Liverpool manager Arne Slot has clarified that he is “completely happy” with his squad, despite earlier comments suggesting concerns over squad depth.
The Reds exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday after a 3–0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, with Slot fielding a youthful and largely inexperienced team. Three teenagers started the match, while five others featured on the bench, as Slot made ten changes from the side that lost 3–2 to Brentford the previous weekend — Liverpool’s fourth consecutive Premier League defeat.
Following the Palace loss, Slot hinted that his selection “gives a little bit of insight” into the squad depth he currently has at his disposal. He also pointed out that rivals Manchester City and Chelsea were able to rotate heavily in the same competition without compromising quality, as both advanced to the quarter-finals.
However, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Anfield (20:00 GMT), Slot appeared to soften his stance, insisting he remains satisfied with his options.
“We miss nothing,” Slot said. “I am completely happy with the team and with all the quality that we have.”
Liverpool began the season strongly, winning their first seven matches in all competitions, but have since suffered six defeats in their last seven games. They now sit seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, prompting questions among some supporters about Slot’s suitability to lead the club forward.
The slump follows a record-breaking summer of spending, during which Liverpool invested £415 million — the largest single-window expenditure in European football history — to assemble a star-studded squad. The previous record of £400 million, set by Chelsea in 2023, was eclipsed. The club reportedly came close to adding Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for an additional £35 million before the deal fell through late in the transfer window.
The final signing of the window was striker Alexander Isak, who arrived from Newcastle United on 1 September for a British-record £125 million fee. The 26-year-old missed pre-season training while pushing for the move to Merseyside and has struggled to find top form since joining.
Liverpool have also been hampered by injuries to key players, including Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ryan Gravenberch, limiting Slot’s ability to rotate his squad effectively.
“I am completely convinced by the strategy and policy we have,” Slot explained. “The challenge, if you can call it that, is that not all of our new players had a proper pre-season or have been injured.
When three or four are out, you’re down to about 16 players. I still believe a squad of 20 or 21 is enough — but only if you can keep them fit, as we did last season.
Alex [Isak] is a great example. Others missed pre-season or suffered injuries during it. This season, it’s been harder to keep everyone available. Maybe last year we were luckier — and this year, less so.”
Despite recent struggles, Slot remains confident that Liverpool’s long-term plan will deliver results once his squad reaches full fitness and consistency.
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