Arne Slot has big shoes to fill at Liverpool because he is replacing the legendary Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout.
But before many can gauge and get to know the new man in Liverpool colours, Gary Neville thinks he has already made a ‘brutal’ call.
Liverpool‘s pre-season went as strong as ever – they won every game – but it has probably been overshadowed by the fact that they are yet to sign a new player.
But still, they faced a tricky and possible upset when they visited Portman Road on Saturday lunchtime to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town for their Premier League opener.
Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0, and in the end, it was a comfortable victory for the team, but they were tested and there were question marks in the first half.
The usual suspects started Slot‘s first game in charge. From Mohamed Salah to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But the Dutchman also made the bold call to select highly-rated youngster, Jarell Quansah, from the off, alongside captain, Virgil van Dijk.
Yet, after only 45 minutes, the Liverpool academy product was being subbed off and the experienced Ibrahima Konate replaced him.
In the end, that change in tactic, which wasn’t down to injury, worked because the away team were far better and like their old selves.
Neville admitted that was ‘quite a tough’ call from Slot and he has already shown the ‘brutal’ side to his management, as he told Sky Sports.
Arne Slot subs off Jarell Quansah
“I thought Arne Slot was quite tough on Quansah,” said Neville to which Peter Drury responded: “Quansah and Konate. That’s a big call, isn’t it? Personally, it is. If you are Jarell Quansah, it feels like a big call.”
Neville added: “It is. I mean subbing someone at half-time is big and I do not think it is done lightly by managers. It was the way after the game as well, he was quite blunt about the way he answered it and there was no holding back.
“So, I think there is an element of him being quite clinical and brutal and he was reacting to the game and what was happening. He felt like they needed to win the duels, that was his main thought behind the decision. It worked, you have to say, Liverpool were a lot better in the second half and it was a good win for them.”
Liverpool’s win at Ipswich
Many stars stood out, with Ian Wright lauding Alexander-Arnold and Michael Owen being impressed by the fitness levels of Mohamed Salah.
The duo played a key role in the opening goal, which got the ball rolling and the Merseyside club just got better and better from then on.
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There is still a long way to go. But these are positive signs. Neville predicted Liverpool to miss out on the top-four this season, with Klopp’s exit and the lack of signings all playing a part.
Liverpool might not be signing a whole army like Chelsea are doing, again, but you wonder if one or two faces can still be signed before the deadline because they could make a world of difference.
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