Two Liverpool players to be axed by Arne Slot after being demoted during pre-season training

Liverpool Set to Offload Center-Backs Williams and Koumetio After Pre-Season Demotion

Out of Favor:

• Two Liverpool center-backs, Rhys Williams (23) and Billy Koumetio (age not mentioned), are reportedly on the chopping block under new manager Arne Slot.
• The Athletic reports that both players have been training with the U21 squad during pre-season, suggesting they are not part of Slot's plans.

Pre-Season Struggles:

• Liverpool's pre-season got off to a rocky start with a surprising loss to Championship side Preston North End in a closed-door friendly.
• The Reds are set to embark on a US tour with matches against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

Departures Likely:

• With the senior squad traveling to the US, Williams and Koumetio's absence strengthens speculation of their imminent exits.
• Williams, who provided depth during Liverpool's injury crisis in the 2020/21 season (19 appearances), is attracting interest from Turkey and League One clubs.
• Koumetio, with only two senior appearances, is reportedly on the radar of teams from Scotland and France.

Center-Back Depth:

• Slot possesses a surplus of options at center-back, including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarrell Quansah, Sepp van den Berg, Nathaniel Phillips, and Amara Nallo.
• This abundance makes Williams and Koumetio's departures more likely.

Slot's First Pre-Season:

• Slot, two weeks into his first pre-season with Liverpool, believes facing strong competition and additional training sessions will be crucial for the team's 2024/25 campaign.

Manager's Focus:

• Slot emphasizes implementing his playing style and maintaining player fitness.
• He anticipates a significant quality boost upon the return of key players, alongside the benefits of continued training and match experience.