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Arne Slot Discusses the Benefits of Liverpool’s USA Pre-Season Tour

Arne Slot’s insights for the season ahead of Liverpool’s USA Tour

Liverpool’s upcoming pre-season tour of the United States promises to be a crucial period for the team, according to head coach Arne Slot. As the Reds prepare for games against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United, Slot shares his thoughts on the benefits of the trip.

High quality opposition and training

Slot emphasises the dual benefits of playing against strong teams and increasing the number of training sessions. “I assume that is the case, but the resistance of the teams we play against is strong,” he told LFC TV. The coach is keen to use the competitive nature of these matches to increase the squad’s readiness for the new season.



“We try to implement the ideas and keep doing what we’ve done so well. Keeping the guys fit, that’s the first goal,” Slot explains. The primary focus remains on maintaining the players’ fitness, while gradually increasing the intensity of their gameplay.

Pre-season progress

Looking back on the first few weeks of pre-season, Slot acknowledges the gradual but steady progress. After a 1-0 defeat to Preston North End in a behind-closed-doors friendly, he remarked: “It’s only two weeks, so if it was that easy to bring all your ideas and implement them in two weeks, that would be an ideal situation, but it doesn’t work like that!”

The coach remains optimistic, noting that players who train from the beginning are getting fitter. “Those who came from the beginning are still fit now. They have had two weeks of training and stayed fit during the match, so they are getting fitter.”

Upcoming Tour Schedule

Liverpool’s tour schedule includes:

  • Real Betis (July 26) – Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
  • Arsenal (July 31) – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
  • Man United (August 3) – Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina

These matches provide Slots’ squad with the necessary high-level competition and training opportunities to refine their strategies and increase team cohesion.

Expected improvements

Slot is confident that the team’s performance will improve as more players return to training. “There are definitely more than a few areas where we need to improve, but that will come with more sessions and it will definitely come with all the lads coming in,” he claims. The integration of returning players is expected to significantly improve the team’s overall quality and execution on the pitch.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From the Anfield Index perspective, Slot’s approach to the US pre-season tour is both pragmatic and promising. The decision to take on high-calibre opponents is a smart move, ensuring the squad is tested against teams that are pushing their limits. This not only prepares the players for the competitive nature of the Premier League, but also helps to identify areas that require refinement.

The emphasis on fitness and gradual implementation of new ideas is crucial. As fans, we often hope for instant results, but Slot’s realistic approach recognises that building a cohesive, well-rehearsed squad takes time. Pre-season is a perfect opportunity to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them without the pressure of competitive matches.

The upcoming games against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United will give a clear picture of where the team stands. It is an exciting prospect for fans who are eager to see how new tactics and player combinations work out. Furthermore, these games will allow the coaching staff to assess the depth of the squad and make any necessary adjustments before the season starts.

In conclusion, Slot’s strategy for the USA tour aligns well with the long-term goals of building a robust and competitive Liverpool team. The upcoming matches will be a crucial step in this journey, and we look forward to seeing the Reds in action.

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