Five things noticed from Liverpool’s pre-Man United training as Alexander Isak comes out of his shell
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Liverpool stepped up their preparations for Sunday’s visit to face Manchester United with a training session on Friday.The Reds are looking for four straight Premier League wins, and could go ahead of United into third place with victory at Old Trafford.The sun was shining at the AXA Training Centre, and spirits appeared sunny as well as Liverpool aim to finish the season on a high. Slot confirmed on Friday that Alisson is yet to train 😬 Photo credit: Getty Images/Gareth Copley Injury absentees are on the right pathIt has been a long season for Liverpool in terms of injuries.
Long-term issues have befallen Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.Though Endo and Ekitike are not yet back, with the latter expected to miss the rest of 2026, both Leoni and Bradley made an appearance in Friday’s video.Neither are likely to play before the end of the season, but it was still good to see the two defenders around and about the training ground.Kitted up in full Liverpool gear, Bradley and Leoni were captured smiling and greeting teammates in the lobby.Isak is starting to look at homeOne of the biggest positives of recent weeks has been the chance to see Isak finally start consecutive matches for Liverpool.The Swede has had a nightmare season, and his generally quiet and shy nature have made it a little hard for supporters to connect with him, and vice-versa.Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Paul Merson predicts if Rio Ngumoha is going to start for Liverpool vs Man UnitedIsak’s teammates have also struggled to find him on the pitch, but after Arne Slot confirmed that Liverpool are working hard in training to get their No. 9 on the ball more, things look to be moving in a positive direction.It seems Isak is finally really settling into the Liverpool squad as well, with one moment in the gym showing a much more relaxed version of the striker.He was spotted jokingly arguing with Jeremie Frimpong over who could use the equipment, asking in a mock-serious tone: “How old are you,” to the right-back.Isak was also seen smiling and joking with Ibrahima Konate and other members of the squad out on the pitches, and the hope will be that he is finally now feeling properly at home at the club.Slot has a clear message for his playersAnother interesting moment was seeing Slot very actively involved in the drills during the session.
The whole idea is for the two of you to find Alex [Isak], after you’ve found him Alex can score, bounce it to Flo [Wirtz], who can score [at the other end].”With drills clearly being organised around maximising Isak and Wirtz, it is clear where Slot sees the future for this team, both in the short-term for United, and the longer term as well.Alisson not spotted on the grassAs well as Leoni and Bradley, there was sighting of Alisson Becker during Friday’s session as he embarks upon a race against time to be fit for United.Slot confirmed earlier on Friday that the goalkeeper was yet to train with the team, and judging by this behind the scenes video, that continued here.Alisson was seen enjoying some food in the canteen, and appeared to be in the gym with his teammates as well. Unless something changes quickly, it looks like it’ll be Woodman on Sunday.Mor Talla Ndiaye continues to make progressSeeing which youngsters make up Slot’s group is always one of the most fascinating aspects of Liverpool training.On Friday, it was nice to see young defender Mor Talla Ndiaye once again take his place with the senior players.Ndiaye has received praise from U21s coach Rob Page for his adaptation after joining in January, and he made another step forward by being involved here.The 18-year-old was not the only talent taking part, though, with Will Wright and Amara Nallo also spotted alongside regulars Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox