Liverpool manager Arne Slot hints at defender transfer move after Community Shield loss: 'We have to improve'

Manager Arne Slot dropped enough hints on who could be Liverpool’s next transfer target after the Reds suffered a shocking defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield match on Sunday. As Liverpool missed out on a chance to secure their first trophy of the new 2025-26 season, Slot did not shy away from admitting the defensive errors after a penalty shootout defeat at Wembley following a 2-2 draw.

The goals for Liverpool came through new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, but Ismaila Sarr made it 2-2 in the 77th minute for Palace after Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from a penalty in the first half. With both teams failing to find the next goal, the matter went into the shootout, where Palace edged Liverpool 3-2.

Slot hints at Guehi move for Liverpool

The Premier League-winning coach Slot wasn’t happy with the defending duties put in by the Liverpool players, as he made the errors the centre point of his post-match interview.

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“I have mixed feelings,” Slot told TNT Sports. “If you look at our attacking play it looks better than last season [against Crystal Palace]. On the other hand we conceded two goals, we need to be better defensively.”

“The first one is a very good team goal and a good example of how creative we can be, that will only get better,” he added.

“But I think if you want to compete to win the league, one of the main things is not conceding goals or chances and we have to improve on that.”

Slot is seen as hinting towards Liverpool going after Palace centre-back Marc Guehi before the transfer window closes on 1 September. Guehi is also linked with Chelsea after defender Levi Colwill suffered an anterior ligament injury, but Chelsea are reportedly going slow on their pursuit.

The Telegraph in the UK has reported that Liverpool are favourites to land Guehi, who has one year left on his contract with Palace. But the asking price could prove to be a sticking point. Palace are expected to demand at least £40 million for the England defender.

Liverpool, though, do not have many options as they only have three recognised centre-backs in the first-team after sending Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence starts on Friday with Bournemouth coming to Anfield.