Sevilla’s “Kick Off Times” Dig at Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool Backfires in Arne Slot Masterclass
Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over Sevilla in Arne Slot’s debut match at Anfield, marking a strong end to their pre-season preparations.
Arne Slot, the new head coach of Liverpool, experienced his first game at Anfield on Sunday as the team faced Sevilla. This match was the first of two consecutive games before Liverpool hosted Las Palmas in a closed-door friendly in L4.
The Reds showcased a dominant performance in the first half. Key players like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister, and Luis Diaz made their first starts of the pre-season.
Liverpool quickly established a three-goal lead by halftime, with Diogo Jota breaking the deadlock with a superb left-footed volley, followed by a brace from Colombian forward Luis Diaz.
In the second half, Sevilla reduced the deficit when Gerard Fernandez scored with a curling shot that hit the inside of the post.
However, Liverpool’s two-goal lead was restored shortly after when Trey Nyoni, who had just replaced Diaz, netted a stunning volley in front of the Kop end, concluding the match with a 4-1 scoreline.
Prior to the match, Sevilla’s official X account took a swipe at Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp, referencing Klopp’s previous criticisms of 12:30 pm kick-off times. The tweet stated: “12.30pm kick off at Anfield. Wonder what Jurgen would have made of it.”
The 57-year-old was outspoken about his dissatisfaction with Liverpool’s regular early kick-offs, frequently criticising broadcasters for their continued scheduling of 12:30 pm Saturday games for the Reds.
“How can you put a game like this on Saturday at 12.30pm?” he said in one of his many public statements around early kick-off.
“Honestly, the people making the decisions, they cannot feel football. It is just not possible. This is the moment the world pays the most to see a football game.
“And by the way, the players will all come back on the same plane, all the South American players, picking them up from different countries.
“You have to fight your way through the most difficult league in the world and be ready on Thursday and on Sunday, and Thursday. And if the Premier League has the opportunity to do it, be ready on Saturday at 12.30pm!”
Sevilla’s tweet unfortunately backfired, as Liverpool went on to secure a commanding victory.
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign begins with two early fixtures. They will start their season with an away match at Portman Road against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, followed by a trip to Selhurst Park on October 5 to face Crystal Palace at 12:30 p.m.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Star is Looking “World-class” After 4-1 Win vs Sevilla – Pundit
