Slot needs to axe Jota v Newcastle after what happened in Liverpool loss to PSG
Diogo Jota could cost Liverpool the Carabao Cup final if Arne Slot starts the forward at Wembley.
Slot’s side suffered a rare setback this week as they were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, much to the delight of Everton boss David Moyes.
After their 1-0 win at Parc des Princes in the first leg of the last-16 clash on Wednesday 5 March, the Reds were beaten by the same scoreline at Anfield on Tuesday (11 March) before crashing out of the competition on penalties.
It was arguably Slot’s first major setback as Liverpool manager. However, luckily for the Dutchman he has the opportunity to put this defeat right out of his mind by lifting his first trophy in charge of the Reds on Sunday (16 March).
Liverpool already have one hand on the Premier League title, and they could take a big step toward winning a double by beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
However, if the Reds are to have any chance of overcoming the Magpies, Slot needs to leave Jota on the bench after his performance against PSG at Anfield.
Jota failed to turn up for Liverpool v PSG
Jota offered nothing in Liverpool’s defeat against PSG, replaced in the 73rd minute by Darwin Núñez.
Although this substitution didn’t exactly prove fruitful, with Núñez missing a decisive Liverpool penalty, it was a change which needed to be made after Jota’s performance on the night.
As per Sofascore, the 28-year-old managed three shots, with none of these hitting the target, and also missed one big chance for Liverpool.
| Liverpool 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Diogo Jota | 28 | 8 | 3 |
In addition, the forward succeeded with zero per cent of his dribble attempts and completed just 71 per cent of his passes, while he also failed to provide an accurate cross with his one attempt.
Defensively he was just as poor, losing seven of his eight ground duels, giving possession away 14 times and being dribbled past twice.
Therefore, it is clear that Jota cannot play against Newcastle. However, replacing him in the starting lineup might be difficult, with Núñez unlikely to be full of confidence at the moment.
Slot needs to get creative against Newcastle
With both Núñez and Jota out of form, Slot might need to get creative against Eddie Howe’s side.
After Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent Liverpool achievement, the midfielder will be full of confidence, and he was successfully deployed in the number nine position against Manchester City earlier this season.
Therefore, this could be something Slot considers as he looks to bounce back at Liverpool with a trophy.