Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

This is exactly what Jurgen Klopp wanted.

After the razzmatazz of the tour of America, the contrast could hardly be greater.

The Liverpool squad find themselves in the tranquil surroundings of Evian in south eastern France.

No player appearances to satisfy sponsors, no open training sessions in front of adoring fans and no press conferences.

“There's nothing else to do apart from football – this is my week,” Klopp said.

The Reds' five-star base offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Geneva. However, unlike the wealthy holiday makers who have descended on the picturesque spa town, Klopp's men aren't here to put their feet up.

After Tuesday's double session, the Liverpool boss cranked things up with a triple bill at the Stade Camille Fournier on Wednesday.

Throw into the mix the sweltering 31 degree heat and the 1km bike ride to and from training and this was a gruelling day. Copious amounts of the local spring water came in handy.

The emphasis Klopp places on fitness is well known and he's determined to ensure his players have the base required to last the pace in 2018/19.

Some were pushed harder than others with Naby Keita and Daniel Sturridge among those on specially tailored programmes.

Keita is on the comeback trail following a neck problem with the Reds keen not to over-burden Sturridge after his impressive pre-season resurgence.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

There was an early wake-up call for the squad as they hit the track for a 7.30am running session. After a short break, they were back on the training field for 11am. A third session followed in the afternoon.

Security is tight with the club's own staff working alongside Annecy-based SNEC Securite. At the team hotel only residents are allowed into the grounds, while barriers have been erected around the Stade Camille Fournier to keep out prying eyes.

With tactical work on the agenda, the manager has ordered that these sessions are strictly closed.

Fans who had climbed on top of cars and on railings in order to catch a glimpse of their heroes were politely asked to get down.

Around 40 supporters were informed that if they agreed to wait behind barriers outside the entrance to the stadium the players would come across to see them after the session.

The Reds were true to their word with Klopp, Sadio Mane, James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri among those to cross the road to pose for photos and sign autographs.

Riomardo Sitorus, a 26-year-old from Indonesia who is studying in Geneva, told the ECHO: “It was my dream to see the players here, especially Mo Salah.

“I went to watch them when they played in Munich last pre-season but I have never been this close to the players before.

“I am very excited about the new signings. Last season we went to the Champions League final and now we have even more quality. I believe that this season we will win something. These are exciting times to be a Liverpool fan.”

Brothers Pavel and Igor Bucher had driven for four hours from the Swiss city of Lucerne in order to see their heroes.

Igor said: “I love this club. I love everything about Liverpool – it's my life.

“I share two season tickets with some friends and get over to Anfield for around eight to 10 games a season.

“I went to the European games against Maribor, Porto, Man City, Roma and to Kiev for the final.

“If you look at the players we have signed like (Naby) Keita, Fabinho, (Xherdan) Shaqiri and Alisson, it could be a very good season. Hopefully we will win some silverware.

“It would be nice if we got one more signing like Nabil Fekir - a replacement for (Philippe) Coutinho.”

That appears unlikely. Klopp insists he's happy with the squad he's got and barring a late change of heart there won't be any further incomings before the transfer window shuts next week.

Despite ongoing speculation, there have been no fresh talks with Lyon over Fekir, whose move to Anfield collapsed in June due to the Reds' concerns over an old knee injury.

Klopp remains an admirer of Christian Pulisic, whose future at Borussia Dortmund is uncertain. However, the USA international is reportedly valued at around £60million and Liverpool wouldn't pay that for a player who would effectively only be a back-up option at Anfield.

Pulisic will be down to the last year of his contract next summer and the Reds will continue to monitor his situation closely.

Liverpool have already benefited from an injection of class this week with Roberto Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to club duty, along with new signing Alisson.

Jordan Henderson, Dejan Lovren and Simon Mignolet will rejoin the squad after Saturday's friendly against Napoli in Dublin, although the latter is still expected to move on during the current window.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The facilities are top class in Evian with Premier League rivals Southampton, Leicester and Fulham having all based themselves in the town earlier in pre-season.

During Wednesday's second session, Firmino, Alexander-Arnold and Danny Ings worked away from the main group with fitness staff.

Ings returned to the fold in France this week after sitting out the tour of America due to a slight ankle problem and the fact that he's close to leaving the club.

Crystal Palace are leading the chase for the £20million-rated former Burnley frontman, who has also attracted interest from Southampton, Leicester City and Newcastle United.

It's been a summer full of promise for the Reds so far and the fans who have descended on Evian are buoyant about the campaign ahead.

“I woke up at 6am and spent three hours to get here from Geneva,” said 18-year-old student Mo Dirie.

“This club means a lot to me and I am very optimistic for this season.

“The signings have been very good, especially Alisson as we needed a new keeper. I think we are the second favourite for the Premier League after Man City.”