Steven Gerrard makes strict Arne Slot demand and explains 'what he has to do'
Steven Gerrard has made a demand to Arne Slot after Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by bottom club Wolves on Tuesday night.
The Reds picked up their form in recent times and put together a four-game winning run after the home loss to Manchester City.
But it came to an end at Molineux, where all three goals came in the latter stages of the game.
Rodrigo Gomes broke the deadlock if for Wolves in the 78th minute before Mo Salah levelled matters six minutes later. But Liverpool were sunk by a stoppage time winner from Andre, who popped up with a deflected strike in the 94th minute.
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It was the fifth time Liverpool have lost in the Premier League with a 90th minute goal this season.
The Premier League champions were poor for large spells and former captain Gerrard was critical of the speed and tempo at which they played at.
Reacting to Slot's post-match interview, the Liverpool legend called for the Dutchman to bring 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha into his starting XI for the second trip to Wolves in a week when they play in the FA Cup on Friday.
"For 65 minutes Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor," Gerrard said on TNT Sports.
"They didn't create enough and they didn't play at the right speed or tempo. They didn't have enough quality.
"He has to start Ngumoha now. He has to start because he's coming on and he's doing more in a short cameo, a short space of time, than [Cody] Gakpo's doing in 65-70 minutes.
"He deserves a start now. He's got to start the kid on Friday."
Ngumoha, who scored a last-gasp winner against Newcastle earlier in the season, has been a substitute in Liverpool's last three Premier League games.
In his 17 appearances, he only starts have come in the cup against Crystal Palace and Barnsley at Anfield.
How much did Liverpool pay for Ngumoha?
Ngumoha signed for Liverpool from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, with the Reds required to pay a minimum of £2.8 million.
With the youngster not old enough to sign a professional contract, the two clubs were unable to agree a fee and a Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) tribunal was necessary.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the overall fee could rise to £6.8 million - the second-highest figure to come from a deal which involved a tribunal.
That will depend on various add-ons being met, including senior appearances and international honours.
Should Ngumoha be sold in the future, Chelsea will entitled to 20 per cent of any future transfer fee.
Topics: Steven Gerrard, Arne Slot, Liverpool
Josh Lawless