Arne Slot rests nine players for Liverpool's CL match against PSV

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has decided to rest nine key players for the team's final Champions League group match against PSV Eindhoven, having already secured a place in the knockout stage. Notable absentees include Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Alisson, as Slot prioritizes player freshness over the possibility of finishing first in the group. He emphasized that it does not matter whether they finish first or second, as they will face a team positioned between 15th and 18th in the next round. This decision allows younger players, such as 18-year-old Trent Kone-Doherty, to gain valuable experience. Slot also noted that with Liverpool leading the Premier League and still competing in domestic cups, maintaining squad fitness is crucial for the long season ahead. Liverpool has won all seven of their Champions League matches this season, contributing to a potential record for consecutive wins in the tournament.