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 – identical to he needs his aspect to be and simply what they’re shortly beginning to turn out to be on the pitch.
Slot’s aspect have been definitely 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 glorious possibilities as the sport progressed, and in the end easing to victory.
Liverpool followers have taken to their new supervisor virtually instantly (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
It was, although, maybe ironic that the opening purpose arrived from a super-fast counter-attack from a Brentford nook. Clearly, Slot’s fashion nonetheless permits for such lightning breaks given the standard Liverpool possess. “It’s good to inherit a workforce 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 relax and the ball as an alternative was recycled again round to Virgil van Dijk.
“The fashion of play, with attempting to construct out from the again, that’s our fashion,” 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 fashion of constructing from the again is already very evident.
We had heard loads about Slot’s philosophy and his admiration for Pep Guardiola’s fashion of play however Anfield regulars obtained their first style, with some free-flowing strikes, particularly within the second half receiving rapturous applause from the stands.
One such transfer, which started with a trademark, raking go from Van Dijk out to Mo Salah virtually ended with a purpose of the season contender after some stunning exchanges on the sting of the field. “It’s extremely elegant, Dutch fashion,” remarked Harvey Elliott in pre-season and that’s definitely what was on show.
Management replaces chaos at Liverpool
Luis Diaz impressed the Reds with a purpose and an help in opposition to Brentford (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
Each go 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 workforce 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 kind of routine win is precisely what Liverpool wanted at instances below Jurgen Klopp, particularly final season. Liverpool went behind in virtually 40 per cent of their video games final season; a mentally and bodily exhausting demand on the gamers.
It is two wins from two for Arne Slot thus far (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
Slot outlined his need “not concede fixed counter-attacks” in pre-season and his aspect have recorded the bottom ‘anticipated targets’ in opposition to them within the opening two video games, whereas creating the best ‘anticipated targets’ in assault, too.
After all, 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 definitely 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.
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