Arne Slot has praised Liverpool after continuing his perfect start to his first pre-season as manager but suggested the result in their 3-0 win over Manchester United in South Carolina flattered the Reds.
Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Konstantinos Tsimikas all struck from inside the penalty area as Slot made it three wins from three following victories over Real Betis and Arsenal in the US.
“I don’t think we had enough control over the game because United were threatening us more than a few times,” Slot said, speaking to Liverpool’s website after United produced 18 of the 27 attempts between the teams and eight of the 13 on target.
“It’s a 3-0 win but the score could have been different. We gave away too many chances. United deserved more than a 3-0 loss. But it’s also our quality that we do score our own chances.
“Of course, the results are what everybody is looking at. We are very happy with the result – we scored some really nice goals.”
The action from South Carolina as we picked up a third and final win in the US 🙌 pic.twitter.com/b37jt9gyeO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2024
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Liverpool injury news
In contrast to United, Liverpool will have few new injury concerns when they return to England, although wideman Andy Robertson and goalkeeper Alisson are yet to intensify their preparations and spend time on the pitch ahead of the new season.
“The players stayed fit and they are able to perform in the way we want in a high-intensity game,” said Slot, whose squad are adapting to his style following the end of predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year reign.
“We saw some great goals during this tour, some great build-up situations and I see them working really, really hard not to concede.
“A lot of new players will come in – I think seven, eight or nine maybe. Not new, but they’re coming back from their holidays [following international tournaments]. It will be interesting to see how these players fit into the team and implement them as soon as we can.”
Taking centre stage 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/RjsyD7OHYw
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 3, 2024
Liverpool fixtures, schedule
Liverpool host Sevilla in Slot’s first game in charge at Anfield on August 11 (12.30pm) before visiting Ipswich Town for their Premier League opener on August 17 (12.30pm).
The match against the promoted Tractor Boys will be 45-year-old former Feyenoord manager Slot’s first as a manager in England.
“I knew [about Liverpool supporters] before I arrived at this club but if you experience it, it’s massive,” Slot said. “There’s massive support and I can’t wait to hear [it] at Anfield.”
