Liverpool Ladies had been the shock package deal of 2023/24 by nearly doubling their factors tally from the earlier season to complete fourth, now a brand new problem awaits to take the following step.
Matt Beard’s aspect defied the percentages final day trip, ending the marketing campaign in fourth with 41 factors – simply 9 off a qualifying spot for the Champions League.
The Reds set themselves a brand new benchmark by reworking themselves from a aspect with a -15 objective distinction into one with a optimistic studying of eight, and now one other assault on the league awaits.
Expectations are increased and thus the highlight is shining slightly brighter on the pink half of Merseyside, however the goal inside Liverpool’s 4 partitions is obvious.
One other leap ahead is feasible, and with a brand new marketing campaign now forward of us, right here is all it’s essential to know forward of Sunday’s WSL opener.
Ins and outs
New signings:
- Gemma Evans – Defender
- Olivia Smith – Ahead
- Cornelia Kapocs – Ahead
In earlier years there was a constant stream of gamers coming and going, however this time round it has been considerably quieter on the incoming entrance with solely three new signings.
It factors to the squad being in an in any other case wholesome place, though that’s not to say quite a lot of notable names didn’t go away over the summer season.
Missy Bo Kearns was the shock departure, leaving her childhood membership for extra alternatives at Aston Villa. Whereas skilled figures Melissa Lawley, Shanice van de Sanden and Emma Koivisto all departed.
Sophie Roman Haug (9), Marie Hobinger (5) and Leanne Kiernan (5), on return from damage, led the way in which in targets final season and can be key as soon as extra, however Beard has added additional depth with Smith and Kapocs.
The latter scored 18 targets throughout her 2023 season in Sweden, whereas 20-year-old Smith – the membership’s report signing – amassed 13 targets and 9 assists for Sporting, spectacular numbers which will definitely help Liverpool’s assault.
There’s comprehensible pleasure and optimism for an try to interrupt into the European spots, however three away journeys within the first 5 video games will check their resolve early on.
How did the Reds get on in pre-season?
Beard’s aspect began their pre-season 63 days forward of their league opener, which is a substantial period of time, although it was damaged up by worldwide and Olympic exploits.
The Reds performed a complete of 5 friendlies all through the summer season however outcomes towards Blackburn and Birmingham weren’t disclosed by the membership.
From the outcomes we do know, Liverpool didn’t register a win however, as ever, health and getting the crew buildings in place are the main target of pre-season.
A few clear sheets are promising, although, because the crew will want extra of them if are to edge nearer to the likes of Chelsea, Man Metropolis and Arsenal – all of whom conceded 20 targets or much less within the league final season.
Beard eyes European development
After a profitable season final day trip, the pure subsequent step is apparent to Beard, who instructed This Is Anfield:
“I feel that’s clearly received to be the following step [to get into the Champions League]. We all know it’s extremely powerful to interrupt into the highest three, with what the highest groups are spending, but it surely’s not all the time concerning the cash.
“I really feel we proved that final 12 months with how we carried out and the place we completed. Yearly we wish to enhance on what we did the 12 months earlier than. That’s the principle objective to start out off with after which we’ll see the place that may take us.”
A brand new house and large Anfield dates
Liverpool Ladies lastly have a spot to name house that can be tailor-made to them, swapping Prenton Park for St Helens Stadium – it’s a main step ahead and a present of intent from the membership.
However that’s not the one thrilling improvement, as as a substitute of the same old one match at Anfield per season, Beard’s aspect will host three video games on the membership’s non secular house this season.
The league video games towards Man Metropolis (October 13), Man United (March 16) and Everton (Might 4) will all be at Anfield. This can be a enormous step ahead.
First 5 fixtures
It’s a blended bag for Liverpool to start out the WSL season, as they meet two sides who completed within the backside three after which meet final season’s sixth-placed Tottenham and runners-up Man Metropolis.
A League Cup match towards Man United can also be thrown into the combination within the opening month, which is considered one of three away video games to start out the marketing campaign. It’s a busy begin and let’s hope it’s a optimistic one, too!
You should purchase tickets for Liverpool Ladies‘s fixtures this season right here. Tickets are nonetheless accessible for Sunday’s opener, which will also be purchased on the day at St Helens from 11.30am.
