Reds concede four goals in two games, but manager insists team isn’t giving away too many chances
Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in their last two outings, with the team shipping four goals—but new boss Arne Slot remains adamant that the issue isn’t as alarming as it seems.
The Reds edged past Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in a thrilling friendly before a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday, where Virgil van Dijk and the backline looked unusually shaky.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher took to social media to voice his concerns, writing: “LFC looking great going forward but susceptible defensively, as we’ve seen all pre-season. A lot of the goals conceded have come from aggressive man-to-man marking, leaving space behind.”
Despite the visible gaps at the back, Slot brushed off suggestions that Liverpool are handing opponents too many opportunities. Instead, he pointed to minor adjustments needed rather than a systemic flaw.
Stats Tell a Different Story
While Slot claimed Liverpool aren’t conceding many clear chances, the numbers from Sunday’s clash with Palace paint a different picture. The Eagles created three big chances to Liverpool’s two and registered 14 attempts on goal—two more than the Reds.
Slot acknowledged defensive growing pains, particularly with four new signings bedding in. “You need time to adapt, whether offensively or defensively,” he said. “Against Bilbao, we didn’t concede a single chance from open play—just two set-pieces. Today, Palace’s first big chance was the penalty, and their second came late. We’re not giving much away, but we are conceding goals.”
Attack Shines, Defense a Work in Progress
The Dutch coach was quick to highlight Liverpool’s improved attacking play, emphasizing their ability to dominate possession and create more dangerous opportunities than last season.
“We’re more comfortable on the ball, creating more chances, and controlling games better,” Slot said. “Last season, we had possession without always turning it into threatening situations. Now, we’re sharper in the final third.”
However, the flip side remains concerning. Liverpool have leaked goals throughout pre-season—four against AC Milan, one against Urawa Reds, two against Bilbao, and another two against Palace.
“What made us strong last season was grinding out tight wins, usually by one goal,” Slot admitted. *”That came from keeping clean sheets or conceding just once. Right now, it feels like we’re set up to win every game 3-2.”*
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Slot will need to find a balance—ensuring Liverpool’s attacking flair doesn’t come at the expense of defensive solidity. For now, the Reds’ high-risk approach is delivering entertainment, but whether it brings silverware remains to be seen.
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