Arne Slot Press Conference: Liverpool vs Barnsley FA Cup Preview

Liverpool FC head coach Arne Slot held a press conference ahead of the Reds' Emirates FA Cup third-round tie against League One side Barnsley at Anfield on Monday night. Slot emphasized the competition's importance and vowed to field a strongest possible XI, contrasting last season's approach[1][3].

Reflecting on last year's early FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle, Slot explained that rotation was necessary due to commitments in the league, Champions League, and League Cup, which Liverpool are no longer contesting this season. "Last season I made the decision that some players needed to rest in the FA Cup because you cannot play every player every single time," he said. "But it's obvious that we're not in the League Cup anymore. The FA Cup has always been very important for us... I can guarantee you that on Monday you will see all the players that you saw [recently], maybe with some substitutions but then they will be on the bench"[1][3][4].

Slot dismissed direct comparisons to last season's Plymouth defeat, noting the home advantage and different context. He took Barnsley seriously, revealing they last beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield in 2008. "We take them, as we took Plymouth, very seriously as well," Slot stated, addressing potential criticism of his lineups by referencing recent squad management[1][3].

On squad fitness, Slot provided updates on Hugo Ekitike, Jayden Danns, and Wataru Endo, though specifics were not detailed in reports[1]. The presser followed a 0-0 draw at Arsenal, underscoring Liverpool's packed schedule[4].

Slot's comments signal a renewed focus on cup success, with fans expecting a potent lineup to kick off the FA Cup campaign dominantly against lower-league opposition. Full video available on Liverpool FC's YouTube channel[2][5].

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