WSL 2022/23 Preview 6: Liverpool
Championship 2021/22 final position: 1st (promoted)
Promoted back to the WSL after two seasons in the second tier, Liverpool will face Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday 25th September.
When we face them this season
Away: 10/11 December 2022
Home: 29/30 April 2023
New signings
Liverpool have made some impressive signings, including Brighton’s Finnish defender Emma Koivisto and experienced centre-back Gilly Flaherty.
They have also secured the return of winger Shanice van de Sanden from VfL Wolfsburg, after five years away from the Reds.
‘She’s a character,’ said manager Matt Beard of van de Sanden. ‘She’s gone away from here and played for two of the biggest clubs in Europe, she knows the club, she knows the league, she knows the city.
‘We’re both really excited to work together but also excited to bring her back. She’s coming back home basically. The fans will know she’s an exciting winger, she can get at people, she’s quick. The way we play, I think she’s going to fit right in.
‘It’s another experienced player, another player who’s played at the top, top level and we have ambitions to do well in this division.’
What the papers say
‘Leanne Kiernan found scintillating form last season, putting her injury woes behind her. The Republic of Ireland forward scored 13 goals, just missing out on the golden boot. She can be utilised both as a No 9 and on the flanks and Beard has praised her work rate and mentality.’
Sophie Downey, The Guardian - read Sophie’s full Liverpool season preview
View from the stands: Jo Goodall
The mood must be pretty good around Liverpool following promotion - what was key to your success last season?
Having manager Matt Beard back last season was a huge factor in the team working better together and fans could see this both on and off the pitch.
Fans also being allowed back into stadiums will have helped spur the team on, especially since we managed to get some coaches to away games last season too! The whole team expressed how away games felt like home games to them and we hope to continue that into next season.
What are your expectations for this season and are you happy with your transfer business so far?
I think the team have got what it takes to do well this season.
The new signings have been a great addition to the squad and we are looking very strong in every area with the potential to have an excellent bench for each game. Pre-season has proved that we are able to compete against WSL sides again and I am excited to get the season started.
Which Liverpool player should we look out for most?
It’s hard to choose! We have such a wide range of skills across the team.
Leanne Kiernan is looking good for scoring goals this season, and Shanice van de Sanden has re-joined us who is looking sharp on the wing.
Having Charlotte Wardlaw back on loan is great news as she was a great asset for us last season. I’m also keen to stay updated on Rylee Foster’s rehab and hope that we may see her back on the pitch in the future.
How are you feeling about the Merseyside derby being played at Anfield?
I’m very excited to be going to Anfield to watch the derby again. The atmosphere at the last one was incredible and I hope we can entice more fans to come and watch this year. We also have a special guest joining us in the stands this year so be sure to keep an eye out on our social media for that.
Lastly, how was Euro 2022 for you?
It was so incredible to see huge crowds, some record-breaking, at the Euro games this summer. There is still so much stigma around women’s football but the success of the Euros has hopefully helped a lot of people see just how good the standard is considering it was banned for 50 years.
I’d love nothing more than to see clubs across the women’s leagues breaking new attendance records this season and for teams to be getting more support through their doors.
Jo is the Chair and Founder of the Liverpool Women Supporters Club - follow the LFC WSC on Twitter