Arne Slot has made some interesting comments regarding Chelsea following Liverpool’s elimination from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
While Chelsea were able to progress to the quarter-finals after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3, Liverpool were knocked out by Crystal Palace.
Slot’s side are on a dire run of form, losing six of their last seven games, which includes a 2-1 defeat to the Blues.
Estevao Willian scored the winner against Liverpool that day and has since been a topic of conversation for Liverpool’s manager.
Estevao Willian celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Arne Slot envious of Estevao Willian option
Against Palace, Slot felt that he did not have the kind of depth that Enzo Maresca possesses at Chelsea and used Estevao as an example.
“When we played Chelsea I said they are missing eight but they can still bring Estevao in,” the Dutchman said in his latest post-match press conference via BBC Sport. “We are only missing four players at the moment and already we needed to start with four players under the age of 19. After I made two substitutions we were on six.”
In contrast to their Premier League rivals, the quality of Chelsea’s squad depth was made apparent on Wednesday night.
Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and Andrey Santos came into the side after starting on the bench in the 2-1 loss to Sunderland and all managed to score.
It is hardly a surprise, then, that Slot is a bit envious, though not too many people will have sympathy for the 47-year-old.
After all, Liverpool spent over £400m in the summer, bringing in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who cost more than £100m each.
This is not the first time that the Reds’ manager has spoken about his rivals’ bench. Slot highlighted the impact of Chelsea’s substitutions during his side’s loss to them after the game.
Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot before Chelsea vs Liverpool
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Estevao Willian puts in another bright display against Wolves
You only have to look at Estevao’s performance at Molineux to understand what Slot is talking about.
The Brazilian was a real attacking threat, taking three shots in total and completing two crosses, according to Sofascore.
Of course, his most important contribution was his goal, which was a delightful chip.
Liverpool definitely have a better starting XI than Chelsea, but the Club World Cup winners may have a stronger squad overall.