Open Season marks with a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Friday, July 8. That will be the first match of what will be a grueling pre-season clocking nine games and over 20,000 km. However, this may also fast-track the fitness recovery of players like Ings, Joe and Flanagan.

I don't expect to see much of the likes of Benteke, Baloteli and Bogdan who are on their way out. On the contrary this might be a great (and only) chance for likes of Markovic, Ilori etc. to prove his worth to Klopp. The new signings will also feature heavily; not just to fast-track the assimilation process but also due to the fact that none featured in the Copa or Euro and have had their fair share of breaks.

So a few things.

- Mane looks exactly what we needed. Tons of pace, always looking to make runs, and had some nice interplay.
- Ovie Ejaria was fantastic; really looks the goods for a youngster and you'll read a lot of that. People already comparing him to Pogba (lol)
- Markovic still looks a mental midget.
- Ings looks good.
- Firmino is fat.

https://twitter.com/LFCPress/status/751504728585109505

It's hard to put too much stock in the match, given the opposition and the timing. However, there were a few interesting tidbits.

Looks like we will be sticking with (mainly) a 4-2-3-1 (surprise, surprise...)

Mane will play mainly from the right.

Firmino may get some starts as a false9 (though, I believe this was more a product of Origi and Sturridge being away after their exploits on International duty).

I find it interesting that Mane is getting slagged a bit on twitter for "all his chances coming from central areas". That's what we bought him for! We wanted a wide forward that made incisive, direct runs from wide areas into the center, with pace to burn, and an eye for goal. Based on his performance against Tranmere, that's precisely what Mane is going to do. Moreover, his creativity and link-up with Firmino impressed me. Neither looked particularly sharp/clinical, but for the first match of pre-season (and Mane's first ever in a Liverpool shirt), there were plenty of encouraging signs.

Markovic has caught a fair amount of flak, and I think it's somewhat unwarranted. I actually thought he looked to have a pretty decent showing, albeit marked by one glaring miss (technically he hit the wood-work). If he slots that chance home, I believe the narrative changes to an extent. Much of the play went through him in the second half, with him orchestrating some very nice moves and creating a few nice chances. Ironically, he's been criticized for not being more incisive, often staying wide and playing as a more traditional winger (the exact thing some individuals were criticizing Mane for not doing in the first half). In any case, I believe Markovic will be a wonderful option for the club this season, acting a as a nice back-up/alternative to Mane. In fact, Mane's addition may be precisely what Markovic needs, as it should take a fair amount of pressure off the returning winger, hopefully allowing him to figure out where he fits in Klopp's squad and finding his feet in the Premier League... again.

It's only one match against weaker opposition, but Ejaria looked fantastic. Played the "Firmino role" very well, and looked composed while orchestrating play. I'm excited to see what role he has this season (or potentially a loan move to get him more playing time). I wonder if he might be the next "Ojo", getting a few sporadic appearances for the first-team.

Matip looked composed, but wasn't exactly tested much. The main thing I noticed was that he didn't shy away from the physicality of the lower-division side. I'm still a little concerned over his decision-making without a defensive leader next to him. Luckily our defensive leader was just cleared of any wrong-doing regarding the doping charges and will rejoin the squad soon.

All-in all, a decent first-look at Klopp's side...

Plan on streaming the Fleetwood game today if internet allows. Grujic starts so do the rest of the new signings.

Grujic wins a penalty. And Ings misses.

Grujic scores 5 mins later as well. 1-0

Trent been the best player on the pitch. Only 17yo

Fleetwood 0-1 Liverpool HT

Grujic with the goal.

Grujic MOTH, Mane and Arnold close contenders. Moreno has been great offensively but very poor defensively. Flanagan, Matip and Lovren are solid. Lovren the best out of the back 4.

Stewart, Ings and Markovic have been average. Karius hasn't had anything to do.

Alexander Trent Arnold is a talent, He looks miles better than Rossiter, Brannagan, Chirivella, Stweart already. He's 17. Captain of both U16 and U18 sides for us.

Second half team of scrubs: Bogdan, Randall, Wisdom, Ilori, Smith, Brannagan, Lucas, Ejaria, Kent, Firmino, Woodburn

FT 5-0

Grujic, Woodburn. Lucas, Firmino x2.

Second half was very good, They were fluid. Ejaria and Brannagan worked really well. Kent with two assists and Woodburn with a goal and an assist, He's only 16 so no comments right now.

Good workout. Next one with a new LB pls.

Thumbs up to everyone for watching preseason games.

I actually watched a bit too after being alerted about the game in this thread.

Strangely enough, LFCTV (I think that's what I was watching being streamed) show a lot of advertisment for leg-waxing applications, comforting high heel inlay-soles, and digestion pills.
Usually, in between and around football matches, I'd expect cars, beer, deodorant and DIY warehouses to advertise

As for the game, Firmino does not look fat to me, but more like he's been bulking up.
Looked sharp and I have the feeling he will have an excellent season.

Firmino turning into a midfield poacher

He needs to join the link up play more, I know its only pre season but he's needs to get in the game more than the box.

I like the look of mane I know its only 2 friendly games against poor teams but he always looks to go forward and beat his man. not come inside every time like Lallana. if deadly can stay fit this season I think him and mane will link up well

Unique wrote:I like the look of mane I know its only 2 friendly games against poor teams but he always looks to go forward and beat his man. not come inside every time like Lallana. if deadly can stay fit this season I think him and mane will link up well

An attack of Sturridge, Firmino, and Mane could be mouth-watering. They all offer different strengths but can literally swap positions if necessary, without losing a beat. I know there are some that are down on Mane, but I'm optimistic his attributes will unlock doors for this attack, even if it's not his stats that end up getting padded.

donttreadonred wrote:

Unique wrote:I like the look of mane I know its only 2 friendly games against poor teams but he always looks to go forward and beat his man. not come inside every time like Lallana. if deadly can stay fit this season I think him and mane will link up well

An attack of Sturridge, Firmino, and Mane could be mouth-watering. They all offer different strengths but can literally swap positions if necessary, without losing a beat. I know there are some that are down on Mane, but I'm optimistic his attributes will unlock doors for this attack, even if it's not his stats that end up getting padded.

yeah mate I'm happy with mane. yes he cost a lot of money but what player doesn't now. but he is a young player with years left in him and we badly needed what he brings.

First half vs Wigan: Karius, Randall, Matip, Lovren, Flanagan, Ejaria, Stewart, Brannagan, Mane, Coutinho, Firmino

Nishankly wrote:First half vs Wigan: Karius, Randall, Matip, Lovren, Flanagan, Ejaria, Stewart, Brannagan, Mane, Coutinho, Firmino

These two must develop rapport ASAP since they will be the starting CB when the season starts.

I really like the look of this ejaria kid in midfield

Nice testing half, Against a better team with a better ground.
HT 0-0, No standout players, Coutinho hit the woodwork and ended a few careers so he's MOTH.

Karius with an amazing blunder and made up for it, Would not recommend seeing if you have a problem with the keepers we've signed after Reina or have any heart issues.

Rest everyone has been okay, Randall will be a solid League 1 player at best.

Was really hoping to get another look at Grujic but he's ill unfortunately.

Mane and Matip have been looking really nice in this preseason so far. Will definitely help us this season in terms of starters.

Karius blunder I don't think he'll make a mistake like tht ever again. He made a great save after that.

8 half-time changes; Randall, Matip and Karius continue for the Reds.

Woodburn with another goal. Still only 16yo. The kid is living the dream

Matip went off broken

Second half team was more clinical as usual, The first members play better football but can't score.

Woodburn scoring again, So does Ingsy. Kent was pretty good. Markovic looked more lively.

FT 2-0
Ings, Woodburn.

So, off to Huddersfield Town for the next one. Another Championship side, another good work-out.

Who's watching this game? Ill try to stream it, net is a pos at home nowadays.

Huddersfield have Ward, He should start. David Wagner and Klopp are ex BFF's and Huddersfield is a championship team that has played and won all 5 of their friendlies this month.

Great test.

Yeah I got nothing better to do at work. Will watch it.