Arne Slot is looking forward to the challenge of defending Liverpool’s Premier League crown as the new season kicks off on Friday night.
The Reds host AFC Bournemouth in Anfield in their opening game of 2025-26.
The Liverpool boss believes his team have prepared well despite losing several key players.
“As ready as we can be,” Slot revealed in his press conference. He explained that with Ryan Gravenberch unavailable, five of the 10 outfield positions will feature different players from last season’s main starters.
Slot is pleased with the squad’s quality in possession but wants perfection without the ball.
“Eight out of 10 times we do well defensively. But at this club, the aim is 10 out of 10.”
He highlighted the mixed moments in pre-season. Against Athletic Club Bilbao, he was “really pleased” as the champions conceded nothing from open play but admitted they still let in two goals from set-pieces. Against Crystal Palace, the main danger came from “losing the ball ourselves.”
He added: “It’s normal in pre-season, especially when you’ve lost five to six players who played a lot of minutes and brought in four new ones. There’s adaptation. But we are definitely ready for the league to start.”
Turning to Bournemouth, Slot expects a tough test. “They made it really difficult for us last season. We won 3-0, but they had the first big chance and a goal ruled offside before we moved the ball quickly and scored three before half-time.
“They kept going in the second half and had that mentality all season. They’ve lost some players but brought in good ones, like they always do. Away was even more difficult for us. They are a very good team with a good manager.
“An evening game at Anfield is something that everyone looks forward to.”
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