Liverpool fans were not at all happy when Rio Ngmoja was replaced by Arne Slott in the second half of the Premier League champions’ 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Arne Slott explains why Rio Ngmoja was substituted against Chelsea (Image: TNT Sports)
Manager Arne Slott was asked about Liverpool fans’ outrage over the substitution of a teenager during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and revealed that Rio Ngumoja were struggling.
Ngmoha looked dangerous against his former club, who were put on the back foot after just six minutes in the game against Anfield by Ryan Gravenbirch. Enzo Fernandes restored an equal performance for the Blues 10 minutes before half-time.
Alexander Isak replaced the 17-year-old midway through the second half as Liverpool looked for a winner, but the decision to remove the young attacker prompted a chorus of boos from the home supporters.
However, in his post-match speech, Slott explained that Ngmoha was suffering from muscle spasms and admitted he was unsure whether he could continue.
read more: Ryan Gravenbirch slams Liverpool fans booing after Chelsea draw: ‘We didn’t deserve it’
Asked about the heckling, the Dutchman told TNT Sports: “I don’t think it was some people. There were a lot of people who didn’t agree with the changes and I completely understand that.”
“He had a muscle problem and when I asked him he said he wasn’t sure if he could continue. “He’s a very good player so I knew this reaction would happen. In football, people often don’t know everything. I’m the manager and I have to make decisions.”
“Knowing the why makes people more understanding.”
Liverpool remain fourth in the Premier League table and are on track to qualify for the Champions League as they are seven points clear of sixth place with three games remaining.
Liverpool fans booed when Ngmoha was sent off.
Fans booed again at the final whistle as Slott accepted the wrath of Anfield. “It probably has something to do with us not winning. It’s perfectly natural for people to be disappointed if Liverpool don’t win,” he said.
But Grabenbirch insisted Liverpool’s players did not deserve such a reaction. “Honestly, we need them (fans) to support us,” he told TNT Sports.
“OK, we didn’t win, but I really don’t think we deserved this (reaction). The fans have to support us for the whole 90 minutes because in the second half, when they were behind us, we pressed so much. We need them. I hope they don’t repeat the same in the next two games.”
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