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Introduction
Liverpool’s return to pre-season comes after a summer none of us saw coming. The tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in early July cast a long, painful shadow over Anfield. So, when the squad finally regrouped at Melwood on July 8, it wasn’t just about preparing for a new season it was about healing.
It was raw. Players arrived still shaken, coaches quiet, fans grieving alongside them. But they gathered. They trained. And when the first friendly came around at Deepdale, they paused for a minute of silence, wore black armbands, and laid flowers. This was a pre-season Liverpool didn’t start with a tactical session or a flashy reveal it started with heart.
First Friendly at Preston: A Win, but More Than That
Liverpool kicked off their pre-season fixtures with a match against Preston North End on July 13. It wasn’t just another warm-up game it was a tribute. The Reds won 3–1, but the real headline wasn’t the scoreline. It was the mood, the togetherness, the first real moment of collective reflection for the players and fans.
It also gave Arne Slot, taking charge of his first Liverpool game, a moment to quietly step into his role. There were no grand tactical revolutions, just measured minutes, player assessments, and most importantly, a team remembering and rallying.
Off to Asia: Hong Kong and Japan Await
After a short stretch at home, the squad packed their bags and boarded a flight to Asia for the next phase of their pre-season. Two major matches were lined up each with its own meaning, both sporting and symbolic.
On July 26, Liverpool take on AC Milan at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. It’s part of the Standard Chartered Trophy, but also a high-profile European clash in a buzzing market. This will be the first football match ever played in that stadium, which gives the occasion some historical weight too.
Then, just four days later on July 30, they travel to Japan to face Yokohama F. Marinos at the Nissan Stadium. This is Liverpool’s first ever summer fixture in Japan a calculated move to connect with their growing fanbase there, and a solid challenge against a team known for its quick, pressing style. These games will offer Arne Slot a valuable test of squad depth, tactics, and travel resilience.
Homecoming: Two Matches in One Night at Anfield
After Asia, the Reds return home for a unique evening at Anfield. On August 4, they’ll host Athletic Club in a rare double-header: two games in one evening, the first kicking off at 5pm and the second at 8pm. It’s an unusual setup, but one that allows Slot to rotate the squad, try out new combinations, and get minutes into the legs of as many players as possible.
This will also be the first time fans get to see the team back at Anfield since last season ended and the first time they’ll see the brand-new Adidas kits worn under the lights. The energy around the stadium will be thick with emotion and excitement.
Wembley Calling: FA Community Shield Clash with Palace
On August 10, Liverpool travel to Wembley to face Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield. Traditionally seen as the season’s curtain-raiser, this year’s edition carries a little more bite. For Slot, it marks his first competitive outing. For the team, it’s the first match with silverware on the line.
Palace, after their surprise FA Cup win, won’t be pushovers. But this game is less about opposition and more about signs: how does the team look under Slot’s system? Are the new signings gelling? Is the energy there?
Expect intensity, a mix of youth and experience, and a crowd that’s both nervous and hopeful.
Opening Day: Back at Anfield for the Real Deal
Just five days after the Community Shield, Liverpool open their Premier League season against Bournemouth at Anfield. The date is August 15. The emotions of the summer, the trials of the tour, and the lessons of the friendlies all come to a head.
By then, the players should be sharper. The tactics clearer. The ambition? Crystal. Slot knows what’s expected. The fans know what they want. And everyone will be watching to see how this new-look Liverpool takes its first real step.
More Than Just Friendlies
This pre-season has meaning far beyond fitness or formations. First, it’s emotional renewal. The passing of Diogo Jota changed the mood, the priorities, the feeling around the club. Every game has had that in the background. From Deepdale to Hong Kong, these fixtures haven’t just been about football. They’ve been about standing up together, supporting each other, and honoring someone who wore the shirt with pride.
Second, it’s about tactics and identity. Slot’s arrival brings a new way of playing more fluidity, more technical quality, more pressing in key areas. These games have given him a lab to work in, test ideas, and figure out what works.
Third, there’s the global and commercial side. The Asia tour is no coincidence. Liverpool are growing their brand in Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond. They’re giving their international fans a front-row seat. It’s smart business, but also a way of saying: this club is for everyone.
And fourth, it’s squad integration. New signings like Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili need to be blended into the core. Pre-season offers the perfect pressure-free environment to start building chemistry, on and off the pitch.
What to Watch For
Heading into the last few fixtures, there are a few things fans will be keeping an eye on. First, how Slot rotates the squad. With split games and travel, he’ll need to spread the minutes wisely. Second, how the tactical setup is shaping. Are we seeing more aggressive pressing? Are the midfield lines tighter?
Third, youth involvement. Will any Academy players get a surprise opportunity? And lastly, how the players continue to commemorate Jota whether through subtle gestures or shared moments during the matches.
Why This Pre-Season Feels Different
This isn’t just about starting fresh it’s about rebuilding something meaningful. Liverpool’s pre-season, from a quiet Melwood gathering to a roaring Anfield return, has been a story of coming together through pain, planning for something new, and holding on to the spirit that’s always made this club special.
Slot has a long road ahead, but so far, the steps are confident. They’re measured. And they’re backed by a squad that’s still grieving but also growing.
Conclusion
As we approach opening day, the picture becomes clearer. This is a Liverpool team that’s not just preparing to play matches it’s preparing to move forward. With smart signings, a thoughtful new coach, and a fanbase ready to rally behind the badge, the 2025/26 season already feels like one we’ll be talking about for years to come.
But long before that first league whistle blows, it all starts here with six games, four weeks, and one club united through football, memory, and belief.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com