Phil Thompson has admitted he’s “really disappointed” with sections of the Liverpool fanbase over the criticism he’s been hearing lately.

 

Liverpool icon Phil Thompson has taken aim at sections of the Reds’ fanbase, questioning the negativity surrounding Arne Slot.

Despite Slot guiding the team on a 12-match unbeaten run after a difficult spell earlier in the campaign, the mood around Anfield hasn’t fully lifted. Too many uninspiring displays and dropped points against sides Liverpool should be beating have kept frustration alive. The stalemate with Burnley summed it up, even prompting boos as Slot left the pitch.

With nearly 500 appearances for the club, Thompson feels entitled to speak frankly. Unlike many supporters, he remains upbeat about the direction Liverpool are heading.

He admitted being surprised by Steven Gerrard’s post-match comments after Burnley, feeling the former captain focused only on the negatives. Thompson sees a similar pattern in how fans are treating the manager. Speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football alongside Sam Allardyce, he defended Slot strongly.

“I’m more than pleased,” Thompson said. “What disappoints me is some of our fanbase. Six months ago, we had the greatest parade imaginable after winning the league. People said it was ‘Klopp’s team’—but Slot still had to deliver, and he did. We won it comfortably. So where is this coming from? We’ve just won the league. This man has achieved that.”

It’s a compelling case for giving Slot time, at least until the end of the season. Fans will never agree on everything, but it’s worth remembering just how good last season was under him.

Thompson also raised an intriguing point: that success itself may now be working against Slot.

“If we were sitting fourth in his first season, in a Champions League spot, people would be delighted,” he explained. “But we won the league, so now there’s a massive target on our backs. Everything is different. I’d like no knee-jerk reactions until the end of the season—there are still two trophies to play for.”

It’s fair to wonder how this campaign would be judged had Liverpool not gone all the way last year. Thompson’s reminder about the remaining silverware is crucial. Whether Slot lifts another trophy—or none at all—will ultimately shape how this season is remembered, and that verdict won’t be clear until May.