Liverpool began its preseason U.S. tour with an impressive endorsement of new manager Arne Slot's system, defeating Real Betis 2-1 from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Friday night.
The Reds maintained nearly 63 percent of possession and outshot Real Betis, with many of Liverpool's young prospects turning in impressive individual performances. Jarell Quansah , the breakout star of last season's summer tour, expressed satisfaction with the win and discussed the process of acclimating to Slot's system.
“A lot to be pleased about but a lot to work on. We're still forming new relationships and the way the gaffer wants us to play. It will come together, for sure," Quansah said after the match to LFCTV.
"It's just about how quickly we adapt. We're not used to the new style and the new formation but it will all come together at some point. It's just about how fast that is. There's been a lot of double sessions and so much to take in, but we're doing that. There's a lot of the same messages but a lot more structure when we're in possession. You can see a lot of patterns that we're trying to get used to — there's so many new messages we're trying to cram in, but it's going alright."
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A first look at Slot's tactical approach offered plenty of short passing as Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai dropped into the half spaces from their center-forward roles. Fabio Carvalho whizzed a shot toward the Real Betis net after just four minutes of play and the Reds maintained Jurgen Klopp's Gegenpressing identity under their likeminded new manager, winning back possession early and often to dominant play.
Slot's debut performance also demonstrated the importance of the pivot role in Liverpool's new-look midfield, initially occupied by first-team mainstay Curtis Jones . He would pick up an injury knock in the 31st minute, however, making way for the brilliant debut of 17-year-old Trey Nyoni .
The Leicester City product provided an immediate spark, advancing the ball across midfield before firing a through ball toward Mohamed Salah on the right wing, who connected with Szoboszlai inside the 18-yard box to put The Reds up 1-0 inside 35 minutes. Nyoni continued to offer a composed, dynamic performance well beyond his years, boldly embracing Slot's philosophy of passing into pressure.
Following its victory in Pittsburgh on Friday, Liverpool heads across the Keystone State for a tilt with fellow Premier League giant Arsenal on Wednesday evening in Philadelphia. The Reds then travel to face Manchester United at Williams-Brice Stadium before a stateside finale against Sevilla.
"It's about about kicking on and trying to improve with each session," Quansah said. "I'm still learning and I'm going to make mistakes but I keep getting better and better. That's the plan. I'm still only young and it's about taking each minute as I can and being the best I can on the pitch."
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