Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has found himself under intense scrutiny after suggesting Paris Saint-Germain played a role in the Reds winning last season’s Premier League title, remarks that have angered large sections of the fanbase ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Qarabag.
The controversy emerged as Liverpool confirmed their place in at least the Champions League play-off round, but focus quickly shifted away from Europe after Slot claimed the club’s early continental exit last season helped fuel their domestic success.
Slot pointed to Liverpool’s round of 16 defeat to PSG as a turning point, arguing that the additional preparation time following elimination allowed his side to focus fully on the league. Liverpool were knocked out on penalties at Anfield after a 1-1 aggregate draw, a tie Slot later described as the best match he had ever been involved in.
The comments struck a nerve among supporters, many of whom believe Liverpool’s title was built on their dominant first half of the season rather than their European exit. Online reaction was swift, with fans accusing Slot of deflecting responsibility and questioning his ability to compete on multiple fronts.
Context matters sharply at this stage of the campaign. Liverpool are attempting to defend a league title after heavy summer investment, spending £446 million on players including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. Expectations were high, but domestic form has faltered, increasing pressure on the manager.
Anfield’s atmosphere has grown tense as results have dipped. While European nights have offered some relief, league performances have lacked fluency and conviction, with the team struggling to impose themselves as consistently as last season. The disconnect between strong continental displays and domestic inconsistency has become a defining theme.
Key off-field issues have compounded the situation. Mohamed Salah’s future has remained a talking point despite his contract extension until 2027, with reported interest from Saudi Arabia and public comments about his relationship with Slot adding to the noise around the squad.
On the pitch, Liverpool’s Champions League record under Slot remains impressive. The club have won 13 of their 17 matches in the league phase during his tenure, a statistic that contrasts sharply with their stuttering title defence and highlights the imbalance in performances across competitions.
The second half of the season now feels pivotal. Tactical tweaks and improved squad harmony are urgently required if Liverpool are to salvage momentum domestically while maintaining their European progress.
Late pressure continues to mount as supporters demand clarity and results. Slot’s words have raised questions about ambition and mentality, and patience at Anfield is clearly thinning.
Liverpool’s clash with Qarabag offers another chance to steady the ship in Europe, but the wider focus remains on whether Slot can reconnect with supporters and steer the club back toward sustained success on all fronts.
