Liverpool boss Arne Slot had a few choice words after Hugo Ekitike pulled the most Sunday-league move imaginable: score the winner, rip off your shirt, and promptly get sent off. Yes, that’s right—Liverpool’s 2-1 League Cup win over Southampton will be remembered less for Federico Chiesa’s gorgeous assist and more for Ekitike’s brain-fade of the year.
The Frenchman had already been booked for kicking the ball away like a petulant teenager denied Wi-Fi, and then decided a topless parade was worth risking suspension. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
Arne Slot and the old-school wisdom
Slot didn’t mince words post-match. He admitted he’s old-fashioned—if he ever scored a screamer (which he insists he didn’t), then maybe a bit of chest-thumping would be acceptable. But tapping home from two yards? As Slot quipped, “Turn around, thank Chiesa, and jog back to midfield.” It was a masterclass in dry, Dutch sarcasm—less Klopp hugs, more dad-level disappointment.
Arne Slot knows suspensions are costly
Here’s the kicker: Liverpool now travel to Crystal Palace without their impulsive striker. Ekitike apologized on Instagram, blaming “emotion.” Sure. The same way toddlers blame “emotion” for breaking the cookie jar. Slot, meanwhile, reminded everyone that Saturday’s suspension is “far from ideal.” Translation: he’s annoyed, but too polite to say, “Why on earth am I managing adults who celebrate like FIFA gamers?”
Author’s opinion: I actually get Slot
I’m with Slot on this one. Yes, football is about passion. But passion without brains is chaos. Liverpool are top of the league with a 100% record; they don’t need red-card comedy sketches derailing momentum. Save the shirt-off moments for Champions League finals—or at least when the goal doesn’t resemble a training ground tap-in.
Final whistle
So, lesson learned? Maybe. But if you’re Ekitike, remember: Arne Slot isn’t here for your WWE auditions. Score, celebrate like an adult, and for heaven’s sake—keep the shirt on.
