Arne Slot explains Rio Ngumoha decision in defiant message to Kop boo boys

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Arne Slot revealed that Rio Ngumoha was struggling during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea when he was asked about Liverpool fans reacting furiously to the teenager being substituted.

Ngumoha looked dangerous against his former club, who fell behind after just six minutes at Anfield courtesy of a strike from Ryan Gravenberch . Enzo Fernandez restored parity for the Blues 10 minutes before half-time.

The 17-year-old was replaced by Alexander Isak midway through the second half as Liverpool went in search of a winner, but the decision to take off the young attacker prompted a significant chorus of boos from home supporters .

But speaking after the game, Slot explained that Ngumoha was struggling with muscle cramps and admitted he wasn't sure he could continue.

"I don't think it was some of them - there were a lot that didn't agree with the change which is completely understandable," the Dutchman told TNT Sports when he was asked about the jeers.

"He was having problems with his muscles and when I asked him he said he was not sure he could continue. I knew this would be the reaction because he is such a good player. So often in football, people don't know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions.

"Knowing why makes it more sense for people."

Liverpool stay fourth in the Premier League table and on course to qualify for the Champions League given they are seven points clear of sixth place with three games remaining.

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Fans booed again at the final whistle with Slot accepting Anfield's anger. "That's probably got something to do with us not winning. It completely makes sense people are disappointed if Liverpool don't win," he said.

Gravenberch, though, argued that Liverpool's players didn't deserve such a reaction. He told TNT Sports: "To be honest, we need them (the fans) behind us.

"OK we didn't win, but I don't really think we deserved this [reaction]. The fans have to be behind us for the full 90 minutes because when they were behind us in the second half, we were pressing really well. We need them. Hopefully they wouldn't do it again in the next two games."