Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have no plans to review manager Arne Slot’s position this summer, fully backing the Dutchman to lead the club next season despite a disappointing Premier League title defence.
The Reds currently sit fourth in the top-flight table with just two fixtures remaining.
They require two points from those final matches to secure Champions League qualification, which remains the minimum expectation for the Anfield hierarchy.
Mitigating circumstances at Anfield
The 46-year-old made an immediate impact upon his arrival by securing the 2024-25 Premier League crown.
However, a subsequent £400m squad rebuild has failed to yield the same level of domestic dominance this term.
Club executives recognise significant mitigating factors that have derailed the current campaign.
High-profile arrivals such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have struggled with prolonged injuries since joining the Merseyside outfit.
Meanwhile, marquee signing Florian Wirtz has taken considerable time to adapt to the physical demands of English football.
Summer planning already underway
The integration of numerous new starters, including Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, fundamentally disrupted the squad’s established rhythm.
A highly publicised falling out with forward Mohamed Salah also added unwanted friction to the dressing room atmosphere.
Furthermore, the playing staff was deeply affected by off-pitch tragedy, compounding an already turbulent transitional period.
Despite these varied challenges, the former Feyenoord boss remains integral to the club’s upcoming summer recruitment strategy.
End-of-season review downplayed
Senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs confirmed that internal dialogue regarding next season is progressing seamlessly.
The position, speaking to Liverpool sources, is clear and has been for quite some time, that Liverpool and FSG back Arne Slot and they’ve got a big summer ahead.
He added that a sudden reversal of this stance would be highly unexpected.
There’s ongoing dialogue and feedback, and Arne Slot is part of the summer planning.
Real Madrid are reportedly on the verge of reappointing Jose Mourinho as manager in a bid to resolve a deepening club crisis.
The Spanish giants have been in discussions with the Portuguese manager for several months following the departure of Xabi Alonso.
A £2.5m release clause in his current Benfica contract would allow the 61-year-old to complete a sensational return to the Bernabeu.
Club president Florentino Perez views the two-time Champions League winner as the ideal candidate to restore discipline to a fractured squad.
Dressing room unrest and Mbappe friction
The push for a new managerial approach follows two successive seasons without silverware for the 15-time European champions.
Tensions have escalated significantly behind the scenes, culminating in a violent training ground altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The physical confrontation reportedly left the Uruguayan midfielder requiring hospital treatment and has deeply divided the playing staff.
Furthermore, the influence of star forward Kylian Mbappe has become a major source of frustration among the fanbase.
A risky reunion for Perez
More than 70,000 supporters have recently signed a petition demanding the French World Cup winner be sold.
The former Paris St-Germain striker worsened his standing by travelling to Sardinia for a holiday while ostensibly recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mourinho previously managed Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title during a tenure heavily defined by internal controversies.
Despite recent spells at Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce, and Benfica bringing mixed results, Perez believes Mourinho’s authoritative style is now essential.
The Real Madrid hierarchy expects the experienced tactician to implement strict emotional control and forge a renewed identity.
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has confirmed the introduction of new regulations to address deficiencies from the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
The prestigious tournament concluded in controversial circumstances when the West Africans were stripped of their hard-fought title by an appeal board in March.
That drastic sanction was applied after the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest over a contentious VAR penalty awarded to the hosts during second-half injury time.
Senegal eventually returned to secure a 1-0 victory after extra time, but the trophy was subsequently handed to their North African opponents.
New regulations implemented
The South African official insists that decisive steps have now been taken by the governing body to ensure such chaotic scenes are never repeated.
Those controversial events in Rabat also included stadium security clashing with fans and widespread accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct surrounding a goalkeeper’s towel.
“We’ve recognised what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents we had in Morocco.”
“We’ve introduced new laws, new regulations which will ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
The 64-year-old acknowledged that while progress has been made in building trust around refereeing technology, significant structural challenges remain.
Reputational damage and appeals
The unprecedented decision to overturn the on-pitch result drew intense international criticism and severely dented the organisation’s global credibility.
Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker publicly branded the situation an “embarrassment” that allowed the sporting world to mock the continent.
The Senegalese Football Federation swiftly labelled the ruling a “robbery” and immediately escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In response to the severe reputational fallout, the recently re-elected president embarked on a diplomatic tour of both nations to repair fractured relationships.
“We are waiting for the judgement of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and African football is continuing to grow and develop.”
“Whatever decision comes, we will respect and implement.”
Former wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the England men’s national team ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
The 36-year-old will take on the groundbreaking role in Ben Stokes’ set-up next month.
This move marks a watershed moment, representing the most senior female coaching appointment in the history of the major England men’s side.
She temporarily steps in for previous fielding consultant Carl Hopkinson, who is currently involved with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
A history of breaking barriers
The 2017 World Cup winner is no stranger to shattering glass ceilings within the sport.
She previously made history by becoming the first woman to play first-grade men’s cricket in Australia when she took the gloves for Northern Districts.
The celebrated player also joined the Sussex men’s coaching staff in 2021 to assist their wicketkeepers.
During this winter, the experienced specialist worked as an assistant coach for the England Lions in Australia under Andrew Flintoff.
Earning global recognition
Widely regarded as an exceptional talent during her playing days, her technical skills garnered immense praise from elite peers.
“The best wicketkeeper in the world.”
That was the ultimate compliment paid by Australian great Adam Gilchrist.
The legendary wicketkeeper famously stressed that his assessment of her ability was made entirely without reference to gender.
Focusing on the New Zealand series
During the upcoming three-match series against the Black Caps, she will work closely with wicketkeepers Jamie Smith and James Rew.
Her extensive international experience is expected to provide invaluable insights as the national side prepares for a crucial overseas test.
Former West Ham coach Stuart Pearce believes the club can still secure Premier League survival and relegate London rivals Tottenham on the final day of the season.
Pearce insists his old employers remain firmly in the mix to avoid the drop despite a narrow defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Spurs failed to capitalise on that result after being held to a draw by Leeds United on Monday evening.
The gap between the two capital clubs currently stands at just two points.
Final day drama looms
The Hammers must navigate a trip to Newcastle United this weekend before concluding their campaign against Leeds.
Meanwhile, the North Londoners face a tough test against Chelsea ahead of a decisive final-day clash with Everton.
Pearce suggested that Everton manager David Moyes could inadvertently save his former club by securing a positive result against Spurs.
“West Ham have got to win both games and keep their fingers crossed that other things help them,” Pearce stated.
Capitalising on home struggles
“But West Ham and Spurs are back in the mix.”
A poor start to the campaign has proved incredibly costly for the East London outfit.
However, their bitter rivals are in a precarious position due to a disastrous run of form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Lilywhites have yet to register a home league victory in this calendar year.
Relying on key figures
Conversely, the Toffees have proven to be a resilient force on their travels.
Despite historic grumbles regarding the atmosphere at the London Stadium, Pearce knows the supporters will rally if the team delivers.
“When the fans have something to shout about, that place gets going,” the 62-year-old noted.
The former England international highlighted Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek as crucial figures in the looming relegation scrap.
Both midfielders were brought to the club during Moyes’ tenure and have consistently demonstrated their immense work ethic.
“Those two have got work ethic, they’ve got the club at heart,” Pearce concluded.
Rory McIlroy has cut short a practice round ahead of the PGA Championship due to an ongoing toe blister, though the four-time major champion insists he is fit to compete.
The Northern Irishman was forced to abandon his preparations at Aronimink on Tuesday as he continues to battle the unconventional injury.
It follows a visible limp at the Truist Championship earlier this month, where the golfer first revealed the extent of the problem.
Frustrating foot problem
Speaking at his previous tournament, the former world number one explained the precise nature of the painful issue.
Yeah, I’ve got a blister on my pinky toe. But it’s underneath my nail. So I can’t really get to it.
Despite the physical setback, he remains determined to secure a third PGA Championship title this week.
Echoes of St Andrews absence
The current scare evokes memories of a much more severe injury that forced him to withdraw from The Open Championship in 2015.
Nearly a decade ago, the Ryder Cup star ruptured an ankle ligament while playing football with friends in Northern Ireland.
That freak incident remains the only time in a professional career spanning almost 20 years that he has missed one of golf’s four premium events.
Following widespread criticism at the time, he delivered a defiant response defending his right to a normal life off the course.
I’m not going to stop doing what I do. I enjoy having that normality in my life, something that I’ve done since I was a kid, and I won’t stop doing that.
He explained that the severe ankle sprain occurred simply because his left boot became stuck in the turf during a casual kickabout.
It can happen walking off a tee box. It can happen falling off a curb on the side of the street. It can happen doing anything.
Missing the 2015 tournament at his favourite venue ultimately provided a profound shift in perspective for the global sports star.
The Iraq Football Association has strongly denied rumours that five of its national team players had their entry visas refused by the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Speculation had suggested a handful of squad members, including Luton Town forward Ali al-Hamadi, were blocked from entering the host nation.
However, a senior official within the camp has moved quickly to quash the false reports.
“The news is false, and the truth is that all the national team players have obtained entry visas to America.”
Hussein al-Khorasani confirmed the clearance on behalf of association president Adnan Darjal on Wednesday.
Political tensions prompt tournament anxieties
Visa regulations have become a significant talking point ahead of the upcoming 48-team global showpiece.
Tightened border controls under US President Donald Trump have sparked anxiety among participating nations with strained diplomatic relations.
The Iranian football federation also recently issued a statement to reaffirm their involvement amid escalating conflict with the host country.
“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account.”
The neighbouring nation added that no external power could deprive them of their merited place at the finals.
Historic return awaits after four decades
The June tournament marks a massive milestone for the Middle Eastern side, who secured their qualification by defeating Bolivia in April.
It will be their first appearance at football’s premier international event in 40 years.
The squad faces a formidable challenge in the group stage after being drawn against France, Senegal and Norway.
With logistical hurdles seemingly cleared, the team can now fully focus on their opening fixtures.
European captain Luke Donald has expressed his delight that Jon Rahm will be eligible for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor following the resolution of his DP World Tour dispute.
The two-time major champion had faced missing the biennial contest in Ireland due to ongoing conflicts surrounding his lucrative move to LIV Golf.
However, a recent agreement ensures he retains his traditional tour membership, mirroring a deal signed by eight other breakaway players in February.
Donald is thrilled to have the powerful ball-striker at his disposal as Europe looks towards future campaigns.
Resolving tour tensions
Rahm previously accused the DP World Tour of extortion regarding heavy fines levied against him.
Despite those inflammatory comments, the European skipper believes any lingering tension within the team room can be easily resolved.
“I think time is certainly on our side. It’s 18 months until the Ryder Cup,” Donald explained ahead of the US PGA Championship.
The former world number one noted that finalising an agreement early removes pressure and allows relationships to mend naturally.
“When it comes to the Ryder Cup in the team room, I think they’re all pretty aligned,” he added.
“I like to use the phrase ‘Even brothers fight sometimes’. But deep down, they love each other and the mission is pretty clear.”
Uncertainty surrounds LIV Golf
The wider qualification landscape remains clouded by the precarious future of the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.
Recent reports suggest Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund intends to withdraw financial backing from the breakaway tour by the end of the year.
Consequently, the English captain is delaying any firm decisions on future selection criteria until the summer.
“We don’t really know what’s going to happen with LIV. I don’t try and make decisions on things that are unknown,” Donald stated.
A serendipitous captaincy
Donald is currently preparing for a third stint leading the European side after being persuaded by his players to return.
He originally inherited the prestigious role in 2023 only after Henrik Stenson was stripped of the position for defecting to the LIV setup.
Reflecting on his journey, the 46-year-old acknowledged the unique circumstances that led to his highly successful tenure.
“I’m a big believer that things happen for a reason. I know there was a lot of people probably in line in front of me that went to LIV and obviously gave up that opportunity,” he concluded.