Arne Slot has explained his decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, after the teenager's withdrawal was met with boos from the Anfield crowd. The 17-year-old winger had impressed, providing an assist for Ryan Gravenberch's opening goal after six minutes, before being replaced by Alexander Isak.
Slot revealed that Ngumoha was suffering from cramp and was unable to continue, despite the manager's reluctance to take him off. 'Rio was not injured. He had cramp before then and he went to the floor and I had contact with him. That's why I took him off,' Slot said.
The Dutchman acknowledged that the boos were understandable from supporters who were unaware of the full situation. '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 added.
Slot also addressed the boos at full-time, saying: 'After the game I think it makes sense, this club should not be happy with a 1-1 against Chelsea. In a season when we have not won as much as we want it is building up frustration.' However, goalscorer Gravenberch felt the reaction was unfair, telling TNT Sports: 'We need them behind us. OK we didn't win, but I don't really think we deserved this. The fans have to be behind us for the full 90 minutes.'
