Slot Expresses Frustration Over VAR Decision: 'We're Constantly on the Receiving End'

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was unsurprised by the VAR reversal of the penalty awarded to his team, as he believes his side has been unfairly treated by referees throughout the season. Following their 2-0 quarter-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, which resulted in a 4-0 aggregate defeat, Slot expressed his disappointment. The Reds had shown a spirited performance until Ousmane Dembele scored twice late in the game, with a potentially game-changing moment coming when Alexis Mac Allister was denied a penalty after a VAR review. Tim Sherwood, watching the game, thought it was a penalty, saying 'It's soft, but in my opinion it is a penalty.' Slot stated, 'I'm not surprised as so many decisions have gone against us this season.' Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konte also felt it was a clear penalty, saying, 'If we get the penalty and score it would have been completely different.' The team's post-match press conference saw Sky Sports News' Vinny O'Connor express surprise at the overturned penalty decision, to which Slot responded, 'Me too, but not when it comes to us because this has happened to us multiple times this season.' Slot noted that even Manchester City players had commented on their own bad luck with referees, but pointed out the disparity in treatment, saying 'If you can say that then remember both games you played against us, how many decisions then went against us.' With Liverpool struggling to build on their Premier League win under Slot last season, despite signing players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, Slot faces pressure to keep his job and secure a top-five finish in the Premier League to play Champions League football next season. Slot acknowledged the club is in transition, having sold 8-10 players to fund new signings, and expressed confidence in the club's model, saying 'the future looks very good, especially if we can sign players after good players leaving this summer.'