Liverpool boss Arne Slot says 3-1 win over AC Milan was a ‘really good’ way to his spend his 46th birthday as he praises his side’s response to shock Nottingham Forest defeat

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says there is no better birthday present than three points after he marked turning 46 with a convincing performance and 3-1 win over AC Milan in the San Siro on Tuesday night.

Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai were on target for Slot’s side in his European bow for the club and the manager said he was delighted to toast to a well-earned victory on his birthday.

‘Normally you celebrate with your family,’ he said. ‘But this was a really good alternative. A special club at a nice venue and the way we won it, 1-0 down after five mins with Nottingham Forest (defeat on Saturday) in our head. Very good to see how we took the game.’

Slot was also delighted with Liverpool’s prowess from set-pieces, with their first two goals scored from dead-balls. 

He added: ‘We were a bit disappointed with the Forest result and then getting 8 corners and not scoring, we felt with all the work we put in for set-pieces someone would get their reward.’

Meanwhile, Liverpool also paid tribute to fan Philip Dooley who died in a road traffic accident when travelling to the San Siro. 

The supporter, 51, was involved in the accident in Bergamo, which is one of the airports that serve Milan around an hour to the north of the city.

A club statement on Tuesday night read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley. Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.

Slot’s team came from behind to secure an impressive win at one of football’s great grounds 

‘Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.

‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, Philip.’

The team wore black armbands for the clash against AC Milan.