Liverpool’s pre-season preparations are in full swing as they announce another friendly match to be played just hours after their game against Sevilla at Anfield. The match against Sevilla will be held at 12:30 pm on Sunday, August 11, and will be open to supporters. However, the subsequent match against Las Palmas at 5 pm will be played behind closed doors. Despite the lack of spectators, the game will be broadcast live on LFCTV.
The decision to have a closed-door match after the Sevilla game is likely due to many players not having returned to pre-season training yet. Key players such as Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz are still not available for selection. Additionally, some players like Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate, and Ryan Gravenberch are yet to play under the team’s new coach, Arne Slot.
With so many players still absent or lacking match fitness, it is expected that Slot will use the match against Sevilla to field players who are further ahead in their pre-season preparations. This will provide them with valuable game time and allow them to continue building their fitness. On the other hand, the closed-door match against Las Palmas will give players who return this week an opportunity to catch up and improve their fitness levels.
It is worth noting that Liverpool have never played two matches on the same day during pre-season. This scheduling decision reflects the unique circumstances of this year’s preparations and the need to give all players sufficient playing time and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, Las Palmas will be the third Spanish team that Slot’s team will face in pre-season, adding variety and different challenges to their preparations.
Following the friendly against Manchester United in South Carolina on Saturday night, the team will immediately return to Merseyside. The rest of the squad will then begin their pre-season training in Kirkby on Monday. This tight schedule emphasizes the importance of maximizing the limited time available to prepare for the upcoming season.
Liverpool’s first competitive fixture under Arne Slot’s management will be against Ipswich on August 17. This match will mark the beginning of a new era for the team and will provide a true test of their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Overall, Liverpool’s pre-season preparations are well underway, with strategic decisions being made to ensure that all players are given the necessary opportunities to improve their fitness and performance. The addition of another friendly match and the careful management of player minutes highlight the team’s dedication to preparing for a successful season under their new coach.