It is often said that pre-season is all about attaining fitness and preparing for the season ahead and therefore results don't matter. Could it be argued that in the context of preparation for the season, results do matter? After all, losing heavily in every game is hardly the ideal preparation for the season's opening games. On the other hand, a pre-season that yields wins and goals galore is likely to send players into their opening fixtures full of confidence. It's true that the result is not the be-all and end-all but winning football matches is no bad habit to get into.
Recent evidence suggests there is a link between pre-season form and early League results.
* In 2006-07, pre-season ended with consecutive defeats against Kaiserslautern (2-3), Grasshoppers Zunich (0-2) and Mainz 05 (0-5). We started the League season with a draw, a win and 2 defeats. We also failed to win an away game until early December by which time we were long since out of contention for the title.
* In 2007-08 we were unbeaten in pre-season winning 6 out of 8. We began the League season with 3 wins and a draw to top the Premiership table after four games.
* In 2008-09 we won our last 3 games against Rangers (4-0), Valerenga (4-1) and Lazio (1-0). We won 3 of our first 4 games and drew the other and went on to have our best League campaign since the Premiership era began.
* In 2009-10, we lost 2 of our last 3 games versus Espanyol (0-3), Lyn Oslo (2-0) and Atletico Madrid (1-2). We began the season with 2 defeats in 3 games, had a 'mare of a season and Rafa got sacked.
* Last season we failed to score in pre-season losing our last 2 games to Kaiserslautern (0-1) and Moenchengladbach (0-1) before embarking on the disaster that was Roy Hodgson's reign.
So basically, a poor pre-season can be linked to a poor start to the League campaign while a decent pre-season is more likely to lead to a decent start in the League. Looking at the rollickings dished out by Jamie Carragher throughout the first half or Charlie Adam's reaction to Guang Dong's third goal last night, it's clear that these players think the result matters.
That said, it is clear that the two different XIs that lined up for the first and second half last night contained a mixture of players who will be in contention for first team places in the coming season; players who will be hoping to break into the first team, and players who will be playing elsewhere when the season starts. In that respect, what does it matter if Christian Poulsen played well given we wouldn't want him anywhere near our match day squad come August 13th?
So can we learn anything from yesterday's game? There is an obvious risk of reading too much into things but it appeared to me that with entirely different personnel, the team lined up with the same formation for both halves. I claim to be no expert in team tactics and formations but I would describe that formation as a 4-2-3-1. Could this be indicative of the formation we can expect next season - particularly bearing in mind how easily it lends itself to becoming 4-3-3 when on the attack?
I was also intrigued by the use of Flanagan at left-back. Perhaps with Johnson and Kelly ahead of him in the pecking order for right-back, we may see the youngster on the left more often than the right next season. On the other hand we might still sign a left-back and not see Flanno at all outside the Carling Cup.
I thought it particularly poignant that Agger wore the captain's armband for the second half given the lack of trust shown in him by Hodgson last year. Kenny clearly rates him and is perhaps looking for more leadership from him.
I would also suggest that Gulacsi getting 45 mins in goal while Jones got 25 and Hansen 20 confirms what is commonly understood to be the goal-keeping pecking order. All three will be behind Reina and Doni too if he signs. Jones is strongly linked with a permanent transfer out of the club while Gulacsi is expected to go out on loan.
Due to the lack of fitness and the inevitable rustiness of players, it would be unreasonable to criticise players who underperform at this stage. However, I think is fair to credit those who impress given that they have time to improve further and are also giving themselves a chance of impressing the manager and coaches. So who did impress? I thought for fun I would compare like for like the players who lined up in each half and pick my XI from the 23.
Gulacsi versus Jones/Hansen
Gulacsi had more to do than Jones and Hansen (barring stoppage time). Gulacsi made one decent save and that gives him the edge.
Kelly versus Wisdom
Wisdom looked decent enough but Kelly is truly exciting when he bombs forward down the right wing - which he did a lot. Kelly was my pick.
Carragher versus Kyrgiakos
Carra made a number of well-timed tackles and general played well. Kyrgiakos was at fault for Guangdong's second goal. Carra wins.
Wilson versus Agger
Wilson was OK. Barring stoppage time, Agger looked good. Agger wins.
Flanagan versus Robinson
Tough to choose between these. Flanagan had more to do defensively but both were effective. As a left-footer, Robinson was slightly more effective in the attacking third whereas Flanagan kept having to check inside to use his right foot. In terms of style, Flanagan appears to have a more rugged approach whereas Robinson looks more elegant. If I was forced to choose I'd go for Robinson but it is really marginal.
Poulsen versus Coady
Without being spectacular Poulsen was actually OK and even scored the opening goal. Coady was a bundle of energy and scored a cracker. Coady wins.
Spearing versus Adam
Spearing was everything we have come to expect him to be but in addition played some incisive passes that opened up the opposition. Adam demonstrated an excellent eye for a pass but his technique was rusty with most being overhit. Adam's set pieces were all disappointing. Spearing just shades it.
Shelvey versus Aquilani
Shelvey showed a mixture of glimpses of quality and sloppy passing. His head dropped after numerous rollickings from Carragher. By contrast Aquilani was energetic, constantly getting involved and gave a master class of passing. Aquilani wins by a country mile and, after seeing him here, I hope to be seeing more of him in a Liverpool shirt.
Cole versus Kuyt
Cole looked OK. He did his usual 360O turn on the ball for no obvious reason and the crowd loved it. He also set up the opener for Poulsen and delivered some decent corners. Kuyt was not good. His touch was generally poor and bar an excellent chance he created for Maxi, he did little to impress on the ball. That said, as you would expect, he ran a lot. Strictly on this showing, Cole was my pick.
Pacheco versus Maxi
Pacheco started well then disappeared. Maxi started badly looking very rusty but was involved a lot and set up Carroll's goal. Neither impressed but Maxi was my pick.
Ngog versus Carroll
Both scored though neither took their goals particularly cleanly. Ngog actually might have had another one or two but for some dodgy off-side decisions. Carroll also assisted Coady for his goal and surprised me with the amount of running he did so I'd go for Carroll.
And who didn't we see? Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Ayala, Aurelio, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Meireles, Downing and Suarez - an entire XI of which all bar Ayala would be expected to feature regularly in the first team. So in spite of performances here in China, I'd still only expect 5 at most of my picks to be first team regulars next season and possibly 2 or 3 of the non-picks to do so too (certainly Kuyt and Adam).
So what have we learned? We can field 3 pretty strong XIs but the only one I would want to see (as an XI) in the Premiership is the one that didn't play last night. Overall we've got the makings of a good team with some decent squad back up and some promising young players coming through. We also have some deadwood but then we knew all that already.
So in conclusion, maybe this piece was a complete waste of time but, hey, it's only pre-season!
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