Liverpool returned to their element, controlling the game and scoring an impressive victory. However, the atmosphere at Anfield felt unusual. Perhaps it was the somewhat foreign sight of enthusiasts applying sunblock whilst bathing in the heat more commonly associated with Sevilla than Merseyside. More probable, however, was the tranquillity emanating from the home technical zone to the home squad. The gradual switch to the Arne Slot era has begun.
In the place where Jurgen Klopp, infamous for his frenetic energy and wild sideline gestures, once stood, new tranquillity has been discovered. His successor has quickly become the epitome of cool-headedness by comparison. The news guaranteed to delight Premier League game officials. The most dramatic action from Slot was a simple hand removal from pockets to give further tactical guidance, which are clearly being absorbed.
The composed nature of Liverpool’s latest head coach was mirrored in his squad’s approach to their 4-1 routing of Sevilla. Granted, it was only a friendly, witnessed by an audience of 59,000-plus, against a Sevilla team facing their own difficulties with three different coaches in the previous season and a fresh start under García Pimienta. Despite this, several key takeaways were noted.
Liverpool seemed less aggressive but more deliberate when in possession compared to their former style. While they may sacrifice some intensity, Slot expects they will reap the benefits in command. Liverpool’s offensive gameplay remains fierce and potent, as evidenced by four top-tier goals.
Diogo Jota smashed a left-footed volley into the top corner after Liverpool exerted relentless pressure on Sevilla via a free-kick. Luis Díaz followed suit with a resounding finish in the same corner, fed by an impressive Jota, who played the central attacking role that Slot has in mind for Darwin Núñez. Dominik Szoboszlai, demonstrating the role Liverpool midfielders will play in circumventing opponent defences this season, set up the Colombian international’s goal which concluded a smooth Liverpool move.
The two goals Diaz netted both resulted from long passes by Alisson. 17-year-old sensation, Trey Nyoni, substituted the Colombian during the game on the 62-minute mark. He seized upon a weak defensive header in Sevilla’s penalty area to guide a half-volley perfectly into the lower corner. Diaz along with Mohamed Salah were persistent threats down the wings. The impressive debut performance by Diaz under Slot’s management explained why Liverpool did not aggressively pursue Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who was available in June.
Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, making his first appearance under the Dutch coach after a three-week post-Euro 2024 holiday, remarked on the emphasis on ball control. “We place a lot of attention on the build-up, expecting more of our centre-backs with or without the ball. Our midfielders are pivotal, and the idea is to develop specific patterns based on the opponent’s moves,” Van Dijk said. “We still need a bit of fine-tuning, but we are looking sharp. We also need the same level of flexibility as when Lucho scored his goal.
“When facing a man-to-man scenario, overplaying the first and second line should be considered, followed by sprinting for the second ball. It’s evident we are trying to find a balance and develop specific patterns. Thus far is good, but we need to stay consistent.”
Van Dijk, Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold are Liverpool’s three big names who are in their final contact year. On his contract update, Van Dijk’s response was: “Nothing is changed as of now.”
There were moments when Manager Slot appeared animated when he felt Liverpool were holding the ball too long in their defence. In his perspective, his defence should quickly pass the ball through the lines. Following an early opportunity created by a Jarell Quansah slip that Stanis Idumbo launched over the goal, Liverpool’s one-touch tactic and interaction were largely positive for Anfield’s debut.
The team later played a closed-door friendly against Las Palmas. The second game had Núñez, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Cody Gakpo, Andy Robertson, Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley in the starting squad.
Following his maiden triumph at Anfield, Slot acknowledged the fans behind his bench with a modest wave while humming to a Town Called Malice melody that echoed from the PA. The tradition of locking fists with the Kop may no longer be observed, but the scene of Liverpool maintaining control and securing decisive victories evidently remains.
Van Dijk later expressed their collective ambition, “Our goal is to excel in our capabilities”. He added their endeavour in every contest is to emerge as victors, recognising the near impossibility in achieving such yet still retaining enthusiasm for the forthcoming Premier League kick-off. Van Dijk shared hopes of a gradual settling into the season and suggested the potential necessity for new recruitments given the season’s length. However, he expressed his faith in the club’s off-screen endeavours, trusting the executives to assemble the most formidable squad to face all competitions they partake in.