Liverpool’s Arne Slot Insists He Is “Completely Happy” With Squad Despite Recent Struggles and Cup Exit
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed growing concerns about his team’s squad depth, insisting that he remains “completely happy” with the quality and balance of his players — even after a tough stretch of defeats and an early cup exit.
The Dutch manager’s remarks come just days after Liverpool’s shock 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, a match in which Slot heavily rotated his squad and relied on several young prospects. The decision raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, especially given Liverpool’s recent poor form in the Premier League.
A Risky Selection Backfires in the Cup
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash at Anfield was expected to be a chance for Liverpool to rebuild momentum. Instead, the night ended in disappointment as Crystal Palace dominated a youthful Liverpool side.
Slot opted for a much-changed lineup, making 10 changes from the team that lost 3-2 to Brentford the previous weekend. His starting eleven included three teenagers, with five more young players on the bench. The lack of experience showed, as Palace capitalized on defensive errors and poor finishing to secure a comfortable victory.
After the match, Slot hinted that his team selection reflected the limited options available to him, saying it “gives a little bit of insight” into the depth of the Liverpool squad. His remarks led to speculation that the manager was unhappy with the resources at his disposal — especially when compared to rivals such as Manchester City and Chelsea, who both advanced to the quarter-finals with strong rotated squads.
Slot Clarifies His Comments
Ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Slot was keen to clarify his stance. Addressing the media on Friday, he insisted there was no dissatisfaction behind his earlier comments.
“We miss nothing,” Slot told reporters. “I am completely happy with the team and with all the quality that we have.”
The 46-year-old went on to reaffirm his confidence in the club’s overall strategy and recruitment policy, emphasizing that Liverpool’s recent setbacks are not due to a lack of quality players but rather fitness and form issues.
From Champions to Strugglers: A Sudden Decline
Slot’s defense of his squad comes amid Liverpool’s worst run since his appointment. After a strong start to the season — winning their first seven games across all competitions — the Reds have now lost six of their last seven.
Their league form has dipped alarmingly, with the team slipping to seventh in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal. This slump has sparked frustration among sections of the fanbase, who have begun to question whether Slot can maintain the high standards set in his debut season — when he sensationally guided Liverpool to the Premier League title.
Record-Breaking Spending Raises Expectations
Liverpool’s struggles are even more striking given the club’s historic summer spending spree. Under Slot’s direction, the Reds embarked on Europe’s biggest-ever transfer window, spending £415 million on high-profile signings.
That figure broke the previous record set by Chelsea in 2023, who spent £400 million. Among Liverpool’s new recruits were several marquee names, including Alexander Isak, whose £125 million transfer from Newcastle United set a new British record.
The club also pursued Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in a £35 million deal, which ultimately fell through on deadline day.
However, despite the huge investment, several of the new signings have struggled to hit their stride — largely due to injuries and a disrupted pre-season.
Injuries and Fitness Issues Complicate the Picture
Slot admitted that injuries have severely affected Liverpool’s rhythm this season. Key players such as Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ryan Gravenberch have all spent time on the sidelines, while Isak joined the team late after refusing to train at Newcastle in order to force through his transfer.
“I am completely convinced by the strategy and the policy that we have,” Slot said. “But the issue — if you can call it that — is that not all of our new players have had a proper pre-season or have been fit.”
The manager highlighted that when several players are unavailable, the squad’s effective size is reduced dramatically.
“When three or four are injured, you go back to 16 players,” he explained. “I still believe that 20 or 21 players are enough for a season, but you have to keep them fit. That was the key last season.”
Slot used Isak as an example, noting that the striker’s delayed start has limited his match sharpness.
“Alex is a great example. Others have missed pre-season or had injuries during it. It has been more difficult this season to keep everyone available, and when that happens, it puts pressure on the same group of players.”
Fans Growing Impatient
While Slot’s calm demeanor and long-term approach have earned him respect, frustration among supporters is mounting. Some fans argue that Liverpool’s star-studded squad should be performing better, regardless of injuries. Others believe Slot’s rotation policy and tactical rigidity have contributed to the slump.
Pundits have also questioned whether the Dutchman’s emphasis on pressing football — similar to Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy — is leaving the players fatigued too early in the season.
Social media has been filled with mixed reactions: some fans calling for patience, citing last season’s success, while others express concern that Liverpool could miss out on Champions League qualification if the slide continues.
Slot’s Task: Revive Momentum and Restore Belief
The upcoming home fixture against Aston Villa could prove pivotal. A win would ease the pressure and rebuild confidence ahead of a demanding November schedule that includes clashes with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the setbacks, Slot remains optimistic about Liverpool’s trajectory. He continues to emphasize the club’s long-term vision and his belief in the young players who have been integrated into the first team this season.
“This group has so much potential,” Slot said. “When everyone is fit and firing, we can compete with any team in the world.”
A Season at a Crossroads
Liverpool’s current struggles have exposed the fine margins between success and failure in elite football. A few injuries, a disrupted pre-season, and a lack of consistency have quickly transformed a title-winning side into one battling for confidence and momentum.
Yet, Arne Slot’s unwavering faith in his squad suggests he is not ready to panic. His focus remains on steadying the ship, regaining fitness, and rediscovering the attacking intensity that made Liverpool champions last season.
If his words are any indication, Slot believes this is a temporary storm — not a structural crisis. But as Liverpool’s season teeters on the edge, the next few weeks will determine whether his confidence is rewarded or tested even further.