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On the Ball
No panic at Liverpool despite FA Cup exit and derby draw
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Liverpool's James McConnell reacts after missing a chance to score against Plymouth in the FA Cup.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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When all seemed serene, Liverpool suddenly hit the bumps in the road. Making ten changes at Plymouth led to an embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of the team rock-bottom of the Championship. Then, at Everton, in the final-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, two points were dropped in the final seconds. Arne Slot, for the first time since his arrival, publicly lost his cool.
On the face of it, there is still little need for panic. Exiting the FA Cup eases a heavy schedule. Twice under the previous management of Jurgen Klopp, failed quests for the impossible dream of a quadruple led to disappointing late-season collapses. With an appearance in March’s League Cup final already booked, then the FA dropped in priority.
