Why did you put that inconsistent fl*p in your starting lineup when he has a fresh blood that is ready to prove himself. I think you are tired of being at Anfield because your actions are begging for a sack. I can take the job if you are not interested anymore” – This is according to Pep Guardiola as he criticizes Arne Slot after Liverpool loss against Galastaray

The world of football was stunned this week when Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s legendary coach, openly criticized Liverpool manager Arne Slot following the Reds’ painful defeat to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. Guardiola’s words, sharp as a dagger, went viral within minutes: “Why did you put that inconsistent flop in your starting lineup when there is fresh blood ready to prove himself? I think you are tired of being at Anfield because your actions are begging for a sack. I can take the job if you are not interested anymore.”

The comments have thrown fuel into an already fiery debate surrounding Slot’s early reign at Liverpool. Since taking over from Jürgen Klopp in the summer of 2025, Slot has faced immense pressure to keep Liverpool among Europe’s elite. While his domestic form has been steady, Tuesday’s shock 2-1 loss in Istanbul exposed tactical flaws and questionable lineup decisions that many supporters had been worried about. Guardiola’s remarks, though unexpected, resonated with fans already venting their frustrations.

At the center of the storm is Slot’s decision to start an underperforming forward who has struggled to find form all season. Liverpool fans had been calling for the introduction of younger talent, particularly an academy prospect who has been dazzling in training sessions. Slot, however, opted for experience, a decision that backfired as the veteran wasted key chances in front of goal and failed to track back defensively.

Galatasaray, roared on by their passionate home crowd, punished Liverpool’s mistakes with ruthless efficiency. Mauro Icardi opened the scoring in the first half before Kerem Aktürkoğlu doubled the lead with a stunning strike from distance. Liverpool’s late consolation goal came too little, too late, and Slot left the pitch visibly frustrated. His tactical choices, however, are now under the microscope more than ever.

Pep Guardiola’s intervention, though surprising, comes at a time when rivalries between Premier League managers are under heavy spotlight. The Spaniard has always been known for his mind games, but rarely does he take direct aim at another coach with such biting sarcasm. Some analysts believe his comments were designed to destabilize Liverpool ahead of their domestic clash with Manchester City later this month. Others argue that Guardiola was merely speaking his mind, reflecting the concerns of many neutrals who expected more from Liverpool in Europe.

Slot, for his part, has remained calm publicly. In his post-match interview, the Dutchman insisted that he still has full belief in his squad and defended his decision to play the experienced forward. “Football is about trust,” he said. “Sometimes players go through difficult moments, but they need support to bounce back. We cannot just throw away experience when the stakes are this high.” His words, however, did little to silence the critics.

Liverpool supporters have been divided. Some argue that Slot deserves patience, pointing out that even Klopp suffered early setbacks in Europe before building a dynasty at Anfield. Others are less forgiving, insisting that the club’s stature demands immediate results, particularly in the Champions League. Social media platforms were ablaze after Guardiola’s remarks, with #SlotOut trending for hours in the UK and Turkey.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool legends have weighed in. Jamie Carragher criticized Slot’s conservative approach, saying: “You don’t win away in Europe by playing it safe. He had the chance to trust his young players, and he bottled it.” Steven Gerrard, however, offered a more sympathetic view, reminding fans that “Slot is still building his own identity. He needs time, just like any manager who comes into a club as big as Liverpool.”

The loss to Galatasaray leaves Liverpool’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, with tough fixtures against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan still to come. If Slot fails to guide his side into the knockout stages, the pressure will intensify, and Guardiola’s biting prediction about his job security may suddenly feel prophetic.

For now, Anfield is caught between hope and anxiety. Guardiola’s comments may have been meant as psychological warfare, but they have highlighted an uncomfortable truth: Liverpool under Arne Slot are still a work in progress, and patience in football, especially at the elite level, is always in short supply.

The coming weeks could define Slot’s future. Will he prove Guardiola wrong and rally Liverpool back to form, or will his decisions continue to haunt him? Either way, one thing is certain: the battle for supremacy between Guardiola’s Manchester City and Slot’s Liverpool is not confined to the pitch — it is now being fought with words, pride, and the looming shadow of job security.