The Reds decided to have a break ahead of an intensive festive period without the fuss that surrounds a Christmas party and headed to the Spanish city

For Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, the chief principle is togetherness. Success cannot be attained without it, and as per the message constantly reinforced at Melwood, everyone achieves more through a united approach.

It is why the club - driven by the manager and the senior player committee chaired by Jordan Henderson as captain - took the decision to have a mini-break in Barcelona.

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The Reds wanted the opportunity to recharge without the risk of the usual stir around Christmas parties.

The idea was to relax, refresh and reinforce the methodology that has underpinned an impressive start to 2016-17 ahead of an intense festive period.

There are five fixtures still to tackle this month, including a Merseyside Derby at Goodison and the New Year's Eve hosting of Manchester City, with seven pencilled in for January.

Liverpool’s senior squad, bar the injured Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings - both focused on their rehabilitation - flew out on Sunday with the staff.

The youngsters Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria and Marko Grujic have also remained behind.

That night was one of relaxation - they had lost 4-3 at Bournemouth together, and would flush that out of their systems and go again together.

The Reds’ prior defeat, at Burnley on August 20, was followed by a 15-game unbeaten run. And with just two turnovers in 18 across all competitions, the desire to conquer will not be replaced by consternation.

Liverpool had light training and recovery on Monday, enjoying a team meal in the evening.

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Tuesday will see another session, before they head to Camp Nou as guests of Barcelona for the Champions League hosting of Borussia Monchengladbach.

Klopp and his men fly back to Merseyside on Wednesday, where they will ramp up preparations ahead of Sunday’s encounter against West Ham at Anfield.

As the German previously explained: “I know football is all about success, but it’s also worth having a situation in 20 years when you can look back and think over the great times you had together in this development and learning period with hard work.”