Arne Slot explains why he subbed Rio Ngumoha and gives honest verdict on Liverpool fans' boos
Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield and the decision to withdrawn Rio Ngumoha caused controversy among fans.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 When the 17-year-old winger was withdrawn for Alexander Isak in the 67th minute, sections of the home faithful booed the decision.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."
Slot added at his post-match press conference: “Not injured, he had cramps before then and he went to the floor and I had contact with him. That’s why I took him off.
“It makes complete sense if you take a player off that is playing well, that assisted. People don’t expect you to take that player off, it wasn’t my intention to do. He is a good player but I don’t think he is at a level yet to play at 50 or 60 per cent to make the difference. Maybe the fans have a different opinion and he would have been able to play at this level at 50 or 60 per cent - I don’t know but not being fit enough to sprint.”
Slot also addressed the books that rang out at full-time as Liverpool dropped points for the 19th time in 37 league games. The under-pressure head coach said: “After the game, I think it makes sense because this club should not be happy with a 1-1 against Chelsea. We always aim for a win and if we don’t win, we are disappointed, especially in a season when we have not won as much as people expect, it is building up frustration and that came out probably after half-time and the players and myself are in a similar situation.”