'We've got your back, Arne' - Liverpool begin post-Klopp era at Anfield

"From Bergentheim to Anfield, we got your back Arne," read the banner fans held aloft - referencing Arne Slot's birthplace - as he walked out of the tunnel for his first Liverpool Premier League home game in charge.

By the end, the Dutchman was on the pitch giving a thumbs up and waving as supporters gave him and his team a standing ovation following a 2-0 win over Brentford.

No fist pumps. No running around in excitement.

The post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield started in understated fashion.

"This support is not something we take for granted," said Slot, who had headed straight for the tunnel after his first league game at Ipswich last week.

At Anfield, in front of a club-record league crowd of 60,107, the 45-year-old seemed very much at home.

"We know it constantly has to be earned and that the only way to do this is by giving absolutely everything we have on and off the pitch," added Slot.

Arne Slot is the third manager to win both of his first two top-flight matches in charge of Liverpool while seeing his side also keep a clean sheet in each, after Matt McQueen in 1923 and Graeme Souness in 1991

Becoming part of the family

There was an air of excitement for Slot's welcome, with Liverpool's famous ground at times sounding even louder than usual for the start of the post-Klopp era at Anfield.

John W Henry flew in from Boston for Klopp's final game in charge in May and the Liverpool owner was here for Slot's big moment, while fans twirled scarves with the former Feyenoord coach's name on them.

The boisterous atmosphere continued after Luis Diaz gave his side the perfect start with a lovely finish following a swift counter-attack, which Slot calmly celebrated by bumping the hands of his coaching staff.

Brentford had good chances of their own to equalise but when Mohamed Salah scored his second goal of the season in the second-half, Liverpool's fans and Slot were able to relax.

"Before I arrived I was told Liverpool is a family club and it has definitely lived up to this description in so many ways," added Slot.

On his first competitive experience of Anfield, Slot added: "The fans loved to see the team playing really well but they also loved to see the team working very hard.

"I liked what I saw, so if I like it then mostly the fans like it. So it was a very good day for us."

New regime, same expectations

Slot's Feyenoord gained success in the Eredivisie by playing an energetic brand of football.

The Slot era has started in solid fashion despite no major signings.

Liverpool have six points, scored four times and have yet to concede. Meanwhile, Salah has two goals and one assist, while Diogo Jota and Diaz each have one goal and one assist.

It means they head to bitter rivals Manchester United next Sunday (16:00 BST) with spirits high.

No one, however, will be getting carried away, while many fans are still concerned that Liverpool have not strengthened a squad that fell short in last season's title race.

"The players came back after three weeks of holiday - and in most cases two weeks before the start of the games - but they came back really strong physically," added Slot.

"Compliments to the players for how they came back and, like I have said, we haven't changed much compared to the former regime, so it is not so difficult for them to start playing again.

"That was a very positive thing."

Slotting in well

Liverpool completed 92% of their passes against Brentford, their best passing accuracy in a Premier League game on record since 2003-04.

Against Ipswich they had 50 touches in the opposition box, the most in a manager’s first-ever game in charge in the Premier League since Opta started recording the data in 2008-09.

"To get a great start like this you have to work really hard," added Slot.

"Yes, it is encouraging. Two good wins against difficult opponents because Brentford had a very good opening game last week, but there is still a lot for us to prove this season."

Stretching back into last season, Liverpool have won three consecutive Premier League games without conceding for the first time since May 2023.