Liverpool will host Brighton on Sunday as the Premier League returns after the international break and Jurgen Klopp’s side have an excellent opportunity to pile the pressure on their title rivals

Liverpool are set to return to action after the international break this weekend, with Jurgen Klopp’s side welcoming Brighton to Anfield.

And with title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City facing each other, Liverpool have an excellent opportunity to pile on the pressure. If Arsenal fail to win and Liverpool do, then the Reds will end the weekend top of the table.

There have also been plenty of developments off the field as Liverpool continue their search for Klopp’s successor after he announced he will be stepping down as manager at the end of the season.

With all that in mind, here is the latest news from around Anfield.

Alonso makes decision
Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will remain with Bayer Leverkusen amid rumours both Liverpool and Bayern Munich wanted him to be their next manager

“Last week I had a very good meeting when I informed of them [Leverkusen’s directors] of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen,” Alonso said on Friday. “For sure all the decisions you need to analyse well.

“At the moment this is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach. Right now this is the right place. I have to thank the management. The club had been supportive and I feel respected by all departments.”

Klopp has given his thoughts on Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen, admitting he “understands” the reasons why.

“I can talk about being a young manager being at a club and being successful,” Klopp said when asked about Alonso’s announcement. “I did pretty much the same and never regretted it. Xabi is doing a great job there and it’s possible they can keep the team together.

Promoted Stories
“It’s not always like that. I understand he wants to do that. Leverkusen are really impressive, it’s not like he has built from other years. He has created a mentality that is on the pitch and is really special.”

Jurgen Klopp is set to leave Liverpool (
Image:
Getty Images)
Torres returns
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has returned to Anfield this weekend to shadow Klopp, according to a report from Spanish outlet Marca.

The report states that Torres was at Liverpool’s training base on Friday and Saturday and will watch their game against Brighton on Sunday, with the 40-year-old keen to learn from one of the best managers around.

Torres currently works as a coach with Atletico Madrid’s under-19s, having returned to the club in 2021. During four seasons at Liverpool as a player, Torres scored 81 goals in 142 appearances across all competitions.