TourUSA diary: Throw and catch with Hyypia, the Reds in Philly and a 557-goal hug

Friday

8.30am: Our media work room is doubling up as a spot for legends to deliver interviews with local and international press, and this morning it’s Sami Hyypia speaking to the likes of BBC Sport and, on the rooftop, Sky News. Between recordings, the big Finn reflects on Roy Hodgson’s attempt to bring him back to the Reds in 2010, a year after his departure. And did you know he still plays ice hockey in the winter? The small-sized soft American football we have with us catches his eye too – and I manage not to make a fool of myself with my technique as we trade a few throws across the table.

10.45am: On a morning stroll to the North Shore area for a blimp at baseball venue PNC Park, we spot a group of Real Betis players checking out the surroundings too – our former goalkeeper Adrian and ex-Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin among them.

12pm: As is typical of an evening kick-off, things are relatively calm in the hours before we head to the stadium. Though my own equilibrium is knocked by the news that starting line-ups will be announced at the rather unorthodox time of 6.38pm local. Must set an alarm. In downtown Pittsburgh the sight of Liverpool shirts is increasingly frequent and there’s a buzz for the special BOSS/LFC Foundation fan event planned ahead of the match; Jamie Webster performing, chat with John Barnes and Gary McAllister, and money raised for charity. Perfect.

5pm: As appetisers go, this was a great one. A host of Reds fans descend on the Tequila Cowboy bar to enjoy the aforementioned event, and Webster has them purring along to his trademark set of classic LFC tunes. One in particular. Virgil van Dijk might not be here in person, but he’s certainly here in song.

6.20pm: As a sun-drenched Acrisure Stadium begins filling up for an eventual attendance of more than 42,000, we’re pitchside to interview Arne Slot and Caoimhin Kelleher and get their thoughts ahead of the game. Pre-chat small talk sees us uncover a little detail about the new head coach; we may be in an NFL stadium but Slot reveals he is “more of a basketball man”. Nearby, the media team are readying to start the live broadcast of the game on LFCTV and LFCTV GO, the first of all three we’ll be televising during the tour. Adrian, meanwhile, continues his catch-ups with old teammates, including Diogo Jota, who only arrived the previous night.

10pm: Well, that was an enjoyable evening. Liverpool posted their first win of the pre-season schedule, Dominik Szoboszlai’s slick finish 34 minutes in earning a 1-0 result over Betis in a game that saw Slot trial a formation with the goalscorer and Harvey Elliott as advanced No.10s. The precautionary withdrawal of Curtis Jones is a blot on proceedings, though the performance of his replacement Trey Nyoni is receiving plenty of plaudits.

Of course, the hard work and development must continue. “We’re working tirelessly on the pitch and on the training pitch especially,” Jarell Quansah tells us. “There’s been a lot of double sessions, there’s so much tactical work and so much stuff we need to take in.”

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Saturday

10am: And so the Reds’ time in Pittsburgh reaches its end and the second phase of the tour commences. Suitcases are re-packed – in a far more scruffy manner than previously, if I’m being honest with you, reader [Editor’s note: At least in my case] – and we head off. Destination, the City of Brotherly Love. “Who’s ready to go to Philly?” we’re asked along the way. We are certainly looking forward to it.

2.20pm: And soon enough we’re winding into Philadelphia and it’s quite the sight to behold. A row of skyscrapers looms into view to our left and we also catch a first glimpse of Lincoln Financial Field – the venue for Wednesday evening’s clash with Arsenal. At least one person on the bus is searching TikTok for a list of the best Philly cheesesteaks around. At least one other person is watching over their shoulder with huge interest [That’s me, for full disclosure].

For Slot’s squad, following the exertions of the preceding night’s fixture, the schedule for this afternoon involves a stretching session inside the team hotel to get them settled in to their new surroundings. Two training workouts, the first of which is an open session, are on the agenda for Sunday as they continue to ramp up preparations.

4pm: Our coterie of legends on the trip is officially completed as Lucas Leiva drops by to say his hellos shortly after the club party checks in. The Brazilian travelled directly into Philadelphia this morning from his home country and, in what’s becoming a recurring theme for the legends during this tour, wasted no time in heading to the gym and stretching his own legs. He was complaining of a stiff back, however. Great to have you with us, Lucas.

Right, where are those cheesesteaks…

Sunday

9am: A brisk start to the day for the media team as we have a lovely chat with Lucas for a forthcoming instalment of our My Liverpool Story series on Liverpoolfc.com. If you’ve ever wondered exactly why the former Reds midfielder suddenly chopped his long locks, you’ll find out in that article soon. Meanwhile, the hotel reception is abuzz as almost the entire club party awaits transportation to Lincoln Financial Field for this morning’s open training session.

10.40am: I don’t need my laptop’s temperature alert to tell me it’s incredibly hot inside the arena. It is warm. A crop of local supporters are in attendance, alongside media outlets at pitchside, to get a close look at Slot’s men – and we’re streaming the session globally via YouTube too. And there’s the pleasant sight of Diogo Jota fully participating alongside his teammates as he builds up fitness following his return earlier this week. Club mascot Mighty Red is here, as is Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop, who authoritatively patrols the perimeter greeting visitors and posing for photos.

12pm: That’s a wrap for the workout – an interesting watch as the squad go through a series of intense passing and shooting drills, before a half-pitch attack-v-defence routine that includes one especially sumptuous Mohamed Salah curling finish. Elsewhere, Taffarel – who has fond memories of the USA having lifted the World Cup here with Brazil 30 years ago – pleases the watching crowd by nailing a crossbar challenge. Hearty applause ensues for the legendary goalkeeper.

As he’s leaving the pitch, Salah spots Ian Rush and comes straight over for a hug and a chat. These two have scored 557 goals for Liverpool between them. Barnes is there, too, and jokingly asks to compare six-packs with the No.11. Not sure anyone can compete there, Digger. Sweat still not yet brushed from brow, Conor Bradley joins our live presentation. “I feel like we’re progressing well,” says the Northern Irishman. As we depart, Slot is locked in conversation with Rush and McAllister.

2pm: Next stop for the media team is an interview with Stefan Bajcetic. On our short walk to speak to the midfielder, a local lowers her car window and shouts us a message: “Are you guys soccer? I don’t know which team you are but good luck!” Very kind. Bajcetic, meanwhile, opens up on his return from long-term injury, insisting “it only made me stronger” in a Q&A that will be published in full on Liverpoolfc.com on Monday. Don’t miss it.

5pm: A second training session of the day gets under way for the squad, this one a private workout at the Philadelphia Eagles’ NovaCare Complex. And with that, we’ve reached the halfway point of the club’s time in the USA.

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