Arne Slot conceded Liverpool were "not as aggressive" in the final third, but felt there was no "drop-off" in their performance during Sunday's defeat to Chelsea.
The newly crowned champions suffered only their third league loss of the season after going down 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool are only the fourth team to lose their first league game after they were crowned Premier League champions after Arsenal in 1997-98 (against Liverpool), Chelsea in 2005-06 (against Blackburn Rovers) and the Reds themselves in 2019-20 (against Manchester City).
Slot's side enjoyed 64.6% of possession, but could only register two shots on target across the 90 minutes, and the Dutchman acknowledged that lack of a cutting edge was crucial.
"For many things, I didn't see a drop-off," he told BBC Match of the Day. "Today, we could see why we have won this league.
"We brought the ball out from the back really well. We came back after being 2-0 down, and we didn't give up. But as I have said before, margins are small. At some moments, a few percent were not there.
"They were a constant threat on the counter-attack, but they have a very good team; well-organised and so many great individuals.
"Yes, we slipped twice with the goals we conceded, but the amount of times we could play through Chelsea was much more than half a season ago.
"In the final third, we were not as aggressive, and we missed a few percent to score the goal."
Virgil van Dijk gave Liverpool hope with his 13th headed goal from a corner in the Premier League; a tally only bettered by John Terry (19) and Dion Dublin (14).
However, it ultimately proved academic, and the Reds skipper was left frustrated he and his team-mates were unable to underline their status as the newly crowned champions.
"I think possession was quite good, but when we didn't have the ball, the pressing wasn't great, and they could find between the lines," he said.
"To concede that early is not great, but if we start to play the way we want to play, then we can create chances. There were chances for us to score. In the end, they deserved the win. That's the disappointing thing as we came here to win.
"Obviously, we tried, but it wasn't great. We knew it was going to be tough at times. We could have done better in the way we defended as a team.
"Even when the job is done, we came here to try to get a good result. It has to hurt. I'm definitely disappointed."
fazacdkpsu
1
Chelles
Loccdipy
2
Chelsea distracted Liverpool with the quard of honour. Clever Chelsea
Elo1
0
Sure we all knew
Becabdein
0
next season liverpool will struggle to hold their title .. mancity chelsea arsenal newcastle aston villa all are coming to haunt LFC
The Transfer window is not open or closed yet. Be positive just like any other Lfc supporter. Remember what they said when Arne Slot was appointed. The coach this , The coach that. The team that!
Becabdein
0
Honestly am very disappointed with the manager this lineup is not encouraging at all. Quansa, Endo, Elliott, John's, Tsimikas are not regular player and he start with them in a very high intense match at home of Chelsea who are looking for a sport in the champions league. Chiesa and Nunez were not given the opportunity to impress this season especially that of Chiesa the manager want to kick him out because if Chiesa remains in Liverpool he will compete position with Cody who happens to be a Dutch, nevertheless Diaz played as centre forward just to ensure that Cody is safeguard. Dutch and Franch Coaches are very selfish and sentinel they always give priority to the players that came from their countries. I hope that will change this season.
That's why we are Champions! The matter of fact you won't satisfy everyone! COME ON KEEP ON CELEBRATING
jutbeorsy
0
slot know what he do so stop complain boss man when you need points you will know how to get it now you won it you know what you do boss
zikcem
0
Slot should realize that his close rival clubs are not sleeping. He should ensure that the players he is going to bring into the club are astute, tested and confident players that will be able to withstand and overcome the formidable pressure Lfc should expect from these embittered rival clubs next season. Lfc needs a sharp and confident striker, natural midfielder, natural left and right backs and tested right winger that can compete with Salah favourably in the team. Salah is not infallible.
Will815
0
slot intentionally gave a game to chelsea. When I saw the lineup, I knew we gona lose to chelsea. The likes of Quansah, then Jones and endo in the midfield.
Kind of f*x*d match if you ask me
pedclnopst
0
Honestly am very disappointed with the manager this lineup is not encouraging at all. Quansa, Endo, Elliott, John's, Tsimikas are not regular player and he start with them in a very high intense match at home of Chelsea who are looking for a sport in the champions league. Chiesa and Nunez were not given the opportunity to impress this season especially that of Chiesa the manager want to kick him out because if Chiesa remains in Liverpool he will compete position with Cody who happens to be a Dutch, nevertheless Diaz played as centre forward just to ensure that Cody is safeguard. Dutch and Franch Coaches are very selfish and sentinel they always give priority to the players that came from their countries. I hope that will change this season.
Vowaeiklop
3
slot intentionally gave a game to chelsea. When I saw the lineup, I knew we gona lose to chelsea. The likes of Quansah, then Jones and endo in the midfield.
batskhemdohtdong95
3
Liverpool should sell Quansah or loan him to any team..He doesn't fit for LFC
Yaocdeimps
1
Liverpool no doubt is the epl champion but they dissapointed millions of supporters by the way they lost to Chelsea 3 - 1.
Kiaalnprst
1
next season liverpool will struggle to hold their title .. mancity chelsea arsenal newcastle aston villa all are coming to haunt LFC
pesacemnos
2
Liverpool is going opposite direction since they lost to PSG and New Castle. I am not sure that they will still be in the top five teams in the league. Arne ran out of gas at the end of the season. His opponents already had a strategy how to go against his playbook.
Fesadeilnt
0
every single game you play.... you have a different line up.......you CONFUSING Evy body...... what happened to Salah.....did he play?.... overrated!
wepabltuy
2
Title taken... but hope Slot learns that the likes of Quansah, Jones or Elliot are completely unexperienced. How many matches did LFC win when Quansah or Jones played?