Arne Slot makes concerning Milos Kerkez admission after brutal Liverpool substitution

Arne Slot replaced Milos Kerkez with Andy Robertson in the 38th minute of Liverpool’s clash with Burnley, which the Reds won 1-0 thanks to a last gasp Mo Salah penalty

Arne Slot admitted he couldn’t trust Milos Kerkez not to pick up a second yellow card in Liverpool’s victory at Burnley, where the Reds boss withdrew the summer signing in the first half.

Kerkez was booked for diving in the 22nd minute of the clash at Turf Moor in an act that former Reds defender Jamie Carragher labelled ‘stupid’ when commentating for Sky Sports.

Burnley then appeared to target Kerkez down the Liverpool left, and Slot responded by taking the Hungarian off in the 38th minute of the match and replacing him with Andy Robertson.

The Scot went on to impress at left-back as the Reds ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a stoppage time penalty from Mo Salah, who netted from the spot when Hannibal Mejbri handled Jeremie Frimpong’s cross.

READ MORE: Mo Salah strikes last gasp penalty to earn Liverpool win at Burnley – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Liverpool star Jamie Carragher labelled ‘stupid’ hooked after just 37 minutes

Explaining the substitution, Slot told BBC Sport: “It was because he got a yellow card. I think the fans here thought a chance for them to win the game is if we ended up with a second yellow.

“With Milos I can never be 100 per cent he doesn’t make the next foul, then the fans are on top of the referee. I thought the only way we could lose it today was if we went down to 10 men.”

Slot went on to congratulate Burnley on their display and admitted the Reds were fortunate to win. “Compliments to Burnley for the way they defended. It was difficult for us to find an opening and a few times we were close,” he said.

“If we had scored the game may have been open but because we didn’t they did the same thing. We had to wait until the end phase of the second half and in the final stages we got what were hoping for.

“There is a chance it will fall in the way you want but it was difficult because they had players behind the ball. We needed a moment of luck, or a moment of magic. We didn’t have the magic but we had the luck. You are hoping and trying to make it more difficult but they were strong.

“Mo Salah for as long as he has been at Liverpool has been good for us. It was a great moment for us because I think he missed the last two.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.