Arne Slot shows his ruthless side as he reveals BRUTAL reason for subbing Jarell Quansah at half-time – as Liverpool centre back looks crushed on bench in win over Ipswich

Arne Slot has given the brazen reason behind his decision to substitute centre-back Jarell Quansah midway through Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich.

The new Reds manager was speaking after a win in his first game in charge but his team came under heavy pressure from the Tractor Boys, who were playing in their first top-flight match in 22 years.

But two goals in five second-half minutes from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah decided the game and the margin could easily have been greater as Liverpool began to spin in the second half and kept Ipswich’s side in check.

Slot was fortunate to keep a clean sheet as his team managed to win a tough opening match at Portman Road, surviving a lively first half from the home side.

And the Dutchman showed his ruthless side shortly after the final whistle, taking aim at the 21-year-old Quansah, who he hooked after just 45 minutes.

The defender looked broken as he sat on the away side’s bench after being substituted at half-time

Liverpool started the 2024-25 season with an away win at Ipswich on Saturday

“The first thing I said is that we don’t need to talk about tactics when we are losing so many duels,” he said.

“Jarell lost every duel, many of us lost too many duels. We needed Konate to win the long balls for the number nine. That gave us control.

“They put so much energy into the first half, kept fighting and playing 1v1 all over the pitch. I don’t think they could keep up that pace in the second half.”

When asked if it was tactical to substitute his centre-back so early, Slot replied simply: ‘Yes, definitely.’

Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich players followed the lead of the jubilant crowd and made a bright start, daring to play from the back, a trademark of theirs since emerging from League One.

Jacob Greaves, on his debut, forced Alisson into the first save with a powerful header from a free-kick clipped by Sam Morsy from deep inside the penalty area. The Liverpool keeper made another good save in the first half to deny Omari Hutchinson, who was released by Liam Delap on the switch after clearing a corner.

Liverpool’s front four forced errors when pressing, won possession in promising areas and took a number of corners, but created little.

Ipswich keeper Christian Walton made a brave move to stop Luis Diaz, who saw an opportunity to capitalise on an interception by Luke Woolfenden. Trent Alexander-Arnold fired over from 20 yards just before half-time when he had expected to score.

That was pretty much it until the much better showing in the second half. With Ibrahima Konate in back for Quansah, they squeezed further forward and dominated the ball. They passed the ball more sharply, forcing Ipswich back to the edge of their own penalty area where they became embroiled in desperate defence.

Diaz saw the offside flag across goal but lobbed it over and Jota headed the ball just wide. The pressure began to create openings and the adrenaline in Ipswich was waning.

Ibrahima Konate (right, pictured with Alisson) came on as centre-back at half-time

Diogo Jota scored the first goal of Liverpool’s Slot era with a sharp finish in the 60th minute

Mo Salah, who assisted Jota for Liverpool’s first goal, scored his team’s second in the 65th minute

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna waved to the crowd after the final whistle on Saturday

Jota scored on the hour mark, a fine finish to a right-wing attack involving both Alexander-Arnold and Salah. Five minutes later he slotted home Liverpool’s second, joining Dominik Szoboszlai, taking advantage of a useful pass from Leif Davis.

There could have been more. Walton made a fantastic save from Conor Bradley in injury time.

Ultimately, two goals proved more than enough to give the Reds a winning start, although Quansah, who looked devastated when left on the away bench, will be wondering whether he will be involved in a potential title challenge at Anfield.