Arne Slot uses Everton example to explain Rio Ngumoha snub for Merseyside derby

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Arne Slot has justified the omission of Rio Ngumoha from the starting XI from the Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson, using an Everton example to explain his decision

Arne Slot has explained why Rio Ngumoha starts the merseyside derby on the bench(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has explained his decision to leave Rio Ngumoha out of the Merseyside derby squad, using an Everton-related example to justify the call.

Ngumoha made only his second Premier League start in the 2-0 win against Fulham at Anfield. After a slow start, the 17-year-old broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a superb curling strike, before Salah doubled the lead just three minutes later with a composed first-time finish.

Slot has managed Ngumoha's minutes carefully resulting in the youngster returning to the bench, playing just 24 minutes as the Reds exited the Champions League against Paris Saint Germain. Slot made four changes from the PSG defeat for the 248th Merseyside derby.

Slot has explained his ongoing squad rotation ahead of the Merseyside derby, as Liverpool continue to manage fitness, form and injury issues. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutchman said: "Many things go into it. But one of the things is you have to take into account the team you're facing, not only the set-pieces but the general playing style.

"The three games we've played before [against Everton], O'Brien moves a lot up the pitch to get these balls from Pickford. And we have to take into account we probably have to make substitutions during the game and it's also nice to have those players who can come in who have the agility or quality to take one v ones on. Let's see how we exactly line up"

Liverpool heads into the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium sitting fifth in the table — a position that would secure Champions League qualification — following Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Victory over Everton could stretch their advantage to seven points, but with several teams still in pursuit of the reigning Premier League champions, Slot is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

He has also acknowledged that the Liverpool's board could be forced into a decision if the team fails to achieve their objectives, with pressure mounting should they miss out on Champions League football next season. "If we don't, it is definitely poor. And it is up to others to decide what they think about all the other things. We went out against Man City and PSG - who in my opinion are the best teams in the world, two very good managers and very good players," he told Sky Sports before the game.

"But it is clear and obvious that in the league, we are not in the position we want to be in. That is also slightly due to the changes I had to make this season. We have two goalkeepers on the bench and that isn't for the first time.

"But the ones who are starting and the ones who are on the bench are very good Liverpool players.

"It was only 110 minutes that Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz played together. That is the story of the season that I constantly had to change due to injuries and players not being available. That is what it is and I have a lot of trust in my players."