Liverpool

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot says the "bar we've set" by winning the Premier League title means his team will come under more scrutiny this season.

After letting Bournemouth back into the game when 2-0 up in the opening match last Friday, the Reds' defence came in for criticism.

Liverpool's full-backs were singled out for playing too high, while central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were also questioned for their roles in the goals.

"Of course that has something to do with the bar we've set, and I agree we were at some moments too open," said Slot.

"The first goal was, I think, mainly unlucky that we lost the ball in a position we shouldn't lose it and then we were three against three, which is normally not a problem but we had a disadvantage to our opponent.

"Second goal is definitely being too open, If all your three midfielders are inside the box, that's too open.

"But also the reason why we scored [to make it] 3-2 was one of our midfielders, Curtis Jones, arrived in the box and made it difficult for the goalkeeper, and the ball fell to Federico [Chiesa].

"So, it's also who we are but we need to find the right balance by not being too open."

The return of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch should help provide more protection for the defence when Liverpool face Newcastle on Monday night, having been so key in the 2024-25 title win.

"I've watched the game back twice and I don't think - apart from the two goals - there were many other counter-attacks from Bournemouth, but if it leads to a goal it's of course a big story," he added.

"For us, conceding two - that's too much in a home game, that's too open.

"If you look back at last season, every time he played Ryan would have been in that position."

Josh Sexton
Fan writer

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When Federico Chiesa created the first big moment in Liverpool's 2025-2026 campaign, his cult hero status was secured, and his song rang out around Anfield.

"You can hear them crying in Turin. Federico - he's here to win. One chat with Arne Slot and he said "Ciao… [Expletive] Juve, I'm a Kopite now."

A catchy tune, but one that hasn't come without criticism.

For some supporters, the lines about Turin and Juventus are too pointed, as Liverpool has had a complicated relationship with the Italian club since the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985.

To others, this is a light-hearted song purely about a footballer who was dumped by a club he had starred for so frequently and how he had found a new home on Merseyside.

While I can see and understand arguments for the former, the song has already been sung for months. It is meant to be funny because everyone knows Juventus wanted to get rid of Chiesa, so any insinuations in their direction are poking fun at that. I haven't seen anything online from Juventus supporters being upset about it, or it being equated to tragedy chanting.

Heysel is a stain on the club's history and an incident that shouldn't be ignored, as it remains a flashpoint of football's hooliganism problem that has dissipated from those days and should stay firmly in the past.

Memories of those impacted can be respected while maintaining that we sing for Liverpool and its players above all other clubs, and tongue-in-cheek lines about footballers leaving them behind to join our ranks shouldn't be conflated with a tragedy-chanting issue that still plagues football in the modern day.

Respect for all opinions and positions should be paramount, of course. But it has helped Chiesa feel at home on Merseyside, and for that reason, I'd say it is doing more good than harm.

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Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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It's not an easy answer. In many ways, the conversation itself ruins the fun of it anyway. When the song first popped up at the beginning of last season, it was used sparingly given Federico Chiesa barely played; then in an almost tongue in cheek fashion, given how little Arne Slot seemed to rate the Italian.

There was an element to it which was a bit silly. Like, 'Look how much we're going for it for a footballer who doesn't even play'. It wasn't mocking Chiesa, but it was much more about the fun of being a Liverpool fan than anything else.

This all changed on Friday night on Premier League Opening Day of course when Chiesa's goal won us the game versus Bournemouth and the rendition was at it's most deserved and brilliant.

I was at the Premier League title-winning parade and it got sung more than Mo Salah's tune. It's just very fun to bounce along to. It's a really, really good football chant, with no context considered.

Is it offensive? I don't really think Liverpool fans are the right people to ask. Ask Juventus fans. If Juve supporters hear the lyrics, 'You can hear them crying in Turin,' and '**** off Juve, I'm a Kopite now,' and feel some anger or hurt, that is their right. Just like it's not for non-Liverpool fans to claim the 'Victims' chant isn't offensive. If I heard a supporters group for Juve speak out against it, I would be less comfortable singing it.

I think intention is key here. When the song started, it was made up by young lads who were not around 40 years ago when Heysel happened. There is no intention at all to reference that disaster in a mocking way - and the fact Chiesa himself said he loved the song and joined in at the end of last season suggests there is no ambition to hurt. Liverpool fans of a younger age shouldn't necessarily carry a guilt from Heysel, but this doesn't mean the song hasn't offended Juve fans at the same time.

I probably won't sing it anymore, because the discussion has tarnished its good-humoured essence anyway. Many will, which is their right.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

Newcastle United are preparing for Liverpool to return with a new bid of between £120-130m for 25-year-old Sweden forward Alexander Isak. (Teamtalk), external

Hull City are keen to sign Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas on loan, with Sheffield United and Wrexham also believed to be interested in the 19-year-old. (The 72), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Slot confirmed Jeremie Frimpong, who was substituted in the opening match of the season, will be out until after the international break after "medical staff felt he had hamstring issue during the game" and that was the reason for him being taken off. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley trained for the first time on Thursday but remains unavailable.

• On if he is concerned about right-back injuries: "These things happen. At the moment we only have two injuries but unfortunately, it is two in the same position. The good thing is we have other players that can play there. Wataru Endo played there. Dominik Szoboszlai, Joe Gomez is definitely one of them but for him to already play 20 minutes - that is already quite a lot."

• Slot would not be drawn into questions around reported transfer targets Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi, responding: "What I can tell you is not a lot. And if someone else is going to ask that question, it is going to be the same answer. As I have said so many times and it has been shown, I could even impact the game on Friday with the players we had on the bench. It would be much nicer to talk about the players that we have."

• On the impact the returning Ryan Gravenberch could have: "I think he can make a lot [of difference]. At least, if he is the same player he was as last season. If you look back at last season, for him not being there and us playing with very good players but very attack-minded players - that hurt us [against Bournemouth]. If he brings his normal level that will help us having him again."

• The Reds boss is not expecting a busy 10 days for the club in the transfer market before the window closes: "Then [that would mean] I would be unhappy with the squad we have and I am very, very happy with the squad we have. Two per position is ideal but I prefer less than more because you have to disappoint so many players every single time."

• Slot does not feel Newcastle are "a club with troubles", despite issues around Isak: "It's mainly difficult [facing them] because of the players they have there, not only because of the fans. The atmosphere is great like it is at Anfield so we are used to a certain environment, but St James' Park if I remember last season when it was an evening game - the atmosphere was amazing. But why is the atmosphere amazing? Because the players can perform."

• He added: "The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfield, their last line, their front three. I assume Isak is not playing from what I read in the media but they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine, Anthony Elanga as a right-winger and Harvey Barnes from the left, and that is without Jacob Murphy playing."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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The main flaw we have seen in Liverpool's performances in the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace and win at home to Bournemouth is that they seem a lot more open than they were last season. They can be got at, which was rarely the case under Arne Slot in his opening campaign as manager.

Much of this can be put down to the absence of Ryan Gravenberch, who was outstanding as a stabilising influence in midfield last season. They also need to adjust to two attacking full-backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, who have left them vulnerable on the flanks.

It will be interesting to see how and when Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley are utilised in the weeks ahead.

Arne Slot needs to get that midfield balance right while accommodating Florian Wirtz in the number 10 position, but Gravenberch will make a huge difference.

The Reds boss will know all of this and I'm sure he will strike a successful balance.

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BBC Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel says he "can't see any other outcome" other than Liverpool making a fresh approach for Alexander Isak next week, but only after the Reds play Newcastle at St James' Park on Monday.

The trading of statements between club and player on Tuesday evening has intensified speculation over the Sweden striker's future.

"Nothing can happen before the game," Mokbel told the Football Daily podcast.

"But, I'd be flabbergasted if Liverpool don't make some sort of approach next week for Alexander Isak.

"In my mind there was no way Liverpool didn't know he would release that statement. So, after he did that I can't see any other outcome but Liverpool making another offer or some sort of approach for him next week.

"Whether that's successful or not will depend on the level of money they're prepared to put into the pot. If Liverpool have to continue to up their offer, then there's only a certain amount of money to go round.

"The more they put into the transfer fee, the less you'd imagine they'd be able to pay Isak at Anfield. There's certainly a catch 22 situation there.

"I can't imagine a situation where he sits out an entire season. It sounds absolutely ludicrous to me for someone in the prime of their career to throw away a season because he didn't get his dream move."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Tottenham are stepping up their efforts to sign Brentford and Ireland defender Nathan Collins, 24, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool. (Caught Offside), external

RB Leipzig have agreed personal terms with Liverpool and England Under-21 midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, as Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, 22, looks close to completing a move to Chelsea. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Marseille are interested in signing 29-year-old Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who is expected to leave Liverpool this summer. (Footmercato - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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How have we managed without Premier League football?

Not just for the passion, the thrills and excitement attached to the competition, but also for the endless opportunities it gives us all to analyse and critique the various matches we all watch.

Liverpool's rollercoaster victory over Bournemouth has predictably been pored over with a fine tooth comb and, despite a winning start to their campaign, some notable and respected judges seem to have reacted in an overly negative fashion.

Of course it is worrying to see the champions fritter away such a healthy advantage in a manner that is so defensively damaging, but it is also worth bearing in mind that several players were making league debuts and Ryan Gravenberch was absent.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are one of the finest full-back pairings in Liverpool history, and without doubt their most potent. With Alexander-Arnold gone, their days as a double act are over. Robertson, though, still has an awful lot of football left in him this season in a red shirt - and maybe even beyond that.

Nevertheless, the amount of money invested in Milos Kerkez underlines the fact the Hungarian is the future in that position under Arne Slot. For those people who were perhaps justifiably underwhelmed by his display against Bournemouth, it is worth remembering Robertson was banished from the first-team squad for a lengthy period after making his debut under Jurgen Klopp.

Like Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong was also substituted on the hour mark on Friday. The Netherlands international is perhaps better suited to playing as a wing-back or a winger than as a full-back in a flat back four.

He is a fabulous athlete who is outrageously quick - clocking 33.4mph during Friday's match at Anfield.

Conor Bradley is a much more orthodox right-back and brings a different skillset to the position. It is going to take time for Frimpong to adjust to his new surroundings and to build on-field relationships with his Liverpool team-mates.

His willingness to engage in one-to-one combat with his opposing winger has left him in a few awkward situations, but his pedigree indicates he has the requirements to be a success at Anfield. The fact he could cover for Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations could prove to be another massive plus.

Slot revealed a hamstring issue was the reason behind his substitution against Bournemouth so it remains to be seen who will be operating at right-back for their next game at Newcastle United.

That is a Monday night match that has the potential to hit the footballing heights and we can only begin to imagine the sort conversations taking place in the directors' lounge before the game.

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We asked for your views on whether Alexander Isak will join Liverpool after the Newcastle striker and his club exchanged words regarding his future.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave: At the start of the transfer window, I would have seen Isak as a priority signing. With the arrival of Ekitike and Wirtz, and especially with how Isak has portrayed himself in the last month, I am nowhere near as keen. I actually think a centre-back signing is more important now anyway.

Andy: Surely it's now 'when' not 'if', but then again we're waiting for Newcastle to sign at least one striker. We'll soon see, but it's been messy at best. With Isak though LFC will be expected to win the lot. It ramps expectation to new heights not experienced since the 80s.

Ashley: Personally I feel Newcastle are running out of time as Isak has made it clear he wants Liverpool and won't play for them again. It's only because they have wealthy backers they haven't let him go yet. £120m will allow them to throw big money at another decent striker or strikers.

Stephen: Leave him there. He's a troublemaker.

Tom: I don't want him now. To show that attitude to your club is frankly not the behaviour of a player Liverpool should have. He will only do it to us in three years when Madrid come in for him. Ekitike has shown his worth already - why discard him to the bench or the wing?

Mark: It's dragging on too long. It's best for everyone now that Isak gets his move. I can't see any good coming from him remaining at Newcastle.

Fraser: It's pretty clear - Isak wants to join us but Newcastle have let him down. I hope we get him (and there's still a chance we will this window) but even if we don't, I'll be very happy with Hugo Ekitike up front. He's already becoming a fan favourite. We do, however, need another forward or two as we are looking a little light up front. I'm sure we'll get something done. As this window has shown, we actually have a good recruitment team. Newcastle's recruitment team is practically non-existent.

Phil: Can't trust him, what happens when he nears the end of a contract at Liverpool? Move on and get a defender, he's not for sale.

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

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To explain this we need to look at Newcastle's transfers so far.

After a frustrating summer window, their business has started to pick up.

They signed midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for £40m on Sunday, after securing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for a reported £34.6m earlier in the week.

This added to July's £55m signing of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and the loan signing of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale early in August.

But there is one glaring omission.

None of these are strikers - and they really needed one before Alexander Isak's future was thrown into question after the departure of Callum Wilson.

Sources have told BBC Sport one reason there hasn't yet been a follow-up bid is that any move would be reliant on Newcastle getting two strikers through the door.

Newcastle have maintained publicly that Isak isn't for sale, but Liverpool know they are looking for two strikers for a reason.

When - or perhaps if - Newcastle get those two signings in, Liverpool are expected to ramp up their interest with another bid.

Sources say the next offer will be a minimum £120m. At the moment, though, it's a waiting game.

Read more on the saga here

Alexander Isak and Newcastle United have exchanged words regarding the striker's future. You can read them all below.

So what do you think will happen now? Will he join Liverpool or stay put?

Get in touch with your views here

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Alexander Isak has spoken publicly for the first time since his future became the biggest talking point this summer.

Liverpool had a £110m bid rejected for the forward, who is currently not training with the first-team at Newcastle.

Isak says Newcastle United have "broken" promises and that "trust is lost" whilst the club say "no commitment has ever been made" that he could leave this summer.

In a statement on Instagram Isak wrote: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.

"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.

"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."

In a later statement Newcastle said: "We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.

"We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.

"As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met."

Mohammed Salah says he is "so happy" after becoming the first player to win the Professional Footballers' Association men's Player of the Year award on three occasions.

"This is something that has never happened before in the Premier League," he said.

"I will never forget it and it never happened before. I am so happy.

"We had a great season and also myself I had a great season - my best season for the club and in my career.

"Hopefully it will continue this year. I found always the way to stay hungry and want more."

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Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

David asked: Should Liverpool buy a defensive midfielder? We can look soft in the centre of the team and I worry we will struggle in the biggest games domestically and abroad.

Phil answered: No. I wouldn't buy another defensive midfield player as I think Liverpool have the resources in there to cover that off, especially when Ryan Gravenberch is back from suspension.

I would prioritise another central defender, perhaps also another left-sided attacking player, although I still have a hunch we will see Alexander Isak at Liverpool before the transfer window closed.

John asked: How important is it that Liverpool sign another centre-back who can step in for Virgil van Dijk over a long campaign?

Phil answered: Very important, with Jarell Quansah sold and Joe Gomez, unfortunately, too often injured. There is also a question mark over Ibrahima Konate's future as he is yet to sign a new contract.

An injury to Van Dijk would be seriously damaging, so I'm sure this is something Liverpool are looking at, with talks having already been held about a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

I expect Liverpool to sign a central defender before the window closes.

Read more of the Q&A with Phil here

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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Liverpool will score lots and lots of goals this season. Some of the attacking link-up play was extraordinary during the 4-2 win over Bournemouth.

But whether we can retain the title or not will depend on if we can plug the gaps in the middle when we lose the ball.

Both Bournemouth's goals came from counter-attacks. There were no defensive midfielders in both situations to stop the fast break and Antoine Semenyo finished with aplomb on both occasions.

Liverpool were without Ryan Gravenberch, who is the most defensive of Arne Slot's midfielders, but it feels like more of a tactical issue than a personnel one.

At 2-1 up, Liverpool flooded bodies into Bournemouth's box. The full-backs were in the opposition penalty area and the midfielders were in attack mode, too. One transition and it was 2-2.

Thankfully, the power of Anfield and the relentlessness of Liverpool's attack meant we scored two more goals, but it should have been a much more professional job.

In all likelihood, Liverpool will spend huge money on Alexander Isak before the window closes, strengthening an already jaw-dropping attack. Marc Guehi is expected at centre-back, too.

If it were me, I would try to beat Manchester United to Brighton's ball-winning machine Carlos Baleba. He has the tenacity and defensive characteristics required for the double pivot.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

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Arne Slot's Liverpool have brought in attacking reinforcements but the balance of their side looks off. Against Bournemouth, they were bright going forward but looked susceptible to conceding on the break.

Last season, Liverpool only conceded two goals from fast breaks all season. In the first game of this season, they equalled that number.

So what has changed for Liverpool?

The personnel informs how tactics are executed and Slot pointed towards sloppy passing in midfield as a reason Liverpool were so exposed. These misplaced passes gave the opposition time and space against a disorganised defensive shape while attacking the centre of the pitch.

This is more dangerous than losing the ball in the wide areas as attackers are closer to goal, in better shooting positions.

Although Slot focuses mainly on the sloppy passing and dispossessions in midfield, it is objectively true that Liverpool committed many bodies to their attack. At times, there were seven or eight players in and around Bournemouth's box, leaving Liverpool with very few players back to defend.

For Antoine Semenyo's second goal, both Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson were attacking in the opposition's box so were unable to get back to defend the counter-attack when the ball was lost.

Yes, decision-making and passing quality needs to be better but Slot may need to tweak the positions of the full-backs or central midfielders when Liverpool are attacking for additional protection against dangerous counter-attacking sides.

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BBC Sport's tactics correspondent Umir Irfan says Arne Slot is "going for a more fluid approach" in Liverpool's forward line and Alexander Isak would fit in very well with Hugo Ekitike.

Although it is unknown whether Isak will get his desired move, Irfan has been looking at the way the Reds may set up if they sign the Newcastle striker.

"There are similarities between Ekitike and Isak, but Ekitike has a great tendency to drop deep and get involved," Irfan told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"From what we have seen so far in their build-up play, Milos Kerkez stays in the back three and Jeremie Frimpong pushes really high and wide. Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai then drop really deep and into the wide areas, and when they do that the left-winger comes inside.

"That makes it really hard for opposition players.

"I can imagine a scenario where Ekitike starts in the middle when Liverpool are building-up, before he pulls out wide, which leaves all of that space for Isak.

"In more settled play, you would have Isak down the middle and Ekitike on the left.

"They would be interchanging. When you have two really good players on the ball with experience of moving to the left flank, it will be really hard for teams to pick up."

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