Liverpool secures 3-1 victory in Japan but defensive woes continue

Liverpool ends their Far East tour with a win but defensive concerns remain.

Liverpool's defense struggles persist despite tour success

Liverpool concluded their Far East tour with a 3-1 victory against Yokohama F Marinos. However, manager Arne Slot was not satisfied with the team's defensive performance, highlighting issues that have become apparent during the preseason. The Reds, missing key defensive stability, fell prey to counter-attacks, notably allowing a goal following Ibrahima Konate's positional error. While new signings, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, are still integrating, this raises questions about the team's preparation ahead of the new season. Despite these challenges, Mohamed Salah's performance and the debut of Hugo Ekitike provided glimpses of promise.

Liverpool's recent performances reveal a troubling trend in their defensive organization. The team has conceded 24 goals in their last 16 matches, indicating a significant decline from their early-season form last year, when they were defensively sound. While new players are acclimating, the lack of continuity could undermine their bid for success. Salah remains a pivotal figure, but without a robust defense, the team might struggle against more potent opposition when the season starts. The blend of experience and new talent will be crucial as Liverpool aims to reinforce its backline and regain its competitive edge.

Highlights

As the season draws closer, Liverpool's defense will need urgent recalibration.