Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come under immense pressure as this Premier League season reaches its conclusion

Our Liverpool fans' jury have their say after Liverpool supporters made their dissatisfaction felt at Anfield

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come under immense pressure as this Premier League season reaches its conclusion

Liverpool fans have an affinity with Xabi Alonso but he could end up elsewhere in the Premier League this summer — as much as anything, because his other choices are so limited

04:00, 14 May 2026

Xabi Alonso during a Real Madrid press conference.(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

When Xabi Alonso moved into coaching, he was in no rush. He had offers to leave Real Sociedad's B team long before he did, and then chose Bayer Leverkusen after careful consideration.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder did so well in Germany that he could have left earlier, but bided his time. He did a year longer in the Bundesliga than many imagined he would, and then chose Real Madrid.

That, of course, did not go to plan, but amid the chaos that is unfolding at the Bernabeu at the moment, there is context there. Most clubs will now disregard that period of his career and focus on the other bits.

READ MORE: Xabi Alonso agreement reached as Chelsea approach could end Liverpool hopesREAD MORE: Liverpool stars gather at restaurant for Mohamed Salah's farewell party

Alonso remains one of the most promising young coaches around. And yet, he could end up making a surprise move this summer as he looks to get back behind the wheel.

If Alonso does end up taking the Chelsea job — just like the rest of the contenders, including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner — he will be taking a massive risk.

The Blueco model involves a lack of input in certain crucial elements of running the team, and the transfer model — including handing out eight and nine-year contracts — looks ill-advised to put it mildly.

"Let's say if you go to Madrid and you get the sack after six or eight months, then maybe you move to Chelsea, it's not going well, you get the sack again..." Bolo Zenden warned this week.

"Those are not just scratches. They are scars, and it might harm your managerial career."

Former Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso.(Image: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

It is a fair point, and there would be a chance that going to Chelsea could backfire spectacularly, but there is a flip side too. Where else in Europe is Alonso going to go?

Having already won the league with Bayer Leverkusen, there would be little point in going to Bayern Munich. In any case, Vincent Kompany is not going anywhere right now.

In Spain, Alonso has already been at Real Madrid; it is therefore hard to see him going to either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid and neither is on the hunt for a new manager anyway.

At PSG, there is no reason for Luis Enrique to move on. Given Serie A is not at the level that it once was and the Portuguese top division is some way behind, that leaves the Premier League as the obvious next destination.

If Liverpool isn't set to have an opening and Alonso isn't going to be in the running at Manchester United, who might just stick with Michael Carrick anyway, there are not loads of other options that remain.

Pep Guardiola might leave Manchester City and Alonso has been touted as a candidate there, but Enzo Maresca appears to be the favorite. Tottenham is unappealing and has just brought in Roberto De Zerbi, while Mikel Arteta is likely to still be at Arsenal.

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Quite simply, that might leave Chelsea as the only one left.

Would that make it harder for Alonso to become Liverpool boss at some point down the line? It is difficult to say.

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The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and others have worked for multiple big six clubs in recent years, though. Maresca, if Guardiola does leave, might become the latest this summer.

And with the Premier League now so much richer than every other league around Europe, having eaten up all the best players and the attention from elsewhere, it is a pattern that is likely to continue.

As Alonso plots his next move, it might be something he has to consider. Chelsea doesn't look to be a perfect fit. It might, though, be the only one if he isn't prepared to wait.

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Liverpool will see Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and possibly even goalkeeper Alisson depart the club this summer.

Liverpool will see Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and possibly even goalkeeper Alisson depart the club this summer.

Liverpool faces an enormous task as it looks at replacing Mohamed Salah this summer, although the club has been told it may already have an option that could save it millions

23:02, 13 May 2026

Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been urged to back Rio Ngumoha next season as Mohamed Salah’s exit from the club draws closer.

The Egyptian has just two games remaining before he brings the curtain down on his Anfield career after nine years on Merseyside - although there is still a nervous wait to find out whether he will be fit in time to return against Aston Villa for the penultimate game of the season.

Although Salah has been a long way off his usual standards this season, his departure will leave an enormous task for Liverpool and Arne Slot as they look to replace their main source of goals for nearly a decade.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Yan Diomande interest, Kroupi link, Akliouche moveREAD MORE: Liverpool stars gather at restaurant for Mohamed Salah's farewell party

Plenty of names have been touted as potential options to replace Salah. Perhaps the biggest name to have been linked has been Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

The former Crystal Palace winger has flourished since making the move to Germany, but former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna doesn’t think a move to Liverpool will happen. Instead, he thinks the Reds should be putting all of their attention into Ngumoha.

Asked whether Olise would be the perfect replacement for Salah, Sagna told Oddschecker: “I don't think so to be honest. I think he's happy at Bayern.

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"You can tell by the way he plays that he is very relaxed, laid back, and I don't see him coming back to the Premier League, especially after achieving so many targets.

“Especially after winning the German league, and I think he will probably win German player of the year. So, I don't see him coming back to the Premier League for now, after only leaving a year or so ago.

“If I had to choose someone to replace Salah at Liverpool, I would not buy someone special. I would give my confidence to Rio Ngumoha, and I would start him regularly.

Rio Ngumoha has impressed for Liverpool this season(Image: Getty Images)

“I think he's ready to play regular games and to finally start his career. I think that’s probably why I think Liverpool are not scared to let Mohammed Salah go, because they know they have in Rio someone special, and he's been proving he's a great player.”

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Slot has faced calls to give Ngumoha more playing time this season, with the 17-year-old having impressed whenever he has been called upon.

The Liverpool boss was even booed after choosing to substitute the teenager against Chelsea at the weekend, underlining how highly rated Ngumoha already is at Anfield.

Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha will surely get more game time next season - it's just a question of how much. He is still a teenager, and managing his workload will be the main concern, which means Liverpool may still need to sign at least one winger following Salah's departure.

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Liverpool will be without the injured Hugo Ekitike for the start of next season, and the Reds have been told there could be the perfect replacement ready to move to the Premier League

22:17, 13 May 2026

Hugo Ekitike will miss the start of next season for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been told it needs to find a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, and Victor Osimhen has been touted as the perfect option.

Ekitike will miss the start of next season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain last month. No timeframe has yet been given on a potential return for the striker, although it could be a long layoff.

The French international’s absence comes as a big blow, with Ekitike impressing following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. The big question now for Liverpool will be whether it looks to sign someone to replace him for next season.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Yan Diomande interest, Kroupi link, Akliouche moveREAD MORE: Liverpool stars gather at restaurant for Mohamed Salah's farewell party

Arne Slot already admitted that the Reds’ transfer business will be influenced by Ekitike’s injury, and former Chelsea star Florent Malouda said the 23-year-old will need replacing.

“Hugo Ekitike’s injury is unfortunate, but that's the life of top players,” Malouda told Snabbare. “You compete in very intense games and there's always a risk of injury.

“The most important thing is for him to get proper treatment and to think long-term about how to deal with his injury. He needs to fully recover from this big injury. We just wish him a good recovery. There are many options for the French squad.

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“For Liverpool I’d be more worried, it’s a bigger blow because they were very dependent on his performances. They will have to look for a replacement in the near future.”

Malouda thinks Galatasaray striker Osimhen could be the answer for Liverpool. The 27-year-old has been linked with a transfer this summer, despite only making the permanent move to Istanbul last year.

“Victor Osimhen can perform in the Premier League,” Malouda said. “When you look at his mindset, his character, and his passion for the game, I think he belongs in the Premier League.

Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Galatasaray this summer(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

“Where would he fit? Each club has a different story, a different budget, contract conditions, and situations.

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“But I think that's what's missing in his career now. He's done great in Italy, in France, and now in Turkey. I think his next step is the Premier League and the Champions League, where he can play in a team that can win it.

“I would say Chelsea and maybe Liverpool are the clubs that would suit him way better than Manchester United. He is very energetic, he’s a leader, he is the kind of player that the fans would love.”

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Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

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The post Arne Slot directly responds to rumours of Salah and Van Dijk’s new contracts being signed appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.

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