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Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, has kicked off his Premier League journey with a solid 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, earning high praise from former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
The match, held at Portman Road, saw Liverpool struggle in the first half but dominate in the second to secure all three points.
Slot, who stepped into the challenging role of replacing Jurgen Klopp, faced his first test against newly promoted Ipswich.
While the first half was a tough battle, Liverpool found their stride after the break, with goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah sealing the win.
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Neville highlights Slot’s tactical flexibility
Speaking on ‘Monday Night Football,’ Gary Neville commended Slot’s tactical decisions, particularly his halftime substitution, which seemed to turn the game in Liverpool’s favor.
“I think he was clinical, making the substitution at halftime,” Neville remarked, noting that Slot’s approach to the game showed flexibility and a willingness to adapt.
Neville also pointed out that Slot’s handling of the pressure that comes with following in Klopp’s footsteps was commendable. “Taking over from Jurgen Klopp was a massive job, but a really good start,” Neville added, acknowledging the Dutchman’s calm and decisive management style.
After the match, Slot himself admitted to having mixed feelings about Liverpool’s performance. Speaking to TNT, he said, “The first taste in the first half was maybe as expected, because they were all on top of us and very aggressive.”
Slot emphasized that his team struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but was pleased with the turnaround in the second half. “But the second half was a joy to watch,” he concluded.
As Liverpool fans look forward to the season ahead, Slot’s debut has offered a glimpse of his potential to lead the Reds through this new era. While the first half showed some vulnerabilities, the second-half performance and Slot’s tactical decisions suggest that Liverpool may be in good hands under their new head coach.