Slot snaps back saying it was never the plan against Chelsea

Arne Slot’s Post-Match Reaction: Liverpool’s 1-1 Draw with Chelsea

Liverpool’s encounter with Chelsea at Anfield ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving plenty to reflect on for both players and manager, Arne Slot. With Ryan Gravenberch’s early opener and Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser, the game left questions about the team’s performance, substitutions, and the frustrations building amongst fans. In his post-match press conference, Slot addressed these concerns with honesty and clarity.

Frustration and Substitution Decisions

One of the key moments of the match was the substitution of Rio Ngumoha in the second half. While Ngumoha had contributed to the team’s attacking efforts, Slot confirmed the decision was not due to injury but rather to avoid further issues. “No, not injured,” Slot explained. “He had cramps before that, three minutes [before] where he went to the floor. Then I had contact with him and he said that it was enough, so that’s why I took him off.” Slot’s rationale behind this decision was clear: Ngumoha was not fit to continue and it was in the team’s best interest to make the change.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Slot acknowledged that the fans might have reacted differently. “I knew the moment his number went up that that would have been the reaction,” he said, understanding that removing a player who had been playing well could be difficult to accept for those in the stands. Despite this, he remained resolute in his decision, emphasising the importance of fitness over sentiment.

Tactical Adjustments and Control

After taking the early lead, Liverpool appeared to lose control of the game, with Chelsea growing into the match. Slot addressed the team’s strategy, particularly after taking the 1-0 lead. “Yeah, I said after we scored the 1-0 and then we got a big chance for the 2-0… didn’t you see me screaming off the sideline? ‘Go back, go back, defend your own box, defend your own box.'”

The manager made it clear that the intention was not to fall back but to continue pushing for a second goal. However, Chelsea’s increasing dominance in midfield, due to their lack of wide players, made it difficult for Liverpool to maintain control. “We wanted to keep going but we played against a team that got more and more comfortable on the ball,” Slot admitted. The halftime adjustments helped Liverpool regain some balance, but the team still struggled to capitalise on their moments of dominance.

Building Frustration Amidst Dominance

Slot also discussed the growing frustration among both players and supporters, especially as Liverpool once again failed to turn their superiority into a victory. “Usually frustrations come from losing more than we want,” he said. “Losing more than we want is never a good thing.” While the frustration was palpable, Slot was quick to highlight that the players’ desire to improve was evident. “The second half was different from our side,” he noted, but ultimately, the team was unable to break through Chelsea’s defence.

The manager was candid in admitting that, despite having more possession and controlling the game for large periods, Liverpool still struggled to find the back of the net. “When we are the better team, we’re not able to score,” he stated. “It’s not only the spell where the other team is better that we then concede.”

Looking Ahead: Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, Slot was firm in his belief that Liverpool could improve if given the right players and support. “If we can have the summer that we are planning to have, then I’m 100% convinced that we will be a different team next season.” His optimism for the future reflected his long-term vision for the club, one focused on creating chances and increasing the team’s attacking output.

He also addressed the issue of frustration at Anfield, acknowledging that the fans expect more from the team. “What the fans want to see, what I want to see, what everyone wants to see, is a team that creates chances from ball possession,” Slot remarked. It was clear that, for all the possession and dominance in matches, Liverpool’s inability to turn that into tangible results was a significant frustration.

As Liverpool continue to search for consistency under Slot, the key will be improving in areas where they have underperformed, particularly in creating and converting chances. Only then will the frustrations from both fans and players start to ease.