Arne Slot has urged his Liverpool players to incorporate a more streetwise approach into their game as they kick off their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth on Friday night.

Ryan Gravenberch will be absent from the match due to a suspension incurred in the final fixture of last season, where the champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace.

It's not amusing, but I can't find another word - everyone has probably forgotten, but he received his suspension due to two yellow cards.

"The first was for a dive, there is one team in the league that, in my opinion, is by far the most honest team and when they play - and I sometimes blame them for this - they never try to make more of a foul, like Cody in the 2-2 game with Palace, we conceded and he got a push in the back he was too clean.

Arne Slot sets Liverpool squad a new challenge after 'weird' admission over team behaviour	Marc Guehi urged to reject 'weird' Liverpool transfer at critical career crossroads	How Alexander Isak's relationship with Newcastle broke down as Liverpool target drops bombshell

"So if there is one team in the league that is very clean, never dives, never time delays, it is us.

But I have said many times, probably the midfield might be our strongest line when it comes to the bodies we have.

"Unfortunately, Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) had a bit of a different pre-season but he is back fit now so I still have a choice to make in midfield, even if Ryan is not there."

Slot continued: "Maybe for me to use the right words in English, but you can never be too honest.

But that was just such high intensity because both teams were here to play and not a foul or time delaying.

"I am proud of who we are and we won the league by being who we were, so let us stay who we are.

But sometimes, like against Palace - if I talk to a referee or fourth official, it is about this - but they hold Florian, clearly in midfield, and he is so fair that he didn't fall over and the referee says 'If you don't fall I don't give a free-kick.'"

"That is a little bit weird.

We are a very fair team, that is clear, and that is also maybe the reason we won the league, so why change some things when it went so well?"