There’s loads to look out for forward of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies, from new signings to tactical tweaks.
Arne Slot‘s Premier League champions are again in motion on Sunday afternoon, making the journey to Preston (3pm BST).
After that comes a visit to Asia for friendlies towards AC Milan and Japanese aspect Yokohoma F. Marinos, earlier than an Anfield double-header towards Athletic Membership to heat up for the Neighborhood Defend.
It stands to be a busy and emotional stretch for Slot and his gamers and it might give a welcome perception into what to anticipate from Liverpool in 2025/26.
Listed here are 5 issues to look out for this pre-season.
Tributes to Diogo Jota
The devastating passing of Diogo Jota nonetheless feels onerous to grasp.
The No. 20 won’t ever be forgotten and we are going to see a lot of tributes to the Portuguese ahead all through pre-season.
A sequence of murals devoted to Jota are already underway round Anfield, and Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan has revealed that there are “a lot of concepts” to honour the striker in the long run.
Beginning at Preston this weekend, count on to see banners and tributes to Jota within the stands and on the pitch, as supporters and gamers alike bear in mind a massively common determine. Jota’s track will likely be sung all through.
Nothing feels extra vital throughout pre-season than honouring Jota and displaying his household how cherished he was, and can all the time be.
How will Florian Wirtz be used?
There may be a lot pleasure about seeing Florian Wirtz in a Liverpool shirt, following the German’s record-breaking transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old is usually at his greatest in a No. 10 position, so it’s presumed that Slot will use him that method.
That mentioned, Wirtz may also excel on the left-hand aspect of the assault, and even as a false 9, and his versatility generally is a nice weapon.
If Liverpool fail to signal a brand new striker akin to Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike this summer season, might Wirtz be the answer in a Roberto Firmino-esque position?
The German is likely one of the world’s greatest attacking gamers, each out and in of possession, and will probably be fascinating to see the place he’s given throughout pre-season.
Thoughts, typically in pre-season it’s about getting probably the most gamers the minutes required, so positions gained’t all the time be an indicator of intentions however typically attributable to who is on the market.
Potential tactical modifications
Liverpool gained the Premier League title largely utilizing a 4-3-3 formation, with Dominik Szoboszlai because the No. 10.
Slot has the prospect to freshen issues up in pre-season and check out different methods, with the addition of Wirtz presumably swaying his pondering.
The Germany worldwide and Szoboszlai may very well be used as two No. 10s with no striker in any respect, sandwiched in between Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz or Cody Gakpo.
Szoboszlai could also be deployed as a No. 8, although, permitting him to shine in additional of a box-to-box position.
In the meantime, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will likely be flying full-backs, which can heighten the necessity to use Ryan Gravenberch in a extra disciplined method alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
The great thing about this Liverpool squad is that it’s outlined by its versatility, permitting Slot to check out 4-2-3-1, 4-2-2-2 and 4-2-4 formations amongst others.
New Adidas kits – lastly!
Soccer followers love a brand new equipment and Liverpool will likely be donning their newest strip throughout a few of pre-season.
That gained’t be till August, nevertheless, attributable to their cope with Nike not expiring till the tip of July.
Liverpool supporters’ first likelihood to see the gamers of their recent Adidas kits will likely be on August 4 once they host Athletic Membership in two back-to-back friendlies.
It may very well be that the house equipment is worn in a single and the away equipment will get its debut within the different.
An opportunity for children to shine
Whereas new signings and present big-name stars will catch the attention in pre-season, it’s also a giant interval for a number of Liverpool kids.
The likes of James McConnell, Ben Doak and Jayden Danns will likely be attempting to point out Slot that they are often an vital a part of his squad in 2025/26.
Doak is the topic of curiosity from varied groups, together with Everton, however a powerful summer season might see him retained, particularly if Federico Chiesa departs.
Danns has suffered badly with damage issues, and may very well be loaned out once more together with McConnell, however he’ll know {that a} goal-laden pre-season will do his possibilities no hurt.
Having a nucleus of younger gamers concerned is all the time vital for Liverpool, however Slot is ruthless and can solely play them in the event that they show their value.
Look out for Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and even perhaps new goalkeeper signing Armin Pecsi as a part of the broader squad.
