Jurgen Klopp has praised Florian Wirtz ahead of this summer's World Cup, while Arne Slot faces the prospect of losing assistant Giovanni van Bronckhorst to Feyenoord
08:48, 29 Apr 2026
Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to one of Liverpool's players
Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to one of Liverpool's players(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has the opportunity to stake a strong claim for third place on Sunday when the team travels to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Premier League.
While it has been far from a vintage campaign for the Reds, a victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend has provided fresh grounds for optimism. The 3-1 triumph over Oliver Glasner's side saw two of Liverpool's most costly summer acquisitions illuminate Anfield.
Alexander Isak netted the Reds' opener, while the ever-improving Florian Wirtz rounded off the day with a breathtaking strike late on. While the pair have shown glimpses of their ability this season, they have largely struggled to find their best form under Arne Slot.
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Today brings news that Wirtz has received glowing praise from a Liverpool legend, while Slot has also been dealt a blow that could impact his coaching set-up ahead of the new campaign.
Praise for Wirtz
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Wirtz is set to shine at this summer's World Cup.
The midfielder, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, is anticipated to be a pivotal figure for Germany across the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Florian Wirtz impressed against Crystal Palace
Florian Wirtz impressed against Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
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."
Potential blow for Slot
Slot may be compelled to reshuffle his backroom team once more, amid speculation that he could lose assistant coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Liverpool coach is reportedly a target for Slot's former side, Feyenoord.
This would mark the second consecutive year Slot has lost a key assistant, following John Heitinga's exit from the club to take charge of Ajax last summer.
Van Bronckhorst, the former midfielder, was appointed last summer as Heitinga's replacement. The ex-Arsenal star led Feyenoord between 2015 and 2019, and has also held managerial positions at Guangzhou R&F, Rangers and Besiktas.
Reports from the Netherlands suggest that Van Bronckhorst is a prominent candidate for the technical director position at Feyenoord.
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It is claimed he would welcome a return to Rotterdam, where he came through the academy as a youngster.
Nevertheless, Liverpool is yet to receive any approach for Van Bronckhorst. The speculation follows uncertainty surrounding Slot's own future this season, as the Reds have struggled to find any consistency.
However, it is understood that the Dutchman retains the full support of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to continue in his role next season.