Liverpool’s redevelopment of the Kirkby training ground will help the growth of the club in future years as both the first team and Academy will be based together.
In the 1960s, Bill Shankly transformed the Reds’ West Derby training facilities into a top-notch training ground for Liverpool which was later revamped by Gerard Houllier.
Now, with Melwood struggling to match the facilities that likes of Manchester City have on offer, the decision was taken by Jurgen Klopp to make a change.
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That change will be a historic move from the German as Liverpool will be moving to Kirkby where the club’s Academy facilities are being expanded on and developed.
According to the Liverpool Echo, work at Kirkby is beginning to “take shape” and the training ground will be available for use by the summer of 2020.
Chris Beesley writes: “The complex will provide an elite performance centre for the first team and top class facilities for the club’s development squads, including new pitches, two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehabilitation suites.”
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For the players and those still to join the club in future, this is an ambitious move and one which Klopp needs to be commended on.
Moving training ground, just like building a new stadium, is a brave step as things can go wrong and it’s something he will be judged on.
This is another positive step that Liverpool are taking under Klopp and is further evidence to support the fact that he has been a breath of fresh air since being appointed in 2015.
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Liverpool are fighting until the last day in the Premier League as they seek to beat Manchester City to the title.
If that fails, there is still the Champions League to succeed in.
What a position to be in with six games to go.