Slot Hits Back At Critics After Liverpool’s EFL Cup Defeat To Palace

‎Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, defended his decision to field a heavily altered lineup after a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday extended the Reds’ poor run.

‎The Premier League champions have lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, including four straight in the league.

‎Slot made his priorities clear before kick-off by making 10 changes, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah left out of the squad completely.

‎A youthful selection was easily picked off by Palace, who have now beaten Liverpool three times this season.

‎Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half before Yeremy Pino added a third late on after Liverpool substitute Amara Nallo was sent off.

‎”It’s not Liverpool standards to lose six out of seven,” said Slot, who used a big week ahead as justification for his team selection.

‎Liverpool will look to end their Premier League slump against the in-form Aston Villa on Saturday.

‎Real Madrid then travels to Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Manchester City on November 9.

‎”I couldn’t have brought them (the first team regulars) into a situation where they had to go into a week like this.

‎”We have a game tonight, then it’s only two days to rest, play the next one, only two days’ rest, play Real Madrid, and then a few more days of Manchester City.

‎”Everyone can have their opinion about it, but with the squad we have, maybe 15 or 16 first team players available, this is the choice I’ve made.”

‎FA Cup holders Palace eye more silverware, yet they’ve been drawn away to Arsenal in the quarter-finals for another tough test.