Liverpool manager Slot draws caution against  Bournemouth ahead of EPL opener

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has drawn caution as his side prepares to kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season with a home clash against Bournemouth on Friday night. Liverpool, who are the EPL defending champions, will be seeking to start strong playing against the Cherries, but Slot has stated his team won’t be complacent with their opponent. 

Speaking in his first pre-match press conference of the new league season at Anfield on Thursday, as gathered by Sixsports, Slot said the Reds “are ready for the league to start” but admitted there is still room for improvement following a summer of significant squad changes.

Slot told Liverpool media this:

“The quality we bring when on the ball, I am very happy with that.” “Without the ball, eight out of 10 times it is very good but the aim at this club is to be 10 out of 10. That is the fine tuning we still need to find defensively.”

The Dutchman acknowledged some defensive lapses during pre-season, noting that “there are reasons” behind them, but insisted “there are no excuses” when the new campaign gets underway. Liverpool lost a chance to win the Community Shield, losing 3-2 via penalty shootout to the FA Cup winners, Crystal Palace.

Looking ahead to their opponents, Slot was quick to praise Bournemouth’s energy and style. He added: 

“Last season, they were the most intense team in the league in terms of running and playing style. They made it really difficult for us. It will be a challenge for us.”

When asked about the prospect of defending Liverpool’s league crown, Slot underlined the difficulty of the task. 

He buttressed: 

“The reason why it is so difficult is because there are so many competitors that can win the league. To win it once is special. This year will be even harder because every team has brought in new players.”

Liverpool will be without Ryan Gravenberch for the opener after his red card in the final game of last season. Kick-off at Anfield is set for 20:00 BST as the champions begin their title defence against one of last year’s toughest challengers.