Arne Slot says Rio Ngumoha had cramp after Liverpool starlet’s substitution is booed

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Arne Slot said he understood the boos that greeted Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea and his decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha but remains “100% convinced” he can win back the Anfield crowd next season.Anfield’s frustrations at an underwhelming season came to the surface as Liverpool were held 1-1 by a Chelsea team that had lost their previous six Premier League matches and conceded 11 goals in their three previous away matches.Ryan Gravenberch, who opened the scoring with his first league goal of 2026, claimed the criticism – some of which was aired during the first half – was unfair. “OK, we didn’t win, but I don’t really think we deserved this,” said Gravenberch of the fans’ reaction.

But if we can have the summer that we are planning then I am 100% convinced we will be a different team next season. Then I had contact with him and he said that was enough, that’s why I took him off.

He wasn’t fit enough to sprint.“I knew the moment his number went up that would be the reaction but that is not the reason. We always aim for a win and if we don’t win we are disappointed, especially in a season when we have not won as much as people expect.