Steven Gerrard says it is a 'body blow' for Liverpool fans to hear Arne Slot suggest that last season's Premier League triumph was aided by the club's early exit from the Champions League. 'To say that helped them is a body blow for the fans really, because the fans have been on the journey. They've paid good money to follow the team in the Champions League games. Slot's side host Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday evening as they look to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League for the second successive campaign. However, they sit in sixth place in the Premier League, and are only separated from Sunderland in 11th by just three points.

Source: Daily Mail January 28, 2026 20:48 UTC