Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised his players’ fitness and resilience after their 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in Friday’s Premier League opener at Anfield.

The Reds took the lead through Hugo Ekitike’s debut goal, before Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage early in the second half. Bournemouth fought back strongly with Antoine Semenyo scoring twice to level the game at 2-2.

However, Liverpool’s response was swift, with Federico Chiesa restoring the lead before Mohamed Salah sealed the win.

Speaking after the match, Slot acknowledged Bournemouth’s fighting spirit but credited his squad’s physical strength for getting the job done.

“We started the second half really well, being 2-0 up, but we were playing against a team that never gives up,” Slot told BBC Sport. “You have to give credit to them, but they faced a team that is very fit as well.”

The win gives Slot a perfect start to life in the Premier League, while Liverpool fans will be encouraged by their side’s sharpness, intensity, and ability to bounce back under pressure.