With Premier League football set to kick off again, the questions for Liverpool and Everton will be how ready their squads are following international duty.
The break appears to have come at the right time for an Arne Slot side in need of a fresh start, while David Moyes will be less pleased at a break in play with the momentum his team have gathered.
We’ve looked at how the international break has affected the results of both Merseyside clubs over the past 10 campaigns, tracking back to the 2016/17 season.
Telling a familiar story
Liverpool have found themselves hitting the ground running following the international periods over the past 10 seasons, only losing four out of 34 games.
Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot’s side have been able to use the strength in depth that comes with being a Champions League regular to adjust to the quick turnaround before domestic action resumes.
For Everton however, the statistics appear a little bleaker, with 47.06% of their games after the international break coming in defeat.
The majority of those seasons have been underwhelming for the Toffees, with eight permanent managers taking the hot seat over the 10-season span, with a complete contrast to the stability at Anfield a potential reason for results not clicking.
Timing is key
The issue over international break fatigue typically comes from those playing outside of Europe.
For example, Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool and Argentina will typically play his final international game on Wednesday before chartering a 14-hour flight.
With players travelling further afield, this is when Kick-off time comes into play, and the data suggests Liverpool are victims of their own success.
Once labelled “a crime” by Jurgen Klopp, the early Saturday kick-off due to TNT Sports broadcasting rights gives managers an extra selection headache post-international break.
“HOW CAN YOU DO THIS!?” 🤬
Jurgen Klopp is already FUMING that @LFC‘s next Premier League game against @ManCity is a 12:30 kick off 😤
🔗 https://t.co/6KZpgbFS1Z pic.twitter.com/VxS6etgqzF
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 12, 2023
Liverpool’s successes have made them a near-guarantee for a primetime broadcast slot, whether that’s a help or a hinderance to the team’s preparation, meanwhile Everton’s regular slot has been the traditional 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.
The bigger picture
Whilst Liverpool have faired well in dealing with the congested football schedule, the impact of the international break stretches further than the first game back.
Famously Manchester City midfielder Rodri expressed his displeasure with the number of games being asked of players now, suggesting a potential strike.
Speaking in 2024, he said: “I think it’s the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let’s see.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”
Five days later the 2024 Ballon D’Or winner suffered a season-ending ACL injury following a summer where the Spaniard had a shortened rest due to the European Championships.
Everton’s demands are lessened due to their absence from European competitions; however, Liverpool and Arne Slot will be well-aware of the demands on his players.
The Dutchman has embraced the chaos of the football calendar, with his only loss as Liverpool boss following an international break coming in September 2024 at home to Nottingham Forest.
Slot said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a problem, if you play these games you get stronger and stronger and stronger.
“If we are fortunate to work at big clubs like I do, we also have a lot of good players.”
Liverpool will be optimistic the international break offers a fresh opportunity to right recent wrongs against Manchester United on Sunday at 4:30, whilst Everton must travel to in-form Manchester City on Saturday at 3:00.
