Two video games, two 2-0 wins. Liverpool are off to a really businesslike begin to the season; the Reds are shortly turning 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 – similar to he needs his facet to be and simply what they’re shortly beginning to turn out to be on the pitch.
Slot’s facet have been definitely composed as they recorded a snug win over Brentford at Anfield, mirroring their opening day win over Ipswich in some ways; bettering after half time, creating wonderful possibilities 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 model nonetheless permits for such lightning breaks given the standard Liverpool possess. “It’s good to inherit a staff and people which might be so particular, and that’s what you noticed within the first purpose as properly,” mentioned 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 relax and the ball as a substitute was recycled again round to Virgil van Dijk.
“The model of play, with making an attempt to construct out from the again, that’s our model,” mentioned Slot in pre-season. With 92 p.c of their passes accomplished towards Brentford – probably the most recorded by a Liverpool facet since Opta started recording in 2003 – that managed model of constructing from the again is already very evident.
92% – Liverpool accomplished 92% of their passes in right this moment’s sport towards Brentford, their finest passing accuracy in a Premier League sport on document since 2003-04. Slotted. pic.twitter.com/5QFdd72YAtAugust 25, 2024
We had heard lots about Slot’s philosophy and his admiration for Pep Guardiola’s model 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 is very elegant, Dutch model,” remarked Harvey Elliott in pre-season and that’s definitely 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 wish to play. Gamers are getting new messages on the coaching pitches and Slot and his new teaching workers are stricter than what they’ve changed.
Liverpool as a staff are extra linked, with fewer dangerous passes and fewer gaps between gamers, particularly within the again 4.
It’s maybe ironic as a result of this kind of routine win is precisely 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 need “not concede fixed counter-attacks” in pre-season and his facet have recorded the bottom ‘anticipated targets’ towards them within the opening two video games, whereas creating the very best ‘anticipated targets’ in assault, too.
After all, it’s very early days and Liverpool and Slot will face a lot sterner exams, however for now the management that has changed the chaos definitely seems to be a recipe that ought to give loads of optimism for the season forward.
It won’t be as thrilling, it could be the rollercoaster of feelings, however maybe that is precisely what’s required.
Extra Liverpool tales
Liverpool are two transfers to exchange first-team stars: Andrew Robertson’s long-term inheritor has been recognized, whereas a successor to Virgil van Dijk might be part of, too. The Reds threat breaking Premier League guidelines after agreeing private phrases with first summer season signing and want to full 4 offers, whereas hijacking a transfer for an Arsenal goal.
It has been mentioned 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.