Jamie Carragher has come to the defence of Liverpool boss Arne Slot, insisting the Dutchman warrants greater appreciation from the Anfield faithful following mounting criticism of his tenure.
The former Reds defender believes the backlash against Slot has been excessive, particularly given the manager’s remarkable achievement of claiming the Premier League crown in his debut season at the helm.
Speaking on CBS Sports during Liverpool’s 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille, Carragher said: “I think that some of the criticism the manager has had, and he gets from some Liverpool supporters, is way out of line and way over the top.
“This is a guy who six months ago won the league title.”
Liverpool currently find themselves in fourth position in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Arsenal by a substantial 14-point margin.
The club’s European prospects have also taken a hit, with the possibility of facing a Champions League play-off round looming despite topping the league phase in the previous campaign.
Such struggles have prompted sections of the fanbase to question whether Slot remains the right man for the job.
Arne Slot has come under pressure this season amid Liverpool’s inconsistent form
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Speculation has intensified further following Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid last week, with the former Liverpool midfielder now without a club and available should the Reds seek a change in direction.
The Merseyside outfit endured a torrid spell earlier in the campaign, suffering nine losses from a dozen matches in a sequence that placed Slot’s future under serious threat.
The Dutch manager has since steadied the ship, guiding his side through an unbeaten stretch of 13 fixtures.
Football clubs with the most Champions League titles | GETTY
However, the manner of recent results has failed to satisfy supporters, with stalemates against Fulham and Burnley leaving fans frustrated despite the improved defensive record.
The draws have highlighted a cautious approach that many believe falls short of the attacking football traditionally associated with the club.
Carragher acknowledged that the criticism is not entirely without merit, conceding that the nine-defeat run was unacceptable for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
“He had to stop that. He has, but the way he has gone on about that has gone on too long,” Carragher continued.
Liverpool were impressive as they cruised past Marseille in the Champions League
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The pundit expressed concern that the conservative style of play has persisted beyond what might be considered a necessary adjustment period.
“You can accept that for four or five games – but it’s not the Liverpool he wants or the Liverpool we want to watch. This has sort of carried on now for a couple of months it feels like – it has to change second half of the season,” he added.
Liverpool went ahead against Marseille through Dominik Szoboszlai in first-half stoppage time.
A Geronimo Rulli own-goal extended their advantage, with Cody Gakpo adding gloss late on.
