27 April 2024 , 06:30
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Jurgen Klopp believes Arne Slot is inheriting the ‘best job in the world ’ at Liverpool.
The successful Klopp will depart this summer after almost nine years in charge at Anfield but after a fortnight to forget for the Reds which has seen their Premier League title challenge crumble, it now feels like an even bigger role to follow on.
But what is the actual job facing the Dutchman as the Reds close in on appointing him as the German’s successor? Mirror Football takes a look at Slot’s in-tray this summer at Anfield.
From Mo Salah's contract, to the defence and midfield as well as a look at the potential signings needed, there are a fair few issues to keep the incoming manager busy.
MO SALAH
The Egyptian has just one year left on his contract and despite a dip in form lately, he’s still so key to this Liverpool team. But, at 31, there is a to be made on Salah.
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Mohamed Salah could command a huge fee still if Liverpool decided to sell (PA)Liverpool could renew his deal to ensure he stays at the club beyond 2025 but will they want to continue to have him as their highest earner?
They could let him run down his contract but then risk him leaving for nothing.
Or they could cash in and sell to a Saudi club who would probably still be willing to fork up over £100m. Those funds could be used elsewhere. It’s a big decision.
DARWIN NUNEZ
Darwin Nunez has been missing too many chances this season (Visionhaus via Getty Images) Slot will have to find a way to get the Uruguayan firing on all cylinders.
The club have invested up to £85m in the striker so they can’t just cut their losses.
Nunez has shown glimpses that he can be a world-class talent but his composure in front of goal is worrying. Would a shift out to the left with a different player at No 9 work? Or is there a solution to turn Nunez into a clinical forward? That’s certainly something for the Dutch manager to consider.
DEFENCE
Liverpool have some contract issues in defence, too. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have just 12 months to go. It seems unthinkable that either would leave this summer but if they’re not tied down to longer deals then plans for the succession will also come into it.
Van Dijk is entering the last year of his contract at the club (PA)Also, does Alexander-Arnold want to be right back or will Slot push him into midfield? And what about Ibrahima Konate, is he a long-term option or do Liverpool need to bring in another centre-back whether Van Dijk, who is soon 33, commits or not?
MIDFIELD
Liverpool’s midfield has been refreshed this season with four new arrivals last summer and some big departures. But does it still need work? Is Wataru Endo a long-term solution in the defensive midfield position?
Slot is known to like a 4-2-3-1 formation, do Liverpool have the right type of midfielders to play with a double pivot? Outside of Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones possess bundles of talent but do they have the defensive discipline?
Endo has been a good signing for Liverpool (Getty Images)SIGNINGS
No matter who the manager was to replace Klopp, signings would be expected. Liverpool have seriously progressed this season after missing out on the top four in the previous campaign.
It’s not long ago that dreams of a quadruple were not only being talked about among the players, but posted on social media.
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Yet they’ve quickly fallen away and a dire performance against Everton in the Merseyside Derby is surely enough to end hopes of a fairytale finale for Klopp with another Premier League title.
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So Slot, led by Michael Edwards and the incoming sporting director Richard Hughes, will need to find the right options to ensure this squad is capable of getting over the line next season. They need to strengthen in defence, defensive midfield and maybe attack if key players were to leave.
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