Liverpool news: Arne Slot issues demand to star after PSV red card

Liverpool boss Arne Slot gave some advice to Amara Nallo after his red card

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot described Amara Nallo's red card as "cruel", after the youngster was dismissed on his Champions League debut during the 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. The 18-year-old was handed his first European appearance after coming off the bench to replace Jayden Danns in the 83rd minute. But a moment to remember quickly turned into a nightmare for the teenager when he was dismissed for hauling down Johan Bakayoko just four minutes after coming on. Goalkeeper Walter Benitez sent a long ball forward over the top of Liverpool's high line and Nallo was caught napping as Bakayoko sprinted in front of him, before he was caught by the defender.

Referee Tobias Stieler wasted no time in brandishing the red card, giving the centre-back a harsh lesson on his European bow. Slot did not attempt to argue with the decision and sympathised with the talented centre-back, before challenging him to use the experience to improve in 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.

Liverpool debutant Amara Nallo saw red just four minutes after coming on

Liverpool are down to 10-men as 18-year-old Nallo is shown a straight red!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/VWEnoDMEVS — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025

"A career isn't always positive, it also has negatives and he has to make sure he plays in this competition again." Nallo arrived at Anfield from West Ham in 2023 and his quick progress has been noted after impressing for their Under-21s side in the Premier League 2. He had been knocking on the door for his debut for some time, having been included in the Liverpool senior squad for a number of matches in the 2023-24 campaign under Jurgen Klopp. But his debut didn't go to plan, as Nallo became the youngest-ever Liverpool player to be dismissed in a game. At the age of 18 years and 72 days, he overtook Michael Owen's record when he was given an early bath against Manchester United aged 18 years and 117 days in 1998.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Liverpool boss Arne Slot described Nallo's sending off as 'cruel'

Click here to read article