Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reacted to his side’s shock 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, admitting that his players were “second best in every department.”
The Reds were stunned at Anfield as Ismaila Sarr’s brace and a late strike from Yeremy Pino sealed a famous victory for Palace — sending them through to the quarter-finals at Liverpool’s expense.
Speaking after the Carabao Cup game, Slot expressed his disappointment with the performance, particularly the team’s lack of intensity and defensive discipline.
“We didn’t deserve to win today. Palace were sharper, faster, and more clinical. We never really found our rhythm, and that’s something we have to take responsibility for,” the Dutch manager told reporters.
“Every game at Liverpool is a must-win. If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, the pressure is there. I don’t think it has changed much after this loss.’’
Slot also defended his decision to rotate several first-team regulars, insisting that squad depth is part of Liverpool’s long-term strategy this season.
“We have a lot of games coming up, and I trust the entire squad. But when you make changes, you need everyone to step up. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen tonight,” he added.
