Arne Slot explains Rio Ngumoha decision after Liverpool fans furiously boo substitution | OneFootball

Arne Slot said he knew Liverpool fans would boo when he decided to substitute Rio Ngumoha in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea – but that they would not have done if they knew the full story.

Thousands inside Anfield showed their displeasure when Slot took off the 17-year-old winger, who had impressed and assisted Ryan Gravenberch’s opening goal on six minutes – and brought on club-record signing Alexander Isak in his place.

The Dutchman noticed the scale of the dissent but he revealed that Ngumoha had been suffering from cramp, forcing his removal, even though he he did not want to bring the teenager off.

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Rio Ngumoha was subbed off for Alexander Isak on 62 minutes (Reuters)

And Slot admitted the boos would have been understandable if Ngumoha was removed when he had been able to continue.

“Rio was not injured,” said Slot. “He had cramp 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 [to boo] 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 percent 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 percent – I don’t know but not being fit enough to sprint.

“If you don’t know that, you feel like: ‘Why did he take him off?’ I knew the moment his number went up that would be the reaction but that is not the reason. 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.”

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Ngumoha had impressed during just his third Premier League start, assisting the first goal (Reuters)

There were further boos on the final whistle, which Slot did not complain about, adding: “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.”

Goalscorer Gravenberch felt it was unfair that supporters booed at the final whistle, telling TNT Sports: “We need them behind us. OK we didn’t win, but I don’t really think we deserved this [reaction].

“The fans have to be behind us for the full 90 minutes because when they were behind us in the second half, we were pressing really well.”