‘We’ve got your back, Arne’ – Liverpool begin post-Klopp era at Anfield

“From Bergentheim to Anfield, we got your back, Arne,” read a banner held aloft by fans as Arne Slot emerged from the tunnel for his first home game in charge of Liverpool in the Premier League.

By the end of the match, the Dutchman was on the pitch, giving a thumbs up and waving to the supporters who stood to applaud him and his team after their 2-0 victory over Brentford.

There were no fist pumps or exuberant celebrations. The post-Jürgen Klopp era at Anfield began in a calm and composed manner.

“This support is not something we take for granted,” said Slot, who had headed straight for the tunnel after his first league game at Ipswich last week.

At Anfield, in front of a club-record league crowd of 60,107, the 45-year-old seemed very much at home.

“We know it constantly has to be earned and that the only way to do this is by giving absolutely everything we have on and off the pitch,” added Slot

Excitement filled the air as Slot made his debut, with Liverpool’s iconic ground sounding even louder than usual to mark the beginning of the post-Jürgen Klopp era at Anfield.

John W. Henry, who had flown in from Boston for Klopp’s final game in May, was present for Slot’s big moment. Fans waved scarves bearing the former Feyenoord coach’s name in a show of support.

The lively atmosphere persisted after Luis Díaz gave Liverpool the perfect start, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Slot celebrated calmly, exchanging handshakes with his coaching staff.

Though Brentford had their chances to equalize, Mohamed Salah’s second-half goal—his second of the season—allowed Liverpool’s fans and Slot to finally breathe easy.

“Before I arrived I was told Liverpool is a family club and it has definitely lived up to this description in so many ways,” added Slot.

On his first competitive experience of Anfield, Slot added: “The fans loved to see the team playing really well but they also loved to see the team working very hard.

“I liked what I saw, so if I like it then mostly the fans like it. So it was a very good day for us.”

The Slot era has started in solid fashion despite no major signings.

Liverpool have six points, scored four times and have yet to concede. Meanwhile, Salah has two goals and one assist, while Diogo Jota and Diaz each have one goal and one assist.

It means they head to bitter rivals Manchester United next Sunday (16:00 BST) with spirits high.

No one, however, will be getting carried away while many fans are still concerned that Liverpool have not strengthened a squad that fell short in last season’s title race.

“The players came back after three weeks of holiday – and in most cases two weeks before the start of the games – but they came back really strong physically,” added Slot.

“Compliments to the players for how they came back and, like I have said, we haven’t changed much compared to the former regime, so it is not so difficult for them to start playing again.

“That was a very positive thing.”

Liverpool completed 92% of their passes against Brentford, their best passing accuracy in a Premier League game on record since 2003-04.

Against Ipswich they had 50 touches in the opposition box, the most in a manager’s first-ever game in charge in the Premier League since Opta started recording the data in 2008-09.

“To get a great start like this you have to work really hard,” added Slot.

“Yes, it is encouraging. Two good wins against difficult opponents because Brentford had a very good opening game last week, but there is still a lot for us to prove this season.”