Since the club’s foundation in 1892, Liverpool have changed 25 managers – the number some teams reach in a few decades. Subsequently, since the beginning of the century, six managers have debuted on the Reds’ bench, and only one of them started his spell at Anfield with a victory – Arne Slot.Arne Slot is the first manager to win their opening Premier League game for Liverpool since Gérard Houllier and Roy Evans beat Southampton in 1998 when they were jointly in charge. The new era has officially begun. 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZzsjmdfWWz— Squawka (@Squawka) August 17, 2024 It’s important to note that Gerard Houllier led Liverpool until 2004, but he arrived in 1998. Hence, he had his “baptism of fire” before the new century began. Interestingly, all six strategists – or seven, if you include the Frenchman – were from different countries.Houiller was succeeded by Rafael Benitez in June 2004. The Spaniard won La Liga and the UEFA Cup the season before with Valencia and was a renowned name of whom Liverpool fans expected much success. Indeed, Benitez brought the Champions League trophy to Anfield after 21 years but fell short in, sometimes, even more important competition for the Reds – Premier League. On his debut, Benitez drew against Tottenham at White Hart Lane 1-1.The Saudis won’t be held to ransom: Bye Guehi, Newcastle turn to GomezAfter six years, Rafa left, and Roy Hodgson replaced him. The experienced Englishman reached the UEFA Europa League final with Fulham (lost to Atletico Madrid 2-1 after extra time) less than a month before taking over Liverpool, and the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at home turf hinted at what his spell with Liverpool was going to look like.Hodgson spent only five months at Anfield and was succeeded by the club’s legend Kenny Dalglish. In 16 months on Liverpool’s bench, the Scot won the FA Cup trophy in 2012 but also debuted with a shocking 2-1 defeat by the newcomers, Blackpool, which returned to the Premier League after 39 years of absence.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284458##Brendan Rodgers took over Liverpool in June 2012 and suffered a heavy defeat on his debut against West Bromwich Albion 3-0. However, the Northern Irish was very close to bringing the Premier League to Liverpool after 24 years in 2014, finishing second, only two points behind Man City. The highlight of that season and a moment that entered Premier League history was Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea, widely considered a decisive moment in the title race.#OnThisDay in 2014, Gerrard slipped… pic.twitter.com/jK5WOGWyaT— City Report (@cityreport_) April 26, 2024 However, the Reds’ fans finally awaited prosperity when Jurgen Klopp joined the club in 2015. The German won everything he could with Liverpool, including the long-awaited Premier League, Champions League, EFL Cup, FA Cup, Community Shield, etc. But even he couldn’t begin his journey at Anfield victoriuosly – he debuted with a goalless draw against Tottenham in London.Finally, Arne Slot succeeded Klopp and broke the “debut curse” by beating the newcomers Ipswich 2-0 last Saturday. Of course, that can neither guarantee nor indicate that the Dutch strategist will have a successful spell full of trophies at Anfield, but as Plato said, The beginning is the most important part of the work. And there’s nothing better than when that beginning is triumphant.
