Arne Slot explains strange Curtis Jones decision in weakened Plymouth performance

Liverpool’s FA Cup campaign came to a disappointing end at Home Park, where a heavily rotated side fell short against a struggling Plymouth Argyle. One of the most puzzling decisions on the night was the absence of Curtis Jones, despite the midfielder being named on the bench.

Arne Slot, who opted to field a youthful lineup with only a handful of experienced players, later clarified his reasoning for not introducing Jones into the game. Speaking after the loss, the Liverpool boss explained (via liverpoolfc.com):

“Curtis Jones was on the bench, but he came to me this morning and said, ‘I don’t think I am fully recovered yet’ as well after the training session of yesterday.

“That all of a sudden led to the fact we were with a few more youngsters on the pitch than was the idea before the game, but still there was enough quality on the pitch to get a better result than this.”

The Dutchman’s disappointment was evident, as he had expected his squad—regardless of its youthful makeup—to overcome an opponent languishing at the bottom of the Championship. Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge ultimately cost them, but the absence of Jones, a senior figure in the squad, only added to the frustration.

Slot’s lineup on the night was a clear indication of his priorities. With five crucial Premier League fixtures crammed into the next 15 days, he opted to rest several key players. The strategy, however, backfired, as the younger contingent struggled to impose themselves against a determined Plymouth side.

Despite the lack of experience, Liverpool still had some quality on the pitch, with Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endō, and Cody Gakpo all featuring. The team, however, failed to assert dominance, leading to one of the most surprising results of the tournament so far.

Darwin Núñez, one of the only senior options off the bench, nearly salvaged the game late on, but his effort was denied. Had Slot had more reliable reinforcements to call upon, the outcome might have been different. Instead, his reliance on untested academy graduates ultimately left Liverpool vulnerable.

The decision to leave Jones out raises questions. Given that he was fit enough to be included in the squad, some may argue that a late cameo could have made a difference. However, Slot’s explanation suggests that the player himself was unsure of his readiness, leading to a precautionary approach.

Jones has been a key figure under Slot so far this season, playing an important role in Liverpool’s midfield setup. His dynamism and ability to control the tempo would have been valuable against a Plymouth side that frustrated Liverpool throughout the game.

The defeat is undoubtedly a setback, but Slot will now have to rally his squad quickly, ensuring that this disappointment does not bleed into their Premier League campaign. With Liverpool still in the title race, the manager’s decision to rest key players could prove to be the right call in the long run—provided they capitalize on their fresher legs in the coming weeks.

Despite the frustration, history suggests that FA Cup exits do not necessarily derail a title challenge. In 2019-20, Liverpool exited the tournament early but went on to secure their first league title in 30 years. Slot will be hoping for a similar outcome this season.

Nevertheless, the nature of the defeat has left fans questioning the depth of the squad. With the likes of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold still sidelined, Liverpool’s reliance on young players could become a recurring theme in the weeks ahead.

Slot’s tactics and selection decisions will now be under scrutiny as Liverpool prepare for a crucial stretch of fixtures. How they respond to this disappointment will be a true test of their character and title ambitions.

If Liverpool go on to lift the Premier League trophy in May, few will dwell on this defeat. But should the team falter in the coming weeks, this FA Cup exit may be remembered as the first sign of trouble.

For now, Liverpool must regroup, ensuring that this setback is nothing more than a minor bump on the road to potential glory.