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Beth Lindop
LIVERPOOL, England — Following Liverpool’s disappointing performance, Arne Slot stated that the current situation is “not good enough,” yet he does not think the team’s recent 3-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace adds to the pressure on his squad.
The Reds have now suffered six defeats in their last seven matches across all competitions, with Crystal Palace handing them a 3-0 setback at Anfield, courtesy of goals from Ismaïla Sarr and Yeremy Pino.
<p.Slot made significant changes to his lineup, resting several key players with 10 alterations from the squad that lost to Brentford last weekend.
“It’s always disappointing to lose a match, especially one that results in elimination from a tournament,” Slot remarked. “However, this lineup is similar to what I used in past seasons for matches like this.”
“There are numerous reasons for our recent struggles, but none are justifiable for enduring such a poor run. Although I could provide explanations, none would suffice because, at Liverpool, losing five or six—or six or seven—is simply unacceptable.”
He further noted: “When you’re caught in a slump like this at Liverpool, the pressure is always present. I don’t believe this loss has changed anything significantly, but if it did, the silver lining was the support we received from the fans even when trailing 2-0. That encouragement gives me confidence that our players will demonstrate their commitment to the supporters this Saturday.”
Liverpool may receive a boost this weekend with the potential return of Ryan Gravenberch for the upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa. However, striker Alexander Isak, who exited the pitch due to a groin injury sustained against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on October 22, remains uncertain for the match.
“I feel Ryan has a good chance of being fit,” Slot stated. “As for the others, we will have to wait and see. I’m not sure about all their conditions, but Ryan appears to be the most likely to return among the injured players.”