Liverpool are BEATEN in first match under Arne Slot... as Reds suffer defeat against Preston in behind-closed-doors friendly

Liverpool suffered defeat in their first match under new manager Arne Slot. 

The Dutchman arrived at Anfield on a three-year deal from Feyenoord after replacing Jurgen Klopp and officially started work as head coach on June 1. 

The new era at Anfield officially got underway last week with Slot and his backroom staff putting a host of players through their paces after they returned from their holidays. 

And preparations for the new season intensified on Friday as Liverpool took on Championship side Preston in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly at the AXA Training Centre.

The Reds were defeated 1-0, with Robbie Brady scoring the only goal of the match from long distance. 

Slot fielded 25 players across the 90 minutes including a number of first team stars. 

Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah were among those who played in the first half. 

Salah went closed for Liverpool in the opening 45 minutes as he struck the crossbar from inside the box after a cross by Konstantinos Tsimikas. 

According to Preston's official account, Brady's goal came via an 'incredible lob' from 40 yards out. 

Slot rolled the changes in the second-half with a majority of youngsters taking to the field alongside the likes of Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic. 

While this was Liverpool's first pre-season match, Preston have already been involved in three friendlies so far this summer having had a full pre-season training camp in Spain. 

Match fitness will have been priority for both clubs, with the Lilywhites set to get their season underway against Sheffield United on August 9. 

Liverpool's first televised match of their pre-season schedule will take place on July 27,  when they face Real Betis as part of their United States tour. 

The Reds will also take on Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United as part of the tour.