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Anfield Turmoil: Slot Under Fire, Salah Benched, Klopp Return Rumors Swirl

Published 3 hours ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Anfield Turmoil: Slot Under Fire, Salah Benched, Klopp Return Rumors Swirl

Jurgen Klopp, the revered former Liverpool manager, who spent nine successful years at the helm before departing in 2024, has recently shared insights into his future and the current state of his former club. Having cited a need to recharge after feeling a depletion of energy, Klopp has since taken on a new role as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull. His illustrious tenure with the Reds saw him secure an impressive seven major trophies, including one Premier League title, one Champions League, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and the Community Shield.

Despite his new non-coaching role, Klopp has addressed the possibility of a return to management, specifically to Liverpool. While he previously indicated no plans to re-enter the managerial fray, he clarified his unwavering loyalty to the Merseyside club if he were ever to manage in England again. "I said I will never coach a different team in England. So that means if [I return], it's Liverpool," Klopp explained on the Diary of a CEO podcast, adding, "So yeah, theoretically, it's possible." However, he was quick to emphasize his current contentment away from the dugout, stating he does not miss the demanding aspects of coaching, such as enduring long hours in the rain, frequent press conferences, or numerous interviews. At 58, he noted that he does not have to make an immediate decision, leaving his future open-ended.

Klopp’s comments come amidst a challenging period for Liverpool under his successor, Arne Slot. Slot, who joined the Reds following Klopp's departure in 2024, had an impressive start, winning the Premier League title in his first season. Following this success, he invested significantly, bringing in new signings with spending close to £500 million. However, the team has since struggled to find its rhythm in his second season, enduring four consecutive defeats across all competitions. Klopp has maintained frequent contact with Slot, whom he described as a "super good guy," praising his ability to get the best out of his previous team. Defending Slot's current methods, Klopp called for patience, asserting that "Development needs time; nobody can change that. People need time to adapt."

The team's recent struggles were starkly highlighted by a 2-1 home defeat to rivals Manchester United at Anfield, marking their first home loss of the season and further widening the gap in the league table. This latest defeat contributed to a dismal run of three consecutive Premier League losses and one in the UEFA Champions League.

In response to these performances, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has suggested a significant tactical shift regarding star forward Mohamed Salah. Following a string of disappointing performances, Carragher believes Salah should no longer be an automatic starter. The former Reds defender, speaking on Sky Sports, via Daily Mail, emphasized that while Salah remains a key player, his deployment should be more strategic, potentially involving rotation for away games. Carragher noted that even under Jurgen Klopp, Salah was often substituted, indicating that the idea of managing his minutes is not unprecedented. Firmly concluding, Carragher stated, "We're at that stage now where Mo Salah shouldn't be a guaranteed starter next week." With a critical Champions League fixture looming and an away trip to Brentford, the pressure is mounting on Arne Slot and his team to reverse their fortunes and integrate their substantial new signings effectively.

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