Liverpool recently concluded a two-week, three-match pre-season tour in the United States, playing in front of over 115,000 supporters across friendlies in Nashville, New York, and Chicago. Head coach Andoni Iraola noted that the trip provided valuable insights into the club’s scale. The tour included victories against Sunderland and Wrexham, but ended with a 4-2 defeat to Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Liverpool recently concluded a two-week, three-match pre-season tour in the United States, playing in front of over 115,000 supporters across friendlies in Nashville, New York, and Chicago. Head coach Andoni Iraola noted that the trip provided valuable insights into the club’s scale. The tour included victories against Sunderland and Wrexham, but ended with a 4-2 defeat to Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Iraola described the match against Leeds as the most useful friendly, despite the loss. He highlighted the positive aspects of the first half and the negative lessons from the second, stating the team learned a lot and needs to address certain issues before the start of the season. The club’s opening Premier League match against Newcastle United is less than three weeks away.
Player Performances on Tour
Among the standout performers on the tour was Trey Nyoni, the midfielder, who was recognised as Liverpool’s player of the tour. Nyoni’s performances across the three matches suggested he could be integrated into the squad rather than being loaned out. His display against Leeds, particularly in winning possession and maintaining offensive pressure, was noted. Iraola has praised Nyoni’s contributions during the tour.
Another promising young player, Rio Ngumoha, also made an impact. Despite interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool maintained he was not for sale. Ngumoha showcased his versatility by playing on both flanks, scoring a deflected goal against Wrexham and causing problems for Leeds from the left wing. His link-up play with Milos Kerkez was particularly effective.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently signed a new five-year contract, stepped up as stand-in captain in the absence of several senior players, including Virgil van Dijk. Szoboszlai participated in all three games, demonstrating fitness and sharpness. He scored in the win against Sunderland and impressed with his athleticism against Wrexham and Leeds. He noted that the team learned from conceding two goals from set pieces during the tour.
Defender Luke Chambers, who has been with the club’s academy since the age of six, scored the opening goal against Leeds. His ability to play in two defensive positions could influence Iraola’s decision to keep him at the club rather than sending him out on loan, a plan that was initially in place.
Injury Setbacks and Commercial Ambitions
Conversely, Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player, suffered a muscle injury early in the opening game against Sunderland. This setback is expected to keep him out for approximately a month. Gomez’s tenure at Anfield has been marked by similar injuries, limiting his appearances to an average of just under 25 per season. His injury highlights a potential need for defensive reinforcements.
In other news, Liverpool FC is exploring plans to establish a chain of physical retail stores in the United States. The club, which currently operates 26 brick-and-mortar stores globally, aims to increase this number to 40 by 2030. This initiative seeks to further capitalise on the club’s brand recognition, especially in the US, which accounts for a quarter of Liverpool’s international sales and is considered their top overseas retail market.
Ben Latty, Liverpool’s chief commercial officer, stated that discussions are advanced regarding speaking with the appropriate individuals to facilitate this expansion. The move is intended to strategically invest in areas that will generate the highest revenue for the club. Liverpool’s profile in the US has benefited from the growing popularity of the Premier League and the club’s on-field achievements. The club is owned by Fenway Sports Group, a Boston-based multi-sport investor.
During their time in Chicago, players Conor Bradley and Freddie Woodman visited Mr. Beef, a restaurant known from a TV show. Additionally, a ‘coffee club’ formed among some players, including Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas, who sought out local coffee shops.
The team also engaged in various activities, such as training sessions where Florian Wirtz observed Robert Lewandowski’s technique. Several squad members visited the Chicago Bulls’ United Center facility, with Gomez pushing to gift the local basketball franchise a shirt. Goalkeeper Harvey Davies made a quick save during a visit to the facility, preventing a basketball from hitting a media camera.
The tour concluded with the squad preparing for their return home following their final match against Leeds United at Soldier Field.
Source: nytimes.com