‘Only time will tell’ if Slot’s gamble pays off’published at 08:20 GMT
08:20 GMT
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says “only time will tell” whether Arne Slot’s decision to rest key players in the Carabao Cup defeat by Crystal Palace was the right one.
Slot named three teenagers in his starting line-up and a further five among his substitutes as he made 10 changes from the team beaten 3-2 at Brentford on Saturday.
“If they beat Aston Villa and Real Madrid and start to turn a corner then yes it was the right choice,” said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast. “If they don’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get a little bit disgruntled and start to ask questions about why so many changes.
“Slot said before the game they rotate in this competition, but when you need a victory, this felt like the ideal time to try to get it.
“I’m not sure this will affect them too much but it keeps the pressure on Slot. There will be so many more questions asked of him. He will hope the performance on Saturday justifies what he has done for this game.
“Confidence is huge in football and Liverpool players are second guessing everything that they do.
“Slot has got to turn things around very quickly but it is not all on the manager. The players have to do more.
“His job as manager is to inspire the players and give them a gameplan they can follow through.”