12 hours ago
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Arne Slot has come under fire for fielding a Liverpool team that critics argue was not robust enough to triumph over Crystal Palace.
Jamie Redknapp didn't hold back in his criticism of the Dutch manager after the Reds were knocked out of the Carabao Cup. Following Liverpool's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Brentford over the weekend, Slot made 20 changes for the fourth-round clash against Oliver Glasner's side.
In addition to the sweeping changes to his starting line-up, he also filled the bench with young talents from the academy. For the third time this season, Palace proved too formidable for the Reds, thanks to a brace from Ismaila Sarr and a subsequent goal from Yeremy Pino.
Upon seeing the team sheet, Redknapp expressed his worries about the youthful nature of the squad. He also believes that problems are piling up dangerously for Slot.
After the loss, which also saw Amara Nallo sent off in the final moments, the pundit stated: "He (Slot) said, 'That was a choice I made, that was the team I picked,' but he picked the wrong team. Make no mistake about it.
"You asked me beforehand, and I said, 'He's really made it difficult for himself tonight, picking that team.' He has not helped the young players there because of the team and the players around them.
"He made 10 changes from the weekend against Brentford. You can't tell me he's picked that team today and those subs, thinking, 'That'll get me a result against a really good Crystal Palace side.' You might hope you can, but I did not think for one second they could beat them, and he has made a mistake today."
Redknapp added: "It's not just the defence, it's not just the midfield, it's everything right now. They have got to show some character. They've got some really tough games ahead.
"I haven't said this very often about Arne Slot, because I think he's been sensational, but today was a big mistake. You can't tell me that side was ever going to be capable of beating a really strong Crystal Palace side."
The Reds' selection of a youthful starting XI could be explained by forthcoming fixtures against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League just days afterwards. During his post-match press conference, Slot also acknowledged there were multiple injury worries before kick-off.
With the eldest Liverpool substitute being just 21 years of age, Slot explained: "I think people who know this club and have followed this club for many years, know that in this competition we use it for younger players. We want to help create a pathway for them to play in front of 60,000 people, in front of our own fans. That is one of the reasons.
"The other reason is because we only have four or five injuries, but if I have to play again the same players. I think there are multiple reasons why we have lost so many games. With all the reasons there are no excuses. But it hasn't been helpful that almost all the time we only had two days in between the games after we had to play away from home."
Following a dismal run of six defeats in their previous seven fixtures across all competitions, Redknapp acknowledged the mounting pressure on Slot, his squad, and backroom staff.
He said: "He's been unbelievable since he came to the club, but this is real pressure for everybody concerned. This is football, and this is the price on the ticket. They climbed a mountain last year; they did something absolutely sensational.
"Now they have to go back to that character they showed last year when they won the title and stick together to get some results. When you ask what's going wrong with Liverpool, there are so many things."
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