Maine Celtics coach Phil Pressey on growth of Max Shulga this season
Maine Celtics Coach Phil Pressey Discusses Max Shulga's Development
Arne Slot explained that he substituted Rio Ngumoha during the Liverpool vs. Chelsea match due to the player's cramp, despite knowing fans would boo the decision. Ngumoha had assisted a goal earlier in the game, leading to fan disappointment.
Rio Ngumohaâs substitution upset Liverpool fans (Reuters)
Arne Slot said he knew Liverpool fans would boo when he decided to substitute Rio Ngumoha in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea â 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 Gravenberchâs opening goal on six minutes â 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.
Rio Ngumoha was subbed off for Alexander Isak on 62 minutes (Reuters)
Liverpool fans booed the substitution because Ngumoha had been performing well and assisted a goal before being taken off.
Rio Ngumoha was substituted due to cramp, as revealed by Arne Slot, despite his strong performance in the match.
Arne Slot replaced Rio Ngumoha with club-record signing Alexander Isak during the match.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Maine Celtics Coach Phil Pressey Discusses Max Shulga's Development

El Burgos protesta por la mano de Bonini no sancionada y el portero del AlmerĂa estĂĄ frustrado por quejas arbitrales.
Suryansh Shedge recalls Rohit Sharma's praise for his batting
Nottinghamshire takes the lead against Surrey in County Championship match.
Tom Hughes' century gives Sussex a 58-run lead over Leicestershire in the County Championship.
Bobby Cox, the legendary Braves manager, has passed away at 84.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
And Slot admitted the boos would have been understandable if Ngumoha was removed when he had been able to continue.
âRio was not injured,â said Slot. âHe had cramp before then and he went to the floor and I had contact with him. Thatâs why I took him off.
âIt makes complete sense [to boo] if you take a player off that is playing well, that assisted. People donât expect you to take that player off, it wasnât my intention to do.
âHe is a good player but I donât 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 â I donât know but not being fit enough to sprint.
âIf you donât know that, you feel like: âWhy did he take him off?â I knew the moment his number went up that would be the reaction but that is not the reason. I donât think it was some of them â there were a lot that didnât agree with the change which is completely understandable.
âHe 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 donât know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions. Knowing why makes it more sense for people.â
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: âAfter 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.â
Goalscorer Gravenberch felt it was unfair that supporters booed at the final whistle, telling TNT Sports: âWe need them behind us. OK we didnât win, but I donât really think we deserved this [reaction].
âThe 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.â