Although Liverpool FC are yet to officially announce it, the Reds will kick their pre-season fixtures off against German opposition.
First up will be a game against Bayer Leverkusen. Like Liverpool, Leverkusen are visiting Switzerland for a training camp as part of their pre-season preparations, and their official website confirms that the two sides will meet on July 16th. No venue has yet been decided, but it will be somewhere near to the training camps. Liverpool beat the German team twice 3-1, 6-2 in the second round of the Champions League this season.
Next up is a visit to play FC Cologne in Germany. This match has been arranged for Friday July 22nd, and again although Liverpool FC have yet to announce it, the fixture has been reported on the FC Cologne official website.
Both clubs seem to be excited at the prospect of facing the new European Champions, and both matches will be excellent preparation for the Reds players prior to their trip to Japan. The two games confirmed for Liverpool so far are 27th July v Shimizu S Pulse and 30th July v Kashima Antlers.
The Premiership season kicks off on Saturday August 13th, meaning Liverpool may well fit more matches in – always allowing for any fixtures in the Champions League qualifiers should UEFA decide Liverpool will be entered for those games. The UEFA Super Cup final against CSKA Moscow takes place in Monaco on August 26th.
Two other dates in Liverpool’s diary are for the Toyota Cup, also known as the FIFA World Club Championship, taking place in Japan in December. Liverpool go straight in to the semi-final stage on December 15th against opponents yet to be announced, and depending on the result will play in either the 3rd/4th place play-off or the final, both being played on December 18th.
Liverpool FC – Fixtures 2005-06 season – early list.
Jun 27 – Pre-season training begins
Jul 16 v Bayer Leverkusen (venue TBA) – awaiting confirmation
Jul 22 v FC Cologne (away) – awaiting confirmation
Jul 27 v Smimizu S Pulse (away)
Jul 30 v Kashima Antlers (away)
Aug 13 – Premiership opening weekend
Aug 26 v CSKA Moscow (to be played in Monaco) UEFA Super Cup Final
Dec 15 – FIFA Club World Championship Semi-Final (opponents to be confirmed)
Dec 18 – FIFA Club World Championship Final and 3rd/4th place play-off