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Liverpool's new chapter kicked off with a stumble on Sunday, as it was defeated in the Community Shield by Crystal Palace.
However, the response of fresh signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to their second-place medals should offer some solace to supporters. Upon receiving their medals, Wirtz was seen promptly removing his, while Ekitike chose to hold his rather than wear it as he descended the steps from the presentation area at Wembley.
Given that Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Harvey Elliott, Milos Kerkez, and Alisson were all spotted holding their medals, it's a stark visual reminder of how the Premier League champions were deeply disappointed with the loss and have no intention of associating any sense of achievement with it.
Ekitike set Wembley alight by netting an early goal for the Reds, before Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled the score for the Eagles from the penalty spot. Another of Liverpool's new recruits, Jeremie Frimpong, put Arne Slot's side ahead after 20 minutes, capitalising on their early dominance.
However, a lacklustre second half from Liverpool allowed Palace to equalise once again through Ismaila Sarr. After the final whistle, a penalty shootout followed where Liverpool fell short 3-2 due to some exceptional goalkeeping from Palace's Dean Henderson.
Liverpool's capture of Wirtz was seen as a transformative move, and his first-half display against Bayer Leverkusen showcased exactly why the Reds forked out what will be a record-breaking transfer for his signature. Beyond his skill, it's his mentality that Liverpool were keen to harness.
The German prodigy has been vocal about his ambitions: he's in it to win big. After joining the club in June, Wirtz openly declared his hunger for the top honours in football, indicating his disdain for second place.
"I would like to win everything every year," the 22-year-old stated. "First of all, we have to do our work," Wirtz added, with his squad number set to be revealed later in the summer.
"Last season they [Liverpool] won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I'm really ambitious."
Ekitike shared similar aspirations during his introduction. The French striker emphasised that despite Liverpool's reigning Premier League champion status, complacency isn't an option.
"Obviously Liverpool are already on the top, but we have still things to reach," Ekitike remarked. "That's why we want to be the best and need to improve every season to go and reach the success."
Post-game, Slot remained composed, with Liverpool's opening Premier League match against Bournemouth on Friday night drawing near.
"In the whole pre-season we saw we are able to create more opportunities, chances, we dominate maybe even more," Slot observed.
"Now we are better in creating and getting promising situations than we were in the whole of last season but it is also true that we have conceded two against [Athletic Club] Bilbao and two again today.
"We need to be better defensively," the Dutch gaffer conceded. "It is disappointing of course, if you go in front and you are not able to win the game.
"We are Liverpool, the pressure is always on. Even if we bring 10 players in, or no players in, there is always pressure when you wear a Liverpool shirt."
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