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Five things Arne Slot got right as Liverpool survive brief European scare against Bologna
Liverpool have claimed another three points in the Champions League as the Reds weathered the storm against Bologna to claim a 2-0 win in Arne Slot's first Anfield European tie
Another game, another test for Arne Slot.
This time it's his first Champions League home game, where the bright lights of Anfield have caused so many to wither down the years. Slot's side were quick out of the blocks and took a deserved lead through Alexis Mac Allister.
Bologna grew into the game, but Liverpool hunkered down and weathered the storm - emerging with a second goal through a spectacular Mohamed Salah. And as Liverpool claim another European win, Daily Star Sport look at what Slot got right...
Liverpool's relentless press
It was almost like watching the Reds' glory days under Jurgen Klopp for the opening few minutes of the game.
Liverpool strangled the Bologna defence, the Italian side could hardly get the ball into their midfield before it was swept up by a sea of red shirts - and Slot's side deservedly took the lead at a canter through Alexis Mac Allister.
The English side should probably have had more, as they outran, outclassed and outworked Bologna - who were reduced to looking like a pub team for large parts of the opening period.
Hooking Darwin Nunez
We're almost approaching last chance saloon time for Darwin Nunez's career at Liverpool.
He's in his third season at the Reds - and fans are starting to turn on the man they once harboured high hopes. "Another s*** Nunez performance - he is not good enough," one fan fumed as another added: "We've got to be looking at a new striker for Jan/summer. Nunez doesn't seem to fit Slot's style."
Nunez was too rash on the ball, and didn't offer anything in the build-up before he was hooked for Diogo Jota on the hour mark.
Getting the best out of Ryan Gravenberch
There are few better players on the European stage than Ryan Gravenberch at the minute.
The ex-Ajax man looked out of his depth last season, but he's been a player transformed this campaign. Wednesday evening was no different, he was at his commanding best at the heart of Liverpool's midfield - controlling the game at times it looked to be escaping the Reds.
"What has Arne Slot done to Ryan Gravenberch," one fan questioned. While a second said: "Ryan Gravenberch is so good... he's transformed to a different player than last season!"
Rotating the attacking line
Slot has a tough job on his hands, keeping all his attacking players happy.
Mohamed Salah is almost undroppable, Cody Gakpo was one of the standout players at Euro 2024, Luis Diaz is one of the best dribblers on the planet, Diogo Jota is clinical and Darwin Nunez shows flashes of brilliance. All five had time on the pitch on Wednesday evening.
“That’s the positive thing about playing so many games, that these players will always play a lot of games," Slot hinted ahead of the game. "I think they understand they can’t play every game unless it is absolutely necessary."
The Mohamed Salah debate
There was a world in which Mohamed Salah left Liverpool over the summer.
It looked almost nailed on after his bust-up with Jurgen Klopp, but Salah was convinced to stay for one more season - with his contract due up in the summer. The Egyptian was at his brilliant best on Wednesday evening.
His assist for Alexis Mac Alister's opener was incredible, but his goal to put the clash beyond any doubt was breathtaking.
Daily Star Sunday
Liverpool have claimed another three points in the Champions League as the Reds weathered the storm against Bologna to claim a 2-0 win in Arne Slot's first Anfield European tie
Another game, another test for Arne Slot.
This time it's his first Champions League home game, where the bright lights of Anfield have caused so many to wither down the years. Slot's side were quick out of the blocks and took a deserved lead through Alexis Mac Allister.
Bologna grew into the game, but Liverpool hunkered down and weathered the storm - emerging with a second goal through a spectacular Mohamed Salah. And as Liverpool claim another European win, Daily Star Sport look at what Slot got right...
Liverpool's relentless press
It was almost like watching the Reds' glory days under Jurgen Klopp for the opening few minutes of the game.
Liverpool strangled the Bologna defence, the Italian side could hardly get the ball into their midfield before it was swept up by a sea of red shirts - and Slot's side deservedly took the lead at a canter through Alexis Mac Allister.
The English side should probably have had more, as they outran, outclassed and outworked Bologna - who were reduced to looking like a pub team for large parts of the opening period.
Hooking Darwin Nunez
We're almost approaching last chance saloon time for Darwin Nunez's career at Liverpool.
He's in his third season at the Reds - and fans are starting to turn on the man they once harboured high hopes. "Another s*** Nunez performance - he is not good enough," one fan fumed as another added: "We've got to be looking at a new striker for Jan/summer. Nunez doesn't seem to fit Slot's style."
Nunez was too rash on the ball, and didn't offer anything in the build-up before he was hooked for Diogo Jota on the hour mark.
Getting the best out of Ryan Gravenberch
There are few better players on the European stage than Ryan Gravenberch at the minute.
The ex-Ajax man looked out of his depth last season, but he's been a player transformed this campaign. Wednesday evening was no different, he was at his commanding best at the heart of Liverpool's midfield - controlling the game at times it looked to be escaping the Reds.
"What has Arne Slot done to Ryan Gravenberch," one fan questioned. While a second said: "Ryan Gravenberch is so good... he's transformed to a different player than last season!"
Rotating the attacking line
Slot has a tough job on his hands, keeping all his attacking players happy.
Mohamed Salah is almost undroppable, Cody Gakpo was one of the standout players at Euro 2024, Luis Diaz is one of the best dribblers on the planet, Diogo Jota is clinical and Darwin Nunez shows flashes of brilliance. All five had time on the pitch on Wednesday evening.
“That’s the positive thing about playing so many games, that these players will always play a lot of games," Slot hinted ahead of the game. "I think they understand they can’t play every game unless it is absolutely necessary."
The Mohamed Salah debate
There was a world in which Mohamed Salah left Liverpool over the summer.
It looked almost nailed on after his bust-up with Jurgen Klopp, but Salah was convinced to stay for one more season - with his contract due up in the summer. The Egyptian was at his brilliant best on Wednesday evening.
His assist for Alexis Mac Alister's opener was incredible, but his goal to put the clash beyond any doubt was breathtaking.
Daily Star Sunday