BREAKING: “He’s Miles Ahead of Jude!” – Joe Cole Blasts Arne Slot Following Liverpool’s Stunning Loss to Fulham

Liverpool’s unexpected 3-2 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage has sparked outrage among fans, pundits, and former players alike—but no voice has roared louder than that of ex-England international Joe Cole. The former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, directing intense criticism at Reds boss Arne Slot for what he called a “complete mishandling of a generational talent.”

“He’s better than Jude Bellingham. Better than Camavinga. The only reason people don’t see it is because he’s being badly managed,” Cole stated on live TV, shaking the footballing world. “He could’ve changed the entire dynamic of today’s match had he started. Slot failed the lad and, by extension, failed the team.”

Cole’s remarks were in reference to Liverpool’s rising young midfielder, who was only brought on late in the second half. Despite limited minutes, the youngster impressed with vision, technique, and an injection of creativity that had been missing from the side for most of the game.

The match began with Liverpool dominating possession but failing to convert it into clear chances. Fulham, meanwhile, executed their game plan to perfection, exploiting Liverpool’s defensive frailties with sharp counter-attacks. Goals from Rodrigo Muniz and Andreas Pereira put the hosts in control before a late Liverpool surge brought the scoreline close.

However, the final result was overshadowed by the growing scrutiny around Arne Slot’s decision-making, especially his team selection and substitutions. Social media platforms lit up within minutes of the final whistle, with fans echoing Cole’s frustrations.

“One of the most technically gifted players we have, and he’s warming the bench? Madness,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Slot is playing with fire here.”

Another comment read, “This kid could be the future of Liverpool. Instead, he’s being stifled. Give him minutes or lose him—it’s that simple.”

Liverpool’s late rally, which saw them pull two goals back through Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, wasn’t enough to secure a point. But the biggest talking point was not the defensive lapses or missed chances—it was the absence of the young starlet in the starting XI.

Cole, who has long advocated for young talents to be nurtured properly, warned that the club risks another “Jadon Sancho situation”—where a top English prospect is forced to leave in search of opportunity.

“This is how you lose top talent,” Cole continued. “These boys don’t want to rot on the bench. They want to play. And when they know they can contribute, sitting out like this damages their confidence.”

Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp less than a year ago, is now feeling the heat. While his tenure has had moments of promise, performances like this—where tactical decisions are underwhelming and key players are misused—have cast doubt on whether he’s the right man to lead Liverpool forward.

In his post-match interview, Slot attempted to justify his decision, stating that the player in question “needs to be eased in” and that “the timing wasn’t right to start him.” But for many, those explanations rang hollow.

Fans, pundits, and even some former players now believe the time for “easing in” has long passed. With the season entering its critical final phase and Liverpool’s top-four hopes hanging by a thread, the Reds can ill afford to bench game-changers.

Football journalist Jamie Carragher also weighed in on the situation during Sky Sports’ post-match analysis, noting, “You don’t bring on someone who completely changes the tempo of the match and then say he’s not ready. That just doesn’t add up.”

The pressure is mounting. Liverpool’s next few fixtures could define their season—and Slot’s future. If the young midfielder continues to be underused, it may lead to tensions within the squad and even transfer speculation in the summer.

Behind closed doors, it’s believed that senior players have also expressed concern about the direction the team is heading. Slot’s attempts to build a new identity for the club appear to be clashing with the traditional Liverpool philosophy of unleashing bold, attacking football led by fearless youth.

For a fanbase used to exciting, high-octane football under Klopp, the more cautious and experimental Slot era is beginning to wear thin. The supporters want to see their young prodigies flourish—not flounder in obscurity.

As Cole’s comments continue to trend, and fan unrest spreads, the club’s hierarchy may be forced to step in. Internal conversations about squad usage and long-term development strategies could be on the horizon.

If Slot wishes to steady the ship and win back the trust of the supporters, he’ll need to act quickly—starting with giving minutes to the players who have earned them, not those who fit a predetermined system.

The spotlight is now firmly on Arne Slot. Will he rise to the occasion and adjust his tactics, or will his stubbornness cost Liverpool both their season and a golden prospect?

The next match might not just be about three points—it could be about saving face and salvaging faith.