Liverpool supporters welcomed Arne Slot to Anfield for the very first time as their head coach on Sunday.
The Reds had become completely accustomed to seeing Jurgen Klopp out on the touchline over the past eight years and more.
But as of last weekend, there’s a new sheriff in town. And although the atmosphere at the old ground was a little subdued against Sevilla, that was always likely to be the case for a pre-season friendly.
The crowd did try and get Klopp’s notorious ‘Arne Slot, na na na na na’ chant going but it never really got off the ground fully.
Nevertheless, the new boss surely won’t have long to wait to feel the full force of the famous Anfield atmosphere as another season pulls into view. In the meantime, he can ask one Man United star to describe it for him.
Marcus Rashford raves about Anfield atmosphere
Man United have not had the best time of things at Anfield over recent years. Granted, they picked up a credible draw last season, but in the two years previous, Liverpool absolutely smashed them.
After being beaten 4-0 and then, remarkably, 7-0, you would think that no United player who featured in both of those games would have anything positive to say about Liverpool’s home ground.
In the case of Marcus Rashford, you would think that would go without saying, really.
The 26-year-old is a boyhood United fan and a product of their youth academy. Hating the Reds should perhaps be in his blood. In fact, Rashford hasn’t hidden his hatred of Liverpool in the past.
That’s why, when asked by Man United’s TikTok account to name the best away day he’s been to as a fan, it was a surprise to hear Rashford hail the Anfield atmosphere.
“Best away, atmosphere wise, as a fan? Anfield,” says the England international.
“Yeah, I’ve been Anfield a few times. One time whilst I’ve been playing in a hoodie and a hat!”
Maybe this one won’t go over so well back in Manchester, Marcus!
Liverpool relying on Anfield atmosphere yet again
Liverpool fans had been hopeful that with a new head coach at the helm, there may be one or two new signings through the door this summer.
Having run Arsenal and Man City close in the title race last season, that little bit of extra quality added to the Liverpool squad could make all the difference this time.
However, after Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi, it is now looking a possibility that the Reds will not add to their team.
As a result, without that extra bit of class in the squad, Slot and Liverpool are going to have to rely on harnessing the power of Anfield to get them over the line at times once again.
The stadium has carried the Reds through hundreds of times over the years and never more so at various times under Klopp. As Rashford well knows, its effect can be devastating. Once more to the well please, Anfield.