Liverpool manager Arne Slot openly acknowledges attempts to influence referees.

Arne Slot has admitted to attempting to influence referees in Liverpool’s favor, despite facing a touchline ban. The Liverpool manager will be in the stands for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Wednesday after receiving his third yellow card of the season. His latest booking came during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, where he protested a yellow card given to Curtis Jones.

Liverpool were frustrated with referee Tony Harrington’s decision not to send off Issa Diop for a challenge early in the game, while Andreas Pereira also avoided dismissal for a foul on Ryan Gravenberch. Slot, known for his calmer demeanor compared to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, still shows passion in defending his team’s case with officials.

Speaking ahead of the match against managerless Southampton, Slot reflected on his touchline conduct. “You always reflect, but I think I am generally calm,” he said. “However, there’s a limit for me, particularly with refereeing decisions or errors from my players. My players usually make better decisions than the referees do for my team!”

He cited the Chelsea and Fulham matches as particularly emotional, noting controversial calls, such as a reversed penalty decision by VAR in the Chelsea game. “You try to influence as much as you can,” Slot admitted. “In the past, I’ve thought creating an atmosphere where it seems the world is against you might sway decisions. But here, it hasn’t worked. Referees have stayed consistent, even after my attempts to influence things.”

For Wednesday’s game, Slot’s assistant Sipke Hulshoff is expected to take charge on the touchline. Southampton, following the sacking of Russell Martin after a 5-0 loss to Tottenham, will be led by interim coach Simon Rusk.