Done for a reason – Arne Slot defends Liverpool line-up in Plymouth FA Cup upset

Arne Slot declared his weakened FA Cup line-up at Plymouth was done “for a reason” as Liverpool faced up to a shock exit to Sky Bet Championship strugglers and criticism his team selection had devalued the competition.

Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty secured a famous 1-0 win for Plymouth, rock bottom in the Championship, against the Premier League leaders in Sunday’s fourth-round tie at Home Park.

In what was Liverpool’s 13th game since Boxing Day and ahead of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Everton, Slot made 10 changes from the side which had dismantled Tottenham three days earlier to reach the Carabao Cup final.

Only goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher remained with skipper Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch among Liverpool regulars to be given the day off.

Slot was accused on social media of disrespecting the FA Cup by leaving so many of his stars on Merseyside, although Liverpool still started with a front line of Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Luis Diaz, while Darwin Nunez came off the bench after Plymouth scored.

The Dutch manager also suggested later that Plymouth’s direct playing style meant there was no guarantee Liverpool would have progressed to the last 16, even if his first-teamers had featured in Devon.

“You never know what will happen if we would have played with our starters,” Slot said.

“During this season we’ve seen a few times already that it’s a game plan and playing style which is difficult for our starters, but also for the ones that played here.

“Constantly long balls and second balls, it’s difficult for every team and we had this with (Manchester) United at home as well. Similar playing style going to a very low block, kick every ball long, and then