Slot highlights defensive concerns after Community Shield loss

LONDON: Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called for greater defensive focus ahead of the new Premier League season after his side suffered a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Despite an encouraging pre-season campaign in which the Reds netted 20 goals in six matches, concerns are mounting over their vulnerability at the back. Liverpool have now conceded 10 goals in their last five outings, prompting Slot to acknowledge a growing imbalance between attack and defence.

“Now we are better in creating and getting promising situations than we were, in my opinion, throughout the whole last season,” said Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut campaign. “But we need to adapt defensively. We’ve conceded too many goals.”

Liverpool’s summer transfer activity has been unusually aggressive, with the club signing Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and attacking full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. However, the departures of key figures from the Jurgen Klopp era mean Slot is tasked with reassembling a cohesive unit quickly.

While fans have welcomed the attacking reinforcements, Slot is wary that the team’s attacking fluency—on full display against Palace—must be matched by defensive discipline if they are to retain their league crown.

Liverpool begin their title defence next weekend, with Slot hoping his side can strike the right balance in time.(Reuters)