On the pitch Liverpool have seized the initiative in the Premier League title race following their 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Yet off the pitch, uncertainty lingers after Xabi Alonso confirmed last week he'll be staying with Bayer Leverkusen, ruling himself out of the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
So where do Liverpool turn next and who will be on their managerial shortlist to replace Klopp?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Oli Kay to discuss Alonso's decision to stay at Leverkusen before debating the process the Reds will go through with their new sporting director Richard Hughes to find a successor for Klopp.
Produced by Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Related Articles:
What happened with Liverpool and Xabi Alonso – and where does the club look now? - The Athletic
Would Roberto De Zerbi be the right kind of manager for Liverpool? - The Athletic
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Who do Liverpool target after Alonso decision?

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting through the noise to tell you what’s really happening and why it matters.

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Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”.

But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for the Catalans.

So, why did Barca perform a dramatic U-turn on Xavi’s future? 

How strong is his position now?

And can Xavi be backed in this summer’s transfer market to the level he now expects? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-Menchero
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Inside Xavi's bizarre Barcelona U-turn

Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer.

Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are planning on him being part of their squad for next season.

So, with his future back on the agenda, what are Liverpool’s options with or without their iconic forward?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and James Pearce
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Salah set to stay at Liverpool - but for how long?

Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the games, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to deal with the “details” to be contenders.
So what exactly are the fine margins they are missing? 
And will it be enough to get to the next step and challenge next season?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Seb Stafford-Bloor
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Can Project Postecoglou make Spurs contenders?

It’s matchday 35 in the Premier League and it’s a huge north London derby as Arsenal go to Spurs hoping to stay in the title race.

Elsewhere, Man City go to Nottingham Forest and West Ham host Liverpool.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers, Charlie Eccleshare and Jay Harris
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Can Spurs halt Arsenal's title charge?

Almost three months on from Jurgen Klopp announcing his intention to stand down, Liverpool have earmarked the man they’d like to replace him.
So why do Liverpool want Feyenoord’s Arne Slot?
And is he the right personality to replace Klopp at Anfield? 
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and Adam Crafton
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Who do Liverpool target after Alonso decision?

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