Liverpool squad brought closer together by coronavirus pandemic, says Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez believes the coronavirus pandemic has served to bring the Liverpool squad even closer together.
Along with their Premier League rivals, the Reds began training in small groups last week as the first steps towards a resumption of football in England were taken.
For the players, that welcome return to Melwood marked the end of a two-month period in which they were unable to train together.
But, according to Gomez, some time apart has actually had a positive effect on relationships within the squad.
“We’ve had to have communication in a different way; it’s not been the standard come in and see each other by force every day,” he told the club’s official website.
“We’ve had to reach out as individuals and really stay connected by choice. That’s when you grow fonder of each other and closer because it’s been a tough time that we’ve come through together.
“It has been beneficial in that sense, that as a team we’ve been so connected and kept communication through the whole thing.
“I think having that time apart, to then come together again last week made it feel that much more special.”
With ‘Project Restart’ tentatively moving forward, there is still some uncertainty over when Premier League fixtures might actually resume.
Gomez admits that preparing for a date that is subject to change is difficult, but he is happy to simply be back out on the pitch.
He added: “We’re so used to having a structured schedule – at the start of the season you’re given your fixtures for the whole year.
“As individuals, we have to adapt and take it a day at a time, literally. But I don’t think that’s much different to the rest of the nation at the minute, everyone is in limbo and not sure what we’re headed towards or when it’s going to end.
“That’s probably been the biggest challenge in all of it, during the lockdown and so on, doing your sessions and not knowing when this is going to be coming to an end or what you’re working towards; just knowing, ‘Today, I’ve got to do this’ and just getting through it.
“We’re doing that in a more pleasant environment now and among our teammates, so it’s just about enjoying the moment I think and taking each session at a time.
“We’re blessed to be working under these circumstances, out on the pitch doing what we love. That’s enough to keep us going for now.”
Liverpool need just two more wins following the restart to secure their first league championship in over 30 years.
And the tactical foundations for those victories are already being laid even at this early stage of training.
Gomez continued: “It’s important we get going and ready. We’re looked after by the sports science on the physical front.
“Tactically, we’ve been straight back into it as much as possible; obviously the gaffer, Pep, Pete and so on, it’s self-explanatory how good they are.
“So we’re already getting a sense of where we left off, getting familiar in different creative ways of our patterns of play and tactical formations that they’re doing their best to replicate in smaller groups.”
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