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Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield and the decision to withdrawn Rio Ngumoha caused controversy among fans.
Arne Slot has explained why he substituted Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool’s draw against Chelsea.
The Reds were held to a 1-1 stalemate against the ailing London outfit at Anfield. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring for Liverpool inside six minutes but Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick arrested Chelsea’s run of six successive Premier League defeats.
Ngumoha notched the assist for Gravenberch’s breakthrough and was Liverpool’s liveliest player throughout, completing four take-ons. When the 17-year-old winger was withdrawn for Alexander Isak in the 67th minute, sections of the home faithful booed the decision. There were also jeers at the full-time whistle as Liverpool have still to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
On his decision to substitute Ngumoha, Slot told TNT Sports: "I don't think it was some of them - there were a lot that didn't agree with the change which is completely understandable.
"He was having problems with his muscles and when I asked him he said he was not sure he could continue. I knew this would be the reaction because he is such a good player. So often in football, people don't know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions. Knowing why makes it more sense for people."
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