By Martin Graham
Arne Slot’s rotation strategy has come under scrutiny afterward Liverpool’s Defeat at home by 3-0 Crystal Palace in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup. The Dutchman made ten changes to the side that fell to Brentford in the league, featuring a number of young players and key figures including Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salahi Dominik Szoboszlai.
The defeat was Liverpool’s sixth in seven games, a stark contrast to Slot’s impressive debut season which ended with a Premier League title. Despite the poor run, the manager stood by his decision to use academy players, noting that the club has long treated this competition as a platform for youth development.
“This club has always used this competition for academy players as well,” he said. “It felt like the right choice, and I haven’t changed my mind about the result.” Slot argued that fatigue and injuries forced his hand, noting that Liverpool’s fixture list includes Aston Villa, Real Madridi Manchester City within ten days.
He also drew comparisons with Manchester City, saying their second-string formation looked much stronger because of the greater depth. “Maybe that gives an idea of ​​what people mean when they say how great our team is,” he added. “We are missing a few players and we should have started with four under-19s.”
Critics accuse Slot of making excuses
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock was among those unimpressed with Slot’s explanation, accusing him of deflecting responsibility. “He was full of excuses,” Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live. “You can’t complain about playing every few days when you’re managing a Champions League team. If your depth isn’t good enough, that’s down to recruitment.”
Liverpool’s summer spending exceeded £400m, but results have not reflected that investment. Former Scotland international Pat Nevin suggested Slot’s selection indicated the club’s priorities. “He’s shown that the Carabao Cup is not a big focus,” Nevin said. “Liverpool fans are smart – they know this competition has been won before.”
Criticism intensified as Liverpool’s league form continued to decline. Four consecutive defeats have left the reigning champions seventh in the table and a defeat at home Aston Villa it would mark his worst league hitting streak in more than 70 years.
Pressure builds up ahead of critical fittings
Slot rejected suggestions that resting senior players had made the pressure worse. “If you lose six out of seven, there’s always pressure,” he said. “In Liverpool, it never goes away.” He insisted his selection against Palace was determined as much by the upcoming schedule as by injury problems. “We had to protect the players who have played the most. With a big week coming up, it was the right call.”
Despite the youthful line-up, the starting eleven still featured seven internationals, including Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa. Palace boss Oliver Glasner rejected claims that Liverpool fielded a weakened side, calling the comments “disrespectful”.
“I’ve seen Mac Allister win a World Cup, Gomez play in England and Endo in Japan,” Glasner said. “It might not be their strongest team, but it’s still a very good Liverpool team.”
The result can be quickly forgotten if Liverpool can find form against Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City. “If they beat them, that defeat will be seen as worth it,” said Warnock. “But if not, the pressure will only increase.”
Slot now faces a defining stretch, where results, not explanations, will decide whether his faith in the rotation turns out to be wise or costly.
