Despite their strong start to the Premier League season, Liverpool still have “a lot to prove”, says new head coach Arne Slot.
With goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brentford, the Dutchman continued his perfect record as head coach of the Reds, which dates back to last week’s opening day win over Ipswich Town.
Slot’s team have yet to concede a goal this season and scored four goals in return, making him the first Liverpool manager since April 1991 to win his first two league games as manager.
But Slot is aware that it is still too early to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Jürgen Klopp.
He told BBC Sport: “The fans loved that the team played really well, but they also loved that the team worked so hard.”
“I liked what I saw. And if I like it, then the fans will like it.
“We won again against Ipswich, against Brentford. Two good teams, but I don’t expect them to be in the top six next year. So we still have a lot to prove in the coming weeks and months.”
Liverpool’s attempts to extend their lead against the Bees were thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who saved six shots, but Slot was quick to highlight his side’s defensive stability, which restricted Brentford to just 0.36 expected goals (xG).
“The most important thing is that we didn’t concede many goals,” said the former Feyenoord coach.
“The only big chance we conceded was a set piece and that’s always so difficult when you play against Brentford. They can be dangerous in many ways but one of them is certainly set pieces and we kept them under control quite well apart from that one moment.”
Slot also praised many of his players for returning from holiday in good physical shape, which he believes has been one of the main reasons why Liverpool have won two out of two games so far.
“The players came back after three weeks of vacation and in most cases two weeks before the start of the game, but they came back very strong physically,” he said.
“Compliments to the players for their comeback. As I said, we haven’t changed much compared to the old regime, so it’s not that difficult for them to play again. It was a very positive thing.”
Slot faces his biggest test as Liverpool manager next week when the Reds travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
