Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has called new boss Arne Slott's style of play “really exciting” but said his Reds side had to “forget” the ideas introduced by his predecessor Jurgen Klopp in his last two seasons in charge.
Slot officially took over on June 1, succeeding Klopp after the German opted to end a tenure that began in October 2015.
“It's very different for obvious reasons – new management, new staff, new way of playing,” Elliott told LiverpoolFC.com.
Slick 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/teZkAgGpDI
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 24, 2024
“We are all trying to get our heads together. But for a few weeks now, we've played a [training] game back at Liverpool and I feel the boys are doing really well.
“Especially in the way of playing, it's a lot of fun to play and it's a new skill to learn. It's a great opportunity to learn things and learn different things. Doing it here, it's great.”
Liverpool will 'do well' under Slot
Klopp is known as a pioneer of gegenpressing – winning the ball as high up the pitch as possible with a strong, counter-attacking style also known as heavy metal football.
Slot's style from his successful spell at Eredivisie side Feyenoord is not entirely the same, but Liverpool's players have agreed a change is needed.
“It's one of those things where you need to forget what you've learned in the past few years and learn new things,” Elliott said.
“That's football. You're always learning, you always have to change and become a better player, a better person.
“We have to continue to listen to the staff and the manager, and make sure we implement it in games and training. I'm sure we'll be fine.”
The Reds play Stateside tonight 🙌🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/opi63majXb
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 26, 2024
Slot vs Klopp: 'Everyone is happy'
Two of Elliott's teammates also discussed Slot's ways during their pre-season tour of the US. “It's a little different – the way we play, the way we play, the way we play with the ball and the ball,” Dominik Szoboszlai told the club.
“Everyone is new to the coaching staff. We already know them but so far I think everyone is excited about it and looking forward. It's intense but we have a lot to do and we have to strengthen in the season as well.”
Curtis Jones described the Dutchman Slot as “amazing”. “That's probably the happiest I've been in terms of the style of play that suits me,” Jones added earlier this week.
I love you, Curtis 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/u0YBOiWWb4
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 26, 2024
“It is a clear program in training and you participate fully, we train a lot. Great for fine details. He has a certain way of playing – he knows it will take time as it is a big change, but he and his staff are disappointed because they know the quality is there.
“Before it was a rush to get the ball back – very straight, up and down, up and down. Now we want to have all the ball and kill the team completely.”
Liverpool fixtures: Betis on US tour
The first game of the host slot will be against Spanish side Real Betis on Saturday in Pittsburgh (12.30am BST).
They will then face Arsenal in Pennsylvania on August 1 (12.30am) and Manchester United in North Carolina on August 4 (12.45am).
The Reds host Spanish visitors Sevilla at Anfield on August 11 (12.30pm) before traveling to Ipswich Town on August 17 (12.30pm) for their first Premier League game.
The game against the newly promoted side at Portman Road will be Slott's first competitive game as manager in England.
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