Liverpool Manager Slot Promises Strong Squad for FA Cup Showdown

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has committed to fielding his strongest available squad for the upcoming FA Cup third-round match against League One side Barnsley on January 15. This decision comes in light of last season’s surprising exit, where Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to Plymouth Argyle after Slot opted for a heavily rotated team.

In that fourth-round match, Plymouth, who were at the bottom of the second-tier Championship, secured a stunning 1-0 victory against the then-Premier League leaders. Slot has emphasized the importance of the FA Cup, especially now that Liverpool have been eliminated from the League Cup earlier this season.

“I can guarantee you that on Monday you will see all the players that you saw against Arsenal, maybe with some substitutions but then they will be on the bench,” Slot told reporters, highlighting a shift in strategy from last year’s competition. He added, “It’s obvious that we’re not in the League Cup anymore. The FA Cup has always been very important for us.”

Barnsley poses a legitimate threat, as Slot noted their last visit to Anfield resulted in a 2-1 victory for the Yorkshire club in the FA Cup back in 2008. “Barnsley, I was just informed, the last time they played against us, they beat us. We take them very seriously as well,” he stated.

In terms of squad fitness, Liverpool has faced challenges. Right back Conor Bradley is potentially ruled out for the season following a knee injury sustained at Arsenal, with plans for surgery in the near future. Additionally, striker Hugo Ekitike is reported to be “not 100 percent,” but the club is making efforts to have him available for Monday’s match.

Slot also discussed Federico Chiesa as a possible option for the game, contingent on Ekitike’s availability. “I spoke to him two days ago, and he said to me that he played more in the recent weeks than he ever did before under me,” Slot explained. He noted that Chiesa is definitely an option, but the final decision will hinge on Ekitike’s condition.

As Liverpool approaches this crucial FA Cup tie, the focus will be on ensuring a strong performance to avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointment. With Slot’s commitment to fielding a competitive side, fans will be eager to see how the team responds against Barnsley.