Big names missing

Liverpool left out Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo among a long list of first choice starters for the match.

Slot, however, said he did not rue his decision to field the team he did.

“I think during the season we have seen a few times already that is a gameplan or a style which is difficult for our starters but also for the players who started today. So constantly long balls, second balls. It's difficult for every team,” said Slot after the match.

“Today I think showed why we used these players – because these players need game rhythm as well in the upcoming months, they need game time and you saw today, some of these players need to be like this to be ready for the final few months of the season.”

Despite what may have been perceived as a lack of respect for Plymouth by fielding such an inexperienced team, Slot said the loss would still come as a heavy blow.

“The result is obvious, it was a big disappointment and the way we played, there wasn't a lot to be happy about either. I was happy that the boys kept on fighting for 100 minutes and probably the best part of our game was the final 10 minutes.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).