Arne Slot is under intense pressure following a heavy Champions League defeat, but club legends Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman have urged for patience amidst calls for his sacking.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under immense pressure after the club suffered a crushing 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, marking their ninth loss in their last 12 matches.
However, two Liverpool legends, Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman, quickly came to the Dutch boss’s defense, arguing it is premature to discuss his dismissal, according to a report from the Daily Star referencing the Mirror.
The loss saw Liverpool slip out of the automatic qualification spots for the Champions League knockout stages, necessitating challenging upcoming away fixtures against Inter Milan and Marseille.
Speaking on the pressure facing his former club, McManaman said: “I think no. I think it’s far too early, what he’s achieved and where he is now this year, that’s a good run of fixtures.” He elaborated that questioning Slot’s position is unwarranted at this stage:
“I understand the question completely but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it’s far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.”
Gerrard, agreeing with his former teammate, acknowledged the harsh realities of modern football management: “That’s the world we live in, that’s football in the modern day. I’ve been in that position myself.”
He accepted that Slot would face scrutiny, stating: “You understand that if you’re not getting the results, there is going to be serious questions asked, stewards inquiry, that comes with the territory especially at the top end.”
Both pundits stressed that the manager needs more time to integrate his signings, many of whom have been injured.