The Reds got off to the perfect start on the road last weekend, beating Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
But Sunday brings the moment that Arne Slot has been waiting for: his first competitive appearance as Liverpool head coach at Anfield.
Brentford are the opponents on what could be a tricky afternoon for the Reds. Thomas Frank’s team rarely go quietly.
As they welcome Slot to his new home, Liverpool supporters will likely be at their vocal best to cheer their team along. But according to pundit Gary Neville, the noise at Anfield simply isn’t what it once was.
Gary Neville slams Anfield atmosphere
Slot has of course already been on the touchline at his new home stadium. The Dutchman oversaw a 4-1 win over Sevilla two weeks ago.
However, being a pre-season game under the hot August sun, that was a leisurely atmosphere for the Reds to play in, with a family feel in the stands.
Things will be different on Sunday and Liverpool fans will no doubt be ready to throw all of their support behind Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
In the meantime, Slot has been speaking with Jamie Carragher about what to expect from the Anfield crowd on Sunday.
As he often is these days, Neville has also been in conversation with Carragher for Sky Sports Premier League. And – as he usually does – the Man United legend was pushing Carra’s buttons.
“I think Anfield since the new stand has been built, a little bit has gone from it,” Neville posed.
“So those big European nights didn’t count? They had the new stand, 2019,” Carragher hit back.
“Oh we are talking about historically, five years ago? It is not that great any more Anfield, I have been there a lot over the last few years,” Neville concluded.
Is the Anfield atmosphere a thing of the past?
Despite the convictions of Neville, Liverpool’s home is still subject to awe and reverie amongst those who continue to play in it.
The former United right-back doesn’t have far to go if he wants recent testimonies. Marcus Rashford raved about the Anfield atmosphere only 10 days ago.
It must be said that there are times when the stadium is a little too quiet. But that is true of every ground across the world.
When the chips are down and the team really need the supporters to push them through, there is no better atmosphere than Anfield.
Slot will need that this season, just as every Liverpool manager before him has. And he’ll likely get it, too. Don’t write us off just yet, Gary.
