A middle-aged American man wearing a Liverpool shirt with Mohamed Salah’s name on it, giving high fives to strangers at Columbia International Airport, was the first indication that Arne Slot had enjoyed a successful trip to the United States. The second sign was an impromptu song performed in honor of the Reds’ head coach by a man whose shirt displayed a memorable 7-0 scoreline.
The ‘Arne Slot’ chant, popularized by Jurgen Klopp, didn’t exactly become a hit among those catching early morning flights.
However, a few like-minded travelers appreciated the reference to the new Liverpool manager.
Clearly, the 3-0 victory over Manchester United had given many travelers a boost on Sunday morning as they prepared to leave a town with just 140,000 residents.
Liverpool vs Manchester United has been a major event for Columbia, with signs pointing to the ‘Rivals in Red’ match visible throughout the town during the ECHO’s visit. Fans, regardless of their allegiance, were eager to discuss football.
From debates about Darwin Nunez at security to stories of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, and even Andy Carroll overheard in airport cafes, Columbia experienced what it’s like to host a club with Liverpool’s global following.
One enthusiastic fan, who had been following Liverpool for about a decade, was treated to an animated discussion about Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres’ exceptional partnership by a friend who had supported the club since Rafa Benitez’s early days.
A lively airline staff member added to the fun by teasing United fans, welcoming Liverpool supporters aboard with a cheeky remark about finishing last and a “You’ll Never Walk Alone” chant.
Both sets of fans took the playful teasing in stride during their short flight to Atlanta.
Despite the excitement and spirited debates, the logistics of hosting Liverpool and Manchester United proved challenging. Fans struggled with heavy traffic, road closures, and police attempts to manage the congestion after the match at Williams-Brice Stadium. Many arrived late due to similar issues and faced further difficulties with stormy weather and high Uber fares.
The high level of interest clearly exceeded Columbia’s capacity for such a large pre-season event. Many supporters ended up walking in the rain to reach the town center late at night. However, these challenges did little to dampen the spirits, as evidenced by the lively atmosphere at CAE airport the next morning.
On the field, Liverpool’s performance was another positive step for Slot’s team, achieving their third consecutive Stateside win with a display that showcased an intriguing tactical approach.
Goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas highlighted the match, with notable performances from Harvey Elliott, Mohamed Salah, and Caoimhin Kelleher. Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch also saw valuable playing time.
Slot was dissatisfied with the number of chances United created but was likely pleased with his team’s attacking patterns. Gravenberch’s smart play and Jones’s comfort in a deeper role were positives.
Resting Dominik Szoboszlai was a prudent decision, considering the long flight back to Merseyside immediately after the game. The Hungarian captain has been consistent in training and was rested as a precaution. He will be assessed back at the AXA Training Centre when the rest of the internationals return on Tuesday.
Liverpool’s stint in the United States has been highly successful both commercially and sportingly. As shown by the airport scene, the fanbase continues to expand in this region.
