Liverpool have already begun their preparations for the new season. Arne Slot's championship-winning team still have a few friendly matches to play before the official games begin. Next stop: AC Milan.
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Liverpool have already begun their preparations for what promises to be one of the most anticipated seasons in recent club history.
With new head coach Arne Slot now at the helm, expectations are sky-high following a title-winning campaign under Jürgen Klopp. While the Dutch manager inherits a squad brimming with talent and experience, he’s also tasked with implementing a new philosophy, forging tactical identity, and building chemistry all in a short window of time before the competitive fixtures begin. The pre-season, therefore, plays a crucial role, not only for fitness and form but for laying the groundwork for what Slot hopes will be another successful year at Anfield.
Slot’s preseason schedule is both strategic and symbolic. It’s not just about getting minutes in players’ legs; it’s about testing systems, managing workloads, and integrating younger players and new signings. So far, Liverpool have already played two friendlies on English soil starting on July 13 against Preston North End and continuing with a solid display against Stoke City on July 20. Both matches provided valuable opportunities to experiment with different formations and evaluate individual performances, particularly from fringe players and Academy prospects hoping to break into the senior squad.
However, the preseason hasn’t been without emotional setbacks. The original plan was for training to kick off on July 7, but that timeline was altered following the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, which sent shockwaves through the footballing world. In a show of solidarity and respect, Liverpool allowed players to report back gradually, prioritizing the emotional well-being of the squad during such a difficult moment. Despite this somber start, the team quickly regrouped and showed resilience, pushing ahead with their schedule.
This week, the Reds shifted their base to Asia for the international leg of their pre-season tour. Their arrival has sparked massive excitement among fans in the region, with public training sessions and media events drawing large crowds. On Saturday, July 26, Liverpool will take on Italian giants AC Milan at 13:30 local time in Hong Kong a fixture that promises to be both competitive and symbolic, as two of Europe’s most storied clubs go head-to-head in front of a passionate Asian audience.
The match against Milan is expected to offer Slot his biggest challenge yet in the preseason. Although AC Milan will be missing striker Santiago Gimenez well known to Slot from their shared time at Feyenoord due to the Mexican’s extended post-Gold Cup holiday the Rossoneri still bring a squad full of quality and tactical discipline. This clash will likely resemble a high-intensity rehearsal for both clubs, who are aiming to sharpen their match fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of their respective season openers.
Following the Milan test, Liverpool head to Japan, where they’ll face Yokohama F. Marinos on July 30. That match not only serves as a marketing boost in the Japanese market but will also be a valuable test against one of Asia’s top teams known for their fast-paced, pressing football. Slot is expected to rotate heavily throughout both matches in Asia to manage fatigue and give all players a chance to prove themselves, including some of the Academy talents who impressed in the earlier friendlies.
The tour will also be crucial for new signings to bed in, especially if Liverpool completes any additional transfer business before the Premier League kicks off. The integration process on and off the pitch is vital, and trips like these often accelerate team bonding. With several players returning from injury and youth stars eager to make a case, competition for places is already heating up.
Liverpool’s final pre-season fixture is scheduled for Monday, August 4, at Anfield, where they’ll host Athletic Bilbao in what will likely be the first chance for home supporters to see Slot’s Liverpool in action. This match is part of a double-header, offering a final tune-up opportunity before the real test begins.
That test arrives on August 10, when Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield a curtain-raiser that could give Slot his first official piece of silverware in England. Just five days later, on August 15, the reigning English champions will begin their Premier League title defense against Bournemouth at Anfield. It's a high-stakes beginning, and every minute of preparation counts.
As the countdown to competitive football continues, all eyes are on Slot and his ability to translate promise into performance. The next few weeks will be telling not just in terms of results, but in how this evolving Liverpool side adapts to a new era while carrying the weight of great expectations.
Updated: 11:04, 25 Jul 2025
