Klopp speaks on Slot links and Gakpo Back in Training: Liverpool News Round-Up

The latest headlines heading into the weekend clash against West Ham.
Go Ahead Eagles v Feyenoord - Dutch Eredivisie
Go Ahead Eagles v Feyenoord - Dutch Eredivisie / BSR Agency/GettyImages
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It's been a tough stretch for the Reds, who essentially saw their bid for three major trophies disappear in the space of roughly a month, with the 2-0 defeat against Everton effectively derailing their Premier League title bid.

As much as Liverpool fans would want to bury their collective heads in the sand, there are still four games to play, with the Reds traveling to London for a clash with West Ham on Saturday.

It's going to be a hard watch, especially after what happened last Wednesday, but there's no question the boys and Klopp still deserve maximum backing from the fans to help end the season on a positive note.

Here are the latest headlines heading into the weekend.

Klopp makes comment on white-hot Slot links

Lost in the translation of Liverpool's recent struggles, is the increasing likelihood that the club might have actually found Klopp's successor.

Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot has been linked heavily with Liverpool over the last few days, with the man himself even commenting that he wants the position as Reds boss.

The Dutchman expressed "confidence" that a move would materialize, and added “The only thing I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations – and then you sit in the waiting room and wait for what will come out. It seems clear to me that I would like to go to Liverpool,” he said. “Now I am waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I have every ­confidence in that.”

There is an element of trying to make the best out of our remaining time with Jurgen Klopp, but the club's collapse over the last few weeks, has understandably gotten a few supporters looking ahead.

It certainly looks like the succession plan is in full swing, with Klopp stating that the Liverpool job is the "best in the world" and that he is delighted for Slot, finishing with "If he's the man, I am more than happy. I'm not the one to judge."

Gakpo returns to Liverpool training but Jota and Bradley still out

On the footballing front, it looks like Cody Gakpo is set to return to the Liverpool lineup after missing the 2-0 defeat against Everton due to his partner being in labor.

The Dutchman was sorely missed throughout the game, as his composure and technique could've made the difference for a Liverpool team that looked uncharacteristically flustered and panicked. Let's hope he can help spur the Reds to end the season on a high.

Elsewhere, Klopp stated that Diogo Jota and Conor Bradley remain on the sidelines for the clash against West Ham, denying the Reds two legitimate options for the clash.

Jota, has of course, recently returned and suffered a setback that would keep him out for around two weeks, so a return could be likely sooner rather than later.

Bradley, meanwhile, is still suffering the effects of that injury he sustained against Crystal Palace, and there's no need to rush him back after he has filled in superbly for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Klopp not in the mood to "wave the white flag"

Heading into the clash against West Ham, it would be understandable if a few supporters' heads would be dropping following recent results.

However, the London Stadium has been a notoriously tricky ground for the Reds, and the gaffer recognizes this despite recent setbacks.

Speaking in his press conference, Klopp stated "I am not in the mood to give up, to wave the white flag, these kind of things. I just think we have to look first after ourselves, just make sure we play better football."

It certainly looks like the boss remains defiant, even in the face of recent disappointment, and we as supporters must continue to be the same. Four games left of Jurgen Klopp, and we should all do our best to help ensure they finish the season in the best way possible.

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