Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal as the Premier League champions came from behind to beat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in front of over 65,000 fans in Japan, wrapping up their 2025 Asia pre-season tour on a high.
The 21-year-old German playmaker equalised in the 59th minute after Asahi Uenaka had stunned the Reds with a 55th-minute opener for the J1 League side. Wirtz latched onto a pass from Mohamed Salah and fired a right-footed shot past the Yokohama goalkeeper.
“I am really happy that I could score my first goal. I hope there are more to come,” Wirtz said post-match.
Youngsters Shine as Liverpool Turn the Game Around
After Wirtz’s equaliser, Liverpool turned up the pressure. Trey Nyoni, 17, volleyed home from a pinpoint Jeremie Frimpong cross to give the Reds the lead, before Rio Ngumoha, just 16, dribbled from the halfway line and scored a spectacular solo goal to seal the victory.
Head coach Arne Slot praised the youngsters for their impact off the bench:
“It’s always nice to see young players from 16, 17 or 18 years old already impacting a game. Trey and Rio were outstanding. That energy is contagious.”
Slot Reflects on Performance and Fitness Concerns
Slot admitted the team showed resilience but highlighted areas needing improvement:
“It was a good game against an opponent in the middle of their season. We showed good build-up play and came back well, but we have to sprint harder when we lose the ball. That’s something we’ll work on ahead of our next match against Athletic Bilbao.”
He also referenced Liverpool’s struggles with intensity in the heat, saying:
“Maybe it’s the tough training camp or the climate, but it’s clear we have to sharpen up defensively.”
Tribute to Diogo Jota and Alisson’s Absence
Before kickoff, the team observed a moment of silence in memory of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash earlier this month.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed the match due to a private matter, with the club confirming he had travelled back to Brazil.
Wataru Endo Honoured in Japan
In a symbolic gesture, Wataru Endo was subbed on just before full-time and handed the captain’s armband in front of his home crowd.
“He was always ready for us, whether it was one or 15 minutes,” said Slot. “His attitude last season was one of the main reasons we won the league.”
What’s Next for Liverpool
Liverpool return to England to host Athletic Bilbao at Anfield in their final pre-season game, followed by the Community Shield final at Wembley. Slot said his focus now shifts to building momentum for a stronger 2025/26 campaign:
“Last season was tough. This one will be even harder. I remember watching Newcastle lift a trophy at Wembley—I hope in two weeks, we show a different face.”
