Liverpool are on the verge of securing Champions League qualification, needing just a draw against Brentford on Sunday to clinch fifth place. Even if they lose, Bournemouth would need to overturn a six-goal swing at Nottingham Forest to leapfrog them. The season ends this weekend, capping a disappointing campaign for Arne Slot's side.
Reports from Foot Mercato suggest Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, are considering replacing Slot with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard, who will leave the Cherries at the end of the season, has led his team to sixth place with a 17-match unbeaten run. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who brought Iraola to Bournemouth three years ago, is reportedly pursuing him. However, The Athletic maintains that the club's position on Slot remains unchanged.
Andy Robertson, who will leave Liverpool after nine years, cited the tragic death of Diogo Jota as a factor in the team's struggles. Speaking to Ian Wright on The Overlap, the left-back said: 'What happened in the summer with Diogo Jota… nobody could have prepared us for that. The first time I saw my teammates again after the trophy parade was on the way to one of our mate's funeral.' He added that grieving during their title defence was 'tough'.
Robertson also pointed to Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid as a blow. 'We’ve missed him as a player, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve missed him as a character as well,' he said. The summer will see Mohamed Salah and Robertson leave, adding to the overhaul needed at Anfield.
