Liverpool

Josh Sexton
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It comes to something when your long-time nemesis says it is time to move on and you actually feel a little bit sad about it.

Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City feels like a chapter of English football is truly closing.

More than that, though, I actually grew to quite like this nemesis - a feeling made easier by Liverpool refusing to be any competition to his team this season.

Between his compassionate politics and his increasingly funny news conferences, the man who became the bane of our existence has started to cut a much more likeable figure.

Of course, the respect element was always there.

Yes, there are caveats to City's success, but there are very few doubts about Guardiola's greatness as a manager.

After Jurgen Klopp left Anfield in 2024, it seemed only natural that the man he went toe to toe with for so many years would move on fairly soon after.

Because, the truth is, the standards those two managers set would warp our perception of what a normal title-winning points total looks like.

Arsenal have pipped Guardiola to the Premier League this season, but they have done so with a maximum of 85 points - a climbdown from the days of Liverpool and City pushing each other to 90-plus points totals.

While the year the Reds ran away with the title in 2019-20 distorts the averages in their favour, they started 27 games unbeaten to put any doubts of City being able to break their hearts again beyond doubt, with falling short on 97 points the campaign before still fresh in the memory.

Liverpool have fallen away this season, but Guardiola moving on automatically means the barrier to entry for a title race is likely to not be as high.

Therefore, Reds supporters should be reassured that a return to the top isn't too far away, especially with such a talented group of players.

We might not see those 2018-2022 levels again for a little while, though, and for that we will always (at least partly) have Guardiola to thank.

Find more from Josh Sexton on outlets including The Anfield Wrap, external

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Brentford at Anfield (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alexander Isak, who has been absent with a minor injury, and Alisson, who has been suffering with a hamstring problem, will train with the first team on Friday. It is "positive" news as both players could be available for selection.

• When asked about Mohamed Salah's most recent comments on social media, he replied: "I don't think how I feel about it is important. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League."

• He added: "I don't know if it has had an impact on the group, but what I have seen is my players training really well this week. Mo [Salah] and I have the same interest; we both want this club to be as successful as possible. That is what we should be focusing on."

• However, Slot would not be drawn on whether the Egypt international will be involved in his final-ever game at Anfield. "I never say anything about team selection, so it would be a surprise if I did that right now," he said.

• The 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa and the subsequent missed opportunity to secure Champions League football for next season was "very disappointing". It has made Liverpool's final game of the season a "vital one" to win.

• He added: "We know what we need to do. We need a win or a draw. If we don't, we still have an acceptable goal difference. However, we would like to give our fans a nice ending because there have been far too many disappointments this season for us as a club."

• Virgil van Dijk playing every minute of the Premier League season so far is a "great accomplishment". He explained: "It isn't as simple as some people might think, especially in a league like this and if you are his age. It is unbelievable, especially in a season of setbacks, because it is much easier to stay fit if things are going well."

• On whether he will look to change his approach next season, Slot said: "There doesn't need to be a reset, but I do know football has evolved and changed. We have to make sure we can compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again next season, with our own brand of football."

• He added: "We also have to take into account that our brand of football is one that our fans like, so long as that goes together with competing for the trophies we want to compete for."

• On a personal note, Slot is looking forward to "continuing to evolve" his team next season.

• Liverpool are "really happy" with Milos Kerkez's development this season because he has "played a lot of games and improved throughout".

• He explained: "It is never easy for a player to come into a team that isn't performing at the level they were last season. We are looking for him to make the next step now. Hopefully a great example for him is Dominik Szoboszlai, he is a great example for all of us."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Tuchel confirmed Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) and Josh King (Fulham) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Manchester Unitedview Newcastle Unitedleft-back Lewis Hall as a leading option for next season, while Liverpool and Bayern Munichare also interested in the 21-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

In 2017, a £10m deal for Andy Roberton saw the Scottish full-back sign for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Not only does Robertson leave Anfield as a two-time Premier League champion, he also exits with a Champions League title, the FA Cup, two League Cups, Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup and a Community Shield under his belt.

Robertson told Radio Merseyside that he's had an "emotional week" as he prepares for the Reds' final game of the season against Brentford at Anfield.

"It is coming around quite quickly, but it has given me a lot of time to reflect and that has been the good part about this. I have been able to look back on amazing memories and the amazing people I have been able to spend it with," he said.

From playing in Scotland's fourth tier in 2013 to his Premier League debut with Hull City on the opening day of the 2014-15 campaign, Robertson's rapid rise is truly impressive.

Image source, Getty Images

"I just gave 100% every single day – I just wanted to improve on everything. I wanted to prove to other people that I could make it at the very top," added Robertson.

The 32-year-old has helped redefine the role of a full-back and in doing so has accumulated 60 Premier League assists, the second most of all-time by a defender in the Premier League, behind his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The ultra-aggressive pressing full-back may be moving on, but the Anfield faithful will always hold Robertson's name in their hearts.

"I have always tried to give them my all," he added.

"The love that I have been getting is very emotional, and I am very happy that people think of me in that way."

Hit play at the top of this post to hear more from Robertson or listen here on BBC Sounds

The strength of feeling from Liverpool supporters towards Robertson cannot be overstated. Below, Reds fan Adam Beattie attempted to summarise his Anfield legacy and what he means to those who watch him every week.

"You can see a lot of yourself in him on the pitch," said Beattie. "He's one of my favourite Liverpool players of all time. It's the relatability.

"While he was blessed with this unbelievable talent, he's come from fairly humble beginnings with an £8m price tag and no massive expectations to turn himself into an all-time great."

Listen in full below or on BBC Sounds

Liverpool have formally registered their interest in 20-year-old Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure - but they face competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle, who also admire the Ivorian. (Teamtalk), external

The Reds could make a move for 21-year-old Norway winger Antonio Nusa should a deal for his RB Leipzig team-mate Yan Diomande become too difficult. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson wants to join Juventus this summer even if the Serie A side fail to qualify for the Champions League. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external

Finally, Fenerbahce have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Mohamed Salah after he leaves Anfield this summer. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The latest news and views on the Reds in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Mo Salah's social media post is not "becoming of a Liverpool legend," insists the supporter Ste Plunkett from Redmen TV.

Salah, who will be hanging up his boots for Liverpool after nine seasons at the Merseyside club, said his side must return to a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear".

Plunkett believes the timing of his post, which came after Arne Slot's side were defeated 4-2 by Aston Villa on Friday night is "dreadful".

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside Plunkett said: "I don't agree with what he's done, I don't agree with the way he's done it, on Instagram, 62 million followers, it's really not helpful.

"The timing's dreadful, the season's not over, he's still a Liverpool player and I don't think that's becoming of a Liverpool legend. It's not what we've done in years gone by, I don't think we want to do it in years to come either.

"The timing is dreadful but the context is understandable. It's not what you do when you're a Liverpool legend."

While Plunkett feels there is some validity in the comments Salah made, he reckons it unveils a bigger problem for the club as many current players 'liked' the forward's post.

"That is a major concern if you're a manager," added Plunkett.

"Because if you don't believe that, you don't act upon it, you certainly don't 'like' it. You sit there in your dressing room and say 'I probably wouldn't have done that Mo, that's not great,' but it's past and present players that have liked it.

"It's a really bad look for the football club, it's really, really dodgy times for Slot at the moment because if you're sitting in Fenway Sports Park looking at that, you're looking at it thinking he's lost the dressing room because the players agree with what Salah is saying.

"They probably perhaps think the timing's bad and how it was done is even worse but I think the fundamental comments within that statement, if they agree with it, Slot's got big problems."

Thirty-three-year-old Salah has called time after winning nine major trophies with Liverpool, as well as breaking individual records for the club.

"Salah when he breaks a record, is the first person to celebrate, he knows all about where he is in the pantheon of football greats, and records and trophies and all that good stuff," said Plunkett.

"Salah's very, very self-centered. Salah is a brand and he's the champion of that brand and I get that.

"That selfish streak can sometimes be sort of overzealous and that's probably what it is for me, a bit of overzealousness in his self-protection and his self-preservation."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

One of the notable differences between Manchester United and Liverpool is the different reaction to world-class players leaving this season.

Timing is everything in these situations, so as Casemiro walked off at Old Trafford for the last time in the 81st minute against Nottingham Forest, there was a warm glow, many a poignant tribute and a heartfelt hug with the manager. It seemed right, but it could have been very different had he left during one of his quieter spells at the club.

Mohamed Salah is another truly world-class player but it might feel slightly different when he makes his final bow at Anfield against Brentford. The simmering bad feeling between him and Arne Slot became brutally clear in a very unsubtle social media post from the Egyptian. It was a very lightly veiled dig at Jurgen Klopp's successor and possibly even some of the new players who have come in this season.

Mo will be rightly saluted by the Kop and many a tear will be shed for the departing legend but alongside the sweet memories, somewhere in there is a little bitterness too.

He may just be reflecting the feelings of the fans, but in the dressing room, privately some unnecessary betrayal will be felt, even while genuinely applauding his greatness.

Had Mo left at the end of last season, it might just have been better for all concerned.

The rest of my Monday column has a new home – on the BBC Sport website.

I hope you'll join me there

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes Mohamed Salah "will have known the damage" that his recent social media post about Liverpool's style of play will have done to head coach Arne Slot.

The Egypt winger will leave the club after Sunday's final match of the campaign against Brentford at Anfield.

On BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Premier League winger Andros Townsend added: "I don't think you can include him. I don't care about what the fans are going to say, because they are going to disagree with you anyway.

"You cannot have a player undermine you like that because next season, when Mohamed Salah isn't there, all the other players are going to remember it and start undermining you as well.

"You have to nip it in the bud and say 'I know you want your farewell, but you haven't been professional and I'm not going to play you'. I think that's the only choice."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Mohamed Salah's explosive social media post over the weekend has everyone talking. The Egyptian hung Arne Slot's tactics out to dry - and even worse for the manager - many of his first-team team-mates liked the message.

Slot clearly has a divided dressing room now. Salah's post made that extremely obvious, although we could have worked it out by the pathetic performance dished up against Aston Villa on Friday anyway.

FSG and the sporting directors, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, have potentially had a real stinker here.

It seems as if the club has persistently leaked that Slot will be in charge next season, but the Dutchman faces mutiny within a team that has basically given up on him.

And now, Xabi Alonso, the most obvious candidate to replace him, has signed with Chelsea.

Is it really smart to go through a transfer window pandering to Slot's tactical requirements when half the squad is vocally against them and he may be out of a job early on next term anyway?

It will be mighty interesting to see what happens at Anfield next weekend, anyway.

A crowd may well be booing Slot, who's staying, and cheering Salah, who's leaving.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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Watch the panel on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discuss what Xabi Alonso's appointment as Chelsea manager means for Liverpool and whether the Reds might regret not making a move for their former midfielder.

"A lot of the Liverpool fans just are not having Arne Slot," said former Premier League striker Chris Sutton.

"With every passing week, every unsure performance and every defeat, supporters are thinking 'blimey, are we doing the wrong thing by keeping him on?'

"Then the Mo Salah stuff has poured petrol on the flames, on a difficult situation for Slot, and that really hasn't helped the situation.

"Alonso, with his Liverpool connections, would have been an obvious choice but Chelsea have got him and Liverpool seem like they are in a bit of a pickle now."

The Observer's Rory Smith added: "I don't think they approached Alonso in the last few weeks.

"I think Liverpool think Slot is a better bet than Alonso, partly because they feel Alonso would go in with a power base as a beloved former player and I think there is some worry that might affect the model and give the manager too much power.

"Everything Liverpool are saying is that they believe Slot is the right man for next season. I think that is in total defiance of everything I know about football. I don't see how it can work as it is."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, LFC

Liverpool have released their new home shirt for the 2026-27 season which has been inspired by their title-winning side from the early 90s.

The Reds say the kit draws from the 1989-90 league champions, because that was "widely regarded as one of Liverpool's most iconic adidas kits".

The club said: "The original 1989-91 strip became synonymous with one of the club's greatest teams as the Reds secured a record-breaking 18th league title - more than any other English club at the time."

That side, managed by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, finished nine points clear at the top of the First Division, with a team that featured greats Ian Rush, John Barnes, Alan Hansen and Bruce Grobbelaar.

Alongside the home shirt, the club have also launched a new goalkeeper kit featuring the same design, in a green colourway inspired by the era.

One of the key features to every Liverpool kit is the 97-emblem encased by the eternal flames, which sits on the neck in memory of those who lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough disaster.

Image source, LFC

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

As I sat watching Aston Villa destroy Liverpool on Friday night I had an unexpected internal reaction: I wasn't surprised.

‌The defending champions have fallen so far that a 4-2 defeat in which their brilliant, if ageing, centre back Virgil van Dijk was their most potent attacking weapon no longer had any real shock value. It's a huge fall considering their comparative position last season.

‌They may well get into the Champions League again by the skin of their teeth but they are a massive 25 points behind where they finished last season, with only one game to go.

‌There are a list of difficulties facing Arne Slot: replacing half the defence, getting the new forward line fit and gelling, getting an increasingly dissatisfied fan base back on side, and the list goes on.

‌Their form was so poor that at one point Everton looked like they were going to catch their neighbours. It isn't the Toffees who Liverpool fans compare themselves with. Manchester United are of a similar worldwide stature but Liverpool have lorded it over them for a while. In the past decade, Liverpool have been contenders, have two league titles and one Champions League win, United have none.

‌Last year Liverpool finished 42 points ahead of United, as the Manchester club had internal wars everywhere and Rubin Amorim dragged the team into his failing monoculture.

‌Now United are nine points ahead Liverpool – that is a staggering 51-point swing and they are making good decisions.

‌Michael Carrick looks certain to land the manager's job and the backroom team are just what the club has needed for years. There is buy-in from the fans with an upward trajectory very likely. The opposite could be in store for their rivals along the M62 if they are not careful.

‌While neutrals actually look forward to watching United now, they are beginning to watch Liverpool through their fingers.

‌Please tell me anyone who had even a flicker of a suspicion that this might happen in less than nine months. Then again, in this mad football world it is just as likely to wing back Liverpool's way again – if they have a good summer getting the right new players.

The rest of my Monday column has a new home – on the BBC Sport website.

‌Click through as I pin the culprit for the awful handball-that-wasn't at Old Trafford, explain why I chose Celtic Park over Wembley and reflect on West Ham's probable relegation. I hope you'll join me there.

Liverpool are plotting a move to sign 30-year-old Inter Milan and Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries to bolster their options at right-back. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool will bid farewell to Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah with a special-send off before Sunday's final game of the season at Anfield.

Mosaics will be displayed by supporters before kick-off, with the Kop leading the tribute to Salah and the lower Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand honouring Robertson.

They have achieved many successes over the past nine years and will leave Liverpool on free transfers this summer.

"I'm going to miss them a lot," Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told club media, external. "The focus is on missing them as a footballer, and that's 100% going to happen.

"The appreciation from the outside world usually comes a bit later - that's always how it is. I wish them well and want the best for them."

Robertson, 32, joined the Reds from Hull City in 2017 for £8m and has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time on Merseyside.

"His talent, his quality on the pitch, his assists and his work rate; it's the complete package of a modern day left-back," said Van Dijk.

"Off the pitch - the way he is as a person, always up for a joke - he sets the standards in training and in games, and is just a great character to be around.

"It's been an absolute privilege and pleasure to play with him on my left side and it's an incredible journey that he had."

Salah, 33, joined Liverpool from Roma in June 2017 and has won the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions and been named the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year three times - in 2018, 2022 and 2025.

"It's absolutely incredible the numbers that Mo has achieved and on a consistent basis," added Van Dijk. "We all see the hard work that he puts in to make himself available for each and every game.

"But also to keep himself at the highest standard that he holds himself too and the rest of the world holds him too as well. It has been a joy to watch him being so important for us.

"In terms of goals and assists, for a winger it's out of this world."

Image source, Getty Images

Mohamed Salah's social media post saying Liverpool must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" after "crumbling" to a defeat at Aston Villa was a "knife in the back" for Arne Slot, says former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.

"When you look at this situation specifically, Mohamed Salah is very calculated," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He only speaks when he needs to speak and when things are going well you don't really hear from him whatsoever.

"You only heard from him when he wanted his new contract, not when things were going wrong.

"What people need to understand is footballers are idolised and have the best job in the world but are human beings as well. Some can get their egos bruised and can get very emotional and insecure about certain things. When you go through something like that with a manager, not every footballer has the ability to be the bigger person and lay it to rest.

"Mo Salah is an absolute Liverpool legend, but when it comes to speaking out in the media he is very calculated and knows when to do it.

"For me, this was perfectly calculated and perfectly timed for him to know exactly what he's doing - taking a dig at the manager.

"When you look at the performance against Aston Villa as well, it's kicking someone when they're down.

"It's very difficult for a manager to deal with something like this involving a legend at the club. For me, this isn't a coincidence and this is basically a knife to the back to Slot before Salah leaves the football club."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Not for the first time this season, Mohamed Salah seems to have taken a thinly veiled dig at the manager. I think it's pretty clear to everyone, at least from the outside, that his relationship with Arne Slot is at rock bottom.

It just leaves an unsavoury taste in everyone's mouth heading into the final week of the season.

Here we have a Liverpool legend who is arguably in the top 10 players to have ever played for the club. To go out in this manner is unfortunate really. You can't apportion blame when we don't know the full story and why Salah feels the way he does.

It will now be interesting to see in that final game of the season at Anfield, his farewell to the supporters and the City, how Slot reacts in terms of team selection and how the fans react to a legend going out in unsavoury fashion.

You just wonder if the Liverpool fans will have taken too kindly to it.

It is calculated because Salah will know Slot is not the flavour of the month at the moment with large sections of the Liverpool supporter base. A lot of fans will believe Slot should not be manager heading into next season.

On the back of that, Salah has probably sensed an opportunity to apply even more pressure on a guy who he has effectively fallen out with. He's sensed that opportunity and I think he's taken it.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso agreeing to become Chelsea's next manager.

Will the 44-year-old ever be able to manage the Reds after managing the Blues?

Here are some of your opinions:

Marc: Xabi Alonso has now gone from being a Liverpool legend to a former hero, just like Michael Owen did. Going to one of your club's biggest rivals is always a big no-no. It makes you think that he would've gone to Manchester United, if they had come in for him. That's how to tarnish your reputation for 30 pieces of silver. Even before this news, I was hoping we would go for Andoni Iraola. He is young, he improves players, and he plays football like Jurgen Klopp.

Stuart: It will be extremely difficult for him to manage Liverpool now, at least maybe not straight from Chelsea. He might have to manage elsewhere a couple of times. However, I didn't really see him as a manager we needed at this moment in time. We need a Luis Enrique or an Unai Emery to instil some much needed discipline into this squad.

Shane: It's not great from a Liverpool supporter's perspective, but he who dares wins while the FSG board sleeps. I'm really not looking forward to another season with Arne Slot at the helm though, considering what I've seen this year.

Richard: It was a great opportunity to bring in a thinker, a serial winner, and an ex-Liverpool player - but the owners seem to have bought into 'Mr Dull as Dishwater' and his dreary, insipid tactics. He keeps changing the team and their positions, which is why there are so many injuries and why so many players are playing below par. I don't think the players like his tippy-tappy style of play. Fast, incisive and accurate football is a memory now.

Jay: Xabi Alonso is undoubtedly a fan favourite as a player, but as a manager he is unproven because one decent season in Germany means nothing. Real Madrid took a punt and it bombed. He himself turned Liverpool down knowing he wasn't yet ready for us and stayed another year in Germany. Since then, he has done nothing worth writing to Anfield about. Steven Gerrard recently commented on the fact that there are levels of managers out there and he would be happy to be an assistant to a top-tier manager. Maybe Xabi should've done that until Anfield was ready. He will never be welcome to manage us now he has been to Stamford Bridge.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been "selfish" and should be dropped from the squad for the Reds' final match of the season against Brentford at Anfield, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Salah said Liverpool must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" after a 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa which left their Champions League place in doubt.

In December, he told reporters that his relationship with Arne Slot had broken down and this latest social media post has been seen as a further criticism of the head coach.

Rooney told The Wayne Rooney Show: "I find it sad at the end of what he's done and what he's achieved at Liverpool. It's not the point for him to come out and aim another dig at Slot.

"He wants to play heavy metal football, so he's basically saying he wants Jurgen Klopp football. Now I don't think Mo Salah can cope with that type of football any more. I think his legs have gone to play at that high tempo and high intensity.

"If I was Arne Slot, I'd have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game.

"He's almost just dropped the grenade and said he doesn't trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost thrown his team-mates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that as well and put them into a position.

"I think Salah's trying to vindicate himself and make himself feel better because he's had a very poor season.

"So I think he's been very selfish in what he's done on the two occasions. It's a shame and fans will be on his side, but I think when you look deeper into it and having been in a dressing room in a similar situation to that as well, Mo Salah knows exactly what he's doing.

"That's your manager. You can't publicly disrespect him twice the way he has and get away with it. And that's where if I was Arne Slot, I'd have to pull rank and just say, 'listen, you're not coming anywhere near the place on Saturday, whether you like it or not'. I really doubt he will do it, but I think he should.

"Of course he deserves a good send off but does he deserve it just for this? It's the second time he's done it."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Leeds 1-0 Burnley

• Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 3-1 West Ham