Liverpool are in the middle of preparations for their clash against Tottenham and a defeat could spell the end of their hopes to lift the Premier League title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season
All focus remained on Jurgen Klopp and Mo Salah as Liverpool returned to training.
The Reds’ preparations for this weekend’s clash against Tottenham have been overshadowed by questions about the pair’s relationship. Salah and Klopp were pictured having a furious argument during the 2-2 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium.
While the Liverpool boss insists there is no lasting problem, that hasn’t quite smoothed things over. Salah claimed that there would be “fire” if he spoke after the clash, while there have been suggestions that the Egyptian could quit Anfield. But with Salah now back in training, a few clues could have been dropped. Take a look at everything Mirror Football noticed from the Reds’ latest session.
Salah back in good books
After cutting a furious figure in East London, Salah now seems far happier having returned to Merseyside. Ahead of taking on Spurs, Salah wore a focused look during the Reds’ latest session.
That is understandable given the Egyptian’s scintillating goalscoring record against Spurs. The 31-year-old has netted 11 goals in 19 career appearances against the North London side.
Only against Manchester United has Salah scored more in his career so far, and so after a tumultuous week of discussions about his future he could just be about to face the perfect opponents.
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Klopp all smiles
Salah was not the only one to be left angry at the London Stadium. Klopp also let his frustration show during his disagreement with his star forward.
His mood will not have improved after Liverpool let what was a vital three points slip from their grasp. Klopp seems in a far better mood now.
The German – who will leave this summer – was full of smiles on the training pitches. He also allowed himself to get fully involved with a few keep-ups with his coaching staff. While Liverpool’s recent injury issues have since abated, Klopp could potentially have forced himself into contention had they grown any worse.
Bradley returns
Speaking of injuries, Liverpool could be set to welcome back a previous absentee. Young right-back Conor Bradley has been restricted to the sidelines since mid-April with an ankle issue.
He has missed each of the last three Premier League games. It was thought that he could potentially return against Spurs and that prediction looks on track.
Bradley was pictured taking part in the Reds’ latest training session. Whether he is fit enough to be named in Liverpool’s squad, remains to be seen, but his return is a huge positive either way.
Van Dijk missing
While Klopp will hail Bradley’s return, there might be some concern over the availability – or lack thereof – of defender Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman was a notable absence from the latest pictures.
There might be a simple explanation behind his absence and Klopp is likely to give a clue in his pre-match press conference. For the time being though, there has to be doubt over his fitness.
The Dutchman has played 33 Premier League games this season – only missing two. Liverpool might be in for a more testing afternoon against Spurs should he be sidelined.
Mentality is key
Klopp certainly has his trusted custodians at Liverpool. One of his closest allies is assistant Pep Lijnders.
Like Klopp, the Dutchman is set to leave Anfield come the end of the season. That does not mean to say that he has taken his eye off of the ball.
While Klopp observed from the background, Lijnders was pictured giving a lecture to the side, consistently pointing at his head. With Liverpool needing plenty of bravery to keep their season alive, his advice might not be far wrong.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
