
Inside Liverpool's Asia tour: Arne Slot's warning to the squad, how Florian Wirtz wowed team-mates, Rio Ngumoha's breakthrough as he slips under Mohamed Salah's wing and the Reds' new long-throw trick
It was the temperature that formed part of his opening address to the squad on arrival in Hong Kong last week, the Dutchman telling his troops that celebrating last season's title triumph must stop now and that they must fight through the taxing conditions to get in peak shape to go again.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
8 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Mohamed Salah left with egg on his face after denying Cody Gakpo hat-trick chance
Liverpool rounded off pre-season with a productive evening against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao but it wasn't all positive for forward Mohamed Salah despite finding the net for Arne Slot's side Mohamed Salah robbed Cody Gakpo the chance of a hat-trick with a woeful penalty at Anfield. The Egyptian forward started in Liverpool 's pre-season clash against Athletic Bilbao on Monday. It was the second time that the Reds had taken on the Spanish side at Anfield. They had already secured a 4-1 win earlier in the day - Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott all finding the net for Arne Slot 's side. Salah then got Liverpool off to the perfect start in their second match after firing home Hugo Ekitike's cross. Oihan Sancet equalised for Bilbao, only for Gakpo to restore Liverpool's lead. The Dutchman remained at the heart of things after scoring an own goal but he scored once again in the right end to rack up a brace. He then had a golden chance to secure an eye-catching pre-season hat-trick as Liverpool were awarded an 80th-minute penalty. But instead of Gakpo, Salah was the man to step up. While he is usually reliable from the spot, the Egyptian blazed the ball high over the crossbar. Salah could afford himself a wry smile after the miss but will certainly hope to re-find his aim as Liverpool return to action next weekend. The Reds take on FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley next weekend before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth in just under a fortnight's time. Gakpo in the meantime will be hoping to continue his hot form. Speaking ahead of his latest appearance, he said: "It was my best return so far [last season] but me as a player and as a person I always strive to do better and do more. 'Hopefully this year is going to be a better one. I am just trying to get more goals and more assists. "It was an ankle injury and it was difficult and I tried to come back as quickly as possible because we had some important games but unfortunately I had a setback again in training and then it took longer to get into the rhythm again and get confidence when you are in duels or shooting on target with the ankle and you are maybe not as confident at that time. "So that was not nice for the rhythm where I was before but this is also a part of football and you have to overcome it, so I think the last games of the season went better for my ankle, I didn't feel it as much before. So I think now we just have to start the season fit and move." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Will Wright, 17, almost caps dream Liverpool debut with an Anfield goal - just after Reds beat Arsenal to sign the forward from Salford City
New Liverpool signing Will Wright came close to making an instant impression on fans just days after signing for the club. The Premier League champions had officially announced Wright's signing from League Two side Salford City earlier on Tuesday. The Reds had confirmed the forward had already linked up with their U21s squad last week and made his debut for the team on the weekend. Wright was given a 16-minute cameo in the second of Liverpool's pre-season double header against Athletic Club on Monday, with the teenager coming on for Florian Wirtz. The forward nearly marked his first Anfield appearance with a goal just 10 minutes later. Wright skipped past a challenge inside Liverpool's half, before feeding the ball to Federico Chiesa. After sprinting forward to offer Chiesa and option to his left, Wright received the Italian's pass and attempted to bend the ball into the net. The forward was ultimately denied by the Athletic Club goalkeeper's foot, with the ball rebounding to safety. Liverpool had beaten Premier League rivals to the signing of Wright, who made four senior appearances for Salford City last season. Arsenal had agreed a £200,000 fee with Salford two weeks ago with a further £50,000 to follow across the season in achievable add-ons. Talks had been progressing well with his representatives but Liverpool, who had led the initial race for the 17-year-old, came back in at the weekend and matched Arsenal's offer. Leeds United and Rangers also made late enquiries, as did Nottingham Forest, while City, though big admirers, have already committed sizeable funds to other youth signings. Wright ultimately agreed terms on a three-year contract with Liverpool. FA Cup defeat by Manchester City in January.


Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Why Liverpool don't need Alexander Isak, 16-year-old is ready for first-team NOW - and young star must leave: THINGS WE LEARNED from Liverpool's double-header with Athletic Bilbao
Liverpool rounded off pre-season in style with a 7-3 aggregate win across two games against Athletic Club at Anfield. Arne Slot got to take a closer look at players from his Premier League regulars to rising stars in the academy and left with a smile on his face after a 4-1 win was followed up by a 3-2 victory.