Liverpool lost 0-3 to Palace, Slot guard rotated 10 positions
Slot changed 10 positions, let the first team sit out in the Carabao Cup; Liverpool lost 6/7 matches, with 15-16 players, prioritizing preserving key players before meeting Aston Villa.
Liverpool suffered a 0-3 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in a match where manager Arne Slot rotated 10 positions and left the bench empty of any first-team players. After the match, the Dutch coach affirmed that this was the right decision in the context of a tight schedule and a thin squad, despite the increased pressure when the team lost 6/7 recent matches in all competitions.
10 position rotation and instant results
Compared to the starting lineup against Brentford, Slot only retained Milos Kerkez. He gave opportunities to a group of players who rarely played such as Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and young talents Calvin Ramsay, Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison. The large scale of the change meant that Liverpool had to get used to the operating rhythm in a short time - a common risk when the squad structure lacks coordination due to the large number of adjustments.
The lack of first-team players on the bench further reduces the ability to intervene with experienced options in the second half. Tactically, a team lacking a familiar anchor point often struggles to maintain consistent pressing intensity and triangles on the flanks, especially against organised opponents.
Slot Strategy Reasons
Slot said this was a pre-determined path for similar rounds. “It’s the same choice I made in rounds like this last year. There are many reasons why we lost six out of seven, but none of them are enough to accept losing so many,” he said.
In terms of fitness, Slot highlighted the risks of having players play three games in seven days, citing the example of Alexander Isak – who suffered an injury in a similar schedule – as a warning of excessive “play load”, suggesting that reducing injury risk is a priority.
Squad depth and comparison with Man City
Slot outlined the personnel picture: “At the moment, with only 15 or 16 players available, and the fact that the club has always used this tournament for academy players, it was the right decision for me and I have not changed my opinion after the result.”
He also compared the squad to Manchester City – who still rotate but can field 11 high-quality players – to highlight the difference in depth. This explains why Liverpool prioritize preserving their core players in the main fronts and see the Carabao Cup as a space for the academy to gain experience.
Pressure of performance and the problem of competition schedule
The defeat to Crystal Palace marked Liverpool's sixth defeat in their last seven outings. With a busy schedule and limited resources, Slot opted for a trade-off: accept short-term risks to protect his fitness for the next phase. The weekend's game against Aston Villa became a test of that decision.
The overall tactical picture
With a deep rotation, tactical “automation” such as spacing, transitions and the ability to create numerical superiority in the half-spaces often takes time to settle. In terms of organization, the attacking structures from the defense to the midfield are prone to errors when the links have not accumulated enough minutes together. This is a predictable consequence of prioritizing muscle load management and giving opportunities to the academy group.
On the contrary, this plan creates a "test bench" for young players under real-life pressure conditions, helping the coaching staff assess each individual's readiness and ability to integrate into tactics before putting them into long-term plans.
Notable numbers
- Score: Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup).
- Form streak: Lost 6/7 recent matches in all competitions.
- Rotation size: 10 changes to the starting line-up; only Milos Kerkez remains from the Brentford match.
- Personnel: 15-16 players available according to Slot; bench has no first-team players.
- Fixtures: 3 games in 7 days – injury risk mentioned by Slot through the example of Alexander Isak.
Message from the decision
Despite the disappointing results, Slot’s message was clear: prioritise long-term goals, protect key players and maintain the principle of using the Carabao Cup as a platform for the academy. The comparison with Man City shows that the gap in depth is an accepted reality, and Liverpool have chosen to manage risk rather than risk player health during a busy calendar period.
