Liverpool have won 100 points from 102 since these state-of-the-art changes to the Anfield pitch

Liverpool have managed to win an incredible 100 points from a possible 102 at home ever since the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) commissioned a state-of-the-art redevelopment of the Anfield pitch.

Jurgen Klopp’s men comfortably dispatched Southampton 4-0 on Saturday to inch ever closer to their first ever Premier League title.

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The Anfield pitch is now in pristine condition

And while some of the slick football on display will have undoubtedly captivated fans, it is worth recognising the effect the ground staff have had on the playing surface.

A dour draw against the Saints back in May 2017 drew criticism from Klopp about the state of the pitch as he bemoaned the inability of his side to quickly break down teams.

Incidentally, they were beaten by Crystal Palace just one month earlier as former Red Christian Benteke returned to haunt his former side.

A report by The Athletic claims FSG duly pumped millions into redeveloping the playing surface befitting a team of world class players.

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The Reds have not lost at home in almost two years

A hybrid GrassMaster pitch was installed containing 97% organic grass combined with three per cent of artificial fibres – woven together by 25,000 miles of artificial fibres.

To put that into perspective, that is equivalent of the earth’s circumference. Anfield was also the first stadium in the country to utilise a Permavoid irrigation system to speed up drainage and allow the entirety of the pitch to be drenched in just three minutes.

19 miles of pipeline was placed under the surface to heat the pitch in adverse weather conditions, with eight heat and moisture sensors installed so as to allow the best growing conditions.

Ground staff operates 15 separate grow lights to cultivate the grass, while temperature and humidity can be controlled to speed up growth.

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Geoff Webb, chief executive officer of the Institute of Groundsmanship, explained just how the revitalised pitch benefits the Reds and helped them achieve 100 points from their last 102 available on offer at home.

“It’s about 10 per cent soil, 90 per cent sand and that pitch is as finely tuned as the athletes who play on it,” Webb adds. “Even the technology behind grass seed is huge. It’s genetically modified for each particular stadium taking into account the environment and things like shade tolerance.

“Tests are done regularly and everything these days is data driven. Areas are flagged up and work is carried out.

“It’s about getting the balance right in terms of stability and drainage. The lighting rigs have made a massive difference as they give you the opportunity to create sunlight and help grow the grass, no matter what time of year it is.”

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