Arne Slot has disrespected Liverpool's proud traditions with selection self-harm: The Carabao Cup is the best domestic cup in the world - and it matters, writes CRAIG HOPE

Of all his missteps of late, this was Arne Slot's first full face-plant - picking a team to exit the Carabao Cup.

Forget the temptation to label it 'disrespectful' to the competition. The Carabao Cup will be just fine without this version of Liverpool. No, this was an act of self-harm. The only thing Slot disrespected were the proud cup traditions of his club. It was also a massive miscalculation in the context of their faltering season.

Unlike the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup can help a campaign, not hinder.