“Ex-Liverpool Star Hits Out at Arne Slot After Painful Galatasaray Defeat: ‘I’m Done’”
Former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant has criticised Arne Slot following the Reds’ latest Champions League defeat. Liverpool traveled to Galatasaray and were outplayed, losing the first leg of their last-16 tie 1-0.
At Rams Park in Istanbul, Galatasaray struck early, with Mario Lemina heading in from close range just seven minutes in after Liverpool failed to clear a corner. Both sides had goals ruled out in the second half: Victor Osimhen for offside and Ibrahima Konate for a handball, leaving Liverpool unable to make a significant impact on the night.
Pennant Frustrated Over Rio Ngumoha’s Lack of Minutes
After the match, Pennant openly criticised Slot, particularly for not bringing on 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha. On social media, Pennant vented:
“Ok I’m done with Slot now, played 65 mins and man of the match last game. 87 mins gone, every single player has been horrendous, and Rio has not came on… please anyone tell make it make sense please.”
His post quickly went viral, racking up over 100,000 views and hundreds of comments.
Florian Wirtz started on the left wing but struggled, completing just 71% of his 28 passes and missing several big chances. Subbed off after 72 minutes with a 6.3 SofaScore rating—the lowest on the pitch—Slot chose to replace him with senior player Cody Gakpo rather than Ngumoha, leaving Pennant frustrated.
Support for More Ngumoha Minutes
Ngumoha has seen limited playing time this season, totaling 128 minutes across 11 Premier League appearances and just 39 minutes in the Champions League. He had started the recent 3-1 FA Cup win over Wolves, impressing with his energy despite not scoring or assisting.
Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has also advocated for more minutes for the youngster. After Liverpool’s Premier League loss to Wolves, Gerrard told TNT Sports:
“Slot has to start Ngumoha now. He’s coming on and doing more in a short cameo than Cody Gakpo is doing in 65–70 minutes. He deserves to start now.”
It remains uncertain whether Ngumoha will feature more regularly in the closing stages of the season’s bigger matches.
