'There's a lot to be admired with how he carries himself'

It’s a new era at Liverpool and fresh starts always bring some level of apprehension, but there is already a lot to be admired in the way the Reds’ new manager Arne Slot carries himself.

While he used his first press conference to show respect to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, he in no way came across as a bootlicker and is very clearly his own man with his own ideas.

While the presence of new sporting director Richard Hughes made it clear that this is going to very much be a team effort, Slot demonstrated through his words that he already has very clear tactical ideas about the way he wants to set his team up, how he expects them to play as a unit, and the specific roles of individuals within that.

That should provide reassurance to both supporters and players who had concerns around anybody within the squad not yet meeting their potential, while Slot was keen to emphasise the importance of him getting to work building a relationship with his new crop of talent.

There weren’t too many crumbs left behind in terms of further recruitment, but given the smoke and mirrors nature behind every transfer these days - particularly within the work behind the scenes in Kirkby - that should come as no real surprise and anybody jumping to conclusions should take a breath first.

It’s a breath of fresh air for a fresh era at Anfield and the atmosphere should be one of optimism about the challenges ahead. As the new man himself said, it’s a great team that knows how to win trophies.

As important as the weight of his words will be the proof in his pudding: putting silverware in our cabinet.

Josh Sexton can be found on the Anfield Wrap