MMA star and Liverpool supporter Paddy the Buddy Pimblett says Reds fans are “spoiled” by Jurgen Klopp’s exciting style compared to Arne Slott’s possession-based approach
Arne Slott is under pressure as Liverpool continue to struggle under him this season (Image: PA)
Former MMA champion and die-hard Liverpool fan Paddy the Buddy Pimblett believes the club may be forced to bid farewell to head coach Arn Slott when the season ends amid a difficult season. The pressure on Slott has increased this season and will intensify after Saturday’s dismal 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Burnley.
The Dutchman took on one of the toughest jobs in football last season, stepping into manager Jurgen Klopp’s shoes. Slott exceeded expectations, winning the Premier League trophy in his debut year at Anfield. The 47-year-old achieved this impressive feat without spending a fortune, making Federico Chiesa his only signing for £12.5m.
Having won the title while keeping the purse strings tight in the early transfer window, Slott began spending heavily for subsequent seasons. Liverpool’s spending soared from £12.5 million in his first summer to a staggering £415 million the following year, but large sums of money were also generated through player departures.
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But despite that investment, the Reds lacked consistency. The Reds have been recovering from a slump that saw them lose four consecutive games in the Premier League, but they are now without a win in their last four league games. And Pimblett believes Slott’s more methodical approach is not in keeping with the club’s identity and could see him leave this summer.
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When asked before Saturday’s draw with Burnley whether he supported Slott or wanted him out, the mixed martial artist told BBC Sport: “No, I’ve never been one to say, ‘Sack him, fire him’ but I can see them parting ways at the end of the season. Yeah, it’s too boring, it’s too boring.”
“We’ve been spoiled like crazy by Jurgen (Klopp). At the moment we’re boring to watch. We’re tired of these backward passes and passes back to the keeper.”
Paddy ‘The Buddy’ Pimblett didn’t hold back (Image: YouTube/SevereMMA)
“I’d rather someone take a shot or just hoo-hoo. That pass around the back four is absolutely nuts. Man, I’ve been going to the games the last few weeks and that Leeds game was one of the worst football games I’ve ever seen. I swear, you were so boring.”
Klopp was famous for his Gegenpressing tactic, an intense, high-energy system that relied on constant pressure and quick counter-attacks after turnovers. This allowed Liverpool to create scoring chances quickly, rather than relying on a patient and methodical build-up.
Having become used to that philosophy, Slott’s more deliberate, possession-based approach led some supporters, Pimblett among them, to describe Liverpool’s play as “boring”.
The season got off to a great start under Slott, with Liverpool winning their first five league games. However, their rivals quickly identified weaknesses in their defence, resulting in a dramatic fall from league leaders to the bottom of the standings.
Liverpool have shown signs of improvement since then, going unbeaten since late November, but stalemates against Leeds United, Fulham and now Burnley show they are still far from reaching their target level.
Slott’s side currently sit fourth in the Premier League, eight points behind third-placed Aston Villa and 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Although it has been a difficult season, qualifying for the Champions League will still represent some achievement.
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