Arne Slot nearly benched Liverpool hero Luis Diaz at half-time against Manchester United despite the Colombian netting a first-half brace.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Slot almost benched Diaz at halftimeScored a first-half brace against Man UtdUnhappy with the winger's defensive workWHAT HAPPENED?
Diaz has made a dream start to his 2024/25 campaign having scored in back-to-back Premier League games including a brilliant brace against Manchester United. The Colombian broke the deadlock in the 35th minute before netting a second in the 42nd minute to hand his team a convincing 2-0 lead after the first-half. However, the Daily Mail reports that despite a terrific performance on the pitch, manager Arne Slot almost substituted Diaz at half-time.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE EXPLANATION
The Dutch coach later revealed that he was unhappy with the winger's defensive work and his lack of effort to track back. Slot felt that this particular aspect could prove to be detrimental to the outcome of the game in an away fixture at Old Trafford. Diaz was eventually subbed off in the 66th minute as Cody Gakpo replaced him.
WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID
Speaking to after the match, the Reds boss said, "We said they were going to press aggressively, but I showed them three moments where one situation led to a chance for Mazraoui. Luis [Diaz] was not tracking back as he should. Those moments can change the game at Old Trafford. It's a good win."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Having won three consecutive matches in the Premier League, Slot and Co will aim to extend their winning streak after the international break as they take on Nottingham Forest next on September 14.
