Today's Liverpool news sees Jurgen Klopp deliver a message to a Reds star as Arne Slot is unsettled by a rumour
Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull Head of Global Soccer, speaks during the official opening of New York Red Bulls new training facilities on April 22, 2026
Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to one of Liverpool's players(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool can stake a big claim for third place on Sunday when they face bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League. While it's been far from a vintage season for the reigning champions, a confident victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend has given cause for optimism.
The 3-1 win over Oliver Glasner's side featured two of Liverpool's most expensive summer signings lighting up Anfield. Alexander Isak scored the Reds' first goal, while the ever-improving Florian Wirtz capped off the afternoon with a stunning strike late on.
While the pair have shown flashes of their talent this season, they've largely struggled under Arne Slot. Today's news sees Wirtz draw praise from a Liverpool icon. Elsewhere, Slot has been rocked by news that could affect his coaching set-up heading into the new season.
Praise for Wirtz
Ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Wirtz will light up this summer's World Cup. The midfielder, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen for £116million last summer, is expected to be a key player 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 performances on Saturday have forced many to sit up and take notice. The duo have only started together eight times this season, with Liverpool having won five of those games.
The pair have also been backed by 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.
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)
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"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."
Slot's potential blow
Slot could be forced to shuffle his backroom staff once again amid rumours he could lose his assistant coach, Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Liverpool coach is reportedly being targeted by Slot's former club, Feyenoord.
This would mark the second year running that Slot has lost an assistant, following John Heitinga's departure from the Reds, to take over as head coach of Ajax, last summer.
Van Bronckhorst, the former midfielder, was brought in last summer as a replacement for Heitinga. The ex-Arsenal and Barcelona star managed Feyenoord between 2015 and 2019, and has also had spells as head coach at Guangzhou R&F, Rangers and Besiktas.
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)
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Reports in the Netherlands have claimed that Van Bronckhorst has emerged as a strong candidate for a technical director role at Feyenoord. They state he would be open to a return to Rotterdam, where he came through the youth ranks as a player.
However, Liverpool have yet to receive any offer for Van Bronckhorst. The rumours follow doubts over Slot's own position this season, as the Reds struggle for consistency. Yet it's believed the Dutchman has the backing of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to remain in charge for next season.
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