Liverpool manager Arne Slot has insisted he is “completely happy” with his squad, even after a difficult spell in the Premier League and a heavy Carabao Cup exit. The Dutchman, who guided Liverpool to last season’s Premier League title, faced questions about squad depth following a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

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Carabao Cup Exit Highlights Squad Concerns

Slot fielded a heavily rotated side against Palace, making 10 changes from the team that lost 3-2 at Brentford. Among the starters were three teenagers, with five more on the bench, highlighting the youth in his squad.

After the defeat, Slot acknowledged that his team selection “gives a little bit of insight” into the depth available at Liverpool, comparing his situation with rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, who were able to rotate without significantly weakening their starting line-ups.

“Maybe this gives a little insight into the depth we are working with,” Slot admitted post-match.

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Slot Backtracks: Happy With Squad Quality

In the build-up to Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, Slot clarified his stance, insisting he is satisfied with the squad at his disposal.

“We miss nothing. I am completely happy with the team and with all the quality that we have,” Slot said, emphasizing confidence in his player roster despite the recent setbacks.

Slot also addressed injury issues and the lack of pre-season for certain players as contributing factors to Liverpool’s inconsistent form this season.

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Liverpool’s Current Struggles

Liverpool started the season in imperious form, winning their first seven games across all competitions. However, the Reds have since won just one of their last seven matches, including a string of league defeats that has dropped them to seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

The slump has sparked debate among fans and pundits about Slot’s long-term suitability to lead Liverpool FC, particularly after the club’s record-breaking summer transfer activity.

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Record Summer Spending and Transfers

Liverpool’s summer 2025 transfer window was historic, with the club spending £415 million to strengthen the squad—making it the largest summer spend in European football history. Notable additions included:

• Alexander Isak – British-record £125 million signing, missed pre-season while awaiting the transfer.
• Attempted acquisition of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, which fell through on deadline day.

The spending spree aimed to bolster Liverpool’s domestic and European ambitions but has been complicated by injuries to key players, including Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ryan Gravenberch, affecting squad rotation and match consistency.

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Slot on Injuries and Squad Management

Slot acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries and disrupted pre-season preparation:

“When three or four are injured, you go back to 16 players. I am a firm believer that 20 or 21 players is enough, but you have to keep them fit as we did last season.”

The manager cited Isak as a prime example of a player who missed crucial pre-season preparation, impacting Liverpool’s early-season rhythm.

“It has been more difficult than last season to keep them all available. Maybe last season we were more lucky, and now we are more unlucky,” Slot added.

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Moving Forward: Premier League Focus

Despite recent criticism and fan concerns, Slot remains confident in Liverpool’s strategy and player quality. With injuries gradually easing and key players regaining match fitness, Liverpool will aim to return to winning ways in the Premier League, maintaining pressure on the league’s top teams.