Slot’s Sharp Verdict: Liverpool’s Slump Defies Logic After Palace’s Cup Bash

Match overview

Arne Slot, the Dutch Liverpool boss, voiced his frustration after a 0-3 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, sending the Reds out in the Round of 16 at Anfield. Liverpool’s form has deteriorated this season, eighting a remarkable Premier League title win five months earlier, and the setback piled further pressure on Slot.

Slot told BBC that while there are many explanations, there are not enough reasons to justify losing five of six; the schedule — with games just two days after tough European fixtures — has certainly disrupted the team’s rhythm.

He added that next week will be crucial and that the squad must be as ready as possible. The formation chosen reflected injuries and the need to rotate amid a heavy workload, and he stressed that Liverpool’s cup approach has always involved giving opportunities to younger players.

Palace’s perspective and reactions

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner praised his team’s performance, saying it took about 15 minutes to settle, after which they played well, scored classy goals and controlled the match. He noted that it’s rare to beat the league champions three times in three months across the Shield, the league, and the cup, and credited his players for the achievement.

Glasner also commented on Liverpool’s lineup, saying he didn’t know who would start, with a mix of regulars and youngsters. He cited players such as Robertson, Endo, and Mac Allister, and highlighted a breakout young scorer who demonstrated he could find the net. He admitted Liverpool didn’t start brightly, but they improved and produced some excellent goals, though the performance wasn’t flawless.

Pressure and the broader context

Former Liverpool defender Steven Warnock told BBC that the defeat increases pressure on Slot. He added that while fans will give Slot time, memories are short and results must improve soon.

Warnock described a tense atmosphere among the crowd and argued that confidence is essential in football. He warned that without quicker results, questions about Slot will persist and criticized the perceived depth on Liverpool’s bench versus expectations.

The piece notes that Liverpool have conceded in 10 straight matches across all competitions, listing a run of recent results that underline a worrying trend. Palace, meanwhile, have continued to show strong form against the Reds in 2025, with a sequence that includes draws and a penalties win before the 0-3 result.

With a decisive week ahead in domestic and European competitions, Slot must find swift solutions or risk the crisis deepening. The Reds had made 10 changes from their Brentford defeat, underscoring concerns about depth and a rare slump not seen for 16 years.

Punchline time: If football ever needed a calendar, this week just filed for an extension. And second punchline: Liverpool’s tactic this week? “If in doubt, rotate out.”