Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha is one of three young players who will join up with the England squad before the World Cup

Manchester City have confirmed the reports that manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season

Manchester City have confirmed the reports that manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season

Arne Slot has responded to Mohamed Salah's recent criticism of Liverpool's playing style, saying the forward was happy enough when they won the Premier League last year.

In a social media post after last week's defeat at Aston Villa Salah, who will bring to a close his storied nine-year spell at Anfield after Sunday's home game with Brentford, said he wanted to see a return to "heavy-metal football".

That was a reference to former manager Jurgen Klopp, under whom Salah enjoyed his greatest form, and the post was liked by 12 members of the current squad.

However, in a pointed response, the Dutchman claimed that the evolution in the game meant it was never going to be easy to replicate the approach which led to last season's title-winning success.

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Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher criticises Mohamed Salah after his recent comments about Liverpool's performances this season - does Carra think Arne Slot should drop him this weekend?

"You are doing a lot of assumptions; first of all you say that he wants to play that style and then say it is not my style," said the Liverpool head coach.

"I think Mo was really happy with the style we played last year as it led to us winning the league.

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"Football has changed, football has evolved, but we both want what is best for Liverpool and that is for us to compete for trophies, which we haven't done this season.

"He and the team - and I was included in that - brought the league title back after five years and we would like to challenge for that again next season and continue to evolve the team. That is my take on it.

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"We have to find that right balance of still being able to compete, but definitely also play the brand and style of football the fans want to see and I want my team to play."

Meanwhile, Slot insists it has been business as usual on the training ground and says he has not been undermined by Salah's latest comments.

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Sky Sports Gary Neville says that Mohamed Salah's latest criticism of Liverpool's season will not be helpful to the club or indeed head coach Arne Slot.

"What I know, and that is my world, is to see how they train and I have not seen anything different compared to the rest of the season," he said.

"Out of experience I know that is usually not the most simple week but the boys trained really well and I'm expecting them to do the same in the upcoming two days.

"I don't think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I prepare Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game."

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Sunday Supplement takes a closer look at Mohamed Salah's criticism of Liverpool this season and whether Arne Slot should respond to those comments.

Fifth-placed Liverpool still need a point to guarantee Champions League football next season, although a goal difference six superior to Bournemouth, three points behind, should be enough of a safeguard.

With further rebuilding planned in the summer to replace the likes of Salah and long-serving left-back Andy Robertson, who is also leaving, Slot knows how crucial returning to Europe's elite-level competition is.

"That has an impact on our plans. That is definite," he said.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be in the England squad for this summer's World Cup with the former Liverpool full-back left out by Thomas Tuchel

Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be in the England squad for this summer's World Cup with the former Liverpool full-back left out by Thomas Tuchel

Liverpool players have been overlooked by England head coach Thomas Tuchel for his World Cup squad

Liverpool players have been overlooked by England head coach Thomas Tuchel for his World Cup squad

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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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