Liverpool manager Arne Slot has voiced his frustration over the current regulations surrounding matchday squads in England, urging football authorities to expand the number of players allowed from 20 to 23.
With the Premier League’s relentless fixture list and additional cup competitions, Slot believes that larger squads would be beneficial for teams, particularly those involved in European and domestic campaigns. His call for change highlights the growing challenge faced by clubs as they navigate an increasingly congested calendar.
Ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham, Slot faced the difficult decision of leaving out key players due to the restrictive squad limit. With only Trent Alexander-Arnold unavailable, Liverpool’s manager found himself having to exclude senior players like Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa from the matchday squad. This dilemma led Slot to question why English clubs are limited to just 20 players in their squads, while most other European leagues, including those in the Netherlands, allow 23 players on matchdays.
Slot emphasized that the issue is not just about one particular game, but the broader picture of the intense schedule faced by Premier League clubs. “We play the most games, especially the clubs involved in European competitions like us, Arsenal, and Chelsea,” Slot explained. With the added burden of the League Cup, FA Cup, and regular league fixtures, the Liverpool manager feels that the current system does not adequately support the demands of top-level football in England.
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In many other countries, including those with similar levels of competition, teams are permitted to bring 23 players to a match, a rule Slot believes should be implemented in the Premier League as well. He pointed out that the size of a squad needs to reflect the number of matches teams are expected to play throughout the season, particularly for clubs competing on multiple fronts. Slot’s frustration is clear as he questions why English clubs are held to a different standard when it comes to squad selection.
For Slot, the most challenging aspect of the current system is not the decision on who makes the starting XI but rather the emotional toll of leaving out hard-working players who have contributed to the team’s efforts during the week. He stressed that having to exclude players from the matchday squad is the most difficult decision he faces, especially when they have put in significant work in training and are eager to be involved in the game.
In an ideal world, Slot believes that the Premier League should adopt a more flexible approach to squad selections, particularly for clubs like Liverpool, who have a packed fixture list. By expanding the matchday squad to 23 players, Slot argues, it would not only make practical sense given the volume of games but also ensure that every player feels valued and included, keeping morale high and the team spirit strong. As the football calendar continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the Premier League will take action to address this growing concern.
