Arne Slot urges defensive focus as Liverpool prepare for Manchester United

Arne Slot says his side must rediscover defensive control as they prepare to face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, writes Rahul Prinjha at the AXA Training Centre.

With the Reds looking to bounce back after three straight defeats before the international break, they have conceded goals nine goals in seven games this season. This is in contrast to last year when they conceded just twice in the same amount of games.

Liverpool’s defence has come under scrutiny after conceding from a variety of situations, and Slot admitted that improving that side of the game has been a key focus during the break.

He told Mersey Sport Live: “The three we lost were very close margins, but I keep saying we shouldn’t be dependent on those margins.

“We don’t create as many chances as we did at the start of last season, but we are the team that creates the most shots. We’ve conceded too many goals, four from set pieces, others from fast breaks and crosses. We have to stop conceding goals and chances.”

The Dutchman also highlighted a tactical shift in how opponents have approached his side , revealing that teams are going more direct against Liverpool this season.

He said: “The amount of long balls we are facing compared to last season, we’re already up to a third of last season’s total, we have to adapt and deal with that better.”

Slot was given a defensive boost ahead of the United clash and confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch (above) is available again after he was subbed off in the 46’ minute of the Netherlands’ 4-0 victory over Finland in midweek. Centre back Ibrahima Konate has also returned to training and could feature in the squad. However, goalkeeper Alison Becker will miss Sunday’s game.

Slot said: “Alisson is out versus Manchester United, he is not training with us, so he is out. Ryan Gravenberch is completely fit to face United. Ibou has come back to us, started the sessions again and is expected to train with us today.”

The Reds boss also provided an update on Alexis MacAllister’s gradual return to full fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

He said: “He missed out on a lot of pre-season and was in and out of the team, never an ideal scenario. But he has experienced so many things, he will be back.”

Slot added that record breaking summer transfer Alexander Isak is approaching full fitness and could soon be judged “fairly” after his adjustment period at Anfield.

“He’s had his six weeks of pre-season. Fitness wise, I think he’s now close to the level he should be, so we can judge him in a fair way from now on.”

United travel to Anfield looking to dent Liverpool’s early title hopes and extend their rivals’ losing streak. Amorim’s side have not won at Anfield since 2016, when Wayne Rooney’s late strike sealed a 1-0 victory.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s fixture, Slot underlined the magnitude of the match and the quality of Ruben Amorim’s side.

He said: “I know how special this game is, probably the one watched most all over the world. It’s a game where we have to be at our best. United have had a better start than the league table suggests.”

With a crucial Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt next week, Slot will hope his side can rediscover their rhythm quickly, starting with one of the biggest tests of the season so far.