Kostas Tsimikas explains importance of pre-season bonding amongst Liverpool players

Kostas Tsimikas believes the pre-season is an important time for the team in terms of bonding with each other off the pitch. The left-back feels the exercises are important for the new signings as well.

Tsimikas arrived in the summer of 2020. While his debut season was marred by injuries, the Greek national has slowly integrated into the side. The 26-year-old is now the chosen backup to Andy Robertson on Merseyside.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Tsimikas spoke about the importance of having an understanding with other squad members. Given how Jurgen Klopp’s sides function, it makes sense to have a strong team ethic.

“It’s very, very important because it gives us time to know each other.

“The way we play, the way he is thinking even if it is not in football.”

“It makes you come a little bit more close to each other and I think it is very, very important for the year.”

Jurgen Klopp has the reputation as one of the best man managers in the game. For players like Tsimikas who don’t play regular football, keeping them happy is a major task.

And the relationships of such players with other squad members can prove to be vital. While the left-back spot is occupied by Robertson, the Greece international also needs to be on his toes whenever required.

When Tsimikas is chosen in the side, he seems to have an understanding with the players on the pitch. That know-how comes with personal relationships with the other players.

The pre-season is not just prudent in getting back match fitness. The team gels together on the tour. That makes it easier for the players to play on the pitch together.

The training and bonding sessions are especially important for new signings to fit into the squad. The effect can be seen with Darwin Nunez in recent weeks coming into his own. The Uruguayan is slowly integrating himself into the side.

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To have the chemistry and connection on the pitch, a personal relationship off of it in some capacity goes a long way. It helps in bringing the best out of players. Hopefully, our new signings are helped out by members of the team.