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• Arne Slot confident he will remain Liverpool manager amidst pressure and Alonso links

  Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains confident in his position at Anfield despite a disappointing 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and intensifying rumors linking free agent Xabi Alonso to the role. ​Arne Slot has reportedly dismissed claims that his tenure at Liverpool is nearing an end, insisting he expects to lead the club into the 2026/27 season. Despite the Reds sitting fifth in the Premier League and facing a European exit, sources close to the Dutchman maintain that owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) will wait until a full summer assessment before deciding his fate. Slot remains focused on a planned squad rebuild, believing he is the “right man to lead Liverpool forward” through their current transition. ​The pressure on Slot is compounded by the availability of club legend Xabi Alonso, who is currently without a team following his departure from Real Madrid. While Alonso’s shadow looms large, Liverpool are simultaneously active in the transfer market, reportedly tracking RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba and Bayer Leverkusen’s 19-year-old striker Christian Kofane. For now, the club’s leadership appears committed to their strategy, even as Slot faces “growing noise from sections of the fanbase calling for an immediate change.”

• Max Kruse slams Victor Boniface over professionalism following injury return

  Former Werder Bremen captain Max Kruse has sparked controversy by accusing Nigerian striker Victor Boniface of lacking commitment after the forward reportedly returned to training overweight following a lengthy knee injury.

  ​Victor Boniface is facing harsh criticism from club legend Max Kruse regarding his physical condition.

  The 25-year-old, currently on loan at Werder Bremen, recently resumed training after a serious knee injury but appears out of shape.

  Kruse questioned the striker’s dedication on the Flatterball podcast, stating: “I think he’s already given up on his career. He actually still has his best years ahead of him.”

  ​Werder coach Daniel Thioune remains hopeful Boniface can contribute to the club’s relegation battle, though he is expected to miss the upcoming clash with RB Leipzig.

  Kruse warned that shedding “10 to 15 kilos” through training alone is unrealistic for a professional.

  Lamenting the wasted talent of the Nigerian international, the former Germany star added: “That’s a real shame, because he has such great potential.”

• Why Mo Salah and Liverpool are calling quits on their relationship

  Mohamed Salah and Liverpool have mutually agreed to conclude their nine-year association this summer, citing a need for a fresh start following an underwhelming title defense and shifting tactical priorities under the current regime.

  ​The record-breaking partnership between Mohamed Salah and Liverpool will end this summer as both parties seek a clean break.

  Despite a contract extension last year, sources indicate that a “lacklustre” season and a desire for squad rejuvenation led to the agreement.

  While Salah remains the Premier League’s top performer, the club opted to facilitate a free transfer, acknowledging that his era-defining talents have reached a natural conclusion.

  ​The decision was solidified by Salah’s wish for transparency, allowing fans to process his exit before the campaign closes.

  Internal shifts and the astronomical wages of his £400,000-per-week deal also played a role in the transition.

  Reflecting the mutual respect shared, the club stated, “Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement… to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.”

• Predicted Arsenal line-up against Bayer Leverkusen

  Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen in a high-stakes Champions League second leg tonight at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta expected to make key defensive and attacking rotations to manage injuries and a looming cup final.

  ​Arsenal face a selection puzzle following the loss of Jurrien Timber, who sustained an injury during the weekend’s win over Everton.

  With captain Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino also sidelined, Eberechi Eze is expected to retain his creative role in the No. 10 position.

  Defensively, Arteta must choose between the experienced Ben White and youngster Cristhian Mosquera at right-back to partner the established William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

  ​In attack, Viktor Gyokeres is tipped to lead the line as Arsenal looks to manage Kai Havertz’s workload ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

  Leandro Trossard has returned to training and could start on the left, potentially pushing Gabriel Martinelli to the bench.

  Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are vying for the right-wing spot, as the Gunners aim to capitalize on their formidable home record of 13 wins in 16 Champions League matches.

  ​Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.

• Spanish media raise big concerns about Real Madrid vs Man City referee hours before match

  Spanish commentators have expressed significant concern regarding the appointment of Italian official Maurizio Mariani for tonight’s Champions League clash, citing his restrictive officiating style and historic statistics.

  ​Spanish media outlets have voiced grave concerns over referee Maurizio Mariani ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid.

  Former official Iturralde Gonzalez criticized the 44-year-old’s tendency to control the flow of the match, stating:

  “He doesn’t let the game flow, he prefers to steer it where he wants, and I don’t like that kind of refereeing.” Gonzalez further warned: “Instead of letting the game unfold, he takes the game where he wants.”

  ​Mariani, who has a career record of 1,848 yellow cards, is perceived as a “no-nonsense” official who does not typically favor home sides.

  This adds pressure to a historic fixture marking the fifth consecutive season these giants have met in the knockout stages.

  Real Madrid, aiming for a 16th European title, face a City side that recently secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu during the league phase in December.