Arne Slot is expected to take over from Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool’s manager this summer. However, he may have to commence his pre-season preparations without some key players.
As Jürgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool draws to a close, the dawn of a new era at Anfield looms closer. However, Arne Slot might need to exercise patience before meeting his new squad members.
Klopp’s near nine-year stewardship at Liverpool concludes this Sunday, with his final match against Wolves signaling the end of an era. Following this, the reins will be passed to Slot.
Confirmation of Slot as the new head coach of Liverpool seems imminent, with the current Feyenoord manager openly expressing his intention to join Anfield’s ranks.
It won’t be long before the new coach conducts his first training session at the AXA Training Centre. However, some of Liverpool’s key players might not be present to welcome him.
This summer promises to be hectic for football, with Euro 2024 and the Copa América scheduled for June and July. Liverpool could see up to 13 of its players participating in these tournaments.
Alisson Becker is confirmed to join Brazil’s squad in the United States. Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez are likely to accompany him, pending confirmation from Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay.
While the South American players pursue glory, Liverpool’s European stars will also compete for international honors in Germany. Six Liverpool players are expected to represent their countries at Euro 2024.
Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are likely to be part of Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad, possibly joined by Ryan Gravenberch. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a sure pick for Gareth Southgate’s England team, with Joe Gomez possibly joining him.
Additionally, Ibrahima Konaté will represent France, while Dominik Szoboszlai will lead Hungary. Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota are expected to play for Scotland and Portugal respectively, barring any setbacks from recent injuries.
The finals for both tournaments are scheduled for July 14, potentially involving one or two Liverpool players. Regardless of the finalists, Liverpool’s international players are likely to have some time off before resuming training in Merseyside.
The first training session for Slot’s team has yet to be announced. Last summer, Liverpool returned for duty on July 8, with international players joining three days later.
With Liverpool’s pre-season tour starting on July 26 against Real Betis in Pittsburgh, Slot has limited time to prepare the squad before matches against Arsenal (July 31) and Manchester United (August 3) in Philadelphia and South Carolina, respectively.
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