Arne Slot has enjoyed an excellent start to life as Liverpool head coach with two wins and two clean sheets but the Dutchman admitted “there’s still a lot for us to prove”.
Luis Diaz finished off a lightning breakaway before Mohamed Salah scored for the second week running as the Reds claimed a 2-0 victory over Brentford in Slot’s first competitive home match.
Having beaten Ipswich by an identical scoreline last week, Slot is satisfied with how his new side have begun their Premier League campaign but accepts tougher tests lie in wait for them.
Next Sunday’s trip to big rivals Manchester United is likely to be the first acid test of Slot’s reign after he succeeded Jurgen Klopp, who stepped down in May after nine successful years at the helm.
“Two good wins against difficult opponents,” Slot said. “Brentford had a very good opening game last week but there’s still a lot for us to prove with the whole season coming up.
“Both Ipswich and Brentford deserve respect for the way they’ve played against us but I’m not expecting the two to be in the top six at the end of the season.
“There’s still a lot to prove for us but it’s always good to start off with two wins and two clean sheets. (The win over Brentford was) positive for many reasons.
“It’s nice to inherit a team and individuals that are so special. It’s not a surprise this team plays like this.”
Slot was given a warm welcome at Anfield and serenaded in the closing stages, with Liverpool owner John W. Henry jetting in from the United States for the occasion.
There were no Klopp fist pumps to the Kop at full-time from Slot, who waved and clapped towards that end after walking onto the pitch at full-time following a job well done.
“The reception of the fans was similar to the reception I got from the people in and around the area and the people that are working for Liverpool,” Slot said.
Two matches, two wins ✅
Virgil van Dijk is focused on creating new memories under Arne Slot at @LFC! pic.twitter.com/szJFioUfwW
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 25, 2024
“I cannot speak for all the managers but maybe all of them would tell you the same – every manager that comes in here feels the warmth of this club and the appreciation of the fans.
“The most important (thing) we have to do as managers is make sure the team plays in a style the fans like to see and that’s what we’re trying and the boys showed that.”
For the second week running, Brentford boss Thomas Frank left out England striker Ivan Toney, whose absence only intensifies links of a switch to Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
Asked if Toney is any closer to a move away from the Bees, with the transfer window set to shut on Friday at 11pm, Frank replied: “I don’t know. He trained the whole week, trained well, a good attitude.
“I’m always happy when the window is shut. Then we don’t have to talk about ifs and buts and when and maybe about a lot of players, and of course, Ivan, it’s all about Ivan.”
Without Toney, Brentford lacked a cutting edge with captain Christian Norgaard failing to hit the target from an unmarked header in front of goal while Nathan Collins was denied by Alisson Becker.
“I thought we went toe-to-toe with Liverpool, especially in the first half, it was very even, which I’m very satisfied with,” Frank added.
“It was probably our best first half here at Anfield in the four years I’ve been here. Liverpool won fair and square but there are definitely things I’m positive about, especially the first 60 minutes.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 9 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker
- 10 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal