Arne Slot was happy with Liverpool’s efficiency within the 3-1 win over Yokohama F Marinos in the present day 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 aim for summer season signing Florian Wirtz and efforts from teenage substitutes Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.
Slot loved Liverpool being examined
Yokohama posed loads of issues for Liverpool however Slot had no qualms about going through opposition that examined his gamers.
He stated: “A great recreation 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 recreation for us, which is all the time 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 in the present day was undoubtedly one in every of them.
“I’ve seen just a few very optimistic issues. For instance, us coming again after going 1-0 down, that is one thing that we did final season a whole lot of occasions; seeing gamers from the bench impacting the sport.”
The Dutchman was not solely happy along with his workforce’s show, although.
He added: “Various occasions there have been some superb moments in build-up, however what I additionally noticed within the aim 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’s one thing that additionally occurred to us after we performed [AC] Milan. It could possibly be with a tricky coaching camp and it could possibly be with the warmth circumstances – however that’s one thing that we undoubtedly have to enhance in the direction of [Athletic] Bilbao that we’re going to play as our subsequent opponent.”
Youngsters impress in Japan
Though Wirtz starred and Hugo Ekitike made his debut, it was the children that stole the present with Nyoni, 18, and 16-year-old Ngumoha netting late on.
Slot stated: “Getting some superb gamers by the academy is all the time useful and offers vitality to a workforce as properly. It’s all the time good to see younger gamers from 16, 17 or 18 years outdated already impacting a recreation.
“There was additionally a second within the recreation the place he [Ngumoha] ought to have squared it to Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] or Curtis [Jones]. So, [there were] additionally studying elements for him. If you’re 16 and you’ll influence the sport like he did, that’s undoubtedly value a praise.”
We must 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 when 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 must be prepared for that – that’s the place my full focus is in the intervening time, and over the previous few weeks.
“We’re making steps ahead however I additionally didn’t neglect that final season I went to Wembley, having to have 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 remaining, Group Defend, than we did within the League Cup remaining.”
