Late winning goal, taking off his shirt and celebrating fans. In different circumstances, Arne Slot would have been totally well with that. But after yesterday’s actions by his striker Hugo Ekitiké, Liverpool coach was very upset. The offender responded a little later on social networks to the harsh criticism.
For the 2-1 winning goal in the EFL Cup against Southampton Southampton of the Second Division, Ekitiké only had to take advantage of the ball after a good assistance from teammate Federico Chiesa.
What happened next caused the slot to be baffled in several ways. At the press conference after the game, the Dutchman criticized for the first time the general decision of the scorer to reject in celebration: “If I had scored such a goal, I would have turned around and would have gone to Federico Chiesa in that situation and said:” This goal is his achievement, he has nothing to do with me. “
He had already told his protected person personally in advance. “I already told him: if you drip beyond three players in the 87th minute of a champions League final and then put the ball in the upper corner, maybe I can understand: ‘This is all I do, look what I have done.’
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But what really caused the coach to take off his shirt: “unnecessary, not intelligent. You call it stupid. By the way, I also call it stupid.” Ekitiké, who had already been reserved, Slot also thought that this yellow card was avoidable, received a second yellow for the offensive of the shirt and the reds had to defend their leadership with a man down.
After the shock about his actions, Frankfurt player later responded that night. Through ‘Instagram’, Ekitiké insisted: “Emotions overwhelmed me. I apologize for the entire red family.” He also thanked fans for their support, already his teammates for ensuring victory after shipping.
📸 Jan Kruger – 2025 Getty Images