Arne Slot has expressed concern that Liverpool may be repeating defensive mistakes, warning his players not to rest on the laurels of last season’s Premier League title triumph.
The Reds concluded their Far East tour by coming from behind to beat J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in Japan on Wednesday.
Club record signing Florian Wirtz scored the equaliser before teenage substitutes Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha secured the victory on a challenging pitch and in sweltering heat.
Similar to their 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong last weekend, Liverpool were caught on the counter-attack multiple times, including conceding the opening goal to Asahi Uenaka just 10 minutes into the second half.
While Slot was pleased with the team’s competitive spirit, he was disappointed that the defensive issues from five days earlier had not been fully addressed.
“It was a good game against an opponent that is in the middle of their season,” he said.
“They made it an intense game for us which is nice to have in pre-season, this is what we are looking for. They competed with us.
“I saw a few very positive things – us coming back from 1-0 down, seeing players from the bench impacting the game, some good build-up moments.
“What I also saw is in the goal and chances we conceded, we need to work harder to sprint back than we did. This also happened against Milan.
“It could be because of a tough training camp or the heat, but we definitely have to improve that.”
“I am focused on this season but I am aware of what we have achieved,” he added.
“I had quite a long holiday, five or six weeks, and because we won the league so early I could enjoy this for quite a long time.
“The moment we started again was the moment we stopped thinking about that. There are now no moments to enjoy what we did last season, our focus must be on this season.
“It will be another tough season. Look at what all the Premier League teams are doing, it is getting stronger. My full focus is on next season and being ready, we are making steps forward.
“I also don’t forget we went to Wembley and had to watch Newcastle lifting a trophy. In two weeks we go to Wembley again and we need to show a different face.”
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