Arne Slot reveals big change he will deploy this season after learning lesson

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Arne Slot has hinted at rotating his squad more frequently this season than, after suggesting that largely sticking with the same XI may have cost Liverpool in Europe as well as cup competitions last term.

Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League at a canter, but the Reds were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage, while also losing the Carabao Cup final and succumbing to an early exit in the FA Cup.

Heading into February, Liverpool was being tipped for a potential quadruple, but little over a month later, the Premier League was the only thing available for the Reds to win.

Most Liverpool fans would settle for just winning the Premier League again this season, but the ambitious Slot wants to win multiple trophies during his second season in charge.

The strength in depth of Liverpool's squad is perhaps higher than it was last season, which should make Slot more comfortable with the idea of resting key players.

"What I have learnt is that in March, when we also played the final of the League Cup that in that moment we were not in our best," Slot said.

"We had to play from November to March mainly with the same players - and I think that is the reason we won the league, but I also think that’s why were not at out best in Paris.

"We were really good here, so maybe in that period of time I need to rotate a bit more. That could help us being fitter in March, but you never know what could have happened in the other games we played in the Premier League maybe where we clinched our title also in that period of team."

Liverpool opened its Champions League campaign with a win over Atletico Madrid

Liverpool opened its Champions League campaign with a win over Atletico Madrid

Liverpool has won every game it has played since the Community Shield penalty shoot-out defeat by Crystal Palace in August, but Slot said there is still plenty of room for improvement after a fifth late winner in as many games, against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"Everybody will probably talk again about the late game winner, which I understand because that is the story of this game and the story of the last five games," Slot said.

"But for me it was a different game [against Atletico] than the ones we have played before. So I saw many good things but it is not for the first time that we give away a 2-0 lead as well, which was different to the one we gave away against Bournemouth because this one had nothing to do with counter-attacks.

"But we did give away a 2-0 lead, which is not what we were known for last season. So yes, there is a lot to improve but there is a lot to like as well."

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