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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘sounded out’ over instant return to management after Jurgen Klopp rejected role

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is a potential candidate for the USA job after leaving Chelsea this summer, according to reports in Argentina.This comes just days after former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp rejected the stateside role.Pochettino is being considered for the US national men’s team jobCredit: GettyThe US men’s national team are still on the hunt for their next head coach after the sacking of Gregg Berhalter.The 50-year-old was dismissed on the back of their shock group stage exit while hosting the Copa America.The vacancy needs to be filled sooner rather than later as the United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.And now former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Pochettino has been ‘sounded out’ for the role.read more football newsPochettino has been left without a job since he mutually agreed to controversially leave Chelsea after guiding them to sixth in the Prem.It is believed he is regarded as the ideal candidate for USMNT officials, who are seeking a young, high profile manager who has experience working with world-class players.Klopp, who called time on his legendary stint as Liverpool manager at the end of last season, reportedly rejected the US team’s advances last week.Klopp plans to have a break from football after going head-to-head with Pep Guardiola for the Premier League title for several years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino has coached some of the biggest names in football, including Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer and Thiago Silva. But his best work came in charge of Spurs, whom he guided to a first ever Champions League final as well as multiple top-four finishes in the league.Poch in England frame At PSG and Chelsea, the Argentine failed to have the same kind of impact and eventually left both teams earlier than anticipated. Pochettino also sits at 4/1 odds to land the England job after Gareth Southgate called time on his eight years in charge on Tuesday.Meanwhile, former Liverpool Rafael Benitez is also among the proposed contenders to nab the USA job.Benitez has opted to contact the top officials of the USMNT Federation to show interest in the project, according to Spanish news outet AS Sport.Pochettino’s Chelsea recordMAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced that the Argentine had left.Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:Premier League – 6thFA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)Total record:Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14Goals for 103Goals against 74 More

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      Who is Joe Gomez’s wife Tamara Tia? Meet the England and Liverpool defender’s spouse

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      TAMARA TIA is the wife and childhood sweetheart of the Liverpool Defender Joe Gomez.The premiere league star also plays for England who are set to take on Spain in the Euro 2024 Final. Here’s what we know.Meet the England and Liverpool defender’s spouseCredit: InstagramJoe Gomez training with the England squad who are through to the Euro 2024 FinalCredit: REXEngland’s dramatic 2-1 win against Netherlands has secured their spot in the Euro 2024 Final on Sunday 14 at 20:00. Joe Gomez has been selected among the 24 England players for the final in Berlin, however it is unknown whether he will make an appearance on the pitch. Prior to Euro 2024, the last time Gomez trained for England he left in an ambulance.The 27-year-old was recalled to the England squad after he recovered from surgery to correct a tendon injury to his left knee in 2020. More from SportWho is Joe Gomez’s wife Tamara Tia?Tamara Tia was born December 1996 in Catford, England. The 27-year-old graduated from Kingston University in 2018 with a degree in Business Management. She is famously the wife of the Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.Gomez has described Tia as a supportive wife after she helped him through a 16-month period when he was out with a cruciate ligament injury.Most read in Euro 2024How long have Joe Gomez and Tamara Tia been together?The couple are childhood sweethearts. Their love story began when the two met on the Number 75 bus as the pair were travelling to and from school in Catford, South London.The couple engaged in December 2018 after Joe proposed to Tia on her 22nd birthday. England fans gush ‘my manager’ as incredible footage emerges of Southgate going wild after reaching Euro 2024 final Tamara shared her joy with her followers on Instagram: “27.12.18…A day I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The love of my life asked me to marry himTamara TiaInstagram“There aren’t enough words to describe the feeling I right now. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”The two were wed after the Liverpool defender proposed on her 22nd BirthdayCredit: InstagramWhen did Joe Gomez and Tamara Tia get married?The couple tied the knot in June 2021. The wedding was a private ceremony held at Coworth Park, attended by only close family and friends. They spent their honeymoon at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.Do Joe Gomez and Tamara Tia have children?Liverpool’s left back player shares a son with Tamara called Kyrie Gomez. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was born in June 2019. In the same week that Gomez welcomed his newborn son, he also won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final played in Madrid.Tamara Tia Gomez the WAG of Joe GomezCredit: Instagram More

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      Virgil van Dijk casts doubt on Liverpool future and hints at Netherlands retirement after Euro 2024 exit

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      NETHERLANDS defender Virgil van Dijk has hinted at leaving Liverpool and retiring from international football after refusing to commit to club or country following his Euro 2024 heartache.Dutch captain Van Dijk, 33, cut a distraught figure in Dortmund on Wednesday night after Oli Watkins’ 90th-minute winner sent England to Sunday’s final in Berlin.Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands were eliminated from Euro 2024 by EnglandCredit: GettyVan Dijk may have played his final international game against EnglandAfter the match, the Liverpool centre-back fumed at referee Felix Zwayer for controversial decisions during the game – namely awarding England a penalty which Harry Kane scored.It remains unclear whether 74-cap Van Dijk will continue with the national team as he prepares to enter his mid-30s.But he has also cast doubt on his Liverpool future in the wake of Netherlands’ Euros disappointment.Van Dijk, whose Anfield contract expires in 2025, said: “I haven’t the slightest idea right now [about his future].READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player. Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this.”After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”Especially in the second half I had the feeling the outcome would fall our way. But [Ollie] Watkins was perhaps given a little too much space and he finished well.”It hurts a lot that we conceded this goal so late in the match and are now empty-handed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. “You put everything into it, everyone gives everything and if the goal comes like that in the last minute, that just sucks. Yes… sorry.”Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for £75million, three years after making his Netherlands debut.Watch bizarre moment Virgil van Dijk BEATBOXES while forgotten Premier League star RAPS during Euro 2024 coverageHe has racked up 270 appearances and 23 goals for the Reds.His trophy haul on Merseyside stands at a Premier League title, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.Back in January, following the announcement that Jurgen Klopp was leaving Liverpool, fans linked Van Dijk with a Barcelona transfer. More

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      Arne Slot hints at how Liverpool will line up next season as he vows to fill Jurgen Klopp’s boots after taking over

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      ARNE SLOT says he is unphased at the prospect of filling Jurgen Klopp’s boots because he will be kicking the ball the same way as his predecessor.Klopp won the hearts of the Liverpool faithful not only with trophies but an all action style of player that had Anfield throbbing.Arne Slot has promised to win over the hearts and minds of Liverpool supportersCredit: RexHe said his style of football is comparable to Klopp’sCredit: ReutersAnd new boss Slot is promising to do the same thing.Slot said: “It was special what Jurgen Klopp did at this club and what made him special was the impression he left behind, winning trophies and his playing style.“The fans loved it. What he did for the club was more than normal.“Jurgen got to know the city and the style the fans like.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“One of the reasons they came to me was because of my playing style which is not that much different, a lot of energy and good football.“You can look at it as big shoes to fill but it is important to have a squad with a winning culture.“I do feel like I have a really good team, a really good squad. As a manager you want to work at a club with good players and the possibility to win things.“I look at it as an ideal opportunity to win something.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHere’s how Liverpool could line up under Arne SlotSlot was appointed back on June 1st as successor to Klopp who bid an emotional farewell to Anfield last season.They sang his name as he said goodbye but in turn the German got the crowd to start singing the new manager’s name to send a message that he was going to be very welcome, something Slot appreciated.Watch Klopp announce Slot as next Liverpool manager with amazing song to fansHe said: “I was very fortunate at Feyenoord that after a few years they started singing for me.“Now, without even winning a game the Liverpool fans are singing for me and that is a good start.”They sang Klopp’s name for good reason.In is nine years at the club his most noticeable triumphs came with the 2018-19 Champions League and 2019-20 Premier League.Slot had been in charge of Feyenoord since 2021 winning the Eredivisie in 2022-23 when he was also named Holland’s manager of the year for the second successive season.Last season he finished second in the league but won the Dutch Cup.Like Klopp he wants his team to play in a free flowing, front foot, attacking style with the ball, but immediately press to win it back when they are without it.Slot said: “I hope people see my team at Feyenooord and will say that they played with a lot of freedom.“But when we don’t have the ball we want to be really aggressive and people keep in their position.“If you ask me I would say we played in a 4-3-3.”He admits Liverpool was one of the few places he would have left the Dutch giants for.But the 45-year-old said Liverpool came for him not just because of his record of silverware but also because of how he did it.He said: “I worked at a special club in Feyenoord. I would not leave that club for many clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But when Liverpool come along that is one I would leave Feyenoord for.“Also when they have reasons why they wanted to take you, because they like your style of play.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Premier League cult hero offers to fly to Spain to tempt Jurgen Klopp to take new job just weeks after Liverpool exit

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      FORMER Premier League star Tim Howard believes he can convince Jurgen Klopp to become the next USA national team manager.Klopp ended his nine-year spell with Liverpool in May and revealed his intention to take a break from football.A former Premier League star wants Jurgen Klopp to become the next USA managerCredit: GettyEx-Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has offered to fly to Spain himself to persuade KloppCredit: AFPThe German has since been enjoying his free time, attending Euro 2024 and a Taylor Swift concert at Anfield.But now ex-Everton star Howard wants him to get back to work – on the international stage.The 45-year-old is even prepared to fly out to Spain to hold talks with Klopp himself.In a piece for the Daily Mail, he wrote: “After the disappointment of Copa America, after the United States lost to Uruguay and exited at the group stages, I will personally fly to Spain. I mean it.Read More in Football”I know Klopp has only been retired a few weeks and I know he wants a break. But if we sat around his villa in Spain, I think I could lure him over here. 100 percent.”The money is certainly there. So my pitch would be simple: he has a young group of players who can play progressive, front-foot soccer – exactly like his Liverpool teams. And in two years’ time he can go to the biggest World Cup in history.”The Stars and Stripes were knocked out of the Copa America last week following a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.Fans now want manager Gregg Berhalter to be sacked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer US international Clint Dempsey believes the team’s “golden generation” is being wasted.He told Fox: “It’s so frustrating to see. You have a team that you’re rooting on and you want to do well. And at the same time, where have we come since 2022?Ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dances with club legend John Barnes”You qualify for the World Cup, you get out of the group. And then where have we progressed? And we haven’t.”That’s the most frustrating part. This is our Golden Generation and it looks like we’re wasting it.”With 2026 coming up, you’re never going to get this opportunity again. … When are you going to have a better chance to do something special in the World Cup?” More

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      Arsenal fans stunned after realising who record sale is and say ‘we scammed Liverpool pretty hard with that one’

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      ARSENAL fans claimed they “scammed Liverpool” after realising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still their club record sale.The former Gunners man, 30, arrived at Anfield in 2017 for £32million.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is Arsenal’s biggest ever saleCredit: GettyNicolas Anelka’s transfer to Real Madrid in 1999 remains one of the Gunners’ most lucrative departuresCredit: EPATo this day, it remains the highest fee Arsenal have ever received for a player – and their only one above £30m in the 21st Century.Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled at Liverpool as he scored just 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 146 games across a six-year spell – though he did win a host of trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.Reacting on social media, one person said: “We scammed Liverpool pretty hard with that one.”Meanwhile, second on the list of Arsenal’s biggest sales remains Nicolas Anelka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former French striker, 45, joined Real Madrid for £30m back in 1999 – a fee which remains one of Arsenal’s largest sales despite being 25 years ago.Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are next on the list for their respective £29m and £26m switches to Barcelona and Manchester United.Then comes Alex Iwobi after he made a £25m move to Everton in 2019.He is one of five players Arsenal have received £25m fees for.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe top 10 biggest sales in Arsenal’s historyThe others are Folarin Balogun’s switch to Monaco, Joe Willock joining Newcastle, Marc Overmars’ transfer to Barcelona in 2000 and Emmanuel Adebayor’s exit to Man City.Rounding off the top 10 is another man who moved to the Etihad in the form of Samir Nasri.Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer window (1)The Frenchman left the Gunners for £24m in 2011.Alexis Sanchez is also considered one of Arsenal’s most valuable sales, but does not make it onto the list as his move to Man Utd was a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.SunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.
      David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
      Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
      Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
      William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
      Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
      Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
      Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
      Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
      Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
      Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
      Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
      Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
      Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
      Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
      Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
      Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
      Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
      Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
      Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
      Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
      Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
      Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
      Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months. More

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      Jurgen Klopp opens up on new life in £3m Majorca villa but ex-Liverpool boss admits retirement is ‘out of the question’

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      JURGEN KLOPP is slowly but surely getting used to life without football.The German manager is currently unemployed after his nine-year love affair with Liverpool came to an end following the culmination of the 2023-24 season.Jurgen Klopp is a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYKlopp will now have plenty of time to spend with his wife Ulla SandrockCredit: REXThe couple are now spending the days at a plush villa in MajorcaCredit: PRP REAL ESTATETheir new digs cost a whopping £3.4millionCredit: PRP REAL ESTATEKlopp, however, won’t be immediately jumping back into a dugout as he plans to take a break from management to spend some time with his wife Ulla Sandrock.But he’ll soon be jumping into a plush pool at his stunning villa in Majorca.The 56-year-old spent £3.4million on the amazing mansion, where he’ll spend his days relaxing after “running out energy” in his final years at Anfield.He told BILD: “I’ve dreamed of having a house in the south all my life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I like the weather, the climate, I like the people.”There are lots of things I like here and also people I already know. It’s not like I’m looking for new friends.”I already have friends for life, and if some of them are here too, that’s cool.”As much as he loves the Balearic island, Klopp won’t permanently up sticks to the Spanish hotspot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKlopp’s stunning new home is spectacular, to say the leastCredit: PRP REAL ESTATE”I don’t want to emigrate,” he revealed. “We go on holiday here every now and then.”But when I’m here, I want everything to be as I know it.Ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dances with club legend John Barnes”That’s totally boring but the point is that I want to get to know a different life, but not somewhere in the jungle or on the mountain.”Part of the attraction of having a home away from home in Majorca for Klopp was the facilities in place for when he eventually calls it a day.He admitted: “We’re getting older and the medical care here is great.”There are many German doctors and I would like to be able to understand every word, how I feel and so on, when the problems become bigger.”Although he admits he’s no longer a spring chicken, retirement couldn’t be any further from Klopp’s mind.He said: “It’s out of the question that I’ll stop working altogether.”But I don’t see myself continuing at the same pace as before at the moment.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Arne Slot urged to make bold tactical tweak and CHANGE Liverpool star’s position to get the best out of him

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      A DUTCH football legend has urged a Liverpool player to make a surprise positional change under new boss Arne Slot.This player and his team-mates are preparing for a whole new era on Merseyside after Jurgen Klopp’s departure as manager.Rafael van der Vaart wants to see a Liverpool ace switch positionCredit: GettyArne Slot has replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager of the RedsCredit: AFPThe German bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool after the 2-0 win over Wolves last week and will be replaced by Dutchman Slot.Popular duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are also leaving the club along with Klopp’s staff.Mo Salah has shown that he is ready for the big change by undertaking a major one himself regarding his hairstyle.However, former Tottenham and Real Madrid attacker Rafael van der Vaart, 41, feels another Red should look to make a huge transformation – only this time on the pitch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRyan Gravenberch, 22, joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich for £40m last summer but has endured a mixed first campaign.He played 38 appearances, 21 of them being starts, but scored just four times and provided two assists in that period from his usual position of No.8 under Klopp.Now Van der Vaart wants to see him move from being behind the front three and suggested that he instead drops back to a deeper position in order to change his fortunes.And he highlighted their Dutch compatriot Nigel de Jong, who played there for Man City, and Arsenal legend Patrick Viera as two examples for him to follow.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Van Der Vaart said: “I advise Ryan to opt for a role as a defensive midfielder.“That will not be an easy choice for him, because he can do much more. You can compare it with Nigel de Jong in the past.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at Liverpool“Nigel could do much more than the subservient controller he eventually became.“But in that specific role he reached an absolute top level.“Nigel decided he was going to be a pit bull and that’s it.“Ryan is also very versatile and I recommend him to make a similar choice.“In a role like Patrick Vieira once played at Arsenal and France.”Ryan Gravenberch has endured a mixed first season at AnfieldCredit: EPASlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King

      LIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      Gravenberch recently discussed his first year at Anfield and says he was happy after getting more game time than he had done at Bayern.He said: “That’s why I’m satisfied with my season at Liverpool. I wanted to make more minutes and I succeeded.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have played good matches, but also lesser ones. No, I’m not as tired as I am after a season where you’ve played everything.“I haven’t played everything. Can that freshness be an advantage? Well, I’m ready if you ask me. Anyway, first let’s be part of the final selection.”Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.
      Manager Arne Slot, 45
      Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.
      A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.
      Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49
      Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.
      He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.
      Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31
      A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. 
      The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.
      Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37
      Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.
      In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot. More