Arne Slot Demands Defensive Improvement as Liverpool Prepare for Manchester United Clash

Posted : 17 October 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot urged his team to improve defensively and show a stronger reaction after a three-match losing streak ahead of their Premier League.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called for a stronger defensive display and greater consistency as his side prepare to face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the high-profile encounter, the Dutchman admitted that “results don’t lie” following a three-game losing streak that has raised concerns over the team’s form.

The Premier League champions began the season impressively, winning their opening seven matches across all competitions. However, a series of late goals had masked underlying weaknesses, which became more apparent after defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray in the Champions League, and Chelsea before the international break. Those setbacks have left Liverpool one point behind Arsenal in the title race.

Following their dominant title-winning campaign last season, Liverpool invested nearly £450 million ($604 million) in new signings, including big-money arrivals Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Yet, both high-profile recruits are still searching for their first Premier League goals. At the same time, Slot’s team has struggled defensively, conceding two or more goals in four of their seven league games.

“We’ve played ten, won seven, and lost three. The three losses were close, but we can’t rely on fine margins,” Slot said during his pre-match press conference. “Results don’t lie — if you lose three in a row, you need to improve. We’re aware of that and must respond.”

One major concern for the Liverpool manager is the drop in attacking output from his forwards. Last season’s top scorer, Mohamed Salah, has yet to rediscover his best form, struggling to adapt to the team’s tactical adjustments following the summer’s heavy recruitment. Slot admitted that Liverpool have not produced the kind of “special moments” that previously defined their attacking edge.

The coach also lamented his side’s poor record from set pieces, highlighting that Liverpool have conceded four goals from dead-ball situations, something he described as “far too many” for a team with title ambitions.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but Slot received a boost as Ryan Gravenberch has been declared fit after picking up a knock while on international duty with the Netherlands.

Liverpool will now look to bounce back at home, where a win over arch-rivals Manchester United could reignite their season and restore momentum in their Premier League title defence.

Arne Slot Demands Defensive Improvement as Liverpool Prepare for Manchester United Clash

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics