Gary Lineker’s comments on Arne Slot’s decision to rest key players in the FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle certainly sparked a bit of debate. Lineker seems to feel that Slot may have underestimated the competitive spirit of lower-league teams, which often rise to the occasion in cup competitions. The upset defeat, while disappointing for Liverpool, also highlights the unpredictability of the FA Cup.
It’s interesting to note how the decision to rotate the squad with an eye on bigger fixtures backfired for Slot, especially considering that Liverpool was in strong form in both the Premier League and Champions League. Sometimes, the gamble of prioritizing league fixtures can cost teams in cup competitions, as Lineker pointed out. But at the same time, it’s a tricky balancing act for managers, and Slot may have felt his squad depth was strong enough to handle Plymouth, only for the underdogs to prove them wrong.
What’s your take on the situation? Should managers rotate their squads in cup competitions like this, or is it a risk too high to take?
