Slot Defends Team Selection After Liverpool’s League Cup Exit to Crystal Palace
Slot made ten changes to his starting lineup, resting key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. His youthful side were outclassed by a clinical Palace, who claimed their third win over Liverpool this season
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended his decision to heavily rotate his squad after the Premier League champions suffered a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the League Cup on Wednesday night, extending their poor run of form
The Reds have now lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions including four straight in the Premier League as pressure mounts on the Dutch coach
Slot made ten changes to his starting lineup, resting key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. His youthful side were outclassed by a clinical Palace, who claimed their third win over Liverpool this season
Ismaila Sarr netted twice in the first half before Yeremy Pino sealed the victory late on, capitalizing after Liverpool substitute Amara Nallo was sent off
“It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” Slot admitted. However, he justified his squad rotation, citing the team’s grueling schedule in the coming days
“I couldn’t bring the regular starters into a situation like this,” he explained. “We have a game tonight, only two days of rest, then Aston Villa, then Real Madrid, and a few days later Manchester City. With only about 15 or 16 first-team players fit, this was the best choice”
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Liverpool will look to bounce back in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League next Tuesday
Meanwhile, FA Cup holders Crystal Palace continue their strong form and will face Arsenal away in the League Cup quarter finals
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
