Slot happy but not delighted after record-breaking win over Bologna

Arne Slot admitted he was happy after Liverpool’s victory over Bologna in the Champions League but refused to heap too much praise on his players. 

Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah found the net to give the Reds a 2-0 victory and continue Liverpool’s impressive start to life under Slot. 

On his first European night at Anfield, the Liverpool boss made history by becoming the first manager in the club’s history to win eight of his opening nine matches. 

But Slot was quick to point out that victory was far from straightforward and said his team can still improve. 

“It was not an easy one in my opinion,” he told TNT Sports. “Bologna made it difficult, similar to Atalanta last season. 

“It’s always difficult to play against a team that takes that much risk and is constantly on top of you. 

“I don’t know if there were many things I was delighted with. But we scored two very good goals, especially the second one. 

“It was a great ball from Virgil [Van Dijk], great overlapping run from Trent [Alexander-Arnold]. 

“So overall a good result but I wouldn’t use the word delighted.”

Only one manager in Liverpool’s history has won 8 of their 9 opening games.

Arne Slot 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xPVoGYQ65j

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 2, 2024

Slot did, however, single out his compatriot Ryan Gravenberch, who again impressed at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield. 

“I don’t tell my players I am delighted with them at half time because there is 45-minutes to go,” said Slot. 

“But after the game I said to him, again, it was a big performance. He played really well. He was outstanding today.”

The win moves Liverpool up to fifth in the new-look Champions League table, while domestically they currently sit top of the Premier League. 

Despite the record-breaking win, Slot played down the achievement, choosing instead to look ahead to a tricky run of games in October that sees Liverpool play both Chelsea and Arsenal. 

“It’s hardly impossible to do something special at this club,” Slot added. 

“But it says a lot about how much the players have bought into it, how much effort they put in and how much the staff have helped me to create this start. 

“Even more difficult fixtures are coming up, starting on Saturday when we play a 12:30 kick-off after playing on a Wednesday evening. But it’s nice to start this way.”

Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday in the Premier League. 

Their next Champions League fixture comes away at RB Leipzig in two weeks time.