Liverpool surprised everyone by scheduling two friendly matches just four hours apart, a bold decision to optimize preparation time for the new season.

It is extremely rare for a team to play two matches on the same day. However, Liverpool have done this unusual thing by scheduling two friendlies just 4 hours apart on 11/08/2024. This is a bold decision by new coach Arne Slot, aiming to optimize the preparation process for the new 2024/25 season.

However, there is one thing that is particularly noteworthy in these two friendlies. Liverpool have to participate in two matches only about 4 hours apart. Specifically, the team will face Sevilla at 18:30 on August 11 (Vietnam time), and immediately after that, at 23:00 on the same day, The Kops will have to face Las Palmas. This is truly a rare match schedule in professional sports.

This decision has caused a lot of attention and questions from fans and experts. Why did Liverpool choose this particular approach? How can they ensure the health and performance of the players when playing two consecutive matches?

Coach Arne Slot explained that the idea was to give as many players as possible a chance to play before the new season starts. With two games in one day, Slot can fully assess the team’s condition, including players returning from vacation or injury.

The match against Sevilla, which kicks off at 6.30pm, will be open to the public, while the match against Las Palmas at 11pm will be played behind closed doors, without spectators or media. This will allow Slot to experiment with new tactics or use young players without public pressure.

With a four-hour gap between games, Liverpool can manage the minutes of each player flexibly. Players who played in the first game can be given a full rest or only play a short part in the second.

The second game against Las Palmas could be a great opportunity for Slot to test out young talent or reserve players, giving them more match experience and proving their worth. It is also an opportunity for the coach to assess the squad depth and consider different tactical options.

Holding two games in one day can also help teams mentally and physically prepare for unexpected situations during the season, such as having to play multiple games in a short period due to a tight schedule. It is seen as a smart approach to simulate stressful situations that teams may encounter during the real season.