LFC hosts Chinese Super League youth coaches
Liverpool FC welcomed nine visiting coaches as part of a special trip to share best practice between the Premier League and Chinese Super League.
The guests arrived in the city on Thursday to begin a six-day visit to learn more about youth football in English football’s top division.
The visit, organised by the Premier League, kicked off with the Chinese Super League coaches enjoying a tour of Anfield, followed by a tour of the Reds’ Academy, before setting up a training session for the U23s team alongside LFC coaches.
Over the six days, the visitors will spend their time at the Academy in Kirkby, engaging in a series of educational workshops where they will observe and organise training sessions for the U23s and U18s players.
The coaches will learn more about match preparation and delivery, and the training process of Premier League clubs, along with learning about nutrition for young players, in order to develop the game back in China.
The group will also get the chance to experience a matchday to analyse how the training and planning process gets a team ready for a game, when LFC U23s take on Bournemouth on Sunday.
Zhao Shuo, youth coach from Shandong Luneng Taishan FC, said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to come along to such a prestigious English football club to share best practice and learn more about coaching standards in the Premier League.
“Alongside the development of our players in the Chinese Super League, coach education is equally important to ensure the growth and success of the game in China.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to gain an insight into the planning of training and matches for youth sides in the Premier League, so we can bring the very best of both local culture and international standards to our young players.”
Alex Inglethorpe, Liverpool’s Academy director, said: "It's fantastic to welcome coaches from the Chinese Super League here to the Academy for the next few days. This is a great chance for us to engage with them and observe, discuss and share knowledge.
"We’re all looking forward to hosting our friends from the CSL and see this as an opportunity to not only improve and learn but to also forge relationships that we are able to continue in the future."