Liverpool confirms two Anfield friendlies as full pre-season schedule for 2026 takes shape
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool has confirmed two friendlies will take place at Anfield this summer, with the full pre-season schedule taking shape and Andoni Iraola seemingly set to replace Arne SlotGeneral view inside Anfield.(Image: Jess Hornby - WSL Football via Getty Images)Liverpool will take on AS Monaco and Como at Anfield this summer, in addition to playing three games in the US as part of its pre-season tour.The clash with Monaco will kick off at 2.30pm UK time (11.30am ET) on Sunday, August 9 and is the Reds' first meeting with the Ligue 1 side since it faced them in the group stage of the 2004/05 Champions League campaign that saw Rafa Benitez's men crowned champions in Istanbul.Cesc Fabregas' Como, meanwhile, will take on Liverpool in a 6pm UK time kick-off (1pm ET) on Sunday, August 16 in the inaugural encounter between the sides. The Italian outfit finished fourth in the Serie A standings this term, qualifying for the Champions League.The Anfield fixtures follow three pre-season games in the US, just after the World Cup in the same country (as well as Canada and Mexico) is completed.The Reds will face Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, July 25, followed by Wrexham in New Jersey on Wednesday, July 29, and Leeds United in Chicago on Sunday, August 2.Liverpool will have a new head coach by the time pre-season kicks off.
The Reds, it is understood, are keen to ensure there is an aggressive and high-intensity style at Anfield moving forward.A general view of The Kop.(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)"We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title," Reds owners FSG said in a statement."That accomplishment — made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day."He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person."As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come."Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction."That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach."Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield."