Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced rare criticism after his heavily rotated side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last-16 clash at Anfield. The Dutchman, who guided the Reds to a Premier League title in his debut season, was left stunned as a youthful and inexperienced lineup failed to deliver.
Several senior players, including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, were rested, leaving the team exposed in a competition Liverpool had lifted twice in the past four seasons.
The Reds have now lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, with upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City adding to the pressure.
Slot defended his decision after the match, saying, “This club has always used this competition to give opportunities to academy players. I still believe it was the right call despite the result.”
The Liverpool boss made ten changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Brentford, handing starts to three teenagers and naming five more on the bench. After a promising start, two goals from Ismaila Sarr before halftime and a red card for 18-year-old Amara Nallo sealed Liverpool’s fate. A late goal from Yeremy Pino added further misery in the pouring Anfield rain.
Slot admitted fatigue had become an issue. “We played three games in seven days, and it’s a challenge with our current squad size. But that’s not an excuse,” he said.
Criticism Mounts
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock was among those unimpressed by Slot’s explanations, accusing the manager of deflection.
“Slot basically admitted his squad isn’t strong enough,” Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Liverpool are a Champions League side; these games come with the territory. If squad depth is the issue, then recruitment wasn’t good enough this summer.”
Despite spending over £400 million in the transfer window, pundit Pat Nevin said the Carabao Cup clearly wasn’t a priority. “Slot’s team selection showed this competition is secondary. Fans know that, even if it stings,” Nevin said. “Liverpool have invested heavily in star players rather than squad depth, and that’s showing now.”
‘A Big Week Ahead’
Liverpool’s Premier League form has also dipped, with four consecutive defeats pushing them down to seventh. Another loss to Aston Villa this weekend would mark their worst run since 1953.
Slot, however, dismissed suggestions that resting key players added pressure. “Pressure is part of managing Liverpool,” he said. “Next week is crucial for the club. We need everyone fit. That’s why I made the choices I did — many players have been carrying knocks.”
He emphasized that giving academy talent a chance in domestic cups was consistent with Liverpool’s tradition.
Glasner Defends Slot’s Selection
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner rejected claims that Liverpool fielded a weak side. “Calling that a weakened team is disrespectful,” Glasner said. “Joe Gomez has played for England and won the Champions League. Endo is a Japan international, Mac Allister is a World Cup winner, Kerkez cost £40 million — it was still a strong Liverpool side.”
He credited his players for taking full advantage, saying Palace deserved the win.
Looking to Recover
For Slot, the focus now turns to salvaging momentum in upcoming fixtures. “If Liverpool beat Villa and Real Madrid, this defeat will soon be forgotten,” Warnock added. “But if poor results continue, the fans won’t stay patient.”
Slot himself admitted that recent performances haven’t been good enough and said he expects an immediate response to steady the campaign.
