Interview'The quality here is amazing' – Olivia Smith on start to life at LFC Women

Matt Beard’s side kicked off 2024-25 preparations at the AXA Melwood Training Centre on Monday as they look to build on their fourth-placed finish in the Barclays Women’s Super League last term.

Having become Beard’s first signing of the summer, Smith met up with the Reds group for the first time as she got used to her new surroundings.

Liverpoolfc.com spoke to the Canada international about her opening day with the team, anticipation for the season ahead, and more. Read on for the Q&A…

On a first training session with her new teammates…

I thought it was amazing, even just meeting my teammates for the first time because I probably only met two or three when I first got here. But now I’m being integrated into full training and they have been amazing. And to get on the pitch with them, the quality is unreal. It definitely feels like the first day in school, meeting new people, meeting some staff that I haven’t met yet and also just getting adjusted to the style and the philosophy of the coach. I think it was a great first day.

On her first impressions being among the group…

I can’t say I’m surprised. I mean, this is Liverpool and the quality of the players here is amazing. I’m very excited to get started with them with the quality here.

On the AXA Melwood Training Centre…

I’m very impressed. To be playing on grass like this is definitely a luxury because when I was in Portugal the field was turf. This is amazing and the quality is going to be great on this field.

On her incredible journey so far, arriving at Liverpool from Sporting CP at the age of 19…

It has definitely gone by pretty fast. It has allowed me to mature a lot quicker but also build a lot of skill, but there’s still so much for me to learn. I think definitely Matt and the staff can do that here for me and just help me grow into the player that I’d like to be.

On the qualities she feels she can bring to the team…

Definitely goals is at the top of my list but even just the creativity that I have will allow me to open up opportunities for other players as well, so just building those connections from now going into the season.

On her versatility to play as an inside forward or out on the wing…

I like playing as a No.10, on either side of the wing, as a No.9 – so wherever the coach needs me I will be there. I think I have a lot of different qualities that will match for those positions to either create opportunities or score goals.

On how much she is looking forward to testing herself playing in the WSL…

Well, obviously this is the best league in the world and I’m definitely looking forward to testing these qualities against much better and individual players, so I’m looking forward to it.

On her hopes and aspirations going into the new 2024-25 WSL season…

Ultimately, for the team, I think qualifying for the Champions League is a big thing that I’m looking for. It is definitely possible, because you look at the season the team have just had: it was unbelievable, amazing. Knowing that we also have a young team, great staff, we have so much potential going into the season.

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On her first impressions of the city so far…

I haven’t gone out too much as I’ve just tried to settle into my apartment and just find my way around, but definitely this week my mum and my sister are in town so we are looking forward to looking around, exploring and finding different things to do.

On if she has been given any tips about what to see in the city yet…

I’ve been sent a whole list of things through a message so I have to get through that whole list, which is probably a whole page long. I’m looking forward to it, going for brunch as I’m definitely a foodie! I love exploring new restaurants and stuff but that’s the main thing with my family, to go and look for new places.