Liverpool Girls have been the shock bundle of 2023/24 by virtually doubling their factors tally from the earlier season to complete fourth, now a brand new problem awaits to take the subsequent step.
Matt Beard’s facet defied the chances final 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 remodeling themselves from a facet with a -15 aim distinction into one with a constructive studying of eight, and now one other assault on the league awaits.
Expectations are larger and thus the highlight is shining a bit of brighter on the crimson 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 is advisable 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 circulate 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 isn’t to say plenty 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 harm, led the way in which in objectives final season and might be key as soon as extra, however Beard has added further depth with Smith and Kapocs.
The latter scored 18 objectives throughout her 2023 season in Sweden, whereas 20-year-old Smith – the membership’s file signing – amassed 13 objectives and 9 assists for Sporting, spectacular numbers which will definitely support Liverpool’s assault.
There may be comprehensible pleasure and optimism for an try to interrupt into the European spots, however three away journeys within the first 5 video games will take a look at their resolve early on.
How did the Reds get on in pre-season?
Beard’s facet 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 in opposition to 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 workforce constructions in place are the main focus of pre-season.
A few clear sheets are promising, although, because the workforce will want extra of them if are to edge nearer to the likes of Chelsea, Man Metropolis and Arsenal – all of whom conceded 20 objectives or much less within the league final season.
Beard eyes European development
After a profitable season final trip, the pure subsequent step is clear to Beard, who informed This Is Anfield:
“I feel that’s clearly bought to be the subsequent 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 at all times in regards to the cash.
“I really feel we proved that final yr with how we carried out and the place we completed. Yearly we wish to enhance on what we did the yr earlier than. That’s the principle aim to start out off with after which we’ll see the place that may take us.”
A brand new residence and large Anfield dates
Liverpool Girls lastly have a spot to name residence that might 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 isn’t the one thrilling improvement, as as a substitute of the same old one match at Anfield per season, Beard’s facet will host three video games on the membership’s non secular residence this season.
The league video games in opposition to Man Metropolis (October 13), Man United (March 16) and Everton (Might 4) will all be at Anfield. It is a enormous step ahead.
First 5 fixtures
It’s a combined 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 in opposition to Man United can be thrown into the combo within the opening month, which is certainly one of three away video games to start out the marketing campaign. It’s a busy begin and let’s hope it’s a constructive one, too!
You should purchase tickets for Liverpool Girls‘s fixtures this season right here. Tickets are nonetheless out there for Sunday’s opener, which may also be purchased on the day at St Helens from 11.30am.
