Liverpool manager Arne Sels emphasizes the need for continued vigilance against racism following a concerning incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward alleged that he was subjected to racist abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during Tuesday’s Champions League playoff match, which saw play halted for 11 minutes under FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
European soccer governing body UEFA has initiated an investigation into the incident. In response, Sels stated, “In general, you can never do enough; we must continue to make sure this issue is addressed.” He added, “We have to strive harder as a football community than society does because it’s not difficult.”
Ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Sels hopes players will act similarly to address such incidents. Regarding the new Forest manager, Vitor Pereira, who took over after Sean Dyche was sacked, the Dutchman said, “I only have tonight to see if this new regime changes personnel.” He noted that Pereira had previously played in the Premier League.
Slot expects a different set-up at Nottingham Forest under Pereira. The club’s last match before the Sels-Pereira encounter ended in a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Slot predicts that Jeremie Frimpong, who remains sidelined this weekend, will be available soon for a start alongside Joe Gomez.
Sels highlighted his team’s progress: “We’ve improved compared to three or four months ago,” he said. “Now we’re in a much better place.”
The manager also listed two reasons for the club’s improvement: “Fit players and more effective set-piece work.” Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League table with 42 points from 26 matches, one position below Nottingham Forest, who are languishing in 17th place. The Hammers, above them by one spot and three points, stand at the bottom of the relegation zone.