Likeable Liverpool manager Arne Slot has taken full responsibility for Liverpool’s run of poor form.
However, the Dutchman has blamed his latest defeat, a three-nil home loss to Crystal Palace, on having a squad that is too small as well as four key injuries.
“We don’t have such a big squad as people might tell.” Arne Slot (Liverpool Manager)
It is common for top teams to rest players for League Cup matches. Still, many of the Liverpool manager’s increasing number of critics say that he didn’t involve enough key players, which contributed to the performance and the resulting defeat.
With huge games against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming, Slot will be under tremendous pressure to turn things around quickly.
If Liverpool lose the next three or four games, there will be massive pressure on the club owners to sack the Premier League-winning manager.
Speaking to Sky Sports TV following the match, Slot said: “Last time we played Southampton here for the League Cup, Giovanni Leone got injured.”
“We don’t have such a big squad as people might tell (we) mainly have 20 players.”
“So then if we have four injuries. I only have one right fullback. Are you willing to take that risk if such a big week is coming up?”
“If one of them was injured people would have said what a stupid choice. Also with them it was very difficult for us with our starters to beat Palace.”
I genuinely understand Slot’s points. However, when a team is on such a poor streak of bad results, they must get back to winning ways to boost confidence throughout the squad, regardless of the competition they are playing in.