Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has agreed to join German broadcaster Magenta TV as a pundit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing his transition away from the dugout.
The 57-year-old will serve as an analyst during the tournament, adding to a growing portfolio of roles he has accepted since departing Anfield in May 2024.
He recently took up a position as Head of Global Football for the Red Bull Group and serves as an expert adviser to the German Football League.
Rumours had recently circulated suggesting the Champions League-winning coach could be heading to Real Madrid in a managerial capacity.
Shutting down managerial rumours
However, the German emphatically dismissed any suggestions of an imminent return to coaching in the Spanish capital.
“If Real Madrid had phoned, we would have heard about it by now,” he explained at a Magenta TV presentation event.
“But that’s all nonsense. They haven’t called even once, not once.”
The former Borussia Dortmund boss also insisted that his representatives have not been contacted by the reigning European champions.
An emotional Anfield return
News of his upcoming television commitments follows a highly anticipated return to Merseyside last weekend.
He acted as assistant manager for a Liverpool Legends side that played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Dortmund in a charity fixture.
The beloved tactician continues to act as an official ambassador for the LFC Foundation, maintaining his strong ties to the English club.
“Enjoyed every second. My role was definitely not to have a lot of words,” he remarked following the match.
“I was here for the Foundation and to be part of a really special experience.”
He has previously stated that if he ever returned to club management, he would never take charge of another Premier League side out of respect for Liverpool.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he has zero concerns regarding Phil Foden’s recent dip in form ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
The 25-year-old playmaker struggled to make an impact during recent international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Those underwhelming performances on England duty have sparked debate over his place in the upcoming World Cup squad.
The academy graduate has also found his domestic opportunities limited lately, starting just one of his club’s last eight fixtures.
Backing a proven winner
Despite the current challenging spell, his club manager remains completely resolute in his support.
The Catalan tactician highlighted the incredible domestic success his forward has already achieved at such a young age.
“Zero. He is 25. Six Premier Leagues. His contribution is incredible.”
“What happened is a normal process in a long, long career. A normal situation. He will make a click and it will turn.”
Addressing the Spanish rumour mill
The pre-match briefing also turned to the future of midfield anchor Rodri.
Recent comments from the influential holding player had fuelled speculation regarding a potential blockbuster switch to Real Madrid.
However, the City boss offered a characteristically blunt response to the transfer gossip.
“No opinion. I know the intentions of the club. I know, I think, the intentions of him.”
Bidding farewell to an icon
Attention then shifted to the impending visit of the Merseyside club to Manchester.
This weekend’s cup tie will mark Mohamed Salah’s final appearance at the Etihad Stadium in a visiting shirt.
Guardiola was effusive in his praise for the Egyptian forward who has terrorised opposition defences for years.
“Absolutely one of the greatest. The numbers, the consistency. What a player.”
“Incredible human being, goals, assists, absolute legend, of course for Liverpool, but the Premier League. I think it is a good moment to say goodbye to him.”
Frustrations over fixture congestion
The defending champions face an unusual break in their schedule following their recent Champions League elimination by Real Madrid.
While acknowledging the benefits of a rest, the manager criticised the intense physical demands placed on modern squads.
He admitted a preference for the chaotic rhythm of European football over empty midweeks.
“I would love to have the next week, in the midweek, to be in the Champions League and have a busy, busy schedule but unfortunately we are out.”
The focus now shifts entirely to domestic survival as they prepare for a crucial upcoming league fixture against Chelsea.
Manchester City host Liverpool in a highly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final this weekend as Barcelona face a crucial La Liga title test at Atletico Madrid.
Pep Guardiola’s side welcome their Premier League rivals to the Etihad Stadium holding a psychological advantage from two previous victories this season.
The Carabao Cup winners recently secured domestic silverware against Arsenal following a tactical masterclass from their manager.
However, out-of-form striker Erling Haaland must rediscover his scoring touch against unpredictable opposition.
Salah seeks final flourish against familiar foes
Arne Slot’s team travel to Manchester battling severe inconsistencies and growing unrest among the fanbase.
Departing forward Mohamed Salah hopes to deliver a memorable performance against the Citizens during his final season on Merseyside.
The Egyptian international boasts a remarkable record of 20 goal involvements across nine campaigns against the domestic champions.
Recent international performances from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike provide a timely boost for the current English champions ahead of this massive encounter.
I don’t think either team is doing great this season so far and both have been so inconsistent, but City at home will be hard to beat for this Liverpool side.
Julien Laurens
Catalan title ambitions face severe Metropolitano test
Attention shifts to Spain where Diego Simeone’s men aim to derail the current league leaders.
The capital club recently suffered defeat against Real Madrid but remain formidable opponents on home soil.
The visitors arrive holding a precarious four-point advantage over their fierce rivals at the division summit.
A significant injury blow complicates matters for the table-toppers following Raphinha’s recent five-week lay-off.
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has turned down the opportunity to manage Crystal Palace at the end of the season as the south London club search for Oliver Glasner’s successor.
The Eagles are actively seeking a new manager after Glasner confirmed earlier this campaign that he will depart Selhurst Park when his contract expires this summer.
Reports indicate that Palace have now been forced to move on to alternative targets after failing to lure the highly rated Spaniard away from the south coast.
Cherries confident of retaining boss
The Basque tactician is widely regarded as one of the brightest tactical minds in the Premier League and Palace viewed him as a primary candidate.
However, the Selhurst Park hierarchy increasingly believe the former Rayo Vallecano coach will only leave his current post for a team competing in European competition.
The Cherries have already offered their coveted manager a new contract, though the fresh terms currently remain unsigned.
Despite this high-profile rejection, the early confirmation of Glasner’s impending exit has provided the Eagles board with ample time to identify the right appointment.
Focus shifts to alternative candidates
With their primary target seemingly out of reach, Palace are now reportedly considering former Brentford manager Thomas Frank for the upcoming vacancy.
The Danish coach earned widespread acclaim for transforming the Bees into an established top-flight side who frequently punched above their weight.
Securing a replacement of comparable pedigree will be a crucial task for chairman Steve Parish over the coming months.
Bournemouth could also enter the market for similar managerial profiles if their current head coach eventually decides to pursue an elite opportunity elsewhere.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be sidelined until the end of the season with his latest injury setback, manager Arne Slot has confirmed.
The Brazilian international was absent from the recent Premier League trip to Brighton and will now miss crucial upcoming fixtures.
He is officially ruled out of the FA Cup clash against Manchester City and the Champions League meeting with Paris St-Germain.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Reds boss delivered a sobering update on his first-choice stopper.
“He will not be part of the PSG game either, he is out for a bit longer,” Slot stated.
“Towards the end of the season we expect him to be fit.”
Salah returns for crucial cup tie
While the news regarding the goalkeeper is a significant blow, the Anfield club have been boosted by the return of key attacking personnel.
Mohamed Salah is fit to rejoin the squad for the Manchester City tie after sitting out the recent defeat on the south coast.
The upcoming fixture marks the Egyptian forward’s first appearance since announcing his intention to leave Merseyside when his contract expires.
“Yes he is available, he trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for tomorrow,” Slot confirmed.
Isak back after lengthy absence
Alongside the returning winger, Alexander Isak is also back in full training following a broken leg suffered last December.
The Swedish striker has spent 101 days in rehabilitation and will have his match minutes carefully managed upon his integration back into the first team.
Slot was quick to urge caution regarding the forward, ruling out an immediate return to the starting lineup.
“It’ll be too soon to expect him in the starting lineup, it was first time training yesterday after 101 days out,” added the Dutch coach.
“It will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes, but we will make sure we do the right thing to build him up.”
With the possibility of extra time in the domestic cup competition, the coaching staff are reluctant to risk a premature introduction from the substitutes’ bench.
Furthermore, right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been declared fit for action, though his playing time will also be subject to strict monitoring.
Fenway Sports Group remain fully supportive of Liverpool manager Arne Slot despite a challenging domestic campaign that leaves the reigning champions fifth in the Premier League.
The Dutchman secured the title during his debut season but has struggled to replicate that phenomenal success this year.
Despite a massive £446m summer outlay on premium talents including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the Merseyside club have fallen significantly short of expectations.
Tragic circumstances and severe injuries
The club’s American ownership group firmly believe their head coach has been dealt a remarkably difficult hand over the past few months.
According to reports, the tragic loss of forward Diogo Jota during the summer deeply affected everyone connected to Anfield.
Decision-makers felt the 47-year-old demonstrated immense leadership in handling the heartbreaking situation and keeping the squad unified.
This emotional toll has been heavily compounded by long-term injuries to key personnel such as Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and marquee signing Isak.
Planning for the upcoming window
A noticeable decline in form from established stars, alongside the impending departure of Mohamed Salah, has further complicated the tactical setup.
Consequently, the hierarchy have no intention of changing leadership and are already strategising for further investment in the upcoming transfer window.
Directors are not treating the remainder of this campaign as a trial period for the former Feyenoord boss and have set no specific targets to secure his job.
Former Anfield captain Steven Gerrard has echoed this boardroom sentiment, insisting the current coach absolutely deserves time to rectify the situation.
“He has with me because I know more than anyone on the planet how difficult it is to win a league, and for him to come in and win a league, in his first season, he’s got a lot more credit with me.”
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has dropped Enzo Fernandez for the club’s next two matches after stating the midfielder crossed a line regarding team culture.
The Argentinian international will miss the upcoming fixture against Port Vale tomorrow.
He will also be absent for the highly anticipated showdown with Manchester City next Sunday.
The severe disciplinary action follows recent undisclosed comments made by the 24-year-old World Cup winner.
Maintaining standards at Stamford Bridge
Rosenior confirmed the suspension during his latest media briefing, emphasising the absolute importance of maintaining elite standards.
The Blues boss revealed that the strict decision was made collectively alongside the club’s hierarchy.
“As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday,” said Rosenior.
“A line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”
Midfield reshuffle required against champions
Fernandez’s sudden absence deals a significant blow to the West London side’s tactical plans.
The former Benfica star has been a central and expensive figure in the squad’s engine room since his record-breaking transfer.
Navigating the impending clash against Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions without him will severely test the team’s midfield depth.
Brazilian forward Neymar is facing widespread criticism after making sexist comments about male referee Savio Pereira Sampaio following Santos’ 2-0 victory over Remo.
The 34-year-old gave a controversial post-match interview where he expressed frustration at the officiating despite his team securing the win.
During the outburst, the former Al Hilal attacker suggested the match official was “on her period”.
Neymar had picked up a booking during the match after reacting angrily to a challenge from Remo midfielder Diego Hernandez.
Frustration boils over
The Brazilian international provided an assist and played a crucial role in Santos’ second goal before being named Player of the Match.
However, the veteran forward focused his post-match attention on the performance of the officials.
“He’s the kind of referee who wants to be the star of the game. He shows a great lack of respect toward all the players.”
He continued his criticism by targeting the referee with derogatory language.
“I think the referee was on her period, and that’s why he officiated the match like that.”
The winger defended his initial on-pitch reaction, claiming he was unfairly penalised after suffering repeated fouls.
“This is really unfair. I just get a nasty tackle from behind, totally unnecessary at the end of the match.”
Widespread condemnation
The derogatory remarks have sparked immediate controversy across Brazilian media and social networks.
ESPN Brazil journalist Mariana Pereira strongly condemned the player, highlighting the damaging nature of his prejudiced language.
“For years, women have been shamed for menstruating. A simple biological process seen as something dirty, hormonal fluctuations and physical pains invalidated.” Mariana Pereira
The incident occurs as the forward continues his push to secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup squad following a return from a serious knee injury.
He has recorded three goals and three assists in six matches this calendar year, though an international recall remains elusive.
Disciplinary consequences
The caution was his third yellow card in four Brasileirao appearances, triggering an automatic suspension for the upcoming fixture against Flamengo.
Authorities could also take further disciplinary action against the superstar over his post-match comments.
Last month, Red Bull Bragantino defender Gustavo Marques received a 12-match ban from the Brazilian Serie A for similar sexist comments.