Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the 3-1 win over AC Milan was a ‘really good’ way to celebrate his 46th birthday as he praised his team’s response to the shock defeat to Nottingham Forest

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says there is no better birthday present than three points after he celebrated his 46th birthday with a commanding performance in a 3-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai all scored for Slot’s side on his European debut for the club and the manager said he was delighted to toast a well-deserved victory on his birthday.

“Normally you celebrate with your family,” he said. “But this was a really good alternative. A special club in a beautiful location and the way we won it, 1-0 down after five minutes with Nottingham Forest (defeat on Saturday) on our minds. Really good to see how we approached the game.”

Slot was also pleased with Liverpool’s performance in set-pieces, with the first two goals coming from set-pieces.

He added: ‘We were a bit disappointed with Forest’s result and the eight corners we had and didn’t score. We felt that with all the work we had put into the set-pieces, someone would get their reward.’

Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke to the media after his team’s victory over AC Milan

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

The 51-year-old supporter was involved in the accident in Bergamo, one of Milan’s airports, about an hour north of the city.

A statement from the club on Tuesday evening said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley. Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who travelled to Italy to attend tonight’s Champions League match against AC Milan.

Slot’s team came from behind to secure an impressive victory on one of the largest football pitches in the world

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

‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with 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 match against AC Milan.