Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike took off his shirt and left the celebration after winning a late winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night
Arne Slot confirmed that Hugo Ekitique, who fined for his blunder against Southampton, escaped as Liverpool manager tried to attract the line under the send-out of striker Carabao Cup.
France International saw referee Thomas Bramal’s red whipping at the celebration while already booking after netting the dramatic winner of a 2-1 victory over the Saints on Tuesday evening.
Slot labelled “unnecessary and stupid” shortly after the collision at Anfield, but revealed that the 23-year-old hasn’t hit his pocket due to his error as Premier League pacesetters prepare to tackle Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
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“Discipline means I spoke to him, but if “discipline” means a fine, we didn’t do it,” Slot confirmed.
“What he did wasn’t smart. He quickly realised it and told his teammates I’m sorry,” Liverpool Echo reports.
“Players of all ages are allowed to make mistakes and make mistakes without immediate fines at this club.
“He’s a great person. If you talk to all the staff and ask them the warmest person, he’ll be in the top three.
“He wasn’t smart and didn’t hurt us on Tuesday.
Chiesa, who performed incrediblely with two assists against the Championship side this week, will return to the Premier League team to fill Ekitique’s void.
The Italian forward will also be joining the Reds’ Champions League team following a long-term knee injury confirmation to young defender Giovanni Leoni.
The slot commented:
“That’s not something I do myself. If a player has been injured for more than two months, if I’m notified correctly, you’ll be allowed to replace him.”
Slot also shared his thoughts on the situation in Ling Moha after signing his first professional contract on Thursday, weeks after becoming the youngest goal scorer in the club’s history at 17 years and 361 days.
“The good thing is that if you’re a young man playing in Liverpool, there are players who are still better than you playing with you,” Slot said.
“It helps (to leave grounded) for who he is (as a person).
“But he still feels there’s a step to take when playing with Wingers like Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa.
“If he’s on their level, it’s consistently really good. That’s why the top players stand out.”
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