Slot has been cleared of trying to influence referees since joining Liverpool

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says he has tried to influence referees during games this season, but admitted his efforts have not borne fruit.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Slott explained his approach to creating a siege mentality at Anfield, hoping it could influence officials to favor his team in certain situations.

“You try to make as much impact as you can,” Slott said.

“The mistake I’ve made twice here, and once or twice in Holland, is that sometimes you think that creating an atmosphere that the whole world is against can lead to some positive decisions at the end of the game.

“But here, until now, in the match between Chelsea and Fulham, all 90 minutes remained the same.

“It wasn’t like after I tried to influence things a little bit, the referee suddenly awarded us one or two free kicks.

“No, he just kept it the same the whole game. I know it doesn’t work, but sometimes you think: ‘Can I have a little influence on it?’ But it didn’t help at all.”

“They make more good decisions than judges” 😂

Arne Slot admits that referees make him lose his cool more than Liverpool players 😂#LFC pic.twitter.com/XAuFoPlDUJ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2024

Slott, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager this summer, will serve a touchline ban during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton on Wednesday.

The suspension comes after Slott picked up three yellow cards in his first 17 games in English football.

The Dutchman referred to his disciplinary record, noting that it was unusual for him, although he admitted that his emotions can sometimes get the better of him during matches.

“You’re always thinking, but I think I’m generally calm,” Slott added.

“I don’t know if it’s wise to say this, but there is a limit for me too – let’s put it that way.

“And then I can get emotional and, unfortunately, that limit is only reached by the referee’s decisions or my players’ decisions.”

In Slott’s absence, his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, will be in charge of the touchline as Liverpool face Southampton.

The Saints are coming off the back of a 5-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, a defeat which also saw them part ways with head coach Russell Martin.