Gary Lineker backs Arne Slot’s call to rest talented Liverpool star
Gary Lineker supported Arne Slot’s decision to leave one of Liverpool’s most gifted players out of the starting lineup during Saturday night’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa. The coach’s selection paid off as the Reds earned a 2-0 victory, their first league win since September.
While several senior players returned following the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, Florian Wirtz started on the bench and replaced Hugo Ekitike in the 77th minute. It was the only substitution Slot made despite Liverpool facing Real Madrid just three days later.
Lineker’s view on Wirtz’s exclusion
“It’d be good for Wirtz to come back into the team when there’s confidence in the squad,” Lineker remarked on The Rest Is Football podcast. “That would be sensible man management right now — take him out of the firing line a bit, then bring him back. Wirtz is a really good player, and you don’t buy these players just for the first few months. He’s an exceptionally talented young player.”
The former Match of the Day host emphasized that Slot’s decision showed patience and foresight, allowing Wirtz to regain confidence before returning to the starting lineup.
Author’s Summary
Lineker praised Slot for managing Wirtz’s development wisely, suggesting temporary rest builds confidence and long-term success for Liverpool’s young star.