MMA star and Liverpool supporter Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett says Reds fans have been ‘spoilt’ by Jurgen Klopp’s exciting style compared to Arne Slot’s possession-based approach
Former MMA champion and passionate Liverpool fan Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett reckons the club could be saying goodbye to head coach Arne Slot when the season wraps up amid a difficult campaign. Slot has come under increased pressure this season, and that will only ramp up after Saturday’s dismal 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Burnley.
The Dutchman took on one of football’s most daunting jobs last season – stepping into Jurgen Klopp’s shoes. Slot exceeded expectations by securing the Premier League trophy in his debut year at Anfield. The 47-year-old managed this remarkable achievement without breaking the bank, with Federico Chiesa his sole acquisition at £12.5million.
Having clinched the title whilst keeping the purse strings tight in earlier transfer windows, Slot then went on a significant spending spree ahead of the subsequent campaign. Liverpool’s expenditure skyrocketed from £12.5m in his inaugural summer to a staggering £415m the following year – although substantial funds were also generated through player departures.
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Yet despite that investment, the Reds have lacked consistency. Whilst form had picked up after a poor spell that saw four consecutive Premier League losses – the Reds are now winless in their last four league matches. And Pimblett reckons Slot’s more methodical approach doesn’t fit the club’s identity and could result in his departure come summer.
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When questioned before Saturday’s draw against Burnley about whether he backed Slot or wanted him out, the mixed martial artist told BBC Sport : “No, I’ve never been one to say ‘sack him, sack him’ but at the end of the season I can see them parting ways. Yeah, it’s too boring lad. It’s too boring.
“We were so spoilt with Jurgen [Klopp], like it’s mad. We’re just so boring to watch at the minute, I’m sick of this passing backwards and then back to the keeper.
“I’d rather someone just have a shot, or just hoof it up, all this passing round the back four absolutely does my head in. Lad, I’ve been at the games the last few weeks, that Leeds game is one of the worst games of football I’ve ever watched. I swear lad it was so boring.”
Klopp was celebrated for his gegenpressing tactics – an intense, high-energy system that relied on constant pressure and rapid counter-attacks following turnovers. This enabled Liverpool to generate scoring opportunities quickly instead of depending on patient, methodical build-up.
Having become accustomed to that philosophy, Slot’s more deliberate, possession-based approach has prompted certain supporters, Pimblett among them, to describe Liverpool’s play as “boring”.
The campaign had begun brilliantly under Slot, with Liverpool securing victories in their first five league fixtures. Yet rivals quickly identified vulnerabilities in defence, resulting in a dramatic drop from league leaders to the lower reaches of the table.
Liverpool have subsequently displayed signs of recovery and remain unbeaten since late November, though stalemates against Leeds United, Fulham and now Burnley indicate they’re still some distance from their desired level.
Slot’s team currently sits in fourth place in the Premier League, trailing third-placed Aston Villa by 8 points and league leaders Arsenal by 14 points.
Despite a challenging season, clinching a Champions League spot would still represent somewhat of an achievement.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
