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under fire Arne Slott He does not believe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven games has added pressure to his side ahead of this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa.
The Premier League champions bounced back from the shoot-out defeat to win seven consecutive matches in all competitions crystal Palace In community shield.
But that run came to a halt with a late defeat to the Eagles at Selhurst Park a month ago Reds In a cycle that they still have to get out of.
Palace got better liverpool Wednesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup fourth-round win at Anfield for the third time this season as the decision to leave out slot stars and make 10 changes backfired.
The Dutchman said he had no regrets despite his latest defeat and rejected suggestions it had added to the pressure ahead of the Premier League’s return to form at home to Villa on Saturday.
“I don’t think it’s possible if you lose five out of six there’s going to be even more pressure after six out of seven,” Slott said.
“If you’re in a race for results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, you know there’s pressure and I don’t think that’s changed much after this defeat.
“But if that happened then probably the most positive thing about tonight was the situation we were in, 2-0 down and we weren’t really pushing for a goal because we weren’t able to do that, the fans were behind the team, supporting us.
“It makes me realize that our fans will be incredibly supportive of us on Saturday when our players show how much it means to them.
“But, again, we face a team that has had a rest week to play us, and that is Villa.”
Liverpool could get a boost from midfielder’s return Ryan Gravenberch against Villa after suffering an ankle problem, but Alexander Isaac’s British record contract remains in doubt due to a groin complaint.
“I think Ryan has a good chance,” Slott said. “There are going to be others… yes, let’s wait and see (Thursday) and Friday.
“I don’t know all of them, but I think Ryan has the best chance out of all of them.”
Palace return to action with a home game against Brentford on Saturday after Oliver Glassner made five comparatively restrained changes in the win at Anfield.
The reward is a Carabao Cup quarter-final away to Arsenal, with former Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah’s hamstring problem the only blemish on a positive night in the north-west.
Eagles boss Glasner said of his selection, “For me, it’s always important to be on a roll.”
“We rested a few players. Chris Richards got a little injury, Adam Wharton got sick. Ty Mitchell didn’t play, JP Mateta got a rest.”
“Unfortunately, we had to bring him on at half-time because Eddie Nketiah was injured again with his hamstring, so that’s the only downside this evening.
“Eddie’s injury is really tough, especially for him, because it’s the next injury he’s had after missing the whole pre-season and the beginning of the season, so hopefully it’s not too serious.”