Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains steadfast in his decision to field a weakened team against Crystal Palace, despite their 3-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup that ended the club's quarter-final hopes.
Slot's strategy to prioritize rest and recovery ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Aston Villa has come under intense scrutiny after the sixth defeat in seven games. The Dane acknowledged that losing six out of seven matches is not acceptable for a top-tier side like Liverpool, but he insists his decision to make 10 changes from the original team was justified.
"We've lost six out of seven, and none of them are good enough to accept losing so many," Slot said. "Liverpool losing that many is always too much." He pointed to the grueling schedule as a major factor in their recent slump, stating that he's seen a team struggling with playing three games in just seven days.
Slot defended his decision to give a majority of the starting lineup a break, citing the need for players like Ryan Gravenberch to recover from injuries. The Liverpool manager also highlighted the club's reliance on its academy players in cup competitions, which he believes was the right call at this stage.
"I haven't changed my opinion after the result," Slot said. "With our starters we haven't been able to beat Palace as well." The pressure on Slot has indeed mounted, with many questioning his tactics and fitness management.
However, the Liverpool manager downplays the significance of the Carabao Cup exit, stating that the pressure is always present for teams like his, regardless of the competition. "I don't think it's possible that if you lose five out of six, losing six out of seven there is even more pressure," he said.
Slot's strategy to prioritize rest and recovery ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Aston Villa has come under intense scrutiny after the sixth defeat in seven games. The Dane acknowledged that losing six out of seven matches is not acceptable for a top-tier side like Liverpool, but he insists his decision to make 10 changes from the original team was justified.
"We've lost six out of seven, and none of them are good enough to accept losing so many," Slot said. "Liverpool losing that many is always too much." He pointed to the grueling schedule as a major factor in their recent slump, stating that he's seen a team struggling with playing three games in just seven days.
Slot defended his decision to give a majority of the starting lineup a break, citing the need for players like Ryan Gravenberch to recover from injuries. The Liverpool manager also highlighted the club's reliance on its academy players in cup competitions, which he believes was the right call at this stage.
"I haven't changed my opinion after the result," Slot said. "With our starters we haven't been able to beat Palace as well." The pressure on Slot has indeed mounted, with many questioning his tactics and fitness management.
However, the Liverpool manager downplays the significance of the Carabao Cup exit, stating that the pressure is always present for teams like his, regardless of the competition. "I don't think it's possible that if you lose five out of six, losing six out of seven there is even more pressure," he said.
. Like, yeah we get it, injuries are a thing and rest is important, but 10 changes? That's a LOT 
. Can't they just pick the strongest team on the pitch instead of trying to 'rest' everyone at the same time? 
And what's with the "we're relying on our academy players" excuse? We know that's not an easy thing to manage, but still... 
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, but his team needs a break... and a new coach 
Like, dude, you're trying to manage a football team, not give your players a spa day 
. Prioritize winning, not relaxation time 
. And what's with the 'no pressure' comment? 
You must be joking, pal! The fans are gonna roast him for this one 
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but at the same time I get what he's trying to do... his team has been playing non-stop and it's like they're running on fumes 
prioritizing rest is so smart, even if it means losing a few games 
. those academy players are gonna be super stars one day 
and maybe this isn't the worst time to give them some love 
. plus, six losses in seven games is still better than if they lost more often... let's keep an eye on slot's progress 
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. It's not always easy to make tough decisions like slot did, but sometimes you gotta put the bigger picture first 
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The guy's trying to do what's best for his players and keep them injury-free. I get that it might not be the most popular decision, but at least he's prioritizing their health over a cup win 
The pressure on him must be through the roof, but I think he handled the situation well. He's taking responsibility for the losses and acknowledging that it's not acceptable for a top-tier side like Liverpool 
... I'm just glad Arne Slot is looking out for his team and trying to do what's best for them 
. He's owning up to their struggles and saying they need a break 
i hope they can bounce back against Aston Villa on Sat 
Slot's trying to spin it as the schedule being too harsh but come on, you can't just rest your starters for a cup match and expect to still be competitive in the league 
i mean 6 losses in 7 games is crazy but i get what he's saying about the grueling schedule... teams do need a break 
it's not all about winning or losing, its about giving the young guys a chance to shine 
️ plus he said it himself, "pressure is always present"... i feel for him, gotta keep his cool amidst all this 
at least the gaffer is being honest about the grueling schedule and injuries 
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. And don't even get me started on the schedule - playing three games in seven days is insane. It's no wonder they're struggling.
. Still, Arne's got a tough job, and I'm sure he'll bounce back from this one 
. Time will tell if this strategy pays off, but one thing's for sure – the pressure's on!