Arne Slot admits Liverpool are 'hurt' by shock FA Cup defeat to Plymouth

Liverpool manager Arne Slot (46) described his team's unexpected FA Cup elimination against second-tier Plymouth as a setback following an almost impeccable beginning to his tenure.

The Reds were on track to secure a quadruple of trophies prior to their match against Argyle, who are currently at the bottom of the Championship standings. However, they faltered at Home Park, with Slot facing significant consequences for implementing extensive changes to the lineup.

The Dutch coach retained only goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from the squad that convincingly defeated Tottenham 4-0 on Thursday to advance to the League Cup final, omitting both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk from the matchday squad entirely.

Despite the alterations, the Premier League leaders possessed sufficient talent to advance, as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa formed the attacking trio, while Darwin Nunez was brought on in the second half in an attempt to salvage the match.

"We were not having a very good day. A result like this is the outcome," said Slot.

"It hurts everyone that is involved with Liverpool - fans, me players. We were all wanting to be in this competition for as long as possible and when you go out in the second possible game, that's a setback."

The outcome of the match was determined by Ryan Hardie's penalty, awarded eight minutes into the second half following a handball by Harvey Elliott within the penalty area.

Despite Diogo Jota and Nunez compelling Conor Hazard to make crucial saves in the closing moments, Plymouth managed to secure a remarkable victory, marking one of the most significant upsets in FA Cup history.

"I can't say the boys didn't fight, both teams barely created a chance and then it was a penalty. In a game like this, it is up to one moment. That moment was for them and they deserve it," added Slot.

"I think they were able to do better but it's a system and a way of playing which is hard to create against. I wasn't surprised. When we had the ball they were really aggressive.

"Not easy to create especially if a team has not played together all the time. It hurts everyone. We were all wanting to be in this competition for as long as possible.

"They kept on fighting until the last second, it wasn't a work rate problem but they couldn't find chances. We have to be more creative."

SportsLigue