While fan attention might be on Liverpool`s evolving attack and the potential acquisition of Alexander Isak, Arne Slot must ensure this Saturday that such rumors don`t hinder the team`s preseason preparations. Liverpool is set to face a revamped Milan side in a friendly match.
Despite the Reds` Premier League victory last season, the upcoming campaign promises to be significantly more challenging, as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all strengthened their squads during the offseason. Liverpool faces the task of integrating new players into key positions. Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, both arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, are expected to play crucial roles in shaping the team`s new identity.
As a record signing, 22-year-old Wirtz arrives in the Premier League with immense expectations. He has already notched his first assist for Liverpool in a match against Stoke City, which aids his adjustment, but there`s still much for him to master. Frimpong also excelled in more advanced roles at Leverkusen, but under Slot, he will need to adapt to a deeper defensive position.
In the upcoming match against Milan, where Frimpong will face a robust defense and the duo of Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, he will be tested, which is precisely what preseason is for. It`s even possible that Hugo Ekitike, having joined from Eintracht, could make his Liverpool debut. Winning the title necessitates continuous evolution for teams like Liverpool to maintain their standing.
Matches will keep coming, and expectations for the Reds will only escalate. The transition from Jurgen Klopp`s era last season gave Slot some time to be a relatively unknown quantity in the Premier League, but that`s no longer the case. He possesses a wealth of talented players and must now integrate them to not only maintain their Premier League standing but also to advance further in Champions League competition.
Slot will face weekly pressure to find optimal solutions to keep Liverpool at the top, and preseason will be crucial in ensuring that. Despite already having won a title with the Reds, this season is when the true challenges begin for Slot. In the Premier League, past achievements are less important than the team`s ability to move forward, and every victory only elevates expectations.
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Milan
- Date: Saturday, July 26 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Kai Tak Sports Park — Kowloon City, China
- Live stream: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Match Prediction
Even with significant squad rotation in this friendly, Liverpool will easily handle Milan`s struggling attack. The Reds are expected to overpower the Italian side, continuing their strong preseason form, with Wirtz showcasing his skill by dissecting Max Allegri`s defense.
