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    Van Dijk is obviously unhappy and could quit Liverpool, they have big questions over their character, says club legend

    GRAEME SOUNESS has tipped Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool after suggesting he’s “unhappy” at the club.The Dutch centre-back, 32, will have just a year remaining on his contract this summer and has previously suggested he could leave.Graeme Souness believes Virgil Van Dijk is ‘unhappy’ at LiverpoolCredit: AlamyHe also tipped another Liverpool star to leaveCredit: ReutersThe centre-back said in January that he “doesn’t know” where the future will take him when reacting to the shock news that Jurgen Klopp would be leaving Liverpool at the end of this season.He said that he would wait until Liverpool announce their new manager, which now looks likely to be Feyenoord coach Arne Slot, before committing his future to Liverpool.Souness, who was talking with Simon Jordan and Troy Deeney on their Three Up Front Podcast, has now said he thinks Van Dijk will follow Klopp out the exit door.Souness said: “The fact that Virgil van Dijk’s contract end is coming up worries me, he’s 33 in July, and if his agent were to call up the sporting director at Real Madrid, they’d take him. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I just look at him now and the noise he’s been making, which he hasn’t done throughout his career, and I think he’s obviously unhappy.“He’ll have asked questions about the new manager already and will be the one that Arne Slot has to win over. “Slot must get Van Dijk onside – he’s the captain – but Van Dijk might not fancy him. “He might’ve heard something on the grapevine and may think that this guy won’t take the team where they want to be, the clock is ticking on his career, maybe he needs to go someplace else to win more silverware.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He has won two of the big ones with Liverpool, but he’s not a serial winner.”He suggested Slot will now face an uphill battle after the club’s tricky end to the season, saying: “If you’d asked me about this a month ago, I would’ve said whoever takes over from Jürgen Klopp is inheriting the most fabulous situation, but I can’t say that anymore. Brutal Van Dijk says ‘everyone has to look in the mirror’ and questions whether team-mates ‘really want to win league'”With the way that they’ve performed this month, Liverpool have now got a big question mark against their character.”Souness also questioned the future of Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires in 2025.He said: “As a Liverpool supporter, just looking at the way Salah has been acting and his body language, his focus hasn’t been there.”It makes you question whether there has been a deal done early on in the season, like with Cristiano Ronaldo when he went to Real Madrid. If he does leave it’ll be a major problem.”Salah was involved in a bust-up with Klopp last time Liverpool played against West Ham.The Egyptian was coming off the bench with ten minutes to go when he was involved in an argument with his manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen asked about the spat after the game, Salah said: “If I speak there will be fire.”Salah has been consistently linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League with bids upwards of £150million reportedly being made for the winger last year.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target 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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    How Liverpool could play under Arne Slot next season and what three key changes may mean for stars’ futures at Anfield

    TALK of Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool has dominated the closing weeks of the Premier League season.But it now appears Feyenoord boss Arne Slot will be taking the reigns at Anfield from next season after the Reds agreed a £9million-plus compensation deal with the Dutch outfit.Arne Slot is set to take over at Liverpool next seasonCredit: GettyIt comes with Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamySlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target 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.

    Feyenoord are on course for another Champions League campaignThe 45-year-old has been backed to guide Liverpool to English title number 20 by Netherlands World Cup icon Johnny Rep.Slot will be ending a successful spell in charge of Feyenoord, having turned down an offer from Spurs last summer, and he also impressed in his time at AZ Alkmaar.While he is known for his trust in youth and commitment to attacking football, it still remains to be seen just how much he will look to change at Anfield.From a tactical standpoint Slot tends to prefer to play in a 4-2-3-1 shape while Liverpool play a 4-3-3 system, though there is little difference between the two in terms of how they look in possession.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe biggest differences will be in recruitment and the kind of profiles who play in the system.Below we have taken a look at three things we are likely to see from Slot’s Liverpool and look at what it could mean for the current squad.Deep build-upHow Slot lines up his Feyenoord teamHow the current Liverpool team may look in that systemSlot is one of the new breed of coaches in football who favour an extremely deep build-up from the back involving the goalkeeper, defenders and two deep central midfielders.Feyenoord can sometimes look like a 2-4 or 2-3 when building out from the back depending on the two midfielders, who have frequently been Mats Wieffer and Quinten Timber.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe two central defenders will split out and give options deep, while the fullbacks usually push further forward to the same line as the central midfielders. The two midfielders will then either be on the same line playing as a two or have one sitter with the other staggering and pushing higher.Awkward moment Sky Sports reporter grabbed by security as he asks Liverpool target Arne Slot question live on airHere we see the Feyenoord’s structure with a staggered build up structureBall progression from these deeper areas tends to fall to the two central defenders, who are tasked with being comfortable on the ball and being able to make progressive line-breaking passes.At Feyenoord this season we have seen Slot use David Hancko in this kind of role. At Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk tends to be the defender tasked with a similar role.The typical build up from Feyenoord in a 2-4 structure has the two CBs staying deep as the fullbacks go further forwardVan Dijk has the ability to effectively progress the ball and is comfortable in possession, though this is not as true in the case of Ibrahima Konate. Consequently, Konate’s position may be under threat in the new system.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.

    And this could result in 21-year-old Jarell Quansah being given the nod ahead of him.However, it is more likely they will look to recruit for the position in the summer.Importance of the midfield pivotPerhaps the most important aspect of Slot’s system of play at Feyenoord is the midfield pivot, which refers to the two deepest midfield players in the system. This season the responsibility has typically fallen to 24-year-old Wieffer and 22-year-old Timber to give the team the platform to build and move into the final third.Arne Slot’s record is WORSE than Erik ten Hag’s
    ARNE SLOT is set to be tasked with a near-impossible job – replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
    Should he swap the Eredivisie for the Premier League, Slot will follow in the footsteps of fellow follically-challenged Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
    Ten Hag left Ajax to become Manchester United manager in 2022.
    But he has suffered a nightmare spell at Old Trafford and appears to be a dead-man walking despite making the FA Cup final.
    With Slot seemingly destined for Anfield, fans won’t be able to help but compare his record in Holland with Ten Hag’s.
    And Reds supporters won’t like what they see.
    See all the Arne Slot stats…

    Players in this role need to be strong and disciplined in defence and have the ability to be create in the attacking phase while finding progress the ball from deeper positions.For the most part Liverpool have played with a single pivot and this means it may take some time to adjust to a double pivot with the new angles and spacing. Here the ball goes into Wieffer as he takes a touch to open out before progressing the ballWhile Wataru Endo has impressed as a single pivot at points this season, he may be the one to miss out if Liverpool transition to a two at the base of the midfield.World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is ready made for this role, while Conor Bradley’s emergence at right-back could finally see Trent Alexander-Arnold completely moved into centre-midfield.In the attacking phase the midfielders need to contribute in the final third such as here as Wieffer passes to Calvin Stengs before he squares the ball for a goalAlexander-Arnold moved from fullback to this role at the end of last season and the beginning of this season.However, it might now be time for him to make the change permanently.Regardless, it will represent a change for Liverpool.And again it would not be a surprise to see Liverpool look to recruit a player to play in this role, possibly by snapping up Wieffer.Final third creativityLiverpool under Klopp have been famous for their use of a “inside forwards” in the wide areas with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz proving incredibly effective. This led to some very impressive goal scoring seasons but it worked for the most part because the central striker was told to drop deep and create space.This season Liverpool shifted to play with the striker leading the line and staying as the highest player which could play into the hands of Slot due to his use of Santiago Gimenez in a similar role at Feyenoord.This will, in turn, create space deeper with the wide attackers and the central attacking midfielder expected to come deep to receive the ball and then look to penetrate and attack into space.Here Igor Paixao drops deep to receive with Gimenez so Feyenoord can exploit and there are immediately runners looking to attack this spaceUnder Slot we can expect to see the wingers look to maintain wide positions as they stay on the outside and stretch the opposition. This could have a direct impact on the future of Salah with interest likely to return from the Saudi league this could very well be the point in which Liverpool look to cash in on their attacking talisman.Here Stengs in possession for Feyenoord which is a position Szoboslzai in particular would thrive inThe space created by the wingers staying on the outside can then be exploited by the 10 in the attacking midfield position, which could prove to work for Dominik Szoboszlai or even Cody Gakpo.Indeed, this is one position Liverpool do already appear to have strength in depth.The use of the three players behind the striker for Slot will be one of the biggest changes to the system of play that we have seen from Klopp from the last few seasons. Stretching the pitch wide and using central players to create could well create more space for Darwin Nunez to thrive as the central striker.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionLiverpool fans are going to have to get used to a new man in the dugout from next season and there is no doubt Klopp will leave a huge hole to fill. With that said the system that Arne Slot prefers to play is flexible and effective and appears ready made to succeed on the European level and in the Premier League.How Slot’s Liverpool may look after some transfers from FeyenoordWhat they have said about Arne Slot

    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

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    Mo Salah’s five biggest Liverpool rows amid fears Klopp strop at West Ham could spell the end

    WAS this the last straw and strop for Mo Salah?The Liverpool great threw petrol on the flames after Saturday’s furious touchline bust-up with Jurgen Klopp at West Ham.Mo Salah and Jurgen Klopp clashed at London StadiumCredit: ReutersKlopp wouldn’t discuss the matter later, which might say volumesCredit: AlamySalah, who was named as a sub for the second time in a week, rushed off after the 2-2 draw which all but ended Liverpool’s title dream, later insisting: “There’s going to be fire if I speak.”SunSport exclusively revealed the flare-up came from a snub – Klopp expecting a handshake as the Egyptian prepared to come off the bench but eventually getting just a fist bump.The German boss refused to discuss the spat but Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher branded Salah “daft” for adding fuel to the public row.The bust-up is depressing for Reds fans and will also reignite talk over Salah’s Anfield future. READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSWith boss Klopp leaving Merseyside this summer, could Salah follow suit?Liverpool  turned down huge offers last summer and the Saudi Pro League is expected to return for him this summer.Both Klopp and Salah have been instrumental to Liverpool’s success.Incoming boss Arne Slot will not want to deal with a frustrated star striker.Most read in FootballSalah was also displeased when taken off at Chelsea last AugustCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSalah stropsMO SALAH’s row with Jurgen Klopp was not the first time tensions have run high between the striker and his Liverpool colleagues. Here are five times things got heated with the Egyptian during his Anfield career.
    West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024
    Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp and throws his arms up in the air after refusing to shake the manager’s hand.
    Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024
    Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.
    Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023
    Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.
    Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020
    Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.
    Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019
    Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.

    Saturday’s row  is not the first time Salah has inflamed tensions with his manager or team-mates.The forward shook his head when Klopp subbed him at 1-1 against  Sheffield United at Anfield earlier this month.Eagle-eyed fans reckon they’ve worked out reason for Mo Salah’s heated row with Jurgen Klopp in brand new footageSalah also stormed off the pitch at Chelsea on the opening weekend last August when he was replaced on 77 minutes.Salah also moaned at Klopp for being subbed at Brighton in 2020.There was a public spat with team-mate Sadio Mane in 2019 after he did not pass to the winger in a game at Burnley — a row Roberto Firmino later said had been brewing since the previous season.Carragher hopes both Klopp and Salah can end the season on a high.Posting on X, Carragher said: “Mo Salah and Jurgen Klopp are both LFC legends. We don’t need to take sides!“Salah is frustrated and angry with Jurgen that he’s not playing and at that moment didn’t want to fully embrace the boss, Jurgen understandably took exception.“Mo was daft with his comment in the mixed zone but let’s let them sort it out and enjoy the last few weeks together.”Sadio Mane had an issue with Salah vs Burnley four years agoCredit: Rex FeaturesSalah was seemingly simmering after being taken off at Brighton in 2020Credit: GettyWhat they have said about Arne Slot
    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

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    Premier League star could become Arne Slot’s first Liverpool signing as he informs club of free transfer exit

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO has reiterated his desire to leave Fulham in the summer – sparking a scramble to snap him up on a free.SunSport revealed back in December the former Manchester City kid, 26, was looking to quit the club when his deal expired this summer.Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyArne Slot could make the Fulham defender his first signing as Liverpool managerCredit: PAHe has since snubbed the offer of fresh terms – which would have made him one of the highest earners at the West London club.And he will now walk away for nothing at the end of June.Numerous clubs from home and abroad have been eyeing up Tosin, including Liverpool and AC Milan.And Arne Slot could make him his first signing as Liverpool boss after he reportedly agreed to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds are said to have agreed a compensation deal with Feyenoord worth £9.4million.Liverpool’s interest in Tosin comes with the club are uncertain about the futures of both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.Tottenham also considered moving for Tosin last summer.The centre-back has made 132 appearances for Fulham since joining from Man City in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTosin has started all but two of Fulham’s league games since early DecemberHe was plagued by injury during the early part of this season, but has been ever-present since the turn of the year.He has started 18 of Fulham’s last 20 Premier League games, helping to keep six clean sheets.Who is Arne Slot?Marco Silva’s side sit 13th in the table, three points adrift of the top half with four games remaining. More

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    Ex-England and Liverpool star Stephen Warnock reveals he contemplated suicide and fell into a ‘rut’ after retiring

    EX-ENGLAND defender Stephen Warnock has revealed he considered suicide after retiring as a player.The former Liverpool star says he got into a “rut” and lost his marriage, even briefly losing contact with his children.Stephen Warnock struggled to find a ‘buzz’ or ‘excitement’Credit: Times Newspapers LtdWarnock won his second and last cap against France in November 2010Credit: RexWarnock turned for help to a trainee counsellor – and now tells that friend “all the time he saved my life”.The ex-Aston Villa left-back, 42, amassed more than 550 career games.He played twice for the Three Lions and made Fabio Capello’s 2010 World Cup squad.Yet Warnock felt “like a failure” as he slipped down the leagues.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd after quitting playing aged 35 in 2018 he became “massively depressed for years”.One reason was life lacking the “buzz” of being on the pitch.Another factor was financial stress caused by an “ill advised” investment.Warnock, now a TV and radio pundit, told Sky Sports: “I looked back on my career and thought I was a failure. I thought I’d had a terrible career.Most read in FootballWarnock was with first club Liverpool from 2002-2007Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd”Going to Liverpool, then going to Blackburn, to Aston Villa, then to Leeds and I just continued to go down. I always remember thinking I’d let myself down there.”The 2016 League One winner with Burton added: “After you retire, I think people come out [of football] and just think life’s going to be okay. England’s Best and Worst Kits”But it’s about what’s going to give you that buzz, what’s going to give you that excitement in your life. “If you find that quickly, you’re okay, but you’ve got to find it.”Warnock then explained how a chat with an old friend changed things.He said: “I’d contemplated taking my own life at one stage. “I was in so much of a rut, I just thought I was done until I phoned him. I tell him all the time he saved my life.”He added: “Then I started engaging more with my kids, they could notice a difference in me.”And I started to get a sense of looking back on my career and not being disappointed in it. It put a positive spin on it, made me realise what I’d achieved in my career.”Warnock played for 10 teams in all between 2002-2018.He won the Uefa Super Cup with his first club Liverpool in 2005 and picked up a Club World Championship runner-up medal the same year.Warnock also earned a runner-up gong with Villa following the 2-1 League Cup final loss in 2010 to Manchester United, for whom Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney overturned James Milner’s early opener.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was twice club player of the year – for Coventry in 2003-4 and Blackburn five seasons later.HOW TO CONTACT SAMARITANSIf you need support, you can call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK. More

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    ‘Will he want another season like this?’ – Virgil van Dijk tipped to follow Klopp and QUIT Liverpool by Holland legend

    DUTCH legend Ronald De Boer reckons this summer might be the right time for Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool.It will be the end of an era at Anfield when this season concludes as legendary boss Jurgen Klopp will step down.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk may leave with Jurgen Klopp this summerCredit: RexRonald de Boer believes Van Dijk may be considering his optionsCredit: GettyKlopp will leave Liverpool in June after nine successful yearsCredit: PAIconic forward Mohamed Salah could well be on his way to Saudi Arabia too, while Netherlands star Van Dijk has previously hinted he may leave also after six trophy-laden years with the club.Former Champions League winner De Boer, 53, told talkSPORT: “He’s looking of course [whether] it’s now time to go.“Maybe not winning a prize and you think, hmm, do I want another year like that? I don’t know.“Maybe he can make a great transfer for the end of his career enjoying his football life, maybe in the States, maybe somewhere else, I don’t know, that’s up to him.Read More on Football“If he’s really, really happy at Liverpool and thinks he’s still got it in him and thinks he can bring that energy every day in training and also on the pitch, maybe he will stay.“I can’t look in his mind of course and know what he is thinking.“But there is a possibility, of course. There is a time for coming and going so maybe it’s time to go.”Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, was scathing of his team-mates after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at city rivals Everton left their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFeyenoord chief Arne Slot is the favourite to take over from Klopp and talks with Liverpool have already begun.De Boer loves the football approach of compatriot Slot – but picked out the toils of another Dutch boss when asked if the Feyenoord chief would be successful at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeatThe ex-Rangers forward replied: “You never know, we thought [Erik] Ten Hag did remarkably well at Ajax, we thought he was the perfect replacement to take over the Man Utd job and he’s struggling.“But what I know from Arne Slot, he did incredible things. What stands out the most is his philosophy about football.“You see what he has done with Feyenoord in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, against Lazio, all good teams. Every time he surprised me as a manager.“Also when he talks about football it’s logical sense. When he talks to the press he’s honest but very clear with what he wants to explain. Everyone is really fond of him.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target 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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    Darwin Nunez spotted making gesture behind referee’s back after Liverpool’s defeat at Everton

    DARWIN NUNEZ was spotted making a “petulant” gesture to the officials after Liverpool’s crushing defeat at Everton.Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison on Wednesday.Darwin Nunez was slammed by fans after the Merseyside derbyCredit: GettyHe was spotted ‘petulantly’ clapping the officials at full timeCredit: XJurgen Klopp shushed the forward after his sarcastic gestureCredit: GettyJamie Carragher criticised the forward after the crushing defeatCredit: PAThat result was a hammer blow to the Reds’ title hopes as they failed to go level with Arsenal.Liverpool are three points behind the Gunners, with both having played 34 games.However, reigning champs Man City are just a point behind the Anfield club, with two games in hand.Everton flew out of the traps and deservedly took the lead through Jarrad Branthwaite in the 27th minute.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDominic Calvert-Lewin headed home in the 58th minute to double the advantage as Liverpool failed to lay a glove on their neighbours.Nunez had their best opportunity, but the Uruguayan fired straight at Jordan Pickford having been played through on goal before half time to level.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher called that “unforgivable” as he questioned his development since his £85m from Benfica in 2022.We revealed previously how stars were only just getting used to new rules regarding dissent this season with refs no longer allowing themselves to be berated by players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd footy fans also took aim at the 24-year-old after they spotted his reaction at the full-time whistle.In a video circulating on social media, Nunez was spotted sarcastically applauding towards referee Andy Madley and his assistants, who appeared not to notice his gesture.Jamie Carragher delivers brutal Liverpool admission after shocking display to lose Merseyside derby to EvertonHis boss Klopp and team-mate Mo Salah soon saw him and attempted to calm him down.And it did not take long for supporters to vent their fury on social media.One wrote: “Nunez was that invisible even the lino got confused when he heard clapping.”Another commented: “Salah and Klopp were telling him to put a lid on it. His petulance can be so damn annoying.”A third wrote: “He’s giving it large like he wasn’t so s*** that his own manager shushed him.”A fourth said: “Does Darwin even know we lost the league? Maybe he does not know.. I am serious.”While another added: “If this is him trying to get the fans back on his side it won’t work it’ll actually make it worse just get ur head down and p*** off back to the dressing room.”Nunez has scored 11 goals this term in 32 Premier League appearances.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target 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.

    But Carragher does not believe that is good enough as he told Sky Sports: “The chance that Nunez misses before half-time, that is unforgivable at this level.“That is not acceptable at this level, certainly when Liverpool are going for the title.“I think there is a question to ask. You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.“But after two years, when Liverpool this season are going to the title and those big games, you need your man to score away at Old Trafford, away at Goodison, in the European game at Atalanta.“There is no time to waste, this is not October or November. This is the business end.”Liverpool have four games remaining in the top-flight.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat run-in starts with a lunchtime trip to West Ham on Saturday.It is followed by clashes with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Wolves. More

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    Jamie Carragher delivers brutal Liverpool admission after shocking display to lose Merseyside derby to Everton

    JAMIE CARRAGHER claims Liverpool’s title dream has been punch sunk by an “unacceptable” loss at Everton.The Anfield legend reckons the Reds must take the “end” of their glory bid “on the chin” following a dire derby display at Goodison Park. Mo Salah was slated by Jamie Carragher for his display at EvertonCredit: GettyJamie Carragher didn’t hold back on what defeat means for LiverpoolCredit: PAAnd he blasted boss Jurgen Klopp’s tactics, as well as claiming Liverpool ran out of ideas with more than 30 minutes left at 2-0 down.Defeat via Jarrad Branthwaite’s opener and a Dominic Calvert-Lewin header left Liverpool three points off Premier League leaders Arsenal.It also means the Reds are just a point clear of third-placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand.Carragher told Sky Sports: “This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end.READ MORE TOP STORIES”Tonight is Everton’s night, you have to take it on the chin.”The ex-England defender added: “They played into Everton’s hands. The way Liverpool started was really naive, poor, giving silly fouls away.”They got into the game but the chance (Darwin) Nunez misses before half time is unforgivable at this level. That’s not acceptable at this level.”Yet the pundit believes the Reds should have turned the game around after the break – before Calvert-Lewin killed them off on 58 minutes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCarra said: “I thought Liverpool were in control at the start of the second half. And if they got one, they would go on and get two.”Then Mo Salah gave the ball away. He has looked a shadow of himself for a lot of this season but especially since he’s come back from injury.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days”He is Liverpool’s legend, superstar, one of the all time greats. But he has been so far off it.”And as soon as it went 2-0 Liverpool ran out of ideas.”Reds’ skipper Virgil van Dijk was almost as brutal with his verdict.The Dutch centre-back, 32, said: “[We’re] Disappointed in so many ways.”I think everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and ask if they really gave everything? Do they really want to win the league?”Obviously we’re fighting and we still have games after tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But if we play like we did overall today, not winning challenges and giving the ref the opportunity to give a free-kick like he did many, many times, then we have no chance to win the title.”It’s a tough one and obviously we had to play much better against a side who are fighting relegation.”Virgil van Dijk admitted Liverpool’s display was direCredit: Alamy More