The Liverpool head coach was concerned by the way in which his team defended set-pieces against Athletic on Monday
Slot during the Athletic clash (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot was pleased with Liverpool’s defensive display against Athletic Bilbao, but insisted they must improve at the back when it comes to set-pieces. The Reds ran out 4-1 winners in their first friendly against the La Liga outfit, before a first-choice XI recorded a narrow 3-2 victory.
Mohamed Salah and a Cody Gakpo brace was the difference in the evening kick-off at Anfield, but Liverpool were punished both from a free-kick and a corner as Bilbao pegged them back twice before the Dutchman’s eventual winner.
Slot was satisfied by the lack of chances conceded otherwise. But with Crystal Palace next up in the Community Shield, admitted defending set-pieces is something his side need to work on even more.
“The other games pre-season we have conceded a few too many chances,” he said. “But today we hardly conceded anything at all and that pleased me as well.
“So to concede two set-piece goals in the second game is not what you want, especially if you play Crystal Palace next week who are a team who are very strong on set-pieces.
“That’s another thing to work on. We have worked on that already but we have to work on it even more in the upcoming week.
“The players are fit, worked really hard, played some good football and defended really hard and good apart from the two set-pieces.”
Meanwhile, Slot admitted supporters can expect to see one change from him once the season gets underway. While he has wore a tracksuit against Athletic Bilbao, he intends to return to smarter attire when the competitive campaign gets underway.
“No, I don't think so,” he chuckled to LFC TV when asked if he might keep the tracksuit. Last season in pre-season I wore a tracksuit as well.
“But normally I will wear different clothes. For today it was for the best.”