Arne Slot Reacts to Amara Nallo Red Card Against PSV as He Issues Demand to the Liverpool Youngster
Arne Slot made his stance clear following a Liverpool debutant’s dismissal in their 3-2 defeat to PSV.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot described Amara Nallo’s red card as “cruel” after the young defender was sent off during his Champions League debut in the 3-2 loss against PSV Eindhoven.
The 18-year-old was introduced for his first European appearance when he replaced Jayden Danns in the 83rd minute.
However, what should have been a moment to cherish quickly turned into a nightmare as he was sent off just four minutes later for bringing down Johan Bakayoko.
Goalkeeper Walter Benitez launched a long ball over Liverpool’s high defensive line, catching Nallo off guard as Bakayoko sprinted ahead of him before being caught by the defender.
Referee Tobias Stieler showed no hesitation in brandishing the red card, handing the young centre-back a harsh lesson on his European debut.
Slot refrained from disputing the decision and expressed sympathy for the talented defender, urging him to use the experience as a learning opportunity for the future.
“It is cruel but he has never played first team football before and to make your debut in the Champions League is probably the hardest,” Slot told TNT Sports.
“He misinterpreted the situation and it’s a big moment to learn from. It is cruel when you think I’m making my Champions League debut but you go off a few minutes later.
“A career isn’t always positive, it also has negatives and he has to make sure he plays in this competition again.”
Nallo joined Liverpool from West Ham in 2023, and his rapid progress has been recognised following his impressive performances for the club’s Under-21 side in the Premier League 2.
He had been on the verge of making his first-team debut for some time, having been named in the Liverpool senior squad for several matches during the 2023-24 season under Jurgen Klopp.
However, his debut did not unfold as planned, as Nallo became the youngest player in Liverpool’s history to receive a red card. At 18 years and 72 days old, he broke Michael Owen’s record, set in 1998 when the former striker was sent off against Manchester United at the age of 18 years and 117 days.
Despite seeing their perfect record in the competition come to an end, Liverpool’s defeat had little consequence as they had already secured a place in the last 16, finishing top of the 36-team league.
The Reds had left most of their senior squad back in Merseyside, confident in their qualification status ahead of their visit to the Philips Stadion.
Cody Gakpo put Liverpool in front from the penalty spot before Johan Bakayoko equalised for PSV. Harvey Elliott restored their lead in the 40th minute, but Ismael Saibari struck just before half-time to level the score again.
Slot’s side then fell behind when Ricardo Pepi found the net in first-half stoppage time. With Nallo’s late red card reducing them to 10 men, Liverpool suffered only their third defeat under the Dutchman.
In other news, Peter Bosz Reveals What Was ‘Terrible’ and Really Irked Him in Liverpool Defeat to PSV Eindhoven
