The disappointment of Arne Slot's second season at Liverpool could play a major role in his stay at Anfield. A dismal defence of their Premier League crown, the Reds have looked like a shadow of their former selves for much of the season.

Currently sitting sixth in the league table following a historic summer spend of £450million, it remains to be seen whether the Reds' drastic underachievements could mark a decision being made on Slot's future.

The Dutchman has over a year left to run on the three-year contracthe signed to become Liverpool head coach in 2024. With over three months left to go of the season, it's a period that can define Slot's legacy as Mirror Football takes a look at the latest stories coming out of Anfield.

With just over a year left on Arne Slot's contract at Anfield, a decision on whether to commit or part ways with the Dutchman will have to be made sooner rather than later. Prior to his appointment in 2024, former Reds star Xabi Alonso was reportedly Liverpool's key target to replace Klopp but rejected the club to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

After spending just seven months at Real Madrid, the Spaniard left the club in January and has remained jobless, reportedly wanting to wait until the summer to make a decision on his next position. According to TEAMtalk, the Reds owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have earmarked Alonso as the "only name" they want as the club's head coach this summer.

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The report also adds that the drastic decline from last season's title-winning campaign has alarmed the hierarchy. It claimed that while the club are not yet planning to replace Slot but the Dutchman is aware that an explanation of the drop-off this season is expected once the current campaign ends.

Jurgen Klopp has shown no signs of wanting to return to the daily slog of football management but that hasn't stopped reports linking him with a stunning move to Atletico Madrid. Currently the global head of soccer at the Red Bull franchise, reports of his satisfaction with his role - which were rubbished by Red Bull - caused controversy.

Amid claims of his discontent, Spanish television show El Chiringuito stated that the German is in advanced negotiations about succeeding Diego Simeone - who is in the final year of his contract. They claim that Klopp, 58, is in talks with Mark Rowan, who is the CEO of Atletico majority shareholders, Apollo.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, categorically shut down the reports as he said: "This is total nonsense and completely unfounded. On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with Jürgen Klopp's work. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That's where we are putting our full focus and our energy."