PEP'S PUNCHLINE REVITALISES REDS

Ban on negativity helps Klopp turn it all around

- Chris Mckenna

IT was a message to draw a line under last season which was delivered with a bit of punch receiving one.

Liverpool or a joke about assistant manager Pep Lijnders has revealed how the Reds reinvigorated boss Jurgen Klopp and their squad in the summer by banning negativity and training three times a day in pre-season.

It has led the Merseysiders to go from failing to qualify for the Champions League and falling short in the cup competitions to one going for four trophies this season.

Liverpool take on Fulham tonight in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with a place in the FA Cup fourth round secured after Sunday's 2-0 win against Arsenal.

They are top of the Premier League and are favourites for the Europa League with a last-16 tie to come in March. They have also got young talents shining, such as summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.