A resounding 6-0 victory over Qarabag, a result that should have ignited celebrations at Anfield, instead sparked a simmering discontent. Liverpool’s passage to the Champions League play-offs felt overshadowed by the words of their new manager, Arne Slot, interpreted by many as a pointed critique of his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.
The focus swiftly shifted from the players’ dominant performance on the pitch to Slot’s post-match interview. Despite the convincing scoreline, a narrative of friction began to emerge, fueled by comments that appeared to subtly diminish the accomplishments of the recent past.
Speaking after the game, Slot referenced Liverpool’s Europa League exit to Atalanta in 2024 – a low point in Klopp’s final season – while emphasizing his own consistent European qualification. He framed his team’s progress as a step forward, implicitly contrasting it with that previous setback.
The comment resonated poorly with supporters. While technically accurate, invoking a difficult moment from Klopp’s farewell tour to bolster his own position struck many as ungracious, particularly given the legendary status Klopp holds at the club.
This incident isn’t isolated. A pattern of strained relations between Slot and the Anfield faithful is becoming increasingly apparent. Patience has been eroding, fueled by a series of remarks that have landed awkwardly with the fanbase.
Just last week, Slot ignited controversy by stating Liverpool “have only won the league twice in 30 years.” Intended to temper expectations, the comment was widely perceived as a dismissive portrayal of the club’s rich history and success.
Prior to the Qarabag match, Slot even suggested that his team’s league triumph last season was partly due to being eliminated from the Champions League by PSG, resulting in a less demanding schedule. This claim was met with disbelief and public dismissal from club icon Steven Gerrard.
For a fanbase deeply connected to its heritage and reverent of its heroes, Slot’s analytical, almost clinical approach is increasingly being viewed as disrespectful. His attempts to contextualize success through comparisons to past struggles are falling flat.
A comprehensive 6-0 win typically silences any criticism, but if Arne Slot continues to engage in battles with the club’s own history, even resounding victories may not be enough to restore harmony at Anfield.
