“I Would do it Differently” – Arne Slot Reacts to Red Card in Liverpool’s Draw with Everton | OneFootball

Arne Slot Reflects on Merseyside Derby Red Card: “I Would Do It Differently”

Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, has candidly admitted that emotions got the better of him during the fiery Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The Dutchman saw red after Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton and now concedes that he would handle the situation differently if given another chance.

The Reds conceded a last-gasp equaliser in injury time, prompting Slot to express his frustration toward officials. Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Slot reflected on the incident with refreshing honesty, saying, “That is an ongoing process now and I think I have to respect that, so I can’t go into details.”

Emotional Aftermath at Goodison Park

Liverpool fans were left reeling after the team’s late collapse against their city rivals, but it was Slot’s post-match conduct that grabbed headlines. When asked why he thought he’d been sent off, Slot explained, “I think what happened was that the extra time intention of five minutes that ended up being eight, there happened a lot.

“The emotions got the better of me and if I could do that differently, if I could look back, I would do it differently.”

His dismissal, along with assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff, came after the final whistle when they appeared to challenge referee Michael Oliver during the customary handshake. The fallout is now subject to an FA investigation, which could lead to a suspension.

Potential Impact on Upcoming Fixtures

Despite the controversy, Slot might still be on the touchline when Liverpool host Wolves this Sunday. Any decision regarding a potential ban may be delayed, and even if sanctioned, Liverpool have the option to appeal. This could postpone his punishment until after the high-stakes clash with Manchester City on February 23.

Slot is no stranger to touchline suspensions. Earlier this season, he missed Liverpool’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Southampton after accumulating three yellow cards. The prospect of losing his presence on the sidelines again adds to the tension surrounding Liverpool’s title push.

Meanwhile, Hulshoff’s fate remains uncertain. The assistant coach may yet escape a ban and could return for the midweek fixture against Aston Villa.

Curtis Jones’ Role in Post-Match Chaos

The fallout from the heated encounter wasn’t limited to the coaching staff. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones also saw red after clashing with Abdoulaye Doucoure. Jones reacted to Doucoure’s apparent taunting of Liverpool fans, earning a second yellow card and a one-match suspension.

Slot acknowledged the midfielder’s passion but insisted that Jones needed to channel his emotions more constructively: “I like a lot that he stands up for the team and for the fans, but there are also other ways to do that,” Slot remarked. “I will talk with him about that. It’s the same for me; I should have acted differently after the game as well.”

Photo: IMAGO

The Liverpool boss emphasised the emotional nature of football, noting that mistakes under pressure are inevitable but can serve as learning moments: “But it’s an emotional sport, sometimes individuals, out of emotion, make the wrong decision. That’s definitely what I did.”

Focus Shifts to Wolves and Beyond

With the drama of the derby still lingering, Liverpool must now turn their attention to Sunday’s fixture against Wolves. Slot will be keen to ensure his team remains focused as they continue their Premier League campaign, with city rivals Everton also watching developments closely.

Liverpool’s push for the title remains intact, but the pressure is mounting. Slot’s admission of his emotional reaction highlights the intensity surrounding these high-stakes encounters. As the investigation continues, Liverpool fans will hope the fallout doesn’t disrupt the team’s momentum.