The latest Liverpool FC Notebook as LeBron James reserves a special message to the Reds' players after winning the Premier League title
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10:37, 29 May 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers wearing a Liverpool FC jersey attends the game between Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena on March 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 24/25 football season may not officially end until after Saturday's Champions League final. But Arne Slot and his Liverpool players are enjoying some well-earned rest as Premier League winners.
After a city-wide parade was undertaken with the trophy itself on Bank Holiday Monday, the players are now away from their clubs until July 8, when the Reds return to pre-season training.
As the Reds continue to bathe in the afterglow of their title glory, Paul Gorst brings you all the latest off-diary tidbits in his Liverpool ECHO Notebook.
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King James' special message
The Liverpool squad were treated to a special message from none other than basketball icon LeBron James last week.
After being handed their winners' medals following the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, an end-of-season party was held at the Municipal Hotel, in the city centre, where the squad were shown a recorded video from LA Lakers superstar James, who, alongside Michael Jordan, is arguably the most recognisable basketballer to ever play the game.
James, of course, previously owned shares in the Reds before acquiring a minority stake in owners Fenway Sports Group alongside business partner Maverick Carter, and has been a long-time public supporter of Liverpool.
In the video, which was shown to Slot's squad during their party, James says: "I want to say congratulations to the champions of the English Premier League, once again bringing home another trophy.
"You know it is always special to do it with a group of guys that you love. It is super special.
"Shout out to the captains, Virgil and Mo, salute to the you brothers. Continue to lead, continue to strive for greatness and always know You'll Never Walk Alone.
"So go Reds. Love you guys."
Salah opens up on Slot importance
Mohamed Salah has detailed exactly how Arne Slot was able to coach one his best-ever seasons from him at Liverpool after the Egyptian ended the Premier League term by equalling the most goal involvements in a single campaign.
Salah's goal in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace meant he ended the title-winning term with 29 goals and 18 assists, going level with Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, set in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
Speaking to ON Sport in Egypt, the Golden Boot and Playmaker award winner said: "The gameplay is generally different between the two. Everyone has his own different systems. I talk to Slot more and as we talk and we stay connected all the time. I talk with Slot more than I used to with Klopp.
"I talk more with Slot for sure and we sit together more. Because he was straightforward with the team from the very beginning. He came to me on his second or third day with the team and started to show me videos and stuff and said: 'I want to get the best out of you'.
"And I told him, of course, that I wanted this too. But in order to do this, I need more freedom on the field. I need to feel comfortable and we worked on that ever since.
"I think you can say that [Slot got the best out of me], yes. For sure I enjoyed this season, I had the ball all the time and I can help the whole team when I feel comfortable. That made the difference."
Salah added: "No [I didn't expect to win the league] but after we played our first few matches, and I saw how the coach is dealing with matches, especially the difficult matches, he has no problem changing his tactics in the middle of the match. I started to feel like we could do something this year."
Aguero on Alexander-Arnold
Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has become the latest to involve himself in the decision of Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, saying fans shouldn't feel betrayed by the outgoing vice captain.
Alexander-Arnold, of course, is out of contract at the end of June and will join Real Madrid on a free transfer. The La Liga giants are trying to sign him in time for a nominal fee that will allow him to take part in the Club World Cup in the United States before the terms of his Liverpool deal technically expire.
It's unknown at this stage how Liverpool view that particular negotiation but Aguero, speaking to Stake, says supporters should not view the 26-year-old's move as a defection, having helped them win the Premier League title.
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"Alexander-Arnold has given everything for Liverpool," Aguero said. "And helped the team achieve really momentous things. I can understand that fans feel sorry for the loss, but calling this a betrayal seems very misguided. Players should be trusted to make decisions about their own future.
"Alexander-Arnold’s relationship with the Real Madrid fans is the kind of thing you can’t plan for, you build it as you go. Alexander-Arnold has got the stuff to play for Madrid, he’ll have to adapt to La Liga but if he does his part, I’m sure the fans will soon warm up to him."