The Liverpool manager says he has 'enough options' at centre-back for the coming season
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says that he has 'enough options' at centre-back to tackle the demands of the busy season ahead, after Joe Gomez departed their pre-season training camp to recover from an injury - but fans in the Liverpool ECHO comments section say that the state of the defence demands an answer in the summer transfer window.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate ended up as the only two senior centre-backs on tour in Asia with Liverpool, after Gomez suffered a minor Achilles injury and returned to the UK to recover. Jarell Quansah's sale earlier in the window means that the three defenders are the ones that will be relied upon during a busy upcoming season, including Champions League football.
Slot has insisted that the club don't need to address the defence in the transfer window, saying that midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can fill in, if it comes to it. He said: "Joe Gomez only has a minor injury. He's been good for us last season as well. We have enough options left but it's true that Jarell Quansah left and we haven't replaced him."
Slot added: "I also said I was really happy with the squad I had which we showed by not bringing in players last season and we won the league."
Not everyone is as comfortable with the state of the centre-back department as Slot is. Reader ScouseIan says: "Nope, we have a marathon ahead, there's definitely a need for another CB."
Commenter Wudwudley writes: "We’ve had a great window so far, don’t spoil it by neglecting the CB situation. We need another one, not taking Gravenberch out of midfield to make do."
Corona says: "Gomez will be lucky to play more than 7 or 8 games this season. Konate will be out for some matches too. It seems crazy to invest in top players up front, and then neglect to ensure that we are solid in defence. We saw a few seasons ago what happens when you take a chance going into a season without sufficient defensive cover."
Eaglehu12 writes: "Going into the new season with just 3 CBs shouldn't happen. All this talk from Slot about Grav and Endo CAN play there is not good, we need a proven CB not makeshift ones."
Content Image
Content Image
DaretoDream agrees: "I’m sure the staff are on the lookout for centre-backs, but the need for at least one to come in is obvious. If not sorted, it could cost us dearly. We nearly missed out on CL in 2021 after winning the title because of exactly the same issue."
Darkknight1 says: "Surprised that he didn't mention that Jones can also play centre-back. No one will be buying that comment from him. Doesn't look like Liverpool is getting another CB with those comments from him."
Jimmys1casey hints at reviving interest in Marc Guehi: "A top shelf CB is available for a good price in London right now. Or you go into the season one injury away from a Dad's Army outfit at CB, taking your DM out of the midfield."
NoScope45 reckons that Liverpool will do the business that they need to do: "I think they’ve earned a bit of trust. Slot was questioned and 2nd & 3rd guessed quite a bit last year. I like where we finished. I don’t think they’ve been short-sighted anywhere else. Why would they be now?"
Have your say! Who should be the top target if Liverpool U-turn and seek out a new defender? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.