Liverpool manager Arne Slot has taken a moment to respond to criticism from fans, insisting that supporters would be more understanding if they truly grasped the fitness challenges he’s facing.
The Dutch coach is dealing with a mounting list of injuries, squad rotation headaches, and the pressure of delivering results in a packed schedule.
Managing an Injury-Ravaged Squad
In recent weeks, Slot has had to navigate a particularly brutal injury crisis.
The team has suffered three long-term setbacks, including the absence of British record signing Alexander Isak.
These issues forced the Reds into unusual situations, such as finishing their 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth with midfielders filling in across defense.
With limited options, Slot has been cautious with his available players.
This has led to decisions like resting key figures or carefully managing minutes for certain individuals—a strategy that hasn’t always gone down well with the fanbase.
Slot Calls for Understanding from Fans
Speaking candidly about the criticism, Slot said: “If you are not aware of the information around players’ fitness, it’s understandable to criticize decisions.
But if people knew the struggles we face, they would be more understanding of the choices I make.”
The Reds are set to face Azerbaijan champions Qarabag in the Champions League, a match that could secure their place in the knockout stage despite being without four defenders.
Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hip injury, Ibrahima Konate remains away following the death of his father, and Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are out for the season with knee issues.
Difficult Decisions on Player Selection
Slot highlighted the delicate balancing act of meeting fan expectations while protecting players’ long-term fitness.
He explained the reasoning behind some controversial choices: “If I had started Alexander Isak to give Hugo a rest, no fan would complain.
But with the injuries we have, I sometimes have to adapt the system or play players out of position.
At Bournemouth, I ended the game with only two real defenders, which doesn’t make for a flattering narrative—but it was necessary.”
He also emphasized that he listens to medical and performance staff but sometimes has to rely on his own judgment, particularly when determining if a player is ready for consecutive games.
Transparency on Substitutions and Game Management
Slot went into detail about his approach to substitutions and match management: “There was a player who scored a goal at the end of a game where it might have been better to take him off earlier.
You need to consider how players feel, whether they are ready for 90 minutes, and then make a lineup and substitution decisions accordingly.
People without all the information can misunderstand those choices, and I am aware of that.”
Facing the Noise and Expectations
Acknowledging the scrutiny from fans, Slot admitted it’s difficult to silence criticism in Liverpool’s current situation.
“Even if we win a few games, every loss or disappointing result triggers the noise again.
That’s expected when a team has had a tough start or a stretch of losses.
At a club like this, you can’t completely shut down the chatter unless you are competing for the league.”
Transfer Updates and Squad News
On the transfer front, Slot expects Andy Robertson to remain at the club after a proposed £5million move to Tottenham fell through.
Meanwhile, AS Roma are reportedly trying to return Kostas Tsimikas to Merseyside, though they have yet to secure a replacement left-back.
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