It’s goodbye for now

“It depends on which half you ask me about,” the Liverpool manager said when asked by TNT Sports about his thoughts on the match. “The first taste in the first half was not as expected they were all on top of us and very aggressive. We couldn’t find the rhythm or the balls in behind. The second half was a joy to watch.

“The first thing I said was we don’t have to speak about tactics if you lose so many duals. Many of us lost too many. We needed to win the long ball through the air to their number nine. That helped. They put so much energy int the first half they were playing all over the pitch one vs one and I don’t think they could keep up with that tempo in the second half.

“We showed them at half-time if a team plays one vs one all over the pitch, do not play the ball short constantly. Play them but fight for it. We lost almost every long ball and very dual. In the second half we were ready and before scoring the first goal we had a very good chance. Then gaps opened up and you could see we can play very good football.

“Our problem was not the midfield in the first half, I was pleased with them, but I saw three or four players come off the bench and they were ready to play. We have many good players but if we can find one more we will do so.

“I believe more in the team than the individual, Mo can score even more goals. The first goal was a good ball from van Dijk, the second from Alisson. So Mo needs the team but we have many great players that can decide the game.

“You saw how close the Premier League was last season, if Son [Hueng-Min] scored for Tottenham against Manchester City we may have had a different champion. He didn’t. We have to make sure we are up there with those teams and that is what we are trying to do.”

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• 17 Aug 2024 – 13:42

 (13:42 GMT)

Nine of the best for Salah

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• 17 Aug 2024 – 13:37

 (13:37 GMT)

Salah says Liverpool must take the pressure off Slot

The Liverpool forward spoke to TNT Sports on the pitch after the game: “It was quite tough. The weather is really warm. It’s a tough team, first game of the season the crowd is always up and push them forward. We knew they hadn’t played in the Premier League for some time so we expected a tough game.”

“It’s different [under Slot] because Klopp was here for eight years. It’s a new manager, and system, and we have to adjust and take it step by step and know his way of football. We don’t need to put pressure on him, we just need to play football and enjoy our games and let’s see in the end.”

On scoring a record ninth goal on the opening day of the Premier League season, the so-named Player of the Match added: “I hope I keep going like this the whole season not just the first game. I just need to score goals and give assists and carry on.”