It seems that Jurgen Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool is still as alive as ever judging by the latest Premier League match official appointments for the opening game of the season, with Arne Slot set to deal with a certain VAR that had the German in knots last campaign.
The Reds will kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a trip to Portman Road to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 17.
The match marks the beginning of a new era for Liverpool under the Dutchman, who will be keen to make a strong start in his debut season at the helm.
Liverpool will kick off their Premier League campaign against a promoted team for the fifth time in the last six season (three victories, one tie).
Since suffering a 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the 2012–13 season, the Reds have gone 11 seasons without a loss on the opening matchday (winning eight, drawing three).
Meanwhile Ipswich Town, back in the Premier League for the first time in over two decades, will be eager to prove themselves on the big stage.
Managed by Kieran McKenna, Ipswich has built an attack-minded squad, including new signings like Liam Delap from Manchester City and Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea – whose move was made permanent following a loan spell there in 2023/24.
Their 4-2-3-1 formation, characterized by aggressive pressing and quick transitions, could pose a challenge, especially in front of a home crowd energized by their top-flight return.
And it seems Arne Slot will also have to contend with a less than fashionable VAR appointment.
Who is the VAR for Arne Slot first Premier League game?
The Reds will begin early again on Saturday at the Portman Road Stadium, with Arne Slot in charge of ensuring his team is prepared for the 12:30 PM BST kickoff.
Tim Robinson has been named as the on-field referee, and he will be assisted by Timothy Wood and Steve Meredith
The fourth official’s responsibilities fall to Keith Stroud.
Meanwhile, Stuart Atwell has the unenviable task of being VAR on the day, to be assisted by Harry Lennard.
And it is Stuart Atwell who will likely raise the eyebrows of more than a few Liverpool fans.
During Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Anfield last season, there was a controversial moment at the end of the clash.
City man Jeremy Doku appeared to plant a high boot in Alexis Mac Allister’s chest, getting very little of the ball in the process.
It looked a stonewall penalty but was not given even after a VAR review – with Stuart Atwell on VAR duty that day.
Jurgen Klopp would say after the game:
“Why would the guy in the VAR studio think that is not clear and obvious,” he asserted.
“What must you have for lunch to think that? And if we win today what are we, four points ahead of City, that is not a distance that you should fall asleep. And Arsenal.”
“He kicks the chest, yes he touches the ball, it is not a red card obviously but I speak so often about it, I really don’t care. Nothing what I say will change that!”
In the weeks after the game, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenberg would say that it should have been a penalty, adding that an interaction like that “would have resulted in a free-kick every day of the week” if it were out of the box instead.
Hopefully Arne Slot can get a proper welcome into the Premier League without any controversies this time around.
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