Liverpool fans make feelings clear after controversial Arne Slot decision vs Chelsea
Arne Slot has explained why he took off Rio Ngumoha when he did during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea
Arne Slot is under mounting pressure(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Arne Slot’s decision to take off Rio Ngumoha was greeted with loud boos during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. The match summed up the Reds’ season in the first 45 minutes when they went ahead, then retreated into their shell, allowing a team low on confidence and with a caretaker manager to grow into the game before equalising.
Ryan Gravenberch’s goal was only the fourth time Liverpool have scored in the opening 15 minutes of a league fixture this season, but once Virgil van Dijk volleyed over from six yards, things started to go backwards for Slot’s side.
Enzo Fernandez’s low free-kick 10 minutes before half-time crept inside the far post for the equaliser as Chelsea capitalised on the initiative they were handed by their passive opponents. Liverpool’s dearth of attacking intent meant 17-year-old Ngumoha was lauded almost every time he touched the ball, even if there wasn’t always a successful end product.
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When he was substituted to allow the fit-again Alexander Isak to come on midway through the second half, the jeers were loud, underlining supporters’ frustration. On the decision to withdraw Ngumoha when he did and the reaction it received, Slot said it was down to the youngster picking up a knock, although he could understand the boos.
He told TNT Sports: “I don’t think it was some them (who booed), I think it was a lot that didn’t agree with that change, which I completely understand if you look at how he played.
“But it does make sense if you know that three minutes before he goes to the floor – he’s been having problems with his muscles – and I ask him and he’s, ‘No, not sure if I can continue.’
“The idea was not to take him off, but when he gave the signal that he wasn’t completely ready to continue, then it makes complete sense. But I knew this would be the reaction because he played such a good 65-70 minutes.
“It is what it is. I’m the manager and I need to make decisions. Sometimes they’re happy with them, some they’re not. Today, clearly they weren’t. Maybe knowing why makes more sense to them.”
On the boos at full-time, he added: “That’s probably got something to do with us not winning. It completely makes sense people are disappointed if Liverpool don’t win.”
The draw leaves the Reds needing a win to guarantee a return to the Champions League, although superior goal difference means two points may be enough even if sixth-placed Bournemouth win all their remaining games.
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