Gerrard Condemns Slot's Controversial Champions League Comments
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has described manager Arne Slot's recent remarks as a 'body blow' to the club's supporters, after the Dutch coach suggested their early Champions League exit last season may have contributed to their Premier League triumph.
Slot's Unpopular Opinion Sparks Fan Backlash
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match against Qarabag, Slot offered what he acknowledged would be an unpopular opinion, stating: '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 [PSG] in the last sixteen. They beat us and we had every time a full week to prepare for our next game. Maybe that helped us.'
The Liverpool manager expanded on his thinking, noting: 'Every manager is aware that the bigger squad you have, the better equipped you are for so many games.' However, these comments have been met with significant criticism from the Anfield faithful, with many supporters pointing out that Liverpool were already fifteen points clear at the top of the Premier League table by the time their Champions League campaign ended against Paris Saint-Germain.
Gerrard's Emphatic Defence of Liverpool Supporters
Weighing in on the controversy during his punditry duties for TNT Sports, Steven Gerrard firmly aligned himself with the frustrated fanbase. The former Liverpool captain stated: 'I can understand the fans being frustrated on the back of that interview. The simple reason is, they were fifteen points clear. In my opinion they had the league wrapped up by that point.'
Gerrard elaborated on why Slot's comments were particularly hurtful to supporters, explaining: 'To say that helped them is a body blow for the fans really, because the fans have been on the journey. They've paid good money to follow the team in the Champions League games. The frustration when you go out of the Champions League as a player or a fan, that hurts… so, to say that helped you when you were already fifteen points clear, you can understand their frustrations.'
Contrasting Fortunes in Current Campaign
The controversy emerges as Liverpool prepare to host Qarabag at Anfield, needing a victory to secure qualification for the Champions League knockout stages for the second consecutive season. The Reds have enjoyed considerably more success in Europe this campaign, having won five of their seven matches, including impressive victories against European giants Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
However, their domestic form presents a stark contrast. Liverpool currently occupy sixth position in the Premier League standings, separated by just three points from Sunderland in eleventh place. This disappointing league position comes despite their European successes, highlighting the challenges Slot has faced during his tenure.
Injury Crisis Compounds Liverpool's Difficulties
Slot has been forced to contend with a significant injury crisis this season, with several key players facing extended periods on the sidelines. Long-term absences have affected important figures including Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni. The defensive department has been particularly hard hit, with four defenders unavailable for Wednesday's crucial European fixture against Qarabag.
Addressing criticism of his team selection and tactics ahead of the match, Slot responded: 'If you are not aware of the information around how fit players are it is not strange to criticise decisions. But if people knew the struggles we and I are facing, they would be more understanding of the decisions I make.' This defence highlights the challenging circumstances under which the Liverpool manager has been operating throughout the current campaign.
The ongoing debate surrounding Slot's comments and Gerrard's response underscores the passionate expectations surrounding Liverpool Football Club, where European success and domestic dominance are both considered essential components of achievement at Anfield.
