Andy Robertson Explains the Value of Liverpool’s Pre-Season Work | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pre-Season Reset: Why Andy Robertson’s Leadership Matters More Than Ever

Pre-season built on connection, not just conditioning

At Liverpool, the pre-season has never been about simply dusting off summer cobwebs. Under Arne Slot, it’s been reframed as a period of recalibration — a moment not only to regain physical sharpness but to weave the fabric of a new-look squad. In the steamy haze of Hong Kong, where Liverpool’s preparations have resumed at pace, Andy Robertson offered a glimpse into how the Reds are quietly setting the tone for another title push.

Robertson, now entering his ninth season at Anfield, knows exactly what this stage demands speaking to the Official Club Website at preseason training. “When you look at the four older players or the leaders, with me, Ali, Virg and Mo, then we take that upon ourselves to try to let them settle in as easy as possible,” he said. “Try to integrate them into the squad as quickly as possible.”

These words aren’t merely platitudes. For Liverpool, with five new signings bedding in — including Wednesday’s confirmed arrival of Hugo Ekitike — this leadership structure is the scaffold on which cohesion is built.

New faces, same relentless standards

Liverpool’s transfer business has been deliberate and dynamic. Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz all represent a blend of technical talent and youthful hunger. Slot’s challenge isn’t tactical alone — it’s cultural. The club has standards, rhythms, expectations. “It’s just about trying to get them up to speed as quickly as possible,” Robertson explained.

Photo: @LFC

Helping them find homes, feel supported, even sharing dinner — it all matters. “These trips are so important; we’re in the hotel, we’re all away from our families, away from our kids… we’ve done a lot of that,” the full-back added. Off-field familiarity breeds on-field fluency, and Liverpool’s leaders are keen to ensure the transition is swift and smooth.

Foundations built before the whistle blows

Before boarding the plane to Asia, Liverpool registered confident wins over Preston (3-1) and Stoke (5-0). The opposition may not offer Premier League intensity, but the intent is unmistakable. “We’ve been working hard… it’s just about building up fitness,” said Robertson. “We need to probably get the game sharpness up still. Bit by bit, we’re getting there.”

This is not just pre-season conditioning. This is the creation of habit — the sort of mental muscle memory that drives a team through the long, gruelling months ahead.

Mentality remains Liverpool’s greatest asset

As the Premier League title defence looms, Robertson’s final words feel telling. “You want to win, whether it’s training or whether it’s games,” he said. “Trying to get into good habits, wanting to win and having that will to succeed. That will stand us in good stead for the season ahead.”

There’s nothing flashy here. No overblown declarations. Just the quiet, constant hum of high standards — a group tuned not only to the voice of their new manager, but to the rhythm of what it means to represent Liverpool.