Today's Liverpool news sees Jurgen Klopp send a message to a Reds star as Arne Slot is unsettled by a rumour
Jurgen Klopp talks on a podcast
Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to one of Liverpool's players(Image: That Peter Crouch podcast)
View 3 Images
Liverpool can make a claim for third place on Sunday when they take on fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League. While it has been some way short of a vintage campaign for the reigning champions, a commanding victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend has provided grounds for optimism.
The 3-1 triumph against Oliver Glasner's side saw two of Liverpool's most expensive summer acquisitions shine at Anfield. Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the Reds, while the continually developing Florian Wirtz rounded off proceedings with a spectacular effort late on.
While the duo have demonstrated glimpses of their ability this season, they have largely found life difficult under Arne Slot. Today's news sees Wirtz receive acclaim from a Liverpool legend. Meanwhile, Slot has been dealt a blow by developments that could impact his backroom staff ahead of the new campaign.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
Acclaim for Wirtz
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Wirtz will shine at this summer's World Cup. The midfielder, who arrived at the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen for £116million last summer, is anticipated to play a pivotal role for Germany in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Klopp said: "I hope Flo Wirtz will have a fantastic, fantastic World Cup. I think he has everything you need to be a standout player. I don't want to put any pressure on the boy. I really think he showed already how good he can be in a difficult season."
Isak and Wirtz's displays on Saturday have prompted widespread attention. The pair have only lined up together on eight occasions this season, with Liverpool claiming victory in five of those matches.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 25, 2026
Wirtz impressed against Crystal Palace(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
View 3 Images
The duo have also received the backing of club captain Virgil van Dijk. "That was always the plan," said Van Dijk. "These two particular players have been brought to the club to make an impact and it's not been an easy season for anyone, including those two, but you see the quality they have.
"It is about keeping developing, knowing what it takes to be a Liverpool player not only on the pitch but off it as well, look after yourself and try to be, each and every three or four days, the absolute best of yourself.
"They have to realise that. Keep going, four more games, qualifying for the Champions League is still the main target now, World Cup then we have to be working very hard to make sure next season is not like this season because it is unacceptable."
Potential blow for Slot
Slot may be forced to reshuffle his backroom team once more amid reports that he could lose assistant coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Liverpool coach is said to be a target for Slot's former side, Feyenoord.
This would represent the second consecutive summer in which Slot has lost a key assistant, following John Heitinga's exit from the Reds to take charge at Ajax last summer. Van Bronckhorst, the former midfielder, was appointed last summer as Heitinga's successor.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (R) Liverpool's Dutch Assistant Manager and Giovanni van Bronckhorst smile during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, north-west England on March 17, 2026
Arne Slot could lose Giovanni van Bronckhorst (L) this summer(Image: PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The ex-Arsenal and Barcelona stalwart guided Feyenoord between 2015 and 2019, and has since taken charge at Guangzhou R&F, Rangers and Besiktas.
Reports emerging from the Netherlands suggest Van Bronckhorst has become a prominent candidate for a technical director position at Feyenoord. It is claimed he would welcome a return to Rotterdam, where he came through the youth ranks as a player.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are yet to receive any offer for Van Bronckhorst. The speculation follows doubts over Slot's own position this season, as the Reds have struggled to find any real consistency. However, it is understood the Dutchman retains the full support of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to remain in charge for next season.