Arne Slot sent clear sack verdict as Alan Shearer shoots down Liverpool boss' claim

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The result marked Liverpool's sixth defeat in seven matches across all competitions.Reflecting on Slot's decision to make so many changes and leaving his big-name players out, Shearer believes that it's a massive gamble and the Liverpool boss will only find out if it's the right decision if they manage to beat Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.Should the Reds lose, that's them out of the Premier League title race, according to Shearer. But he still did a great job last year, and obviously Liverpool are really struggling now."I wouldn't say crisis just yet - but they're in a very sticky situation.

Having said that, if they win on Saturday and again on Tuesday, then from his point of view it could prove to be the right decision - because the Carabao Cup would have been low on the priority list."But when you're a club already struggling and desperately in need of a result, it's risky to put out that sort of side and those substitutes. If they win, he'll say it was the right decision - but they have to win now after that selection."If they lose on Saturday, I don't see them in the title race.

They haven't done that, and they've been punished - all eyes are on Saturday evening at Anfield."You need leaders. "So, maybe for a little bit of confidence he could have put a couple of bigger names on there, but I actually think it was the right decision."I know they've been through a difficult time, but the League Cup compared to the Premier League and the Champions League it's not as big if we're being honest."At the moment, Liverpool are just searching and expectation levels are massive because of last season.