Gary Neville has dismissed suggestions that Liverpool manager Arne Slott’s side are in a “transition period” as they continue to struggle under the Dutch manager.
Gary Neville has given his opinion on Liverpool’s struggles under Arne Slott this season (Image: Sky Sports)
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has disputed claims by Liverpool manager Arne Slott that the team are in a period of transition. Pressure on the slot is increasing as the team continues to underperform despite spending a staggering £415m over the summer.
The Reds suffered a 3-2 stoppage-time defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, ending their 13-game unbeaten run and extending their winless run in the Premier League to five games. Slott’s side currently occupy sixth place in the top flight standings, 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal after 23 games.
Liverpool’s woes this season mark a dramatic change from last season’s mostly dominant league performance, when Slott’s side won the title by 10 points. Many expected the Reds to establish their dominance based on their 20th English top flight crown.
But Slott said last week that he, the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group and sporting director Richard Hughes all agree that this season is a “period of transition” at Anfield. The Dutchman appealed for more patience amid increased scrutiny.
read more: Liverpool make final decision on Andy Robertson’s departure after talks with Tottenhamread more: Michael Carrick’s accurate reaction to permanent employment at Manchester United after Arsenal win
He said: “We can’t play attacking football with the possession we have and people expect more from you, so the fact that we have that much possession can be a disadvantage for us.”
“But if you want to have more possession in the moments when you don’t have the ball, you have to press very high, because the moment you go into a low block you don’t have the ball.
“So everyone at the club, myself, the owner, the sporting director and we all know what it takes to take the next step in this period of transition. But sometimes it also takes a little bit of patience.”
Arne Slott’s Liverpool are now winless in five Premier League games (Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images))
However, Neville disputes Slott’s point of view. Speaking on Sunday’s Gary Neville Podcast, the former England defender insisted there could be no discussion of a rebuilding campaign on Merseyside after such a huge spending spree on new talent.
The 50-year-old said: “I watched the Liverpool game and I always think when you win a league title, there’s a lot of credit in the bank and it takes a lot to take away that, but it’s a tough thing to achieve.”
“Arne Slott won the title with that group of players last season. I’ve heard several interviews in the past week from people at Liverpool, including the manager, and it was always going to be a transition season. Forget it, I haven’t heard anything like that.”
Follow our Liverpool FB page! Keep up with the latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
“We spent £450m on all these players in the summer, in a season where we were trying to win back-to-back titles. Let’s not rewrite history with what everyone was saying in the summer, including people outside of Liverpool. I’m not saying Liverpool people or fans are getting carried away.
“But there was definitely a feeling that Ekitike, Wirtz, Isak, Frimpong and Kerkes were not part of a transitional transfer window, but instead joined a very stable championship team. We re-signed the likes of Salah and Van Dijk, and we signed Mac Allister, Gravenbirch, Konate and Alisson. This was not a rebuild.
“I’ve heard transition mentioned several times this week, but I haven’t heard it at all. You can’t rewrite history.”
Liverpool will be looking to regain their rhythm with three consecutive home games ahead. The Reds face Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night, before hosting Newcastle United on Saturday, followed by a challenging clash with Manchester City eight days later.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
