Jurgen Klopp was left delighted by a particular aspect of Liverpool’s showing in Dubai, according to journalist Paul Gorst.
Following Fabio Carvalho’s goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 loss against Lyon, Klopp was left delighted with the first-minute opener coming from something the Reds had been working on.
During the World Cup break, the Reds travelled to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp, with the German apparently making the most of the trip by focusing on tactical and technical aspects rather than a fitness boot camp for the remainder of the season.
Klopp made the most of some of his key players not heading to the World Cup, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Thiago and Andy Robertson enjoying increased preparation alongside their manager.
And speaking on the Blood Red podcast, Gorst revealed that the players had been focusing on the press, which forced the opening goal of the game against the French outfit.
He said: “One of the key themes of the best part of the fortnight that they were in Dubai for was working more on the tactical and technical elements rather than being a fitness-based mid-season programme.
“This was a lot more about video analysis, tactical details that they were looking to work on – in particular, from the front working on the press.
“We’ve seen that within 40 seconds against Lyon in the first friendly. Liverpool win the ball high up the pitch, and before you know it, they’re 1-0 up through Fabio Carvalho.
“Klopp would’ve been absolutely delighted to have seen that.”
TIF Thoughts on Gorst’s comments…
Liverpool have become synonymous with their gegenpressing style under Klopp, who has turned the Reds into one of the most high-tempo and relentless teams in the world.
However, along with their poor start to the season which sees them currently sixth in the table, they have perhaps lost their way somewhat over recent months.
With their press maybe being altered or improved by Klopp during the break, there’s no wonder he’s delighted by moments such as the opener against Lyon, with performances often put above results during friendly matches.
Their return to action against a potentially depleted Manchester City side that had several players feature in the latter stages in Qatar on Thursday could see them unleash that relentless running and energy on a possibly tired or rotated City side in an almost free-hit EFL Cup game, with their league form a more urgent matter.