Who impressed Arne Slot? And who has got a point to prove to the Dutchman? Five quick-fire questions about Liverpool’s new boss after victory over Ipswich
- Lewis Steele gives insight into Arne Slot’s first Premier League match
- Liverpool begin the post-Jurgen Klopp era with a 2-0 win away at Ipswich Town
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Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot began his Premier League career with a win on Saturday as his new club visited newly promoted club Ipswich Town and beat them 2-0.
Two second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mo Salah decided the match and ensured a positive start to the new post-Jürgen Klopp era for Liverpool.
Slot will be pleased with the clean sheet and the dynamic performance from Liverpool’s players, who left a calm and collected impression on the sidelines at Portman Road.
What was different about the Dutchman’s football and are there any signs that show what Liverpool fans can expect?
Mail Sport’s LEWIS STEEL answers five quick questions about the Premier League’s newest manager after his debut:
Arne Slot started his Liverpool career with a 2-0 away victory at Ipswich Town
What is different?
The style is less heavy metal and more soft rock, as Liverpool look to keep the ball longer and take their time finding openings. Arne Slot plays a 4-2-3-1 system with Dominik Szoboszlai behind number 9 Diogo Jota.
This meant that Ipswich’s centre-backs were well occupied in the middle, leaving Mo Salah and Luis Diaz with plenty of space to exploit, with both wingers being Liverpool’s best assets in attack.
What is Does he like to stand on the sidelines?
Calmness personified. As the stadium announcer stoked the mood with a pre-match rallying cry, Slot stood with his hands in his pockets and a deadpan expression. His poker face didn’t change as Ipswich gave Liverpool a tough time in the first half.
In general, Slot is very businesslike. He doesn’t want to talk about himself, which could explain why he didn’t play in front of the crowd and went to the away fans at the end. When asked about individual players during his press conference, he didn’t want to single anyone out.
Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool started the new season on a positive note
WHO which one impressed the new head coach the most?
Salah was man of the match and Trent Alexander-Arnold was also excellent on the ball, but he was perhaps most pleased with holding midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutchman who has been given a deeper role this season.
Gravenberch endured a difficult first season on Merseyside following his move from Bayern Munich last year. But amid talk of the need for midfield reinforcements, the 22-year-old put in a confident performance at No.6.
And Who has a point to prove?
It may seem odd to single out Darwin Nunez, but after Jota scored a clinical finish and led the attack admirably, the Uruguayan forward has a tough job convincing Slot that he can be the main player.
Nunez is used to adversity and could thrive under the challenges that await him.
Arne Slot joined Liverpool this summer from Eredivisie club Feyenoord to replace Jurgen Klopp
How Did they look defensive?
Liverpool barely conceded a goal in pre-season and started the season proper with a pleasing clean sheet. Alisson was hardly stretched, which will suit Slot, who is putting the emphasis on all 11 players making a big defensive shift.
Jarell Quansah was brought off at half-time for tactical reasons, as Slot felt he had lost too many duels to Ipswich’s skinny striker Liam Delap. French defender Ibrahima Konate came on to provide some calm in the Liverpool defence.