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 percentages 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 reworking themselves from a facet with a -15 purpose distinction into one with a optimistic studying of eight, and now one other assault on the league awaits.
Expectations are greater and thus the highlight is shining a bit brighter on the purple half of Merseyside, however the goal inside Liverpool’s 4 partitions is evident.
One other leap ahead is feasible, and with a brand new marketing campaign now forward of us, right here is all you must 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 move 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 plenty of notable names didn’t depart over the summer time.
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 best way in targets final season and will probably 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 document 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 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 time 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 group constructions in place are the main focus of pre-season.
A few clear sheets are promising, although, because the group 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 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, however it’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 need to enhance on what we did the 12 months earlier than. That’s the primary purpose 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 Girls lastly have a spot to name house that will probably 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 facet will host three video games on the membership’s non secular house this season.
The league video games in opposition to Man Metropolis (October 13), Man United (March 16) and Everton (Could 4) will all be at Anfield. It is a large 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 one in all 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 Girls‘s fixtures this season right here. Tickets are nonetheless obtainable for Sunday’s opener, which will also be purchased on the day at St Helens from 11.30am.
