Steven Gerrard launched a firm defence of Arne Slot and took aim at Liverpool’s players at not delivering for their Dutch boss this season in difficult moments
Steven Gerrard believes ‘certain individuals’ have let Arne Slot down this season, and reckons criticism of the Dutchman has been too strong. Slot has come under pressure after being unable to guide Liverpool to the stunning form that saw them win the Premier League last term.
The Reds led from the front in 2024/25 but saw some historically bad form earlier in the season. Liverpool sit in fourth position in the Premier League but 14 points off league leaders Arsenal.
Slot’s side had also walked through the league phase of the Champions League in the Dutch coach’s first season, but may yet be required to go through a play-off to reach the business end of the competition on this occasion.
Gerrard suggests Slot has plenty of reasons for the slowdown at the club and pointed to the significant period of transition in the summer, in addition to injuries and underperforming players.
“Yeah, I think, as the Liverpool manager, being around the club for a long time, when results are not consistent, in terms of winning, you expect tough questions, you expect a tough times,” said Gerrard on TNT Sports.
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“I’m not one who will search for that type of stuff on social media. Joe (Hart) will tell you that that comes with the territory. I’m sure all of them will be Liverpool fans that are trying to throw dirt towards Arne and the team.
“But listen, he will know that the results have been inconsistent this year. He’ll know more than anyone. He came into the club and inherited a fantastic squad and he done an incredible job last year, made Liverpool champions. So for me it’s important that we don’t have a short memory as well.
“He has had issues to deal with this year, he has had injuries to key players, he signed. A lot of players, so there was always going to be a transitional period in terms of players settling.
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“He’s also had some of his big players, his big hitters that are not in top form and I think certain individuals have probably let him down a little bit this season in terms of being at their best and being the best version of themselves.
“So he has had to deal with a lot different things that he did compared to last season but some of the criticism has I’ve been too harsh and too strong in my opinion because six months ago, he won us, as a Liverpool fan, the championship.
“We have to remember that and respect that and give him the chance to pull this Liverpool team through this bad patch, let him get as strongest players on the pitch, let him get his best players back into form and then I’ve got every confidence that he can fix the issues that he’s got.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
