NewsIn full: Read Arne Slot's first programme notes as Liverpool head coach

In their final warm-up games before the Premier League campaign starts, Slot’s side face Sevilla in front of supporters (12.30pm BST) and Las Palmas behind closed doors (5pm BST).

“I hope you have all enjoyed a good summer break, but I know you will all be as excited as I am about our return to competitive action next week,” writes Slot.

“This fixture [against Sevilla], plus the one we will play against Las Palmas, will hopefully provide the ideal preparation for our opening Premier League game at Ipswich Town [next] Saturday.

“As you know, I have already been fortunate enough to experience the Anfield atmosphere as a spectator previously, but this will be my first taste of it as Liverpool’s head coach and I am looking forward to seeing – and hearing! – you all. I know you will give my players, my staff and myself all of your support going forward.

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“It has been a busy pre-season, as you can imagine, but I believe it has been an extremely positive one, on and off the field.

“Our tour of the United States was both successful and enjoyable, with a lot of really good work put in on the training pitch and also a chance for those new to the club, such as myself, to get a real taste of the passion and commitment of our global supporters.

“To see the fans in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Columbia – at the hotel, at the training sessions and at the matches – was a reminder of this club’s incredible worldwide appeal. I knew it before, of course, but it never hurts to be reminded, and it was certainly a special experience for me as a new head coach.

“Of course, people will naturally look towards the results we had in our friendly matches, and it is true that we enjoyed some good wins against some strong opponents, from which we can take a lot of positives for sure.

“I saw intensity, I saw sharpness and I saw an understanding of the way we want to play – and, of course, to beat both Arsenal and Manchester United, two of our rivals in the Premier League, will never be a bad thing either.

“But I also have high standards, and while I saw lots of things I liked from the team in the USA, I am aware too that there are many areas in which we can, and must, improve and develop. The players know that too – they also have high standards – and I expect to see that improvement in the coming days and weeks, hopefully starting [on Sunday].

“As I have said already, it was hugely important that we were able to keep everyone fit and healthy throughout pre-season, and we were boosted this week by the return of our remaining international players to the AXA Training Centre, following their commitments at the European Championship and Copa America during the summer.

“Speaking of which, I am sure you will join me in congratulating Alexis Mac Allister, who won the Copa America with Argentina, adding to his already impressive medal collection.

“For sure, having everyone back will help us to continue improving as we head into the new season. Those players will get some minutes under their belt [on Sunday] – this was the main reason we arranged two fixtures for this weekend – which is, of course, hugely important with the league season on the horizon.

“I am, of course, hugely optimistic heading into the new campaign. I said when I arrived at the club that Jürgen left the team in a very good place, and it has been great to be finally able to work with a full squad this week, and to see the quality that we have available.

“Now it is up to us to keep performing like Liverpool did for many years and, hopefully, to bring success to the club. I know that you all want that more than anything, and you can rest assured that myself, my players and my staff will be doing all that we can to deliver for you.

“Let’s get to work...”

Arne

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