Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made note of the mistakes in defence from the last match and is ready with the solutions.
The 2025-26 season has started really well for the Reds as Slot & Co. secured a 4-2 victory at Anfield against Bournemouth last Saturday.
However, the match was anything but comfortable for the defending Premier League champions as they were on level terms till the 88th minute due to the absolutely resilient performance of the Cherries, especially Antoine Semenyo.
Goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah secured the opening game of the season.
But several weaknesses were discovered in the Dutch tactician’s system, as he used a different tactic compared to last season’s, due to the additions of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, which supposedly led to the Merseysiders conceding the two goals.
And Slot has been mindful to raise the issue in front of the media.
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Slot on defensive mistake of Liverpool
Against Andoni Iraola’s side, LFC played in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz and Ekitike all debuting in the PL.
To fit their playing styles, Slot had made some tweaks to his tactics. However, that somehow played a little differently than what he expected.
The Merseysiders’ midfield and defence were often left exposed and the Dutchman hopes to change it. The main reason was the absence of Ryan Gravenberch in the midfield.
When asked about how Gravenberch’s return will make a difference to the overall solidity of the team in the pre-match press conference, Slot replied, “We were at moments too open. We need to find the right balance. That balance will be better with Ryan.
“We now have to play Newcastle and Arsenal, who will normally be above Bournemouth in the league.
“With Macca and with Ryan in his normal position, I expect us to be better in these situations. If it leads to a goal, it’s a big story. For us conceding two in a home game is too much.”
This showcases that even though a major loophole was found in the game of Liverpool, Slot is quick to acknowledge it and work on it so that they’re even better prepared for the next game.
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