Liverpool: Arne Slot claims Reds 'the most honest team' in the Premier League | OneFootball

The Dutchman acknowledged the irony of Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension

Arne Slot claimed that Liverpool are “the most honest team” in the Premier League after Ryan Gravenberch was suspended following a simulation offence.

The Dutchman was sent off late in the Reds’ final league outing of last season after picking up a pair of yellow cards, the first of which was awarded for diving.

Slot finds the suspension ironic: “If there is one team in the league that is very clean and never dives, never time delays, all these kinds of things, it is us.

“And we now have a player suspended for diving, which he got his first yellow card for. It is not funny, but I can't find another word.”

He continued, saying he wished his squad were more cynical: “I sometimes blame them that they don't try to make more from fouls.”

Liverpool received just 67 Premier League bookings last season, with only Brentford (62) and Manchester City (59) managing fewer.

Gravenberch also missed last weekend’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace as his partner gave birth the night before.

Slot is confident Liverpool will fare well in his absence following Alexis Mac Allister’s return to fitness.

“The midfield might be our strongest line when it comes to the bodies we have. Unfortunately, [Mac Allister] had a bit of a different pre-season, but he is back now. I still have a choice to make in midfield.”

Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones started at the base of Slot’s midfield at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

Liverpool have spent heavily this summer and are not slowing in their transfer business. Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, 18, is reportedly travelling to Merseyside today to undergo a medical ahead of completing a £26m transfer.

Slot confirmed the deal was nearing completion: “The clubs have agreed a deal, but he hasn't signed for us yet. The moment he signs for us, I can go into more detail.”