Liverpool manager Arne Slot has challenged his players to demonstrate how much they have missed the Champions League ahead of their clash with Bologna at Anfield on Wednesday. The Reds are back in Europe’s top club competition after a season’s absence and are looking to make a strong statement in their opening group stage match. Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp at the helm, has made a positive impact, securing seven wins in his first eight matches across all competitions. He is eager for his players to showcase their desire to be back on the Champions League stage.
“What I expect from our players, they’ve missed out on the Champions League for a year, so when they step out on the pitch tomorrow I want to see this, I want to feel this, that they feel like, ‘Oh, we missed this for a season, now a club of this standard we have to be ready,’” Slot said.
Meanwhile, Bologna is experiencing a historic moment, making their first appearance in the Champions League. Their qualification came after a remarkable fifth-place finish in Serie A, their highest league placing since 1971. The Italian club has attracted a passionate following for this momentous occasion, with over 40,000 fans celebrating in the heart of Bologna upon securing their place in the competition.
Bologna’s journey to the Champions League has been marked by a summer of change, with key players like Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori departing for Premier League clubs. New manager Vincenzo Italiano is still finding his feet, having recorded only one win in his first six matches in charge. Bologna will be facing an uphill battle against a formidable Liverpool side.
The match is set to kick off at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, October 3, at Anfield Stadium. Fans can watch the match live on Sony Sports Network and stream it on the SonyLiv app and website. Liverpool will be looking to make a statement in their return to the Champions League, while Bologna will be hoping to pull off a major upset.
