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Jon Flanagan has revealed how he returned to Melwood early in order to give himself the best possible chance of impressing Jurgen Klopp in pre-season.

The Liverpool squad have been back in training for the past week but Flanagan was a regular at their West Derby base in June as he looked to gain a “head start” on his team-mates.

After his injury woes of the past two seasons, the Academy graduate is now fighting fit and determined to do everything he can to force his way into Klopp’s side.

“I was in here over the summer either side of my holiday to do some sessions with the physios and the fitness coaches,” Flanagan told the ECHO.

“It was all about trying to get a bit of a head start really. It was Joe Gomez, Danny Ings and myself.

“This is going to be a big season both for the club and for me personally. The extra sessions have got to benefit me. Hopefully I can get super fit and stay like that for the season.

“I haven’t had a proper pre-season since 2013. I haven’t been able to do much on either of the last two tours. I want this pre-season to be different.”

'The knee is perfect'

Flanagan returned to action in January after a nightmare 18-month battle with a knee injury. The tough-tackling full-back penned a new three-year contract in March and was handed the honour of captaining the Reds against Southampton.

The 23-year-old didn’t feature much during the run-in after Klopp said he needed to work on his “physical resistance” after such a long absence in order to ensure he needed less recovery time between matches.

Flanagan took that advice on board and believes he has benefited from the club’s plan for him.

“It was great to get back in the second half of last season but I wasn’t 100% match fit after so long out,” he said.

“Although it was frustrating for me not to be in the squad on matchdays towards the end of last season, looking back now maybe it was the right decision. Now I feel great and things are going well.

“The knee is perfect. I haven’t missed a single session so far and it’s all good. Hopefully it carries on like that.”

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

The past week has been a gruelling one with the players being put through their paces by the club’s new head of fitness and conditioning Andreas Kornmayer. Another summer recruit from Bayern Munich, nutritionist Mona Nemmer, has also started work at Melwood.

Klopp had warned his squad to expect blood, sweat and tears in pre-season and so far it’s lived up to that billing.

“There have been early starts and long days but training has been good,” Flanagan said,

“All the lads are enjoying it. Everyone was raring to go.

“Andreas has been top class from his first day here with his new ideas and his fitness regime.

“It’s been tough. We’ve been doing double sessions and the odd core session too added in. That’s made the days longer but it has to be done. It’s all about getting in shape for the big season ahead.

“It’s been both fitness work and ball work. Sometimes running in the morning then ball work in the afternoon. More running though!

“Mona introduced herself to all the lads. I haven’t had a one to one yet but she will be going around the squad getting to know everyone and giving advice. She knows what she’s doing and we’ll take on board what she says.

“They have both come from a great background at Bayern and I’m sure they will help improve us.”

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

'It's about catching the manager's eye'

Most of the club’s internationals are still away following their commitments at the Euros and the Copa America but Klopp has left those who are present at Melwood in no doubt about the importance of the next five weeks.

In the absence of Nathaniel Clyne, Flanagan will be competing with the likes of Alberto Moreno, Connor Randall, Brad Smith and Andre Wisdom for a full-back spot during the run of UK friendlies which precede the tour of America.

“We’ve had a couple of meetings already where the manager has spelt out what he wants to achieve in pre-season. It’s about getting the ball rolling and getting as fit as possible because that’s going to benefit us throughout the season,” he said.

“With no Europe, we all know there’s not going to be as many games this season so it’s vital to put a marker down in pre-season. The manager is aware I can play left or right - I’m happy to play anywhere for this club.

“It’s about trying to catch the manager’s eye and proving you deserve to start in the Premier League.”

That mission starts on Friday night when Liverpool play their opening friendly against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park (7pm).

“I know a few of the Tranmere lads from their time in our youth team,” Flanagan added,

“Centre-back Michael Ihiekwe has just signed for another year with them. He’s a good lad and it will be good to see him.

“We will have a training session on Friday morning and then rest before the game.

“Hopefully we can get pre-season underway with a win. With nine matches coming up, it’s a busy schedule but you’d rather play games than train.

“They are important for match fitness and also to show what I’m all about. I want to get as many minutes under my belt as possible and see where it takes me.”