman will arrive after a shift in the club’s hierarchy, with Michael Edwards operating as FSG’s CEO of Football and Richard Hughes as sporting director.

The new structure is set to see Slot appointed as a ‘head coach’ rather than manager, and the 45-year-old sees no issue with Liverpool’s change of direction.

“I’m not interested in what you call me: you can call me Arne, head coach or manager,” Slot told reporters on Friday.

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“I don’t care, as long as I can do what I like, and that is being with the players on the pitch, testing things, working with them and being at the games as that is the most special thing.

“Especially here in the De Kuip, and from what I’ve been told that atmosphere is quite well where you (Sky Sports reporter) are coming from as well.”

With one question after another on a move to Liverpool as he previewed his side’s clash against PEC Zwolle, Slot handled it all brilliantly and gave fans a taste of what is soon to come.

When will the head coach be appointed?

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As head coach, Slot will take on a lot of the responsibilities that a manager would, but it decreases some of the responsibility for off-field affairs, which Jurgen Klopp has had increasing control of in recent years.

The club will feel the new structure gives more support to Slot, who offered a big hint as to when an official announcement of his arrival will be made.

Asked if he could be congratulated on the move, Slot replied: “You can always congratulate me, but it is most appropriate to do so at the end of the season when it is really official.”

Both Liverpool and Feyenoord have three games remaining, and while the title looks out of reach for both, the expectation is we will have to wait until the season concludes for anything official.

Slot added: “I still have the confidence that things will turn out well, but I really can’t give any further answers.”

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Liverpool have secured their place back in the Champions League for next season, but Jurgen Klopp senses he’s one of few currently seeing it as an achievement.

While the German may not be leading the squad on their return to Europe’s premier competition, that the club have secured their place was met with a big smile by Klopp.

With Tottenham falling to defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, Liverpool cannot finish lower than fourth this season – positive news, but well below expectations after initially being on course for the title.

Perception is everything and Klopp knows just that, but he did not let that take the shine off an achievement he has earmarked each and every season.

On qualifying for the Champions League, Klopp said: “I take that [the congratulations], I felt exactly the same [on Thursday night]. I was really happy.

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“It is an achievement. Does it feel to everybody like that? Maybe not, [but] to me it does.

“That’s how the perspective can change during the season because for a while we obviously looked like we can go all the way.

“Or at least stay in the race for longer, which was definitely possible [but] for different reasons that didn’t work out.

“I’m not sure now, probably third place in the league behind two teams who do really well, and they go all the way. That’s how it looks right now.

“I know mathematically there’s still a chance [of winning the title], or if you expect me to say it’s not over yet; it is not over yet, I know that, but it looks like [it].”

With three games remaining and the title all but out of reach, Klopp is hoping his team can rediscover some of their best form with the pressure now off their shoulders.

“The pressure is off now,” Klopp explained. “That’s done. It would be really cool if we could play really, really good football again. That would be absolutely nice because, obviously, we were very tense in the last few weeks.

“We had a super-intensive period as well; Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday – [it] didn’t work out for us now too well after a long, long season.

“But, how I said, going back to the start of the season nobody knew, and everybody knew how important it would be to qualify for the Champions League again.

“It’s what we did and it’s super important for the future of the club, and I’m really happy about that.”

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Arne Slot is set to be named as Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield

Arne Slot is set to be named as Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield

Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged Tottenham are a long way off being able to challenge for the Premier League title but believes the squad will grow from the current pain they feel.

Spurs suffered a third consecutive defeat on Thursday night in losing 2-0 at Chelsea, which followed a 3-2 reverse at home to Arsenal last Sunday and a four-goal thrashing away to Newcastle midway through April.

Those results have halted Tottenham‘s top-four bid and sparked questions over whether Postecoglou still remains on the right path to bring overdue success to the club.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, Postecoglou said: “We’re a long way off but it doesn’t mean we can’t challenge next year.

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“I think in terms of the team I want us to be we’re a fair way off, but I’m not dismissing the fact that we have to be competitive and challenge for success every year I am here.

“I’m not going to dismiss any year as just a building year. Every year is a building year to get to where we want to, but it’s also an opportunity for us to have success. As it was this year and we’ve fallen short of that.

“Every job I’ve taken has had tough bits. Sometimes at the start, sometimes in the middle, sometimes at the end.

“Nothing surprises me and it’s a necessary part of it. It’s how you grow. You don’t grow by thinking everything’s going to run smoothly. You need to go through these times and find out about yourself.”

Postecoglou has shuffled his pack in an attempt to get Spurs out of their current slump, with Yves Bissouma on the bench against Arsenal while James Maddison dropped out of the starting line-up at Chelsea.

The experienced Australian coach cut a frustrated figure at Stamford Bridge but rallied around his squad on Friday morning ahead of the next stern test against Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool.

“I’m sure they’re hurt but it’s also part of the process. It’s not going to change, you’re not going to have less derbies next year,” Postecoglou said.

“The big games will always be big games and you need to feel the pain, but understand that that sort of intensity will always be there when you’re representing this football club.

“I don’t think anyone has shirked it and I don’t think it’s for a lack of effort or desire.

“But, like I said, if you haven’t been put in that situation before it’s confronting, challenging and it’s how you navigate your way through that.

“Sometimes it’s on an individual basis. My kind of role in that is always the collective, about the environment, how we can create an environment that they feel like they can embrace that challenge.

“Last night was disappointing from a defensive pressing aspect because that has been pretty consistent all year, so that was the one area I was really disappointed with.

“But, in general, the lads were still trying to play and embed our principles.”

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Hinds marked her 100th Liverpool appearance against Chelsea in midweek and is hoping for a similarly impressive result this weekend

Hinds marked her 100th Liverpool appearance against Chelsea in midweek and is hoping for a similarly impressive result this weekend

Liverpool recently released their new home kit for the 2024/25 season

Liverpool recently released their new home kit for the 2024/25 season

Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho reveals all on his temporary moves to RB Leipzig and Hull City in the second part of his exclusive interview with the ECHO's Theo Squires

Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho reveals all on his temporary moves to RB Leipzig and Hull City in the second part of his exclusive interview with the ECHO's Theo Squires

This isn't the way it was supposed to end. But you can still appreciate the joy of the journey Klopp has overseen - he certainly is