Gerrard’s Perspective on Liverpool’s Struggles Amid Managerial Speculations

omidbasir- Steven Gerrard is currently observing from a distance as Liverpool aims to secure more prestigious titles in 2026.

The club is the reigning Premier League champion but appears likely to relinquish that title after experiencing uncharacteristic difficulties in domestic competitions.

Last season, Liverpool clinched the English top-flight title with notable dominance. Manager Slot has suggested that this achievement was aided by the team’s early exit from the Champions League, where they faced eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.

Slot remarked, “This may not be a popular opinion, but perhaps the reason we won the league last season is that we had to play [PSG] in the last 16. They defeated us, allowing us a full week to prepare for our subsequent matches. This may have been beneficial. Every manager knows that a larger squad enhances readiness for multiple games.”

At the time of their setback against PSG, Liverpool was already significantly ahead in the Premier League standings. Fans quickly condemned Slot for seemingly minimizing the impact of their continental failure.

Gerrard, a legendary former captain of Liverpool, empathized with the fans during an interview with TNT Sports: “I can understand the frustration stemming from that interview. The simple reason is that they were 15 points clear. In my opinion, they had already secured the league by that point. To claim that this helped them is, frankly, a blow to the fans, who have invested their time and money supporting the team in the Champions League. The disappointment of exiting the Champions League is painful, so to suggest it was beneficial when they were already 15 points ahead is understandable for fans’ frustrations.”

As questions arise regarding Slot’s future amidst the ongoing 2025-26 campaign, Liverpool’s collective performance has declined despite a record-breaking spending spree last summer.

Speculation surrounds a potential emotional return for Jurgen Klopp to Anfield, alongside increasing discussions of Xabi Alonso taking over following his dismissal at Real Madrid. Moreover, there are hints that Gerrard could be invited back, given his successful tenure in securing the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers, although his recent struggles at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia have raised concerns.

Dietmar Hamann believes Gerrard could indeed succeed Slot, stating to CasinoBeats: “I don’t think the prospect of Steven Gerrard coming in is far-fetched. Sometimes thinking outside the box is necessary, and he currently does not have a position. The manager is under pressure, and the situation can shift rapidly at Liverpool. If you had told me at the season’s start that Slot might not be there at the end, I would have dismissed it. But now it seems plausible, highlighting the swift changes in football. I find the idea of Gerrard returning to Liverpool appealing, depending on upcoming developments.”

Liverpool has dropped to sixth place in the Premier League following a turbulent 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth and faces challenging fixtures against Newcastle and Manchester City—both to be held at Anfield.