Arne Slot and Richard Hughes just gave exciting Liverpool glimpse as 43-day countdown begins

Arne Slot looked relaxed as he answered questions from the assembled Liverpool FC media for the first time . The new Reds head coach, sat alongside new sporting director Richard Hughes , gave some interesting insight on the things he felt able to disclose, and cleverly and politely batted away the things that he didn't want to talk about.

The former Feyenoord boss explained how transfers will work at Anfield and then detailed his favored formation — not a 4-2-3-1, as many had wrongly assumed. When it came to the inevitable question about Trent Alexander-Arnold's position, Slot simply explained he must have that conversation with his vice-captain first before outlining anything in public via the media.

Hughes, meanwhile, gave little away in terms of contract updates and where things are at with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk , whose current deals expire next summer. "These are private matters between club and players," he said. "The only concern we have is total commitment to the cause for next season and we're convinced that is the case."

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Perhaps it is simply because there was something different to analyze and listen to after such a long period with Jurgen Klopp , but there was a refreshing feel about the new regime. It was a new experience, too, to see a sporting director speak. Michael Edwards , except when it came to his departure, never did an interview, and yet here was Hughes introducing himself on day one.

We shouldn't, perhaps, read too much into that. Some thought that might happen with Jorg Schmadtke when he held the role for a short spell, given that kind of thing is normal in Germany, but this is another sign that Liverpool is moving to the continental model. Slot himself explained that his title of head coach isn't a concern because he is used to working in that role and alongside a sporting director. It is the kind of set-up that generally seems to work best in the modern climate.

Slot was never going to come across as boldly as Klopp did during his first press conference and such comparisons would be pointless. There was no "Normal One" equivalent and it wouldn't have been wise to try and force one. What Slot was able to make clear, though, was that while this is a continuation of what came before him, he will also be his own man.

"There are big shoes to fill but you also inherit a team that has a winning culture," Slot outlined. "One of the reasons for coming here is I feel we have a really good squad. As a manager, you want to work at a club where there are good players and an opportunity to win something. I like to work with players and develop them, but I like to win as well. There is an opportunity with this club to win."

"That philosophy and playing style that attracted us to Arne is subjective and is based on football opinion, and data," Hughes explained. "On all the metrics, his Feyenoord team came out really well: the way they played, with a real front-foot attacking approach, with intelligence and passion. They are attributes we welcome here and lend well to the current squad we have."

By introducing Slot and Hughes alongside one another, there was an instant feeling that the duo, who have been speaking daily, come as a pair. Metaphorically, they are both singing from the same hymn sheet and will also have the support of Edwards and Julian Ward above them.

Slot and Hughes came across well, spoke clearly about their ideas, and looked comfortable in their new environment. Confirming that two more backroom appointments are coming soon and that transfer plans are being discussed constantly, they couldn't have done much more at this stage of the summer.

Now, the hard work on the training ground begins, with the clock already ticking down towards the Premier League opener away at Ipswich Town. Today is day one of pre-season. After that, there are only 42 more left to go.