More than five weeks after Liverpool’s 2021/22 season came to an end, Jurgen Klopp‘s squad are to reassemble for the start of pre-season on Monday – so what can we expect?
The Reds were last seen together at a trophy parade that served as a much-needed boost following the events at the Stade de France.
Since then, players have traveled to many countries around the world, including Tanzania and Los Angeles, to relax after representing their nations on the international stage.
Liverpool will meet again after a well-earned break as they get ready for another shot at all four competitions.
Klopp’s side have 33 days from the start of pre-season to their opening day match at Fulham, with six fixtures confirmed and a trip to four different countries.
But what can we expect on the very first day?
Start at the AXA
Liverpool’s preseason tour takes them to five different countries and two different continents, but they’ll get things going at the AXA Training Center in Kirkby.
Here, with home comforts before a hectic few weeks of travel for Klopp’s team, the players will start their testing and reunite before their flight to the Far East.
The lactate test
After an enjoyable break from the rigours of football what better way to return than with a gruelling running test?
Thankfully it’s not us that has to go through it but the players, as the test is now a tradition at Liverpool on day one.
It’s an endurance test that is dreaded by many, but club staffs need to learn the utmost level of intensity at which players can train and compete before blood lactate becomes an issue.
After each blood test interval, which measures the amount of lactic acid present, the speed will gradually increase, and we all know who will be the last man standing.
Or will someone else challenge James Milner for the crown this time?
Not everyone will be there on the first day
Due to international competitions that immediately followed the end of last season, Liverpool will give those involved an additional five days before reuniting with their teammates.
A second wave of players, which will include Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Darwin Nunez, Alisson, Fabinho, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Naby Keita, is anticipated on Saturday, July 9.
However, a 19-man squad that includes Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsay, and Harvey Elliott have been confirmed.
The first day at ‘school’
Ramsay and Carvalho will be present on the first day of pre-season to meet their new teammates, whereas Nunez will report for pre-season after an extended break.
While Alexander-Arnold is away, the former who arrived in a deal worth £6.5 million will compete for playing time at right back alongside Neco Williams.
Carvalho will join Firmino, Diaz, and Elliott, a former teammate at Fulham, in the forward group.
For the youngsters, settling into their new home and getting to know their new teammates will be an anxious but exciting time.
A chance for academy players
Each summer, the Reds offer the best prospects a chance to shine, and last year, players like Tyler Morton, Conor Bradley, Owen Beck, and Kaide Gordon took advantage of the opportunity and made their debuts.
The likes of Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, Oakley Cannonier, and Isaac Mabaya, who all made an impression in the academy last season, could get their shot this summer.
In either case, it will be thrilling to watch the club’s youth team compete against the reigning champions throughout the summer.
