Liverpool are now the chaser, not the hunted, after their return to the Women’s Super League and the Reds are set to start their season against the reigning champions.
Liverpool Women experienced a turbulent few years after relegation from the top flight, as well as constant manager and staff changes.
But the return of Matt Beard set a new direction, and the goal was simple: return to the WSL by the end of 2021/22.
It was achieved in emphatic fashion, with the Reds unblinking in their quest for top spot in the Championship, ending their two-year absence from the top flight in style.
The landscape has changed for Liverpool women though, from top dogs to underdogs, but what has changed at the club over the summer as the Reds head into the 2022/23 season?
Return to the higher flight
After two seasons in the Championship, the wait to return to the top ended in Beard’s first season at the club, and it was a towering run for promotion.
The Reds finished 11 points ahead of the next best London City, losing only two of their 16 league games and conceding just 11 goals in that time.
They finished the campaign with the best defensive record and as top scorers (49), margins that make Liverpool the most dominant title winner in the history of the competition.
Liverpool found a new star in forward Leanne Kiernan, with 13 goals in 22 games, while the late addition of Katie Stengel inspires confidence for the future with eight goals in 12 games.
A team that discovered its identity and that leaves much to be excited about.
‘We can beat anyone’
It’s time for Liverpool to become the hunters rather than the hunted, but there is optimism in the air for things to come, and why shouldn’t there be?
That’s not to say the Reds are naive to what lies ahead, but with an exciting team in tow, anything is possible and there is confidence that Liverpool can “beat anybody on our day”.
“We want to be as competitive as we can, the transition from the Championship to the Super League is a huge leap, and I think we learned from Leicester and Aston Villa. [promotion] experience in the last two seasons,” manager Beard explained.
“I think we all need to be realistic enough to know that we may not have as much of the ball as we did last year, but I think we have a team that can compete with anyone and on our day we can beat anyone. .
“The goal is to do the best we can.”
Realism and confidence in one, the right attitude for the challenges ahead.
Departures
Jade Bailey – Free AgentMeikayla Moore – City of GlasgowRianna Dean – Crystal PalaceEvie Smith – Blackburn
After consecutive years of massive changes, Liverpool reigned in their summer activity on the outgoing front this time, with stability always key when moving up the divisions.
Notably, however, striker Rianna Dean was released just a year after signing with the club and has since landed in the Championship with Crystal Palace.
new signings
Eartha Cumings – Goalkeeper Faye Kirby – Goalkeeper Emma Koivisto – Defender Gilly Flaherty – Defender Charlotte Wardlaw (loan) – Defender Shanice van de Sanden – Winger
preseason results
It has been a positive summer for Beard’s side in preparation for a return to the top flight, with four wins from six friendlies during pre-season.
The Reds played four WSL teams, winning two, losing once and drawing once, showing the quality they seek to bring to the division after two Championship campaigns.
Confidence is key and Beard has taken care of that all summer, now to seize the season and cement the club’s place in the WSL.
Whats Next?
Chelsea (H) – Championship – Sunday 18th September – 17:00 (BST) Everton (H) – Championship – Anfield – Sunday 25th September – 18:45 Sunderland (A) – League Cup – Sunday 2nd October – 11:30 a.m. Tottenham (A) – Championship – Sunday, October 16 – 2pm
The Reds’ start of the season in Reading was postponed after Queen’s death, meaning the Reds will kick off their return to the WSL against reigning champions Chelsea.
There is nothing more difficult than that in the 12-team league. That meeting is quickly followed by a trip to Anfield to host Everton in a Merseyside derby, in what will be a brilliant showcase of women’s football on Merseyside.
In the WSL, the champions automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage, while second and third place secure a qualifying spot, and there is only one relegation position at the bottom.
Fans can tune in to WSL action throughout the season via Sky Sports, BBC and FA Player.
