Liverpool's Arne Slot Reflects on "Unbelievable" Loss to Forest After Dominant Champions League Victory

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed disbelief following his team’s surprising 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, contrasting it with their commanding 3-1 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League just three days later. Slot described the defeat as a “big setback” but praised his squad’s resilience in their European opener.

“We were 1-0 down early tonight, and you start to wonder how we will react,” Slot said after the match in Milan. “But if you can play so well, it is unbelievable that we lost to Forest at home.” The manager emphasized the stark difference in performance, highlighting the team’s ability to bounce back and deliver a ruthless display against a formidable opponent.

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign kicked off with an impressive showing in Milan, where they quickly recovered from an early goal by Christian Pulisic. Goals from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk put Liverpool ahead, followed by a tap-in from Dominik Szoboszlai after an electrifying run from Cody Gakpo.

Former England striker Alan Shearer, who provided commentary for Amazon Prime, noted the impressive nature of Liverpool’s performance, stating, “[There was] no panic. They believed in themselves and in their game plan. A good night’s work.” This match marked Liverpool’s first European win without Jurgen Klopp at the helm since February 2015, underscoring the significance of Slot’s debut.

Despite the victory, Slot acknowledged the need for patience as the team adjusts to his tactical approach. Former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock highlighted the differences between Slot’s method and Klopp’s more chaotic style, suggesting fans will need time to adapt. Slot appears to favor a more measured, disciplined game akin to that of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed Slot’s sentiments, stating there are “not too many changes” in philosophy between the two managers. “We all know what Jurgen meant for the club, but the new manager has his ideas. We need everyone to be ready and respectful,” he added, emphasizing the importance of squad unity in this transitional phase.

With the Champions League underway, Liverpool will look to build on this momentum as they aim to reconcile their domestic setbacks with their European ambitions.