UNSTOPPABLE TRAIN

Lijnders: We trained three times a day pre-season, which is why we're going for four trophies

- CHRIS MCKENNA

IT was a message to draw a line under last season which was delivered with a bit of punch - or a joke about receiving one.

Liverpool assistant boss Pep Lijnders has revealed just how the Reds reinvigorated their manager and their squad in the summer by banning three times a day in pre-season.

It has led the Merseysiders to go from failing qualify for the Champions League and falling to short in the cup to going for competitions four trophies.

Liverpool take on Fulham tonight in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with a place in the FA Cup fourth round secured after the weekend win over Arsenal.

They are top of the Premier League and, although not in Europe's top competition, they are favourites for the Europa League with a last-16 tie to come in March.

They have a squad of young talents, such as summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as more experienced heads like Virgil van Dijk (above) returning to their best.