Advertisement

Four things spotted in final Liverpool training session under Jürgen Klopp amid Diogo Jota boost

Jürgen Klopp smiles as he takes his final Liverpool training session in Kirkby.
Jürgen Klopp during his final Liverpool training session. -Credit:Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images


In a week of Liverpool 'lasts', Jürgen Klopp has taken charge of his final Reds training session in Kirkby. The same can be said of his coaching staff, including Pep Lijnders, who will be taking over at Red Bull Salzburg this summer.

Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcântara were both pictured taking part in the session in a boost ahead of the final day of the campaign. The former has been missing since suffering an injury setback after scoring against Fulham while the latter has only played around five minutes this season after picking up an issue against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium during a brief cameo.

It remains to be seen whether either player is fit enough to play a full part in the game against Wolves this weekend. But both will hope to be able to play a part in what will be a memorable and emotional occasion.

Mohamed Salah shares truth of Jürgen Klopp relationship after Liverpool argument

Jürgen Klopp just gave another reminder of exactly what Arne Slot needs to do at Liverpool

What else did we spot during the session in the Merseyside sunshine? Klopp could be seen smiling and enjoying himself with nothing riding on the result this weekend. He was doing some keepy-uppies and looked in a relaxed mood.

The German addressed the players in one big group at one stage possibly at the start — in a similar manner to how the squad sings Happy Birthday in their various languages when one of the players is turning a year older. For many, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Klopp is the only senior coach they have ever known.

Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones were among those who looked focused as they were put through their paces. They were all on the 'winning' team from the session, presumably in some form of 11-vs-11 match.

Liverpool.com says: It would be nice for Thiago to get a few minutes off the bench as a farewell. The Spaniard has been so unfortunate with injuries during his time at Anfield but he would have been a sublime player for Klopp had he been able to stay fit more often. In terms of technique, there is no one better.

Joël Matip is also set to depart as a free agent. He will have to make do with being part of the lap of honor as he hasn't recovered from his ACL injury in time to play for the Reds again. One of Klopp's best signings, he came for free from Schalke and has firmly established himself as a fan favorite. He is a better player than he meme-worthy demeanor and character suggests and deserves to be recognized as such. For him, as well as for Klopp and others, it is the end of a glorious era.