Taylor praises “perfect” Summer Additions as Liverpool begin Season against Charlton
After a difficult campaign last season, Liverpool look to improve, with head coach Gareth Taylor believing his side are much better prepared. They will travel to Women’s Super League debutants, Charlton Athletic this weekend to kickstart their 2026/27 campaign. Following an impressive preseason run, the Reds are determined to showcase their talent and steal the spotlight in the topflight.
Team News
Ahead of the weekend, Liverpool will be without some key players for their season opener. Gareth Taylor confirmed that new signing Mao Itamura will be out for a period of time following an abdominal issue. Taylor said that this is particularly disappointing for Itamura herself as she will miss out on the U20s World Cup, but also for Liverpool. The club want her to return feeling good and healthy, and not rush her rehabilitation.
As well as the Japan International, Liverpool will also be without Anna Jøsendal who is out for a period of time with a slight hamstring issue. Following a strong pre-season this is disappointing for the club, with Taylor saying that he feels there’s a really good player there.
On top of this, Mari Ward is a doubt for Saturday with Taylor saying its touch and go. Her issue is minor and shouldn’t keep her out long, but is still slightly too soon to determine if she’ll be available for the opener.
Unfortunately, Liverpool will also be without Lucy Parry and possibly Sofie Roman-Haug. Parry is close to return, and Roman-Haug is back in full training, but both are probably not ready for the weekend squad.
Players to look out for
In the summer, Liverpool brought in six new players, of which Taylor said he’s very pleased with the recruitment. The squad has become younger, with the average age of outfield players now around 27-28.
He identified Sara Agrez and Vivien Endemann as exciting new additions and talents, and Khiara Keating as “perfect” for how Liverpool want to play. On Natalia Ramos, Taylor said that she brings quality, enthusiasm and good energy to the team which is going to be key this season, as well as Mari Ward who is a talented fullback.
Ambitions for the Season
During preseason, Taylor had a lot of time to work with the players and finalise how they want to play, with a focus on quicker and more direct football. He said he was happy with the work done during the summer, and feels that the team is much better prepared for the start of the season than last year.
Going into the start of the season, confidence is high with several dominant preseason victories: including a seven-goal thriller with WSL2 side, Durham. Taylor said they “will be able to up [their] intensity this season”.
In terms of ambitions for the season, a key one for Taylor is to “change the face” of the club and take Liverpool back to where he feels the club belongs. His focus this season is on winning games and building momentum, and he made it clear that he doesn’t want to set a target to limit the team’s mindset.
A look at Charlton
When asked about the previous meeting between Liverpool and Charlton in the FA cup, Taylor agreed that the game is relevant in preparations, but ultimately it is a completely different game. His Liverpool team will be expecting a difficult game, as Charlton were very resolute, strong defensively and also the lowest team for goals conceded last season in the WSL2.
Taylor has said that he will prioritise performances over results as he believes good performances lead to results, however his main intention is also to win every game. The Reds are fired up and ready to prove themselves from the beginning.
Liverpool travel to the Valley on Sunday 6 September where they aim to continue their preseason form and start the WSL season with an important three points against the newly promoted side.