Slot seeks Liverpool balance for Premier League title defence

Liverpool boss Arne Slot said his side are conceding too often if they are to defend the Premier League title after losing the Community Shield on penalties to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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The new-look Reds, after a £260 million ($350 million) spending spree in the transfer market, looked slick in attack at Wembley with new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong on target.

However, the Reds twice failed to hold onto the lead as Palace levelled through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty and Ismaila Sarr’s strike 13 minutes from time as the match ended 2-2 before the shootout.

Last season Liverpool beat Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park and drew 1-1 on the final day of the season at Anfield as they romped to the title with four games to spare.

Slot saw flashes of what his star-studded forward line are capable of as the most expensive of his new recruits, Florian Wirtz, teed up Ekitike for the opening goal after just four minutes.

However, in keeping with the pattern of Liverpool’s preseason friendlies, they were cut open with ease on the counterattack.

AC Milan beat Slot’s men 4-2 in Hong Kong, while Liverpool edged out Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in one of two friendlies against the Basques on their return to Anfield on Monday.