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But unlike March's deeply disappointing Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United, this penalties defeat to Crystal Palace might have presented just enough learning curves heading into the new Premier League season.

On this evidence at the national stadium - where the FA Cup holders proved triumphant in a subpar Community Shield shootout after a 2-2 draw - Slot's Reds look like there are still one or two tweaks to make before they are ready to defend a first league championship in 40 years.

How quickly they can be tightened up might have a big say in proceedings.

That maybe over-egging what was a normal-time draw in a game best known for the debate around whether or not it should even be considered a 'competitive' fixture, but for all the optimism surrounding the wealth of additions and the money forked out for them, there are still a couple of issues to resolve in the coming days and weeks.

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Even for a side that cantered to the title by 10 points - and with four games to spare - there were areas to fix and while a near-£300m outlay has looked to answer several of the questions that lingered at the beginning of the summer, this was a day that brought into focus what still needs looking at.

Defensive depth is surely the primary concern given just Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are the only recognised fit centre-backs at present, but there is also work to do on the training pitches for the midfielders, who have left the backline looking exposed at times across this eclectic summer period.

That's not to go overboard with the criticism at this stage.

Liverpool have a world-class squad full of international quality but Slot and his obsession with coaching will know what he needs to do to prevent the team looking so susceptible to quick counters and slick turn-overs, as has been notable at times during this pre-season run.

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Plugging gaps with better starting positions in the engine room and a full-back pairing displaying a touch more caution at times will aid on that front.

Aside from that, though, there is still much to admire from the champions, particularly in the final third, where they purred at times and showed why so many supporters head into this season with their excitement levels turned up high.

Before the game, the planned minute’s silence for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva was shamefully forced to be cut short due to disruption from an excitable Palace end still seemingly on cloud nine from the FA Cup success here in May.

There was little excusing it, whatever the reason.

The Reds had their lead inside four minutes with the sort of goal that provided a tantalising glimpse into what just might be coming this season when Hugo Ekitike collected Florian Wirtz's wrapped pass into his feet before cutting inside on the edge of the box and firing low into the corner.

And his first goal for the Reds was a perfect illustration as to why.

Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty after Virgil van Dijk was judged to have fouled Ismaila Sarr but the parity lasted only four minutes, with Jeremie Frimpong left to dance his way to the corner flag in celebration after his undoubted cross had beaten Dean Henderson before nestling in at the back post.

It was the first time since August 2006, when Mark Gonzalez and Craig Bellamy netted against Maccabi Haifa, that two Reds players had scored on their debut and with the silky smooth Wirtz also collecting an assist for the opener, the big-spending renovation of the champions' squad already looks to be a shrewd investment.

The decision to bring off the impressive Ektike with 20 minutes remaining highlighted two things however.

The Reds were maybe fortunate not to have a second penalty given against them when substitute Alexis Mac Allister raised an arm inside the area shortly after the equaliser.

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The shootout was a forgettable one for those in Adidas ecru but it is easy to see why there is plenty of buoyancy heading into the new Premier League season.

The phony war might have been lost here but if it was enough to rectify the minor shortcomings ahead of the real stuff getting underway, at home to Bournemouth on Friday, this will have served a purpose.

The proof of that will become a bit more clear next week.
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