After losing to Brighton, Arne Slot has again fallen back on the excuse that Liverpool’s schedule has left them fatigued.
It’s true that the last week has seen Liverpool go through an injury crisis in attack. Mo Salah missed the Brighton game, while Hugo Ekitike had to make way after just eight minutes.
Alexander Isak is yet to return for Liverpool, meaning they are significantly weakened in the forward areas.
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Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool - Premier League
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After the game, Slot told TNT Sports: “A lot of our players are in the top 10 playing minutes because I so many times have to play the same players because of the [transfer] model we are having, because of the injuries we are having, we don’t have a big squad.”
That’s a pretty standard retreat behind the squad, but this lack of legs and intensity has been a symptom of this season even when Liverpool were at full strength. Peter Crouch isn’t having it.
Peter Crouch not interested in Arne Slot’s excuse for Liverpool loss
Appearing on the same broadcast, the former Liverpool striker questioned Slot’s excuse of Liverpool’s small squad and their busy schedule.
He said: “They’ve been outrun again today, is that justifiable by the fact they’ve played in the Champions League or not? I don’t think it can be just because, you know, Liverpool, they’re going to be playing in the Champions League, you know, the club’s had a rich history in European football, that’s just part and parcel of it.
Hugo Ekitike covers his face with his shirt as he comes off injured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium
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“You have to play two games a week, you know that. I know it’s difficult, and you have injuries, but that’s why you have the squad. Yeah, it’s difficult. I mean, we’ve been there and you play on a Wednesday night and then, you know, you’ve got to come here and play first thing on a Saturday.
“It’s a difficult thing to do, but it’s something that a club like Liverpool has notoriously had to do, and will do in the future.”
Pretty straight from Crouch. Injuries are part of football, and it doesn’t excuse some of the individual displays, and often the team displays as well.
Nor does the schedule, which should be the expectation for a club this big.
The results aren’t improving, and many fans are starting to lose faith in the Slot project. There’s a real danger of being in the Europa League next season. That’s simply not good enough, regardless of the circumstances.
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