LFCMike

Before the World Cup will be the most difficult period because of how the Champions League games are crammed into a shorter period. That's before you consider the five extra league games (compared to same stage last season) before they break for the World Cup. I don't think we'll have as many players going to the World Cup as you might think though so hopefully that will be a good chance for some key players to rest. I've counted Liverpool could have a maximum of 10 going to the World Cup, with there being doubts over one or two actually being picked for their country (not counted players like Gomez who could technically be picked but almost certainly won't). Compare that to Man City and they've got 15 possibly going which is almost all of their senior players.

I think Klopp has made clear previously, without being disrespectful to those who turn out, that he doesn't like the far way tours. Out of his hands though.

“I cannot ignore the fact that after this important game there is a season coming up, so we have to extend our pre-season into the season,” Klopp said in his press conference previewing the Community Shield encounter. “We play on Saturday against City and we play on Sunday a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg. “Then we play Fulham and the next day we play another game just so that we can extend our pre-season. That’s what we have to do, because from mid-August, I think, we play every three days again, so there’s no time for training anymore. “So we try to do the right things, but of course the schedule is always a challenge to deal with and that’s how it is. It’s not the first time, it’s always like this.” According to the Echo, the friendly will be a behind closed doors clash against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa. The Reds took on the same opposition in a similar friendly this time last year, one day after their opening day victory against Norwich. Those who weren’t involved at Carrow Road featured against Villa the next day, and that will be the case again this time around, as Klopp looks to give his whole squad more valuable minutes. There will then be a nine-day gap before Liverpool’s next fixture, when they’ll host Crystal Palace in their first home league game of the season on Monday, August 15.

It's unusual to have a World Cup in December

Presumably the shorter pre season means that he doesn't feel some players are ready? Liverpool have also had a few players miss a chunk of pre season with injuries

Alisson out of the Community Shield. Klopp says he should be ready for Fulham. Concerning that he and Kelleher have missed pretty much all of the pre-season games though.

I don't see us selling Firmino this summer. They'll probably see what he's like this season in terms of injuries and form to decide if he's worth a new deal. He spent a fair bit of time out injured last season which is unusual for him.

Such an improvement that they invaded the pitch at full time

Nunez scored 4 in a 5-0 win v Leipzig. Only pre season and all that but good to see after some of the ridiculous stuff I've seen on social media over the last week or so.

Is that your first friendly? Seems very late. How many more friendlies have you got? Assuming you'll only have time for one more before flying back for the Charity Shield. If that's the case, three friendlies, including the Charity Shield, doesn't seem enough.

Not sure how Wolves' start is but Bruno Lage might be worth a little go. Wolves were awful from about February last season

I thought he left years ago

Which of these, if any, will be most appealing to those who voted Tory in red wall seats in 2019?

The only pre season game that is remotely worth paying attention to is the last one before the first league game. Even then, Liverpool have tended to play two over the final pre season weekend with completely different squads for each. Everything else is literally just a training session.

I mean Fulham fans would

No idea what pay Jota is on but given Liverpool tend to bring in a lot of players in on lower wages with bonuses, he might have justified a larger basic pay.

A Cunt

Hardly a bite, or at least I doubt what you were hoping for.

Congratulations on finding a picture of a fella who has never played a minute of football for Liverpool holding a couple of boxes in his hand.