Arne Slot’s brave call in the Carabao Cup has left Liverpool fans divided. Was it a smart, long-term move to protect his stars — or a costly misstep that deepens the storm?
Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace felt heavier than a routine cup exit. It was their sixth loss in seven games, a worrying trend for a team that had once looked set to challenge for everything.
Slot’s choice to make ten changes raised eyebrows, especially with a crucial run of fixtures ahead.
The Dutchman’s reasoning seemed simple: his squad was stretched thin. Injuries to Alisson, Curtis Jones, Giovanni Leoni, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexander Isak forced his hand.
Still, Liverpool’s starting lineup wasn’t short on experience, with Robertson, Mac Allister, Endo, Chiesa, and Gomez all featuring. Yet, the new system — a 3-4-3 with makeshift center-backs — backfired badly.
Crystal Palace pounced early, and by halftime, the result felt sealed. Even the most optimistic Kopites knew this wasn’t going to be another famous Anfield comeback.
A calculated risk or surrender in disguise for Arne Slot and Liverpool?
Slot’s post-match words offered insight into his mindset.
“In this moment in time, with only 15 or 16 players available, it felt to me that this was the right decision and I haven’t changed my opinion about that after the result,” he said.
The manager pointed out Liverpool’s intense schedule — Frankfurt away, Brentford at home, then Aston Villa within days — and stressed the need to protect his key players. But fans couldn’t help but wonder: did Liverpool wave the white flag too soon?
In years past, even Liverpool’s second string showed the fight to go deep in cup runs. This time, the team looked more like one planning for damage control than victory. The image of young debutants struggling in the rain summed up a night few will remember fondly.
Now, the focus shifts to what’s next. Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City await in quick succession — a brutal stretch that could define Slot’s second season.
Win those, and his Carabao Cup decision might look like a stroke of genius. Lose them, and the gamble could haunt him all winter.
For now, Liverpool fans can only wait and watch — hoping this “rotation roulette” lands in their favor.