Arne Slot spoke out after Liverpool’s surprising 1-0 defeat to Preston North End in a pre-season friendly, describing the match as an unexpected turn of events.
Slot’s side suffered the setback at their AXA Training Centre, where Championship outfit Preston secured victory.
The match, held behind closed doors, was confirmed via social media without details like the kick-off time, and fans were unable to attend.
PNE announced their triumph on Twitter, highlighting Robbie Brady’s remarkable 40-yard lob as the decider, a moment fans will have to envision since no footage of the game is expected to be released.
Liverpool fielded a strong lineup under new manager Arne Slot, with Mo Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Jarell Quansah among the first-half starters, according to journalist David Lynch. The second half saw opportunities for younger players alongside established names like Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic.
Despite this being Liverpool’s first 90-minute pre-season outing, Preston had already played three friendlies and completed a training camp in Spain, potentially affecting the balance of match readiness.
Reflecting on the match, both teams aimed to enhance their fitness levels ahead of upcoming campaigns, notably Preston’s Championship season starting on August 9. The result, while disappointing for Liverpool, highlighted the unpredictable nature of pre-season preparations, as evidenced by Preston’s recent loss to a National League North side.
Ryan Lowe, Preston’s manager and a former Liverpool academy player, has fostered a close relationship between the clubs, facilitating various loan and transfer deals. This mutual cooperation extends to last year when Preston allowed Liverpool to use Deepdale for a friendly against German side Darmstadt.
The friendly’s outcome serves as a reminder of the fluidity of pre-season form, emphasizing the broader objectives of fitness enhancement over immediate results.
