Coote, who was sacked by the Premier League in December 2024, has been further sanctioned by the FA for an “aggravated breach” of rule E3.2, because of the reference he made to Klopp’s nationality in the video.

The clip, which was filmed around July 2020, was leaked online in November 2024.

Coote admitted the charge.

The FA’s written reasons for the verdict said Coote expressed “deep remorse” and acknowledged his comments were “crass and inappropriate”.

As well as his suspension, Coote must undergo a mandatory face-to-face education programme.

The 42-year-old was initially suspended in November 2024 when the online clip showed him making derogatory comments about Klopp and Liverpool.

He was sacked a month later by Premier League referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following an investigation into his conduct.

Coote was also banned in February by Uefa from officiating in European competition until 30 June 2026.

A video – separate to the one in which he made reference to Klopp’s nationality – emerged in November of Coote sniffing a white powder when he was on duty at Euro 2024, which is organised by Uefa.

He revealed in January that he was gay, and had hidden his sexuality during his professional career through fear of abuse.

Coote, who did not attend the hearing, said he thought he was speaking in a “private” setting when he made the comments about Klopp and Liverpool.

In June, Coote was cleared of any gambling misconduct following claims that he discussed issuing a yellow card to a player prior to a match.

However, Coote accepted that the video in which he made remarks about Klopp, which was filmed after the UK emerged from the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, was “likely to cause hurt and reputational damage” once it entered the public domain.

He said the pandemic and the years since had significantly impacted his mental health.

Former Liverpool manager Klopp criticised the tournament in June, which has been moved to the summer and expanded to 32 teams.

However, ex-Arsenal manager Wenger, now Fifa’s chief of global football development, said the Club World Cup has the full support of the teams, players and managers involved.

When asked about Klopp’s comments, Wenger said: “I am going to give a very boring answer to a very interesting question. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I don’t share the view of Jurgen Klopp at all.

“I feel a Club World Cup is needed. If you make enquiries to all the clubs who were here then 100% of answers would be that they would want to do it again. That’s the best answer of what the clubs think of a Club World Cup.

“And the decisive question is do the fans like it or not? We believe the attendances were projected as low and in reality were much higher. The answer is there.”

Fifa is also planning to learn lessons in how to deal with the heat and improve the pitches before the pan-North American World Cup in 2026, which will have most of its games in the United States.

“The heat in some games was a problem but we tried to combat that with cooling breaks, watering the pitches during the break and overall I feel we learned a lot on that front,” Wenger said.

“In two different venues [there was a problem], one of them was Orlando. But we shouldn’t underestimate the quality of the permanent [real grass] pitches.

“The grass is a bit different here. It’s a bit harsher or more resistant than in other countries. The pitches were ‘flat’. But once we watered the grass, everyone was happy.

“Certainly next year in stadiums there will also be more with roofs and the TV times will be more sensitive. At the same time, the weather conditions can be a problem for everybody.

“I asked our analysts to analyse the impact of the heat. We found heat of over 35C had an impact on high-speed running, so sprints, not distances. You have to be equipped to deal with it.”

Chelsea face Paris St-Germain in the final of the competition at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

The German is now Red Bull’s head of global soccer and one of their teams, Red Bull Salzburg, qualified for this summer’s tournament in the United States.

Klopp has often complained about players’ workload and fixture congestion, and days before the Club World Cup, global players’ union Fifpro released a report saying players should be allowed at least a four-week off-season break.

This year’s Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams and 48 games, and saw Salzburg knocked out in the group stage.

During an exclusive interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Klopp talked about the expanded format and player development.

“It’s all about the game and not the surrounding events – and that’s why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard,” he said.

“People who have never had or do not have anything to do with day-to-day business anymore are coming up with something.

“There is insane money for participating, but it’s also not for every club.

“Last year it was the Copa [America] and the European Championship, this year it’s the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup. That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally.”

In September, a week prior to suffering an ACL injury, Manchester City midfielder Rodri said players were close to going on strike because of the increase in games, while team-mate Manuel Akanji suggested he would have to retire aged 30 as a result of the lack of breaks in the calendar.

In October, Fifpro filed a legal complaint with the European Commission over what it said was Fifa’s “abuse of dominance”, specifically related to the Club World Cup, and Fifpro representatives met with Fifa over the fixture calendar in January.

Klopp added: “I have serious fears, that players will suffer injuries they’ve never had before next season. If not next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterwards.

“We constantly expect the players to go into every game as if it were their last. We tell them that 70 or 75 times a year. But it can’t go on like this.

“We have to make sure they have breaks, because if they don’t get them, they won’t be able to deliver top performances – and if they can’t achieve that anymore, the entire product loses value.”

Senior Fifa sources told BBC Sport earlier this month the protection of player welfare has been at the core of decision-making, pointing to initiatives such as a fund for players, additional substitutes in competitions and permanent concussion substitutes.

Suggestions the competition has contributed to further congestion in the fixture calendar were firmly dismissed, with a source saying it was “not caused by the Club World Cup”.

It was pointed out that a maximum of seven Club World Cup games will be played by two teams every four years, with the slot for the competition replacing the one previously used for the Fifa Confederations Cup.

Wirtz fee ‘insane’ but he can ‘give something great’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Florian Wirtz surpassed Darwin Nunez (£85m deal in 2022) to become Liverpool’s most expensive signing

Klopp ended his nine-year spell as Liverpool boss last summer before his successor, Arne Slot, won the Premier League title in his first season in charge.

The Reds have since spent big on recruitment, signing Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record £116m deal.

“There’s no question about it, that’s an insane sum,” said Klopp. “We all agree that we’re talking about a great player here.

“I know I once said that I’m out if we pay 100m euros for a player. But the world keeps changing. That is how the market is.

“My part of football will always remain the game itself, but if you want to play at the top level, you can’t train all your players yourself. Sometimes you need to get hold [of players from] somewhere else.”

Asked if Wirtz, 22, will establish himself at Anfield, Klopp added: “Yes, although of course I don’t know exactly which position Arne has in mind for Florian.

“He’s an outstanding player who can give any club something great. Whether he’ll make the reigning English champions even better remains to be seen.”

Could Klopp return to coaching?

Klopp began leading Red Bull’s global football strategy in January, when he said he will not coach one of their teams.

The 58-year-old remains adamant he will not return to coaching, even on a temporary basis, such as when German club RB Leipzig sacked Marco Rose in March. Ole Werner was named his successor last week.

“My gut feeling tells me: ‘No’,” said Klopp. “I loved my job, but I don’t miss anything.

“It’s about my role at Red Bull, where I’m not the sword of Damocles hanging over our coaches, true to the motto: I’ll tell you how it’s done, and if you don’t understand, I’ll do it myself.

“That will never happen. Red Bull didn’t bring me in as a potential coach. I’m supposed to pass on the experience I’ve gained as a head coach and manager, and help younger colleagues develop.”

The German, who left Liverpool at the end of last season, has received a lot of criticism for joining Red Bull – especially among fans of his former club Borussia Dortmund.

In 2009, Red Bull caused controversy in German football when it took over fifth-division SSV Markranstadt and turned the club into RB Leipzig.

The Austrian company owns Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino and recently acquired a stake in Leeds United.

While not technically owning RB Leipzig, it is also financing the Bundesliga team, who have been branded the “most hated club in Germany” and faced regular protests by opposition fans – ranging from boycotting games to the arrest of 28 Dortmund fans for throwing cans and stones at rival supporters in 2017.

Speaking on the podcast of former Germany, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, Klopp said: “You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be.

“I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.

“I am 57 and can still work a few more years, but I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was clear for me that I would do something – so then Red Bull came.”

Klopp added he had never viewed Red Bull’s involvement in football “so critically” and called his new role, which he will begin in January, a “fantastic” opportunity while criticism from German football fans was “not hugely relevant to me”.

“I can’t poll the fans and ask them, ‘what should I do?’ If I had gone to Bayern [Munich], there would have been a huge outcry in Dortmund,” he added.

“What should I do? I want to keep working. If you organise your life around trying to please everyone, you’ll find you fail every day.”

Klopp also reiterated he did not see himself making a return to management, even at international level with Germany.

“My only real option would have been to become a coach of a national side, but I don’t want to be a coach any more,” he said.

The 57-year-old German will begin the role on 1 January 2025.

“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” said Klopp.

“The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.”

Energy drinks brand Red Bull owns RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga, Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg and Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls, as well as Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino.

It also took a minority stake in Championship side Leeds and became the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor earlier this year.

Red Bull says Klopp will not be involved in day-to-day operations but will advise teams on playing philosophy, transfer strategy and coaching development.

“Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, the company’s CEO of corporate projects and investments.

“In his role as head of soccer, he will be a game-changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development.”​​​​​​​

Klopp won eight trophies in nine years at Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, before stepping down at the end of last season.

He began his managerial career at Mainz in 2001 before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2008, where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final.

He resigned in May 2015 to take a sabbatical but cut it short to succeed Brendan Rodgers at Anfield in October that year.

Red Bull has invested in ice hockey, extreme sports, motorsports and two teams in Formula 1, with Red Bull Racing currently holding both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in the sport.

A news conference formally announcing Klopp’s appointment will take place in mid-January.

The German is among those to have been linked with the vacancy since Gareth Southgate stepped down after England’s defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

Klopp, 57, left Liverpool at the end of last season saying he was “running out of energy” after nine years with the Reds during which he delivered the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup.

Appearing at the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Germany, Klopp was asked if there were any offers on the table.

“At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country,” he said.

“England? That would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if I said I’ll make an exception for you.”

On Tuesday, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, who has also been linked with England, said he has not had contact with the Football Association over the job.

“Absolutely no contact whatsoever from anybody – and I’m fully committed to Newcastle,” said Howe, when asked about England during Newcastle’s pre-season trip to Japan.

England’s first game following Southgate’s departure will be against Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 September in the Uefa Nations League.

As well as Howe, England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley has been linked with the job along with former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel, who most recently managed Bayern Munich.​​​​​​​

‘I still want to work in football’

Klopp, who spent seven years in charge of Borussia Dortmund before taking the Liverpool job in 2015, did not rule out a return to coaching in future.

“Let’s see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment,” he said.

“As of today, that’s it for me as a coach. I didn’t quit on a whim, it was a general decision.

“I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world. Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months.

“I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.”

Klopp was at Wembley on 1 June as Borussia Dortmund’s guest for the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Liverpool have appointed Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as Klopp’s replacement.

Slot was announced as Klopp’s successor in May following the German’s decision to step down.

Klopp won one Premier League title during his nine years at Anfield but finished second behind Guardiola’s City by a point on two occasions, while City also beat the Reds in the 2016 EFL Cup final.

Slot, who rejected interest from the Premier League in 2023 when he was linked with Tottenham, says the competition between the two managers replaced Real Madrid-Barcelona as the biggest rivalry in Europe.

“I think for everyone who loves football it was a fantastic era to watch the both of them getting the best out of each other,” the Dutchman told Liverpool’s website.

“Liverpool came along and – like I just told you about the rivalry between City and Liverpool and the many games we as football fans saw – it wasn’t a difficult choice to make.”

The 45-year-old spent three years at Feyenoord and had planned to stay for a further season before Liverpool’s approach.

The Dutchman spoke with Klopp following his appointment but stressed he will look to implement his own methods at the club.

“He gave me more than a few good tips but I think what stood out for me was that he was so happy for me and that – and I think he said this in the media as well – he would be my biggest fan from now on because he supports Liverpool in the best possible way, and you don’t see this very often,” he said.

Slot, who revealed he had watched several videos of Klopp’s training sessions since joining the club, will manage the Reds for the first time in a friendly against Real Betis on 27 July.

Liverpool start their Premier League season with a trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on 17 August.

Liverpool’s fans made it their business to dedicate the whole occasion to giving thanks and paying tribute to the manager who has brought such success to the club in a nine-year reign.

And Klopp’s players delivered their part of the bargain with a comfortable three points in an atmosphere that was part carnival and part a sad farewell to the German, who was given a rapturous reception before kick-off and serenaded throughout.

Liverpool owner John W Henry flew in from Boston to pay his own tribute to Klopp, whose crowning achievements were winning the Champions League in 2019 – the club’s sixth win in the tournament – and their first league title in 30 years the following season.

The game itself was almost a sideshow.

Alex Mac Allister headed Liverpool ahead in the 34th minute from Harvey Elliott’s cross, and Jarell Quansah added a second from almost on the goalline six minutes later as they finished the season third in the Premier League after winning the Carabao Cup.

The goals came after Wolves had Nelson Semedo sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh after a Video Assistant Referee review for a high challenge on Mac Allister.

The Kop led the deafening tributes to Klopp as he cut a low-key-figure during the game, rarely prowling the touchline, preferring to stay seated alongside his loyal long-term assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders, who will both leave Anfield with him.

It will now be the task of Klopp’s successor Arne Slot to build on the outstanding legacy he will take up.

Salah clashed with Klopp as he was about to come on during last weekend’s 2-2 draw at West Ham.

The Egypt forward, 31, declined interview requests after the game, saying: “There’s going to be a fire today if I speak.”

But Klopp said on Friday: “There’s no problem. We are absolutely fine with it. It’s a non-story.”

Klopp, who has already announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, started Salah on the bench at West Ham and introduced him as a 79th-minute substitute.

Hammers forward Michail Antonio made it 2-2 as Salah was waiting to come on and the draw all but ended Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes.

Salah seemed frustrated at something Klopp said and was shepherded away by team-mates Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez.

“I think we have the right to deal with these things completely independent of any expectations from the outside,” Klopp added.

“If we didn’t know each other for that long I am not sure how we would deal with it but we have known each other for that long and respect each other so much that it’s really no problem.

“The best situation would be everyone is in the best place, we win the games and score loads of goals then yes, the situation probably would not have been like that because Mo wouldn’t have been on the bench in the first place. It all depends on each other.”

Salah had been dropped for the game and clashed with Klopp as he prepared to come on as a 79th-minute substitute.

The draw leaves Liverpool, who are out of the Europa League, five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Sutton felt the incident did not reflect well on the 31-year-old, who is the Reds’ top scorer this season with 24 goals but has not been at his best in recent games.

“I didn’t like it but I think Mo Salah is the one who was out of order,” Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.

“He is no different to any of his Liverpool team-mates and the truth is his form hasn’t been good since he has come back from the injury.

“It is nothing against Salah and the brilliant player he has been at Liverpool. He has been phenomenal but I think there is a line and unfortunately for him he crossed it.”

Klopp, who is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, brought Salah to Anfield in June 2017 and he has consistently been one of his most influential players.

But Sutton believes Klopp was well within his rights to choose the first XI he felt gave Liverpool the best chance of securing victory.

“You can’t live on the past,” added Sutton.

“It is the here and now and Klopp decided to leave him out. That is his prerogative. He is the manager and Salah is no different to the rest of his team-mates.”

Salah seemed frustrated at something Klopp said to him as he was about to be brought on, and seemed to want to prolong the altercation before team-mates Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez shepherded him away.

Afterwards, Salah declined interview requests, saying: “There’s going to be a fire today if I speak.”

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman also felt the incident did not reflect well on the Egypt forward.

“If you act like that you are showing disrespect to your team-mates as well as the manager by basically saying ‘I should definitely be playing before them’,” Osman said.

“Yes he has been their best player but you are all part of the squad, you all rotate for the most part, you shake hands when you go off the field because you have the same goal to try and win football matches.

“It is a sad end to the run they have had and the relationship they have had.”

The Reds are in talks with the Dutch club about recruiting Slot to replace Klopp, who is leaving at the end of the season.

Slot confirmed on Thursday that he hopes to get the Anfield job and that “the clubs are in negotiations”.

“I like a lot about it if he is the one who wants to take the job,” said Klopp.

“I like the way his team play football, all the things I hear about him as a guy say he’s a good guy.

“I like that a lot – good guy, good coach and looking forward for the club if he is the solution. I’m more than happy, it sounds all really good.”

The attacking style of the 45-year-old and his ability to develop players, along with his personality, are believed to appeal to Liverpool.

Slot led Feyenoord to the 2022-23 Eredivisie title, while this season they have won the Dutch Cup and are set to finish second in their league.

Asked about the job Slot would be taking on if appointed, Klopp added: “Best job in the world, best club in the world. Now it looks like [Slot is] helped by [Liverpool] not finishing on a high so there’s space for improvement.”

Liverpool’s defeat by Everton on Wednesday severely dented their Premier League title hopes.

It was a second defeat in three games for the Reds, who have earned just four points from the last 12 on offer.

They are three points behind leaders Arsenal and two behind second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

“I cannot sit here and say they still feel us around,” said Klopp, whose side are away at West Ham on Saturday (12:30 BST).

“I’m pretty sure Arsenal and City see it as a two-horse race. They might have to say something else publicly, but they don’t expect for themselves to lose two games from now on, I don’t think so.

“I don’t expect them to do that. If they do it, then we would be completely silly if we were not around.

“I don’t think it will happen but, if it happens, then we should be there. That means we have to win our games – starting with West Ham.

“Don’t get me wrong, nobody gave up but we just need to be realistic.”

Liverpool lost at Goodison Park for the first time since 2010 as Everton ran out 2-0 winners.

The result leaves Liverpool second in the table, three points behind leaders Arsenal and one ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

Asked whether Liverpool can still win the title with just four games left to play, Klopp told Sky Sports: “Arsenal and Manchester City must have a very bad moment.

“I don’t know. I can only apologise for today to the people. We should have done better but we didn’t and that’s why we lost.”

Liverpool had plenty of possession but couldn’t find a way through Everton’s defence.

Klopp admitted his side were “not good enough” and that the game became “free-kick after free-kick” which played into Everton’s hands.

“We let it happen, let it become exactly the game Everton wanted, two goals from set pieces,” he said.

“We created a lot and didn’t score, and then second half, emotions, we are in a rush, not really clear enough. It was free-kick after free-kick. That was part of the story. But we weren’t good enough.

“Obviously it’s not the greatest moment we are in but you fight through and use your moments to get the momentum back… we tried but it was not easy and in the end it’s not good enough.

“If you win you can have 500 reasons and when you lose it’s just not good enough, that’s how it is.”

VAN DIJK: EVERYONE MUST LOOK IN THE MIRROR

Liverpool have now won just two of their last six games in all competitions.

They had chances against Everton, especially in the first half, but also struggled at times to match the hosts’ intensity and physicality.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said his side needed to do “much better”.

“Very disappointed in so many ways,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think everyone has to look in the mirror, look at their own performance and if they really gave everything. Do they really want to win the league?

“We are fighting, there are games after tonight, but play like we did overall in the game like today… not winning challenges and giving the ref an opportunity to give a free-kick like he did many times, then you have no chance to win a title.

“It’s a tough one and we need to do much better against a side that’s [fighting] relegation. We had clear-cut chances in the first half that we should have scored but we weren’t good enough and it starts with the fight. We can’t let the season go out like this.”

Klopp announced in January he would leave Anfield at the end of the season and the Reds have been conducting extensive research around a number of candidates.

The 45-year-old, who led Feyenoord to the 2022-23 Eredivisie title, has emerged as a candidate who fits Liverpool’s criteria.

Feyenoord have won the Dutch Cup this season and are second in the Eredivisie.

The decision to appoint Slot has not been made but he has become a strong candidate to succeed Klopp.

He was linked with Leeds United after they sacked manager Jesse Marsch, while Slot also ruled himself out of contention for the Tottenham Hotspur job last summer before Ange Postecoglou took over.

Slot then extended his contract with Feyenoord until 2026.

At the time he was being linked with Spurs, he said: “The next step will not be another club in Holland. If that is the next step, I’ve failed completely in the upcoming few years.

“A normal next step would be to go abroad and I’ve always said that the best league in the world is the Premier League.”

The attacking style of Slot, who is also thought to be interesting Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and his ability to develop players are believed to appeal to Liverpool.

Slot became Feyenoord head coach in December 2020 after leaving AZ Alkmaar, where he enjoyed success in his first managerial position.

The former midfielder spent his entire playing career in the Netherlands, making more than 100 appearances for both FC Zwolle and NAC Breda.

Xabi Alonso was linked with the Anfield job but the former Reds midfielder announced in March he would stay on at Bayer Leverkusen, who have since become German champions.

Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim was another name heavily linked but he is believed to have fallen out of the running.

Klopp, who will leave the Reds at the end of the season, gave Alexander-Arnold his first-team debut in October 2016 shortly after the Anfield club’s academy product turned 18.

The 25-year-old has gone on to make more than 300 appearances for the Reds and won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup.

Alexander-Arnold, who was made vice-captain by Klopp last summer, has also developed into a player who regularly moves into midfield for Liverpool because of his creative ability.

“He has been a fantastic player from the first day,” said Klopp prior to Liverpool’s Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday. “An outstanding talent and he has turned into a world-class football player.

“It is rare as a manager that you are part of a journey for such a long time. Trent has never had a different manager so it will be good for him to get new influences in the future. But he can be happy with the steps he has made.”

Alexander-Arnold scored with a terrific free-kick – another string to his bow – in Liverpool’s 3-1 win at Fulham on Sunday as Klopp’s team kept their Premier League title hopes very much alive.

“I have nothing bad to say about Trent and his development,” Klopp said. “He is one of these stories that not a lot of clubs can write, but he is someone people will talk about in 20, 30 and 40 years.”

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 at Anfield in the first leg but Klopp refused to admit defeat in the tie.

The German oversaw the Reds’ famous Champions League comeback from the same deficit against Barcelona in 2019.

“I’m long enough in this business to know that it’s two legs,” he said.

“It’s over when it’s over. We are allowed to play tomorrow which means it has our 1,000% focus. We are only here for one reason.”

The Europa League is the only available trophy Klopp has failed to win in his time at Liverpool and he referred to what he told the players prior to their 4-0 victory over Barcelona five years ago as he considered what was needed to stay in the competition.

“I remember that I said, ‘if we fail, let’s do it in the most beautiful way’ – and that’s exactly how I see it again,” he added.

“We want to win the game but if we want to win then we’d better play good. If you play good then we have a chance to win it. We will see.

“I cannot win the game in this press conference. That’s why I’m not really interested in the questions you are asking and what I’m answering as well. When I leave this room, finally, that is when it starts.”

Liverpool will be without Conor Bradley, who suffered an ankle injury in the home loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Klopp expecting the full-back to return to training at the start of May.

Meanwhile, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has also warned his team against complacency as they bid to reach just their second European semi-final and first since the 1988 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

“I expect the best Liverpool possible, with a team that will come here to play all its chances. We will have to play a great game to get a result,” Gasperini said.

“We know that it will be one of the most important games in our history, if not the most important.

“But these are things that are said on the eve of the game, then comes the moment when we will have to know how to isolate ourselves.”

Klopp urged Liverpool to “stay calm” after losing the Premier League leadership this weekend, drawing 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United could yet help Klopp’s side, as they host Arsenal – the new leaders – on the season’s penultimate weekend.

However, Klopp fears United need to up their game if they are to halt Mikel Arteta’s side.

“Probably,” said the Liverpool boss, when asked if he would be cheering for United on 11 May. “If we are still around then that would be great.

“But Arsenal are a good football team. If they [United] play like today, Arsenal will win the game, I am 100% sure. I am sorry to say that.”

Sunday’s match was Liverpool second visit to Old Trafford in three weeks – and they had a total of 53 shots over those two matches, yet won neither. They were beaten 4-3 in an FA Cup quarter-final on 17 March, and have now dropped what could be two crucial Premier League points in their battle with Arsenal and Manchester City.

“It is a fact we should have won both games but didn’t,” Klopp said.

Nevertheless, he added that Liverpool supporters should not lose faith in their club’s ability to mark the German’s final season at Anfield by winning a record-equalling 20th title.

“To the whole Liverpool community, just stay calm,” he said.

Liverpool’s goal difference is nine inferior to Arsenal, while they are a point ahead of Manchester City.

Whilst some of their remaining fixtures offer the opportunity to improve on that front, Klopp feels it would be a mistake to focus on that.

He said: “People will tell us we need to better our goal difference and to go for that but that would be the dumbest thing we could do. That doesn’t happen on purpose, you don’t go into a game wanting to score eight goals and it happens.

“I knew it would be super tricky until the end. We were until yesterday whichever time we were top, now it’s Arsenal and – I don’t know when – then it may be somebody else.

“I’m not over the moon about it. It’s not the best result I have ever seen but I am fine with it. You shouldn’t do what we do today constantly, that won’t be enough. Definitely not. But we know that.

“We want to be there after the last matchday. It’s obviously better to be there the whole time and have distance between you and the others. But we will keep going with all that we have.”

Kambwala steps into ‘old soldiers’ shoes

United boss Erik ten Hag was full of praise for teenage defender Willy Kambwala.

The France youth international, 19, was paired with Harry Maguire in central defence for only his second senior start after Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both suffered injuries during Thursday’s defeat at Chelsea.

Ten Hag said neither was likely to return any time soon and with Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof sidelined for a month, Kambwala is likely to get an extended run in the side.

“When old soldiers die, new ones have to come in,” said Ten Hag.

“Willy is training with us for a long time. He started at West Ham [in December] and did very good and his progress is amazing.

“We didn’t have any doubts. We were convinced he could do the job. It’s another signal and message for the future of Manchester United.”

It came shortly after Liverpool had edged past Brighton to go top of the Premier League table when the managers passed each other again during their round of post-match interviews.

“I told De Zerbi to keep turning the football world upside down,” Klopp told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked what he had said to the Italian.

“I will watch it from some distance. I respect so much what he’s doing.”

But where will the soon-to-depart Liverpool boss, who is taking a break from the game at the end of the season, be watching De Zerbi ply his trade?

It remains a possibility that the Brighton manager could be Klopp’s replacement at Anfield.

The 44-year-old Italian has become hot property after leading the Seagulls to a sixth-place finish last season and bringing European football to the club for the first time.

With doubts over his Brighton future continuing, De Zerbi was already among the favourites to take over from Klopp.

But his chances have seemingly increased since Xabi Alonso – who was seen as the frontrunner – decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

Klopp might not have a say in who his replacement will be, but the great esteem he holds for De Zerbi would not have gone unnoticed by the Liverpool hierarchy.

“It is incredible what he has done,” added the German.

“Brighton have lost Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, they have lots of injuries, but he puts a team like that together. An incredible job.”

Klopp’s relief came after his side fought back from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Anfield which put them top of the Premier League – at least until Manchester City and Arsenal met later on Sunday.

After their title rivals played out a goalless draw, Liverpool stayed top on 67 points with nine rounds of games remaining. Arsenal are second on 65 points, City remain third on 64 points.

But securing that cushion was hard going for Liverpool against a Brighton side who are well drilled in understanding De Zerbi’s demands.

Brighton made the perfect start by scoring through Danny Welbeck’s thumping strike after 87 seconds, then defended deeply and disciplined while patiently picking the right moments to counter-attack.

“We played the best game against them since we face each other, so I like that even more,” said Klopp, who earned his first win over De Zerbi in five attempts.

Some had billed the game as an Anfield audition for the former Shakhtar Donetsk manager. While his team ended up losing, De Zerbi said they “played well” and “showed their best” against one of the leading teams in the Premier League.

Brighton have not been able to hit the same heights as last season, impacted by the added Europa League games and a host of injuries to key players stretching De Zerbi’s squad.

Yet they still sit ninth in the Premier League and remain in the hunt for back-to-back European qualification.

De Zerbi remains contracted at Brighton until 2026 but has not been shy in expressing his demands to owner Tony Bloom if he is going to stay.

“I am lucky because I have a clear idea and in my life I decide always what I want to do,” he said.

“I will speak with Tony and the club and we will find a solution together without problems but I know my future and what I want.

“I want to compete and keep my ambition high because my life is football. I want to wake up happy every morning and fight to reach the maximum.”

Edwards, 44, was appointed by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football on Tuesday.

He previously spent 11 years at Liverpool, including six years as sporting director, before leaving the club in the summer of 2022.

“It is the best club in the world and I am still leaving,” Klopp said.

“I just want this club to do as well as possible with the best people in charge and Michael is a top choice.”

In the six years with Edwards as sporting director and Klopp as manager, Liverpool won the Champions League and Club World Cup, as well as the Premier League in 2019-20 – the club’s first league title for 30 years.

Although Edwards has recently spoken to Klopp, there was no attempt to persuade the German to stay on at Anfield.

“We had that conversation, [but] that is not a subject to talk about. Can you imagine I changed my mind? Of course not,” added Klopp.

“It would be like what I said about never ever having another club in England then next year I signed for our neighbours or whatever. It’s crazy.

“I don’t say these things without thinking before. I just want the club to do as good as somehow possible. I am really sure there is a good basis with the right people in charge. Michael is a top choice.”

Klopp added: “Michael and I always had a really good relationship. Very good on a professional basis anyway. Really good. A lot of good things happened in the time when we were here together.

“We spoke about a lot of things, what I think about players, what needs to change and a really good talk. I am really happy. I want it to be the best possible place after I leave. I think it is a top solution and our conversation was obviously great.”

One of the first tasks Edwards will have will be to bring in a new sporting director. Richard Hughes, who will leave his role as Bournemouth’s technical director at the end of the season, is under consideration.

Before then, Liverpool could play as many as 19 more games under Klopp as, having already won the Carabao Cup, they remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.

Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has an ankle injury, is the latest player to join Klopp’s absent players.

Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai are training, but remain doubts to face Championship side Southampton at Anfield on Wednesday.

On the injury list, Klopp said: “I wouldn’t say it is much improved.”

Gravenberch had to be carried off on a stretcher during Sunday’s EFL Cup victory against Chelsea, although returned to the pitch – on crutches and wearing a protective boot – to join in with the trophy celebrations.

The 21-year-old Dutch international joins Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic and Diogo Jota on the sidelines.

Klopp said he would to have to wait to see how winger Salah, striker Nunez and midfielder Szoboszlai came through a session on Tuesday before making a decision on their involvement against promotion-hopefuls Southampton.

Midfielder Wataru Endo is also a doubt with a knock.

“Ryan is not available. It could have been worse, but it is bad enough to rule him out of this game and the next game. We shall see,” said Klopp.

“We need miracles for a few players, so I don’t want to rule them out for too long. But it is touch and go with a lot of the boys who were not available for the final.”

Liverpool landed the first major silverware of the season by beating Chelsea at Wembley and aim to keep in the hunt for all four major competitions they are contesting against Russell Martin’s side.

Klopp will step down at the end of the season after nine years in charge.

Captain Van Dijk says he does not know if he will be part of the new era, while forward Salah has been linked with a move away.

“It may feel for some that they may want to move on,” ex-Blackburn striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Klopp’s announcement came with the club in the running for four trophies. They top the Premier League, face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final and are still in the FA Cup and Europa League.

“They have such a close-knit group, Klopp has been there years. The players he signed will feel they owe him one. They’ll want to be galvanised and win everything,” continued Sutton on Monday Night Club.

“But then because they’ve been part of the journey under Klopp it may feel for some like Van Dijk that they may want to move on. Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Salah look like they might move on. It is possibly the end of an era, not just for Klopp but for some of the players.

“A lot of players Klopp brought in will feel that bond with him and may think ‘we can’t argue it’s the right time to leave when Jurgen Klopp does, a natural time’.”

Klopp has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Liverpool – with Salah, 31, and Van Dijk, 32, part of that success.

Egypt’s Salah has scored 204 goals in 332 games for Liverpool, while the Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk replaced Jordan Henderson as captain last summer.

The experienced duo and homegrown right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract at the end of next season.

“If they lose Salah and Van Dijk, they would be two huge players to walk away from Liverpool,” said Sutton.

“They’re more likely to move on at the end of the season as a natural end to the Klopp era and it’s a totally different job then to lose two massive juggernauts to the team.”

What now for Liverpool?

“It’s a hospital pass going in after Jurgen Klopp,” said Sutton.

The odds-on favourite to be the next Liverpool manager is Xabi Alonso, whose Bayer Leverkusen side are top of the Bundesliga in his second season in charge.

The 42-year-old Spaniard played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009.

“The problem is Alonso is a rookie,” said Sutton. “I wonder if they will think he hasn’t managed long enough. Klopp was so charming and larger than life.

“It’s not just about coaching, you have to handle the atmosphere, the whole club.

“When Liverpool got Klopp in he’d had seven years and done incredible things at Dortmund. He’d had highs and lows and experienced everything. That’s the one thing that would go against a rookie like Alonso.

“At the moment everything is going swimmingly well but Bayer Leverkusen aren’t expected to win the Bundesliga. To go in at Liverpool and follow a giant, if things don’t start well how would he handle adversity?”

Leicester City defender Conor Coady, who started his career with the Reds, says they have to decide what style of play they want now.

“Klopp brought his philosophy of heavy metal football, gegenpressing, he changed Liverpool’s way of being,” said Coady.

“It’s interesting to see how they move forward. Do they bring in a manager like that? Do they keep that style of play? It’s whether they want to go rebuilding or go down the same route again.”

Liverpool assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz and elite development coach Vitor Matos will leave in the summer, with sporting director Jorg Schmadtke to depart at the end of January.

“It showed with the amount of people leaving that want something different,” said Coady. “His backroom team, sporting director, it’s such a big rebuilding job.

“You’re never going to get another Jurgen Klopp. He’s taken it to such a level, the top of the mountain. Do they go down the same path? It doesn’t look like it because of how many people have left. But a rebuild takes time.”

Klopp stunned the football world on Friday by announcing his impending departure, saying he is “running out of energy”.

And he appreciated the “emotional” reception afforded to him by Reds supporters prior to Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Norwich but hopes there will not now be too much focus on him.

The German’s team made light work of the Championship play-off hopefuls, booking their place in the fifth round with a 5-2 win on a day of heightened emotions at Anfield.

“I have to make sure I don’t get on that side of it,” Klopp, who has won six major trophies since his appointment over eight years ago, told BBC Match of the Day.

“I said the fans don’t have to [do anything special] because I know our relationship already. In games, we need to be warriors and not celebrate the old man on the sidelines.

“This was the first match after the news – [now] we can get used to it.”

Goals from Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch ensured victory for the Premier League leaders, who are also in the final of the Carabao Cup and the last 16 of the Europa League.

Captain Van Dijk says “nothing has changed” within the Liverpool squad since Klopp’s announcement, but adds it has given the players extra incentive to “make more memories” this season.

“Today was always going to be a bit different,” said the Dutchman. “It was the first time that the manager was back in the stadium seeing all of the fans.

“The manager is here until the summer. We have to deal with the noise. It’s my job as captain to make sure it doesn’t reach our players.

“We have been through so much together and I’m grateful for everything he has done for me, my family and my career. Why not end on a high?”

‘Fans will want to do their utmost’

Speaking to ITV before kick-off, former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler said Reds supporters will want to give Klopp a fitting send-off, given his achievements since his arrival in October 2015.

“He will be a huge miss, not just to this country but to football,” he said. “The fans will want to do their utmost.

“Jurgen came in and the team has progressed every single year to where they are now – the youth and younger players in this squad are incredible.

“We all want them to win the Premier League [this season], and a Europa League final in Dublin would be the icing on the cake.”

Klopp’s team, beaten 3-1 by Sevilla in the 2016 Europa League final, will discover their last-16 opponents on 23 February, with this year’s showpiece being held in the Irish capital on 22 May.

They face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on 25 February.

German Klopp announced on Friday that he would leave his role in July.

He informed the club of his decision in November but the players were only told shortly before Friday’s public announcement.

“The manager means so much for us, to me, to the club,” said Reds captain Van Dijk.

“But he made the decision for him and his family. It was always going to be a tough one and it was definitely the case.

“He told us in private of course and all of us were together. It’s a hard one to take but our mindset is to focus on business. We have a lot of targets still to achieve this year and why not finish the season on a high and together with celebrations for the boss as well?”

Van Dijk joined Liverpool midway through Klopp’s third season at the club and has won six major honours alongside the 56-year-old.

The Reds are still in four competitions, having booked a spot in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea by beating Fulham on aggregate on Wednesday.

“We all want to achieve so much and that mindset was already there since pre-season and that doesn’t change,” Van Dijk, 32, added.

“It will maybe even give you an extra boost to do that extra or maybe enjoy it a little bit more together and make the last part of the season – the last bit of the manager’s time at the club – the best time he’s ever had.

“That’s what we strive for and that’s why it’s business as usual.”

The German announced on Friday he would leave Anfield at the end of the season.

Klopp, 56, said he realised his “resources are not endless” as his side continue to compete for four trophies this campaign.

“With all the responsibility you have in this job, you have to be top of your game,” Klopp said.

“I’ve been doing this 24 years now. When you have the career I had it’s almost impossible to start where I did and arrive at Liverpool.

“I always invested everything I had. I realised my resources are not endless and I prefer to pack everything into this season and then have a break or stop or whatever. We’re not young rabbits any more and we don’t jump as high as we did.

“I still think it’s the right thing to do. I don’t take these things lightly. I’m convinced it’s right. I have no regrets but a lot of special memories.”

Klopp said the players did not ask many questions when he told them of his decision but that the “fight” was there for the rest of the season.

“We have a really strong bond with the players so they didn’t ask questions yet because we are professionals,” he said.

“You can see the boys are in a really good mood. They weren’t having a party when I told them but it was just an announcement.”

Klopp’s announcement comes despite his current contract, which he signed in April 2022, running out in 2026 and he said at that time he was “100% convinced” he would continue until then.

But, having taken over the club in 2015, he said a tricky season last year – where Liverpool didn’t win any major silverware and finished fifth in the Premier League – was followed by a “difficult” summer of rebuilding and that his energy levels are “not endless”.

“I can’t do it on three wheels, I don’t want to be a passenger. My manager skills is based on energy and relationships,” he said.

“I am who I am and where I am because of how I am. I cannot be that any more.”

‘No other English club ever’

Speculation around who will succeed Klopp come the end of the season has already begun, and Klopp said he will not have a say in who that is, but that the “strong structure” built since his arrival is “one of the reasons I can leave”.

“So many people work here with only one idea – to find a perfect solution for Liverpool. The last thing they need is advice from the old man walking out of the door,” Klopp said.

“I wish for the future this club the very, very, very best.”

Klopp confirmed he does not know what will happen in the future but when asked on Friday if there would be a U-turn on his decision like that of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who went back on his decision to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season, he remained determined there would not be.

Despite ruling that out, Klopp said he has not thought about what he will do after his time at Liverpool comes to an end.

“I have not thought about that, because I have had no time to do that,” he said.

“Whatever will happen in the future I don’t know now, but no club, no country, for the next year, and no other English club ever.

“I can promise that. Even if I have nothing to eat that will not happen.”

‘The best memories are still to come’

Klopp, the Premier League’s current longest-serving manager, quickly made himself a fans’ favourite at Liverpool, declaring he would turn “doubters to believers” in his first media conference as the club’s manager.

Off the pitch, he has made himself synonymous with the club and was granted the freedom of the city of Liverpool last year and said being an “honourable scouser” is “one of the best things I could have achieved in my life”.

On it, he guided Liverpool to their sixth European Cup in 2019 when they beat Tottenham in the Champions League final in Madrid, before winning the Premier League in 2020, a first top-flight title in 30 years.

Liverpool won a domestic cup double in the 2021-22 season and narrowly missed out on a quadruple as they were pipped by Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season and lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid in Paris.

Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan said: “It’s hard to put into words how significant it is. When he joined us he talked about leaving the club in a better place than where he found it. And if you look at that then there’s no doubt he’s done that.

“We will have the right time and right opportunity to look back on his career and the ride we’ve been on that’s been extraordinary.”

But Klopp said he is sure the best is still to come with his side in contention to win the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season.

“I am here and I am fully here. Until the end of the season, we have so much to do – I am fully in that,” he said.

“I want to win everything this season, but it wouldn’t change my mind. And if we don’t win anything it wouldn’t change my mind.

“I have no regrets but a lot of special memories. The best memories in my mind are still to come.”

Klopp was appointed in October 2015 and his contract was due to run until 2026.

He won the Champions League in 2019 before leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in 2019-20.

“I told the club already in November,” said Klopp, who has announced his decision with his side top of the Premier League.

“I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.

“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.

“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

Liverpool have won every major honour since the 56-year-old German took charge of the Reds.

Klopp guided Liverpool to their sixth European Cup in 2019 when they beat Tottenham in the Champions League final in Madrid.

They followed that up with victory in the Uefa Super Cup and the Fifa Club World Cup and, most significantly, the Premier League title the following season.

Liverpool won a domestic cup double in the 2021-22 season, and narrowly missed out on a quadruple as they were pipped by Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season and lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid in Paris.

The Reds failed to win any major silverware last season but are in contention for four trophies this term. They beat Fulham on Wednesday to reach the Carabao Cup final.

“It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super-difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here, or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously,” added Klopp.

“For me it was super, super, super important that I can help to bring this team back on to the rails. It was all I was thinking about.

“When I realised pretty early that happened, it’s a really good team with massive potential and a super age group, super characters and all that, then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome. It is not what I want to [do], it is just what I think is 100%.”

Liverpool assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will leave the club along with Klopp.

After Wednesday’s 5-1 win Carabao Cup quarter-final win over West Ham, Klopp said he was “not overly happy with with the atmosphere” during the game.

He also said that fans “not in the right shape” should give their ticket “to somebody else”.

Speaking on Friday, he said: “I enjoyed 99.7% of each second in that stadium.”

He continued: “I love it to bits. The atmosphere of these people. I am overly happy with everything.

“If we can do better then people show us, and I said something, and that’s all. If people want to understand me right, I think it was possible. If not, I cannot change that now.

“I have nothing to say about the atmosphere now.

“I said we’d need Anfield on Saturday and that is 100% true. We have to make sure we make it a proper home game and a proper Anfield experience. That is all I want.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta likened the Anfield atmosphere to a “washing machine”, describing it as an “unbelievable place to go”.

His side led 2-0 there last season but ended up drawing 2-2, meaning it is now 11 years since the Gunners last won on Merseyside.

Amazon’s ‘All or Nothing’ documentary also showed Arteta playing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ during training to prepare his players for the challenge in 2021 – but they were thrashed 4-0.

“It is different, different like Old Trafford,” he said. “Old Trafford has a beautiful atmosphere as well and something that historically is an unbelievable place to go.

“There are a few in this country. The Emirates is one of them as well.

“I think I explained that sometimes when you don’t feel at your best and you feel that they are on top of you and you cannot get out of that washing machine.

“You try to overcome those situations but that’s a learning [lesson] – it happened once and it didn’t happen again.”

Klopp ‘couldn’t really care less’ what it means for title

If either side win at Anfield they will be top at Christmas, with leaders Arsenal currently one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool.

A draw could see Aston Villa, who host Sheffield United on Friday, lead the way.

The team top of the table at Christmas has gone on to win the Premier League in six of the past 10 seasons.

“It is matchday 18. There are 20 games left after. We’re not through it if we win. They are not through it if they win,” said Klopp. “It’s just a super important football game.

“I hadn’t really thought about it, I couldn’t really care less. I’ve only been thinking about this game not the rest of the season.

“There might be a moment, I don’t know when, March or April maybe, where you think right, six-pointer, you win today and you are out of the way or whatever. That is a long way away and nobody thinks about it.

“They’ve really got my respect but I want the points anyway.”

Arsenal’s last win at Anfield came when Arteta was part of the Gunners’ midfield.

The Spaniard has celebrated four years in charge this week and during that time he’s picked up victories at Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.

“We have done it at Old Trafford, we have done it at Stamford Bridge and many other places where we haven’t done it for years,” he said.

“This is the next challenge. Go there and win. If you want to be at the top you have to go to those places and be dominant. That’s what we’re going to try to do.

“The two teams are in a really good moment, really good position, really strong position. They are going to be well-placed to win it and to go for it. It’s going to be an intense match.”

Arsenal chase history – best of the stats

• Liverpool are unbeaten in their past 10 home Premier League games against Arsenal (W7 D3). The Reds have fallen behind in five of those games.
• Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 15 Premier League matches against Liverpool, conceding 43 goals. Since the start of that run (a 0-0 draw in August 2015), that is the most they have let in against an opponent.
• Liverpool drew 0-0 with Manchester United last Sunday, despite having 34 shots. This ended their run of scoring in 26 consecutive Premier League games, while they have not failed to score in consecutive home league games since February and March 2021 (a run of three).
• Arsenal have won 24 of their 39 Premier League matches in 2023 (D8 L7). They won 25 in 2022 and are looking to win 25+ league games in consecutive calendar years for the first time in their history.

Could Arsenal’s title challenge falter with defeat?

Arsenal last won the Premier League in 2003-04 but mounted a serious challenge last season, before Manchester City won their third title in a row.

Arteta’s side were eight points clear at the start of April before falling away, and former City and Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown has concerns about the impact a defeat at Anfield might have.

“It is going to be a really interesting game,” Brown told the BBC’s Football News Show.

“Is it going to be one of those where if Arsenal lose it’s title over? It’s getting to that stage now where they have to stay right at the top and be in the mix.

“I still don’t think they are as experienced as other sides – we saw it last season. It doesn’t mean that they can’t win it, it gets tougher obviously.

“Psychologically it will be a great boost for them if they can go and win this game. It will be tough but you can imagine the belief and momentum through the club and players if they win this game.”

In terms of possession and shots attempted Klopp’s assessment was correct.

At Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool had 69% possession and attempted 34 shots without finding a breakthrough.

In the same fixture back in March, Liverpool had 60% of the ball and converted seven of their 16 efforts.

Erik ten Hag’s side tried to go toe to toe with Liverpool in that game but were left brutally exposed and clinically punished by the home team.

It was a different approach this time. With a host of players out injured, including centre-back Harry Maguire, Ten Hag set the visitors up to defend deeper with a compact shape which laid down the challenge for Liverpool to break them down.

“I saw a lot of good things, the one thing I don’t like is the result. We should have scored, we had the opportunities and should have had more clear-cut chances,” Klopp told Sky Sports afterwards.

“I can’t remember such a dominant performance against Man United – even the 7-0 they were more in the game.

“If we play like this it is difficult for the opposite team to get out of their own half. The way United defended was clean with a lot of passion.

“If you score, it changes the dynamic of the game and they open up a bit and take more risk. But nothing changed, they threw everything in and in the end it’s a 0-0.”

The stalemate meant the Reds missed the chance to return to the top of the Premier League after being leapfrogged by Arsenal earlier on Sunday.

The atmosphere at Anfield, which was hosting its biggest crowd since 1963 after recent expansion, became increasingly subdued as the game wore on.

That was a stark contrast to the buoyant mood among many Liverpool fans going into the match.

With last season’s thrashing of United fresh in the mind, and with the Red Devils coming into the game fresh from a 3-0 humbling by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend and a Champions League exit, some pundits wondered whether an element of complacency had crept in for Liverpool.

‘What everyone says only helps United’

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested the game turned out to be “not as easy” as Klopp’s team may have thought, while ex-Manchester United full-back Gary Neville said he felt there might have been some “over-confidence”.

Klopp denied that was the case.

“We knew it would be difficult,” said the German.

“What everyone says only helps United. Why should we listen to that? It was not our problem today that they were fired up. I can’t remember a game when they came here with a white flag – that doesn’t happen.

“We tried everything and the numbers we created – in terms of shots – is crazy. But with that amount of shots there should be a few more on target. That was our fault today and now we will go from here.”

In a separate post-match interview with BBC Sport, Klopp bemoaned some of the choices his team made in attacking areas.

He said: “This today hurts. That’s good. But it gives us a lot of good information as well. We can do these kind of things and now we need to finish the situations off.

“In a couple of situations we had, we shot from distance when there probably would have been a better-positioned player.

“I knew it when we scored against Fulham four times from outside the box that there would be a moment when we shoot and everybody thinks ‘why didn’t we pass the ball?'”

Klopp praised United’s “passion” in their defending but suggested Liverpool were close to a perfect day, adding: “You need one goal and everything is right today.”

That was what Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports after his side held their own Goal of the Month competition with four sensational strikes in a thrilling 4-3 win over Fulham.

The goals started with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who gave Liverpool an early lead with a brilliant free-kick which ricocheted in off both the crossbar and Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Alexis Mac Allister then hit a thunderous effort from range into the top corner. And, with Liverpool trailing 3-2 in the 87th minute, Wataru Endo curled in an excellent equaliser.

Seconds later, in front of an ecstatic Anfield crowd, Alexander-Arnold completed the catalogue of sensational strikes with a clinical finish.

“Today we scored four worldies and were lucky in the end to win the game, and that tells you everything,” Klopp added to BBC Match of the Day.

“Four goals I have never seen before in one game like this to be honest.”

Fulham manager Marco Silva was equally perplexed.

“It was great, great goals every time,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “Normally that doesn’t happen. They scored four great goals from long distance.”

Look away now Marco: here is how the players and pundits reacted to Liverpool’s strikes.

‘One of the best free-kicks you’ll see this season’

Liverpool 1-0 Fulham – Bernd Leno (own goal), 20 mins

Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring for Liverpool with a brilliant free-kick which curled over the wall and dipped just in time to clip the crossbar, bounce down and hit Leno on its way to the net.

“Technically I’ve not scored two, but I’ll claim it,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “It is nice when a free kick comes off the woodwork and finds a way in. A lovely strike if I say so myself.”

Even if it did go down as a Leno own goal, former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock still declared Liverpool’s opener “one of the best free-kicks you’ll see this season”.

“My word, what a strike from Alexander-Arnold,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“We bigged him up before kick off for his technical abilities, and he has just shown them again here. This guy is an outstanding player.”

‘As it pops up, I’m thinking: Don’t hit it – I was wrong’

Liverpool 2-1 Fulham – Alexis Mac Allister, 38 mins

Liverpool’s four goals were brilliant, but their second was arguably the pick of the bunch.

Midfielder Mac Allister finally scored his first goal since joining the Reds from Brighton in June in a £35m deal.

And he did it with a powerful effort, arrowing a loose ball into the top corner from about 35 yards out.

“When I scored the free-kick, I thought that was the goal of the game,” said Alexander-Arnold. “But then 20 minutes later Mac Allister goes and scores that outstanding strike.”

Warnock added: “As it pops up, I’m thinking: ‘Don’t hit it!’ I was wrong. Two of the best goals you’ll see in the Premier League this season.”

‘A memorable one and a really, really valuable one’

Liverpool 3-3 Fulham – Wataru Endo, 87 mins

Despite Liverpool’s fine first-half strikes, Fulham stayed in the game and took a 3-2 lead through Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the 80th minute.

With three minutes plus stoppage time remaining, the visitors looked on course to end the Reds’ 13-month unbeaten run at Anfield in the Premier League.

That was until substitute Endo latched on to Mohamed Salah’s layoff and curled a delightful effort into the top corner.

“What about this finish from Endo?” BBC Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray boomed after the Japan midfielder’s strike hit the net.

“His first goal in the Premier League is a memorable one. And a really, really valuable one for Liverpool.”

‘A game that you will never forget in your life’

Liverpool 4-3 Fulham – Trent Alexander-Arnold, 88 mins

No team have won more points in the Premier League from losing positions this season than Liverpool’s 15.

The comeback was complete two minutes from time when Alexander-Arnold controlled a lofted clearance with his knee and smashed an effort into the bottom corner.

His strike, one which was full of composure in the midst of a frantic finish, capped an excellent individual performance and kept up Liverpool’s perfect home record this season.

The Reds also cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

“An outstanding experience for everyone who was here,” added Klopp. “I don’t think anyone would have thought before the game that Liverpool v Fulham will be a game that you will never forget in your life.

“But you’re welcome.”

VAR Darren England and assistant Dan Cook did not overrule when Diaz was flagged offside at 0-0 on Saturday.

Liverpool lost 2-1 thanks to a 96th-minute own goal from Joel Matip.

“Something like this never happened, so that is why I think a replay is the right thing to do,” said Klopp.

BBC Sport understands there is no prospect of the Premier League considering a replay and it is unclear whether there has been a formal request from Liverpool.

Asked whether the club had asked – or would ask – the Premier League for a replay, Klopp said: “At this stage, we are still going through the information we have.”

Referees’ body PGMOL released the audio of discussions between the match officials over the offside on Tuesday.

In the audio, England says the check is “perfect” before swearing when he realises a mistake has been made.

Klopp said: “The audio didn’t change it at all. It is an obvious mistake. There should be solutions for that. The outcome should be a replay. But it probably won’t happen.

“The argument against that would be it opens the gates. It is unprecedented. I’m used to wrong and difficult decisions, but something like this never happened.”

After releasing the audio, PGMOL said the error was a result of a “lapse of concentration and loss of focus”.

The controversy has prompted a debate about the use and efficacy of VAR.

The Premier League added that the incident in Saturday’s game, and the subsequent review of what led to the incorrect decision, highlighted “systemic weaknesses in the VAR process”. The league plan to undertake a comprehensive review alongside the referees’ body to “seek consistently higher standards of VAR performance”.

Although Klopp said the mistake was not made “on purpose”, he added: “These things should not happen. Other mistakes should not happen. Find a solution to deal with it.

“We rush them and we get a quick decision, but the wrong decision.”

Klopp said it would have been better to correct the mistake once it had been realised and said he wants a protocol put in place to avoid similar problems again.

He said: “If that would happen again, I would say replay. Or much, much better than a replay – sort it in that moment. Common sense.”

There is no precedent in the UK for a result to be changed or a game to be replayed because of a refereeing error.

A 1999 FA Cup third-round tie was played again after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger offered Sheffield United a replay following a controversial winning goal in the first game.

The officials involved in the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have not been selected for this weekend’s Premier League games, with England and Cook stood down for the rest of last weekend.

The on-field referee at Tottenham-Liverpool, Simon Hooper, will be the VAR for Bournemouth’s trip to Everton on Saturday, while Michael Oliver, who was the fourth official, will feature in two games this weekend.

“I am not angry with anybody at all,” said Klopp. “They made a mistake and they felt horrible that night, I am 100% sure. That’s enough, for me. Nobody needs further punishment.”

Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones were sent off against Spurs. Liverpool failed with an appeal against Jones’ red card for a challenge on Yves Bissouma and he will serve a three-game ban.

“The ref got called to the screen and saw for the first three seconds a frozen picture. I would give immediately a red card for that picture,” said Klopp.

“Then he sees the replay in slow motion. I would have given a red card for the slow motion, but in real time it is not a red card.

“You appeal it then the FA panel tells you ‘no, it is not a clear and obvious mistake’ and I think it is.

“The ref’s first decision was yellow. The clear and obvious mistake is showing a frozen picture and a replay in slow motion.”

The Reds rejected a £150m bid for the 31-year-old before the Premier League transfer window shut on 1 September and there were no further moves before Saudi Arabia’s closed six days later.

However, Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo has said the door is not closed on a move for Salah.

“You are kidding me, yeah?” said Klopp.

“A week after we close the transfer window, you ask about the January transfer window?

“Obviously, you can’t wait until December to ask these questions. We will see what happens. Until then, I’m not worried in this moment.

“I didn’t even think about it until you opened that wound again. No, I’m not worried.”

No bad blood with Henderson

Klopp, speaking before his side’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers (1230 BST) on Saturday, also addressed former captain Jordan Henderson saying he did not feel wanted by Liverpool prior to moving to Al-Ettifaq in the summer.

Henderson had been with the Reds since signing from Sunderland in 2011 and made 492 appearances for the club, becoming captain and winning seven major titles including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.

“If one of those people [at Liverpool] said to me, ‘we want you to stay’, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said Henderson earlier this month.

“Now, that’s not to say they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.”

Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia after Liverpool brought in midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai early in the summer transfer window.

“I read it after I heard about it. ‘Hendo’ said the truth in all departments,” said Klopp.

“We had our talks. I told ‘Hendo’ I wanted him to stay but I had to talk in these conversations about the possibility of him not playing regularly.

“If ‘Hendo’ would have performed, he would have had maybe 50 games. Absolutely fine and possible.

“The relationship we had, I thought it was important that we speak about everything, and that means ‘what happens if…’.

“‘Hendo’ is fantastic player, I will love him forever and he is a super guy but he is not great when he is not playing.

“He was my captain and I said I wanted to talk about it now because I didn’t want to wake up one morning and we were locking horns because he thought he would be starting and I was telling him he would not be.

“In Hendo’s ear and mind that came out as ‘he doesn’t want me here’.

“What he said is that if I would’ve told him, ‘Hendo, stay here, you will be the main man in midfield’ and stuff like this he would have stayed. That’s the truth – but I couldn’t say that.

“As much as I wanted him to stay, I couldn’t say that and that’s why it is better ‘Hendo’ moved on.

“There’s not a bit of bad blood or whatever.”

Al-Ittihad are reported to be interested in the Egypt forward, 31, who joined the Reds from Roma in 2017.

Speaking before Liverpool’s Premier League game with Newcastle on Sunday, Klopp said Salah is “100% committed” to the club.

“There is nothing to talk about, he is a Liverpool player,” said Klopp.

“He is essential and will be. There is nothing there. My life philosophy [is] I think about a problem when I have it.”

It is believed Liverpool do not want to sell a player who only signed a new three-year deal last summer and with the transfer window closing on 1 September.

Salah’s agent has also previously played down talk of a move to Saudi Arabia.

“Mohamed remains committed to Liverpool,” said Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa in a social media post on 7 August.

“If we considered leaving Liverpool this year, we wouldn’t have renewed the contract last summer.”

Salah has started both of Liverpool’s games this season, although he showed frustration at being substituted in the draw at Chelsea before knocking in the rebound from his saved penalty in the win against Bournemouth.

He has scored 187 goals in 307 games for Liverpool and has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his time at Anfield.

The transfer deadline in Europe’s top leagues is on 1 September, while Saudi Arabia’s runs until 20 September.

It means the Middle East country’s clubs can still add to their high-profile signings this summer when European clubs cannot.

“It is massive, in the moment,” said Klopp on Saudi Arabia’s influence.

“Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer.

“If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful.

“Uefa or Fifa must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen.”

Liverpool have already been affected by players moving to Saudi Arabia, with midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho joining Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively.

They are part of a growing group of players to make the switch to the country, with Brazil forward Roberto Firmino having signed for Al-Ahli after his Reds contract expired in the summer.

Al-Ahli have also signed Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and winger Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.

Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, have brought in former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and Portuguese forward Jota from Celtic.

Al-Hilal, who made a world-record £259m bid for Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, have signed Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves from Wolves and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said the Saudi Pro League’s financial power has “changed the market” for transfers and elite clubs “need to be aware of what is happening”.

Liverpool were not planning to sell Henderson and Fabinho and, having already seen James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita leave the club at the end of their contracts, have lost five midfielders on a permanent basis this summer.

“It is already influential, for us, for sure. We will have to learn to deal with it, and that’s what we do,” added Klopp.

“That’s pretty much all I can say about it, time will show.”

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Salah posted his comments on social media shortly after Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday which denied Liverpool a top-four finish.

Klopp’s side will finish fifth and play in next season’s Europa League

“Mo loves being here and Mo was part of it,” Klopp said on Friday.

“He said apologies for what ‘we’ did – not apologies for ‘what the other guys did, but I had to go with them’. It is all fine.”

The Egypt international said on Twitter on Thursday: “There’s absolutely no excuse for this. We had everything we needed to make it to next year’s Champions League and we failed.

“We are Liverpool and qualifying to the competition is the bare minimum. I am sorry but it’s too soon for an uplifting or optimistic post. We let you and ourselves down.”

Salah, who signed a new three-year contract – worth more than £350,000 a week – with Liverpool last summer, has scored 19 league goals this season.

Asked whether he was concerned about Salah’s future at the club following the 30-year-old’s social media comments, the Liverpool manager said: “No worries, no. I only heard what he said but I couldn’t read anything that could lead in that direction.

“If ever a player would come to me and said, ‘oh, we didn’t qualify for the Champions League, I have to leave’, I would drive him to the other club myself.

“I would take the key, [and say]: ‘come in the car, where do you want to go, I drive you’.”

United only needed a point at home to Chelsea in the penultimate game of their season to confirm their Champions League place.

Liverpool won seven of their past eight games in a late push for fourth place, but could not make up for their inconsistent run of form in the first half of the season.

Klopp said the squad is still “really united” despite the disappointment of missing out on the last Champions League qualification spot.

“We didn’t point fingers at each other. That’s all good. If you don’t qualify for the Champions League, the best place you can possibly end up is fifth, so that’s what we did,” he said before Liverpool visit Southampton on Sunday.

“If you’d have asked me 10 games ago if that was possible, I’d have said no. That the boys did that is really good but it’s not perfect.

“We didn’t end up fifth because of the last 10 games, we ended up there because of the lack of consistency before that.”

The German, who said he regretted the headlines created by his comments, said Tierney appears to have something “against” his team.

The FA alleged Klopp’s comments constitute “improper conduct”.

Klopp has until Friday, 5 May to respond to the charge.

“It is alleged that the manager’s comments regarding the match official during post-match media interviews constitutes improper conduct in that they imply bias, and/or question the integrity of the referee, and/or are personal/offensive, and/or bring the game into disrepute,” the FA said.

“The whole situation should not have happened at all,” said Klopp, speaking on Tuesday before his side’s game against Fulham on Wednesday.

“It was out of emotion and anger in that moment. That’s why I celebrated the way I did.

“We won a game 4-3 in a spectacular manner and the only headlines I created and I really regret that. It’s not necessary and not how it should be.”

Klopp was furious with Spurs being awarded a free-kick which led to their equaliser and ran to scream at the fourth official after the winner, hurting his leg in the process.

He was shown a yellow card by the referee after his celebration and, speaking after the game about when he was booked, Klopp claimed what Tierney said to him was “not OK”.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for Premier League referees, said Tierney “acted in a professional manner” throughout the game and when cautioning Klopp, adding that match officials in the Premier League are recorded in all games via a communications system.

Klopp says he regrets some of the things he said about the official in his post-match interviews but denies he lied about their conversation.

“I tried to calm down but it didn’t work out properly, go into all the interviews and then I said what I said,” he added.

“I know he [Tierney] is not doing it intentionally but we have a history, you cannot deny that.

“I’m not a resentful person, not at all, but these kind things that have happened in the past in decisive games. They didn’t happen intentionally but they are still there.

“The referees are really angry about what I said. I shouldn’t have said a couple of things but lying was not involved.”

Klopp was given a one-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester City in October for berating the referee’s assistant after the FA appealed against the original punishment.

He was also fined £30,000 and warned about his future conduct.

The history between Klopp and Tierney

In 2020 Tierney reportedly told Klopp to “get over it” after the referee admitted he had missed a foul on Georginio Wijnaldum in a game against Aston Villa.

Tierney was also in charge of a Liverpool game at Tottenham in December 2021 when Spurs striker Harry Kane escaped a red card before Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson was dismissed.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw which resulted in the Reds losing ground to Manchester City in their Premier League title fight.

Tierney was also the referee when Everton were denied a late penalty in a 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in February 2022.

City midfielder Rodri appeared to control the ball with his arm and, while Tierney and video assistant referee Chris Kavanagh did not deem it worthy of a spot-kick, former PGMOL head Mike Riley later apologised to the Toffees for the decision.

Liverpool went on to miss out on the Premier League title by one point to City that season.

In January this year after a loss to Brentford, Klopp said he had approached the officials – including Tierney – to discuss decisions made during the game.

“That’s exactly the same as I would talk to my microwave, you get no response, really, it’s always the same,” he told beIN Sports.

Earlier this month, Tierney booked Liverpool’s Robertson after an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says the centre-back, 31, “looked absolutely ready” to return to the side during Thursday’s training session.

The Netherlands captain has not played since being taken off at half-time in the defeat by Brentford on 2 January.

Asked if Van Dijk was available to face the Magpies, Klopp said: “I think so.”

Van Dijk was an unused substitute in the Reds’ win over Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday.

“Yesterday [Thursday] he looked absolutely ready, and today I think he will look the same. And then we make a decision.”

Liverpool travel to St James’ Park in ninth place in the table after a season of poor form and injuries, while their hosts are fourth and targeting Champions League qualification.

Klopp says opposite number Eddie Howe has overseen an “absolutely exceptional” turnaround after taking charge with the side in 19th place last season.

“This is a massive game. If you want to reach something this season, we have to chase everybody, especially those who are ahead of us in the table,” Klopp said.

“It will never be easy, but we have to try. It’ll be tough; Newcastle are the best defence in the league, lost just once to us, we needed a late goal. They are very consistent and that is the first step to success.

“Eddie Howe has done an exceptional job, absolutely exceptional. The financial possibilities they have, or will have, are exceptional, but it is not because of that.

“He arrived in a difficult situation, they stayed comfortably in the league, now the team is unrecognisable.”

Klopp also confirmed injured duo Thiago Alcantara and Luis Diaz were unavailable for the trip, while teenage defender Calvin Ramsay is expected to miss the rest of the season after having knee surgery.

The German’s comments come amid a run of poor form for the Reds, who are ninth in the Premier League and 10 points off a top-four spot.

“Either the manager’s position changes or a lot of other things change,” said Klopp.

“So, as far as I am concerned unless someone tells me I will not go.”

He added: “So that means maybe there is a point where we have to change other stuff. We will see that, but that is something for the future. Like summer or whatever. Not now.

“I have space and time to think about it. We have to play better football now.”

Klopp reiterated it is unlikely any more signings will follow Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo in January, while midfield trio James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be out of contract in the summer along with forward Roberto Firmino.

• I’m not too loyal – Klopp

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by Brighton on Saturday after what Klopp described as a “really bad” performance, and he said his team had to get “back to basics” to improve their form.

They face Wolves in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, which is live on BBC One from 19:30 GMT, and prior to the game Klopp also denied he had been too loyal to some of his players.

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“Yes, of course, I have heard it. I heard that before and I am not,” said Klopp.

“I am loyal. I think everybody should be loyal, but I am not too loyal.”

He added: “The problem is too complex. You have a good player who did a lot of good things in the past and then in your mind [you think] maybe that’s it for him.

“If you can then go out and bring in another player to replace [him] that makes sense.

“If you cannot bring anybody in you cannot bring anybody out. That is the situation.”

Liverpool’s struggles have seen them concede the first goal 21 times in their past 35 matches, and they have not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since October.

However, Klopp does not think some of his players have stopped listening to him.

“I was not that often in a similar situation, but I know exactly how it works when things don’t go well,” he said.

“There is a list of things you go through and one of the things is the players aren’t listening to the coach anymore.

“In Germany, we say the manager doesn’t reach the team anymore. So I understand it looks like this sometimes but it is just not the case. You can take that off the list.

“Everyone feels responsible. There is nobody sitting there thinking, ‘I was OK but he wasn’t’. It wasn’t there, I don’t see it, I don’t hear it, it’s not there.

“If it was here then the player would have a real problem. That is the moment the problems really start.”

Prior to Sunday’s meeting at Anfield, Klopp spoke on the disparity that exists between the spending power of three clubs (seemingly Man City, Newcastle and PSG) and the rest.

But after the Reds’ win and following complaints from both clubs over the actions of fans, an unnamed City source, relayed by the Times‘ Paul Hirst, described Klopp’s words as “borderline xenophobic.”

Klopp was asked of the accusation on Tuesday and said “If I would be like this, I would hate myself,” and that it “is miles away from my personality.”

The Times have since removed the phrase from their initial report, confirming the article is now ‘the subject of a legal complaint from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool FC.’

Another article from the Times, written by Paul Joyce and Martin Bedford, further states that “Liverpool have taken legal advice on Klopp’s behalf regarding the publications that carried the accusations.”

The German had two years left on his current deal and had previously suggested he could step down at the end of his contract – but he is now set to stay until the summer of 2026 at least.

The Reds have also confirmed that assistant managers Pep Ljinders and Peter Krawietz have also signed new contracts with the Merseyside club, in a further boost to Klopp’s new contract. There were concerns about Ljinders potentially stepping into management himself, but those fears have now been allayed.

Mike Gordon – the president of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which owns Liverpool – flew in for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against Villarreal, with one of his key priorities to discuss a contract extension with Klopp.

The 54-year-old’s agent, Marc Kosicke, was also at Anfield for Wednesday night’s first leg and sat a few seats away from Gordon, and led the talks following positive noises from Klopp’s camp.

Klopp, who has been in charge since 2015, remains on course to win an historic quadruple this season following the 2-0 win over Villarreal at Anfield that puts them in firm control of reaching a third Champions League final in four years.

His side also face Chelsea in the FA Cup final next month and are a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City with five matches remaining, having lifted the League Cup in February.

The German manager has won five trophies in his seven years at the club, including the Premier League 2019/20 title and the Champions League in 2019.

Recruitment over the next two summer windows is likely to focus on refreshing the squad after key players had previously secured long-term renewals.

The German gaffer before the 33rd edition of the AFCON described the tournament as a “little tournament” – a statement he later clarified as being sarcastic.

Klopp came under intense pressure for his comments.

In response to a video showing the wild celebrations in Dakar after Senegal’s first-ever AFCON triumph, Drogba tweeted, “A « little tournament » that means a lot for us Africans.”

The final was contested between Senegal and Egypt, both led by Liverpool stars, Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah – with Senegal edging it 4-2 on penalties.

The win means, Senegal have won their first continental title after Sadio Mane scored a crucial penalty kick having failed to convert one in regulation time to lift the trophy.

The 54-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms and is isolating, so his assistant Pep Lijnders will take charge for the visit to Stamford Bridge.

On Friday Klopp said three players had tested positive for Covid-19.

A Liverpool statement said there had been no further cases among the playing squad.

However, three backroom staff have also returned suspected positive tests.

Liverpool are third in the Premier League table, one point behind Chelsea and 12 adrift of leaders Manchester City with two games in hand on Pep Guardiola’s side.