Liverpool vs Napoli: Pre-Season Thoughts

So, Liverpool slumped to another defeat in pre-season. This time, it was 0-3 at the hands of Napoli.

For the most part, I'm not bothered. After all, we're still missing Alisson, Keita, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah, and Firmino from the squad.

Of course, in terms of results, it doesn't matter one bit. But there's a part of me that is feeling frustrated at the lack of cohesion I'm seeing between the players on the pitch.

That's not to say that it's how the season is going to unfold, but this pre-season has been a shambles due to the Copa American and AFCON.

By now, we should be seeing a team that's almost ready to take on the Premier League. Yet, Liverpool play against Manchester City in the Community Shield next week and there's a feeling inside me that we could get hammered.

It's probably just an overreaction because Salah, Firmino, and Alisson should all be back by then, but who knows what condition they'll be in.

Nevertheless, the game against Napoli was another opportunity to see how other players within the squad are getting on. Some things are pretty clear. Namely, Mignolet will never be more than a backup goalkeeper for anyone with serious ambitions, Liverpool struggle massively when the front 3 aren't around (no shit, Sherlock), Oxlade-Chamberlain will take some time to return to full fitness, and Lallana just isn't good enough.

I was pretty impressed with Harvey Elliott's cameo, though, and at just 16-years-old he looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

Shaqiri and Keita have now returned to full training and I believe Salah, Firmino, and Alisson are due back over the next day or so. Spirits are still high but I'd like to see a little more before we get to the important stuff.