Liverpool

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BBC Radio Solent's Bournemouth commentator Jordan Clark says Andoni Iraola's style of play would be a "fantastic fit" at Liverpool.

The Reds will open formal talks with Iraola this week over becoming their new head coach, after the sacking of Arne Slot.

It is believed the Spaniard's intense, high-pressing and energetic approach is attractive to the club's hierarchy after lacklustre performances stirred boos from the Anfield crowd in the final stages of Slot's tenure.

"If you look at the style of play and what the fans demand at Anfield, he would be a fantastic fit for Liverpool," Jordan told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It's high intensity, exciting, attacking. You're never off the edge of your seat - you haven't been for the past three years if you're a Bournemouth fan. You're always thinking something could happen in the game.

"He heads into every match looking to win three points, even deep into stoppage time. Watching his Bournemouth side has been nothing but pure quality. On that side of things, he ticks a very big box for Liverpool."

Asked if Iraola provides the "heavy metal football" played by Jurgen Klopp and referenced by Mohamed Salah in his recent Instagram post, Clark added: "It's exactly Iraola's style. When he first arrived there was a lot of talk that his style was about creating chaos.

"There is a lot more planning and thinking that goes into the approach and how the press happens.

"But, it's a high press - it's nicking the ball off the opponent at every opportunity. And at the other end, if you have to defend, it's about getting yourself back up the pitch as quickly as possible."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

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Liverpool's upcoming talks with Andoni Iraola have been met with a largely - but not unanimously - positive response from fans on social media. A brief scan of the debate breaks down a little like this:

The doubters...

• He's never won anything significant;

• Two games a week will test his style much more;

• His style of play will be too demanding and Liverpool's squad isn't built for it;

• He drew a lot of games at Bournemouth and went on winless runs - he can't do that at Liverpool, so it's a massive step up.

The believers...

• His teams make you work when you face them;

• He makes his players train hard, according to Antoine Semenyo;

• The style of play will be enjoyable to watch.

We would love it if you'd consider the bullet points and respond to some of them. Do you agree with some? Or do you take issue with certain points?

Help us build the debate on Iraola by getting in touch with your views here

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We asked for your memories of James Milner's time at Anfield and his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Ryan: An honour to call him a Liverpool player. What an absolute legend of the Premier League. Not many ex pros can say they played for Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Leeds and Brighton and still be pretty universally loved. An outstanding professional, an incredible athlete and blimey, what a player too. Scandalous he didn't get more game time for England but he can look back on his playing career with utter pride. Forever a Premier League legend. Thanks for the memories, Milly, and wouldn't be at all surprised to see him on the coaching staff of a Premier League team in the future.

Christopher: What a career, what a player and, more importantly, what a man! A true icon and role model of the game. I am so glad we got to witness him at Liverpool. Happy retirement, James, you should be proud.

Adrian: There's not many to whom the term legend can be applied, but Milly has earned that in spades. What a career. What a consummate professional. What a role model to the younger generation. As a Liverpool fan, I'd love to see him in a youth coaching capacity, but wishing him all the best in whatever he chooses.

Sacha: Was an integral part of that Jurgen Klopp side and a real leader on and off the pitch. A Liverpool legend - and whoever takes over at Anfield needs to bring this guy back in some capacity because he understands the recent history of the club and commands respect.

David: My best memory was the late penalty winner against Leicester in 2019 which kept us on track for the title win but, overall, it's his commitment and professionalism.

Paul: Really a great professional. The game I remember is the one against Leicester when he scored that really late penalty giving us a big win.

Tommy: The day Milly was hooked and complained to Klopp about being replaced by Curtis Jones - only for Jones to then immediately assist Mo Salah scoring the opener at West Ham.

Ian: Milner will go down in Liverpool history as one of their best ever players. He was Mr Reliable, an ever present because he was rarely injured. I think he played in virtually every position and I can't recall him ever having a bad game. I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next - maybe a Liverpool coach.

Brian: In the later Klopp years if you saw James coming off the bench later in the game you knew the game was over and the win was safe. Congratulations on an amazing career.

Josh Sexton
Fan writer

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James Milner had his best years at Liverpool because, quite simply, he made a bigger contribution to the club's biggest period of success than at any other club.

He was fantastic at Manchester City under two managers and while he was a Roberto Mancini man, he never felt quite like a Manuel Pellegrini man, before Pep Guardiola came in and gave them their most successful years.

At Liverpool, 323 of his 332 appearances coming under Jurgen Klopp says everything you need to know about whose man he truly was.

It's telling that this season, while the Reds have been accused of lacking leadership on the pitch, Milner's named has been mentioned alongside Jordan Henderson's, Adam Lallana's and more.

He's often damned with the feint praise of being merely a 'Mr. Consistent', utility man-style player, but he was somebody who embodied exactly what Klopp was trying to impart onto his footballers.

A large part of that was the relationship with the fans, and Milner felt that when he held the six fingers up in celebration to the fans seven years ago to this day when his team won the Champions League in Madrid for the sixth time.

One of Klopp's greatest quotes was when he spoke of respecting the club's history but not wearing it in their backpacks, and nobody had a grasp of that better in that moment than our Yorkshire-born midfielder.

He got it, right down to displaying his disdain towards Manchester United on an overheard part of a Gini Wijnaldum livestream as the players prepared to lift their 19th league title.

It's 20 now, but Milner was every part of setting the foundation for all the success we've been lucky enough to see over the past decade.

Records were broken aplenty by that side, and he specifically goes away with one of the biggest individual accolades for the consistency he showed, as the Premier League's record appearance maker.

It's a testament to his consistency and utility, but also to the standards he set that a few teams can even feel like he's one of their own.

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

James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.

He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.

He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.

Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).

Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.

His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.

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Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.

The 40-year-old, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in June 2015, played for six different teams in England's top flight.

After making his Premier League debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances.

Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.

He posted a farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.

"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.

"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.

"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, and what are your favourite memories?

Get in touch with your comments here

Lorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist

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In his farewell letter, Arne Slot paid tribute to the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva as the players were preparing to return for pre-season training last summer.

The Dutchman said Jota's passing was "indescribable", but added "the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary".

Slot said: "As I leave this club, it would be remiss of me not to say that the way you honoured Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me forever.

"The connection we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lights or the sound of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' being sung from The Kop."

Slot also told fans he was "privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity" during the club's trophy parade in May 2025, when Paul Doyle drove his car through the crowds on Water Street in the city centre.

Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months in December for charges including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.

"It is a spirit that has carried this city through difficult moments before, and one that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have campaigned for over many years," he added.

Read more on Slot's emotional farewell

Lorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist

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Arne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool "exactly where it belongs: among Europe's elite" after he was sacked as head coach on Saturday.

The Dutchman, 47, won the Premier League title in his first campaign but was dismissed by the club's hierarchy after the Reds finished fifth in the league this season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Liverpool will open formal talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola this week over becoming their new head coach.

In an emotional open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, external, Slot said fans made him feel welcome from the start and helped him on his path.

"That is something I cherish," he added.

"I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead.

"The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure."

Despite suffering 20 defeats in all competitions, Slot secured Liverpool's place in next season's Champions League.

"Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond," he added.

"Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.

"When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it."

Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss in 2024 after the German stepped down after nine years as manager.

He made a dream start to his tenure as coach when he delivered the club's 20th league title in front of the home supporters at Anfield with four games to spare.

"It was made even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us," said Slot. "Singing our songs, cheering the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there - lining the streets outside the stadium, filling Anfield in anticipation.

"Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. For that we should all be proud.

"This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be."

Read more on Slot's emotional farewell

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We asked for your views on Liverpool's central defensive options after Ibrahima Konate's departure and whether they need to add to that department.

Here are some of your comments:

William: We have had defensive issues for a couple of seasons now. Ibou, if we're all honest, wasn't good enough. He has too many mistakes in his game but he had to play because we didn't have enough defenders, that is a failure of the club. And now we need to get good defenders in place quickly for pre-season.

Velan: After a very inconsistent season that Konate had, it is difficult to argue his case to stay. Whatever may be the mitigating circumstances, his season had too many poor performances and costly errors. Liverpool need to replace Konate and Gomez - at least one top centre-back with Premier League experience like Van Hecke is bare minimum.

Nate: I feel as though we've been let down by the club again. How we don't get a contract for Konate doesn't make any sense. He was so good during the title-winning season and now it leaves us with no depth at the backline. All we can hope is that the summer will be busy.

Mark: I am sad to see Ibou go, but I can understand the club holding a line on wages. His consistency has always been an issue and he always has a mistake in him. The decision really is allowing another player to leave on a free. I wish him well and time will tell if he reaches his full potential at his new destination.

Shaun: Didn't have to be his final time. That's his decision.

Craig: With a new manager comes fresh ideas, fresh opportunities. Ideally we need one more centre-back, a left-footed centre-back like Levi Colwill but Nico Schlotterbeck seems the more likely. Big opportunity for Leoni and Jacquet to make an impact as well. Let's keep Gomez for another year and along with Van Dijk I think we will have enough for the season.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham,Liverpool and Newcastle are all interested in AC Milan's Portuguese winger Rafael Leao with the 26-year-old keen to leave San Siro this summer. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, 33, plans to tell the club's new manager that he wants to end his time at Anfield and join Juventus. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

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Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has said he "gave everything I had for this badge" during his five-year stay at Anfield, as it was confirmed he will leave the club this summer on a free transfer.

Konate, who was a first-team stalwart under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Community Shield during his time with the Reds, after signing from RB Leipzig in July 2021.

The 27-year-old posted his own farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"Representing this club has been an honour. We've shared incredible moments together... highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships and heart-breaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo [Jota].

"Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.

"To my team-mates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.

"And to the supporters... thank you for your love, your energy and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.

"I am deeply saddened that I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn't know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.

"This isn't an easy goodbye, but it's time for a new challenge and a new chapter."

Konate's departure leaves 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk as arguably Liverpool's only reliable senior centre-back.

Joe Gomez still has a year left on his current contract, but has not been first choice and has suffered with injuries, while also being required to fill in at right-back.

Young defender Giovanni Leoni missed most of his debut campaign after tearing his ACL, while 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet is likely to need time to settle when he officially joins the Reds this summer.

So, how are you feeling about Liverpool's central defensive options? Do they need to add anyone with Konate going - and if so, who?

Let us know your thoughts here

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We asked for your views on whether outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola would be the right choice for Liverpool to succeed the sacked Arne Slot or whether you would prefer someone else.

The Reds have approached the 43-year-old Spaniard to discuss the role.

Here are some of your comments:

Carl: If he doesn't have us playing like crabs going side to side again for another season and understands that central midfielders don't play right-back then he'll be an improvement that's for sure. It would be a gamble but his style of football at Bournemouth is much closer to what we loved under Jurgen Klopp than anything Slot could bring. A risk worth taking.

Mike: Very happy with the Iraola approach. His attitude and work-rate, and that of his teams, is a better fit for Liverpool and what we need to right the wrongs of this season.

Mez: No-brainer. He's been the manager of the season.

Mark: I have always enjoyed how Bournemouth played under Iraola and feel a similar excitement to when we announced Klopp. Thanks, Arne, we will never forget the 20th title, but a change is needed.

Alex: Iraola would be a gamble. Do Liverpool have the squad for heavy metal football now? We're in a bit of a mess with last year's signings still to settle in and older players leaving. Luis Enrique would be my choice. He might be tempted to take on a new challenge after Paris St-Germain's Champions League victory.

James: Just go all out for Luis Enrique! A big name is the only way to sort the dressing room that Slot lost.

Ken: I want Liverpool to take a bit of time to get this appointment right. Sporting director Richard Hughes needs to redeem himself by doing everything he can to persuade Luis Enrique to swap Paris for Liverpool. If that fails, then Iraola would be an acceptable alternative given his body of work in the Premier League.

David: I've got nothing against Iraola but this seems like a backwards step for Liverpool. I'd want a manager who has a proven track record of winning trophies, not one who delivers mid-table positions at the end of the season.

Paul: Iraola would be a risk. Bournemouth, and Brighton and Brentford, just seem to be a brilliantly run clubs and that no matter who comes in they punch well above their weight. When supposedly top managers leave these clubs they don't do as well as is expected of them and this could also be the case for Iraola. I think we need to try and get a more experienced coach who will immediately command the respect of the dressing room.

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he will "never forget" winning the Premier League title under Arne Slot.

The 34-year-old has won two English top-flight titles with Liverpool to date, and he personally thanked Slot - who was sacked on Saturday - for his efforts since taking charge of the club on 1 June 2024.

Van Dijk posted a picture of the pair on his Instagram story alongside the caption: "We'll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together.

"Thank you, Trainer, and best of luck to you and your family for the future."

Hugo Ekitike, who Slot signed from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £69m deal, posted his own story which read: "Thank you for everything you taught me and for the time you gave me, both on and off the pitch. I wish you all the very best, coach."

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch also took to Instagram to write: "Thank you for everything, coach! Lifting the Premier League trophy together was an incredible achievement and a moment I'll never forget. Wishing you all best for the future."

Rio Ngumoha, who was given his first Premier League start under the Dutch head coach, simply wrote: "Thank you, Gaffer" alongside a folded hands emoji, while Jeremie Frimpong posted: "Thank you for everything, coach. All the best for the future!"

BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy caught up with Liverpool.com editor Matt Addison and The Redmen TV's Ste Plunkett to discuss Arne Slot's dismissal and predict who could be next to take the reins at Anfield.

Addison said the announcement "absolutely came as a surprise" to him, adding that there is "an argument both ways" for the decision.

He added: "The playing style has certainly been a huge factor in this."

On outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is the leading contender for the job, Plunkett said: "They have been very difficult to play against because they are totally on the front foot. They ask you questions for the entire 90 minutes and their transition is electric.

"That is the type of football that re-engages the fans with the team."

Click above and below to hear the conversations in full or listen on BBC Sounds

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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There were question marks over whether the players truly believed in Arne Slot's methods.

One club source, who was also at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp's tenure, said: "Arne's a great person but you always felt he lacked that authority Jurgen had and that became more evident when things weren't going well on the pitch."

The departure of veterans Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and now Ibrahima Konate is telling too.

Slot was never going to be Klopp but he won the Premier League title at the first time of asking and deserves immense credit for that. For that alone, he will be a part of Liverpool's illustrious history.

The understanding is that FSG initially backed Slot to rebuild the supporter faith that has waned considerably during this campaign's struggles.

But, as the season concluded, the belief became that delaying the decision which looked increasingly inevitable would be unfair on the squad and damaging to preparations for 2026-27.

Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate and contact has already been made, with his immediate availability also playing a part in severing ties with Slot.

For Slot, there is no bad blood with Liverpool, but he is of the belief that he has been dealt a tough card with the situation this past season.

Liverpool's points tally fell from 84 in 2024-25 to 60 in 2025-26; with the swing of minus 24 the biggest drop by any ever-present Premier League side across two campaigns.

There was no sign of Liverpool reversing that shift in the last few months of the season.

Slot finished his first campaign lifting the Premier League trophy in front of the Kop and ended his second sitting alone in the dugout. That was six days ago, when it seemed entirely like Liverpool were sticking with the Dutchman.

But modern-day football is brutal. This is a club firmly in transition and, sadly for Slot, Liverpool want a new man to manage that change.

Liverpool and Inter Milan are in talks over a deal for Curtis Jones but the Reds want more than the proposed 20m euros (£17.3m) to sell the midfielder. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Meanwhile, Chelsea have decided against making Ibrahima Konate, who is set to leave Anfield on a free transfer, an offer, with the defender's representatives in talks with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. (Teamtalk), external

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

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Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the leading contender to replace the sacked Arne Slot at Liverpool.

The club have approached the 43-year-old Spaniard to discuss the role.

Iraola is one of the most highly rated coaches in Europe and known for his attacking style of play.

He was appointed at Bournemouth when Richard Hughes was technical director at the Cherries, a role he left in 2024 to join the Reds as sporting director.

Bournemouth finished only one place and three points behind Liverpool to qualify for next season's Europa League.

Would Iraola be the right choice? If not, why not - and who would you go for instead?

Send us your comments here