Arne Slot defends his team selection despite defeat by Chelsea but reveals key factor Liverpool ‘missed’ – after fringe stars FAILED their auditions

Arne Slot defended his Liverpool team selection after losing to Chelsea, insisting his fringe players deserved their chance to impress after training so well while sitting on the sidelines.

Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah and Wataru Endo were among those handed rare starts by Slot, though none passed their auditions as Enzo Maresca’s side controlled the contest at Stamford Bridge.

‘They deserve to play these games because they have trained so hard this season,’ said Slot after their first fixture since being confirmed champions. 

‘We don’t judge them only on this game. We judge them every day on the training ground and in the moments that they play for us.

‘Maybe we missed that little bit which we usually have. We missed a few percentages to get that result.

‘If you look at how we reacted after being 2-0 down, we came back and we never gave up. Our fans didn’t give up. Playing against a good team like Chelsea, you can’t afford a lot and that’s what we saw.

Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah (pictured) and Wataru Endo were among those handed starts

‘It’s always good to see some fringe players playing now with starters. Now to see them playing with the other ones, it gives us insights.

‘Nothing good comes from losing a game of football but if I have to take positives, there were definitely a few.’

Slot was also asked if he can see Chelsea rivalling Liverpool for the title next season. ‘I expected them to be a threat this season,’ said Slot.