After months without club football, Liverpool’s new season will officially begin this Saturday.
The Reds have been busy in pre-season, enjoying four victories and a draw in five friendly games.
But they will officially begin life under Arne Slot this weekend, when they travel to Portman Road to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Ahead of the season’s opener, one player who will be desperate to be part of the new regime at Anfield is Conor Bradley.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Jurgen Klopp last year, winning the the Carabao Cup while featuring 23 times in all competitions for the Reds.
He was a main stay of the first team squad and was a reliable cover when first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was out with injury, with his one goal and six assists in 23 games proving his ability.
But the Northern Ireland international suffered an ankle injury which ended his impressive spell filling in for first choice Trent.
However, ahead of the new campaign, Bradley is setting his sights on personal growth as he attempts to bridge the gap as understudy to his fellow academy graduate.
Conor Bradley discusses his new season goals
Speaking to the press after Liverpool’s pre-season game against Las Palmas on Sunday, the 21-year-old revealed his ambition for the new season amidst the competition with Trent at right back.
“Everyone knows how good Trent is and how good of a right-back he is,” he said.
“But I’ve just got to keep working on my game and keep trying to improve myself.
“I’m still young so there’s still plenty of improvements to be made but I’m going to keep working hard, and whenever I do get the chance I’m going to try and take it.
“I’m not obviously the complete package yet.
“I’m still a young player so I’ve still got to improve my output in the final third and my defending in the final third as well.
“But I just want to keep working hard and getting better.”
Bradley played 90 minutes as Arne Slot continued to implement his new system during a behind-closed-doors stalemate with Las Palmas on Sunday
The Northern Irishman discussed the new coaches’ tactics, claiming that the Dutchman’s preference of a two-man holding midfield will offer Liverpool greater protection in both defensive and attacking options.
“I think it helps especially when we’re building up, being able to break people’s presses and stuff like that,” admitted the 21-year-old.
“Whenever we are attacking there’s more solidity behind us so if we do lose the ball we can regain it quick and attack again.
“I think it’s really good and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Conor Bradley will be hoping to play more games in both the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season. It’s clear from his comments that he’s keen to work under the new manager and show the world what he can do.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.