The middle-aged American man wearing a Liverpool shirt with Mohamed Salah’s name on the back, high-fiving strangers at Columbia International Airport, was an early sign that Arne Slot’s time in the United States had been successful. The second indication was a spontaneous song dedicated to the Reds’ head coach by a man sporting a t-shirt featuring a notable 7-0 scoreline.
It’s fair to say that the “Arne Slot” chant, popularized by Jurgen Klopp, didn’t exactly resonate with those boarding their early morning flights. However, there were a few travelers who appreciated the gesture toward Liverpool’s new manager.
Clearly, the 3-0 victory over Manchester United was enough to put a spring in the step of many flyers on Sunday morning as they left a town with a population of just 140,000.
Liverpool vs Manchester United has been significant for the town of Columbia, with “Rivals in Red” signage seen in various places during the ECHO’s visit. Football has been the main topic of conversation, with debates about Darwin Nunez at the security desk and stories about Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, and even Andy Carroll overheard in airport cafes. Columbia has experienced what it’s like to host a club with Liverpool’s global fanbase.
One enthusiastic fan, who told the ECHO he started following Liverpool a decade ago, was enjoying a lively discussion about the nearly telepathic partnership between Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, shared by a friend who had supported the club since Rafa Benitez’s early days.
A spirited airline representative added to the fun by teasing Manchester United supporters, saying, “You’re going on last because I know you’re used to finishing last. Okay, You’ll Never Walk Alone, go Reds!” Both sets of fans took the playful jabs in stride during the short flight to Atlanta.
Despite the excitement and lively debates surrounding the game, the logistics of hosting Liverpool, especially against a major rival like Manchester United, proved challenging. Fans struggled with gridlocked traffic, road closures, and efforts by local authorities to manage the crowds, leading to many arriving late to the 78,000-seat Williams-Brice Stadium.
Adding to the challenges were a midsummer storm and an Uber surge that saw fans paying over $50 for a three-mile trip—if they could even secure a ride. The overwhelming interest in the game clearly exceeded Columbia’s capacity to host such a large pre-season event.
Many supporters had to trek back to the town center in the pouring rain as midnight approached, but the inconvenience did little to dampen spirits, as evidenced by the lively atmosphere at CAE airport on Sunday morning.
On the pitch, Liverpool’s 3-0 victory marked their third consecutive win in the US, showcasing an intriguing tactical approach. Goals from a revitalized Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas secured the win. Harvey Elliott, Mohamed Salah, and Caoimhin Kelleher also delivered strong performances, while minutes for Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch were notable.
Slot expressed concern over the number of chances Manchester United created during the match but was likely pleased with the clarity of Liverpool’s attacking patterns. Gravenberch showcased some impressive skills, and Jones appeared confident in his deeper role.
Resting Dominik Szoboszlai was a prudent choice, considering the team had a long-haul flight back to Merseyside shortly after the game. Although Szoboszlai has not missed any training, he was rested as a precaution. He will be evaluated back at the AXA Training Centre, where the rest of the internationals will report on Tuesday.
Liverpool’s stint in the United States has been highly successful both commercially and competitively. The airport scene further highlighted the growing strength of their fanbase in this region.
