Arne Slot has explained his decision to substitute Joe Gomez during Liverpool’s humiliating 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.

The defender was withdrawn in the second half at the Etihad Stadium as the Reds struggled to cope with Erling Haaland, who netted a devastating hat-trick.

The versatile defender was replaced as the Reds struggled to contain a rampant Erling Haaland, who secured a hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium.

With Liverpool’s season effectively hanging by a thread, Slot’s post-match comments shed light on the delicate balancing act he is performing with a squad ravaged by fitness issues.

Arne Slot reveals why he took Joe Gomez out

Speaking to TNT Sports (via BBC Sport) after the final whistle, Slot explained that the decision was entirely tactical and designed to preserve Gomez for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

“I took Joe Gomez out because he has shown since I am here that it is not always easy to play him for 90 minutes twice,” Slot admitted. “So if we want to use him on Wednesday, it is helpful that I took him out today.”

Slot’s admission highlights a growing concern: he simply cannot rely on his senior defenders to complete a full 180 minutes of...