He moved to Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season and represented them through the 2024-25 season for a total of 125 matches

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2025 • Updated on 13-Sep-2025Allrounder Jalaj Saxena has decided to part ways with Kerala after nine seasons. *He will now turn out for Maharashtra in the upcoming domestic season.”It is a matter of great pride for me to join the Maharashtra cricket team,” Saxena said in a statement. “Maharashtra cricket has a rich legacy and I am fully prepared to contribute my best for the team. It is an honour to play alongside players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Ankit Bawne as well as many talented newcomers…I sincerely thank the Maharashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity.”After making his domestic debut for his home state, Madhya Pradesh, in the 2005-06 season, he moved to Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season and represented them through the 2024-25 season for a total of 125 matches.”It’s never easy to put my feelings into words, but today I want to share something close to my heart,” he wrote on his Instagram post. “I have played my last game in Kerala colours, and that thought still feels surreal. Saying this brings a strange mix of emotions – gratitude, pride and a little ache. Over the years, this team has given me more than just cricket. It gave me brothers, friends and a family that stood by me through every high and low.”I’ve given blood, sweat, and tears – everything I had – for this journey, and in return, it gave me memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.”Related

'My emotions, heart, everything is with first-class cricket'

Saxena amassed 3153 runs for Kerala and claimed 352 wickets across formats. Among these, in 58 first-class matches, he scored 2252 runs, including three centuries, and took 269 wickets at an average of 20.68, with 23 five-wicket hauls. During the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season – when Kerala fell short in the final against Vidarbha – he became the first player in the tournament’s history to achieve the double of 6000 runs and 400 wickets. His 269 wickets are also the second-most by any player representing Kerala in first-class cricket behind KN Ananthapadmanabhan’s 310.Across his entire first-class career, Saxena has accumulated 7060 runs and 484 wickets, with 34 five-wicket hauls.”To each and every teammate – thank you for making the dressing room a place of laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. To the KCA, coaches, support staff, and the unsung heroes – the groundsmen who work tirelessly so we can have our game – my deepest respect and gratitude. None of this journey would have been possible without your support,” he said.”Cricket has taught me that every ending is just a new beginning. My heart will always beat for Kerala, and I’ll always carry these memories with me whenever I go.”Despite being one of the most consistent performers in the Indian domestic circuit in the last two decades, the national team cap has constantly eluded Saxena.

It remains a possibility that Liverpool could sell Mohamed Salah at some stage, David James has told GOAL, despite the Egyptian superstar signing a new contract at Anfield. Those terms are intended to take the prolific forward through to the summer of 2027, but the odd question has been asked of his output this season and interest from the Saudi Pro League remains.

Salah record: Total goals for Liverpool

With that in mind, a transfer agreement in upcoming windows cannot be ruled out. Reigning Premier League champions will be hoping to see their four-time Golden Boot winner – who has netted 250 goals for the club – rediscover his spark during the 2025-26 campaign.

If that proves to be the case, then there will be no need to consider a parting of ways. Big-spending teams in the Middle East could, however, test the Reds’ resolve, while Salah may decide that he does want to take on a new challenge after all – with there still plenty of football left in him at 33 years of age.

AdvertisementGettySalah transfer: Could Liverpool sanction a sale?

When former Liverpool goalkeeper James – speaking exclusively to GOAL via the home of football betting online – was asked if Salah could be sold, the ex-England international said: “Liverpool didn't have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn't have to sign for Liverpool. I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties. And I think if there came a time, and I know Liverpool aren't unique in this, but most of the reasoning behind signing players will be the numbers they're producing.

“So you could envisage a situation where Mo's numbers aren't what Liverpool need. And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I'm sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go.

“Under contract, I don't think I could see a situation where Mo's going to hang around just to get paid. I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future.

“However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I'm sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they're the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can't refuse.

“I also think that Liverpool will have someone already lined up to replace Mo Salah. As I stand here looking at my signed Diogo Jota shirt, we now know with clarity the inevitable nature of life. I think Liverpool, more so than anyone currently, will be looking at that Diogo situation and saying, we have to have it. And that would just be, from a human level, logical, and from a business level, even more logical to have some kind of risk management with regards to replacing players.”

Years left: Salah in same category as Ronaldo & Messi

James added on Salah still looking to the future, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi showing what can be achieved in the longevity stakes: “Mo’s only 33. Cristiano Ronaldo, I know he's playing in Saudi, he's only been doing it for a few years, but the guy is 40, he's still scoring at international level.

“Mo, it has been well-versed about how fit he is. People keep talking about losing pace, but I don't think he has from the numbers, that I’m told are the same as they were before. The one thing I would say is probably the defenders he's playing against are getting quicker. So it's not Mo, it's just the opposition. But at 33 years old, it's true that the guy's got another contract in him, easily.”

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AFPDecade at Anfield: Salah could reach 10 years of service

Those terms are unlikely to come at Anfield, as Salah looks to complete a decade of loyal service on Merseyside by remaining in his current surroundings through to 2027, but there is no indication that he will be stopping any time soon and his asking price would remain high if Liverpool were to look at cashing in at some point across the next couple of transfer markets.

Manchester City's star winger Jeremy Doku launched a scathing attack on his Belgium team-mates after the Red Devils threw away a chance to secure an automatic World Cup qualification during the weekend. The European giants failed to register a win against a 10-man Kazakhstan side as they came back from behind to play out a 1-1 draw in Astana on Saturday.

• Belgium held to a draw

  The Red Devils, who have now won just one out of their last three international games, were held to a 1-1 draw as they came back from behind against Kazakhstan. Rudi Garcia's side dealt with an early blow as Dastan Satpayev latched on to a loose ball at the back and handed the hosts the lead in the ninth. Belgium then staged a comeback early in the second half as Hans Vanaken equalised for his side from Timothy Castagne's assist. 

  Kazakhstan were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when striker Islam Chesnokov picked up a direct red card, but Belgium failed to take the man advantage and pile on the opposition's misery. 

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• AFP
  

  Doku slammed Belgium team-mates

  After the game, a frustrated Doku ranted against his colleagues as he told reporters: "We've already dropped too many points because we weren't good enough in a large number of matches. Our campaign hasn't gone well, no. Everyone needs to do better. The coach, me, everyone. Kevin, Romelu. Thibaut, if we need them to win against Kazakhstan, then we can't do anything at the World Cup. We looked at this team and thought they would play long but then they played short and started playing football. It was a completely different match than last time. Maybe we didn't analyse our opponent enough."

  Defender Arthur Theate also expressed his frustration as he added: "If you feel like it, go ahead. It's not that I disagree. But if you concede a goal, that's the problem. If you don't score, it's the attack's fault. Of course, we shouldn't have conceded that goal but we haven't conceded many goals this campaign. Agreed, conceding three goals at home against Wales wouldn't have been right. 'But otherwise, we weren't put in much danger. But you can judge for yourself. I just think we're having a good campaign defensively."

• Will Belgium qualify for the World Cup?

  Belgium threw away an opportunity to secure a direct qualification to the World Cup next year but they still remain the favourites to book their berth in the flagship from Group J. With 15 points from seven points, Belgium stand at the top of their group, two points clear of North Macedonia.

  A win against rock bottom Liechtenstein on Tuesday will help them secure World Cup qualification. North Macedonia and Wales, on the other hand, will clash in their final group game to secure a play-offs spot. 

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• Getty
  

  Doku's stellar run of form

  Individually, Doku has enjoyed a purple patch in the 2025-26 campaign with Manchester City. He has featured in 16 matches across all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side where he has scored three goals and provided four assists. 

  Former City star Paul Dickov recently hailed Doku as the best winger in the world, as he told : “I would say he's probably the best in Europe at the minute. Not just of his performance against Liverpool, which was top drawer, but I said before the game, that despite Erling Haaland’s goals, Doku has consistently been City’s best player and biggest threat. 

  "People were forgetting last season. They were questioning his end product a little bit. And maybe he was doing all these dribbles and was playing at a mile-a-minute. Maybe his crossing and finishing suffered, but he’s worked so hard at his game. He’s only 23 years old. He’s a young boy, and he’s just impossible to defend against when he gets you one on one."

Joining Manchester United in their pomp is easy. Joining Manchester United in their current state, fresh off the back of a worst-ever Premier League campaign at Old Trafford, requires a little bit of craziness.

Craziness to believe that you can be the man to lift the Red Devils out of their ongoing decline, with ex-Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo – signed on a £71m deal over the summer – already looking like he’s ready to do just that.

There may not have been the glamour attached to the deal that there was when names like Angel Di Maria or Radamel Falcao rocked up in Manchester, but that might be because this marquee move actually made sense, with Ruben Amorim and co forking out for a properly Premier League-proven figure.

Having netted 20 times in the top-flight last time out under Thomas Frank, there was a feeling that the Cameroonian was destined for the Champions League, with his former boss intent on taking him to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old, to his credit, made it clear he only wanted United, patiently waiting out protracted negotiations to eventually seal his desired switch. Six goals in his first 12 games for the club have since followed.

Mbeumo is now the benchmark for further reinforcements to try and meet, with recent reports indicating that additional attacking recruits could potentially be in the works.

Man Utd's search for a forward

While the extent of his injury is yet to be known, the potential absence of Benjamin Sesko has brought the lack of genuine alternatives to the Slovenian into sharper focus, with Joshua Zirkzee the only other senior striker in Amorim’s ranks.

Sesko, signed for £74m from RB Leipzig, has made a promising albeit unspectacular start in English football with just two goals scored across league and cup, with questions to be asked over whether a more experienced marksman is still required.

According to reports in Spain, that very fact may well see United renew their interest in a certain Harry Kane in 2026, with the England skipper deemed to be a ‘proven solution’ to their long-standing centre-forward woes.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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As per the report, the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea are also paying close attention to the 32-year-old’s situation at Bayern Munich, with his existing deal in Bavaria set to expire in 2027.

Kane, the piece suggests, is keen to stay at the Allianz Arena, although the presence of a reported €65m (£57m) release clause in his current contract will certainly spark a raft of interest heading into the New Year.

Whether it is January or next summer, Kane – who was Erik ten Hag’s prime target back in 2023 – would still remain a significant coup if INEOS could pull it off.

Why Man Utd could land an even better signing than Mbeumo

2023 remains a frustrating window as far as United are concerned, with Ten Hag’s apparent interest in the likes of Kane and Declan Rice ultimately counting for little, as Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana all arrived instead.

Hojlund, as those at Old Trafford are aware, has since proved to be something of a mixed bag, having scored just 26 goals in 95 games in all competitions, alongside a further four goals on loan at Napoli this season.

Since leaving Spurs for Bayern two years ago, meanwhile, Kane has gone on to amass a ridiculous haul of 108 goals in just 113 games for the Bundesliga giants, becoming the quickest player this century to reach triple figures for a team in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Mbeumo might have stolen the show with a standout 2024/25 campaign for the Bees, but if it is true Premier League proven quality that you are after, then Kane is the man. 213 goals in England’s top-tier places him third on the all-time list.

Widely regarded as the best striker in the world, Kane has scored at least 17 league goals in every season stretching from 2014/15 to 2024/25. As for the new campaign, he already has 13 in ten in Germany’s top division. Mbeumo, for contrast, has five in 11.

Kane – League record (since 14/15)

Season

Games

Goals

2024/25

31

26

2023/24

32

36

2022/23

38

30

2021/22

37

17

2020/21

35

23

2019/20

29

18

2018/19

28

17

2017/18

37

30

2016/17

30

29

2015/16

38

25

2014/15

34

21

via Transfermarkt

Not your typical superstar, the former Spurs talisman is simply efficient to the extreme, with few players in the modern era having possessed such a ruthless, clinical streak in front of goal.

The beauty of Kane too, however, is that he isn’t just your average penalty box poacher. There are so many strings to his extraordinary bow.

Even deployed in almost a central midfield role at times under Vincent Kompany this season, namely in the win over Borussia Dortmund, England’s record scorer has that knack for being able to spray passes at will, having developed into an all-encompassing, playmaking number nine.

Such traits even led Tottenham great David Ginola to liken him to a legendary figure of the past back in 2022: “He is like the new Diego Maradona now. Long passes, short passes, he has it all.”

At 32, while he may be entering that ‘last dance’ territory, Amorim and United certainly shouldn’t turn their nose up at the chance to bring Kane back to England. There is Alan Shearer’s record to chase for him, after all.

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The Colorado Rockies are 4-25 after suffering an 8-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. It was the team's eighth straight loss and they are currently on a historically bad pace. If they continue at their current pace they'll only win 22 games, which would be the second-worst season in baseball history behind the 1899 Cleveland Spiders who went 20-134.

The Spiders were 7-22 through their first 29 games.

With a current winning percentage of .138 the Rockies are on pace to set a modern-era record for losses. The 2024 Chicago White Sox, who broke the 1960 New York Mets' record for most losses in a season with 121, started 6-23.

The good news is that there really are five full months remaining in the season and the Rockies have a chance to turn things around. Or maybe short of that, not compete for one of the worst records in professional baseball history.

They're already 15.5 games out of first and since they're in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers, it's seems likely that the Rockies will set a new record for most games out of first. The 2018 Orioles finished 61 games back. The1942 Phillies finished 62.5 games out of first. The 1909 Boston Doves finished 65.5 games back. The aforementioned 1899 Spiders finished an astonishing 84 games behind the Brooklyn Superbas.

The Dodgers, who lead the NL West, are currently on pace to win 108 games. Even if the Dodgers slow down and the Rockies speed up, there is going to be a 60-something game difference in the standings at the end of the season.

If there's any good news here it's that the Rockies are only three games behind this year's edition of the Chicago White Sox. Those two teams are scheduled to play a three-game series that starts on the 4th of July. Good seats will most likely still be available.

Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel has died after the roof of a nightclub collapsed early Tuesday morning in the Dominican Republic.

According to Noticias SIN, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a performance from popular merengue singer Rubby Perez at around 1:00 a.m. At least 58 people were killed and more than 150 were injured. It's not yet clear what caused the roof to collapse.

Dotel, had attended the nightclub alongside fellow former MLB player Tony Blanco, who also died as a result of the collapsed roof. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz was also among the deceased, officials said.

MLB issued a statement after the news of Dotel's passing.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred also issued a statement on the incident in Santo Domingo:

Dotel, 51, pitched in MLB from 1999 to 2013. Throughout a 15-year career, he recorded a 15.8 WAR and had a 3.78 ERA across 758 appearances. He registered 109 career saves and struck out 1,143 batters in 951 innings. Dotel played for 13 different MLB franchises in his career, which ranks second all-time behind only Edwin Jackson. Notably, he won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.

Blanco played in MLB in 2003 for the Washington Nationals. He featured in 56 games and recorded 11 hits, including one home run. He also spent several years playing overseas in Japan.

Jamie Carragher criticised a struggling Liverpool star as the Reds were dealt another humiliating defeat at Anfield, this time at the hands of PSV Eindhoven.

Curtis Jones admits he's out of "answers" after Liverpool defeat

Where do Liverpool go from here? This is no longer a blip. The Premier League champions are in a full-blown crisis that not even Anfield could protect them from against Nottingham Forest and PSV. Their crown has been ripped from their head in ruthless fashion and serious questions are being asked of manager Arne Slot.

Curtis Jones looked a man defeated at full-time, as he admitted that he doesn’t have the “answers” to Liverpool’s current form, which has seen them lose nine of their last 12 games in all competitions.

The academy graduate told reporters: “I don’t have the answers. Honestly, I don’t. I’m saying that to everybody. It’s just unacceptable. I don’t even have to wait to think about it. I’m past being angry inside.

“I’m at the point now where I just don’t have the words. It’s hard because I’m playing for the team I support. I’m a fan, and I’ve seen this club all my life. In a long, long time, I haven’t experienced a Liverpool team going through a period like this with results like these.

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“But at the end of the day, we still have that badge on our chest. And until that badge is gone, we’re always going to fight. We’re going to try and get this team back to where it needs to be, show everyone again what this club is about and why people call it the best team in the world. But right now, we’re in the s***, and it needs to change.”

Carragher also didn’t hold back behind the scenes on CBS, ripping into Ibrahima Konate after the Frenchman endured another disastrous outing at Anfield.

Carragher rips into Konate after "sackable" PSV performance

Caught on camera watching the game behind the scenes on punditry duty for CBS, Carragher slammed Konate and claimed that it was a “sackable offence” for Slot to start the struggling defender against PSV.

Konate, who is out of contract in the summer, has been one of the most disappointing players in Liverpool’s recent run and continued his struggles against PSV – missing his interception for their third goal.

Once again, he found himself hooked in the second-half as Slot desperately attempted to turn the game around. By the time that the defender departed the game in the 76th minute, Konate had made just three tackles and won zero aerial duels on another evening to forget.

It’s a timely reminder that, despite breaking their transfer record twice in the summer, Liverpool made a major mistake when they missed out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again

Everton are in the race to sign James Ward-Prowse from West Ham in January, with the midfielder “almost certain” to leave the London Stadium in the new year.

Ward-Prowse has enjoyed an impressive career, spending many years at Southampton and being renowned for being one of the best set-piece specialists in Premier League history.

Ward-Prowse has struggled to be a regular for West Ham this season however, and with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027, the Hammers are set to listen to offers for him in January.

“There’s no way he’s getting back into the plans at West Ham. Nuno just doesn’t want him in the team; he is not open to the idea of this turning around,” reported Dean Jones earlier this month, claiming a move is “almost certain”.

“I don’t see any possibility that West Ham try to stop him from leaving. I think they will treat him with respect and allow him the chance to move.”

Everton are the team most strongly linked with the 11-cap England international, and now a new update has emerged regarding a possible move for the 31-year-old.

Everton ready to offer Ward-Prowse exit route

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown talked up Everton’s interest in Ward-Prowse due to his connection with David Moyes, confirming the Blues are “willing” to offer him a fresh start.

At 31, Ward-Prowse is now in the autumn of his career, so Everton wouldn’t be signing him as a long-term prospect with lots of sell-on value.

That said, he could be a shrewd signing in terms of his experience and enduring quality, not necessarily being a key starter but adding depth to the Blues’ squad at a relatively low cost given his contract situation.

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The fact that Moyes knows him well can only be a positive – he wouldn’t want him if he didn’t value him as a player and a character – so the positives outweigh the negatives.

Only three players earn more than James Ward-Prowse at West Ham

The international break is finally over and Sunderland return to action in the Premier League this afternoon as they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.

Regis Le Bris’ side have not played a game since their 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Stadium of Light before the break, and they will be looking to build on that with another positive result against a London-based club.

Despite picking up an excellent point against the Gunners, the Black Cats boss may still look to make some changes to his starting line-up from that match, including dropping centre-forward Wilson Isidor.

Why Sunderland should drop Wilson Isidor

The French marksman has scored four goals in 11 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, per Sofascore, and done so from an xG of 2.49, which shows that he has been efficient in front of goal.

However, the 25-year-old attacker has only scored one goal in his last six outings in the division, after three in the first five matches, per Sofascore, which shows that his form has dropped off slightly.

On top of that, his last two appearances for the Black Cats in the Premier League have left a bit to be desired, as his all round game has been underwhelming.

Wilson Isidor

Vs Everton

Vs Arsenal

Minutes

83

63

Shots

3

2

Goals

0

0

Key passes

0

0

Pass accuracy

56%

38%

Ground duels won

1/3

1/5

Aerial duels won

2/3

3/9

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Sunderland marksman struggled when leading the line against both Everton and Arsenal, losing the majority of his ground duels across both matches without providing much in the way of quality on the ball.

His loose passing combined with his lack of end product and physical struggles could see Le Bris take him out of the starting line-up for this clash with Fulham, to provide another player with an opportunity.

With this in mind, the Black Cats head coach should unleash summer signing Brian Brobbey as the starting number nine ahead of Isidor this afternoon.

Why Brian Brobbey should start for Sunderland against Fulham

The obvious reason as to why the Dutch centre-forward should start against Fulham is that he came off the bench to score a brilliant goal against Arsenal before the break.

After coming on for Isidor, who struggled, the 22-year-old attacker showed great quality, composure, and strength to score the equaliser, as shown in the clip above.

The £60k-per-week striker is yet to start a match in the Premier League for the Black Cats, with six appearances off the bench, yet he has already had two major moments in a red and white shirt.

After coming off the bench against Chelsea at the end of October, Brobbey showed terrific pace, strength, and awareness to race onto a ball over the top, hold off Tosin Adarabioyo, and tee up Chemsdine Talbi to score the winner in stoppage time.

This means that the Dutch whiz’s contributions off the bench have earned Sunderland an extra three points in the last three matches, with two extra points won against Chelsea and one against Arsenal.

Brobbey, who U23 scout Antonio Mango described as “a freight-train when dribbling”, has not been given the chance to showcase his quality as a starter in the Premier League, but this clash with Fulham could be the ideal opportunity for Le Fee to do so.

After Isidor’s struggles in recent matches, bringing in the former Ajax marksman to reward him for his exceptional performances off the bench of late could be a good move this afternoon.

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Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on hiring a Premier League manager, who Pep Guardiola called “incredible”, in a fresh concern for Arne Slot.

Carragher delivers "honest" Liverpool verdict after PSV defeat

Before the international break, Liverpool could at least fall back on the excuse that much of their bad form came on the road. Anfield, for the most part, remained a fortress. Just weeks later, however, and that fortress has been set ablaze by humiliating defeats at the hands of Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

Not everyone is ready to call time on Slot’s time at the club, however, and Anfield legend Jamie Carragher sent a timely reminder on punditry duty that Liverpool aren’t a sacking club, historically speaking.

He said: “Liverpool is not a sacking club, Liverpool, I think, are different from almost every club in European football where the manager is the king, you know, the managers get time.

“Liverpool have never sacked a manager who’s won the league, never in the history. They’ve all, you know, after a few years they’ve gone, they’ve resigned.

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“I couldn’t believe over the weekend that people were talking about the manager’s job when I spoke to Liverpool supporters after losing at home to Nottingham Forest.

“It’s only going to amplify now and I’ve always been in the camp of you stick with the manager because I’m angry with the players if I’m being totally honest, I’m really angry with the players but it does get to a stage with any manager at any club where I always use this word untenable, where it almost feels like it can’t go on any longer.”

Whether Liverpool chiefs share that view is the big question. Recent reports linking them to the likes of Andoni Iraola certainly suggests that they’re at least preparing for life without Slot.

Liverpool eyeing Andoni Iraola move

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to hire Iraola from Bournemouth if they decide to sack Slot. The Cherries boss is someone that Richard Hughes knows well, given that the sporting director hired the Spaniard during his time on the South Coast, and could now turn to him for a second time.

Iraola is one of the most well-respected managers in the Premier League these days. He’s taken Bournemouth to new heights and transformed the likes of Antoine Semenyo, who’s attracting interest from Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been one of the many figures around English football to hand the Bournemouth boss praise, telling reporters earlier this season: “Andoni is an incredible, well-respected manager in Spain and did an incredible job in Rayo Vallecano.”

It doesn’t get much better than praise from the Man City boss, and Iraola could yet get the chance to become one of his biggest rivals if Liverpool make their move.

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