Simon Jordan blasts ‘match-fixing’ suggestion amid Liverpool outrage
Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in their last game, but with the Premier League title already won, there was nothing to play for.
Arne Slot made several changes to his usual starting lineup at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (4 May), which saw some fringe players, including Harvey Elliott and Jarrell Quansah, handed rare starts.
Liverpool were second-best on the day as they were beaten in West London, and it was an important win for Chelsea as they chase a UEFA Champions League spot.
Criticism has emerged over Slot’s decision to name a weakened team, as Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Manchester City were all directly impacted. However, these suggestions have now been slammed.
Simon Jordan defends Slot over Liverpool rotation
Jordan has now rushed to Slot’s defence following criticism over the Dutchman’s rotation, and furiously slammed any suggestions of collusion or match-fixing.
“Slot does not have a responsibility to other clubs,” he wrote in the Daily Mail (8 May, page 67).
“His job is to manage Liverpool and achieve the best outcome for them without concern for Newcastle, Nottingham Forest or anyone else.
| Opponent | Result |
| Leicester (A) | 0-1 W |
| Tottenham (H) | 5-1 W |
| Chelsea (A) | 3-1 L |
“We have people screaming from rooftops about the number of games for players, and here is a manager rotating, and there’s a suggestion he has an obligation to think about other teams.
“This isn’t match-fixing, betting on yellow cards or challenging the integrity of the sport.
“If you aren’t playing for something meaningful in May, in Liverpool’s case because they are already champions, it’s common sense to give younger or fringe players experience for the benefit of the following season.”
Slot right to rotate Liverpool team
Liverpool won the Premier League with games to spare and are in no other competition for the rest of this season. Therefore, their final few matches will have absolutely no pressure on them.
With Slot sticking with a consistent lineup for most of the season, this is the best opportunity to give key players some rest after what has been a long campaign.
This is also a good chance to assess which fringe players he could keep or sell ahead of next season, and which youngsters could be ready for some first-team action.
Liverpool will host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday (11 May), and while they will want to beat the team currently in second place, Slot may continue to see this as a chance for some of the young talents at the club to test themselves against top opposition.
This could no doubt lead to more criticism. However, Slot should have no concern with what other people have to say, especially after such a successful first season at Anfield.