Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has given his verdict on Arne Slot after the Reds were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield on Saturday
11:19, 18 Jan 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Former Liverpool player, Steven Gerrard looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on November 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Steven Gerrard made his feelings clear on Arne Slot(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard was left frustrated by Liverpool squandering points in the 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield on Saturday.
The result has seen the Reds make unwanted history as the first reigning Premier League champions to fail to defeat any of the three promoted clubs at home in a single season.
This follows the goalless draw and 1-1 tie with Leeds United and Sunderland respectively. Despite extending Liverpool's unbeaten streak across all competitions to 12 games, 10 of which were league matches, there was no reason for celebration. The fans' frustration was heard at the final whistle with boos aimed towards Slot and the players.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Arne Slot manager of Liverpool looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Arne Slot's side were held at Anfield by Burnley(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media, Getty Images)
Reds legend Gerrard wasn't present to hear the jeers but offered his punditry on TNT Sports' live broadcast of table-toppers Arsenal's 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest. He didn't mince words, declaring the result 'unacceptable'.
The 45-year-old conceded that Slot will face a "lot of criticism", but maintained that the head coach "deserves credit" for halting the downward spiral after a series of nine losses in 12 matches saw them bow out of the Carabao Cup and effectively dash their title defence hopes.
Gerrard declared: "That won't be acceptable – a draw with Burnley at home, with all due respect. If you're being critical of the Liverpool team – even though they're on a better run in terms of unbeaten games – the draws to the likes of Leeds and Burnley at home. That's not acceptable.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley battles for possession with Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Liverpool were held to a frustrating draw against Burnley(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"There will be a lot of criticism that comes the manager's way again. But give the manager credit. The last time we spoke about this, you asked me if the team was in a crisis, and I said I didn't think it was in a crisis because I felt like this manager was capable of making things better and steadying the ship.
"He has moved the team from the middle of the table and up back into the Champions League positions.
"I think that will be a priority for him and the team, minimum top four this season, but that won't take anything away from the criticism that will come his way."
Slot, who guided the Reds to the title in his debut season at the helm, addressed the boos ringing out at full-time after a match where Burnley managed to snatch a point thanks to Marcus Edwards' 65th-minute equaliser, cancelling out a first-half goal from Florian Wirtz.
Article continues below
The Dutchman commented: "In my head, it wasn't a boo but in my head. It was frustration as well. We are Liverpool and we play Burnley, who we have to give credit to how they defended, cleared balls off the line; all the things you want to see if you are a Burnley manager, players try to do everything that prevents us from scoring.
"But if we, as Liverpool, are not disappointed by having a draw against Burnley at home then something is completely wrong. I completely understand the frustration. I am the same and the players definitely have the same frustrations as the fans have."
Liverpool are set for a pivotal Champions League showdown with Marseille on Wednesday before returning to Premier League duties on Saturday with an away match against Bournemouth.