Arne Slot has laid bare the logic behind his Liverpool team selection making two changes for the clash against Sunderland, citing a brutal fixture schedule and a mounting injury list as the primary drivers for his latest tactical tweaks.
The Reds’ boss raised eyebrows with a reshuffled backline, handing a start to Andy Robertson on the left while deploying midfield engine Wataru Endo in an unconventional right-back role. Speaking ahead of the encounter, Slot offered a candid assessment of the physical toll his squad is currently enduring. Importantly, Arne Slot continues to adapt his approach with each challenge Liverpool faces.
Kerkez stays in reserve as Robertson returns
The most debated call saw Milos Kerkez drop to the bench, clearing the way for the veteran and vice captain Robertson. While Kerkez has impressed since his arrival from Bournemouth, Slot insists the switch is purely about preservation rather than a drop in form. As a result, Arne Slot’s decision reflects his focus on balancing experience and freshness.
The Dutchman highlighted the step up in intensity for the young Hungarian, noting that the rhythm of European football is a relatively new beast for him. “I think I have two good left backs,” Slot explained on TNT Sport. “It’s another time we play three games in seven days, and that is different to three in eight days.” This is another clear example of Arne Slot’s strategic thinking at Liverpool.
Slot further noted that Kerkez has struggled at times when asked to maintain such a high frequency of starts a luxury he often had on the south coast without the midweek European burden. In Robertson, Slot knows he has a proven, battle-hardened deputy ready to handle the heavy lifting.
The right-back conundrum: Endo steps in
While the left side was a choice, the right side remains a necessity. Liverpool’s luck at right-back has gone from bad to worse, forcing Slot to get creative once again. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong stuck in the treatment room, and Joe Gomez frequently unavailable but back on the bench after recovering from a hip injury vs Bournemouth, the Reds are scraping the barrel for specialist cover. Therefore, Arne Slot relies on versatility in his squad.
“It’s not the first time Endo is playing as a full-back,” Slot told TNT Sports, highlighting the Japan international’s “plug-and-play” versatility. While Endo made his name patrolling the engine room, his tactical intelligence and defensive grit make him the safest bet to shore up a position that has become a perennial headache for the coaching staff this term. In this scenario, having Arne Slot at the helm proves invaluable.
Managing the seven-day squeeze
Ultimately, Slot’s selection reflects the “red zone” reality of modern elite football. By rotating his full-backs, the manager is attempting to maintain the high-intensity running his system demands without snapping his key assets. Notably, Arne Slot has been praised for his ability to manage these intense periods.
Consequently, Liverpool aren’t just playing against Sunderland today they are playing against the clock and their own medical reports. As the European race heats up, these calculated gambles on squad depth will determine whether the Reds can sustain their momentum or if the wheels will start to come off during the congested spring run-in. With Arne Slot guiding the team through this demanding season, Liverpool fans remain hopeful.
