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Four things we learned from Liverpool’s training session ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
Jurgen Klopp put his Liverpool stars through their paces on Monday at Melwood.
Liverpool are gearing up for their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. The Reds must come through a challenging last-16 double-header with the Spanish capital club to continue the defence of their title.
Liverpool head into Tuesday’s first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano in buoyant mood after extending their Premier League title lead to 25 points.
Sadio Mane’s late winner in Saturday’s clash at Norwich City earned the Reds all three points in a challenging battle at Carrow Road.
With the league title all but in the bag, Liverpool fans are daring to dream of a trophy-laden season that includes the successful defence of their Champions League crown.
Express Sport brings you four things we noticed on from the team’s training session at Melwood ahead of the trip to Spain.
Team bonding
January signing Takumi Minamino appears to be settling in well with his new team-mates.
The Japan playmaker was spotted sharing a joke with Mohamed Salah during a warm-up drill, highlighting the high spirits in the camp.
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson also got among the laughs, chatting to Dejan Lovren, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cheekily played up to the cameras.
Klopp all smiles
The Liverpool manager is renowned for his positive and bubbly persona - and he was all smiles during the session.
And why wouldn’t he be? The German is on the brink of guiding the club to their first ever Premier League title.
Klopp is on the brink of becoming a bona fide Liverpool legend - and defending their Champions League title would be the icing on the cake.
Wrap up warm
The United Kingdom was battered by Storm Dennis at the weekend and there was still a February chill in the air at Melwood on Monday morning.
Most of the squad wrapped up warm, opting for trousers and training jackets to protect them from the elements.
Minamino was especially well protected, sporting a woolly hat, snood, jacket and gloves!
James Milner was unperturbed by the cold weather, sticking to shorts!
Mane in fine fettle
The Senegal hero was restricted to a half-hour cameo appearance off the bench against Norwich on Saturday - but it was all he needed as he hit a late winner at Carrow Road.
He had been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-1 win over Wolves on January 23 before coming on as a substitute against the Canaries.
Klopp will want Mane fit and firing in his team from the off against Atletico Madrid and his participation in training suggests positive news on that front.