'20 or 21 players are enough' – Slot hits back at being accused of 'making excuses' about his squad

The Dutch coach drew criticism from fans after a Carabao Cup defeat of 3-0 at Anfield in which he made 10 changes. 

Following the loss, Slot commented on the squad depth of rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, which some supporters interpreted as a complaint about his own resources.

This sparked debate, particularly as Liverpool's recent £446 million transfer spending set a new club record. 

Slot clarified his position, stating that the issue is not a lack of quality but a series of fitness challenges.

"We miss nothing," Slot asserted. "I am completely happy with the team and all the quality that we have and completely convinced by the strategy and the policy we have. The issue is not all of them have had a proper pre-season."

"I am a firm believer that 20 or 21 players are enough, but then you have to keep them fit as we did last season. We are struggling to keep them fit for, in my opinion, obvious reasons. Alex (Isak) is a great example; he came to us on September 1. A few others missed out on pre-season."

Slot also highlighted the team's demanding schedule, which has seen them play numerous away games with minimal rest, contributing to their run of six losses in seven matches.

"I have no excuses for our results before people say this again, but we had to play a lot of away games with only two days' rest in between," he added. 

"That would have been a difficult schedule for every player last season, even one who has been fit all through pre-season. That has not been our situation."

Currently navigating the most challenging period of his managerial career, Slot remains confident he can turn Liverpool's fortunes around. 

For the upcoming match against Aston Villa, Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones. Jeremie Frimpong, Alisson, and Giovanni Leoni remain longer-term absentees.