It's hard to find many supporters for Arne Slott liverpool In this moment of time. The Dutchman is firmly under the microscope, with the Anfield crowd going wild.
But there is one man who believes the Liverpool manager is not getting the respect he deserves. He is his former assistant, Marino Pusic.
He is speaking to Voetbal International This week, admitting that he turned it down Chance to rejoin Liverpool with slot in 2024. Now he wants to defend his friend amid a rising tide of criticism.
A bond made at Feyenoord
Marino Pucic's admiration for the Liverpool manager is unequivocal. They worked together at Feyenoord, and their time as a pair left a deep impression professionally and personally.
He said, "Working with Arne was a real pleasure."
"There is a special bond between us. Since then it has become a form of friendship. As far as I am concerned, he is one of the best coaches in the world."
"I'm talking about his demeanor, his football philosophy, how he expresses it and his manners. I can only speak lyrically about him."
Liverpool deserve more credit
Despite leading Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, Arne Slot has faced criticism from the Liverpool fan base this season.
The Reds' title defense has been nothing short of a disaster, with Liverpool currently 21 points behind Arsenal. They are currently in the battle to qualify for the Champions League, with five points separating them from fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Fifth would secure Champions League football next season. But there is a battle for that place too, with Chelsea one point behind in sixth and Brentford and Everton three points behind in seventh and eighth.
However, Pusic believes the reaction to Liverpool's form this season has been unfair and historically blind.
"I think Arne deserves a lot more credit than he is getting at Liverpool right now," he said.
“Many people forget how many times Liverpool have been champions of England in recent decades. Arne did it immediately in his first season, but Jurgen Klopp has also won the Premier League title only once.
"Before this, Liverpool last won the league title in 1990. And now the expectation is that Arne will win the title twice in a row. Especially because a lot of money has been spent. It doesn't always work out."
keep calm and carry on
Marino Pusic instead believes Liverpool need stability. This summer is already going to be a big one, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson already departing.
Reports have also linked Ellison to a departure. That would leave only Virgil van Dijk from the team that was so successful under Klopp.
Changing the manager will also create more instability. And Pusik doesn't think that would be a wise move.
He concluded, "It will be good to remain calm at Liverpool and give confidence to Arne and his staff, Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst."
