Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has launched a scathing attack on current Reds manager Arne Slot following controversial remarks about last season's Champions League exit. Slot suggested that Liverpool's elimination by Paris Saint-Germain actually contributed to their Premier League triumph, a claim that has sparked significant backlash from supporters and club legends alike.
Slot's Controversial Champions League Theory
During Tuesday's press conference ahead of Liverpool's European league phase finale against Qarabag, Slot presented an unconventional perspective on last season's Champions League disappointment. "This is not going to be a popular opinion but maybe the reason we won the league last season is that we had to play Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, because they beat us and we had every time a full week to prepare for our next game," the Dutch manager explained.
Slot elaborated further on his reasoning, stating: "Maybe that helped us. Every manager is aware that the bigger squad you have, the better equipped you are for so many games." The comments came amid fresh criticism following Liverpool's stoppage-time defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, which saw the Reds drop to sixth place in the Premier League table.
Gerrard's Fiery Response to 'Body Blow' Comments
Steven Gerrard, speaking to TNT Sports, expressed strong disagreement with Slot's assessment and sympathy with frustrated Liverpool supporters. "I can understand the fans being frustrated on the back of that interview for the simple reason is they were 15 points clear," Gerrard stated emphatically. "In my opinion they had the league wrapped up by that point."
The Liverpool legend continued with passionate criticism: "To sort of say that helped them is a body blow for the fans really because the fans have been on the journey, they pay good money to follow the team in the UCL games. The frustration and the emotion of going out of the UCL, for a player or a fan, it hurts. It kills you. To sort of say that went and helped you when you are already 15 points clear, you can understand the frustrations."
Growing Pressure on Slot's Position
Gerrard acknowledged that Slot's position is coming under increasing scrutiny as fan dissatisfaction grows following Liverpool's recent dip in form. The Reds' 13-match unbeaten run was dramatically ended at the Vitality Stadium, adding to the mounting pressure on the manager.
However, Gerrard suggested that internal support for Slot remains strong despite external criticism. "Knowing Richard Hughes, and Michael Edwards a little bit more, they'll want to rally around the manager," Gerrard observed. "I think the pressure is more externally than internally."
Liverpool now face Qarabag in their European league phase finale, with Slot on the verge of securing a top-eight finish that would see the club bypass the potentially hazardous knockout play-offs. The manager's controversial comments have nevertheless cast a shadow over preparations for this crucial match, highlighting the delicate balance between European ambitions and domestic priorities at one of England's most successful football clubs.
