Liverpool to Play First-Ever Japanese Friendly Against Yokohama F. Marinos
Liverpool Football Club have confirmed that they will play their first-ever friendly match against Japanese opposition when they take on Yokohama F. Marinos on July 30. According to a report by This Is Anfield, the Reds will stop in Hong Kong and Japan for the commercial leg of pre-season in July, which will see them play two friendlies alongside training and various media duties.
The Liverpool-based publication reports that the friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos will take place at the 72,327-capacity Nissan Stadium, marking a historic first for the club in Japan. As noted by This Is Anfield, Liverpool have previously played in Yokohama for the Club World Cup in 2005 and in Tokyo in 1981, but this will be their first competitive match against a Japanese side.
The match will also provide an opportunity for current Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo to showcase his skills in his hometown. As This Is Anfield reports, Endo, if he stays as part of Arne Slot’s squad this summer, will likely be front and centre of any promotional efforts in Japan. The Japanese midfielder has been an integral part of Liverpool’s squad and will look to make an impact in the friendly match.
Yokohama F. Marinos are currently managed by Steve Holland, a former England assistant manager under Gareth Southgate. As reported by This Is Anfield, Holland succeeded former Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell in the dugout in December and will look to make an impact against his former club’s opponents. The team currently sits 17th in the J1 League, having drawn 3-3 with third-placed Kawasaki on Wednesday.
The most notable player in Yokohama F. Marinos’ squad is former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi, who returned to Japan in 2021 after 11 years playing in Europe. As noted by This Is Anfield, Miyaichi will be a key player for Yokohama F. Marinos in the friendly match against Liverpool.
Liverpool will begin pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre in early July, with it possible that the club arrange domestic warmup fixtures alongside a camp elsewhere in Europe. As This Is Anfield reports, the Reds will also take part in the Community Shield, which is slated to take place on August 8 between the Premier League champions and the winners of the FA Cup.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia will be an important part of their preparations for the upcoming season. With a possible title win on the horizon, the Reds will look to build on their momentum and make a strong start to the new campaign. As This Is Anfield notes, Liverpool only need 11 points from their remaining seven games to clinch the title, and a successful pre-season tour could provide the perfect platform for the team to build on their success.
The confirmation of the friendly match against Yokohama F. Marinos marks an exciting development for Liverpool fans, who will be eagerly anticipating the team’s pre-season tour of Asia. As reported by This Is Anfield, the Reds will play two friendlies, including the match against Yokohama F. Marinos, as part of their pre-season preparations.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia promises to be an exciting and eventful one, with the team’s friendly match against Yokohama F. Marinos marking a historic first for the club in Japan. With a possible title win on the horizon, the Reds will look to build on their momentum and make a strong start to the new campaign. As This Is Anfield reports, the team’s pre-season preparations will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming season.
The source of this article is This Is Anfield.
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