Slot ‘Making Excuses’ – But Should He Have Rested Key Players?
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is already under fire after a disappointing 3-0 pre-season defeat to Sevilla. His decision to rest stars like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold has sparked debate—was he protecting fitness or making a costly mistake?
Why Resting Key Players Made Sense
Pre-season friendlies are about preparation, not trophies. With the Premier League kickoff nearing, Slot’s caution is justified:
- Fatigue from International Duty: Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), and Alexander-Arnold (England) played deep into Euro 2024.
- Injury Risks: Salah had an injury-hit 2023/24 season; rushing him back could backfire.
- History of Meaningless Results: Man Utd lost 4-0 to Liverpool in a 2022 friendly but won their league clash months later.
Slot’s priority is clearly long-term fitness over friendlies—a stance echoed by his post-match remark: “We’re not here to win friendlies; we’re here to prepare for August 17th.”
The Argument Against Slot’s Approach
Critics say Liverpool’s disjointed performance exposed bigger issues:
- Missed Chemistry-Building: New signings (like Riccardo Calafiori) and young players (Harvey Elliott) lacked leadership on the pitch.
- Fan Expectations: After Klopp’s exit, supporters want reassurance—heavy defeats, even in friendlies, fuel doubt.
- Klopp’s Pre-Season Habits: The former boss often used friendlies to fine-tune his starting XI. Did Slot overcorrect?
The Verdict: A Calculated Gamble
Slot’s high-intensity system demands peak fitness. If rested stars return strong against Ipswich on opening day, this loss won’t matter. But if sluggishness lingers, scrutiny will intensify.
Final Take: Resting key players was defensible, but Slot must prove it pays off. The real test starts now.
Do you agree with Slot’s decision? Share your thoughts below!
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