Arne Slot provided updates on the preseason needs and the Ipswich Town opener

Liverpool received their 2024-25 league fixture list on Tuesday morning, with the new manager’s tenure beginning at Portman Road on August 17 against promoted side Ipswich Town.

That game will be followed by Brentford’s visit to Anfield a week later, Slot’s first competitive home game in charge of the Reds, before a match against Manchester United at Old Trafford to cap off the first month of top-flight activity.

Slot confirmed to Liverpoolfc.com that his team’s game with Ipswich will begin at 12.30pm. According to what I know, Jürgen [Klopp] grumbled a lot about this, so they probably thought, with Jürgen out, we’ll place them at 12.30 again!

“No, it’s not a typical 12.30 since it’s not after a game in Europe. I look forward to it. A promoted squad, therefore it will be significant for them as well.

“I think every team might prefer a home game to start with, but we’re going to face Ipswich and we are looking forward to that.”

However, Slot will oversee his first pre-season in charge of the club when his senior group returns to Merseyside next month.

Liverpool’s preparations will begin at the AXA Training Centre, followed by a travel to the United States for friendlies against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

Slot’s first competitive encounter at Anfield is slated for August 24, when Thomas Frank’s Brentford will go north from the metropolis.

“Every new club you go to, and it’s your first home game, it’s special,” he said of the opportunity.

“I remember it being special at Feyenoord, and I expect it to be just as special here in Liverpool. But, as I already stated, the first item I’ll look at is our first training session, followed by all subsequent sessions and games.

“We have to take this really seriously to be the best possible team we can be at the first game at Ipswich and the second game, the home game against Brentford.”

On his enthusiasm about visiting Anfield, he added: “Yeah, but I think everyone would tell you that in football, you go game by game, and the first and most important one is Ipswich.”

“But if I say this and the players would listen to this, they would get the wrong impression of me, because the friendly games are really important for us to be in the best possible position for the Ipswich game.”

More news…..

Slot’s reign at Liverpool could begin with Inacio transfer.

The Dutchman appears to be confident in obtaining solid results from the start of next season, and one of his primary requirements is to strengthen the defensive.

The Reds wants Goncalo Inacio.

According to CaughtOffside sources familiar with Slot’s plans, Sporting’s excellent centre-back Goncalo Inacio, whom Liverpool has been pursuing since last November, is the club’s primary goal.

In January, the Portuguese defender decided to stay with Sporting until the conclusion of the season for personal reasons.

However, he is now ready to make the big move to the Premier League, with Liverpool seeking to finalise his transfer in the coming weeks.

Keeping with the Reds defence, Virgil van Dijk’s position must be observed.

His contract will expire in June 2025, and conversations over his renewal have stalled. As a result, the Saudi Pro League continues to view him as a top priority.

In midfield, Liverpool is pursuing Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, a player Slot also values; however, there is fierce competition for his services, with several Italian and German clubs interested.

The Anfield club has requested information on the potential costs of the operation for Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, but Newcastle, AC Milan, and Manchester United are also in the running, so Liverpool are unlikely to have it all their own.