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  1. 'I wasn't happy with his training' - Slot on Alexander-Arnoldpublished at 11:58 23 May

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Media caption,

    'I wasn't completely happy with his training' - Slot on Alexander-Arnold

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed in Friday's news conference that he had a conversation with Trent Alexander-Arnold in pre-season about his work ethic in training.

    Slot, who arrived at Anfield last summer, has been guarded in recent months when talking about the right-back. However, but ahead of the final game of the season and Alexander-Arnold's anticipated but unconfirmed switch to Spain, Slot joked: "He is going to leave either way, so why not tell you!"

    "Maybe it is already the first gift I can give [prospective Real Madrid boss] Xabi Alonso," Slot laughed. "I wasn't completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground. In certain moments, he could do a bit more – to say it mildly. That's what we talked about.

    "I said to him you're a much better defender than everyone tells you but unfortunately you don't show it all the time. This is why some people say this is part of the game you need to improve.

    "If you are focused and concentrated, there are not many players that can go around him because he is fast, agile and has a great mentality. But it is about showing that every single game."

    He did, however, go on to say Alexander-Arnold "deserves" to be at Anfield for the title celebrations on Sunday despite the criticism he has received from some sections of the fanbase after announcing his departure.

    "For a fan, these players are all professionals, but for me as a manger they are not only a player but a human being," Slot said. "This should be the day everyone is going to enjoy. Liverpool fans have been waiting for this moment.

    "He [Alexander-Arnold] definitely deserves to be there as well because he has been part of the incredibly successful years at the club."

  2. Tuchel names England squad for World Cup qualifier and friendlypublished at 10:19 23 May

    England squad announcement list

    England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra (7 June) and friendly against Senegal (10 June).

    Manchester City's Phil Foden, Newcastle's Tino Livramento and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen all miss out, but Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah have been selected.

  3. Slot on Salah's Ballon d'Or chances, Alexander-Arnold and trophy published at 09:51 23 May

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Media caption,

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace (kick-off 16:00 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • He said "if there was ever the chance" for Mohamed Salah to win the Ballon d'Or "then it would be this season". Slot added Salah "has had very, very good seasons at Liverpool but this one probably stands out in numbers."

    • On his feelings ahead of lifting the Premier League trophy: "Proud sums it up the most because after working here for a year I know now had hard it is [to win the league]. It has been 38 games in a period where the league has never been so strong."

    • He said he has not decided whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will get game time but the full-back has earned the right to celebrate with his team-mates: "He definitely deserves to be there because he has been a part of the incredibly successful years at the club."

    • In response to whether he has spoken to Alexander-Arnold about criticism he has faced for his decision to leave Liverpool this summer: "I speak to the human being every day. Combined with winning something together, it creates a different bond to what the fans may have with him."

    • However, Slot did reveal he spoke to Alexander-Arnold in pre-season about his work ethic: "I wasn't completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground. In certain moments he could do a bit more – to say it mildly. That's what we talked about."

    • More on that subject: "I said to him you're a much better defender than everyone tells you, but unfortunately you don't show it all the time. This is why some people say this is part of the game you need to improve."

    • Slot is hopeful Joe Gomez "can make some minutes" against Crystal Palace, in what will be his 150th appearance for the club.

    • On avoiding closing the season with a defeat after losing at Brighton on Monday: "We need to do a few things better but I think we have still done a lot of good things in the ast three games. Usually we don't concede eight goals in three games. That's not our standard throughout the whole season."

    • On his expectations for next season: "We have a lot to compete next season again, but what I don't know yet is if we have this elite serial winner mentality to show up season after season. I will get the answer on 8 July when we come back together. Many teams have won the Premier League once but not for many seasons in a row."

    Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

    Listen to live radio commentary of Liverpool vs Crystal Palace on Sunday from 16:00 on Radio 5 Sports Extra

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  4. 'Quality was there to do something special this season' - Slotpublished at 07:44 23 May

    Arne Slot looks on with Virgil van Dijk after winning Premier League titleImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot say it is has now "sunk in" that they are Premier League champions.

    The Reds wrapped up the title with four games remaining when they beat Tottenham 5-1 on 27 April.

    Despite form dropping off since the win, it has still been an impressive debut season for the Dutchman - who only took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer.

    "The moment the referee blew his whistle, we were like: 'Wow, this has really happened', but now, after all the celebrations, it's definitely sunk in," Slot told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.

    "It's an achievement that we hoped for, that we worked really hard for. But, to say we expected it, or I expected it, would be a bit too much."

    Given the dominance Manchester City had exerted over recent years - having won four Premier Leagues in a row - not many expected Slot to bring such early success.

    "Before I came in, before I started to work with the players, I thought similar to the club, that we had to qualify for the Champions League again," he said.

    "There are a lot of things you have to find out [when you start]. But that the quality was there to do something special this season? That I knew quite fast. Not only the quality, but definitely also the mentality.

    "I didn't have to repair any confidence because a few of [the players] had already won the league, a few had won the Champions League, one of them was a World Cup winner - [Alexis] Mac Allister.

    "So the players that play at this level know they can win trophies and one of them is the Premier League."

    Hear more from Slot's chat with BBC sports editor Dan Roan

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  5. Let's get the party startedpublished at 07:33 23 May

    Mandeep Sanghera
    BBC Sport journalist

    Liverpool fansImage source, Getty Images

    There will be a party atmosphere at Anfield on Sunday and it will not only be the Liverpool fans that are celebrating.

    Crystal Palace will be the visitors for the final game of this campaign and the Eagles will also be in joyful mood having won this season's FA Cup to claim the club's first major trophy.

    In a dress rehearsal for next season's traditional curtain raiser of the Community Shield, the match might be seen as the starter for the festivities to follow.

    From Liverpool's point of view, they will get to lift the Premier League trophy in front of their own fans after the game on Sunday, in contrast to the previous time they won the Premier League in 2020 when the trophy ceremony was at a near-empty Anfield because of the Covid pandemic.

    The Reds will then have a bus parade on Monday as they mark winning a record-equalling 20th top-flight title in manager Arne Slot's first season in charge.

    Slot will be talking to the media at about 09:00 BST this morning and we will find out how he is feeling before the celebrations and what his thoughts are as the season comes to an end.

  6. 'Makes no sense to sell' or is a Barcelona switch 'right' for Diaz?published at 18:31 22 May

    Your views banner
    Luis DiazImage source, Getty Images

    Amid reports linking Luis Diaz with a move to Barcelona, we asked you how you would feel if the Columbia international moved on and whether it makes sense for Liverpool to sell him now?

    Here are some of your comments:

    Mike: There is a reason why Barcelona are interested - he's a good player! He is aware of the interest, but he has also made it clear he wants to stay. It makes no sense to sell him in my opinion. Liverpool are trying to build a squad of players with sufficient quality to compete on all fronts. For me, Diaz should be part of that.

    Michael: Let's not do an Arsenal and sell our forwards when we don't need to. Diaz has been dangerous, hard-working, and able to play in multiple roles. He is a proven player. We always want forwards to be more clinical but 18 goals and assists in the league is a good return. With new signings and the confidence of a title under his belt, I'll bet on more next year. Keep him and see how the team works next season.

    Neil: He is a massive impact player who gives 100% for the entire game. Loved by the fans, with the ultimate privilege of having his own song. We have to keep him for at least one more season, then offer a new contract or sell.

    Seren: Everything points to it being the correct decision for Liverpool, but I just can't bear to see him leave. Two years left on the contract, just on the back end of a Premier League-winning season, and supposedly is or should be in his prime. The amount of money he could fetch with those conditions is outlandish. However, from every high-intensity press to nutmegging right-backs in the Merseyside derby, this guy embodies never giving up. He's been through too much, especially in Barranquilla and the struggles he faced there. He deserves to go wherever he wants, but I would want him to stay.

    Steve: If the money's good (£45m plus) and he wants to go, cash in and put the money in the kitty for a centre forward and/or younger prospect. We have Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah so Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are in the window too.

    Harry: Luis Diaz has been a very good player for Liverpool. But, just that. Very good, not world class which every person playing for Liverpool needs to be. I can't see him getting to a world-class status so, although I'll be sorry to see him go, going to Barcelona is the right move. Should hopefully be around £50-80m as he is still quite young.

    Andy: I'd be gutted if Diaz was lured to Barca and astonished that the club would permit such a move. He's a vital part of the squad, always energetic, gets things moving and comes up with vital goals. The whole thing is clickbait.

    Henry: Diaz is a quality player, whose quick pace and ball skills make him a full-back's nightmare. Both his and Gakpo's stats are much the same but if we could get at least £50m for him, it would be a hard offer to turn down. I would rather he stayed but we all know that most South Americans dream of playing for either Real Madrid or Barcelona. I expect a few players to be moving on this summer so we'll have to wait and see.

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  7. Barcelona 'like' Diaz - so should Reds cash in?published at 13:07 22 May

     Luis DiazImage source, Getty Images

    Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club "like" Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

    Reports in Spain this week have linked Colombia international Diaz with a move to the Catalans, while Rashford was holding out for a transfer to the La Liga club in January before joining Aston Villa on loan.

    While there is no indication that Liverpool will listen to offers for Diaz, who has two years remaining on his contract, Rashford is available for around £40m.

    "We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players," Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1, external.

    "When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."

    Liverpool fans, how would you feel if Diaz moved on? Would it make sense for the club to sell him now? Let us know

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  8. Gossip: Wirtz decision expected in next 10 dayspublished at 07:46 22 May

    Gossip graphic

    Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz is expected to choose between a move to Liverpool and Bayern Munich within the next 10 days, with both clubs keen on the 22-year-old Germany international. (Kicker - in German, external)

    Barcelona want to sign Liverpool's 28-year-old Colombia winger Luis Diaz, who has two years remaining on his Anfield deal. (ESPN, external)

    Liverpool have looked at 20-year-old Lyon and Belgium winger Malick Fofana as a possible option if Diaz ends up leaving the club. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish, external)

    Liverpool have offered their highly-rated Spanish centre-back Wellity Lucky, 19, a new four-year deal. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

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

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  9. Frimpong 'different profile' to Bradley - but 'competition will bring best out'published at 12:43 21 May

    Nedum Onuoha, BBC Sport columnist banner
    Split image of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor BradleyImage source, Getty Images

    Jeremie Frimpong is a different kind of player to Conor Bradley. He is even more attacking than Bradley is, and we have tended to see Frimpong play more as a wing-back.

    Arne Slot has clearly seen something in him he feels can fit into the system that he wants to play at Liverpool, so I have got no doubts in it whatsoever from the recruitment aspect.

    He is a different profile, but also, neither he nor Bradley is Trent Alexander-Arnold. But the fact is, with Liverpool's style of play, at some point you are going to need to adapt anyway. If you continue doing things the same way, then you get left behind at times.

    The fact that these two players will be there in that position gives the manager two different options. It is good to have competition for places as it will bring out the best of them.

    They are two young players as well. If they are in their late 20s or early 30s, you are not really going to get much change out of them, but now they have got the chance to continue to develop as players, push each other and push Liverpool to be really good on that side.

    Best of all, for at least the next two years, they will get to work on that side of the pitch with Mohamed Salah too.

    It will be interesting to see how these two complement Salah, while in the long term knowing that this is the new look compared with what the team have got very used to in times gone by.

    Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

  10. 'This weekend is all about enjoying the moment'published at 11:45 21 May

    Ian Kennedy
    BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

    Liverpool expert view banner
    Virgil van Dijk has arm over shoulder of Arne Slot as they look on after winning titleImage source, Getty Images

    And so to the final game of the season - although, in many ways, the campaign ended weeks ago.

    Liverpool have won the title comfortably and can now look forward to a trophy lift on Sunday and a parade around the streets of the city on Monday.

    Totally deserved too. They have been the best team by far, the most consistent and for Arne Slot, a remarkable achievement in his very first season - even more so after following Jurgen Klopp.

    The results may have dipped recently, but it will not affect the mood on Sunday against Crystal Palace – the team they will now face in next season's Community Shield.

    Slot has taken the opportunity to have a look at a few players and he and his staff will have already started looking towards the next campaign.

    If Jeremie Frimpong does indeed join it will indicate the quality of player the Reds will want to buy. And he would not be guaranteed a start every week either - not with Conor Bradley around.

    It will be interesting to see how much activity there is in the transfer market. Even a title-winning squad has to be strengthened to some degree.

    But that is all for another day. This weekend is all about enjoying the moment, after a season of really great moments.

    Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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  11. Gossip: Reds face competition in Kerkez pursuitpublished at 07:52 21 May

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester City will battle Liverpool for 21-year-old Bournemouth and Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez. (i paper - subscription required), external

    Liverpool have received enquiries from the Saudi Pro League over 25-year-old Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez, 28-year-old Portugal forward Diogo Jota and 28-year-old Colombia winger Luis Diaz. (Sky Germany), external

    Chelsea are understood to have opened talks with Ajax over a potential transfer for 19-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato, who is also a target for Liverpool and Arsenal. (Caughtoffside), external

    Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  12. Reds in 'transition' is 'so exciting'published at 12:36 20 May

    Jordan Chamberlain
    Fan writer

    Liverpool fan's voice banner
    Slot and his players after the defeat to BrightonImage source, Getty Images

    Arne Slot is already making tactical changes and trying things out ahead of the next campaign. These past three matches have been pre-season fixtures for the Dutchman, basically.

    Ryan Gravenberch has been dropping very deep, sometimes even between the centre-backs, allowing the full-backs to stand much further up the pitch. Liverpool have already reportedly bought Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, and are looking to add another flyer in Milos Kerkez.

    While Trent Alexander-Arnold was a deep-lying playmaker at right-back, Frimpong will overlap Mo Salah and provide the team width, with Kerkez likely to do the same on the other side.

    Slot also used Dominik Szoboszlai as an eight versus Brighton, instead of his usual 10 position. Perhaps he's freeing up space in that role for Florian Wirtz, who Liverpool have confirmed interest in, given Szoboszlai's lack of creativity in the hole?

    The tactic mirrors that of Paris St. Germain, who Slot has been so complimentary about this season. Flying, aggressive full-backs, technically adept midfielders and hard-working attackers.

    It's so exciting to think that Liverpool have won the title and are still about to go into transition in an attempt to get even better.

    The results don't matter. Don't be disappointed. If we needed to win them, we would have.

    Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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  13. Brighton 3-2 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:24 20 May

    Your views banner
    Mohamed Salah of LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Brighton and Liverpool.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Brighton fans

    Callum: Huge performance! Everyone played their part. I think a really big shoutout should go to 17-year-old Harry Howell, who came on at a pretty nervy point of the game and held on remarkably, even nearly getting an assist. Fingers crossed results go our way for Europe.

    Glyn: Brajan Gruda grew into a special player. He will be immense next season.

    Oli: So impressive from that young midfield three of Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra and Gruda over the past few weeks. Adingra looks revitalised after having a tough season. I think we are all very eager to see what they can produce next season especially if, fingers crossed, it's in Europe!

    Liverpool fans

    Ian: I know we wrapped up the league two weeks ago, but this is getting embarrassing. Slot should realise people pay their hard-earned cash to watch games. We should be sending a message to the other teams by putting out the strongest team and beating these sides. I just hope the performance on Sunday is a much-improved one. I don't want it to spoil the celebrations with another defeat.

    Wayne: Below-par performance yet again, this is the worst team to have won the Premier League title. I would be very surprised if we even qualify for the Champions League next season.

    Shaun: Going off that game, we need seven or eight new players for next season. The back-up boys just aren't good enough. The past few games Harvey Elliott has played he has gone backwards, the same with Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah. Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate also had mares.

  14. 'A great game of football but not the result we wanted' - Slotpublished at 07:30 20 May

    Arne SlotImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Two very good teams wanting to play football with no time wasting and no diving. Momentum changed in the game and I waited for us to score the third, as that would have killed the game, but they made it 2-2.

    "It was a great game of football but not the result we wanted.

    "These moments at this level do make a difference. Just before that miss Mohamed Salah gave a similar chance to Federico [Chiesa] and it was very well blocked. We played eighth in the Premier League and they were able to bring on Karou Mitoma. That shows you about the strength of this league.

    "If you don't score the third one then it's hard to win a game at this level, especially away from home. We cannot miss chances like we did if you want to win the game."

    On fringe players getting their chance to play: "They have played their part in certain games and played their part on the training ground. They deserve playing time. Many of them have to go to the national team so it's important for them to have their playing time and that's why we've rotated a bit. That's not why we've dropped points to Chelsea and Brighton because they are good teams."

    Did you know?

    • Liverpool lost a Premier League game having led at half-time for the first time since December 2016 (a 4-3 loss at Bournemouth), ending their run of 156 games without defeat when leading at the break.

    • The Reds are also the first side to be crowned Premier League champions and then fail to win their next three games in the competition in the same season.

    Listen to more from Slot on BBC Sounds

  15. Gossip: Frimpong medical completed published at 07:25 20 May

    Gossip graphic

    Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands full-back Jeremie Frimpong, 24, completed his Liverpool medical on Monday after flying into the the UK on Sunday. (Sky Sports, external)

    Meanwhile, Leverkusen have valued their Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 22, at £126m amid interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, after Manchester City withdrew from the race to sign him. (Times - subscription required, external)

    Aston Villa are showing interest in Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with Emiliano Martinez set to leave in the summer. (Sun, external)

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

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport