Pre-season training began for first team players at Melwood this week. After summer holidays, or national duties for some, players returned to be assessed and commence training in earnest. Klopp eased the players back with a one session day and medicals, before ramping up to two and three session days later in the week.
Pre-season was a good chance for new recruits to get familiar with their new teammates as forward Sadio Mane, midfielder Marko Grujic, defender Joel Matip and goalkeeper Loris Karius officially met other players for the first time. Players returning from Euro or Copa America duties will integrate back into the squad following a three week break after their countries exit. Liverpool’s five English players should rejoin in late July.
Early season training is also a key chance for players to impress, as loaned players return back to the mix too.
A Busy Summer Schedule
This pre-season could be one of the most pivotal ever, as Klopp prepares to get his side fit and ready for the season ahead. It’s never a case of win at all costs, in fact it can be quite the opposite as new combinations and formations need to be tested, while young players need exposure to pressure and game time under the spotlight of the big stage - Barcelona at Wembley should provide just that.
Hopefully it’s a demanding and yet rewarding period for the club ahead of this 2016/17 season.