Things are not looking good, but we just have to go with what we have
— Arne Slot, ahead of Liverpool’s season opener vs Bournemouth
Liverpool face a turbulent start to their Premier League title defence. Arne Slot framed the reality: key absences and a transitional squad, but no excuses.
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Three key players unavailable
Slot confirmed at least three starters won’t be part of the opening XI:
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended after a straight red in the final game last season .
Joe Gomez is doubtful. An Achilles issue during pre-season has limited him to just two training sessions .
Conor Bradley remains sidelined with a knock, missing both pre-season and the Community Shield .
Alexis Mac Allister has just returned to fitness. Slot said he’s available, but not yet at full match sharpness .
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Slot’s stance: bleak, but resolute
Slot doesn’t sugarcoat. He called the situation “not funny,” yet detailed how the midfield depth still offers options even without Gravenberch . He described the squad as “as ready as we can be” and identified defensive lapses from pre-season as areas needing attention—turnovers, set-piece vulnerabilities—that they’ve worked to fix .
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Context: broader concerns and adjustments
Liverpool’s pre-season highlighted instability: five or six starters departed and new recruits are still bedding in . Slot is fine-tuning defensive consistency under pressure, aiming to improve from “eight out of 10” performances .
This opener doubles as a critical test for squad cohesion. Slot sees this game as a reality check for Liverpool’s readiness to handle transition and adversity .
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Summary: Go with what you have
Slot’s message is blunt: the lineup is limited. Injuries, suspensions, squad turnover—this is the hand dealt. But complacency isn’t an option. They must adapt and maximize what’s available.
He refuses to lean on excuses. He demands execution from the current group—new signings, returning players, and those stepping up. The o
pener will expose whether that’s enough.
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