Arne Slot explains how Liverpool 'disciplined' Hugo Ekitike and confirms Federico Chiesa decision

Arne Slot and Hugo Ekitike spoke after the striker's sending off

Arne Slot confirmed Hugo Ekitike was not fined for his mistake against Southampton as the Liverpool boss aimed to put the issue over the striker's Carabao Cup red card to bed.

The France international was dismissed by referee Thomas Bramall for removing his shirt in celebration when already on a yellow card after scoring a late winner in the 2-1 victory against the Saints on Tuesday night.

Slot branded the incident "needless and stupid" immediately after the game at Anfield but said the 23-year-old has not been sanctioned for his mistake as the Premier League leaders prepare to face Crystal Palace without him on Saturday afternoon.

Slot confirmed.

"Disciplined means I spoke to him but if 'disciplined' means a fine, we didn’t do that,"

"It wasn’t smart what he did, he recognised that straight away and said sorry to his team-mates.

"Players of all ages do make mistakes and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without immediately getting fines.

"He is a fantastic human being, if you speak to all staff members and ask them their warmest human beings, he would be in the top three.

"He wasn’t smart, didn’t hurt us on Tuesday, might tomorrow, the positive is Federico Chiesa[can return]."

Chiesa, who turned in an excellent display that included two assists against the Championship side this week, will return to the Premier League squad in Ekitike's absence and the Italian forward will also be added to the Champions League contingent following confirmation of a long-term knee injury to teenage defender Giovanni Leoni.

Slot added: "We have looked into [naming Chiesa in the Champions League squad]. I cannot tell you exactly where that process is.

"That is not something I do myself. If I am informed correctly if a player has a longer than two month injury you are allowed to replace him."

Slot also reflected on Rio Ngumoha's situation after the 17-year-old signed his first professional contract on Thursday, weeks after becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club's history at 16 years and 361 days.

Slot said.

"The good thing is if you are a youngster playing at Liverpool there are players playing with you who are still better than you are,"

"That helps [to stay grounded] because of who he is [as a person].

"But if you play with wingers like Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa, he feels there is still a step to take.

"If he is at their level it is about being consistently really good. It is why the top players stand out."

Sponsored link

DOSS SoundBox Portable Bluetooth Speaker - https://amzn.to/4nM0Yy8