Rarely can final rehearsals have been so eagerly anticipated. After spending almost a month in their European retreat, Liverpool will wrap up their pre-season programme with two home friendlies on successive days, the first of which comes against Athletic Bilbao this afternoon. An emotional occasion is expected, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp delighted at a significant step towards normality.
Jurgen Klopp said: “We have two more games to go, I cannot wait for them actually. It will be the biggest atmosphere and crowd I have played in front of for 18 months or so, I’m not sure exactly. Can’t wait to get there, to do that and I hope the people are looking forward to it as well.”
There has been a feelgood factor evident throughout Liverpool’s summer preparations. Footage of the squad taking part in the annual table tennis event – Mohamed Salah was on the winning team for the third year – underlined the strong bond that has been forged during their time away, initially in Austria and then Evian in France.
