Slot on No Red Card for Enciso: “I Assume It Was a Yellow” | OneFootball

Liverpool Control Ipswich as Slot and Endo Brush Off Red Card Controversy

Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of the Premier League title continued with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Anfield. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, and a brace from Cody Gakpo ensured Arne Slot’s side remained in control of the title race. Yet, despite the dominant display, the match was not without controversy.

A reckless challenge on Wataru Endo by Ipswich’s Julio Enciso left Liverpool players incensed, but referee Michael Salisbury only produced a yellow card. Slot, however, refused to dwell on the incident, instead praising Endo’s resilience and focusing on his team’s performance.

Slot’s Calm Approach to No Red Card Decision

Arne Slot’s measured approach to refereeing decisions has been a hallmark of his time at Liverpool. Asked about the challenge on Endo, he avoided inflaming the debate, instead backing the official’s judgment.

“Yeah, when the foul was made, I was like: ‘Oh that doesn’t look good’,” Slot admitted. “And the reaction from the players that were around him showed me and I was like: ‘Oh let’s wait and see.’”

“But after the game, Wata, immediately during the game already, he just shakes his head one or two times and just goes again. His mentality is unbelievable and he was fine. So it was only a yellow, so I assume that the fear I had was not realistic because it was only a yellow.”

Slot’s confidence in Endo’s resilience was clear. The Japan captain has developed into a vital presence in Liverpool’s midfield, embodying the grit and determination that has driven this team forward under Slot’s leadership.

Endo’s Mentality Impresses Again

While Endo was fortunate to escape serious injury, his reaction spoke volumes about his character. The 30-year-old, who has steadily established himself in Liverpool’s midfield, brushed off the challenge with minimal fuss.

Photo: IMAGO

“In general, I don’t think referees act like that (no red card because it wasn’t a close game) because if they do so, they hear it from the people above them: ‘You have to do what is necessary’,” Slot added. “I assume it was a yellow, I haven’t watched it back but I assume.”

Endo’s ability to absorb physical challenges and remain unfazed has endeared him to Liverpool supporters. His presence in midfield has been instrumental in Liverpool’s ability to control games, allowing the attacking talent ahead of him to flourish.

Dominance from the First Whistle

Liverpool’s fast start set the tone for a comfortable evening at Anfield. Slot’s men were aggressive, dominant, and in total control from the opening exchanges.

“Yeah [it was comfortable] and that’s mostly because we scored an early goal. It’s been a few times that we have played a home game and conceded a goal at the start of the game. Today is the way you want to start a game,” Slot noted.

“We were aggressive, dominant and for 85 minutes, they had hardly been in our half. It is a counter-attacking threat with the wingers they have and Delap, but we managed to control that so, so well because of the amount of work we put in.”

Ipswich’s game plan was clear, but Liverpool’s intensity proved too much. By the time the visitors found a late consolation through Jacob Greaves, the result had long been secured.

Slot’s Team in Complete Control

Despite conceding a late goal, Slot had little to complain about. Liverpool’s overall display was as commanding as any seen at Anfield this season.

“In the end, we are all disappointed conceding from a corner, the first one this season. But for 85 minutes, it was almost a perfect performance against a team that goes to such a low block. That’s not always easy but the way we did it for 85 minutes was really good.”

Liverpool’s march towards silverware remains on track. With Endo anchoring the midfield and Slot’s tactical structure in full flow, the Reds look every inch the title contenders.