The Reds had 14 players away both in the United States and Germany to contest the Copa America and Euro 2024.
In the end, Alexis Mac Allister will be the only Liverpool player returning to Anfield a happy bunny. The Argentine picked up his third international trophy on Monday morning.
Aside from Mac Allister’s glory though, the two competitions have been an unwanted obstacle for Liverpool. Not only have they hindered the Reds in the transfer market, it has disrupted Arne Slot during his first pre-season.
With all of the Liverpool squad now released, Slot will be delighted to see them slowly filtering back to work at the AXA Training Centre.
(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2024 in Kirkby,...
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC
Liverpool see three more return
It is never easy for any manager with plenty of international players to juggle pre-season in a tournament year.
However, for a new coach it’s especially difficult. Liverpool really could have done with Slot having the full, allotted time to work with all of his squad.
Slot has praised Liverpool’s players during pre-season so far, but his group has mainly been made up of players from the academy.
Although the Reds have some top young talent coming through, the new head coach needs to get to know his first-team as quickly as possible.
Slot has explained his tactical philosophy and it’s expected that it will require some learning for the players. As a result, the more time on the training pitch for key players this summer, the better.
And while 11 still remain away, Slot could at least count on the return of Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai and Vitezslav Jaros on Tuesday.
The trio were all knocked out of Euro 2024 at the group stage, with Jaros the only one not to feature during his country’s three games.
And as seen on a video posted by Liverpool on X, Robertson, Szoboszlai and Jaros could all be seen settling back into things on Merseyside. Welcome back, lads!
Vitezslav Jaros set for Liverpool chance
Obviously, the news of Robertson and Szoboszlai’s return will be the most important for Liverpool supporters.
Although there has been talk of Liverpool’s interest in Rayan Ait Nouri, for example, Robertson remains the Reds’ first choice left-back. He’ll be a big player again next season.
As for Szoboszlai, much will be expected of his second season at Anfield. The Hungarian flattered to deceive for most of the second-half of last term but there’s clearly more to come from him.
But despite his two returning teammates being of a much higher profile, Jaros coming back should not be underestimated, too.
The 22-year-old has done exceptionally well out on-loan and with Adrian gone, there’s a spot open in the first-team. As Caoimhin Kelleher’s future hangs in the balance too, it’s a big few days for Jaros to make a first impression.
0 Comments