Liverpool manager Arne Slot couldn’t hide his delight after his team’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Dutch coach acknowledged the historical significance of defeating the 14-time champions, who had long been a thorn in Liverpool’s side.

“It’s very special to beat a team that has won so many Champions Leagues. They’ve been a constant obstacle for Liverpool over the years. This is a very important week, and it’s been a pleasure to watch the team today,” Slot said after the triumph at Anfield.

Room for Improvement

Despite the impressive result, Slot insisted there’s still work to do:
“Every time Madrid created danger, it was because of our own mistakes. I think we can play with more intensity and be better with the ball,” he noted.

Slot has already made a historic start to his Liverpool tenure, earning 31 out of 36 points in the Premier League and maintaining a perfect 15 points in the Champions League group stage.

“I didn’t set a specific points target at the start. My focus was on implementing the playing style as quickly as possible. It wasn’t hard because it’s not too different from Jürgen [Klopp]'s. It’s amazing to see how both starters and substitutes have embraced the expectations. If you’d asked me at the start of the season, I wouldn’t have imagined having this many points,” Slot confessed.

Understanding Missed Penalties

Commenting on the missed penalties by Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah, Slot showed empathy for both players:
“It’s proof that they’re human. In Mbappé’s case, Kelleher was fantastic. He’s done an incredible job during this period without Alisson,” Slot praised, highlighting the contributions of Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper.

A New Era for Liverpool

This victory not only cements Liverpool’s position as group leaders in the Champions League’s revamped format but also underscores the team’s confidence under Slot’s guidance. With a blend of tactical excellence and player support, Slot is carving a promising path forward for the Reds.