Jurgen Klopp has insisted Liverpool will make their mark on the training pitch, not in the transfer market - an ideal his staff and players have fully committed to Adam Lallana receives the ball from Ragnar Klavan, Jordan Henderson instructs him to turn and play it to Daniel Sturridge, who then feeds the feet of Nathaniel Clyne. James Milner anticipates a pass from the right-back, and arrives at the perfect time to meet it with Pepijn Lijnders shouting ‘yes, that’s it, that’s what we want.’ And so it continues.

On the other half of the Maloney Field at Stanford University, the players are split into Whites versus Reds. The task of both teams is simple enough: combine in attack, hunt for the ball as a pack and ensure there is cohesion in and out of possession. Jurgen Klopp explains to the players that it is absolutely crucial and non-negotiable that they “help each other. Always think, ‘how can I help in this situation?’”

He stands just off them chipping in with a series of commands: "pressure", "faster", "go now", "support"…

If there is a drop off in tempo during the exercise or a lack of cutting edge, the manager pulls everyone in. He repeats, with utmost clarity, what he expects from them and offers solutions to their difficulties with the drill. Equally, periods of incisiveness and invention are applauded and met with "yes boys, that’s nice! More, more, more."

Zeljko Buvac is stationed in the middle, following every pass, prompting and pushing the players. Peter Krawietz watches on intently as per his 'The Eyes’ moniker, while Lijnders continuously reminds the squad they need to have a “common idea.”

Both of the tasks described above, carried out during last Friday’s evening session, are quite different yet are underpinned by the same virtues: being quicker with feet and thought, understanding what is required from you in relation to your team-mates and focusing not just on what happens now, but what needs to happen next.

The work in the morning session was markedly different. It centred around aerobic exercises, with the returning England internationals as well as Klavan undergoing testing. James Milner had reported to Melwood earlier than anticipated and completed his physical checks back there. He tackled lap after lap with Philippe Coutinho, the duo jogging in complete synchronicity with Andreas Kornmayer monitoring them.

Friday was the simple stuff. On Saturday, the closed morning session was largely built around shape and tactical fundamentals.


In the evening, training had been open to supporters for the first time, and the audience were not disappointed.

Liverpool worked on counter-attacking, build-up play, positioning and linkage. One routine consisted of 10 outfielders patiently constructing from the back, unopposed, searching for an opening. The intensity would ramp up considerably as they switched to playing on the break, with Loris Karius releasing early and an attacking blur taking shape in front of him.

From the bleachers, it looked easy considering there were no defenders to stifle the exercises. But moving closer, the complexity of the drill became apparent - the players had to shout who’d they’d be delivering the ball to before receiving it, and which space they’d be dropping into afterwards. “Everyone is involved 100% of the time. Stay awake,” Klopp rattles off to the squad.

Everything is in sync; when Dejan Lovren brings the ball out, Henderson drops without requiring any prompting. When Alberto Moreno paces up the left flank, Sadio Mane immediately speeds up the opposite side anticipating a cross-field pass. Everyone is moving, everyone is thinking, and as per Klopp’s assertion, everyone is indeed involved for every second of the simulation.

Repetition is key to forming a habit and so the players go again and again and again.

After the rigorous session, the team set out for a meal together in San Jose and had Sunday morning off before doing light work in the evening.

They then tackled deeper tactical instructions on Monday and Tuesday in the build-up to their first International Champions Cup challenge against Chelsea.

Klopp has insisted Liverpool will make their statements on the pitch, not in the transfer market and it is clearly an ideal his staff and players have fully committed to.

The message has remained consistent from latest signing Gini Wijnaldum to academy graduate Connor Randall: success will be covered in sweat.

Liverpool have spent a lot of time on the tiniest of details. Mona Nemmer, the club’s new nutritionist, has diversified and enhanced the menu so players have more options for each meal. And it is a change that has proven very popular. She has analysed what produce is bought, where from and how it is prepared.

The qualified chef has also held one-on-one sessions with the players to ascertain eating habits, and has offered cooking lessons to the squad and their families.

Different drills, a different diet and a different mentality have distinguished this tour.

Liverpool know exactly what they want to achieve, and how they will accomplish it.

They now need to put their “common idea” into practice starting against Antonio Conte's side at the Rose Bowl.