Anfield Ready for Champions League Atmosphere, Says Arne Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot anticipates a special European night at Anfield as the Reds begin their champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid (8pm BST kick-off). Writing in the official matchday programme, Slot acknowledged the challenging nature of the group, a sentiment reinforced by drawing a team of atletico’s calibre in the opening fixture.
Slot highlighted Atletico’s consistent success, noting their decade-long establishment as a leading force in both Spanish and European football. He believes the fixture embodies the ambition behind UEFA’s recent format changes, representing a contest that coudl easily occur in the later stages of the Champions League - a quarter-final, semi-final, or even the final itself.
“We must be fully prepared for the quality and challenges Atletico will present,” Slot stated. He emphasized Diego Simeone‘s impact, pointing to Atletico’s consistent top-four finishes in La Liga, a league dominated by real Madrid and Barcelona, as proof of their enduring competitiveness.
Despite it being the first of eight group stage matches, Slot expressed his excitement for the atmosphere at Anfield. “It’s never too soon for a special European night, especially with our fans who understand the power they have to influence the game,” he added.
Fans can purchase the official matchday programme at Anfield or order online from the Liverpool FC store: https://store.liverpoolfc.com/15347-os-92331.
