Arne Slot guarantees strong Liverpool squad vs. Barnsley

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has promised to field a much stronger FA Cup side against Barnsley than the weakened lineup that exited the competition at Plymouth last season. He insists the approach will be “different than last season,” stressing that the FA Cup is now a major priority for the club.[1][2]

Slot confirms that all players involved in the recent 0-0 draw with Arsenal will be in the squad for the Barnsley tie, with the exception of injured defender Conor Bradley.[1][2] He adds that Liverpool are doing everything possible to have Hugo Ekitike fit after his recent hamstring issue, underlining the desire to strengthen the attack if medical staff give the green light.[2]

Reflecting on last season’s defeat to Plymouth, Slot explains that heavy rotation was then driven by the club’s involvement on multiple fronts, including the League Cup, Champions League and Premier League title race.[2] With Liverpool no longer in the League Cup, he argues that there is less need for extreme rotation and more scope to treat the FA Cup as a competition where Liverpool must be highly competitive.[2]

Slot defends his previous decisions as a necessary response to a congested schedule and a limited squad, but acknowledges that the gamble backfired when a Plymouth side later relegated from the Championship knocked Liverpool out.[2] He now pledges that supporters will see a lineup far closer to Liverpool’s regular Premier League core, with key players either starting or available from the bench.[1][2]

Overall, Slot presents the Barnsley tie as an opportunity to reset Liverpool’s FA Cup record under his tenure, promising intensity, respect for the opponent and a selection that reflects the club’s ambition to compete seriously for domestic silverware this season.[1][2]