The inaugural Singapore Festival of Football Driven by CDG Zig is set for a thrilling conclusion, with Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich and Premier League giants Liverpool FC to face off on 2 August in a tantalising clash. Both teams will battle for the Singapore Trophy presented by Audi and Standard Chartered at the National Stadium, and each side spoke highly of their respective opponents during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday (1 August). 

FC Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is eager to face compatriots Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo as opponents tomorrow. He said: “I have a really good relationship with both of them; I’ve played with Virgil for five years in the national team and he’s a big example for me – he’s won the Champions League and had an amazing season with Liverpool. I also want to congratulate him for becoming captain of Liverpool FC, it’s a really big achievement for him. I also have a good relationship with Cody, he is a really good guy. He is humble and has always worked hard, I’m glad to see he’s doing really well at Liverpool FC and I can’t wait to face them tomorrow on the pitch.”

Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp had no trouble reeling off FC Bayern Munich’s strengths – world-class centre halves and midfield pairings, speed, technique and finishing skills. He added: “It’s the most difficult game tomorrow for sure. (FC Bayern Munich) are quite impressive but it’s good, we want a strong opponent and we have it. This is definitely the toughest test for us in this pre-season, but that’s what you need in this moment. I’m excited to see where we are, how we can adapt to the quality of the opponent because that’s part of football. From the first day since we’re back, I’ve made it clear that defending has to be on a completely different level from last season. We will have to do that tomorrow otherwise we have a real problem, and that’s why I’m really looking forward to it, knowing that they are top-class opponents.”

Newly-unveiled Liverpool FC vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold also spoke of his new role at the press conference, recalling the moment he received the news: “At first, I thought (Klopp) was going to tell me to stop giving the ball away. It was a lovely surprise, and a special moment that I will remember. I felt like I’ve been a leader and I lead by example with the things I do on a daily basis in training and around the lads. I think the lads see me as someone in a leadership role and I’m happy the manager and staff see that too. I want to lead by example and make sure I take responsibility for what I do and how the team performs as well. It’s an amazing position to be in, and there’s more responsibility on making sure we succeed and achieve what we want to this season.”

Liverpool FC earlier defeated Leicester City FC 4-0 to retain the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy on 30 July, while Tottenham Hotspur beat Lion City Sailors 5-1 to clinch the Tiger Cup in the opening match of the Singapore Festival of Football Driven by CDG Zig on 26 July.

Off the pitch, fans are encouraged to attend the Football Interactive Fanzone, which will be open from 3pm to 8pm on match day. Fans will get the chance to meet club legends, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime moment with their football heroes. There will be photobooths, giveaways and performances, along with Q&A sessions with club legends. Fans can also meet the team mascots including Mighty Red of Liverpool FC and FC Bayern Munich’s Berni.

Photo Credit: Singapore Festival of Football Driven by CDG Zig

The 2023 Singapore Festival of Football runs from 26th July to 2nd August 2023 at the National Stadium. Tickets available here