Slot opens fire on Ekitiki

Liverpool manager Arne Slot harshly criticized French player Hugo Ekitike following his expulsion in the club's last match, describing his behavior as "unacceptable" and pointing out that such behavior weakens the team and negatively impacts its results. Newly signed by the Reds, Ekitike was sent off for over-indulging in celebrating his goal against Southampton in Liverpool's 2-1 League Cup third-round victory at Anfield. “When I was sent off against Everton before, I called it a stupid moment, and it’s the same here,” Slot said after the match. “Maybe I sound a bit traditional, I’m 47 and I consider myself old. I’ve never played at this level, but I’ve scored a few goals, and if I’d scored one like that, I’d have just turned to Federico Chiesa and said: ‘This goal is all yours.’”  Addressing Ekitike, he added: "If you scored a goal in the 87th minute of a Champions League final, after dribbling past three players and hitting the post, only then can I accept your saying: This goal is mine alone." Slot's statements clearly reflected his displeasure with the young player's behavior, emphasizing that Ekitike missed a valuable opportunity to shine positively by serving the team, rather than entering into a tense atmosphere that led to his dismissal, leaving the team in a difficult position.