Fans think Arne Slot aimed an indirect dig at owners FSG after Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by PSG at Anfield.
Following Liverpool’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), manager Arne Slot made comments that some fans interpret as a subtle critique of the club’s ownership under Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Slot expressed his thoughts on facing PSG, stating:
“Normally, you face these teams in the semi-final and the final but unfortunately, we had to face Paris Saint-Germain, one of the richest clubs in the world, already in this round.” citeturn0search0
This remark has led some supporters to speculate that Slot was highlighting the financial disparities between Liverpool and wealthier clubs like PSG, possibly implying a need for greater investment from FSG to compete at the highest levels.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with PSG advancing after a penalty shootout at Anfield. Ousmane Dembélé scored the only goal in regular time, leveling the aggregate score and leading to extra time and penalties. PSG’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, played a pivotal role by saving penalties from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, securing PSG’s progression to the quarter-finals. citeturn0news16
Slot praised the quality of the match, describing it as the best game of football he has ever been involved in, and acknowledged PSG’s performance, stating that they were slightly better during extra time. citeturn0news16
As Liverpool reflects on their Champions League exit, Slot’s comments have sparked discussions among fans regarding the club’s financial strategies and the competitiveness of their squad in European competitions.
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Liverpool’s limited transfer activity in the summer of 2024 has fueled growing frustration among fans, with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) facing criticism for their conservative spending. The club made only two permanent signings, neither of whom have had an immediate impact on the squad.
Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus for £12.5 million but remained an unused substitute in their crucial Champions League clash against PSG. Meanwhile, Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed for £25 million from Valencia but was immediately loaned back to the Spanish club for the entire 2024/25 season.
With Liverpool failing to significantly reinforce their squad, concerns have mounted about their ability to compete at the highest level. This lack of investment has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, prompting calls for FSG to step up their financial backing if Liverpool are to keep pace with Europe’s elite.
Arne Slot’s post-match comments about PSG’s financial power have sparked speculation among Liverpool fans that he was indirectly criticizing Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for their lack of spending. Many supporters took to social media to interpret his remarks as a plea for more investment.
One fan tweeted: “Love that he called FSG out for being cheap all this time, this is simply quality difference.”
Another observed: “Mentioning money a lot recently hmmmmmm.”
A third fan suggested: “He is sending a message to Liverpool owners to spend.”
And a fourth bluntly stated: “So are we, but we don’t spend.”
With Liverpool struggling to compete financially with clubs like PSG, frustration among fans continues to grow, especially as the team faces early exits from major competitions.
