Once again, Liverpool will aim to prove Gary Neville wrong when they step onto the pitch this weekend.
The Reds, newly crowned Premier League champions, head to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, who are embroiled in a tight five-team race for three Champions League spots.
Unlike the high-stakes situation Chelsea find themselves in—especially if their rivals have already earned points earlier in the weekend—Arne Slot’s side can approach the match with less pressure, knowing they’ll lift the trophy after their final home game against Crystal Palace on May 25.
Neville anticipates a post-title slump from Liverpool
On the It’s Called Soccer! show, Gary Neville suggested that Liverpool might suffer from a “title hangover” in west London, giving Chelsea a potential edge.
“I actually think Chelsea could win,” said the Sky Sports pundit. “I imagine Liverpool have had a massive celebration that probably hasn’t even ended. Those players haven’t touched a drink in months and now they’ll have gone all out. Their bodies might not recover until midweek. Training could be slower, less sharp. I’m predicting a 2-1 Chelsea win.”
Neville may have given Slot the perfect motivational tool
Slot could very well use Neville’s comments as locker room inspiration, pinning them up to fire up his players.
While it’s possible Liverpool might ease off now the title is secured—something that arguably happened after their 2020 triumph—this squad’s elite mindset suggests otherwise.
Moreover, players who experienced the heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in their first match post-title in 2020 will want to avoid a repeat, particularly after Jurgen Klopp dismissed claims of complacency back then.
Liverpool will also be conscious of the match’s impact on the Champions League qualification race and won’t want to invite scrutiny by underperforming. Professional pride alone ensures they’ll compete with intensity.
Still, if Neville is present at the game this weekend, at least he won’t need to make a quick exit—though Liverpool would certainly enjoy proving him wrong once more.