Third kit released in Hong Kong
Liverpool have unveiled their new third kit at a special event during the pre-season tour in Hong Kong. The 2017/18 kit is a striking orange colour, which has been described as a “bold citrus”, and features a classy black trim. The kit also carries the commemorative crest that was designed for the 125th anniversary of the club, which is prominent on each of the new uniforms for the celebratory season. The club will debut the kit on Wednesday when they take on Crystal Palace in Hong Kong as part of the Premier League Asia Trophy. In the mean time, you can pick up your replica strip in store or online.
Pitch concerns as Liverpool arrive to downpour
There are major concerns over the state of the pitch at the Mong Kok Stadium, as Hong Kong was hit by severe thunderstorms with more forecasted for later this week. The stadium is due to host all four matches in the Premier League Asia Trophy but Jürgen Klopp has admitted that he is worried about the facilities. Liverpool were scheduled to train at the stadium yesterday, but the waterlogged pitch forced them to host their session indoors instead.
The stadium came under scrutiny in 2013, the last time the tournament was played there. The pitch became a swamp which made quality football impossible to play. However, the Hong Kong Football Association are adamant that the £3million spent over the last four years, means that the playing surface will cope a lot better with adverse weather conditions.
Ward wants “the best” between the sticks
Following a dream loan spell at Huddersfield Town last season, Danny Ward is excited by the opportunities that may be presented to him at Liverpool, but he insists that all three goalkeepers are putting the interests of the club ahead of their own. Klopp has already stated that the same opportunities will be afforded to Ward, Simon Mignolet, and Loris Karius during the pre-season and the Welshman believes the friendly competition for the starting spot will only make each player better.
“The more ‘keepers we have got with quality, the better. The manager has talked about us having competition between us, which can only be healthy for the squad in general.
“That’s our aim every day, to push each other as far as we can because we want Liverpool to have the best goalkeeper that we can potentially give them.
“The manager knows the three boys are more than capable. It’s a fight for the No.1 [spot], but we’ll be helping each other along the way.”
Lucas to Lazio
Lucas has landed in Rome and has been photographed holding a Lazio scarf ahead of his reported move to the Italian side. The “Adopted Scouser” was due to have a medical yesterday, and subject to the result of that, an official announcement is expected before the end of the week. Lucas became a fans favourite at Liverpool, mainly thanks to his extended loyalty and consistent performances on the pitch. Should the £5million deal go ahead, he will certainly leave on good terms with everybody involved with the club.
