Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

What happened in Liverpool training as Thiago prompts intrigue and Steven Gerrard spotted

Liverpool will aim to become European champions for the seventh time when they step out for the Champions League final on Saturday.

The Reds arrived in Paris on Friday ahead of taking on Real Madrid in the showpiece at the Stade de France. Jurgen Klopp put his players through their paces at the stadium later in the afternoon for an open training session.

But what could be gleaned from the session?

READ MORE: Andy Robertson responds to Gary Neville comments Trent 'isn't too happy' about

EXCLUSIVE: Nat Phillips reveals private Klopp texts and untold Liverpool story of viral Zlatan moment

Thiago intrigue

Fears over the availability of Thiago Alcantara after he wasn't spotted during Wednesday's open training session at Kirkby were allayed somewhat by a positive update from Klopp shortly afterwards.

And with the Spanish midfielder having been among the squad that flew to France on Friday, it was reassuring to see him taking full part in the session at the stadium, moving freely and pinging crossfield passes during an exchange with Luis Diaz.

Thiago walked away from the session a few minutes early after some words with the physio team. Thankfully, he was back on the pitch moments later.

Salah spared

Liverpool spent time towards the end of the session taking part in a crossbar challenge. Most of the attempt were reasonable enough if unsuccessful, with only a few players - including Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita - striking the woodwork.

However, Mohamed Salah drew howls of laughter and derision with a mishit effort that barely left the turf before floating into the goal.

But the Egyptian was spared the very next kick by Kostas Tsimikas, who almost put his effort into orbit. That's what friends are for, after all.

Konate call

This final is something of a homecoming for Ibrahima Konate, who was brought up not too far from the Stade de France. And the defender offered a wave of acknowledgment when he was given a shoutout by a number of presumably local hacks watching on.

Sadio Mane was given a similar welcome after the session, and after a thumbs up towards a group of well-wishers wanting a photograph, he wandered over for a snap.

The event security, however, decided that was quite enough of that and ushered the Liverpool forward away. Spoilsport.

Gerrard present

Games don't come much bigger than the Champions League final and the great and the good could be spotted watching on from the stands at the Stade de France.

Among them were former Liverpool quartet Steven Gerrard, Steve McManaman, Peter Crouch and Joe Cole, who will all be part of the coverage from BT Sport. All four know a thing or two about these fixtures.

And Divock Origi, while injured, was among those on the sidelines as the Reds wrapped up their preparations, Liverpool keen to involve their Champions League hero.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.