David Lynch on Arne Slot’s Press Conference as Premier League Opener Nears | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Arne Slot Prepares for Premier League Return with Transfer and Team Selection Decisions

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is set to begin the defence of his Premier League title on Friday night when Bournemouth visit Anfield. Speaking at the AXA Training Centre, Slot addressed transfer speculation, team news and tactical focus ahead of the season opener.

Football journalist David Lynch, reporting from the press conference on his own YouTube channel, noted that there was “only one place to start… and that of course is with transfers”. Liverpool are close to completing a £26 million deal for Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the player in Merseyside for a medical. While Slot confirmed that “a fee is there”, he refused to elaborate further, saying, “the moment he signs for us, I can go into more detail”.

Transfer focus on Giovanni Leoni and Marc Guehi

Leoni is not the only defensive target on Liverpool’s radar. Talks are ongoing for Crystal Palace captain Mark Guehi, although Lynch reported “a bit of a gap in the valuation” with Palace holding firm despite Guehi’s contract having just one year remaining. Contrary to some reports, Lynch clarified that “personal terms are agreed… is not actually the case” and Liverpool “haven’t quite got that far”.

Slot’s comments on Guehi were brief but revealing. “Unfortunately he was the captain of the team we lost against on Sunday… if you want to talk about Marc Guehi you have to talk to Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace.” Lynch interpreted the use of “unfortunately” as a hint towards Liverpool’s ongoing interest.

Injury updates and squad options

Joe Gomez’s return to training offers a timely boost. The versatile defender has trained twice this week after a minor Achilles issue, although Slot said a decision is still needed on his inclusion. “It’s all about who’s available for the squad,” he explained. Connor Bradley is unlikely to feature, having been absent from training, while Ryan Gravenberch will miss the match through suspension.

Slot was clear about the options in midfield despite Gravenberch’s absence, describing it as “probably the strongest area of the entire squad”. Alexis Mac Allister appears fit to start, while £116 million signing Florian Wirtz is expected to take the advanced role. Slot acknowledged that “Dominik Szoboszlai didn’t have the best game in the Community Shield but had a really good pre-season”, leaving room for a decision between him, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo.

Defensive improvement and refereeing frustrations

Asked about Liverpool’s defensive performances in pre-season, Slot rated the team “an eight out of ten” off the ball, adding, “at this club, obviously, eight out of ten is not good enough”. He pinpointed “giving the ball away in stupid areas” as a key issue to resolve before the Bournemouth match.

The press conference also saw an unprompted criticism of refereeing. Slot was unhappy with Ryan Gravenberch’s sending off against Palace, saying his was “the most honest team in the league” yet lost a player “to a dive”. He referenced the Community Shield, where Liverpool conceded 13 fouls to Palace’s five despite dominating possession, a statistic he clearly wanted in referees’ minds going forward.

Slot ready for Anfield return

As Lynch concluded from the AXA Training Centre, the focus now turns to delivering a strong opening-night performance. With key transfer moves in motion and tactical adjustments under way, Liverpool will aim to start the season in the same way they finished the last one, with Slot demanding “fully focused” performances from his players as they walk out at Anfield.