Liverpool's Arne Slot 'proud' of AC Milan win after being shocked by Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed disbelief at his team's recent inconsistency, noting how their dominant performance against AC Milan in the Champions League contrasted sharply with a surprise defeat to Nottingham Forest just days earlier.

After suffering a shock 1-0 home loss to Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, Liverpool bounced back impressively with a commanding 3-1 victory over AC Milan in their first Champions League match of the season. Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai all scored to help them open the European season with a bang after an early goal from Christian Pulisic in the third minute for Milan.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after the Milan match, Slot reflected on the stark difference in performances, stating, "Losing on Saturday was a blow, and when you go 1-0 down early tonight, you wonder how the team will respond. However, if you can play like this, it is hard to believe that we lost at home to Forest. Slot, who was managing Liverpool in Europe for the first time, avoided labeling the Forest defeat as a "disgrace" but emphasized his surprise at the team’s ability to recover so convincingly in Milan.

Liverpool’s assured performance in Italy was a welcome response to the Forest loss, which Slot previously described as a "big setback" and a “honeymoon-ending” moment. After some initial pressure and a shaky start in Milan, Liverpool soon got into their stride, playing their high pressing game, and catching the Italians flatfooted in some dangerous areas.

Mohamed Salah led Liverpool's front line with 2 shots off the bar in the first half, but AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was forced to make several saves, including a couple of denials on Cody Gakpo. However, Liverpool's pressure paid off when Konate and Van Dijk both found the back of the net with towering headers in the first half. Szoboszlai added a third goal, finishing off a swift move sparked by a powerful Gakpo run, sealing the victory.

This result marked a significant moment for Liverpool, as it was their first European win without former manager Jurgen Klopp at the helm since Brendan Rodgers' side secured a 1-0 win against Besiktas in February 2015 during the Europa League. Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer, who was on commentary duties for Amazon Prime, praised the team's resilience, saying, "There was no panic from Liverpool. They believed in themselves and their gameplan. It was a good night’s work."

Reflecting on the tactical approach under Slot, Shearer noted Liverpool's ability to balance their play, combining aggressive pressing with controlled periods of possession. While the team showcased Slot’s growing influence, some aspects of the familiar Klopp style remained.

Former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock pointed out that while there are similarities between Slot and Klopp's footballing philosophies, fans will need time to adjust to some changes in approach. "Under Klopp, the style was sometimes a bit more chaotic and gung-ho, while Slot wants more patience in possession, playing similarly to how Arsenal and Manchester City do," Warnock explained on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who scored one of the goals against Milan, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while Slot has brought his own ideas, the team hasn’t experienced drastic changes. "We all know what Jurgen brought to the club and the city, and the new manager has his ideas, but I don’t think there are too many differences," Van Dijk told Amazon Prime.

Van Dijk, too, praised the depth of the squad, but reminded everyone that even though squad rotation would occur, everyone must be on their toes at all times. "We need everyone in the best shape, and that means respecting the decisions even if you're on the bench. Everyone has a part to play," he added.

Liverpool hope to continue their European form, as Slot's game begins to emerge, a hybrid of Klopp's high-energy game and a more patient, possession game. Coming off a solid start in the Champions League, the Reds will be looking to avoid the same sort of let down they experienced against Forest as they try to balance the rigors of both domestic and European competition.