Two video games, two 2-0 wins. Liverpool are off to a really businesslike begin to the season; the Reds are rapidly changing into the picture of their new boss, Arne Slot.
The Dutch head coach at Anfield is all enterprise; straight-talking, ruthless when he must be, however calm and composed all through – identical to he needs his aspect to be and simply what they’re rapidly beginning to grow to be on the pitch.
Slot’s aspect had been actually composed as they recorded a cushty win over Brentford at Anfield, mirroring their opening day win over Ipswich in some ways; bettering after half time, creating wonderful probabilities as the sport progressed, and in the end easing to victory.
It was, although, maybe ironic that the opening purpose arrived from a super-fast counter-attack from a Brentford nook. Clearly, Slot’s type nonetheless permits for such lightning breaks given the standard Liverpool possess. “It’s good to inherit a staff and people which can be so particular, and that’s what you noticed within the first purpose as nicely,” stated the boss post-match.
However there have been indicators all through of the elevated management Liverpool now have below the 45-year-old. There was an occasion within the first half the place Andy Robertson started progressing down the touchline with the ball however Slot signalled for him to settle down and the ball as a substitute was recycled again round to Virgil van Dijk.
“The type of play, with making an attempt to construct out from the again, that’s our type,” stated Slot in pre-season. With 92 p.c of their passes accomplished in opposition to Brentford – essentially the most recorded by a Liverpool aspect since Opta started recording in 2003 – that managed type of constructing from the again is already very evident.
92% – Liverpool accomplished 92% of their passes in right now’s sport in opposition to Brentford, their greatest passing accuracy in a Premier League sport on report since 2003-04. Slotted. pic.twitter.com/5QFdd72YAtAugust 25, 2024
We had heard a lot about Slot’s philosophy and his admiration for Pep Guardiola’s type of play however Anfield regulars received their first style, with some free-flowing strikes, particularly within the second half receiving rapturous applause from the stands.
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One such transfer, which started with a trademark, raking move from Van Dijk out to Mo Salah nearly ended with a purpose of the season contender after some lovely exchanges on the sting of the field. “It’s totally elegant, Dutch type,” remarked Harvey Elliott in pre-season and that’s actually what was on show.
Management replaces chaos at Liverpool
Each move seems to be purposeful and composed – that phrase once more, managed. Slot has banned fancy flicks in coaching rondos; practice the way you need to play. Gamers are getting new messages on the coaching pitches and Slot and his new teaching employees are stricter than what they’ve changed.
Liverpool as a staff are extra related, with fewer dangerous passes and fewer gaps between gamers, particularly within the again 4.
It’s maybe ironic as a result of this sort of routine win is strictly what Liverpool wanted at occasions below Jurgen Klopp, particularly final season. Liverpool went behind in nearly 40 per cent of their video games final season; a mentally and bodily exhausting demand on the gamers.
Slot outlined his want “not concede fixed counter-attacks” in pre-season and his aspect have recorded the bottom ‘anticipated objectives’ in opposition to them within the opening two video games, whereas creating the very best ‘anticipated objectives’ in assault, too.
In fact, it’s very early days and Liverpool and Slot will face a lot sterner assessments, however for now the management that has changed the chaos actually seems to be a recipe that ought to give loads of optimism for the season forward.
It may not be as thrilling, it is likely to be the rollercoaster of feelings, however maybe that is precisely what’s required.
Extra Liverpool tales
Liverpool are taking a look at two transfers to switch first-team stars: Andrew Robertson’s long-term inheritor has been recognized, whereas a successor to Virgil van Dijk might be a part of, too. The Reds danger breaking Premier League guidelines after agreeing private phrases with first summer time signing and want to full 4 offers, whereas hijacking a transfer for an Arsenal goal.
It has been stated that the Merseysiders ‘didn’t care about trying silly’ once they ‘ignored’ Mohamed Salah’s unsuccessful Chelsea spell when signing the Egyptian in 2017, whereas Rafa Benitez has revealed the three gamers he was unable to deliver to Anfield. In the meantime, one former Liverpool star has sealed an emotional homecoming after a tricky post-Anfield spell.
