Summer is an exciting time for football fans, and this year is no exception for Liverpool supporters. With new head coach Arne Slot taking over from Jurgen Klopp, there will be a period of transition that needs to be navigated smoothly. To prepare for the upcoming season, here are some key dates to mark in your diaries.
Firstly, on June 14, the Premier League transfer window officially opens. This is when players can sign with new clubs and make their moves ahead of the new season. With Liverpool looking to strengthen their squad, new sporting director Richard Hughes will work closely with Slot to identify players who can fill any areas of weakness. The transfer window then closes on August 30, giving clubs plenty of time to finalize their squads.
On the same day, June 14, Euro 2024 kicks off. Liverpool’s very own Andy Robertson will lead Scotland out at the Allianz Arena to face Germany. As the tournament progresses, mark June 21 in your diaries for a thrilling match between France and the Netherlands, and keep June 23 free for Scotland’s clash with Hungary. With Liverpool boasting a talented squad, many of their players have a good chance of featuring in the knockout stages. The final will take place on July 14, so be sure to catch all the action.
June 18 is another significant date as it marks the release of the Premier League fixtures for the upcoming season. Liverpool fans will eagerly anticipate finding out who Slot’s first competitive opponents will be as head coach. Ideally, a home match would provide the perfect opportunity for a winning start to the season.
Meanwhile, the Copa America kicks off on June 21, and Liverpool is expected to have four players participating: Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Alisson. The tournament, held in the USA, promises exciting matches from the start. Set your alarms for July 3 at 2am (BST) for the final group game between Colombia and Brazil. The Copa America final will take place on July 15 at 1am, so make sure to tune in.
Although the exact date is yet to be confirmed, the first week of July is when Liverpool’s pre-season training is set to begin. Slot is keen to start early, allowing the squad to acclimatize to his new coaching methods. The players will have at least three weeks off, depending on their participation in the Euros and Copa America. For example, if a player’s team exits the Euros at the group stage, they will report to Liverpool in the week commencing July 15.
Liverpool’s first scheduled pre-season match is against Real Betis on July 27 at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, USA. This will be an emotional moment for many fans as it will be the first time Klopp’s absence truly sinks in. The next match will be against Arsenal in Philadelphia on August 1, followed by a match against Man United on August 4 at the Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina. Slot may also plan additional fixtures before or after the trip to America.
After a month and a half of pre-season preparation, the Premier League finally kicks off on the weekend of August 17. Liverpool fans eagerly await the release of the fixtures on June 18 to find out who their team’s first opponents will be.
So, mark these dates in your diaries and get ready for an exciting summer of football as Liverpool embark on a new era under Arne Slot. With key events such as the Premier League fixtures release, Euro 2024, the Copa America, and pre-season matches, there will be plenty of action to keep fans engaged and excited for the upcoming season.