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Arne Slot has played down concerns over his center-back options despite Liverpool’s pre-season defeat to AC Milan on Saturday.
The Reds fell to a 4-2 loss in Hong Kong, with the manner in which they gave up their goals giving Slot plenty of food for thought. Virgil van Dijk, in particular, came in for some criticism from supporters for his efforts in closing down Rafael Leao for the opening goal.
Liverpool’s cause has not been helped either by Joe Gomez returning to the UK after picking up an injury out in Asia, although the seriousness of his Achilles problem was played down before the game by Slot.
Nevertheless, Gomez’s absence meant the Reds were short of options to play at center-back against Milan, with Wataru Endo also missing through illness.
Ryan Gravenberch had to play alongside Van Dijk during the first half, while Kostas Tsimikas partnered Ibrahima Konate after the break, although the Reds would go on to concede three times during the second half.
That has seen calls grow for a new center-back to be signed as soon as possible, despite the recent speculation that a deal for Alexander Isak may still be on the cards this summer.
Slot, though, was quick to downplay the need for a new defender, insisting that his side does have enough options to cover.
"I don’t think we have a concern at center back,” Slot told reporters after the game.
"Ryan [Gravenberch] showed he can play that position, he did it as well, although we favour him as a No. 6. Wata Endo can play there.
"So we have enough options, but it is true that Jarell Quansah left, and we haven’t replaced him yet."
Liverpool is now set to fly out to Japan ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos. From there, the Reds will return to Merseyside for a double header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4.
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The Community Shield against Crystal Palace follows on August 10 at Wembley, before the Premier League season kicks off against Bournemouth on August 15.
Liverpool.com says: Hopefully that’s just Slot trying to play things down after a pre-season game that shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and not an indicator of what Liverpool has planned for the rest of the window.
There can be no doubt that the Reds need to sign a new center-back. Going into the new season with just Van Dijk, Konate and Gomez as the senior options would be far too big a risk, especially with the latter pair’s injury records.
Hopefully Richard Hughes is working on a deal for Marc Guehi, or any other defender for that matter.
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