Slot: VAR Decisions Have Been Against Us All Season

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was far from pleased with the officiating in the derby against Manchester United (3-2). He firmly believes there's a clear pattern of decisions going against his team throughout the entire season. A pivotal moment in the match occurred when Benjamin Sesko scored, despite the ball appearing to touch his hand. After a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand.

“If there was a touch [from Sesko], which I believe there was – in a ball sport, the ball has a certain trajectory, and it changes – then there must have been contact. Then we need to discuss if that’s enough to disallow a goal. I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone this season that when VAR intervenes, it’s against us. It’s been like this all campaign,” Slot stated.

The manager used the controversy at Old Trafford to highlight previous grievances, pointing out glaring inconsistencies during Champions League matches. He remains puzzled as to how similar incidents have been officiated differently.

“I remember the home game against PSG, when we were awarded a penalty for a slight touch against [Alexis] Mac Allister, VAR intervened, and the penalty was overturned. A week ago, PSG got one. This time, the referee stopped play when a United player was injured off the field, but last week, play continued while our goalkeeper was on the ground needing assistance,” the Dutchman commented.

Despite his anger towards the referees, the Liverpool boss refused to completely absolve his squad of responsibility.

“But the second goal [from Sesko] wasn’t conceded because of a handball – we conceded it because we lost the ball in a silly position, so we need to look at ourselves first. This is a recurring pattern throughout the season, but there’s also a pattern where we concede ridiculous goals,” the coach admitted.

“The difference isn’t so great that we can’t win a match like this. I know what we can build upon, and we are already working hard on it. The same problems keep repeating, which isn’t a big surprise, as you don’t have much time to fix them during the season. Tactically, you can change certain things, but for me, it’s clear where we need to improve, and we will,” Slot added.