Ceri Holland at the start of pre-season, the Reds’ top three target and the pride of Wales

Matt Beard’s side began preparations for the 2024-25 campaign at the AXA Melwood Training Center on Monday as they regrouped for the opening day.

The Reds clinched fourth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League last term, taking another positive step in their progress since returning to the top tier two years ago.

And their ambition for the new season, which kicks off with a home game against Leicester City on the weekend of September 21/22, is to take another leap forward.

“It’s very good, very nice to see everyone and to be back with the team. It was a really good first day,” Holland told Liverpoolfc.com in a briefing at Melwood.

“We didn’t have that many changes in the summer, which is nice and to see some familiar faces. We are really excited. We are a very good group and obviously have a very good mix of experience and youth. I think we’re in a very positive place and we’re looking forward to going.”

The No.18 continued: “Last season was amazing, I think we probably exceeded a lot of people’s expectations – which is always nice! We were quiet confident in ourselves.

“But I think we’re all aware that obviously now there’s a bit of expectation on us this season and the pressure is a bit more. But I think we’ll thrive as a group under that pressure and go out and hopefully challenge for the top three.”

Chelsea were crowned WSL champions in 2023-24, finishing ahead of Manchester City on goal difference – both teams amassed 55 points – with Arsenal third on 50 points.

What must Liverpool, who finished the season with 41 points, do to close the gap on the sides above them in the division?

“I think it’s probably about being consistent week in and week out,” Holland replied. “I think that’s what the top teams are so good at, that they consistently pick up three points – away, at home.

“I would probably say trying to get a little more consistency. But last year put us in a really good place and we’re fully confident in our group.”

Beard has added one new player to his squad so far this summer, with Canadian international Olivia Smith joining on a permanent move from Sporting CP.

And the striker wasted no time in making a strong impression on her new team-mates as pre-season training began.

Holland said of linking up with Smith: “He’s had a really good first training session. He definitely showed everyone what he could do, scored some great goals.

“She was welcomed into the group with open arms; she seems like a nice girl and I think she’ll fit in fantastically with our group.”

Holland, meanwhile, has returned to club duties, boosted by a very special personal moment on international duty earlier this month.

The 26-year-old captained Wales at senior level for the first time as they beat Croatia 3-0 away in their Euro 2025 women’s qualifier.

“It was probably the proudest moment of my career,” she said. “I think this is probably the pinnacle of your career, captaining your country.

“A really proud moment for me personally and my family – I think they were kind of full of pride. But obviously it was more important to get the results we needed now in the play-offs in October.

“It was a very good performance in tough and hot conditions in Croatia. It was definitely a wake-up call going back into pre-season! Very good.”