“The quality here is amazing” – Olivia Smith on the start of life at LFC Women

Matt Beard’s side began preparations for 2024-25 at the AXA Melwood Training Center on Monday as they look to build on their fourth-place finish in the Barclays Women’s Super League last term.

Becoming Beard’s first signing of the summer, Smith met the Reds for the first time as she settled into her new surroundings.

Liverpoolfc.com spoke to the Canadian international about her opening day with the team, anticipation for the season ahead and more. Read on for the Q&A…

At a first training session with her new teammates…

It felt amazing, even just meeting my teammates for the first time because I probably only met two or three when I first got here. But now I’m integrated into a full workout and they’ve been amazing. And to get on the field with them, the quality is unreal. It definitely feels like the first day of school, I’m meeting new people, I’m meeting a staff I haven’t met yet, and I’m also just adjusting to the coach’s style and philosophy. I think it was a great first day.

On her first impressions being in the group…

I can’t say I’m surprised. I mean, this is Liverpool and the quality of players here is amazing. I am very excited to start with them with the quality here.

At the AXA Melwood Training Center…

I am very impressed. Playing like this on grass is definitely a luxury because when I was in Portugal the pitch was grass. This is amazing and the quality will be great in this area.

In her incredible journey so far, arriving at Liverpool from Sporting CP at the age of 19…

It sure went by pretty quickly. It has allowed me to mature a lot faster and also develop a lot of skills, but I still have so much to learn. I think Matt and the staff can do that here for me and just help me become the player I want to be.

On the qualities he feels he can bring to the team…

Goals are definitely at the top of my list, but even just the creativity that I have will allow me to open up opportunities for other players as well, so just building those connections now going into the season.

On her versatility to play as an inside or outside forward on the wing…

I like to play as a number 10, either side of the wing, as a number 9 – so wherever the manager needs me I’ll be there. I think I have a lot of different qualities that will suit those positions either to create opportunities or to score goals.

How long is he waiting to test himself playing in the WSL…

Well, obviously this is the best league in the world and I’m certainly looking forward to testing those qualities against much better and individual players, so I’m looking forward to it.

On her hopes and aspirations going into the new 2024-25 WSL season…

Finally, for the team, I think qualifying for the Champions League is a big thing I’m looking for. It’s certainly possible, because you look at the season the team just had: it was incredible, amazing. Knowing that we also have a young team, great staff, we have so much potential for the season.

On her first impressions of the city so far…

I haven’t been out much as I’ve just been trying to settle into my apartment and find my way around, but for sure this week my mom and sister are in town so we’re looking forward to looking around, exploring and to find different things to do.

If he got any advice on what to see in town…

I was sent a whole list of things in a message, so I have to go through the whole list, which is probably a whole page. I’m looking forward to going to brunch because I’m definitely a foodie! I love exploring new restaurants and stuff, but that’s the main thing with my family, going and looking for new places.