5th of July we landed on Mainland China to kick-started our Asia Tour 2011 against 3 Chinese football teams. It was a great atmosphere at the airport as we arrived late at the evening. The event agencies and promoters brought us to our hotel.
The next day we had a press conference at the hotel conference room. A plenty of questions asked regarding our transfer policies and tactics as well as our objectives for the upcoming season.
Later that day we had a photograph and autograph signing session at a shopping mall. Many supporters came and took photos with the players which is a good sign that they can relaxed and enjoyed their last few pre-season matches.
In the evening we had a short training session to prepare ourselves for tomorrow’s game. There are a lot of crowd came to the training field to watched their favorite team practice.
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| Yes. I saw that King Kenny mafla too. But I'm in-charge now. |
Our first game in the Asia Tour was against Tianjin TEDA. I fielded my best eleven for the game to repay the supporter's money and time that they spend to see us playing at their country.
Tianjin TEDA controlled the possession throughout the entire game but we are the ones that got the shot to them every time we attacked. Leading 1:0 at the break with Henderson getting on the score-sheet.
The game ended 4:0 with the players making a lot of chances in front of the goal. Lucas Leiva, Suarez and youngster Michael Roberts completed the rout.
Second game two days later against Shenzhen Ruby is a bit difficult because a few of our senior players were called for international duties. So I have to reshuffled my players and brought in some fringe players and youngsters. Its a cagey game and we won 2:0. The goals was scored by veteran Carragher who played at the right back with the absence of Glen Johnson and young midfielder Jordan Henderson who got his second goal of the tour.
Our final pre-season Asia Tour game was against AFC Champions League outfit Beijing Guoan. Facing a team with almost identical tactics with us caused us a plenty of problem adding to the fatigue of some of the players and the absence of first team players. It took Beijing half an hour to broke the deadlock and scored past goalkeeper Doni. They lead 1:0 at half time.
Focused passing and sensible on the pressing helps us pulled one goal back through striker Luis Suarez. Youngster Nacho scored our winning goal with 10 minutes remaining on the clock while another youngster Ivan got a knocked and injured in the game.
We completed our pre-season in China with 3 wins from 3 and I can assured that our team is ready for the new season as we entertains Tottenham on our opening day. I hope my first Premiership game would offer something marvelous to the fans and supporters of Liverpool worldwide.
