Under Arne Slot, Liverpool is getting closer and closer to the beginning of their preseason schedule.
The Reds will play again in the United States the following month, but not before reuniting at the AXA Training Centre for some hard yards and double workouts. Their return date is scheduled for early July.
While the Copa America and European Championship run into next month, it is unclear how many of his core players Slot will have with him on the US trip. However, anticipation is beginning to grow quietly ahead of a completely new era at Anfield.
See all of this week’s ECHO notebook’s off-day news and tidbits here.
Gakpo offering ideas for reflection
Cody Gakpo, one of the Dutch football scene’s poster boys, is a player Slot will be more familiar with than most on his new Liverpool team.
The Reds manager recently disclosed that he had already had conversations with a number of his players after taking on the position, specifically mentioning his captain, Virgil van Dijk. However, considering the connections, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume that Gakpo has also consulted with his new boss.
The Liverpool forward, who established his reputation at PSV Eindhoven before moving to Merseyside in January 2023, has so far had a successful Euros with Oranje, scoring twice in their three group games. He has also drawn attention to himself on the left of the attack.
In an interview with De Telegraaf earlier this month, Gakpo revealed his conviction that his ideal position is on the left: “As far as I know, I’m focusing on the left winger position here (for Holland).”
“A few months back, I had a little conversation about that with Ronald Koeman, the national coach. On my own business card, what’s there? Winger on the left However, it also relies on the system, naturally, and the trainer where I will be utilized. If we don’t have a left winger, I’m not required to play there.”
It would not be too much of a stretch to suggest that the new head coach may see a future for Gakpo back in the position he admits he feels most comfortable in, given that the left-winger has largely become a star in Dutch football and that Slot will have seen him most frequently when their paths have crossed in the Eredivisie.
Gakpo played a lot of center forward during his time under Jurgen Klopp; is he now ready to switch to the left side more frequently? As the pre-season draws near, Slot might be seriously considering it.
Liverpool let up on the Morton situation.
Bundesliga team RB Leipzig is interested in Tyler Morton.
Following an equally successful stint with Blackburn Rovers the season before, the midfield player had a fantastic season on loan with Hull City in the Championship.
In order to maintain their long-standing relationship with Liverpool, the German team is eager to start negotiations for the midfielder, who was born in Wirral.
In previous years, the Reds have frequently spoken with RBL over players such as Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, and Dominik Szoboszlai; nevertheless, Fabio Carvalho left on loan last summer.
But Liverpool are taking a laid-back approach to Morton’s circumstances, and although Championship teams are showing a lot of interest, it’s believed Slot will want to thoroughly evaluate his team before making any major moves. A strong performance in the US can result in a settlement.
Slot makes an early impression.
After conducting his first formal interview as Liverpool’s head coach last week, it appears that Slot has adapted well to his new role.
When the Dutchman toured the AXA Training Center prior to his interview with LFCTV last week, his composure, integrity, and affability were noted as noteworthy qualities.
Slot is reported to have impressed with his confident demeanor, and considering that he is replacing a club legend in Jurgen Klopp, it was reported that he did not appear unduly intimidated by the responsibility of taking over for such a renowned individual.
Undoubtedly, the challenge of succeeding Klopp is difficult, but it appears that the new head coach is doing everything with grace.
