This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
On Christmas Eve, Liverpool's players returned to training at Melwood, still basking in the glory of their recent FIFA Club World Cup triumph. The festive period is a challenging time for footballers, but the Reds' squad seemed to be in high spirits as they put in a hard session just three days after lifting their latest silverware.
As they adjusted to the cold winter weather, the players donned hats, gloves, and multiple layers to stay warm. This was a far cry from the warm conditions they had enjoyed in Qatar just a few days prior.
During the session, Jurgen Klopp was seen giving Sadio Mane a helping hand with his training vest, ensuring that the attacker's technology tracked his movements and strain.
The Liverpool team's close bond was evident as they enjoyed each other's company during the festive period. The chemistry between Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the attack has been a key factor in the team's success, and fans will be hoping to see it on display at the King Power Stadium on Thursday.
Even the team's biggest stars, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, were spotted engaging in a friendly rivalry during training. The competition between them brings out the best in Klopp's men, and both players will need to be on form at Leicester, where Van Dijk will face the in-form Jamie Vardy and Salah will look to break down a rock-solid defence.
Youngsters Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, who both featured with the first-team in Qatar, have had a journey to forget in recent weeks. However, they have put their on-field clash behind them and are now focusing on their development under Klopp's guidance. The pair posed for a picture together in training, showing that they are still friends and that everything is forgotten.
