Arne Slot, Liverpool’s newly appointed head coach, anticipates a significant increase in pre-season intensity during the club’s upcoming tour of the USA. The Reds are set to face strong opposition in friendly matches against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United, providing a crucial test for the squad ahead of the new campaign. Slot, who is two weeks into his first pre-season with Liverpool, believes these challenging fixtures will be instrumental in enhancing the team’s readiness.
Slot’s focus is on combining rigorous training sessions with competitive matches to refine Liverpool’s gameplay and fitness. Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Slot highlighted the importance of maintaining player fitness and gradually implementing his ideas. “I assume this, but the resistance of the teams we play is strong,” the Dutchman stated, acknowledging the tough competition they will encounter stateside. He emphasized that the primary aim is to keep the players fit while progressively integrating new tactics.
The USA tour will not only test Liverpool against high-caliber teams but also offer more opportunities for intensive training sessions. Slot is confident that these elements will contribute to an overall improvement in the squad’s performance. “Those things are the first aim and then with all the players coming back I think the quality will definitely go up a lot as well,” he noted, underscoring the value of having the entire squad available and fit.
Reflecting on the initial phase of pre-season, Slot expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the players. Despite a 1-0 loss to Preston North End in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the AXA Training Centre, he remains optimistic. “It’s only two weeks in so if it was that easy to bring and to implement all your ideas in two weeks, that would have been an ideal situation but it doesn’t work like this!” he explained, indicating that adapting to new strategies takes time.
Slot emphasized that the players who started pre-season training are maintaining their fitness, showing positive signs of improvement. “Like I said, the ones who came in from the start, they are still fit now, they have had two weeks of training sessions and stayed fit during the game so are getting fitter and fitter,” he observed. This continuity in training is crucial for building stamina and tactical understanding among the players.
Looking ahead, Slot remains focused on continuous improvement as the pre-season progresses. He acknowledges that there are several areas where the team needs to develop, but he is confident that these will be addressed through ongoing training and the return of all players. “But yeah, there are definitely more than a few areas where we have to improve but that will come with more sessions and it will definitely come when all the boys are in,” Slot concluded, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive and sustained approach to pre-season preparations.
