Despite losing 3-0 to Crystal Palace in the League Cup, Liverpool manager Arne Slot strongly defended his decision to rest key players. This latest defeat marks Liverpool’s sixth loss in their last seven matches, including four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, raising concerns for the current champions.
Slot made ten changes to his starting lineup, leaving out star players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. The young Liverpool squad struggled to match Crystal Palace’s fighting spirit.
Ismaila Sarr scored two goals in the first half. Following a red card for Liverpool’s Amara Nallo, Yeremy Pino secured the victory for Palace with another goal.
Busy Schedule
Slot justified his decision to rest main players, citing a busy schedule ahead. Liverpool faces Aston Villa in a league match on Saturday, followed by a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid, and then travels to Manchester City.
“Six losses in seven matches is not Liverpool’s standard,” Slot admitted. “But we only have 15 or 16 fit first-team players. With such a tough week ahead, I couldn’t take the risk,” he explained.