Liverpool have begun ripping up the Anfield pitch for the first time in over 15 years.
The existing playing surface was installed in 2001 and due for replacement after 10 years but was reseeded during the Main Stand’s expansion.
Several recent Reds managers have critised the outdated pitch with Jurgen Klopp and his predecessor Brendan Rodgers being its most vociferous critics.
Klopp recently claimed that the pitch was ‘really dry’ in the wake of his side’s goalless draw with Southampton at the beginning of last month.
Workmen are digging up the surface, which will be replaced by a Desso GrassMaster, a hybrid between grass and artificial fibres, in time for the new campaign.
Plans to expand the Kop by a further 470 seats are also underway as part of the club’s commitment to new accessibility platforms within the stadium.
A new club shop, situated on Walton Breck Road, is also entering an advanced phase of construction to ensure it opens in time for the start of 2017/18.