Former Manchester United defender and football legend, Gary Neville, has cast doubts over Liverpool’s chances of securing a treble in Arne Slot’s debut season as manager. Despite the Reds being 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League and within reach of the title following Arsenal's draw with Manchester United, Neville believes that winning three trophies might be a stretch too far.
Liverpool recently solidified their position in the title race by coming from behind to defeat Southampton. With their focus now shifting to the Carabao Cup final, this could be Slot’s first direct opportunity for silverware since succeeding Jurgen Klopp last summer. Neville predicts that Liverpool will prove too strong for Newcastle United in Sunday's final at Wembley. If successful, this would mark an 11th League Cup win for Liverpool and set them on course for an impressive domestic double.
However, Newcastle have plans to disrupt this trajectory. Their challenge is compounded by significant personnel issues; Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup while Lewis Hall joins other long-term absentees due to injury.
Ultimate challenge
Despite these potential victories, Neville remains skeptical about Liverpool's ability to secure a treble by adding a Champions League trophy to their collection. He suggests that even though they hold a 1-0 aggregate lead going into Tuesday night’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg against PSG, an exit at this stage is still possible.
Gary Neville, Manchester United legend, said:
“Liverpool have got [the Premier League] in the bag. I think they will win it in April. The Champions League is a different story, it can be over in a one-off game. I’m not quite sure I see them winning it – you can never write them off obviously – but I don’t quite see it.
“It wouldn’t surprise me actually if they went out this week. It’s a 50-50 game for me, either team could easily win, PSG are a good side.”
If Liverpool manage to eliminate PSG, they will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals. Despite Villa holding a 3-1 lead after their first leg, they haven't beaten Liverpool since October 2020. Liverpool are expected to reach at least the semi-finals. From there on, it's anyone's game. However, Neville suggests that Slot’s treble hopes hinge on Liverpool maintaining their composure through a series of knockout matches and warns that Newcastle might pose as big a threat as any other team.
