Las Palmas could call off their pre-season friendly against Liverpool
Spanish minnows Las Palmas have taken exception to how Liverpool FC view their pre-season friendly and could call off the tie unless they are afforded the due respect they deserve.
The Reds are enjoying a promising pre-season under new boss Arne Slot. While they lost the first game against Preston North End 1-0, Liverpool have since bounced back to secure back-to-back victories over Real Betis and Arsenal. With the 2024-25 season drawing closer, Slot and Co. will be keen to fine-tune their preparations.
According to Canarias 7, the disagreement stems from Liverpool’s contemplation of fielding their U23 squad and holding the game at Melwood rather than Anfield.
The potential move by Liverpool has not sat well with Las Palmas, who view this as a slight. They had anticipated a “big, luxury pre-season game” against Liverpool’s first team, marking a historic match for the La Liga side. However, with the new developments, Las Palmas may pull out of the agreement and seek an alternative opponent to conclude their pre-season.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the decision to possibly use the U23 squad and Melwood as the venue could be seen as a strategic move to manage player workload and assess younger talent. With a packed schedule and the need to keep first-team players fresh for the upcoming Premier League season, rotating the squad and utilizing the training ground facilities makes logistical sense.
Liverpool’s U23s have shown promise, and integrating them into pre-season friendlies offers valuable experience and exposure. Playing at Melwood, a familiar environment, could also provide a controlled setting for the squad to fine-tune their tactics and fitness levels.
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For Las Palmas, the prospect of facing Liverpool’s U23s instead of the senior team diminishes the game’s significance and competitive edge. Their discontent is understandable, especially considering their effort to arrange this marquee fixture. Cancelling the match and seeking a more prestigious opponent aligns with their desire to have a meaningful and challenging pre-season.
However, from Liverpool’s standpoint, the decision to potentially field the U23s should not be seen as disrespectful but rather as a pragmatic approach to pre-season management. Balancing the needs of the first team and giving young players a platform is crucial for long-term development. Moreover, pre-season is as much about preparation and strategy as it is about competition. Hopefully, giving a few first-teamers a runout could help ease the Spanish side’s disgruntlement. After all, it is not every day that they get the chance to play a club like Liverpool and despite the gulf in quality, we should not disrespect a fellow professional club.
