Liverpool manager Arne Slot benches $156M Florian Wirtz amid heavy schedule challenges

Liverpool manager Arne Slot decided to bench £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz for the Premier League match against Chelsea, citing the need to manage player rotation due to a heavy fixture schedule. Despite Wirtz's high-profile transfer and potential, he has struggled to make a significant impact this season, failing to score or assist in the Premier League, which has led to criticism and calls for changes in the team's midfield setup. Slot emphasized that team selection is tailored to the specific demands of each match, pointing out the difference in playing styles between opponents like Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Former players such as Jamie Redknapp defended Wirtz, urging patience and highlighting that adaptation to a new league can take time. In the Chelsea game, Slot opted for a more physical and robust midfield trio, believing this approach better suited the tactical demands of the match. The decision reflects Slot's broader strategy to maintain squad freshness and tactical flexibility amid a congested schedule.