Slot questions referee announcements and wants squad rule change

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says in-game announcements by referees are “not necessary” and wants matchday squads to be increased to 23 players.

Stuart Attwell became the first official in English football history to announce a decision during a match when the Reds travelled to Tottenham in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals on January 8, explaining a video assistant referee (VAR) offside call against a Dominic Solanke goal for Spurs.

The approach will continued to be trialled in this week’s semi-final second legs, with officiating body the PGMOL saying the move reflects a “commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of match officials and fans”.

“That was so obvious that it wasn’t really necessary to announce it was offside,” Slot said of Atwell’s announcement. “The one we were all more interested in was why he didn’t give a second yellow card [to Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall], which is something he didn’t explain.

“But if he had explained it, maybe it would have been a disadvantage for the home team. Then, maybe, there becomes more pressure on the referee, so I wonder if it’s a good thing for the referee, because he’s already under a lot of pressure in every game from the home fans.”

Slot ‘would not be a good referee’

Bergvall scored the winner four minutes from time, but a furious Slot was earlier booked for his protestations after the midfielder, who had already been booked, remained on the pitch following a challenge on Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas.

“Him explaining a decision against the home team would add even more pressure in his next decisions he has to make,” suggested Slot.

“They always tell me they are well trained for this, which I am certainly not. If I have to blow my whistle during a training session, then I’m always like ‘hmm Bergvall he’s a bit frustrated, let’s give him the free-kick next time.’ I would probably not be a good referee, but that’s my opinion.

“I see when the referee makes a decision. I go two steps backwards and see the live coverage of everything, but that’s probably not available for every fan in the stadium.

“If the fans like it and it’s something nice for the fans, let’s do this. I wonder if we are all going to like this, but if the fans really like this, let’s continue with it.”

Postecoglou criticises VAR announcements

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou also seemed unimpressed by the announcement. “If people think that announcement added anything to the game tonight, then I am sorry,” he told Sky Sports after the first leg, via BBC Sport. “It used to be that you put your flag up and the game goes on, but anyway.”

Referees will use stadium public address systems to declare the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor of after incidents such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements, with only the final decision announced in the stadium.

The announcements have previously been used during Fifa events including the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Liverpool team news vs Tottenham

Wideman Trent Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool’s only absentee as they attempt to overturn the deficit at Anfield on Thursday (8pm GMT) against opponents 29 points below them in the Premier League.

Slot said he would tell goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher and Alisson Becker who would start the game on Wednesday and questioned why matchday squads are limited to 20 players.

“That is one of the only things I don’t understand here in England,” he argued. “Around the world – and in Europe, when we play in the Champions League – we can take 23 players to the game.

“The likes of us, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea and all the ones who are in Europe play so, so many games. If you are able to play all these games, you need a big squad.

“Picking the first 11 is difficult, but telling someone they are not in the squad makes it even harder. I don’t understand why we don’t go to 23.”

Slot: Matchday squad size ‘difficult’

“This country plays the most games and we only have 20 players we can take. Nine substitutes is more than enough, but to keep the dressing room going, you need more than 20 players.

“Why can’t we bring 23 players to the game? Since it is the rule over here, that is probably going to be the most difficult decision I have to make – not the first 11, but to leave someone out who works so hard on a daily basis and wants to be involved. To not even take them to the game is the hardest decision.”

Newcastle host Arsenal with a 2-0 lead in the first semi-final decider on Wednesday (8pm GMT). Extra time will be used if ties are level on aggregate after 90 minutes, as well as penalties if there is no winner 30 minutes later.