Slot after Salah’s Record-Breaking Goal: I’m Not a Believer in One-Man Stars

Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, said it was great to watch his team in the second half during their 2-0 win over Ipswich Town in the opening match of the Premier League season, as the Dutch coach began his tenure with a victory on Saturday.

After a tough first half against the newly promoted side, Liverpool delivered a stellar performance after the break at Portman Road to secure an easy win, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.

Slot, who replaced manager Jürgen Klopp, became the second manager to start his Premier League journey with a win for Liverpool in the Premier League era, after Gérard Houllier in August 1998 when he managed the team jointly with Roy Evans.

Slot told TNT Sports, “The first experience in the Premier League was as we expected in the first half… but watching the second half was enjoyable. I think we needed to win the long balls. That helped us and gave us control. I didn’t think Ipswich could keep up with the pace in the second half. In the second half, the players were ready, and things opened up, and we saw our ability to play very good football.”

Salah became the highest scorer in the Premier League’s opening round, with nine goals after scoring the goal that secured the win.

Salah, 32, scored a goal and provided an assist, indicating that he will play a pivotal role again for any hopes of Liverpool winning the title. But Slot doesn’t believe his team will rely heavily on the club’s third-highest scorer in history.

Slot added, “I don’t believe much in a one-man star. I believe in the team more than the individual. He can score goals thanks to good passes and assists. I think Mohamed also needs the team, but we also have more creative individuals who can decide the game.”