Arne Slot became the first Liverpool manager to win eight of his opening nine matches as Mohamed Salah‘s brilliant strike sealed a 2-0 victory against Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday. Slot has made a flying start to his reign after replacing Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s second successive victory in this season’s Champions League was another landmark moment for the Dutchman. Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead in the first half at Anfield and Salah bagged his 49th Champions League goal in the closing stages.

Already sitting top of the Premier League six matches into the season, the understated Slot has deftly ensured Liverpool haven’t missed a beat since the end of Klopp’s successful reign.

Even Klopp, Kenny Dalglish, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley were unable to muster as many wins at the start of their spells in charge of the Reds.

“It’s hardly impossible to do something special at this club. It says a lot about how we started, how the players bought into it and the effort put in,” Slot said.

“We’ve kept many things the same, the players were very happy with former regimes. It’s nice to start this way, that’s clear.”

Liverpool began their European campaign with a 3-1 win against AC Milan and this was another confident display in Slot’s first taste of a Champions League evening at Anfield.

Slot, who managed in the Champions League with Feyenoord, said he wanted to create a “special night” and the history-making win surely lived up to that billing.

Klopp led Liverpool to the Champions League crown in 2019 and also reached the 2018 and 2022 finals, producing countless iconic moments in the process.

Slot’s assured start already has the six-time kings of Europe dreaming of another memorable Champions League campaign.

“It wasn’t an easy one, in my opinion Bologna made it difficult. The last pass could have been better,” Slot said.

“Overall a good result but I wouldn’t use the world ‘delighted’ myself.

“There are even more difficult fixtures coming up, starting on Saturday when we play a 12.30pm kick-off (at Crystal Palace) after a Wednesday evening Champions League game.”

Bologna, surprise qualifiers for the Champions League after a 60-year absence, competed gamely but couldn’t find the finishing touch to produce a fairytale upset.

– Mac Allister makes point –

Liverpool quickly seized the momentum and by the 11th minute they had the lead.

Mac Allister had spoken this week of his pleasure at being given more freedom by Slot’s tactics than he enjoyed in Klopp’s more rigid system.

And the Argentine underlined the point as he started the move that led to Liverpool’s opener and finished it with a perfectly-timed run into the Bologna area to meet Salah’s cross with a close-range strike.

Mac Allister’s energetic burst from midfield also served as a rebuke to his team-mates after his low ‘pace’ rating in the new EA FC video game became a source of amusement at the club’s training ground.

Dominik Szoboszlai should have doubled Liverpool’s advantage but the Hungarian fired just wide from Salah’s cross.

Back as Liverpool’s central striker after missing last weekend’s win at Wolves due to illness, Darwin Nunez couldn’t find the accuracy to beat Lukasz Skorupski after bearing down on the Bologna keeper.

Liverpool’s dominance suddenly drained away as Bologna awoke from their slumber and threatened a surprise equaliser.

Riccardo Orsolini’s goal-bound header was blocked by his own team-mate before Dan Ndoye’s fierce drive smacked off the woodwork.

Pouncing on a mistake by Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kacper Urbanski’s strike forced a fine save from Alisson Becker.

Alisson had scramble across to keep out Orsolini’s free-kick early in the second half.

But Liverpool gradually regained control and Salah went close with a curler from the edge of the area.

Salah delivered the knockout blow in the 75th minute as the Egyptian scored for the sixth time this term.

He cut in from the right flank, glided past Juan Miranda with ease and curled a superb strike into the far corner from 18 yards.

Arne Slot passed his first major examination as Liverpool manager with a statement 3-0 win at Manchester United thanks to Luis Diaz‘s double and a Mohamed Salah strike on Sunday. Slot has the unenviable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp but has made a perfect start with a 100 percent record from three Premier League games to sit alongside Manchester City at the top of the table. “I think everything you want to see as a manager you saw in this game,” said Slot.

A second consecutive defeat leaves United boss Erik ten Hag already under pressure just three games into the new season.

The Dutchman survived an internal review at the end of last season after overseeing the club’s worst ever Premier League finish of eighth.

A shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City saved Ten Hag’s job and offered hope for a fresh start, particularly after being backed with a 200 million pounds ($262 million) spend in the transfer market.

But all the hallmarks of United’s failings last season were exposed by the impressive visitors.

“It’s not like I’m Harry Potter,” said Ten Hag.”We just had a third game in the season and again we have to build a new team.

“We will be fine. It’s clear we have to improve but at the end of the season I’m quite confident that we will have a big chance to lift another trophy.”

Casemiro was the fall guy for the home side as the Brazilian was at fault for both Diaz’s goals and hooked off at half-time in favour of youngster Toby Collyer.

United paraded new 42 million pounds signing Manuel Ugarte before kick-off and must now hope the Uruguayan can have a transformational impact to shore up the midfield.

Liverpool, by contrast, did not delve into the market for a defensive midfielder and Slot’s decision to move Ryan Gravenberch into that role has proved an inspired early decision.

Despite Liverpool’s ascendency over United during Klopp’s reign, the German managed to win only two of his 11 away games against United.

This time Liverpool were ruthless and could easily have matched their record 5-0 victory away to United in 2021.

Salah’s swansong season?

United had been handed an early reprieve when Trent Alexander-Arnold fired in Diaz’s deflected cross but the ball had struck Salah, who was in an offside position, on its way through to the right-back.

Casemiro had looked more like his old self in the opening matches of the campaign after struggling badly last season.

But the five-time Champions League winner had another afternoon that suggested his time at this level may now be over.

The former Real Madrid midfielder’s slack pass was pounced on by Gravenberch who fed Salah and his dinked cross was headed in by Diaz at the back post.

Ten Hag’s men collapsed once the second goal went in three minutes before half-time.

Casemiro was caught in possession by Diaz, who then raced into the box to sweep home Salah’s cross.

Salah got his customary goal against United on 56 minutes to rub salt in the home side’s wounds.

The Egyptian’s stunning finish from Dominik Szoboszlai‘s pass was his 15th goal in 16 meetings against the Red Devils, including at least one in each of his last seven appearances at Old Trafford.

However, he again hinted this season could be his last for Liverpool with less than 12 months left to run on his contract.

“I was coming to the game, (thinking) it could be the last time (playing at Old Trafford),” Salah told Sky Sports.

“I had a good summer and had a long time to myself to try to stay positive because as you know it’s my last year at the club.

“I just want to enjoy it and I don’t want to think about it.”

Arsenal have been tipped as the side most likely to dethrone City as champions after four consecutive titles for Pep Guardiola’s men.

But Liverpool could have done little more in the early weeks of the campaign to dispell any doubts they remain contenders even without Klopp at the helm.

Manchester United were stunned by Brighton and Hove Albion last week.© AFP

Mohamed Salah is one of the Premier League’s modern greats. The Egyptian forward recently crossed 300 goal contributions for Liverpool, in just 350 games. Now, despite being 32, Salah scores and assists in bunches each season. With Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool era coming to an end, Salah is helping guide the club under new manager Arne Slot. Salah, in an interview with Star Sports, discussed this, as well the aura of Anfield, his link-up with Darwin Nunez, the toughest fullback he’s faced, and much more.

So first of all, thank you for doing this. A big hello from India. And you know, first things first, a very important question. We know you’re a cat person. What’s the name of your pets?

Salah: Bose and Scrub. And don’t ask me why, because I didn’t choose the names. The kids chose them. So, brilliant names.

Okay, so now to the less serious issues. You’ve got a big game against United coming up. Do you prepare differently, or do you treat it like just another game?

Salah: No, I treat it as another game. All the games are very important, but of course, I’m aware of how big this game is. I’m aware of how important it is for the fans, for everybody at the club, and in the city as well. If you treat it differently, you’re going to put more pressure on yourself. So, even when I know it’s different, I just try to treat it normally and go into the game and see.

Great. You started the season very well, scoring in both games. What’s the secret to your consistency? Because consistency is your second name. So what’s the secret behind it?

Salah: I just try to focus on my career and do the right things all the time. I try to enjoy my football because this is what I love to do. I’ve worked very, very hard to get where I am now. So, I don’t take anything for granted. I just want to enjoy my football and play.

How has it been working under the new manager so far? It’s quite a big managerial change because you’re coming from a huge manager.

Salah: So far, it’s so good. We’ve won two games. Everything’s good. Everybody’s happy. Of course, it’s a bit different between him and Jürgen. So, we adapted to his style, and I think it’s working well. Hopefully, we keep doing that.

Great. Now, let’s take you back to your childhood a bit. Was there any player you modeled your game on?

Salah: No, I don’t know. But when I was young, I watched the Champions League a lot, and I loved Ronaldo and Zidane. I watched them all the time, and Totti. I always wanted to meet them one day. Yeah, that’s what comes to mind about my childhood.

Is it true that your friend was supposed to get scouted in a game where you got scouted by mistake? And what’s your first memory of watching Liverpool?

Salah: Yes, it is true. I think, I’m not sure, but I think it was the Champions League final, the Istanbul final. So I gave them good luck. They came back and won the Champions League.

Opposition players often talk about the aura of Anfield and how they get intimidated. How does Anfield affect a Liverpool player?

Salah: Oh, a lot. It helps us a lot to win games. You feel the fans are always behind you. They give you an extra push every game. We love playing at home and just enjoy it a lot.

You’re a great goal scorer, and there are lots of strikers around the world. For you, what is that one key quality that separates a great goal scorer from another striker?

Salah: I think you just need to focus on the game all the time because sometimes you’re not having a good game, or you’re not at your best. The difference between one and the other is staying in the game and focusing until the last second. I think that’s what makes the difference.

Is there a quality you would still like to add to your game? You’re already one of the legends of Liverpool, but is there something you’d still like to improve?

Salah: I don’t know. Maybe headers. But I’m always ready to practice with my right foot. I think the headers-I don’t score much with my head. So, fingers crossed, I’m going to score headers in the next game, hopefully.

You’ve struck quite a nice combination with Darwin Nunez. What’s the secret behind that chemistry? How does it work between you and Nunez?

Salah: I think Darwin is a very, very good player. He has different qualities than what we’ve had through the years. He loves the ball in space and likes to do different things. He knows I really look for that, and that’s why when you watch Darwin, he gives me 90 percent of the balls and makes the run. I know his game, and that’s why sometimes he struggles when I’m not playing because you need players who understand his game very well. But he’s a great player, and I know how to find him.

What do you enjoy more, being Salah the goal scorer or Salah the playmaker? And which one is a little tougher?

Salah: When you ask me to do both, that’s quite tough. But I always try to do both because that’s very important. I think most of the years I’ve been here in Liverpool, I’ve scored goals and assisted more than anyone in the same year. Assists are also very important to me. So, I always try to do both. I wouldn’t choose one above the other.

You’re in great shape, as your Instagram suggests. So, what’s the secret behind your fitness? What’s your fitness regime?

Salah: I think I’m just addicted to my work. That’s why I keep working almost every day, twice a day. I eat the right things most of the time, and I just do the right things. There’s no secret. You just work hard, eat well, and everything will fall into place.

We’ll do some quick questions now. We know you’re fond of chess. Who is your favorite chess player?

Salah: I would say I like Kasparov and Bobby Fischer, but I would say the best could be Magnus.

You play a lot of online chess, right? Do people know who they are playing with?

Salah: No.

Have you tried to fool them by saying who you are?

Salah: Yeah, they ask me because it’s my name, but I say yes, and they don’t believe me, so I just go with it.

Sticking to chess, football at times is a bit like chess. Do you associate yourself with any one chess piece, like the rook, the king, or the queen?

Salah: No, I don’t think about it that much.

A tough choice now. What’s your best goal for Liverpool so far?

Salah: I think the best goal would be against Man City at home.

Your best game in a Liverpool shirt?

Salah: Roma at home, I think. Or United away when I scored a hat-trick.

This is a tough one. Best shirt swap? Who do you love swapping shirts with?

Salah: A player, you mean? Yeah, I don’t know. There are too many players I’d love to swap with, but I haven’t done it yet. But I mean, when someone wants to swap, I do it for sure, but there’s nobody in particular that comes to mind.

Is there one person whose jersey you would really like to have? Anyone currently playing?

Salah: Of course, there are a few I’d love. Totti-I have his shirt because we played together. Stevie-I have his shirt. I would say Ronaldo.

Fantastic. And this is a really tough one. Your favorite celebration: the yoga pose, the bow and arrow, or the stretched arms?

Salah: The yoga pose.

What inspired the bow and arrow celebration?

Salah: I was watching the UFC. My father was watching the UFC, and I think Pereira was fighting that night and lost. And yeah, someone actually did a celebration for him.

Apart from your celebration, do you like any other player’s celebration?

Salah: I think Cristiano’s. I like it a lot. That one.

Maybe you should try it out sometime. Who’s the toughest full-back or defender you’ve faced so far?

Salah: Oh, there’s many, really. Luke Shaw is one of the toughest. There are many players who are really tough. The Premier League is always tough.

Your dream strike partner-can be a legend, can be anyone?

Salah: I would say, again, Ronaldo because when I was growing up, I loved Ronaldo.

What do you think of India when someone mentions India? What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Salah: The Taj Mahal, I think. That’s the first thing that comes to mind.

Any plans to visit it?

Salah: Yeah, of course, for sure. I will visit one day, for sure.

Lastly, a message for all your fans across India, especially the Liverpool fans who worship you.

Salah: I would say thank you very much for your support. It means a lot to us. Keep supporting us because we really love India, and I personally would love to visit one day, for sure.

Arne Slot enjoyed a winning bow as Liverpool boss at Anfield with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah scoring in a 2-0 win over Brentford on Sunday. The Reds join Manchester City, Arsenal and Brighton as the only sides with maximum points from two games of the new Premier League season. Tougher tests lie ahead of Slot in his daunting task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp, starting with a visit to Manchester United next weekend. But the early signs are positive for the Dutchman as his side are yet to concede and showcased their wealth of attacking options, spearheaded by Salah.

“Most players are quite used to what we want because it is not too different to what Jurgen did in the past,” said Slot after building on an opening weekend win at Ipswich.

“We still have to prove a lot against teams that can end up in the top six.”

Slot is expected to instill a more possession-focused approach than the one adopted by Klopp in his near nine years in charge.

However, Liverpool’s opener was straight out of the Klopp copybook.

From a Brentford corner, Salah released Diogo Jota, who timed his pass perfectly into Diaz to charge through on goal and fire into the top corner on 13 minutes.

Thereafter there were only flashes of the football Slot is hoping to bring in the first half.

Brentford were again missing Ivan Toney, who is expected to leave the club before Friday’s transfer deadline.

But the Bees still posed a threat without the England striker and should have levelled 10 minutes into the second half.

Nathan Collins met Mathias Jensen’s enticing cross with a bullet header that Alisson Becker did brilliantly to parry.

That warning awoke Liverpool from their slumber early in the second period.

Collins made a goal-saving block moments later to deny Jota turning in Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s low cross.

Vitaly Janelt was next to get a vital foot in to prevent Salah rounding off a slick team move.

Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken then produced a brilliant stop to turn Diaz’s powerful effort behind.

As is so often the case, the Reds had to turn to Salah to provide the clinical finish to finally make the points safe.

The impressive Diaz this time bagged the assist and the Egyptian managed to time his run perfectly to remain onside and dink the ball over Flekken.

“In the first half there is more energy in the other team, then in the second half it eventually leads to gaps that open up,” added Slot.

“In the end Brentford didn’t have the legs anymore to defend us.”

Slot was serenaded in the closing stages by the 60,000 crowd chanting his name — as they had been instructed to do by Klopp at his farewell in May.

For much of last season Liverpool looked on course to give Klopp a glorious goodbye as they rivalled City and Arsenal for the title until falling away in the final weeks of the season.

There has been much consternation among the Liverpool support at the lack of a single new signing heading into the final week of the transfer window to strengthen that squad.

But they look best placed of the rest to push City and Arsenal again if there is to be a three-way battle for the title.