Arne Slot incurred the wrath of Liverpool fans with a big decision during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and has explained himself following the match
16:15, 09 May 2026
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot got a rough ride from fans at Anfield(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Arne Slot's call to substitute Rio Ngumoha was met with resounding jeers during Liverpool's drab 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The 1-1 stalemate encapsulated the Reds' campaign in the opening 45 minutes when they took the lead, only to retreat into their shell, allowing a side lacking confidence and operating under a caretaker boss to find their rhythm before levelling.
Ryan Gravenberch's strike was only the fourth time Liverpool have found the net within the first 15 minutes of a league match this season, but once Virgil van Dijk blazed over from six yards, it went downhill for Slot's team.
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Rio Ngumoha's substitution didn't go down well
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Rio Ngumoha's substitution didn't go down well(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Enzo Fernández's low free-kick bypassed everyone and crept into the net for the equaliser as Chelsea seized upon the momentum gifted to them by their lacklustre opponents. Liverpool's shortage of attacking ambition saw 17-year-old Ngumoha roared on virtually every time he received possession, even when the final outcome wasn't always fruitful.
When he was withdrawn to make way for the returning Alexander Isak midway through the second period, the boos rang out loudly, highlighting supporters' exasperation. Regarding the decision to replace Ngumoha when he did and the response it provoked, Slot explained it was due to the youngster sustaining a knock, though he could understand the jeers.
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.
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"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."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
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Slot is under mounting pressure(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Regarding the jeers at the final whistle, he continued: "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 left the Reds needing a victory to secure their return to the Champions League, though their superior goal difference means two points could suffice even if sixth-placed Bournemouth claim maximum points from their remaining fixtures.
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