Arne Slot names one thing Liverpool 'definitely' must improve before new season

2 weeks ago 59

Arne Slot said that his Liverpool players must improve their defensive work rate before the season starts, after making it clear that he was not impressed by that aspect of the Reds' game during the tour of China.

Liverpool followed up a 4-2 defeat by AC Milan over the weekend with a 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday, with the goals coming from Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni, and Rio Ngumoha.

Despite the win, Slot picked out a fault in his team's performances over the last two games: "It was a good game against an opponent that is already in the middle of the season [and] used to the circumstances over here.

"They made it an intense game for us, which is always nice to have in pre-season because this is also what we're looking for. We want to have teams that can really compete with us and today was definitely one of them.

"I've seen a few very positive things. For example, us coming back after going 1-0 down, this is something that we did last season a lot of times; seeing players from the bench impacting the game.

"So, more than a few times there were some very good moments in build-up, but what I also saw in the goal we conceded and in the first half the big chance we conceded was that we had to work harder in those moments to sprint back than we did.

"That is something that also happened to us when we played [AC] Milan. It could be with a tough training camp and it could be with the heat circumstances – but that's something that we definitely have to improve towards [Athletic] Bilbao that we're going to play as our next opponent."

Slot and his players will now return to the UK ahead of a double-header against Athletic Club at Anfield on Monday, August 4.

Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Yokohama F Marinos

Rio Ngumoha scored Liverpool's third goal in the game against Yokohama F. Marinos

Reds supporters will be excited to get another look at exciting young prospect Ngumoha, after he capped a brilliant cameo performance with a fine solo goal toward the end of the game.

Slot praised the 16-year-old, saying: "He wasn't the only one that impacted the game from the bench because Trey Nyoni, also a youngster, scored [and was] assisted by Jeremie Frimpong.

"In the first goal, I think Curtis Jones played a big part by winning the ball in the midfield. Rio again showed the quality he has and that's nice for us because we have a lot of very good players.

"But to get some very good players through the academy is always helpful and always gives energy to a team as well. It's always nice to see young players from 16, 17 or 18 years old already impacting a game.

"There was also a moment in the game where he should have squared it to Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] or Curtis.

"So, [there were] also learning parts for him. If you are 16 and you can impact the game like he did, that's definitely worth a compliment."

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