Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his exhausted squad ran out of steam in a 3-2 loss to Bournemouth, denting their top-four hopes.
LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot blamed fatigue for his side’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, their first loss in 14 games.
Amine Adli scored in the 95th minute to snatch victory for the Cherries after Liverpool had fought back from 2-0 down.
Slot cited a tight turnaround from a midweek Champions League win in Marseille and a threadbare squad due to injuries.
“The last thing we need right now is another injury,” said Slot, who had to use midfielder Wataru Endo in defence.
Liverpool have now failed to win in their last five Premier League games, damaging their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Slot said playing with the same limited group of players was taking its toll.
“For the last four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10 games we’ve had to play with the same players,” he explained.
“I think that’s what you could see at the end today as well.”
Bournemouth’s winner came after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men following Joe Gomez’s injury.
Slot also had to introduce Andy Robertson at half-time amid speculation over the left-back’s future.
“I need all my players,” Slot insisted, dismissing talk of a January exit for the Scotland captain.
The defeat leaves Liverpool’s top-four ambitions in serious jeopardy as their domestic form falters.
