“Neville may have just delivered Arne Slot the ultimate battle cry for Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea.”
“Neville might have handed Arne Slot the perfect rallying cry ahead of Liverpool’s showdown with Chelsea.”
For yet another time, Liverpool will aim to silence Gary Neville’s doubts as they prepare to step onto the pitch this weekend.
The Reds, fresh off being crowned Premier League champions, are set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their first game since securing the title. Meanwhile, Chelsea find themselves in the thick of a heated five-team race for three Champions League spots, amplifying the stakes for the home side.
While the pressure mounts on the Blues to deliver a result—especially if their rivals notch up wins earlier in the weekend—Arne Slot’s Liverpool can afford to savor the season’s closing stretch. The team will lift the trophy after their clash with Crystal Palace on May 25, marking the culmination of a triumphant campaign.
Neville Predicts a Post-Title Dip for Liverpool
On It’s Called Soccer!, Neville speculated that Liverpool might struggle with a post-title hangover when they visit west London. The Sky Sports pundit suggested this could pave the way for a Chelsea victory.
“I think Chelsea could win,” Neville stated. “I’m picturing Liverpool having had a massive celebration that’s probably still going on. Those players haven’t touched a drink in months, and now they’ve gone all out. Their bodies will be in recovery mode until midweek, leaving them training slower and sloppier. I see Chelsea edging it 2-1.”
Neville may have already done Slot’s motivational work for him!
Slot might be tempted to print Neville’s remarks and pin them on the away dressing room door at Stamford Bridge, using them as fuel to inspire his players.
While it’s possible Liverpool could experience a slight drop in intensity for the remainder of the season—similar to what happened after their 2020 title win—this scenario seems unlikely with a squad built on such a strong winning mentality.
Moreover, those who were part of that 2020 team will remember the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in their first game after clinching the title. Jurgen Klopp dismissed any claims of a lack of focus then, and his players will be determined to avoid a repeat of that disappointment.
The Reds are also fully aware that their performance on Sunday could influence the battle for Champions League spots. They won’t want their commitment questioned or to give Chelsea an easy win, as professional pride and a sense of integrity will drive them to deliver a strong performance.
At least Neville won’t need a quick exit from the stadium if he’s covering the match, but Liverpool would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to prove him wrong yet again!