PREVIEW: Does Gareth Taylor have the key to help Liverpool achieve redemption? | OneFootball

After a frustrating 2024/25 Women’s Super League campaign, Liverpool are looking for redemption. The Reds failed to build on their 4th place finish in the 2023/24 campaign and ultimately finished 7th – a significant underperformance. Liverpool faced major challenges on and off the pitch, as some of their most dependable players were struck down with serious injuries and a dramatic managerial upheaval mid-season heavily affected performance.

A memorable victory against Manchester United at Anfield was a much welcomed highlight for Liverpool during a season defined by a consistent struggle to capitalise on attacking opportunities and a failure to create chances. Ultimately, Liverpool failed to meet their goal of returning to the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

A new era under former Manchester City Manager Gareth Taylor brings hope for greater success in the upcoming season. Taylor arrives after facing a difficult 2024/25 WSL campaign himself, notably clashing with players due to his demanding management style. Taylor found himself at the centre of Chloe Kelly’s dramatic transfer saga earlier this year, and after producing inconsistent results as City’s head coach, he was fired in March. However, Liverpool need a dramatic change if they want redemption and Taylor’s “old-school” management tactics may be the missing piece they have been looking for.

Liverpool have undergone a dramatic transfer window, losing Olivia Smith to Arsenal for a record-breaking £1,000,000 fee. The loss of Smith this season leaves Liverpool vulnerable, with a hole in their attacking lineup. The departure of captain Niamh Fahey further destabilises The Reds, leaving them without leadership both on and off the pitch during an important transition period.

However, new signings Kirsty Maclean and Rafaela Börggrafe are offering glimpses of hope. Pre-season has highlighted Liverpool’s shakiness, yet Maclean and Börggrafe have steadily improved each match. Lily Woodham has been a standout player so far in pre-season, adapting quickly to her new team and promising greatness from Liverpool’s attacking line.

Ultimately, Liverpool need to prove themselves early on this season if they want to change the narrative and become a dominant force once again in the WSL. Taylor’s management style has proven successful previously but whether it fits this new Liverpool side is still to be decided.

Is young talent enough to reignite Liverpool’s former glory?

A disruptive transfer window has significantly weakened Liverpool’s squad in several key areas, most notably in their attacking line and team leadership. The most damaging loss is arguably Olivia Smith, the 21-year old forward who became a breakout star last season, scoring seven of Liverpool’s 22 WSL goals. Losing Smith leaves a void in Liverpool’s attacking line, diminishing the team’s attacking threat coming into this new season.

Veteran captain Niamh Fahey announced her retirement at the end of the last season, leaving Liverpool without vital leadership on and off the pitch during a tumultuous transition period. The combination of a loss of firepower and leadership leave Liverpool looking weak in the build up to this season.

Gareth Taylor’s task of rebuilding a strong squad began immediately after his appointment as manager in July. Taylor acted quickly, signing four young players who showed immense promise last season: Rafaela Börggrafe (goalkeeper signed from SC Freiberg on a free transfer), Kirsty Maclean (midfielder signed from Rangers), Lily Woodham (defender and lifelong Liverpool fan signed from Seattle Reign), and Sam Kerr (central midfielder, returning to Liverpool after spending half of the last season on loan at Bayern Munich).

These new signings bring strong development potential, something Taylor had a talent for whilst at Manchester City, but also have a lack of experience which could prove costly. With a total of six players leaving Liverpool at the end of last season, Taylor needs to instil solid performances early in the season to bring cohesion to a young and inexperienced squad.

A new era under Taylor for Liverpool

After a disappointing 2024/25 WSL season, with inconsistent performances under long-term manager Matt Beard, Liverpool have opted for a bold new strategy under new manager Gareth Taylor. Beard was fired in March earlier this year after an underwhelming campaign, struggling to progress on Liverpool’s impressive top-four finish in the 2023/24 season. Assistant coach Amber Whiteley became interim manager for the final matches, offering temporary stability.

In July, former Manchester City boss, Gareth Taylor was appointed Liverpool’s new manager. Taylor’s tenure at City boasted one FA Cup and League Cup title, but he was dismissed after failing to lead the squad to a WSL title. Known for developing young players into top-tier talent, Taylor appears to be perfect for the role at Liverpool, who have struggled to stay consistent with success in major tournaments.

However, Taylor’s management style is not without controversy. Earlier this year, Taylor found himself at the centre of Chloe Kelly’s dramatic move to Arsenal, with Kelly citing “difficulties” with management prompting her move.

Taylor’s experience brings much needed hope for this Liverpool squad. Favouring a possession-based style of play, Taylor suits the squad’s needs, already building confidence in a vulnerable Liverpool side. Taylor needs to perfectly implement his “difficult” management style in order to return Liverpool to the top-four of the WSL table.

Liverpool appear shaky in preseason, can the squad adapt enough in early games?

Pre-season has highlighted Liverpool’s weaknesses, with a lack of cohesion and poor performance. Despite this, there are signs of progress, with the squad looking stronger each match. New signings Börggrafe, Maclean and Woodham have improved steadily throughout pre-season, adapting quickly and growing with confidence in each appearance. A draw against Manchester United highlighted Taylor’s improvements to the team as they appeared confident. Despite Taylor’s evident influence, Liverpool still have a long way to go in order to achieve a top four finish in the WSL.

Ceri Holland shows confidence

Ceri Holland has been a staple player for Liverpool over the years, helping to secure the team’s return to the Women’s Super League in the 2021/22 season. As Liverpool ushers in a new era under Taylor’s management and several young additions this season, Holland’s experience is more important than ever.

This summer Holland made an appearance as part of Wales’ historic first appearance at the Women’s Euros. Her assist to Jess Fishlock secured Wales’ first ever goal at a major international tournament, securing her name in Welsh football history. Holland’s Euro performance showcased her natural attacking talent and pace, qualities essential for Liverpool if they want any chance to succeed in their goals for the upcoming season.

Maclean shows promise in pre-season

Kirsty Maclean is a promising addition to Liverpool, showing confidence already just in pre-season. Signed from Rangers, Maclean does not have any prior experience in the WSL but her performances in pre-season shows she is adapting quickly under the pressure. Maclean has settled into the squad well so far, growing with confidence each appearance. Her quick adjustment to the pace and intensity of a higher league shows promise for Liverpool, as they need a strong midfield to appear less vulnerable early in the season. As the season progresses, Taylor will be keen to nurture Maclean’s natural talent in midfield. Overall, Maclean is a great signing for Liverpool’s future, her confidence is a much needed trait amongst a currently incoherent squad.

Liverpool need to start the season strong

Last season was one to forget in Liverpool’s WSL legacy, prompting a much needed managerial change and a dramatic transfer window. With a new era just beginning, it is essential that Liverpool deliver good results immediately in order to establish themselves as a strong contender in the competition.

Summer signings have filled extensive gaps left by dependable players’ departures but pre-season performances suggest greater improvement in team unity is much needed. Liverpool’s attacking line has been hit massively by the departure of Olivia Smith but new signings have delivered promising performances so far.

The appointment of Gareth Taylor as manager signals a strategic shift. Taylor’s management style is known for being tough on players, which may cause tension but he has proven success. Taylor needs to unify his team and build confidence quickly in order to help the squad achieve another top four WSL finish.

Liverpool have made significant changes in order to improve performance but are taking time to look confident and cohesive. The Reds need to perform well immediately if they want to be taken seriously and appear threatening.