And we’re off. The Liverpool squad are on route to the Far East and by Tuesday evening, when the first pre-season game will already be in the books, our 2015-16 campaign will truly feel like it’s underway.
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There’s plenty to look forward to during the next couple of weeks – five games, five new signings in action, a brand new coaching staff and the possibility of more new signings to come while the rest of the squad are away.
The tour is going to be a big learning curve for Rodgers and co, as they find out exactly what they’re going to work with over the next twelve months, so let’s hope that the boys respond well and put everyone in a positive mind-frame.
Here are five things that we’re going to learn during the next couple of weeks…
5) Are we about to uncover any hidden gems from the academy?
There will be a number of younger players in attendance on the tour, all hoping to make an impression and show what they can do when surrounded by their peers. Sheyi Ojo is perhaps the one people will be most looking forward to seeing. The teenager really shone whilst on loan at Wigan Athletic last season and will know that a repeat could earn him a first-team spot. Harry Wilson and Pedro Chirivella will also be well worth a watch.
4) Is Jordan Henderson the right man to lead Liverpool?
Replacing Steven Gerrard could prove to be an impossible job. However, we’re all – hopefully – going to get right behind our new leader in chief and urge him on to glory. He’s certainly capable. He’s been getting better and better over the last couple of years. But now all the attention and the pressure is going to be placed firmly on his shoulders. Can he handle it? It’s certainly going to be a make or break period for the England international.
3) Are the Reds fully behind manager Brendan Rodgers?
Last season ended under a cloud. That 6-1 defeat at Stoke City, coupled with the poor performances of last summer’s signings and the contract saga hanging over Raheem Sterling, left Brendan Rodgers in a very difficult position – with many supporters crying out for a change in leadership (via Sky). Rightly or wrongly, he’s been given another chance and we need to all be behind him, as do the squad – who must prove they’re playing for their boss.
2) Will the team be better off for the absence of Raheem Sterling?
He’s been left behind, as many of us predicted, and the deal which will take him to Manchester City looks to very close to completion (via BBC Sport). Surely that can only benefit the rest of the squad, who must have been incredibly tired of seeing the rumours flying around day after day while their teammate openly tried to force an exit from the club. It will be sad to lose his talent, but it’s hard to imagine much else about him being missed.
1) How are the new signings going to perform early on?
Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner will be the two main men in focus as Liverpool’s new season gets underway. With Roberto Firmino handed an extended break following his participation in the Copa America, they’re the two marquee additions that everyone will have an eye on.
However, the tour is arguably more important for Danny Ings – playing for a starting spot in the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge – and Adam Bogdan, who’ll want to prove he’s just as capable as Simon Mignolet. Joe Gomez also has a lot to prove, with the fourth and find centre-back spot in our squad up for grabs. It’s either going to be him or Tiago Ilori, with Kolo Toure unlikely to feature on a regular basis.
