Liverpool’s Slot admits ’emotions got the better of me’ after red card

Arne Slot admitted that “emotions got the better of me” after receiving a red card during Liverpool’s intense 2-2 Premier League draw against Everton earlier this week.

Liverpool appeared set to extend their lead at the top of the table by nine points at Goodison Park on Wednesday, but James Tarkowski’s stunning volley in the eighth minute of stoppage time secured a dramatic equalizer for the hosts.

The celebrations that followed Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal near the away fans sparked chaos, with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones confronting Doucoure. This altercation led to the dismissal of both players.

The situation escalated as some fans entered the pitch, prompting the involvement of stewards and police. Referee Michael Oliver subsequently sent off Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff.

Although Slot is now under investigation by the Football Association and unable to discuss the details, he expressed on Friday his hope to manage his emotions better in the future.

“I think what happened was that the extra time, the intentional five minutes that ended up being eight… and the emotions got the better of me,” he told reporters.

“And if I could do that differently, if I look back at it, I would love to do it differently. I’m hoping to do it differently next time as well, but what has exactly been said or what has happened, there’s an ongoing process and I don’t want to disturb that.”

Slot, in his first season at Anfield, praised his team’s mental strength in the highly charged atmosphere at Everton, who are much improved in recent weeks under David Moyes, back at Goodison Park for a second spell.

“We’ve been praised so many times this season about how well these players can play, but they showed a different side of themselves on Wednesday, in my opinion also much better than the year before (a 2-0 defeat),” he said.

“They were mentally so, so, so strong during a game that was played maybe in the most difficult circumstances for them as well, and to stay strong together, to fight so hard, to be mentally so strong, that gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming 14 games.

“I already knew how well they can play, but the togetherness they showed during the 98 minutes shows me that we are a very, very difficult team to beat.”

Liverpool, seven points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, play struggling Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.