Arne Slot shows ruthless streak after Liverpool win before singling out star

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has insisted that he couldn’t be “delighted” with his team’s performance against Bologna, despite their 2-0 victory – before admitting he could only reserve praise for one star.

Liverpool secured their second win in the Champions League campaign, defeating their Serie A opponents at Anfield. This follows their 3-1 triumph over AC Milan last month.

Mohamed Salah set up Alexis Mac Allister for the first goal after 11 minutes and then scored a stunning second goal himself 15 minutes from the end. However, Bologna put up a strong fight, hitting the woodwork twice through Dan Ndoye and forcing Alisson to make an impressive save from Kacper Urbanski.

Slot shared his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the game after the final whistle. When asked by TNT Sports if he was ‘delighted’ with the win, considering it was his eighth victory in his first nine matches in charge – a Liverpool record – he responded negatively.

He replied: “Not many things to be delighted with. Apart from both goals, especially the second one. Great ball from Virgil [Van Dijk], great attack, great run from Trent Alexander-Arnold. It is always difficult to play a team takes that much risk.

“It wasn’t an easy one, in my opinion Bologna made it difficult – similar to Atalanta, man-mark all over the pitch. Wait for the right moment if you play through completely open – it was many times. The last pass could have been better.”

The mood of the Reds manager significantly brightened when he spoke about the brilliant performance of Ryan Gravenberch. tHE Dutchman’s exceptional form in the middle of the pitch continued as he shone brightly yet again.

Slot added: “I was delighted with him. I don’t say that to players at half-time because there is still 45 minutes to go but I said after the game ‘again big performance’. Ryan was again outstanding today.”

Liverpool’s successive victories in the Champions League have positioned them well for progression from the group stage. They head into their next Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday in buoyant mood.