Liverpool to play secret friendly the day after Premier League opener vs Fulham

Jurgen Klopp revealed Liverpool will cram another friendly into their schedule the day after they kick off their Premier League campaign.

The Kop boss is eager to ensure his full squad are sharpened up for the campaign ahead after a short pre-season and will squeeze in another game. The Reds take on Manchester City on Saturday (July 30) in the Community Shield before a friendly against Strasbourg on Sunday at Anfield.

They then take on Fulham a week tomorrow in their first Premier League game before a behind-closed-doors clash, with Aston Villa the likely opponents. Klopp said: "I cannot ignore the fact that after this important game [v City] there is a season coming up. So we have to extend our pre-season into the season."

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The Reds manager is keen to win the Community Shield but would be keen for the two teams competing in it to be given one less cup game in the season.

He said: "I like the competition but I think it would be possible to find another date because we had a longer season than other teams and now we have a shorter pre-season.

"It makes not too much sense. Germany plays a super cup final and for that the teams who are involved don’t have to play one cup round."

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Klopp has also issued a hands-off warning to Juventus after they were linked to forward Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian faces a battle to start after the arrival of Darwin Nunez in a £85m deal and has just one year left on his contract.

But Klopp said: "Bobby is crucial for us. Bobby is [the] heart and soul of this team. I am absolutely fine and, for me, there’s no doubt about his quality. All the rest, we will see how this year goes, but yes, he is essential for us."

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