“He’s tempting fate” – Arne Slot decision at Liverpool questioned, risk hasn’t paid off

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was “tempting fate” by playing a B-Team against Crystal Palace in the League Cup this week.

That’s according to analyst Johan Derksen. Voetbal Primeur cover comments from him after an appearance on Vandaag Inside.

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the League Cup earlier this week. It was their third straight defeat to the Eagles. Oliver Glasner’s side have also beaten them in the Premier League and the Community Shield this season.

It also extended Liverpool’s poor current run of form. The Reds have lost six of their last seven in all competitions. A 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League has proven to be their only respite.

Slot has come in for criticism after the game, particularly for his decision to make 10 changes to his starting line-up. Only Milos Kerkez retained his place from the defeat to Brentford.

Almost all of Liverpool’s senior payers were left out of the game, with the Dutchman electing to field several youngsters instead. Derksen wasn’t impressed by that and thinks the Liverpool manager made a major mistake.

“He’s tempting fate a bit,” he said.

“The League Cup isn’t the most important prize in England, but if you get beaten up four times, you shouldn’t be playing Crystal Palace with a B-team.

“They’re a nasty team to play against, and you have to win a match like that just for the public’s attention and the atmosphere.”