For Arne Slot, this is uncharted territory — but at Liverpool, there’s always a precedent when things begin to unravel.
The Dutchman’s decision to rotate heavily and essentially gamble with the League Cup was bold, perhaps reckless. Yet, he’s hardly the first Liverpool manager to spin the wheel at Anfield. Jürgen Klopp once fielded an academy side in an FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury, prompting outrage — only for the youngsters to pull off a 1-0 win.
Slot likely believed his midweek XI against Crystal Palace had enough quality: internationals from England, Italy, Japan, Argentina, and more, plus two talented teenagers. But once Ismaila Sarr struck early, the outcome was never in doubt. Liverpool were comfortably beaten, and thousands of red seats lay empty long before full-time.
LIVERPOOL’S PRIORITIES IN QUESTION
The League Cup has long been part of Liverpool’s DNA — 15 finals, 11 trophies — but this season, it’s become a distraction rather than an opportunity. Slot made it clear that his focus lies elsewhere, resting nearly every key player ahead of Aston Villa’s visit on Saturday.
The echoes of 2014–15 are growing louder. Back then, Brendan Rodgers, fresh off a runners-up Premier League finish, reshuffled his entire squad after selling Luis Suárez. Big names came in — Balotelli, Lovren, Lallana — but the chemistry evaporated. Rodgers’ infamous decision to rest his stars at the Bernabéu to prioritize a league match against Chelsea backfired disastrously.
Slot now finds himself on a similar path: rotating in midweek, inviting scrutiny, and ramping up pressure on the weekend fixture that follows.
FORM, PRESSURE, AND THE VILLA TEST
Liverpool’s defensive fragility is alarming — just one clean sheet at Anfield in 12 matches. The sense of vulnerability grows with every match, and Saturday’s game against Aston Villa feels pivotal.
Slot doesn’t have an easy job — injuries, transition, and expectation weigh heavy — but patience at Anfield is never infinite. A routine win over Palace would’ve steadied things. Instead, he’s increased the spotlight’s glare.
Lose again this weekend, and the comparisons with Rodgers won’t just be historical footnotes. They’ll become warnings.