Arne Slot Defends Team Selection Amidst Liverpool’s Recent Struggles
LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing scrutiny over his team selection in the recent victory against Crystal Palace, a match featuring several young players alongside established internationals. The win, while relieving immediate pressure, has sparked debate over whether Slot unnecessarily rested key players during a period of poor form.
The starting eleven included 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, alongside seven full internationals. Slot deployed a three-central-defender system featuring Andy Robertson (Scotland), joe Gomez (England), and Wataru endo (Japan), with full-backs Milos Kerkez (Hungary) and Calvin Ramsay (Scotland) also in the lineup.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner dismissed suggestions that Liverpool fielded a weakened team, asserting his side deserved credit for the result. “It was Arne Slot’s decision and we never care what other teams are doing,” Glasner stated. He highlighted the experience of players like Gomez,Endo,Alexis mac Allister (a world Cup winner with Argentina),Kerkez (signed for £40m),and Federico Chiesa (Italy national team player),adding,”Ngumoha has shown he can score goals in the Premier League. It was still a good team and everyone is a member of the Liverpool squad.”
Slot acknowledges the recent performances have been unacceptable and expects immediate betterment. The significance of the Palace victory, though, hinges on upcoming fixtures.According to former manager Neil Warnock, ”If they beat Villa and Real Madrid, and they start to turn a corner, then yes it will have paid off. If it isn’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get disgruntled.”
Warnock also noted that managers don’t make changes without reason, but emphasized the importance of securing a win when needed. Slot will be demanding better performances and results to alleviate the pressure surrounding the team.
