Liverpool still searching for defensive balance

Liverpool’s defense has been under the spotlight at the start of the 2025/2026 season. Manager Arne Slot admitted that his team is still trying to find the right balance and was often too open at the back.

The Reds won 4-2 against Bournemouth in the first week of the Premier League, but they lost their lead after letting Bournemouth equalize 2-2. Liverpool struggled to handle Bournemouth’s quick attacks, with criticism aimed at the full-backs’ high positions and decisions by defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Slot chose not to blame his defenders individually, instead saying the team played too openly. He acknowledged that it will take time to find a formula that prevents the team from being easily exposed.

“Of course it relates to our standards, and I agree we were too open at times. The first goal came from losing the ball in a bad position,” Slot told the BBC. “Then there was a three-on-three situation, which normally isn’t a problem, but we were outnumbered. The second goal was too easy because our midfielders were not in the right positions.”

Slot also explained how Liverpool managed to score the third goal: “Curtis Jones went into the box, disturbed the goalkeeper, and the ball went to Federico Chiesa. It shows our style of play, but we need to find the right balance without being too open.”

Defensive concerns have been present since pre-season, when Liverpool kept only one clean sheet in six games. Worries continued after losing the Community Shield on penalties to Crystal Palace, despite twice leading in the match.

Liverpool will need time to adjust and strengthen their defense as the season progresses.