With the opening fixture of the new Women’s Super League season drawing ever closer, Liverpool summer signing Vivien Endemann is pleased with where her new side are at under manager Gareth Taylor.
Joining from German team VFL Wolfsburg on a free transfer, the winger joins a talented group of players who will be looking to build on their 11th-place finish in the previous campaign.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the Reds’ 2-1 pre-season victory over Manchester United, she said, “I really, really enjoy every game and every training session with the girls.
"I think we made very good steps in the pre-season, from where we started and where we are now. I think it’s clear that not everything is perfect, but we are in a really good way.”
The win at Carrington on Sunday continues the club’s flawless pre-season run, with four victories out of four.
A bizarre own goal from Manchester United goalkeeper Janina Leitzig gave the visitors an early lead in the second half, before they were pegged back a minute later; England international Ella Toone smashing past Khiara Keating from close range.
The lead was restored shortly after the hour mark. Endemann, herself, delivered a cross onto the head of Aurélie Csillag, who laid it on a plate for Ceri Holland to prod home.
“We knew it was a very strong opponent,” Endemann continued. “For us, it wasn’t that easy.
“It was quite difficult to play against them because they were very aggressive and they have strong individual players. But I think as a team we managed it very well. We scored our two goals and I think we can be proud of ourselves.
“I really enjoy being on the pitch, getting the ball and going on the one-against-one. I really enjoy playing for Liverpool.”
Attention now turns to the Reds’ final pre-season outing at home against Durham before their WSL campaign begins away at newly promoted Charlton Athletic on September 6th.
The opportunity to strut her stuff in front of the Liverpool faithful is something Endemann is eagerly awaiting.
“We’re really looking forward to playing for the first time in front of our fans,” she said.
“For me, I’m really looking forward to meeting all the fans. I’m very excited to play a home game. Hopefully we continue getting better and hopefully we win.”
On the whole, Liverpool are shaping up for a promising season, and their pre-season success reflects that. The signing of Keating, who is still regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the country, solves the club’s issues in that position, while Endemann adds firepower to go alongside Mia Enderby and goal-machine Beata Olsson.
With the WSL expanding from 12 to 14 teams, Taylor will be eyeing a comfortable season this time around, away from the perils of relegation.
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