So is Murphy right? Will Iraola’s appointment bring hope and excitement rather than the fear of another underwhelming campaign?

Slot’s side cantered to a record-equalling 20th league title in his first season in charge, but finished fifth (25 points behind champions Arsenal) in his second.

Peter Bolster – from the Spion Kop podcast – told BBC Radio Merseyside: “I’m very excited and I’m a little bit surprised with how excited I am.

“Large parts of last season I wasn’t excited to watch Liverpool. I wasn’t excited to go to Anfield and I certainly wasn’t excited for pre-season or the start of next season. And whatever happens from this point onwards, I am excited.

“Iraola might be the perfect replacement. We might be sitting in this situation in two years, saying it didn’t really work, but I’m excited with the project and that’s what all fans want to be.”

Following Slot’s departure, Liverpool were keen to make an appointment at the earliest possible opportunity and wanted a manager who fits their preferred playing style, which is to deliver front-foot, aggressive football.

A style more aligned to how they played under former boss Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool fan Ian Walker said: “I have mixed feelings. That awful style of play [under Slot last season] had to be turned around as soon as possible, but the role has proved to be too much for some, both in terms of consistently securing results or in coping with the expectations and pressures of the media and the fanbase.

“I can still see Roy Hodgson tearing at his face on the bench when things weren’t going well. Even Jurgen Klopp – adored by the fans, the players and the club – had to stop after great success and an exciting style of football. Good luck to Iraola.”

The Redmen TV’s Ste Plunkett told BBC Radio Merseyside: “Of the talent pool that was out there and the managers that were available, it seems an obvious fit in terms of what he does with his team and what we really want a Liverpool manager to do with our team.

“I think the construction of the squad last summer – and potentially with the additions we do this year – we have to find a manager for the squad and I very much think we didn’t have that last season.

“You would have liked to have seen [Iraola] have some experience in Europe, but then he’s never really worried about reputation or who he’s playing against.

“That doesn’t seem to bother him, so I think the fact that he’s fresh to all of that, he’ll go into it invigorated and there won’t be a hangover over previous campaigns where things have gone wrong.”

Aryna Sabalenka‘s bid for a first French Open title was left in tatters as she fell apart in a bizarre defeat by Russian 25th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The world number one led by a set and a double-break before exiting the tournament in a blaze of unforced errors, collapsing to a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss in blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Shnaider will face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals on Thursday, with Marta Kostyuk or Mirra Andreeva awaiting the winner in Sunday’s final.

“Well honestly I’m speechless, I’m super happy. Obviously tough conditions with the wind,” said the 22-year-old Shnaider after beating a top-10 player for only the second time in her career.

“First time playing Aryna so definitely a lot of nerves and I feel the first set was trying to adjust to her game.”

Read moreA rich man’s game? How Roland Garros host France turned its back on clay

Sabalenka was the only Grand Slam champion left in either the men’s or women’s singles draws at Roland Garros, but belied that status by making a whopping 57 unforced errors.

Shnaider was playing in her first major quarter-final, but now finds herself a strong favourite to reach the final heading into her last-four tie against world number 114 and fellow left-hander Chwalinska.

“Definitely super happy I managed to finish on a good note rather than start on a good note. Definitely a special tournament for me here,” added the Russian.

“It’s going be a lefty battle so I’m looking forward (to the semi-final).”

Sabalenka’s scarcely believable defeat was reminiscent of the way she threw away a strong position in last year’s final against Coco Gauff.

The Belarusian was playing in a 14th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final but failed to become the first woman to make seven straight major semis since Serena Williams.

Increasingly frustrated Sabalenka

The top seed raced into a 5-1 lead and eventually sealed the opener on her third set point after initially failing to serve it out.

The second set followed a similar pattern at first, as Sabalenka moved 4-1 in front with a double-break before throwing away her next service game.

Read moreNo Alcaraz, no party? Five reasons not to miss this year’s French Open

Sabalenka became increasingly frustrated as she gifted Shnaider three break points to level at 4-4.

After some animated remonstrating with her box, she recomposed herself enough to hold.

But the 28-year-old’s game continued to come apart, as a string of dreadful unforced errors allowed Shnaider to break again and tie up the set at 5-5, with Sabalenka left to gesticulate wildly towards her coaching staff.

Shnaider could not believe her luck as Sabalenka dumped successive forehands into the bottom of the net to finish off the set and send the match into a decider.

The Russian grew in confidence and moved 2-0 up in the third as Sabalenka sprayed eight unforced errors around Chatrier in the space of two games.

Shnaider cruised to victory from there, fittingly securing a semi-final berth when Sabalenka knocked a routine backhand into the net on the third match point.

A stunned world number one was left to trudge off court after winning just 14 points in the deciding set.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

The New York Knicks will reportedly have center Mitchell Robinson available to them for Wednesday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Robinson underwent surgery last week to repair a fractured fifth metacarpal in his right hand. Despite the procedure, he was clear about being ready to play Game 1.

This story will be updated.

Police are investigating after a coach was allegedly assaulted by a member of grounds staff at this week’s Birmingham Open tennis tournament.

According to Australian tennis player James McCabe, the altercation occurred following a dispute between his father and coach Patrick and the staff member at the Edgbaston Priory Club over the use of practice courts on Monday morning.

Writing on Instagram, James McCabe, who is ranked 234 in the world, described the event as a “serious police-reported player/coach safety incident at the tournament venue.

“My account is that he was followed, physically handled by a staff member, and left in pain afterwards.”

West Midlands Police said in a statement: “We received a report of a man being assaulted at a venue in Sir Harrys Road, Birmingham on June 1. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

McCabe, who lost his first-round match, added on Wednesday morning that his father had gone to hospital as a result of the incident.

The tournament is the first of the British grass-court season and features events on the second-tier ATP Challenger and WTA 125 tours.

It is run by the Lawn Tennis Association and a joint statement from the governing body, the ATP and Edgbaston Priory Club read: “There is an ongoing investigation being led by Edgbaston Priory Club with support from the ATP and LTA in relation to an incident during the Lexus Birmingham Open on Monday, June 1.

“This incident involves an allegation made against a member of Edgbaston Priory Club staff by a player’s coach and is currently being reviewed by an investigating officer.

“We will be making no further comment whilst the investigation is ongoing.”

The grass-court season will continue next week once the French Open concludes, with some of the world’s best players heading to Queen’s.

The third grand slam of the year will then take centre stage later this month when Wimbledon gets underway on 29 June.

Jannik Sinner is the defending men’s champion after beating Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final, while Iga Swiatek will be aiming to defend the title she won by thrashing Amanda Anisimova in 2025.

Roman Reigns recently recruited Jacob Fatu as the newest member of the Bloodline in WWE. This occurred after The Samoan Werewolf demanded a rematch against the Original Tribal Chief at Clash in Italy 2026.

The Tribal Combat match was not merely about the World Heavyweight Championship or the position as the Tribal Chief. A loss came with consequences. As Fatu lost to the OTC, he was forced to acknowledge the Head of the Table and to fall in line with The Bloodline.

Now that Jacob Fatu has officially joined the group, The Bloodline leader is expected to recruit more family members into the faction soon. In this article, we will discuss five Anoa’i family members the Only Tribal Chief could recruit to his faction in the Stamford-based promotion.

#5. WWE star Solo Sikoa

At Clash in Italy 2026, Solo Sikoa and the MFT appeared in the crowd after the Tribal Combat match. Roman spotted the villainous faction and asserted that they are next in line. This seemingly confirms that the MFT is also part of The Bloodline saga and will eventually come face-to-face in the coming months.

Reigns’ words affirm that he wants Solo Sikoa to be part of the group. So, if Solo faces Roman and loses to the OTC, it could lead to him falling in line like Jacob Fatu and becoming the latest recruit in The Bloodline soon.

#4. Journey Fatu

Journey Fatu is another potential Anoa’i family member who could be recruited to The Bloodline in the sports entertainment juggernaut. For those who may not know, Journey is currently making waves on the independent wrestling circuit.

The 30-year-old star once went viral online, and fans couldn’t stop praising him and immediately anticipated his debut in WWE.

Considering that The Bloodline saga has been revived, this would be the perfect time to bring Journey to the Triple H-led promotion. He can debut as Roman Reigns’ newest Bloodline recruit on Monday Night RAW.

#3. Zilla Fatu

The WWE Universe was expecting Zilla Fatu’s debut at Clash in Italy 2026. Despite the buzz, the real-life Anoa’i member didn’t make his presence felt on the show.

Fans were surprised that Triple H didn’t pull the trigger on Zilla’s debut at the international premium live event. As we are moving into the next innings of The Bloodline saga, this would be a great time to finally execute Zilla’s debut in World Wrestling Entertainment.

Jacob Fatu has already joined The Bloodline on WWE RAW. Recruiting Zilla Fatu would add a fresh direction for the faction, particularly as Jacob is also the young star’s cousin.

#2. Nia Jax

Nia Jax is currently part of the Women’s Tag Team division on Friday Night SmackDown. The Irresistible Force is paired with Lash Legend and is a former Women’s Tag Team Champion.

The revival of The Bloodline saga would be a great reason to bring Nia into the family drama. The recruitment of the 42-year-old star in The Bloodline would help the faction expand its reach into WWE’s women’s division.

#1. Rikishi

WWE legend Rikishi is another name on the list who has long been rumored to get involved in The Bloodline saga in WWE. While this is yet to happen, he could be recruited into the Bloodline in the near future. Since the start of The Bloodline saga in the company, Rikishi has reacted to major moments and shared his opinions online.

The veteran star is closely connected to Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Jacob Fatu. It will make complete sense if the TKO-led promotion finally brings Rikishi to the company and incorporates him into The Bloodline story.

The 60-year-old star can serve as the faction’s manager, similar to how Paul Heyman was Roman Reigns’ “Wiseman.”

Overall, it will be interesting to see how the storyline moves forward now that Jacob Fatu has officially joined The Bloodline.