Gary Neville gives his verdict on Arne Slot’s Liverpool debut

Arne Slot’s Liverpool debut ended in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, earning praise from former Manchester United defender Gary Neville. Slot, who stepped into the shoes of the legendary Jurgen Klopp, guided the Reds to a solid start in the Premier League.

Liverpool had a mixed first half against the newly promoted Ipswich side, as they were struggling to find their rhythm.

But, the game turned in their favour after halftime, with Diogo Jota breaking the deadlock at the hour mark and Mohamed Salah doubling the lead just five minutes later.

Gary Neville Impressed by Slot’s tactical decisions

Speaking on ‘Monday Night Football,’ Gary Neville highlighted Slot’s tactical flexibility and decision-making during the game. “I think he was clinical, making the substitution at halftime. I don’t have a problem with that, but he was also quite matter of fact about it after the game,” Neville said, acknowledging Slot’s ability to adapt during the match.

Neville also emphasized the significance of Slot’s role in succeeding Klopp, describing it as a “massive job” but noting that Slot had made a “really good start.”

Also Read: Mohamed Salah shatters Premier League record in Liverpool’s opening win

Reflecting on his first game in charge, Slot admitted to TNT that he had mixed feelings about Liverpool’s performance. “Depends on which half you ask me about!” Slot joked, noting the team’s struggles in the first half but praising their dominant display in the second.

Slot credited the halftime adjustments particularly bringing on Ibrahima Konate, as key to regaining control of the match. “We needed Konate to win these long balls in the air towards their No.9 (Delap), so that helped and gave us control,” Slot explained.

Slot concluded by acknowledging Ipswich’s intense first-half performance, saying, “They put so much energy into the first half, running, fighting, playing all over the pitch one v one, and I don’t think they could keep up with that tempo in the second half.”

The win marks a promising start for Slot, who now faces the challenge of maintaining this momentum as Liverpool look to reclaim their place among the Premier League elite.