Coach Slot calls Ekitike's red card too stupid

Coach Arne Slot was fed up with the unfortunate red card given to striker Hugo Ekitike in Liverpool's match against Southampton in the English League Cup.

Ekitike received a silly red card - Photo: REUTERS

In the early morning of September 24, Ekitike and Liverpool had a hard-fought 2-1 win over Southampton in the third round of the English League Cup. Although coming off the bench, the 23-year-old striker became the hero when he scored the winning goal for his team in the 85th minute.

However, Ekitike immediately received a second yellow card for taking off his shirt to celebrate a goal. He had earlier received a yellow card for protesting.

The disastrous red card means Ekitike will be suspended for Liverpool's crucial upcoming match against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

In the post-match press conference, coach Arne Slot did not hesitate to criticize Ekitike's actions, calling them unnecessary and stupid. He said: "The first card was unnecessary and to some extent stupid because you have to control your emotions."

Coach Arne Slot was fed up with his student's unfortunate red card - Photo: REUTERS

The Dutch tactician added: "I told him that if he scored in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after dribbling past three players and hitting the roof of the net, I could understand the feeling. But maybe I'm an old-fashioned person, I'm 47 years old."

"I have never played at this level but I have scored a few goals. If I score a goal like this, I will turn around, go to Federico Chiesa and say this goal is all yours," he added.

In addition to Ekitike's red card, Liverpool also suffered a loss when 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni suffered an injury on his debut.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-slot-goi-the-do-cua-ekitike-la-qua-ngu-ngoc-20250924084351874.htm