Arne Slot Faces Criticism After Liverpool’s Costly Carabao Cup Gamble
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has found himself under heavy scrutiny after a shock 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, a result that has left fans and pundits questioning his team selection and tactical choices. It was one of those nights at Anfield where nothing seemed to go right — the rain poured down, the energy was flat, and a heavily rotated Liverpool side simply couldn’t find their rhythm.
Slot, who enjoyed a dream start to life at Liverpool by winning the Premier League in his debut season, decided to rest several key players for this cup tie. Big names like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz were all missing from the lineup. Instead, the team featured three teenagers and several squad players who haven’t seen much action this season. It was a bold call, one that Slot defended by saying Liverpool has always used the competition to give experience to academy players.
But that decision backfired. After a lively opening, Crystal Palace seized control, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice just before halftime. The situation went from bad to worse when 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off early in the second half, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. A late goal from Yeremy Pino sealed Liverpool’s exit, leaving Slot watching helplessly from the sidelines.
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In his post-match comments, Slot admitted his side is struggling with the physical demands of playing three games in seven days but refused to call it an excuse. He pointed out that the squad isn’t as deep as people think and hinted at fatigue being a major issue. However, that explanation didn’t sit well with everyone. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock accused Slot of “making excuses,” saying that a club competing in both the Premier League and Champions League should expect such a schedule.
Critics also highlighted that Liverpool spent over £400 million in the summer, which makes the claims about a lack of squad depth hard to accept. Former Scotland international Pat Nevin added that the decision showed the Carabao Cup simply wasn’t a priority this season.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner dismissed the idea that Liverpool had fielded a weak side. He called it “disrespectful” to say so, pointing out that several of Slot’s starters were international players, including World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and experienced defender Andy Robertson.
For Slot, though, the real test comes next. Liverpool have now lost six of their past seven matches across all competitions, and with Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City up next, the pressure couldn’t be higher. Slot has made it clear that the upcoming week will be crucial — a chance for redemption and to prove that his rotation gamble, however painful, was made with the bigger picture in mind.
If Liverpool can bounce back with strong performances in the coming fixtures, this Carabao Cup defeat might soon be forgotten. But if their slump continues, fans may not be as forgiving.
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