Gary Neville has questioned the loyalty of Liverpool fans after they turned on head coach Arne Slot during a difficult title defense season, with the pundit asking what's happened
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer and Matt Addison Liverpool FC Reporter
16:38, 29 Apr 2026
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Gary Neville has questioned whether some Liverpool supporters have changed their approach following criticism directed at head coach Arne Slot.
The Reds have endured a challenging campaign while defending the record-equaling 20th league title they secured in commanding style during Slot's debut season last year. That, of course, was immediately after he took on the formidable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp, who departed after guiding Liverpool to third place.
While there have been sporadic signs of dissatisfaction amongst the Anfield crowd and some boos at times, the harshest criticism of Slot has emerged from social media and prominent fan voices on supporter channels and websites.
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The most vocal critics of the Dutchman are calling for him to become the first Liverpool boss ever to be dismissed after delivering the title.
This has left Neville, the former Manchester United defender turned Sky Sports pundit, baffled about the allegiance of the Liverpool fanbase.
"What has happened to Liverpool fans?" he said. "Because honestly, no word of a lie, I always thought Liverpool fans held their manager as number one.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"(Jamie) Carragher has always told me: win the league and they'll turn on the players before the manager. I can hear Carra saying it 20 times in the last 15 years. Suddenly, what has happened?"
Despite a disappointing season, Liverpool has the opportunity to climb into the top three ahead of Manchester United with a win against their bitter North West rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville said: "This game on Sunday — against United — which is historically probably the greatest Premier League fixture.
"It just feels a bit like, on Sunday, it is bigger for Slot and Michael Carrick than it is for the fans.
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"I don't think Michael could afford a bad defeat on Sunday. Is it about the managers on Sunday a little bit?"
Liverpool is three points behind Manchester United in the standings at the moment. It finishes the season with matches against Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brentford, while the Old Trafford side concludes the campaign with Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton.
Liverpool.com says: It is legitimate to question what has happened this season, but there are plenty of mitigating factors. After one good season and one bad, with lots of other context to consider too, another 12 months to work out exactly where things are at under Slot is is arguably the fairest position to take.