Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane weren’t happy with a loose pass from James Milner during Liverpool training yesterday.
The Reds could be seen undertaking their usual ‘rondos’ practice during the Inside Training video from liverpoolfc.com (2mins 13secs).
Under pressure from Diogo Jota, Milner plays a loose ball towards Mane, which the 29-year-old couldn’t collect.
Always first to step in with the banter, Robertson is straight on Milner’s case.
“Just a touch!” says Robbo towards Milner as the inquest begins, which his hands on his head.
The 36-year-old however wasn’t happy with Mane’s movement.
“Zero angle, did you move? You never moved,” Milner could be heard saying as Robertson and Jordan Henderson chuckle.
The vice-captain then approaches Mane with arms outstretched as the pair engage in animated discussion.
“I passed into the gap and there’s no one there,” he says to a serious looking Mane.
It’s an insight into just how seriously Milner takes these kind of sessions. Jurgen Klopp can be seen watching on in the background, he will no doubt have loved the intensity from the midfielder.
Milner sets the standards
Liverpool’s second-in-command has long been seen as a model professional. There’s a reason why he was recently described as being ‘a manager’s dream’ by former England teammate Steven Gerrard.
There’s no let-up with Milner around. He makes sure that standards are kept high whether it’s in training or on a matchday.
As things stand, the Yorkshireman’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Klopp as yet hasn’t confirmed whether or not Milner will be at the club for 2022/23.
Last month, the manager clarified that reports claiming Milner had been offered a new deal were wide of the mark, but that he would love him to stay on.
“By talks I mean I indicated my wish that James stays with us beyond this season, in a playing capacity. James will keep playing, he has told me this. So he should, by the way,” said Klopp via the Liverpool Echo.
“I hope it will be here and that is what I have told those at the club who take on these tasks.”
There are some who still fail to see the worth that Milner brings to Liverpool.
But you don’t play Premier League football for 20 years unless you’re a very good player. When he does finally hang up his boots, it would be great to see Milly in a coaching capacity for The Reds.
This video is another little insight into exactly why Jurgen wants him around for as long as possible.
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