Arne Slot was happy with Liverpool’s efficiency within the 3-1 win over Yokohama F Marinos as we speak however nonetheless needs his gamers to work tougher in transition.
The Premier League champions fell behind to their Japanese hosts however hit again to safe a win within the Far East courtesy of a primary Liverpool purpose for summer time signing Florian Wirtz and efforts from teenage substitutes Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.
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Slot loved Liverpool being examined
Yokohama posed loads of issues for Liverpool however Slot had no qualms about dealing with opposition that examined his gamers.
He stated: “A very good sport towards an opponent that’s already in the course of the season [and] used to the circumstances over right here. They made it an intense sport for us, which is at all times good to have in pre-season as a result of that is additionally what we’re searching for. We wish to have groups that may actually compete with us and as we speak was positively one in all them.
“I’ve seen just a few very constructive issues. For instance, us coming again after going 1-0 down, that is one thing that we did final season loads of occasions; seeing gamers from the bench impacting the sport.”
The Dutchman was not fully happy together with his crew’s show, although.
He added: “More than just a few occasions there have been some superb moments in build-up, however what I additionally noticed within the purpose we conceded and within the first half the large probability we conceded was that we needed to work tougher in these moments to dash again than we did. That is one thing that additionally occurred to us after we performed [AC] Milan. It may very well be with a troublesome coaching camp and it may very well be with the warmth circumstances – however that’s one thing that we positively have to enhance in the direction of [Athletic] Bilbao that we’re going to play as our subsequent opponent.”
Teenagers impress in Japan
Although Wirtz starred and Hugo Ekitike made his debut, it was the kids that stole the present with Nyoni, 18, and 16-year-old Ngumoha netting late on.
Slot stated: “Getting some superb gamers via the academy is at all times useful and offers power to a crew as effectively. It’s at all times good to see younger gamers from 16, 17 or 18 years previous already impacting a sport.
“There was additionally a second within the sport the place he [Ngumoha] ought to have squared it to Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] or Curtis [Jones]. So, [there were] additionally studying components for him. If you might be 16 and you’ll affect the sport like he did, that’s positively price a praise.”
We have to be prepared for stronger Premier League – Slot
Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League crown in his first season in cost however insists that second has now handed and his full focus is on the brand new marketing campaign.
“I assumed final season was already robust however in case you take a look at what all of the Premier League groups are doing, the Premier League goes to get even stronger than final season,” he stated.
“We have to be prepared for that – that’s the place my full focus is for the time being, and over the previous couple of weeks.
“We are making steps ahead however I additionally didn’t overlook that final season I went to Wembley, having to take a look at Newcastle lifting a trophy, and in two weeks we go there once more. So, I hope we present a unique face in that closing, Community Shield, than we did within the League Cup closing.”
