Arne Slot has pointed to injuries and a lack of squad depth as key reasons behind Liverpool FC’s inconsistencies this season — but that argument is starting to wear thin.
Because while injuries have undoubtedly played a role, there’s a growing sense that Slot hasn’t helped himself with how little he’s used the players already at his disposal.
A squad there to be used
Liverpool may not have the deepest squad in the league, but it’s far from bare.
Yet several players have barely featured:
- Federico Chiesa
- Wataru Endo (prior to injury)
- Rio Ngumoha
- Calvin Ramsay
- Jayden Danns
- James McConnell
Whether through lack of trust or tactical preference, these players have largely been overlooked — even during periods when rotation could have eased the burden on regular starters.
A contradiction in messaging
That’s where the criticism lies.
It’s difficult to highlight squad depth as an issue while simultaneously not fully utilising the squad.
Rotation isn’t just about resting players — it’s about:
- Keeping the squad engaged
- Building match sharpness across the team
- Creating internal competition
By sticking rigidly to a core group, Slot may have contributed to the very fatigue and injury issues he’s now referencing.
Missed opportunities
There have been moments throughout the season where changes could have been made earlier or more decisively.
Cup games, favourable fixtures, or periods of heavy scheduling all presented chances to bring others in — but more often than not, those opportunities passed.
As a result, when injuries hit, those fringe players were not fully match-ready.
Trust and development
For younger players like Ngumoha, Danns, and McConnell, minutes aren’t just about short-term impact — they’re about long-term development.
Without consistent opportunities, it becomes harder for them to step up when needed.
And for experienced players like Chiesa or Endo, a lack of rhythm can make it difficult to influence games when finally called upon.
A problem partly of Liverpool’s own making
Injuries are unavoidable.
But how a squad is managed is not.
Slot’s concerns about depth may be valid to a point — but they are also, in part, self-inflicted. Because a squad only feels thin when large parts of it are left unused.
The bigger picture
If Liverpool are to progress, this is something that needs to change.
Better rotation, greater trust, and more effective use of the full squad could:
- Reduce injury risk
- Improve overall performance levels
- Strengthen the team across a long season
Because in modern football, success isn’t just about the starting XI.
It’s about the squad.
And right now, Liverpool aren’t getting the most out of theirs.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
Leave a comment