After a disappointing campaign last time out the Reds will be hoping to kick start their preparations for the new season on a positive note when they face the Thai All Stars in a pre-season friendly. It was a tearful conclusion to the last season as club legend Steven Gerrard bid farewell to the club.
Since then young star Raheem Sterling has been constantly linked to a move to league rivals Manchester City and according to various sources, the two clubs have agreed a fee for the highly rated winger. Amidst all the disappointments, Liverpool fans have something to look forward to with the club having made some astute signings over the summer.
James Milner was the first to arrive who signed for the Reds for free, he was followed by former Burnley star Danny Ings who was a free agent as well. The club has also earned the services of highly rated Brazilian star Roberto Firmino as well as Southampton's flamboyant full back Nathaniel Clyne.
A few of the players have been left out of the squad which has travelled to Bangkok including the likes of Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique all of whom have been linked to moves elsewhere. Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho were part of the Brazilian side which participated in the Copa America and have thus been granted an extended rest. Emre Can who represented the Germany U-21 side in the Under 21 Euro Cup is also not part of the squad.
Centre back Martin Skrtel has extended his stay at the club after being linked with a move to Inter Milan, however the 30 year old has claimed that his priority had always been to stay at Liverpool.
"It was easy. My priority was always to have a deal with Liverpool. I'm happy we have got the deal and have agreed everything and I've signed the deal," he said according to the Liverpool Official website.
Skrtel further expressed his delight of having resolved all the issues prior to the commencement of the preparations for the new season.
"That's always important. When you have your head clear, you can focus and concentrate on your job, the football and the upcoming season. I'm glad I've signed the deal before the tour and now I can focus on doing my job."
The Slovakian further highlighted the importance of registering a Champions League place next season and claimed it as being the main target.
"We played in the Champions League last season and if you play in it once, you always want to play in it. That will be the main target for next season, to get a Champions League place, and obviously in the Premier League to be as high as we can. We'll see, but I think if we go from game to game and try to get as many points as we can, it will be good for us."
The Thai All Stars side on the other hand will be hoping to give Liverpool a tough time having fared well when they faced Chelsea back in May.
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