SerpApi.Org
Liverpool players are stepping up their preparations during preseason, as the tour roster prepares for the first challenge of their time in America.
The Reds are based in Chicago for their training before jetting out for a clash against Sunderland this weekend in the opening friendly of the preseason tour. While Andoni Iraola doesn't have his full first-team available, due to a mixture of injuries and late returns from the World Cup, the manager will start to implement his tactical ideas and can get a first-hand look at how his team is set up.
Ahead of that first test, Liverpool has started to ramp up pre-season training, with the club giving some insight into the latest day in the gym and on the grass.
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So, with that said, here's a look at some things Liverpool.com spotted from training in Chicago.
Bajcetic injury return
Liverpool youngster Stefan Bajcetic is ramping up his recovery from injury and was spotted among the training group once again in Chicago.
The midfielder has endured an injury nightmare over the past few seasons, spending over 14 months out following hamstring surgery, with his recent return to action coming as quite the boost.
The Spaniard doesn't appear to be in full group training yet, as Iraola discussed the situation surrounding Bajcetic and other injuries in the team before the training session. "We have some players with big, big injuries, so they have to recover. Stefan [Bajcetic] and Wataru [Endo] are close to train with the group," the manager revealed.
His time spent in training comes as a welcome return, one that the star will hope brings about a change in fortunes.
New Ngumoha partnership
The training session put on by Iraola saw the players split into teams with different jerseys on, giving an opportunity for some new partnerships to be formed. Among those put on the red team were Rio Ngumoha and Kostas Tsimikas, a duo that could become well-acquainted on the left flank for Liverpool next season.
The former enjoyed a breakout season last time out, playing on the same wing as either Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson, though an exit for the Scotsman means that a return for Tsimikas has come through. The left-back spent last season on loan, but his return to Liverpool means he could offer a solid rotation option out wide, having proven to be a capable backup in the backline.
For the wings to work, Liverpool will need combinations to come through, and that connection between the full-backs and wingers could be crucial. The time spent in pre-season could help bring through that partnership for Ngumoha and Tsimikas, which will be a new one heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Hugo Ekitike watches on
While some stars have stayed in England to continue their rehabilitation from injury, Hugo Ekitike has joined the rest of the Liverpool team in Chicago for the preseason tour.
The striker is still some way off returning, following his Achilles issue, but he is making every effort to make himself available to Iraola as soon as possible.
Ekitike was spotted watching on during the Reds' training session, surely wishing he was out there getting ready for next season.
Andoni Iraola discussion
Each coach will have their own style of working, and for Iraola, his approach appears to be one that is geared toward working heavily with the players.
While some prefer a hands-off approach, the Spanish coach was seen speaking to players directly, giving them instructions and working with them through moments. Most visible was a conversation with the aforementioned Tsimikas, who could end up being a crucial part of the team moving forward.
