Mohamed Salah said Liverpool need to take life under Arne Slot “step by step” after the Dutchman's competitive debut in a hard-earned 2-0 win at newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Talisman Salah set up Diogo Jota in the opening 60th minute at Portman Road and pounced after five minutes to ensure Liverpool's season got off to a winning start despite a first-half display that was criticized by Slot afterwards.
Former Feyenoord boss Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp this summer after the German spent nearly nine years at Anfield, winning every major trophy available to him.
The king of Egypt. It's just amazing. pic.twitter.com/4R55moGwPK
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 17, 2024
Salah: Slot 'new system'
“It's very different because Jurgen was involved [charge] of the club for eight years here at Liverpool,” Salah told TNT Sports, who played his first Liverpool game without the manager who signed him in June 2017.
“He gave everything and now there is a new manager, a new system. It is very different for all of us so we need to adapt. We just take it one step at a time because other players also came back late [for pre-season]so we need to know his style of play and enjoy football.
“There is no need for us to put pressure on him. We just need to play football and enjoy our games and see in the end.”
Liverpool: Ipswich 'difficult'
Ipswich, who were in the third tier two seasons ago, put up a respectable fight back before Salah, top scorer in his seven seasons at Liverpool, helped seal the win.
The Egyptian captain said it was “very difficult” to play against a home team supported by a crowd that was celebrating its first Premier League opening day since 2001.
Diogoal 🐊🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/seK48lEQFd
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 17, 2024
“The weather is really warm today again [Ipswich are] a difficult team,” Salah recalled. “In the first game of the season, the crowd is always up and always pushing them forward.
“We knew [it would be tough] before the game – we've played for many years now in the Premier League so we have that experience.”
Salah's goal vs Ipswich
In his 350th appearance for Liverpool, Salah broke the record shared by Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer by scoring the opening game of the season for the ninth time.
“I hope to continue like this throughout the season, not just the first game. I always try to help the team. The most important thing is that the team wins the game.
“I'm always happy with scoring goals and assists so I have to keep going.”
Liverpool will be playing at home to Brentford on August 25 (4.30pm BST). They then visit Manchester United on September 1 (4pm).
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