Liverpool manager Arne Slot has left out 12 of his key players ahead of their Champions League final game against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday evening.

The Liverpool coach has reasoned to his tactical move as he wanted to give more players a chance but importantly rest his key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah who’s been in fine form since the start of the season.

Following seven wins from seven European games, Slot further asserted it’s only right some players be afford to rest as Liverpool aren’t looking to secure top spot in the Champions League.

“It has taken me a while to understand the new format but now 100% sure it doesn’t matter if you end up first or second because we are gauranteed to play the team that is 15th to 18th, and then it’s down to the draw,” Slot said.

UEFA Champions League standings

He added, “We can’t drop to third. It has no impact on the league table but we will be trying to win. A wise man once said to me, he’s never seen anything good come from losing a game.”

Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are among the players left out of the PSV clash including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

This move from the Reds’ coach gives his players time to prepare for an away trip to Bournemouth which Liverpool will look to come out victorious to maintain their lead at the top and in contention for the title.

Watch: Liverpool v PSV – Arne Slot Press Conference

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