Arne Slot shows frustration with “stupid” Liverpool player despite win over Southampton

Liverpool manager Arne Slot couldn’t hide his frustration with Hugo Ekitike after the striker received a second yellow card for taking off his shirt to celebrate his winning goal against Southampton.

Ekitike, who joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer and has impressed early on, showed poor judgment with the celebration, resulting in a red card and a suspension for Liverpool’s next match.

While his goal helped secure victory in the Carabao Cup, Ekitike had already been booked and his decision to remove his shirt led to his dismissal. Slot was visibly displeased with the striker’s actions.

The Dutch manager criticized the individualistic nature of the celebration, particularly as the goal came from a well-executed team move and was a fairly straightforward finish. Slot, who described himself as possibly “old-fashioned,” emphasized that such moments should be about team unity rather than self-promotion.

Ekitike’s gesture—taking off his shirt and pointing to his name—seemed to irk Slot even more, suggesting a level of ego that didn’t sit well with the coach.

With strong competition from Alexander Isak for a starting role, Ekitike will need to stay focused and avoid similar mistakes. His suspension now opens the door for others, and it remains to be seen how he’ll respond and fight for his spot once available again.