Liverpool were held to a goalless draw by Grasshoppers in Switzerland in Roy Hodgson’s first game as Reds manager on Wednesday evening.
It was a slow game of little action, as Liverpool ease themselves into a pre-season campaign which will see them also face friendlies against Kaiserslautern and Borussia Monchengladbach, and FK Rabotnicki or FC Mika in the Europa League third qualifying round.
With Liverpool’s 13 World Cup stars still at home or in training back on Merseyside, it was a chance for Hodgson to see what some of his fringe and youth players had to offer.
Liverpool sported their black third kit, bearing the sponsor of Standard Chartered for the first time since the banking giants took over Carlsberg’s sponsorship of the club. Lucas Leiva captained an inexperienced side that saw several players earn their first appearances for the first team, albeit in a friendly.
Cavalieri had a good first half in goal for the Reds, whilst there were bright flashes of movement down the wing from youngster David Amoo.
Jonjo Shelvey, signed from Charlton Atheltic at the back end of the last season, played the last half hour, coming on for David N’gog – who himself has been linked with an Anfield exit lately.
Thomas Ince, son of Paul, and Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle were also introduced in the second half.
Nathan Eccleston had the only shot of the second half, but failed to trouble the Grasshoppers keeper.
Philipp Degen started what could be his last game for the club after being told by Hodgson to look for a new club.
Albert Riera made the bench for the first time following his bust-up with former manager Rafa Benitez, but was not brought on.
Liverpool: Cavalieri (Gulacsi 46), Darby, Ayala, Kelly (Irwin 70), Degen (Palsson 70), Eccleston, Spearing, Lucas (Dalla Valle 61), Amoo (Robinson 82), Aquilani (Ince 61), Ngog (Shelvey 61).
Liverpool now face Kaiserslauten in Germany on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.30pm).
