Liverpool legend John Barnes has jumped to the defence of under-fire manager Arne Slot, urging the club to avoid the temptation of appointing former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. Despite a mounting crisis at Anfield, the former England international believes the Dutchman deserves more time to fix the team's current slump.

Mohamed Salah’s decision to call time on his glittering Liverpool career has sent shockwaves through Anfield, but sensational new claims suggest the Egyptian was forced out by Arne Slot. As the legendary forward prepares for his final months on Merseyside, a close confidant has pointed the finger directly at the Dutch manager for fracturing the relationship beyond repair.

Pep Guardiola insisted last month that Real Madrid were not his biggest rivals during his time at Manchester City, instead giving that particular honour to Liverpool. He did at least clarify that he meant Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, which is just as well after Arne Slot's Reds failed to cause Guardiola any stress while he watched his side run out 4-0 winners in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final from the comfort of his seat in the stands.

Liverpool's difficult campaign reached a new nadir on Saturday as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by a rampant Manchester City. The 4-0 thrashing at the Etihad Stadium has turned up the heat on manager Arne Slot, who watched his side collapse following a promising start to the quarter-final tie.