Liverpool defender Joe Gomez believes there is a stronger connection among the first-team squad after their return to Melwood last week.
Players had been training and maintaining fitness levels in isolation with their families since March. However, Gomez feels that unavoidable separation has led to better relations among the tight-knit unit since they met back up.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Gomez said:
“… we’ve had to have communication in a different way; it’s not been the standard come in and see each other by force every day. We’ve had to reach out as individuals and really stay connected by choice. That’s when you grow fonder of each other and closer because it’s been a tough time that we’ve come through together. It has been beneficial in that sense, that as a team we’ve been so connected and kept communication through the whole thing. I think having that time apart, to then come together again last week made it feel that much more special.”
Gomez also discussed the different ways the squad has had to work in training in order to abide by the government’s COVID-19 guidelines.
“It’s important we get going and ready. We’re looked after by the sports science on the physical front. Tactically, we’ve been straight back into it as much as possible; obviously the gaffer, Pep, Pete and so on, it’s self-explanatory how good they are, so we’re already getting a sense of where we left off, getting familiar in different creative ways of our patterns of play and tactical formations that they’re doing their best to replicate in smaller groups.”
Gomez and his teammates should be back in Premier League action in mid-to-late June if all goes to plan. The Reds are just two wins away from securing the club’s 19th league title success.
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