Liverpool manager Arne Slot was dissatisfied with both his team’s performance and the referee’s decisions following the defeat against Manchester United.
In the Reds’ 2-3 loss, referee Darren England was a frequent subject of discussion. The most contentious moment was a potential handball before United’s second goal, where striker Benjamin Sesko appeared to touch the ball with his fingers.
Despite this, the referee, after reviewing VAR footage, allowed the goal for the Red Devils. Manchester United went into halftime with a 2-0 lead, while Liverpool’s offensive presence only truly emerged after the break.
However, at the subsequent press conference, Slot did not dwell on the controversial handball incident. Instead, something else bothered the Dutchman: «I saw last week my goalkeeper lying on the ground and the referee didn’t stop the game. Today, someone from Manchester United was lying outside the field and the referee stopped, even though we wanted to continue playing,» the LFC manager complained.
He stated that such decisions have been consistently against Liverpool throughout the season. «These kinds of decisions have gone against us in every game. This is a consistent pattern throughout the entire season,» Slot lamented.
Slot Criticizes Players: «Ridiculous Goals Conceded»
Nevertheless, the 47-year-old also held his own team accountable. «We didn’t concede the second goal because of the handball, but because we lost the ball in a stupid area and then weren’t up to par in the direct duels,» Slot commented, adding that the Reds have been conceding «ridiculous goals» all year, «even though we are often the better team.»
He believes they concede goals too easily because «one or two players switch off.» «We need to work on that. We have more influence on that, even though it’s obvious that many refereeing decisions are going against us,» the Dutchman concluded.
Liverpool Has Good Chances for the Champions League
In the historic clash against Manchester United, Liverpool was clearly the inferior team for 90 minutes. After falling behind at halftime, goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo temporarily equalized, but United had the final say with a late strike from Kobbie Mainoo.
This defeat leaves Liverpool in fourth place in the table. However, with a six-point lead over the first non-Champions League spot (sixth place), qualification for the prestigious tournament can only be theoretically taken away from the Reds.