Liverpool boss Arne Slot dedicated their opening day win to the late Diogo Jota, who was honoured at Anfield on Friday night with several moving tributes.
Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah scored for the champions in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth. Egyptian talisman Salah was reduced to tears at full-time and Slot said: ‘I didn’t want to go inside after the game.
‘Because it was so special how our fans kept on singing for Diogo. Every time you think you cannot expect more from Liverpool fans, they top it and over perform. It was special to hear how much he is loved.
‘I think Mo felt how special that was. He probably felt the emotions. Diogo’s wife is here, his family is here, his children are here. We also feel the emotions, the grief they still have. Those emotions probably led to Mo being emotional. I felt the same without being in tears.’
Slot also praised substitute Chiesa who experienced a horror first year on Merseyside after a £10million move last summer, missing most of last season through injury and poor form.
But he started this term on fire, coming off the bench to make it 3-2, and Slot said: ‘After the fans sung so many times for him, it’s nice he gave them something in return. That’s what he did today. Unbelievable atmosphere in the last few minutes.
Arne Slot dedicated Liverpool’s Premier League opening day win over Bournemouth to the late Diogo Jota
Jota passed away aged 28 this year and tributes were paid to him on Friday evening
Mohamed Salah was reduced to tears at full time as Liverpool fans sang Jota’s name at Anfield
‘The last six or seven minutes. Wow, how impressive that was. Great game. As long as he’s here, he’s definitely at Liverpool. I have no reason to think that will change. He had a tough time last season with his match fitness.
‘But Federico, when we needed him, I brought him in. At 2-2, you need a No 9 and he delivered.’
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said: ‘I am really pleased with the performance. Today we have missed a big chance to take something from the game. We played really well. The momentum was on our side at 2-2.
‘It is a shame because we are so proud of the things we have done. The easiest thing was to give up at 2-0 but it didn’t happen.’
