'This club has always...': Slot uses Klopp selection blueprint to defend himself after Liverpool loss to Crystal Palace
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come under fire following the loss to Crystal Palace, but he’s backed his team selection decision by citing the blueprint used by Jurgen Klopp.Ismaila Sarr dominated the Reds at Anfield, scoring two first-half goals before Yeremy Pino added a third in the 88th minute to pile on the home side’s misery.Liverpool fans blame Slot for the Crystal Palace loss, with many quick to point the finger at his ‘bad selections’ for the game.The reigning Premier League champions fielded an inexperienced side, with many teenagers featuring from the start or off the bench.Slot, though, has now explained his team selection on the night, citing the blueprint used by Klopp.Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht – firo sportphoto/Getty ImagesSlot uses Klopp example to defend team selection after Liverpool vs Crystal PalaceDuring his time at the club, the German often fielded young academy players in the Carabao Cup, something Liverpool’s current boss was quick to mention post-match.As per BBC Sport, he said: “I only rested the players that have played mainly in the last week. This is the line-up you get.
That shows you we already have a few injuries. With a big week coming up for me, it felt the best choice.“Combined with that, this club has always chosen in the League Cup to give playing time to young academy players as well.”The Reds are now winless in six of their last seven matches across all competitions, with their only victory coming against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.Such a torrid run of form has seen fans begin to turn on Slot, who commented on the pressure he is facing after Palace.Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesIs Arne Slot under pressure at LiverpoolHe said: “If you lose five of six and then six of seven there’s always more pressure.
“If you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool you know the pressure is there and I don’t think it changes much after this loss.”One journalist has suggested Slot’s job isn’t under threat right now despite the mounting defeats.How long that will last remains to be seen, especially given the run of fixtures now facing Liverpool.They take on a much-improved Aston Villa on Saturday before a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.The Reds then clash with rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. All three are tough fixtures, and given their current form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Liverpool fail to win all three.