Liverpool’s pre-season plans are set to see them face off against four different clubs on two different continents, but how does this compare to their Premier League rivals? Pre-season preparations can vary greatly, with some teams focusing on training camps, others embarking on overseas tours, and many engaging in a handful of friendly matches.
In the case of Liverpool, they have confirmed four fixtures ahead of their Premier League opener against Ipswich. However, it has not been a smooth pre-season for manager Arne Slot, as more than 10 players have been absent due to international tournaments. This has resulted in a disrupted summer program for the team.
Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures include matches against Real Betis in Pittsburgh on July 26, Arsenal in Philadelphia on July 31, Manchester United in South Carolina on August 3, and Sevilla at Anfield on August 11. While the schedule is not overwhelming, it is worth noting that some of Liverpool’s league rivals have more packed pre-season plans.
For instance, Chelsea has six pre-season games planned, with five of them taking place in different cities across the US. This means they will be constantly on the move, with an average of three days between matches. Tottenham is also keeping busy with six friendlies on their schedule, three of which will be played in Japan at the end of July. Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Newcastle each have five friendlies lined up.
Interestingly, several teams, including Manchester City, Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, West Ham, and Wolves, have opted for four friendlies like Liverpool. It seems to be a popular choice among clubs this pre-season. On the other end of the spectrum, newly-promoted Leicester has three friendlies planned, while Ipswich only has two. Fulham currently holds the record for the fewest pre-season games with just one scheduled for August 10.
Slot has acknowledged the limited time available for pre-season preparations, with only 44 days from the start of pre-season until the league kicks off at Ipswich. However, he remains optimistic about extending preparations into the campaign. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the few normal weeks following the first game to continue pre-season training. While he does not view it as an excuse for poor results, he recognizes the value of additional training time. Slot also expressed his preference for starting a season without the distractions of international tournaments like the Euros and Copa America. Nevertheless, he understands that the situation is beyond his control and must adapt accordingly.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s pre-season plans may not be as packed as some of their Premier League rivals’, but they still face a challenging schedule with matches against reputable opponents. Slot is aware of the limited time available but remains focused on making the most of the training opportunities to ensure his team is ready for the upcoming season.