Ex-Chelsea star and footballing icon Ruud Gullit has fired shots at fellow Dutchman Arne Slot after Liverpool’s recent run of bad results.
Gullit, 63, spent three seasons as a player at Chelsea, and took over as player-manager for two seasons from 1996-1996.
But he has now taken aim at one of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals, claiming they have ‘lost their aura’.
Having won their first seven in all competitions, Liverpool went on a four-game losing streak in recent weeks.
The last time Liverpool lost five games in a row was more than 70 years ago, but they escaped that dishonour after beating Aston Villa 2-0 at the weekend.
And on Tuesday, the Reds overcame Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League at Anfield to ease the pressure on Arne Slot.
Having lost six games in seven across all competitions, beating Villa and Real has provided a huge boost to Liverpool.
But Gullit says their recent dip in form could well cost them during the rest of the season.
Ruud Gullit Takes Aim At Liverpool After Poor Run
Speaking on behalf of Video Gamer, Gullit was asked if Arne Slot had ever faced a similar slump, and how his countryman should deal with it.
Gullit said: “Nope. No, it’s the first one. He has to earn his money now. I can sit here and if you win, then I’m always right.
“But then comes a moment. Now you’re going to see, what are you going to do in order to get this resistance and this team back on track.
“But that takes some time. People are not afraid of Liverpool anymore. That aura is gone, and it will take some time to get that back.”
Although now on a two-game winning streak, Liverpool’s schedule is not getting and easier.
The Reds travel to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
Liverpool won 2-0 at the Etihad last time they visited, and will be hoping to repeat that result this weekend.
After the international break, they then face Nottingham Forest (H), PSV (H) and West Ham (A), in what should be three easier games.
Is Ruud Gullit Right About Liverpool?
While Liverpool have returned to winning ways, they have proven in recent weeks that they are beatable.
Back-to-back defeats at Anfield – to Manchester United in the Premier League and Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup – will most definitely have removed some of the fear factor for opponents.
And with many of their early-season wins coming courtesy of stoppage-time winners, there was already a feeling of fragility surrounding Arne Slot’s side, even before their recent bad run.
It’s too soon to say they are out of the title race, but Liverpool are now seven points adrift of Arsenal.
If they are to catch up, they cannot afford to drop many more points this season.
But their slump in form has given rivals hope, and shown future opponents how to beat the champions.
