Liverpool Set For Landmark Pre-Season With Asian Tour And Revamped Preparations

This summer marks a significant turning point for Liverpool FC as the club embarks on a much-anticipated 'proper pre-season,' heralding a new chapter under manager Arne Slot. As the Reds gear up to defend their Premier League title, fans and pundits alike are watching closely to see how an extended, meticulously-planned pre-season could pave the way for further success.

Liverpool have confirmed two major warm-up friendlies in Asia—facing AC Milan in Hong Kong’s newly opened Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, and, for the first time in 20 years, playing Yokohama F. Marinos at the iconic Nissan Stadium in Japan on July 30. These fixtures are part of a broader strategy to offer the squad vital preparation time and foster team cohesion, contrasting with last year’s chaotic schedule that left little opportunity for foundational work.

Club captain Virgil van Dijk has highlighted the importance of this structured approach. Reflecting on last summer’s truncated preparations, Van Dijk noted, “Take it all the way back to last summer, I didn’t have a proper pre-season… You don’t have time to work on what the manager really wants in terms of a training camp. This year, there is a training camp and time to work on what the manager wants, and I think that will improve the team.”

The pre-season is set to kick off with an extended stint at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, providing Slot a solid window to implement his tactical ideas and blend in any summer transfer arrivals. Notably, this year’s calendar offers additional advantages—the absence of major international tournaments and key players like Mohamed Salah enjoying a longer break will ensure fewer disruptions and greater squad focus.

The Asian leg of Liverpool’s pre-season is more than just about football. The tour marks their first trip to Japan since Steven Gerrard led the team to the 2005 Club World Cup final, imbuing the occasion with a sense of nostalgia. Extra symbolism comes from playing Yokohama F. Marinos—home to Japan skipper Wataru Endo and managed by former England assistant boss Steve Holland—on home soil. In between training and matches, the Reds will engage in community projects, cultural exchanges, and fan events with club legends, reinforcing Liverpool’s lasting global appeal.

While further domestic and European friendlies may be added to the schedule, all eyes will be on how Slot’s methodical approach impacts Liverpool’s early-season form. An extended, unified pre-season may well prove decisive in a Premier League that prizes both resilience and innovation.

This summer, with the promise of star power, fresh tactical drills, and meaningful international ties, could set the template for Liverpool’s new era. Will this much-needed foundation catapult the Reds to more glory, or are tougher tests lurking as rivals regroup? Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on how a 'proper pre-season' could shape Liverpool’s title defence.

• Virgil van Dijk
• Wataru Endo
• Yokohama F Marinos