Liverpool Women kicked off the new season in style, as four of their six new signings helped Gareth Taylor’s side to a 4-0 win over Charlton.
Things are looking up for the Reds after they began their WSL campaign in style, beating Charlton 4-0 away from home.
Last season was tough.
When much-loved former manager Matt Beard, who had only left the club six months earlier, died by suicide in September, it hit the team hard.
Not only were they struggling on the pitch, but they were also having to cope with the death of a man described as a father-like figure to many in the squad.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 11, 2025: Liverpool's Natasha Dowie stands for a moment's applause to remember former Women's manager Matt Beard during the LFC Foundation match between Chelsea FC Legends and Liverpool FC Legends at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 11, 2025: Liverpool's Natasha Dowie stands for a moment's applause to remember former Women's manager Matt Beard during the LFC Foundation match between Chelsea FC Legends and Liverpool FC Legends at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Though he handled the situation with grace, new boss Taylor was left in a difficult position.
His team were mourning, injuries were mounting and results weren’t getting better as he implemented his possession-based style of play – a very different approach to his late predecessor, Beard.
The new year brought improvement, though, thanks to the arrival of experienced Irish midfielder Denise O’Sullivan.
Without a win until January, Liverpool had been heading for relegation, but four wins in seven before March meant they could breathe easily as the season came to a close.
The FA Cup brought disappointment in the semi-finals – they surrendered a 2-0 lead at home to Brighton – but there was a feeling that the team had turned a corner.
New year and new hope
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 27, 2026: Liverpool's manager Gareth Taylor celebrates towards the Liverpool fans at full time after the FA Women’s Super League match between Everton FC Women and Liverpool FC Women, the Women's Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. (Photo by James Giblin/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 27, 2026: Liverpool's manager Gareth Taylor celebrates towards the Liverpool fans at full time after the FA Women’s Super League match between Everton FC Women and Liverpool FC Women, the Women's Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. (Photo by James Giblin/Propaganda)
Into their second year under Taylor, Liverpool will become a very different side.
While fan favourites defender Gemma Bonner and striker Leanne Kiernan, along with Gemma Evans, Hannah Silcock and Sofie Lundgaard, the club have made strong additions.
The increased pull of the WSL allowed them to bring in German international forward Endemann, who pulled the ball back for captain Grace Fisk’s superb second strike at The Valley.
The new No. 9 then hit a fantastic goal of her own, striking powerfully into the top corner on her debut.
Cornelia Kapocs then capped a great performance with an injury-time penalty to equal Liverpool’s tally of away wins they managed across the whole of last season in the WSL.
Another impactful incoming should be Khiara Keating.
Goalkeeper has been a problem position at Liverpool for some time, but the acquisition of the 22-year-old from Man City could be the solution for years to come.
Ahead of Keating, defenders Sara Agrez and Mari Ward have arrived from Koln and Bristol City respectively, while midfielder Natalia Ramos should also help with numbers in midfield.
Besides Endemann, perhaps the most exciting transfer saw Mao Itamura sign for an undisclosed record fee.
Able to play as an attacking midfielder or forward, she was named the women’s Eredivisie player of the season before signing from Feyenoord.
Unfortunately, Reds will have to wait for her first appearance, because Itamura recently underwent minor abdominal surgery.
Expectations for the new season
3FDDE7D UK. 30th Aug, 2026. ST HELENS, ENGLAND August 30th 2026 Beata Olsson of Liverpool celebrates scoring with teammates during the the pre season friendly match between Liverpool FC Women and Durham FC Women at the Brewdog Stadium on August 30th 2026 ( Credit: ALAN EDWARDS/Alamy Live News
3FDDE7D UK. 30th Aug, 2026. ST HELENS, ENGLAND August 30th 2026 Beata Olsson of Liverpool celebrates scoring with teammates during the the pre season friendly match between Liverpool FC Women and Durham FC Women at the Brewdog Stadium on August 30th 2026 ( Credit: ALAN EDWARDS/Alamy Live News
With a year under his belt at the club, coach Taylor will expect to oversee a vastly superior season to his maiden campaign.
The club are also now into their third year playing in St Helens, so home advantage should begin to develop as this new crop of players gel.
Breaking into Europe will be difficult from the low of last year’s relegation worries. No longer is the name Liverpool enough to bring success.
The WSL is getting richer and more competitive; Liverpool should be aiming to worry the teams at the top of the table.
Last year ultimately became a write-off; this season cannot fall to the same fate.
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