Liverpool Women are reviewing their pre-season performance against Manchester United, with defender Maya Le Tissier pointing to teammate Eva Gaetino as a key example for the squad. The team's focus is on learning from the contest as they build towards the new Women's Super League campaign.
This period of reflection comes after a challenging 2025 season where Liverpool Women finished 11th in the FA WSL. They accumulated 17 points from 22 games, with a record of four wins, five draws, and thirteen losses. Their goal difference of -13, stemming from 21 goals scored and 34 conceded, underlined the areas needing improvement. The team ended the campaign 38 points behind champions Manchester City W.
Maya Le Tissier was clear about the standards required. "We can learn a lot from Eva," the defender stated. The focus is on translating individual dedication into collective performance.
Le Tissier's comments reflect a drive to elevate the entire team's level. By identifying positive examples within the squad, the coaching staff aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is particularly important for a team looking to move up from the lower reaches of the standings.
While the senior squad prepares, goalkeeper Lucy Newell has her sights set on a major tournament. Newell is confirmed for England's squad for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Her involvement represents a positive development for Liverpool's player pathway.
International experience at a youth level is invaluable for a player's long-term development. Newell's progression is a bright spot for the club, offering hope for future contributions to the first team.
Manchester United Women's own summer transfer activity, labelled as 'ins and outs', has been noted. This serves as a reminder of the competitive environment of the WSL, where rivals are also strengthening. Liverpool's own preparations must account for the evolving squads they will face throughout the season.
Analysing opponent movement is a standard part of pre-season planning. It provides context for the challenges ahead and helps in formulating tactical approaches for different matches. Every team in the league is working to improve their stats and final position.
The immediate focus remains on internal development and pre-season integration. The lessons from the United match, coupled with the hard data from last season, provide a clear roadmap. Addressing the defensive record, which saw 34 goals conceded, is a clear priority alongside building a more consistent attacking threat.
The blend of experienced voices like Le Tissier setting standards and young talents like Newell gaining experience creates a dynamic environment. The club's task is to channel this into results when the new WSL season begins, using the extended break to correct the course after a difficult previous campaign.
